… plus the different types of foam rollers to buy and the best exercises you can do to improve your fitness Juliet Slade advises Men’s Health 01 Jan 2019
Ten years ago, rolling around on a £30 foam tube after your workout would get you laughed out the gym. These days, it’s called ‘self-myofascial release’, and you can’t move for people wincing in pain as they roll their quads on a foam roller.
So, what’s all the fuss about? While few scientific studies currently exist – the trend is, after all, relatively new – many physiotherapists tout the benefits of stretching sore muscles with specific foam roller exercises.
Foam Rollers Prevent Injury
Foam rolling “boosts circulation to the tissues, facilitating smooth movement”, explains Juliet Slade, rehab physiotherapist at Six Physio Fleet St. Being well-oiled is vital for preventing injury.
Foam Rollers Prepare You for a Tough Workout
Rolling pre-workout will give your muscles the pep talk they need to smash a rigorous sweat sesh. “By increasing circulation using a roller, your muscles are prepped for a state of higher activity,” advises Slade.