The Many Benefits of Foam Rolling

From athletes, physical therapists, everyday runners to someone who only needs a self-massage from sitting at their desk all day--foam rollers are used and recommended by everyone, because they work!

Foam rollers help relax muscles and improve blood flow. They can be a tool to increase flexibility, mobility and reduce pain in the body.

Foam rollers are especially great for injury prevention. These benefits come from their ability to release trigger points, improve circulation, and decrease muscle tension.

As we push ourselves harder and become more overwhelmed and tense, the need for tools like foam rollers becomes more crucial.

At first glance, foam rolling may seem easy; however, it takes time and patience to perfect the correct rolling techniques.

Some discomfort is expected in tight areas that you are trying to release tension and tightness, but if you are experiencing extreme discomfort while foam rolling; you'll want to adjust your body weight. This will help you distribute your weight on the roller more evenly and provide comfort to your muscles.

It is recommended to watch a beginner video in foam rolling if it is your first time to avoid discomfort associated with 1) poor form 2) too much pressure 3) overuse (frequent sessions).

There are different types of foam rollers available in the market, differentiated by their densities. The higher the density, the firmer the foam is, while lower-density models are softer and more pliable(great for beginners). Foam rollers come with different textures on top to provide a variety of stimulation options for massaged muscles.

After scouring the internet and reading reviews and trying out some of the top picks ourselves.....here are

Lifestyle of Beauty's top three foam rolling picks from beginner to professional.

1. Beginner Level Low Density:

OPTP PRO-Roller Soft Foam Roller - Blue 18" x 6" PSFR18B Amazon $37

2. Intermediate Medium Density:

OPTP PRO-Roller Standard Density Foam Roller - Durable Roller for Massage, Stretching, Fitness, Yoga and Pilates $51.95 Amazon

3. High Density Deep Massage Pro: Rollga Foam Roller:

Deep Tissue Massage and Trigger Point Release Muscle Roller, Hard Foam Version, Black Color $49.97 Amazon

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