Foam Rollers

[OllyK]

So, in an attempt to reduce DOMS, get a good stretch (i'm fairly inflexible) and massage, i've bought a Foam Roller. Two actually, one for home, and one at my office, which also happens to double as my gym...

Does anybody have a good resource, or personal experience with them for some exercises or routines? I've done some google-ing, but PH always seems to have some helpful insight on this type of thing.

Do many on here use them? Would be good to hear how they've helped with injuries too - I had a fairly bad bout of sciatica around April. I Left it until about 3 weeks ago to start going heavy again with Squats and Deads, (I had to mainly go bodyweight and just work the upper body, which gets pretty boring pretty quickly) and it's ok so far. Could a foam roller help keep this at bay?

Cheers all

[grumbledoak]

No idea about sciatica, I use them for ITB and adductor (i.e. thighs) after the treadmill. Runners World article here and short clip here.

[Cheib]

No idea about sciatica either but they are good for legs,calves,ITB,back etc etc

One thing I would say is that you'll find that after a while a foam roller will lose it's effect....at that point trade up to a harder plastic roller. Don't go straight for a plastic roller as for things like ITB's it'll be too bloody painful.

[filetmignon]

Foam roller also good for balance/core exercises like lie on it lengthwise on your back (knees bent feet on the floor together) .and do things like flyers/presses while trying to keep your balance.

Lift one or both feet up to increase difficulty

[lordgrover]

A bit like this then?



Stolen from t'other thread.

[tori]

Love 'em. Use it to stop over firing of quads and to get my hams working more effectively. Also use it for 'bridges' for upper thoracic to lumbar region. Small roll foam is great for feet and loosening off gastrox. If they remembered birthdays too they'd be perfect