Do I need a foam roller?

[Benttoe]

I hadn’t heard of them til I was browsing on here. Do most people use them? I haven’t had much so far in the way of aching, but should I be using one anyway?

[Thisnurseruns]

My pilates instructor was telling me yesterday they are really good for your calves if you run

[Hidden]

You don't need one, but they can help. Usually people start talking about them when they're aching, tight or sore. They help with recovery and flexibility and they're relatively cheap. It's up to you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

No... you don't need one... you may find one useful as the time moves on... but need, is a very strong word.

If you feel fine, and are warming up well, doing your post run stretches and using some of your rest days for your stamina and core strength work.. then carry on

They do also, have to be used correctly, and that is important... otherwise more damage can be caused.

I did not get one until at least eighteen months after beginning running... and that was following injury. I prefer my massage stick for legs.

This running is pricey enough as you move on... so if you don't need it.. then wait a while

[Benttoe Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

This is good news!

[LittleSallyRacket Graduate]

If you don’t have any aching you don’t need one.

[Benttoe Graduate in reply to LittleSallyRacket]

Phew!

[JaoJao]

I don’t know what a foam roller is

[Benttoe Graduate in reply to JaoJao]

Nor did I til yesterday. It looks like a big rolling pin that you can roll achey muscles over. My technique so far is to jog v gently and so far I’m OK. I don’t think I need any more torture just yet!

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

I’ve just ordered one as my thighs are sore and like wood despite stretching and physio’s exercises.

I think, in my terms, I overtrained last week: 22 km over 3 runs. This week just one run and 30 minutes moderate swimming a day.

This morning I listened to my body, and had bacon and eggs instead of usual healthy breakfast!!

[Benttoe Graduate in reply to HeavyFoot]

Crikey! No wonder you were in need of a cooked breakfast. I don’t think I have any ambition to do more than 3x 5k in a week, but who knows...I am beginning to quite enjoy it now!