Foam Rollers?

[lisavic4439]

I am totally clueless 🙈. Is it a one size fits all? Will I get some type of instructions with it so I know what to do?

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

There's two main types the foam type that you lean with your body weight and then there are the type that look like a big wand that you roll on yourself using two hands. You should follow a guide for using either and to effectively get relief to certain areas can require some contortions. You should also not use on inflamed or injured areas.

somewhere to start theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...

[misswobble Graduate]

Why do you need one? You don’t have to have one 🙂

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi lisavic, don't rush out to buy a foam roller yet. Try the proper running shoes with correct support fitted after a gait analysis. (Free at most proper running shops).

Take the shoes you have been using, your legs will be filmed while you run for a short time on their treadmill so they can see how your foot lands.

(If you are a female wear your sports bra so you are comfy)

The staff in a proper running shop are usually runners themselves and very helpful and encouraging. You can ask for older styles to save money.

Proper supportive shoes will help your calfs.

When doing the program, make sure you warm up well before starting your run session, and do some gentle leg stretches after the warm down walk while your muscles are still warm.

When you run just go nice and slowly at a gentle jog, you are training to run for a gradually increasing time and it will take a while for your body to get used to it.

Try to keep active on your non-running days too. Strength and Flex exercises are good.

If you are still experiencing calf pain in a few weeks you could look into purchasing a massage roller. They do come with instructions and you can watch videos online on how to use them correctly.

Good luck 😊x

[lisavic4439]

Thanks so much for the advice all of you. I thought I’d read that you should use a foam roller to prevent problems rather than waiting until something hurts and then using one? I must have misunderstood. So much to learn!

Have been for gait analysis this morning and have new trainers so will see how I get on. Thanks everyone 😊

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Alternatively you could just use an old rolling pin if you have one! That's what I do! 😄

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Ouchy...nooooo. 😣

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Lol, it's fine- I keep it perched on a radiator so it's warm & roll gently- gives a lovely deep massage- but probably not very technical! 😄