I need to print this out and frame it above my desk. I never remember until it's too late and I'm already sore.
Edit: if crack your back on stims often like I do, do yourself the biggest favor of your life and get a foam back roller like this. Seriously, thank me later.
2 random unrelated questions:
So I’ve only started following the pro/elite scene recently, and I’ve been wondering -- how come most professionals (BTC, NOP, NAZ elite, etc) don’t/are not allowed to (?) make their training public, while others (mainly in the trail/ultra world) do make their training public, at least Strava-wise. Surely it’s not the sponsor, right? -- Hoka for example sponsors NAZ elite and ultra runners like Sage Canaday, Tim Tollefson, Jim Walmsley etc.
You all made me really curious about the R8 from the overwhelming number of positive reviews. What does everyone like so much about it? What magical things can the R8 do that my cheapo Amazon Basics foam roller can’t do? Top 3 reasons you decided to upgrade to the R8?
I have the Amazon Basics foam roller in both 18 inch and 36 inch lengths. It's inexpensive, simple, and it works. The 18 is probably all you need for your legs, and is good for using in limited space. The 36 is great for laying along your spine and doing a "snow angel" pose to stretch out all sorts of back and shoulder tightness.
Massage balls like a lacrosse ball (cheap work-around) or TriggerPoint (recognized brand) can also be really helpful, I have a couple off-brand I just haven't gotten into using them regularly. When I do use them, I really like the results.
What do y'all do for foam rolling when you travel?
Mine is this 18" long one from Amazon, it works great at home, but is a bit big for a suit case. Should I just buy a smaller one for traveling or is there a better alternative?
Blankets are amazing!! I like to use one under my knees for support, and it also feels great between hips and heels during child’s pose.
I got my bolster online from Walmart early during the pandemic! I like to practice restorative so it’s really nice for that. I have SI joint issues so sometimes I will sleep with it below my knees/calves to alleviate pressure on the lower back.
My foam roller
Congrats! Stretching is great but I love Epsom salts baths. Soak for about 15-20 minutes. Others swear by foam rollers (highly rated one here).
I got the Amazon Essentials, high density foam, link below. It works well, and i can get my both my lower and upper legs. I also purchased a high density massage ball, the size of a lacrosse ball, and use that to get my glutes, hips, and achilles tendion. Does it help? Not sure, but I feel better after doing it! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XM2MXK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's the one she got it digs deep! Went up in price a bit I think it was like 9-10 bucks.
Thanks for the link. How often do you foam roll? Do you have a routine?
I'm thinking of getting this one but I don't know if the size is right(for rolling at the IT band) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XM2MXK8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
The 18" amazon basics foam roller is 7.1 ounces on my scale.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM2MXK8/ref=twister_B018KFP8E4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm not planning on bringing it, but it would be pretty easy to attach to the outside of your pack with some shock cord.
I use this one from amazon- AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller | 18-inches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XM2MXK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WrKtBbVZZ80AQ
And this video is a good place to start because there are definitely wrong ways to foam roll- https://youtu.be/t4A523-O5uk
Can concur. An easy beginner balance kit can be done with a foam roller and a deck with no wheels/trucks.
now 16, diagnosed at 12 here! i personally have been thinking about going back and getting another x-ray since it's been a while and looking into doing physical therapy, as i've noticed the pain has been getting worse over the past year. i've gotten a foam back roller to use after work (where i'm standing for 4+ hours at a time) and i hope to see some results/pain subsiding soon. i've linked the roller i use and a youtube video on how i use it. note that this may not help everyone. this helps me slightly with pain at the end of the day. i haven't noticed any significant changes in the physical look of my posture or how much i pain i encounter. this most likely differs from person to person, but it's something.
again, i am a teen and these are personal observations (which is why i plan to a doctor again once i'm able to due to COVID-19). its never too late to seek treatment.
best of luck!
I have really tight calves and my doctor suggested foam rolling. It really helps! Watch YouTube videos to make sure you're doing it right, and really take your time with it. I like to use it while I watch TV at night. I use this basic one from Amazon and it works great: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XM2MXK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I second the other comment about eating enough protein. That has helped with my soreness a lot too.
A foam roller Amazon basics ones are cheap, but if you want to slurge a little more a trigger point one is my favorite but more expensive.
Another thing I would have liked when I started was support and someone else enjoying my hobby. Sometimes some company on a run would be nice (you could ride a bike beside him on his long runs for example, or even run with him) or having a good set of recovery snacks or a smoothie or something set out for when he returns.
The one I got is 18 inches long and 6 inches in diameter, but you can get them in a bunch of different sizes.