Foam rollers

One way to help your muscles is to use a foam roller.

Benefits of a foam roller

There are many health benefits of foam rolling. Foam rollers are great for recovery after long runs and intense exercise. Another benefit of using a foam roller is that it reduces inflammation after an injury. Foam roller exercise for runners help improve range of motion and flexibility while training.

Foam roller exercise for runners

They’re easy to use and basic techniques include rolling over the muscle and stopping on a tight spot. Start by taking 10 deep breaths whilst the knot begins to relax. Roll gently back and forth and side to side on the point to further release the tight spots. This increase in blood flow will target muscles. Increasing blood flow will aid in removing waste products that might otherwise cause tightness and/or DOMS. Foam roller uses and benefits include reducing muscle adhesions (such as scar tissue). This in turn aids in flexibility both in the short and long term!

Foam rollers give you a soft tissue massage which helps to work out those knots and any tight spots. Foam rollers are very safe because they use the pressure created by your own bodyweight. Just 10 minutes while you’re watching TV can make a huge difference.

Olympic champion Sally Gunnell says, “Try a foam roller to help some of those aching muscles, Experienced runners swear by them.”

For more information about running recovery visit our tips and advice page.