After a good workout there's no better feeling than the sore muscles letting you know you put in the work and your body is changing a little bit at a time. For some, we know our body's limits and stop before the pain becomes an indicator of injury and instead just work until the muscles are fatigued. For others though, muscles can get pulled and strained, causing mild inflammation and injury. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or new to the workout world, you've probably heard about the importance of foam rolling. If not, let's break down how important it is to include that in your workout regimen.
For those who have done any type of foam rolling, you know that it causes a bit of a release in your muscles, and that it may cause a twinge of pain at first, but as the muscles get rolled out, it feels pretty good. There are many benefits to foam rolling that will keep you coming back for more, even if it hurts a little during the session.
Benefits of Foam Rolling- Faster recovery after a workout. That's right, if you take the time to foam roll your muscles after a workout, you'll likely experience faster recovery and less DOMS later on during the week. If you're not as sore tomorrow or the next day, you can perform even better in your workout than you could without foam rolling.
- Warm up your body for a workout. Warm muscles tend to work better than cold muscles, and you're less likely to injure yourself. It also allows your muscle to exert more force with less effort according to a study from the University of Stirling in the UK.
- The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy found that foam rolling promotes short term increases in range of motion, allowing you to feel less tight from your previous workouts and perform better in your current workout.
