Feel Better for Ten Bucks…Well, $20 actually…
Here’s a great article from two of my heroes in the fitness industry that I follow and read religiously… Mike Robertson and Eric Cressey .
This is an article about foam rolling and the awesome benefits of self-myofascial release (SMR).
SMR will help to improve the overall flexibility and mobility of your gymnasts. It will also help in alleviating some associated aches and pains that may be lingering due to poor tissue quality.
Looking to purchase one? I typically send people to Perform Better . I’d start with the one deemed most popular and retails for $19.95.
There are various degrees of stiffness and if you are new to foam rolling – trust me…this is the best place to start. Some of your more restricted areas can be awfully tender!
It’s a great way to loosen up some really difficult areas that tend to really tighten and that stretching alone seems to do little for – at least anecdotally speaking – such as the IT Band on the side of the leg and the Piriformis/Gluteus Medius region of the hip.
Happy Rolling!
P.S. Don’t quit if it hurts. Grit your teeth and keep it at. If you do it faithfully, it will improve quite a bit within a week or two.
Explore posts in the same categories: Conditioning, Strength Training, Training
Coaching Gymnastics in the New Millennium 
December 30, 2009 at 7:56 am
Our kids have been doing this before practice now for the last year and a half. We have found that the girls feel “looser” when they begin their workouts. But, at first, it is a little painful getting those tight spots to release.
We got motivated to do it after learning that Bridget Sloan’s coach, Marvin Sharp had been having his kids do it for the last few years.
January 15, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Excellent work. You have gained a new reader. Please keep up the good work and I await more of these interesting posts.
January 16, 2010 at 1:18 am
Cool, there are actually some worthwhile ideas on this post some of my subscribers will find this worthwhile, I must send a link, thank you.