Most of us will experience tightness or trigger points (knots) in our bodies that can often be a nuisance. Foam rolling is the primary tool we will employ to help alleviate this issue.

Our bodies have a structure called fascia. Fascia is a component of the connective tissue system that both penetrates and surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves, blood vessels and other structures and extends from head to toe, from front to back, and from surface to deep in a three-dimensional web or matrix of structural support. If fascia is allowed to become tight or constricted it will decrease flexibility and mobility, it can hinder good circulation and make you feel tight and stiff and otherwise not good. For this reason it’s important to keep fascia supple for peak performance, circulation and yes mood.

This is where foam rolling comes in. Rolling is an excellent way to keep fascia healthy. Also called self myofascial release or SMR, foam rolling is the use of bodyweight as a means of acupressure or massage performed by an individual on themselves. Foam rolling prevents fascial tightness by increasing both short and long term flexibility, it helps increase circulation, helps improve tissue elasticity, lessen the pain of muscle soreness and perhaps best of all makes you feel great. Rolling offers great benefit both before and after a workout and ideally should be done daily even on non-training days.

Click the image of foam rollers below for a video that will teach you a quick routine you can incorporate into your daily life to help you feel better and be more mobile.