According to many health experts, the purpose of a foam roll is self-myofascial massage, but how good is it? Some experts say, really good. In fact, it’s as good as deep sports tissue massage.
So if something is as good as that, why would you expect its benefits to be just that?
That’s right. You wouldn’t.
There are many other side benefits that arise of getting deep tissue massage, and for some, those benefits may even surpass its main benefit.
So without a further adieu, here are 6 hidden benefits of foam rolling that are too good to pass up.
- Reduce stress
- Increase circulation
- Improve blood pressure
- Improve flexibility
- Relieve chronic muscle tension
- Reduce inflammation that causes pain
1. Stress reduction
Stress is often overlooked and get overshadowed by all the things that are going on in life. It certainly doesn't get enough attention, if any at all.
High level of stress has been linked to increased hormones such as cortisol that particularly increase appetite, disrupt sleep and even promote weight gain and fat storage.
"It’s sort of a double whammy because the type of fat that is associated with stress is more likely to be stored in our problematic area the lower belly, from a health standpoint," explains Dr. Cedric Bryant, Chief Science Officer for the American Council on Exercise, one of the leading organizations for certified personal trainers and group fitness instructors.
He adds, "Stress signals the storage of visceral fat, which gets stored around the midsection deep within the abdominal region and around organs and has been associated with an increased risk for things like insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease."
It's also reported by Harvard Health Publication report every 2 inches of additional waist size, your risk of cardiovascular disease goes up by 10%.
High levels of constant stress especially take a large toll on our health, and if you have a fitness goal like losing weight and getting in shape, it could certainly hinder your progress.
Plus, for the simple fact that stress makes us feel anxious, frustrated and irritable, it only makes sense that we would want to limit its effects.
Luckily, exercise, especially foam roller exercise is one of the best ways to reduce and offset the negative effects of stress.
One university study from South Korea found that myofascial release can lower cortisol, a stress hormone that leads to fat storage.
One of the best foam roller exercises that helps combat stress and aids with relaxation is the Longitudinal Foam Roller Stretch.
This foam roller exercise is so great for your body and mind that you'd definitely want to make it a daily habit. Aside from helping you relax, it helps normalize the thoracic spine by functioning as a mobilization technique.
It'd also help to stretch all the tight muscles in the upper front of your chest and shoulders.
How to do the longitudinal foam roll stretch:
- Start by simply lying on your roller along the spine in this longitudinal position. Relax the arms out to the side, with the palms facing up. This opens up the chest and further enhance the postural changing effect on the upper spine.
- Take a deep breath for 3 to 5 seconds and reset your natural posture to take the pressure off your bones and joints.
This foam roller exercise should help your body feel relax and calm.
2. Better circulation
Foam roller exercises are great for improving circulations throughout the body.
When you perform foam rolling exercises, you are pushing the fluids of the tissues toward the heart to drain them (in order to stimulate refreshed circulation), and pressure-release tight tissue by micro-tearing.