Did you know there are foam roller exercises that can help you sculpt your abs? A foam roller is an inexpensive piece of equipment that can do everything from working out knots from your body to stretching and strengthening your body. The foam roller can also help you to increase the range of motion of your joints and reduce muscle aches. So if you have all fancy equipment in your gym, you may be missing one vital piece of equipment, which by the way is great for travel. So what foam roller exercises should you try today?
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1. Squat
Place the foam roller vertically behind your back along your spine to help you stay upright with strong posture and hold. Get in a seated position with your legs in a 90 degree angle. By practicing this move you will strengthen your larger muscle groups (glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps). The squat is one of the foam roller exercises you should definitely try.
2. Calves
As you do your calf raises you find your calves sore for days, so what should you do? Why not use the foam roller and roll out your calves? This will speed up your recovery, especially since if you wear high heels frequently, your calf muscles can be shortened slightly. So roll out from the calf to the knee to roll yourself to recovery!
3. Back
Standing all day on your feet and feeling the after effects in your back? First stretch it out with a cobra by lying on your stomach (push up position), arching your back and lifting your head up, body in a U position. Next lie on your side and roll out with the foam roller. This inexpensive piece of equipment can help remove lactic acid from your body, as well as speed up recovery.
4. Arches
Are the arches of your feet sore and you are not sure how to feel better? First you can elevate your feet to speed up recovery and next try rolling out your feet on a foam roller. Perform this for 3-5 minutes. If you do not have a foam roller, you can also do this exercise with a cold bottle of water. This is especially helpful for anyone with prominent feet problems.
5. Pectoral Muscles
Are you feeling the effects of your upper body workout yesterday? Sometimes all you need is rest and a few foam roller exercises. Try rolling out your pecs gently. Be careful not to roll hard or you can tear muscle fiber. Lie on your side and roll the foam roller over your pecs. Roll towards your heart to increase circulation, which also promotes healing.
6. Lateral Lunge
If you hold the foam roller horizontally in front of your body, you can work your arms and your legs. Shift side to side to work the total body. Perform 3 sets of 15.
7. Quad Rollout
Lie in plank position on your forearms, placing the foam roller horizontally below your hips. Roll up and down to roll out the soreness of your quadriceps and increase your range of motion.
Hope you enjoy the foam roller. It is an inexpensive piece of equipment you are sure to utilize. So tell me, do you have foam roller? If so, what do you use your foam roller for?