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Foam Roller Reset
Help students integrate the work they did in class.
By Irene Lewis-McCormick, MS
Apr 22, 2016
The foam roller, now a standard piece of equipment, is an excellent
tool for massaging soft tissue, realigning the spine, increasing core
stability and enhancing postural awareness. Using the foam roller at
the end of a group exercise class is a great way to “reset” and
encourage a progressive cool-down where the focus is on breathing and
overall relaxation. A standard-length foam roller (3 feet by 6 inches)
works best for this purpose. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
-
Roll about 3–6 inches at a time, using slow, controlled strokes. Spend
about 30–60 seconds on each area. -
Maintain proper spinal alignment and correct posture while rolling,
particularly in the shoulder and neck areas. -
Be cautious, as some areas may be painful to roll. Tell students not
to roll if bruising occurs or if they experience intense pain. -
Choose softer rollers for people who may be more sensitive to
pressure. Rollers come in a variety of densities. -
• Immediately stretch the massaged area to take advantage of the
increased circulation.
Gluteals and Seated Figure 4
- Sit on foam roller, lean right slightly, and load body weight.
-
Using small strokes, gently roll back and forth on gluteal and hip
area. - Stretch: Place R ankle over left thigh.
- Repeat on opposite side.
Quadriceps Rolling
-
In prone position, place roller under R thigh, allowing L leg to splay
out. -
Use arms and R foot to roll, with controlled strokes, up and down
front of thigh. -
Start at hip flexor area and move down leg toward knee. Do not roll
directly over knee joint. -
Stretch: Lie on L side, grasp R foot and flex knee to bring it closer
to hamstring. - Repeat for L leg.
Calf Rolling
- Sit with legs extended.
- Place foam roller under both calves (or just one at a time).
- Engage core, lift body, and load weight onto arms.
-
Roll out calves from knee joint down to ankle, and then perform calf
stretches.
Supine Spinal Alignment
With Scissor Arms
-
Place edge of roller directly under tailbone (roller extends behind
you lengthwise), and lie back so entire spine, including head, is
supported. -
With feet about hip-distance apart, flat on floor, flex knees and
bring arms straight up over shoulders toward ceiling, palms facing. -
Slowly scissor arms: Let one arm/hand fall back behind head toward
floor, while other falls down by side. -
Continue to scissor arms, moving through pain-free range of motion
that is easy to control. - Variations: Abduct arms to sides of body, or move one arm at a time.
Supine Bridge and Leg Series
-
From same position as above, slowly move into bridge: lifting hips
first, then lower back and finally midback. -
Hold position at top of movement (with gluteals), take deep breath,
exhale and slowly bring body back to roller, one spinal section at a
time in reverse order. - Repeat, matching movement with breath, 3–6 reps.
-
Stabilize body by placing one foot and both hands on floor while
lifting opposite leg straight up toward ceiling. -
Point and flex ankle as you slowly and with control lower leg until it
reaches floor. Focus on maintaining leg length, moving with control
and keeping spine on roller. - Repeat 2×–3×; switch sides.
When you’ve finished, have participants roll off and lie supine on the
floor. Guide them through a 60-second meditation, encouraging them to
breathe deeply and focus on feeling their body weight supported by the
floor, bringing attention to their long, extended limbs and relaxed
spine.
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