You are hereFoam Rolling
Foam Rolling
In spite of the pain they incur, the foam roller has become a popular recovery tool at CFO. Pressure applied with the foam roller releases adhesions ("knots") that form in the muscles--this is called self-myofacial release.
Foam rolling can improve function and performance, and restore proper alignment to your body. Stretching your muscles after you roll them is even more beneficial. After you roll the muscles out, they are more receptive to stretch and restore their proper length.
For those of you who do not know how to foam roll, here are two great videos about foam rolling your lower body. After you gone through these moves, spend just a few minutes stretching your quadriceps and IT band, and notice how much better you feel!
Post any questions or stretching requests to comments.
Foam Rolling: Part I from Patrick Cummings on Vimeo.
Foam Rolling Part II from Jon Gilson on Vimeo.
Dawn's posts kick ass!
The whole paleo, zone, Crossfit stuff is about doing what our ancestors did which should be what is best for us.
I can't imagine paleo folks with stone rollers, etc. Did cavemen and cavewomen stretch? So why do we need to stretch? Is it because we sit in chairs?
Dawn, once again, great stuff.
My orthopedist (bad hip, old skiing accident) almost wouldn't give me my shot a couple of weeks ago because he could tell I haven't been stretching my IT band. What he said to me was no different than Dawn's post.
(ps - I got the shot)
Just wanted to say hello from Crossfit Modesto. Kelly from CF Oakland came by on Saturday and scored a solid 251 on FGB (even though a confused member stepped on her rotation).
Great job Kelly! Good luck with classes and see you at the sectionals.
Lau, Robyn actually pointed me to these videos when I was trying to photograph Moses with the foam roller. She should get the credit.
Steve, you are always asking the deep questions!I think I will wait until my post next week to dive into that one.
I don't think cavemen and women lifted metal barbells with rubber bumper plates attached to them either. Nor did they work out on a wooden platform surrounded by rubber mats, in a heated, artificially-lit room, accompanied by music playing from a computer, recording their scores on a whiteboard, wearing lifting shoes or belts, or even any clothes at all. They certainly didn't take photos or videos of themselves, posting them on the internet after. And they definitely did not roll up to the gym cave in a motorized vehicle, equipped with GPS satellite navigation and 100 channels of XM Radio.
http://www.socalsc.com/page/index.php?menu=blog&page=blog&hide&id=6975