Foam rolling is a method of self-massage that involves rolling a thick foam over various regions of the body. Through a mechanism known as myofascial release, the deep compression provided by such massage helps to loosen up tight muscles. Read on this post to know great benefits of foam rolling.
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Great Benefits of Foam Rolling
Pump up the blood flow
By applying pressure to the fascia over time, foam rolling helps to stretch the muscles and break it. This procedure aids in the removal of old blood, allowing fresh new blood to flow in. New blood brings with it fresh oxygen and other nutrients like glycogen, which are extremely useful to the muscles.
These assist the muscles in recovering faster, flushing out waste, and performing at their best. The more you foam roll on a regular basis, the better your blood circulation and muscle function will become.
Accelerate lactic acid return to the body
Lactic acid is produced by the body after extended and severe exercise. Lactic acid accumulation, especially after vigorous exercise, is frequently linked to cramps and the onset of weariness.
Though the body can absorb lactic acid on its own and produces lactic acid as a medium between aerobic and anaerobic energy consumption, foam rolling can assist speed up the breakdown of lactic acid after an exercise.
Enable smoother movements
Foam rolling as part of dynamic warm-ups in the pre-workout routine helps to avoid any uncomfortable muscle pulling or damage. This is because foam rolling improves blood circulation to the muscles, keeping them hydrated and minimizing friction when the muscles move past one another during the workout. The more fluidly muscles move, the more effective your training will be.
Increase the range of motion
There are numerous benefits of pre-workout foam rolling, including improved hydration of the muscles. Another benefit is increased range of motion. A greater range of motion also means that your body will use a greater number of muscles during your workout.
The key to getting a good workout is to have a wide range of motion and to use all three planes of motion during your workout. The increased range of motion lowers the risk of injury during an exercise. This brings us to another benefit of foam rolling: flexibility.
Keep you flexible
One of the great benefits of foam rolling is to keep you flexible. Flexibility is essential for any fitness routine, which means you should be stretching and practicing activities that will help you improve flexibility on a regular basis. Stretches that lengthen your hip flexors, for example, can help with lower back pain and tightness from sitting.
Reduce the risk of injury
As we can see from the benefits of foam rolling listed above, this self-myofascial release technique promotes blood circulation, keeps muscles hydrated, and promotes range of motion and flexibility. Furthermore, all of these advantages work together to greatly reduce the chance of damage.
Reduced friction between muscle movements and improved flexibility minimize erroneous body movements, lowering the risk of injury. The advantages of foam rolling, however, do not end there. If you do get hurt, foam rolling on a regular basis can help you recover much faster. Continue reading to learn more.
Increase your metabolism
Your metabolism can be improved with the appropriate diet and frequent exercise. However, as you may have suspected, utilizing a foam roller can help you raise your metabolism even more. Using a foam roller raises our heart rate and encourages us to take deeper breaths.
It also enhances blood circulation, which enhances oxygen and other vital nutrient delivery. All of these elements contribute to the development of leaner, stronger muscles as well as an increase in the body’s metabolic rate.
Relieve stress
Just like a massage, foam rolling away the knots can help you relax at the end of a long day. Because as you relax your knots and sore spots, the tension that has built up in your connective tissue dissipates, you will feel less stressed.
Maintain spine health
Maintaining your body’s natural alignment is critical for reducing strain and avoiding awkward positions throughout daily tasks, both at work and at home. Foam rolling, according to Therapeutic Associates, can help with postural alignment by improving muscle balance and fostering effective spinal movements.