The Hype About Foam Rolling

Foam Rollers are all the rage these days and for a good reason. Using a foam roller can help release post-workout muscle tension, increase flexibility and prevent injury. A lot of people underestimate the importance of stretching out the muscles, and it is a crucial part to the work out.  I particularly like to roll out my IT band after jogging – it’s a tough ligament to get at and a post-run roll really does the trick. Be careful if you’re really sore, though. According to my trainer Norbert Konja of Berkeley Health Club and SPA, “if your muscles are very sore, rolling on the foam roller is not recommended for the first 24 hours after the workout. Foam rolling during heavy soreness can spread lactic acid in the muscles and can increase soreness.”

Foam rolling is also a great way to get in a quasi-massage when you’re traveling or can’t find the time to squeeze a proper one in.

But you knew all of that right? What you may not know is that foam rolling may also be effective for getting rid of cellulite.

Seriously.

How is that possible? Cellulite, simply put, is just fat deposits underneath the skin. When the fat cells push up against connective tissue, it causes the dimpling effect that causes us to identify the fat as cellulite. Cellulite is not harmful to your health, but as many of us know, it can be worth to getting rid of due to its unsightly appearance. Especially during bikini season 😉

Cellulite has many causes, including poor circulation and dehydration. And this is where the foam roller comes in. Rolling over a problem area for up to 15 to 20 minutes a day can help improve circulation and rehydrate the connective tissues in the targeted area.

Make sure to pair any attempt at body transformation with a good diet and regular exercise.

Don’t yet own a foam roller? My personal favorite is the GRID roller, which you can purchase from their site: GRID Foam Roller.