Foam rolling is everywhere, but is it just a painful way to feel like you're doing something, or does it actually help? What's your take on its effectiveness for muscle soreness and mobility?
I swear by it for my quads and IT bands. I don't think it breaks up scar tissue, but it definitely helps me feel less tight and improves my range of motion before a lift.
It's not a miracle, but it's a great tool. It's essentially a self-massage. It can help reduce soreness and improve blood flow, which in turn can speed up recovery. Just don't go crazy on it.
I use it to warm up my back and lats before pull-ups. It helps get rid of that pre-workout stiffness. It's a part of my routine that I don't skip now.
The key is to not think of it as a standalone fix. It's a tool to complement a good warm-up and recovery routine. I like to use it on my calves and shins after a long hike.
Exactly. It's not a replacement for stretching or mobility work, but it's a great addition.