Introduction
What is a vibrating foam roller and why is everyone obsessed?
I will never forget my first experience with a vibrating foam roller. So that was the state of affairs when there I was, spending some post workout time letting a foam roller roll over on top of my muskies, getting myself ready for my typical brand of painful and relief smoothie that Iʼve been used to getting from a foam roller. And then when I turned on the vibration something was wrong. The deep muscle tension that I would normally have to work out over a few days using a regular roller, also appeared to melt away a lot faster. It was nearly miraculous, but there wasn’t a bit of sorcery — just vibration therapy and foam rolling.
In this article, I’m going share everything you need to know about vibrating foam rollers. So I cover them all, from what they are and how they work to what the best one is for you, and how to get the most out of them. By the time you’re done you should be able to decide if this recovery tool is something you want to add to your quiver instead of one of the dozens of others on the market!
Vibrating Foam Rollers Are The Next-Gen Recovery Tool We Need-basket
The classic foam roller has been out there for a while, and it’s been included in many a gym and physical therapy office package. They’re also good for loosening up stiff muscles and becoming more flexible. But add some vibration, and it’s a whole new level of issue. You relax more and you relax better when you do this on a vibrating foam roller, since the vibrations help increase the blood flow to the area to release the stiffness of your muscles.
The concept of “vibration” might sound a little woo-woo at first, but I promise you that it’s not as airy-fairy as it sounds. The vibration might even be more of a gentle way to take a stab at releasing built-up muscle tension, which might take longer with your run-of-the-mill foam roller. It also allows you to further concentrate on a bigger part of your muscles, instead of having to push down on each individual knot by yourself.
I can almost hear you thinking — vibrating foam rollers, you say, sounds like it’s catching up with high tech, eh? That said, fear not, for this primer will explain it. So, if you’re just starting (or refreshing) with foam rolling, or you’re trying to remember how to get the most out of it, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig into what exactly a vibrating foam roller is, how it works and how you can use it to take your muscle recovery to the next level.
Part 2: What’s in a Vibrating Foam Roller?
The Structure of a Vibrating Foam Roller: Ingredients To Look For
The vibrating foam roller looks like your average foam roller when you first lay eyes on it — minus one significant detail: a hidden vibrating motor inside. So, what exactly is a vibrating foam roller? Here, we are going to give you all the best features of what makes this tool so powerful and versatile.
Motor
The Motor is The Heart of a Vibrating Foam Roller. This is the bit that provides the vibrations that reverberate deep into your muscles. The motor is usually rechargeable with multiple adjustments to change the vibration intensity. This is key as it enables you to customise the strength to your needs and spar your muscles and trouble spots as hard as you need.
Vibration Settings
The average vibrating foam roller offers multiple levels of vibration intensity, ranging from low to high. These modes come into play when you want to use different vibration frequencies on different muscles. For example, if you want to use it on smaller, more sensitive areas like your calves or you forearms you may want to use a lower vibration setting. Higher goes are, however, best for the bigger muscle groups on your back, quads, and hamstrings.
Roller Material
What is a vibrating foam roller composed of? Vibrating foam roller The roller used on a vibrating foam roller is a dense foam, however, they can still also be comprised of something else for example EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) or plastic. This is the material to which you will roll against and it can make quite a difference in the way that your muscles will respond to the pressure that’s being directed into them. Some rollers are flat, while others have nubbins, ridges or textured surfaces, any of which can offer the bonier type of massage that focuses on deeper tissues. The textured foam adds an extra level to your massage therapy and is the ideal density to really get deep into those troublesome knots and problem areas.
Battery Life
And because nearly all of the vibrating foam rollers are rechargeable, consider battery life. You’ll typically get a good vibrating foam roller for 1 -2+ hours of continuous operation. The battery life of a vibrating foam roller is something you should consider when buying to ensure the battery is long enough for your sessions rolling. You should also look at how long the lights take to charge — especially if you’ll be using them frequently.
Portability
So-called vibration foam rollers are often portable — but that usually means they’re lightweight and easy to lug around. Some even come with travel cases or are designed for you to all toss in a bag and head to the gym or the road.’é,íə-Mobility: This is all about portability, and giving you the recovery tools you need on the go.
Part 3: How a Vibrating Foam Roller Works (and What to Know Before You Try It)
Ready to experience the full power of a vibrating foam roller? Explore my comprehensive review of the 10 best vibrating foam rollers and find out which one suits your needs for the ultimate muscle recovery.”
What Is It About Vibration That Helps Muscles Recover?
I vividly remember the first time I tried a vibrating foam roller. At first, I was wary that vibrations were going to truly be helpful, but I felt the impact almost immediately after I began using it and after only a few minutes. The vibrations help to release the knots as well as increase blood flow to the specific area, it’s beneficial to recovery.
Here’s the deal: when you roll out on a vibrating foam roller, the vibrations make your muscle fibers oscillate more rapidly. This vibration has been proven to stimulate the nervous system can help to relax the muscles. It also helps loosen sticky fascia (the connective tissue around muscles), which often plays a role in muscle stiffness and soreness.
The vibrational massage will also help increase blood flow to more of the muscle allowing more oxygen and nutrients to repair the muscle and allow you to recover quicker! The payoff: quicker relief of sore muscles, less soreness and more flexibility.
What you should know before starting with a vibrating foam roller.
Here’s what you need to know before you incorporate your vibrating foam roller into your routine.
Start at the low vibration level:
For beginners who are not familiar of foam rolling and vibration therapy, it is advised to use the lowest vibration frequency. Friends don’t let friends straight to extra intense foam roller technique. Let your body get used to what it feels like and whatever pressure there is, before you take it up a notch.
Hydrate
Just as with any physical therapy/exercise hydration is key. To aid in flushing toxins from your body, as well as to prevent any muscular cramps, do remember to consume plenty of water both before and after making use of the vibrating foam roller.
Understand Your Limits
And while it can be downright orgasmic to work out the piss and vinegar from your muscles, it’s also a good idea to control yourself. You should work each muscle group 1–2 minutes at a time and work up that time as you adjust to the treatment.
Keep Your Roller Clean
After a while, your foam roller might get dirty, or sweat, bacteria, etc. This vibrating foam roller…we could never suggest not taking proper care of it so you avoid irritation and to maintain an overall level of cleanliness.
Why Opt for a Vibrating Foam Roller Initially?
Vibrations – in simple terms vibrations are good for your (muscles) BODY!
If you’re someone who has been on the fence about whether a vibrating foam roller is really necessary, I completely get it. Classic foam rollers could feel sufficient to provide a luxurious active recovery stimulus, and the advanced technology of a vibrational component?् could seem like just another important lovey thing you definitely don’t need. But you’d see the difference when you’d see it for yourself.
First of all, as far as self massaging tools, vibrating foam rollers provide a deeper massage for muscle tightness and soreness than traditional foam rollers. The added vibrations “not only do a great job in breaking away at the muscle knots faster, but also in increasing blood flow and tissue circulation.” I mean that your body can recover and restore more effectively, and you can return to feeling energized for your workouts.
Whether you’re an athlete, fitness fanatic or still recovering from an injury, a vibrating foam roller can potentially revolutionize the way you recover your muscles. It’s particularly useful for catching sight of deeper muscle fibers that can be difficult to reach with traditional foam rollers.
Here are a few specific reasons you might opt for a vibrating foam roller:
Muscle Strain, Muscle Ache are Rapid Tested
The roller vibrates, which helps to increase blood flow to the muscles, which can otherwise feel tight and sore. If you’ve ever experienced post-workout soreness — that’s delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) to you — you know how annoying it is. Vibrating foam roller For breaking up muscle tightness and promoting faster muscle repair, a vibrating foam roller could possibly help you recover more quickly.
Promotes Flexibility
As an example, regular use of a vibrating foam roller can make a huge difference to your flexibility. The vibrations also help break down fascia (connective tissue around muscles), as you roll over trouble spots, which could be preventing muscle tissue — like say, my foot from yesterday — from reaching full range of motion. Your muscles are able to lengthen and move with more freedom when the fascia is not taut, and that’s when you find that your flexibility has increased.
Better than Your Average Foam Roller
A vibrating foam roller might be more pleasant for you (and irritating for everyone else) than a regular one, especially if you’re new to foam rolling or have sore muscles. The vibrations provide a consistent, steady pressure that can help prevent having an accident and over-stretching or applying pressure to a sensitive area. And it’s great for hitting muscles a little deeper and that you might not be able to get to with manual force.
For Those with Specific Muscular Requirements
Another option: On the muscle front, a vibrating foam roller can come in super handy to break up some of that tension if you’re dealing with specific muscle issues (like I have due to chronically tight IT band, hamstrings or that peskylower back). The vibrations work to release tension deep in the muscles of these body parts, that are almost impossible to access using conventional self-massage methods alone. And vibrating foam rollers may be beneficial to your rehab if you’re returning from an injury, aiding to decrease muscle tightness and accelerating tissue healing.
Helps in Sports Recovery & Prevention of Injuries
A vibrating foam roller can help lower your risk of injury even more when integrated into your recovery routine. It promotes good circulation, good blood flow to the muscles and muscle flexibility, keeping them in prime condition and lowering the risk of strain. And because it can also aid in reducing- muscle imbalances, which may lead to overuse injuries, multiple imbalances as previously mentioned.
Step 5: Choose a Vibration Foam Roller Appropriate for Your Needs
Now that you’ve learned about the incredible benefits of vibrating foam rollers, why not take your recovery to the next level? If you’re looking for the best options available, check out my review of the 10 best vibrating foam rollers to find the perfect one for your routine.
Buying Guide How To Choose The Best Vibrating Foam Roller
Now that you have seen the benefits, you may be asking yourself, “But how do I know which vibrating foam roller to get?” The selection of cold weather gear isn’t too extensive so it’s not too difficult to decide which one is right for you. Have no fear — I got you covered.
Here are the things to look for in a vibrating foam roller:
Vibration Speed and Settings
The vibration speed and patterns will likely be one of the first areas you want to check. Keep in mind: Many vibrating foam rollers come with more than one vibration speed, such as low and high. In general, you’re going to get a deeper massage with a higher setting, and often times that’s better for larger muscle groups like quads or the back. “And for those more tender or smaller, like your calves or your forearms, the lower settings are more appropriate.”
Make Sure you get a roller that includes variable vibration settings that will give you the ability to set your ideal mph. The level of intensity can be set to your preferences, so that you can make the most out of your massage.
Roller Texture
The foam roller’s texture matters a lot when it comes to what kind of massage you get. The majority of vibrating foam rollers are smooth, making them perfect to roll directly on the muscles, but they also come with ridges or bumps to provide a deeper, nearly deep-tissue-like massage. If you prefer more of a deep tissue massage, then a roller that has a textured surface is the one for you. But if you’re susceptible or new to them or have very blue, soft tissue in your legs, you may want to go with a smoother surface.
Battery Life
If you’re buying a vibrating foam roller, the life of the battery is another consideration. Plus, the last thing you want is a dead roller ruining a session. Ideally, you should be looking at a roller that offers you 1-2 hours of continuous use on a single charge. Some also tote a quick-charge function, which can be a lifesaver if you’re crunched for time. Of course, you should always check a manufacturer’s estimates on battery life for any battery you’re considering, to make sure it meets your expectations.
Portability
Portability If you plan to bring your vibrating foam roller to the gym with you or on trips, you may also want to take portability into account. Look for something that will be light and easy to tote around. Some models even come with a handy carrying bag which makes travelling and storing the roller easier. And size does matter: If you’re looking for something neat and travel-friendly, you might prefer your vibrating foam roller to be more compact.
Durability and Build Quality
While cost is generally a dealbreaker when it comes to purchase, you don’t want to skimp when buying high-quality muscle recovery tools. A vibrating foam roller should be strong enough that it doesn’t break under regular use. Look for models made of good materials such as EVA foam, or durable plastic, so you can use it for longer period of time.
Noise Level
One more overlooked consideration regarding the vibrating foam roller is its noise, or more specifically how quiet and discreet it is. Some are loud and maybe an annoyance if you are working out at home or in a shared space. If you’re noise-sensitive or have plans to use it in a whisper-quiet room, you might want a roller described as quiet.
Price vs. Features
There are a lot of cheap vibrating foam rollers out there, but you know what they say: you get what you pay for. The more premium models will offer more advanced features, will last longer on charge and will be sturdier in construction. See features and how the price compares. It may be worth the extra expense now for a roller that lasts longer and performs better.
Part 6: How To Use A Vibrating Foam Roller Right
Using Your Vibrating Foam Roller: A Guide for Beginners
So you have this vibrating foam roller, and you are about to jump into it! And now here’s the fun part: actually using it in a way that can help mediate muscle tension and assist in recovery. No need to fret, it’s easier than it seems.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you get the most out of your vibrating foam roller:
Choose the right vibration strength
Start by adjusting the vibrations to your desired level. Do note, however, that if you haven’t used a foam roller or a product that delivers vibration therapy in the past, your plan of attack should be starting at the lowest setting and working your way up as you adapt to being shook up.
Target Specific Muscle Groups
Begin by targeting a single muscle group at a time. You could work calves or quads, for example. STEP 3: Put the vibrating foam roller beneath the muscle and rock back and forth. 1-2 minutes per area is a good starting point and it’s really best if you go slow.
Control the Pressure
Your body weight will be the pressure. The firmer you press the roller onto your skin, the more aggressive the pressure will be on your skin. If you feel too much pain, take it easy by lifting your body a smidge or tweaking the angle.
Move Slowly and Methodically
Don’t rush your foam rolling. Go slow and steady and let the vibrations penetrate your muscles deeply to aid in loosening tightness. Deep-breathe as you roll, and try to relax whatever muscle you’re rolling. And on one particularly tight spot, you can come to a stop to let the roller vibrate over that spot for another few seconds.
Listen to Your Body
And, most of all, listen to your body. Foam rolling shouldn’t feel like torture. It is OK to reduce the level of intensity or to work a less intense zone if it is too painful. It’s a compromise that your body can live with.
Missteps Newbies Make With Vibrating Foam Rollers
Avoid These To Get The Most From Your Vibrating Foam Roller Benefits
It’s all too easy to make a couple of beginners’ errors when using a vibrating foam roller if you’re new to them. I know where you are, I’ve been there,” says Greene.” Every time you think you have this thing figured out, you still can’t seem to get ahead, so why bother, and then voila, it’s all you see and you just want to give up because you’re never going to get it. But fret not — if you’re aware of these common beginner flubs and know how to steer clear of them, you’ll be getting the most out of your vibrating foam roller in no time.
These are some common mistakes I’ve seen — and made — and how to avoid them:
Overusing the Roller on Sensitive Areas
Most likely, when you hop on your vibrating foam roller for the first time, you’re going to want to take it to every point of soreness you’ve got on your body. Foam rolling is great for when muscles are tight, but you don’t want to be aggressive — even on the Achilles — where there might be tender or sensitive tissue. For example, rolling over spots like your lower back, neck and knees with too much pressure can actually make you girls feel worse, and you could even injure yourself if it’s not done properly.
Tip: Start with less sensitive areas (such as the calves or hamstrings) and progress to more sensitive spots as you become accustomed to the vibrations. If you happen upon a tender spot, dial down the vibration and dial back the pressure.
Go Over the Right Intensity for Some Muscles
One of my earliest mistakes was yanking the vibration level way up. Mercedes added that while it may be tempting to be at the highest vibration setting for very intense vibration, this maxed-out setting on smaller or more tender muscles could be uncomfortable, at best, and actually cause bruising, at worst. For example, your arms/forearms, or calves/tibia may not need a very high vibration setting and an even lower one will be just as effective, though without causing any discomfort.
Tip: Start the vibration at a lower setting, especially when treating a smaller muscle group or more sensitive areas. Once your body adjusts to the roller, take it to the next level to target those deeper muscles; glutes to quads.
Not Stretching and Roller-ing Right
Foam rolling and stretching go together like peas and carrots in the world of flexibility and muscle recovery. But some novices might also make the mistake of rolling and not stretching, or only using a vibrating foam roller and not stretching. Foam rolling your body in all the goods ways to loosen up those muscles but stretch afterward to maintain and improve your flexibility!
Tip: After rolling a muscle group such as your quadriceps with your vibrating foam roller, don’t forget to stretch that muscle group after with a few easy, relaxed stretches for that muscle group. This is the combination that will give you the greatest benefit and greatest potential for movement over time.
Forgetting to Clean Your Vibrating Foam Roller
It’s easy to forget that your roller can use a good cleaning when it’s been soaked with sweat from a gnarly workout or a few rounds with the vibrating foam roller. And its surface can accumulate dust, sweat and bacteria over time, which might irritate the skin — or worse, become a petri dish for germs. And, a clean roller is a roller that will last even longer and serve you even better.
Pro tip: Work to make it a habit to clean your vibrating foam roller after every workout. For the majority of foam rollers, a moist cloth and mild detergent will suffice. You will want to refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for properly cleaning your individual model, so as not to inadvertently cause additional damage.
Rolling Too Fast
Another common mistake that beginners make is that they roll too quickly. You’d think that the faster you can roll, the more quickly you release the tension, but you’d be mistaken. If you’re rolling too fast, those vibrations will be less able to reach the muscle fibers, and you won’t be able to fully capitalize on the vibrating foam roller.
Tip: There is no need to race to the finish line: slow down your rolling speed, and when you hit a particularly tense area, focus on figuratively flattening out the roller by decelerating and trying to hold it still for 30-60 seconds. This allows the vibrations to work their magic and shatter muscle knots with greater efficiency.
Not Using the Right Pressure
It’s hard to resist adding all of your body weight to the foam roller for the most massage, but that isn’t always the ticket. You’re likely to create pain or harm if you try to increase the weight too fast. Make sure you let the vibrations do the work, as you adjust your body weight for the amount of pressure just right for you.
Tip: Start with mild pressure, especially in sensitive areas, and work up to a firmer option as desired. “All of it (most of it) is done by the vibrating foam roller.” And now, you can add your own body weight only if you’d like to add extra pressure.
A Lady Goes West, Too much of a good thing: The day I over-did it with the vibrating foam roller
While it’s hard not to keep cycling over knots for longer, the vibrating foam roller can lead to overuse and muscle fatigue and it can also produce some soreness from pressing into the deep tissue. Dwelling too much on a particular muscle group is also not good.
Pro tip: Aim for around 10-15 minutes per muscle group in a massage (avoid rolling in the same spot for more than a few minutes at a time). This ensures that your muscles reap the rewards of the roller without over-burdening them.
Chapter 8: Bringing the Biodiesel to You EnumerableStreamYour Biodiesel Questions Answered
Here are some of the most common questions beginners have about vibrating foam rollers:
Can You Use a Vibrating Foam Roller on Lower Back?
Yes, but with caution. They might be stiff around the lower back, so make sure you set the intensity to a low vibe and don’t push too hard. To help ease some of the pain, don’t roll directly on your spine but roll along the sides of your back.
How Frequently Should I Use a Vibrating Foam Roller?
And for the average person, 3-4 times a week for a vibrating foam roller is plenty. If you’re coming off a difficult workout or have a little bit of an injury, feel free to use it more often, but a massage gun, when used for muscle recovery, is not to be used every day because your muscle does, in fact, need time to rest and recover between sessions.
Is It Safe to Roll a Vibrating Foam Roller Over Sore Muscles?
Yes it is okay, good for sore muscles. The vibration may assist with circulation and alleviate tightness, which could mean less soreness. Just make sure you start with a light vibration and light pressure and no shaking over any sensitive areas.
Can a Vibrating Foam Roller Help With Tight Hamstrings or IT Band Issues?
Absolutely! vibrating foam roller (Yes, they make them) Why they are good: Vibrating foam rollers can help address tight muscles like those in your IT band, and hamstrings. And if there are still knots or tightness present, target those with the Hawk 2.0, running it over the area on a light to medium setting for a few seconds, using a light or medium vibration setting.
How should I clean and maintain my vibrating foam roller?
You can simply wipe your vibrating foam roller down with a damp cloth and mild soap after use. But it’s important not to immerse the roller in water. For care, please charge the correctly and keep it cool and dry to increase the battery life.
Section 9: What to Expect When you Commence Using As Vibrating Foam Roller
Getting Used to the Vibrating Roller
When you first start using the vibrating foam roller you are not suppose to hurt,pain is not regular, being a little bit uncomfortable IS ok, but not HURT. But after a few minutes, as your muscles adjust to the vice-like vibrations, you’ll notice lots of the tension has melted out of you, and it just feels like a mild, relaxing massage. If the first few sessions are a bit intense, don’t be put off — your body will quickly get used to it.
The Initial Discomfort
First, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort or tenderness when you roll over this tight muscle. Climb onYou’re now, officially, having sex with a machine. Health and diet claimsNow for the fun bit- once your body is accustomed to the vibrations & you learn how to use the machine itself- the stress starts feeling more relaxing than it does painful. And remember, you can always turn down the intensity if it’s too much vibration, pressure or anything else you don’t find pleasurable.
Progress Over Time
As you use vibration foam roller, you will notice your increased flexibility and range of motion, your muscle recovery, and reducing the life cycle of exercise and working order. The more you roll over it the more frequently you’ll see results. It can take weeks, you will feel the difference — in your muscles (less stiffness, more range of motion), in fewer knots or tight spots.
Patience is Key
Like any rehab tool or exercise program, it also will take some time to simply get used to and fully reap the rewards. It won’t happen overnight — be a little patient and let your body take its time to get better. A vibrating foam roller works best when used consistently since vibration therapy is accumulative—the more you do it, the quicker you recover.
Vibrating Foam Rollers Debunking the Myths -…Why You Shouldn’t Trust this Hype.
As the popularity of vibrating foam rollers continues to explode, so do the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. And whenever something becomes a trend, misinformation is rampant, leaving lots of newcomers confused, overwhelmed or scared away by what they’ve heard. But wait, let’s dispel some myths about vibrating foam rollers and set the record straight.
Myth 1: “You Need to be an Athlete to Use Vibrating Foam Rollers”
Some may think that only high-performance training, and elite athletes, benefit from vibration foam rollers, such as Vibe’s Vibe Rollers. Now, there may be big potential advantages here for athletes, but they’re hardly limited to the ones that athletes will benefit the most from. Vibrating foam rollers are amazing if you are suffering from muscle soreness, tightness or stiffness. Whether you’re a runner, a yogi, someone who works out a lot, someone on the mend from an injury, or even just someone who sits at a desk and suffers from niggling back pain, a vibrating foam roller can help soothe your aches and improve muscle health.
The Truth: Everyone can benefit from using a vibrating foam roller, not just athletes. If all you do is have muscles (and you do), this thing can help with your recovery and your overall well-being.
Myth #2: “Higher Vibration, More Potent Effect”
Another common myth is that more vibration is better. It’s a fact that stronger vibrations can penetrate more deeply into your muscles, but that’s not to say you require that kind of power all the time. In fact, you can overdo it — and vibrating the hell out of tender muscles or the little guys themselves can hurt, or even do damage, if you’re not careful.
The Truth: More doesn’t always mean better, either. Begin at the lowest level and go up to the level you are comfortable to use on your grow machine roller rid muscles Avecc. Listen to what your body is saying and if it’s in pain or uncomfortable then turn the vibration down.
Myth 3: “Vibrating Foam Rollers Are a Gimmick and Only a Waste of Money”
Vibrating foam rollers have its haters, with some seemingly considering it a gimmick, a passing fad even; a luxury that offers you no more or no less than your everyday foam roller. The traditional foam roller just works, but now there is a mat with vibraion technology, welcome to the revolution, old world myofascial release and new world vibration training meet! Vibrations to penetrate deeper into your muscles, expanding your range of motion, waking up muscles, improving circulation and accelerating muscle repair. The vibration can also make it more manageable and do more good for those who find foam rolling really uncomfortable/like a wrist and bottom release.
The Truth: Vibing foam rollers are far from a fad — they provide benefits that “regular” foam rollers simply cannot duplicate. It can help relax tight muscles, improve blood flow and accelerate recovery, so it’s a good tool to include in your muscle recovery protocol.
Obstacle 4: “Vibrating Foam Rollers Will Bruise or Injure Me!”
It’s an easy conclusion to jump to when the vibration’s deep pressure can become bruising or damaging if you go too hard in tight areas like your thighs, back or shoulders. That said, while vibrating foam rollers are used, as they should be, with massage in mind, they’re actually safer than your everyday foam roller. The vibration helps shake out muscles without you needing to press the tool in like you do with a foam roller, which means it’s a gentler way to aid muscle recovery.
The Reality: You’re not going to bruise, and you’re not going to hurt yourself if you’re doing it correctly. Set your settings low, don’t go in too hard and, of course, steer clear of any sensitive places, such as the spine, knees or elbows. So long as you apply the roller correctly, there’s no bruising or damage that typically occurs.
Myth 5: ‘You Don’t Have to Stretch When You Use a Vibrating Foam Roller’
One of the most widely circulated myths is that foam rolling (especially vibration based foam rolling) can “replace” stretching. There’s a way to vibrate foam rolling and move muscles and get them more dynamic in ways static and dynamic stretching should’t, but it’s not actually stretching your muscles the way static or dynamic stretching do. Using the vibrating foam roller on tight muscles isn’t enough — You’ll need to lengthen the muscles and improve your range of motion by stretching.
The reality: Spend hours on vibrating foam rollers and you likely won’t get the same as you do from dynamic stretching. Foam rolling helps break up and loosen knotty, achy muscles, but stretching also increases flexibility and range of motion. You’ll see best results if you incorporate a mix of both into your recovery plan.
Final Thoughts on Harnessing The Power Of A Vibrating Foam Roller
Now that we’ve gotten our teeth into everything you will ever need to know about vibrating foam rollers, you can see that these things bring a heck of a lot more to the table than a tech-y version of kneeling over that god-awful foam tube. Whether you’re new to the recovery game or you’ve been all about that muscle recovery for awhile now, the vibrating foam roller can be a major upgrade to your routine.
When you combine the benefits of vibrating massage therapy with the benefits of foam rolling, this muscle roller provides deeper, more penetrating muscle relief to effectively reduce pain and stiffness. From alleviating aches and pains, improving flexibility, preventing injury, and even improving performance, the vibrating foam roller is a professional’s pick for incorporating self-massage into workout recovery and every day fitness.
Remember that it is important to start out slow, to listen to your body, and to be mindful not to make common mistakes such as pressing too hard or using the roller on sensitive areas too much. Try multiple levels of vibration to find the setting you like Beside this follow your foam rolling with stretching to get the best result. And, be sure to clean your roller — and keep it clean forever after.
They’re not much to look at, but vibrating foam rollers are a powerful accessory for muscle recovery. It’s all about catching them with an open mind and patience. As with anything, it will take some time to get the hang of, but once you do, you’ll feel how good it is for all your muscles.
If you’re not convinced yet, try a vibrating foam roller. And you might find that it becomes a staple of your recovery repertoire, helping you to feel more supple, more relaxed, more ready for the next thing. Just try to stay with the flow and the spiel…and your muscles will thank you!
Roll happy, and may this be your best recovery yet!