What is a foam roll and what is it used for?

A foam roll is a cylinder that looks like this .

They come in different sizes, colors and densities.   Different colors have different densities.  White foam rolls tends to be softer, where as a blue foam rolls tends to be harder.

The most common purpose of the foam roll in exercise is for the massage-like-effects it can produce.  This technique is often referred to as 'self-myofascial release'.  To produce the effects of massage you usually use the foam roll in conjunction with your own body weight by lying on the foam roll with the affected muscles directly on top of the roll.  By slowly rolling over the target area of the affected body part you are essentially massaging the muscle.  The foam roll is the most effective way to stretch, strenghten and relieve muscle pain throughout your body.  The foam roll can improve our flexibility, massage away muscle tension and reduce overall recovery time.

I got a foam roll, because I was having some muscle pain in my right buttocks. The heating pad and stretching exercise were just not working.  When I first tried it, it was kind of awkward.  When I started to roll on the foam roll I could feel it like kneading the soreness of the muscle.  It hurt like hell, but it was such a good hurt.  Just to finally get some relief to that aching muscle. 



Rolling on the foam roll  for my aching right buttocks



Using it for some soreness having in calve muscle

Exercises using the foam roll

I use my foam roll daily. It's my new best friend. It can be used in so many different ways.   How do you use your foam roll?