Foam Rollers

[widge milward]

Ive heard a few people going on about these and people even "swearing" by them.

Whats the benefits or using them?

[Predator]

Ive also been hearing about these.

I hear they are great for core strength but never used one

[BrettS]

These are great bits of kit. Use them alot with my clients - kind of like a rolling pin for your muscles. Self massage (not the rude kind)

[BrettS]

Try thestretchinginstitute for more info

[widge milward]

thestretchinginstitute (.com???)

[BrettS]

yes sorry!

[Waterboy]

These are great bits of kit. Use them alot with my clients - kind of like a rolling pin for your muscles. Self massage (not the rude kind)

Defo on the self-massage. Myo-fascial release I think it's called? Where you release the tension from the supporting tissues?

Once my physio mate showed me how you crack your back with one, I bought one and also bought them for loads of friends and family. They raaawk!.

[Daddy D]

My ITB band (runs down the outside of leg, and affect runners mostly) was very tight and caused pain while running, as well as sports massage and acupuncture, was advised to use roller to stretch my own ITB band. Putting roller on floor and using all my body weight to roll myself, from hip to knee.
Very painfull, but it does the job. You can also use a tough ball, like a tough heavy duty rubber dog ball. It has to have a bit of give in it, so dont use a iron bar or a roling pin as youll probably cause more damage and pain.

[Alex Gold]

Foam roller = Massage therapist in a handy tube form!

Ok, so a slight exaggeration, but it enables you to do your own (basic) massage therapy between training sessions, which can make a massive difference to tissue quality, reducing pain, injuries etc. Of course a qualified professional would be more useful, but not all of us have one of those on hand 4 times a week!

Naturally, you can get foam rollers from www.AbsoluteGoldUK.com/shop.html ;)

[Alex Gold]

Oh, and since Perform Better apparently don't want anyone reading the article I have linked on my site, read this for more info.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_repair/feel_better_for_10_bucks