Kourt and Khloé’s trainer, Coach Joe, shares expert insights on why if you’re not using a foam roller, you’re missing out.
A tough workout can cause temporary discomfort from lactic acid buildup, as well as soreness over the next few days from microscopic (and totally normal) tears in the muscles. But using a foam roller can alleviate these aches and pains by kneading out knots, breaking down lactic acid, and helping heal the tears. Use it before your workout to warm up your muscles and increase circulation, or after to help with the recovery process.
Not a fan of working out, yet still feel tight? Not a problem. The foam roller can help loosen muscles for those who’ve been sitting at their desks or in their cars for too long, or those prone to holding all of their stress in their neck and shoulders (raises hand).
Using a foam roller is really simple. Place the foam roller on the ground and locate the trigger points that are bothering you, like along your neck, lower or upper back, calves, quads, hamstrings, glutes, or any other area that’s causing pain. Joe advises to “focus on the muscles and tissue that feel tight or sore, then roll over them on the foam roller and apply however much pressure feels comfortable to you.”
He recommends spending three to five minutes on each sore muscle group, or until you feel it loosening up. “With Kourt, we mostly use a foam roller on her quads, hamstrings, and lower back or whatever muscle group her last workout targeted.” We love to roll before bed to release tension and aid in a more blissful slumber. Roll at your own will.
Shop Poosh-approved foam rollers below.
