Foam rolling is one of the best tools for myofascial release, it is one of the most effective and efficient ways to remove lactic acid, pain and inflammation out of muscles. When we have over contracted muscles one of the quickest ways to get them to relax is to roll them out, this also detoxifies, lengthens and strengthens your muscles.
When your muscles stay contracted or are over-contracted they cause a toxic buildup of lactic acid, which leads to stiffness, pain, crystallization and even internal scar tissue formation that can cause premature aging and joint problems. Lactic acid creates a highly acidic, anaerobic environment, a perfect home for parasites and cancer cells.
When foam rolling, go slow, allow time to align and adjust your spine. People make the mistake by thinking fast is better but in reality, slow and steady wins the rolling race. When you feel any sensitive or painful spots, stop and roll around the area first and then work your way to the knot and let the roller sit there and then roll using very small movements on the area of concern to untie the knot.
As you roll the knot out, you will feel yourself lengthening and relaxing the muscle, thus detoxifying the lactic acid from the tissues. By rolling, you move the lactic acid out of your tissues. Roll each of your knots out slowly, a bit each day until they have all gone away. Remember to breathe slow, deep and even moan if necessary as you untie the invisible knots that bind you.
Lactic acid makes you super tight and super stiff, this is why most people age prematurely. Why do you think people say “Grandpa is as stiff as a board?!”
Most people never stretch or take the time to stretch before or after working out. Foam rolling is stretching. If you want your muscles to grow, you have to flatten them and stretch them out. If you did an upper body workout today, you would want to roll your upper body out so that you have a quicker recovery time. Whatever area you are working out, roll it out.
Benefits of Foam Rolling
Relax muscles
Increasing circulation
Enhances Workout
Reduces pain, inflammation, joint stress
Breaks up internal scar tissue
Prevents injury
Improves mobility, flexibility and agility
Improves sleep when done before bed
Reduces cellulite
Cellulite is the storage tank of toxic waste buildup. Cellulite holds 400 times more toxins than the blood. So get rolling and roll out those bumps!
Foam rollers can be used as a workout tool, it’s also great for desk jockeys, who wish to improve their posture and become pain free. Even better yet, foam rolling will save you money! When you take personal action you no longer have to go for treatments because you become the massage practitioner of your own body.
When rolling, you will feel some discomfort but you don’t want to take it to the point of not wanting to do it again. If it’s not fun, you won’t want to do it, so only take it to the pain-pleasure experience. With foam rolling you are using your body weight so the amount of pressure will decide the amount of pain you experience, be gentle, love yourself and roll every day!
As you do it more and more, the discomfort and toxicity will decrease until it is no longer there. Gentle baby steps are the keys to your success. Remember, the only way to get fit, stay fit and live pain free is to take personal action and bring your health home!
Live Happy Healthy and ALIVE!