Jan
2013
A Friendly Reminder to Foam Roll
I got into work this morning and found this:
M&Ms are my absolute favorite candies ever (the plain ones). But even so, that is A LOT of chocolate to be staring me in the face all day! Yikes, it’s gonna be a LONG but sweet day.
Do you get road rage?
On Wednesday night, I got serious road rage as I fought traffic through downtown SF on a wet, rainy night. Jared’s chiropractor/PT was having a foam rolling workshop and we put it on the calendar over a month ago.
As soon as I got off the freeway though, I started seething. I was “that” person yelling to no one in my car.
“How in the world could I agree to drive DOWNTOWN during rush hour?”
“I don’t even CARE about foam rolling, I’ve read enough blog posts about it that my technique works just fine.”
“Geez, I could be at the gym right now or at least OUT of the car enjoying my evening!”
it might look like an entire lane is empty but don’t be fooled, these cars weren’t going ANYWHERE!
This went on and one for the entire 45 minutes that it took me to drive 4 blocks once I got off the freeway. But yes, finally I parked and made it to the office. And yes, once I stepped out of the car, my mood was 30 times better.
And guess what– you prob already know what I’m going to say– but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I actually DO care about foam rolling. And this class was actually worth my time. And it even made for an enjoyable evening.
So, I thought I’d share some of it with you.
I’m assuming you know all the stuff that I already knew so I’ll just tell you some things I found most interesting:
1) If possible, you should foam roll 2-3 times per day (for just a few minutes each)
2) Whatever hurts the most is what you should be doing/working on (I guess that makes sense)
3) Foam rolling can possibly help get rid of cellulite (not proven scientifically) and those who start foam rolling often might end up brinking less coffee because your blood flow will be better (more blood flow=less tired)
Basically, this post is my friendly reminder to foam roll. It prevents injuries, it’s almost as good as a sports massage, those of us who spend all day behind a desk can REALLY benefit from it, and frankly, it takes 3 minutes so you really really should start incorporating it into your weekly routine.
Hi, Jared. Smile as you foam roll while I take a sneaky blurry iphone photo before anyone else in the class sees me and looks at me funny
It’s too hard for me to explain all the exercise to you in a post (and I won’t claim to be an expert), but here are two articles that are helpful and you should read:
The (Almost) Magical Foam Roller by Runner’s World
Freen Your Muscles by Mens Health
And of course, this amazing infographic that has been on many blogs and is stilll a good reminder of “how to foam roll like a pro!”
As a recap– Wednesday night I spent an hour foam rolling in my work clothes on the floor with 30 strangers (crowded and popular class, huh?) and it was fabulous.
Who’s with me?
– Do you foam roll? How often? Love it or hate it?
– M&Ms- Peanut or Regular?
– What’d you do last night?
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
January 24, 2013 at 2:38 pm (114 days ago)Heck yea! Foam rolling is the best–I do it every day as part of cool down at the gym. Such a great self massage! I like the perk of cellulite reduction now–thanks for sharing!
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 10:02 am (114 days ago)Every day- you’re awesome!!
Jodea @ chillichocolatelove.com
January 24, 2013 at 3:21 pm (114 days ago)I love this post! Particularly the sneaky picture you took at foam rolling class! I really want to try it – my boyfriend is buying one.
I get crazy in traffic. Proper road rage. I try and tell myself to be rational but when you spend so much time commuting, the irrational often wins. What is wrong with people!
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 10:02 am (114 days ago)I know, what is wrong with people!!
I hope you try foam rolling!!
Life After Swimming
January 24, 2013 at 4:02 pm (114 days ago)Oh my…that is a lot of tempting chocolate! I would be dead meat with that
And I love foam rolling, but I will admit I slack with it a bit…
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 10:01 am (114 days ago)Yeah, I probably should have made foam rolling one of my new years resolutions because I slack too!
Alex @ therunwithin
January 24, 2013 at 5:17 pm (114 days ago)I have terrible road rage, no shame. I need to get myself a foam roller. I need it these days with bbbc
paprik4te
January 24, 2013 at 5:18 pm (114 days ago)Thanks so much for sharing the tips on foam rolling – I never would have thought it would make you less tired! 2-3 times a day seems like a lot, but it’s a simple task, and if it really does have that many health implications, I’m all for it!
I would’ve had a really hard time keeping my hands out of those candy dishes at work! yum
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 10:00 am (114 days ago)I know, 2-3 times per day is way too much for me too…I’m lucky if I do it 2-3 times per week, but I think anything is better than nothing
Her Happy Balance
January 24, 2013 at 6:54 pm (114 days ago)I am now convinced I need a foam roller. I tossed the idea around in my head for a little while now but wasn’t sure if it was really that beneficial. Think ill finally give it a try! Thanks
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 10:00 am (114 days ago)Hope you like it!!
Luv What You Do
January 24, 2013 at 7:17 pm (114 days ago)I’ve had some great convos with my coworkers about the benefits to the GI system about foam rolling the back. We have foam rolls at work and I always tell myself after a run that I will roll out at work. There’s just never enough time in the morning, but I’m so bad about it. I do have a foam roll at home and i know once i start increasing my miles, we will be spending a lot more time together : )
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 9:59 am (114 days ago)so interesting that it can help the GI system! Makes sense but I never would have thought about that
Luv What You Do
January 25, 2013 at 5:25 pm (113 days ago)It has to do with where the parasympathetic nervous system runs along the spine. I thought that was interesting too but my coworker swears by it!
Alysha (@shesontherun)
January 24, 2013 at 7:19 pm (114 days ago)I don’t foam roll nearly enough because it hurts! My favorite move though is the upper back.
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 9:59 am (114 days ago)upper back is really nice. I like the hamstrings a lot too
Apples and Arteries
January 25, 2013 at 3:59 am (114 days ago)Thanks for the reminder to foam roll. I have a short one that is a little tough to work with. It is one of those things that hurts so good! Have you tried one of those gripper rollers? Now that hurts!
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 9:58 am (114 days ago)I have a short one too….bad decision, I should have gotten the big one!
aftertheivyleague
January 25, 2013 at 6:12 am (114 days ago)I also get road rage from time to time, especially in traffic that literally isn’t moving at all. There’s nothing more frustrating! I’m so glad the class was worth it though, I was actually looking at foam rollers the other day and thinking of buying one. I decided to start running more often (5 days/week instead of 3-4) and I think foam rolling will be necessary to help prevent injury. I’m officially convinced!
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 9:58 am (114 days ago)I think foam rolling will be an awesome balance for running more!
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
January 25, 2013 at 9:09 am (114 days ago)I love my foam roller! I bought one a few months ago and leave it in the living room. I roll for a little bit whenever I’m feeling stiff or after a long day of sitting.
Rebecca
January 25, 2013 at 9:58 am (114 days ago)I should leave mine in the living room– that’s such a good reminder to use it!
jessiebearwhat
January 25, 2013 at 9:13 am (114 days ago)I should foam roll. And I get road rage! I just can’t help but to get angry when traffic is bad.
Stacie @ Snaps and Bits
January 25, 2013 at 2:08 pm (113 days ago)I know you’re right but I really hate it. That’s a bit hard to get past
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness
January 25, 2013 at 2:31 pm (113 days ago)I haven’t foam rolled but I should probably try it to help with soreness after working out. I try really hard not to get road rage.
jessielovestorun
January 25, 2013 at 11:14 pm (113 days ago)Peanut M&Ms will always be my absolute favorite.. pretzel ones come in second.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
January 27, 2013 at 10:39 am (112 days ago)At least they had water with all the chocolate.
I’ve never foam rolled before, but I’m fascinated now.