Rolling Out

I recently got hooked on a new hobby, or as I like to refer to it, a lifestyle. Rolling. I am practically swinging from the rooftops, cheering about just how great my muscles feel. Loose! Relaxed! Ready to face whatever comes my way! I’m armed with a foam slab that is a solution to every problem you could possibly think of. I am determined to make everyone in my life try this profound discovery. Hence, I’m here to share with you the roller I use and the stretches that have helped my back out the most.

My Foam Roller     The love of my life. This is the best thing that I’ve bought all summer, HANDS DOWN. If I am the tiniest bit sore, then eleven times out of ten I grab this and have a go at it. I have to admit, sometimes, I just tell myself that I’m sore or stiff just for the sole purpose of being able to use it. There are so many foam rollers floating in the mystical foam roller world, that it can be a bit overwhelming when you first start to hunt for one. I’ve found the perfect fit for me with this TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller from Amazon. It’s bloomin’ pricey for a hunk of foam, but, in my mind, it’s completely worth the money. The ridges are prominent enough to stimulate the muscles, but not leave any bruises. The length fits perfectly along my back. In case you haven’t noticed, I LOVE IT.

Neck and Upper Back     Being a newbie, I’m definitely not an expert on the complex science of rolling, but I like to think that I know the basics. Generally, I do twenty rolls back and forth for each part of the body that I’m rolling out. First, I roll in small motions just along the back of my neck and down to my shoulder blades. Especially along the shoulder blades. I’ve found that I am quite sore by the shoulder blades, so I often focus my rolling around that area.

Middle and Lower Back     Using longer motions, I sweep the roller from the bottom of my shoulder blades all the way down to my lower back. Balance can be a bit tricky when it comes to this stretch, especially considering that I am practically the clumsiest person you’ll meet. If you have lower back pain, this roll is perfect for you.

Between the Shoulder Blades (and the Entire Back)     My favorite. This pose works perfectly for getting between those stubborn shoulder blades. The roller I use is quite long, so it reaches all the way from my neck down to my lower back. I just roll back and forth on this roller a few times, and voila! Good as new! Did I mention that this is the most fun to do?

I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy to discuss (in depth) anything exercise related. Hopefully you can find a pose that helps out when you have an achy back. And in those times when you are sore or stiff, and tired of the pain, remember, we’re bent, not broken! :)