Foam rolling for complete beginners?

[TrickyRuns]

Hi everyone im in week 4 at the moment and surprised to say ive actually enjoyed my last few runs!! I was wondering if anyone has a link to a foam rolling for complete beginners tutorial/video.

I've been noticing my left calf getting a bit tight and I've had knee problems in the past so want to so all I can to avoid any problems...

I bought a foam roller yesterday but after watching a couple of youtube videos I'm struggling to use it properly as I seem to lack the upper body strength needed - I was wondering if there are any easier exercises that I could begin with?

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Do it the Jay way. Sit on your bum. Put the roller under your calf. Bring your knee up and extend it again. You have to mess with the start position and you may find it helps to “twist” your leg from side to side to do the edges. Easier on a hard floor or on an exercise/yoga mat than carpet.

[TrickyRuns Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you Jay I'll give this a go tomorrow after my run

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to TrickyRuns]

No upper body strength needed 😜

[Hidden in reply to TrickyRuns]

Me too! Tried mine a few times but never convinced I'm doing it right.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

You do need a certain amount of upper body strength to foam roll properly but by using the roller you develop that strength! Start off gently and take a break every time you need to. There's no hurry.

You do get into some weird and wonderful positions 😏

This is a good introduction.

thefitnessfocus.com/fitness...

[TrickyRuns Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you I'll have a look

[TrickyRuns Graduate]

I've found the exercises in this video to be a bit more manageable - especially the calf one (as this is where I was noticing the most tightness).

youtu.be/khC5J1lkC7s(Not working as expected?)