The facts are obvious: exercise is good for us, and important to a healthy, happy lifestyle. Unfortunately, exercise isn’t the most enjoyable thing in the world for most people, and physical exertion can often lead to aches, pains, and soreness, which turns into a lack of interest in continuing an exercise regimen. There are many ways to help prepare, as well as recover from workouts, but one of the most popular today is something that is not only a warm-up and cool-down method, it can even be an exercise in itself! Foam rolling, the practice of using round, sturdy foam bolsters to stretch, support, and massage muscles and tendons is gaining steam due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and the fact that it can be done virtually anywhere, with the only barrier to entry being a versatile and affordable foam cylinder. Typically made of firm, high-density polyethylene, these closed-cell foam rollers are lightweight, strong, non-absorbent, and easily cleaned, making them the perfect exercise companion. Using body weight and balance, rolling muscles and tendons over these bolsters help stretch and massage. When you aren’t exercising, foam rollers can help you work out knots and tightness, even while watching television or listening to music at home. They can be used for support in exercises like sit-ups and crunches, and can be used to modify classic exercises like pushups as well. What foam rollers boil down to is an incredibly versatile product that not only helps you exercise, it helps you feel better before and after, making exercise more enjoyable. And the more you enjoy exercising, the more you can stick to your goals and improve your health and fitness! — Article submitted by The Foam Factory, an online retailer of closed-cell foam rollers and bolsters, made from sturdy closed-cell polyethylene, in various diameters and lengths.
