A tip!

When to Foam Roll

 (Marissa Joseph, a personal trainer based in New York City and founder of Working Lines: Cross-Training for Professional Dancers (www.workinglines.org))

“There is almost no bad time to roll,” Joseph says. “If you had to pick one time for SMR*, however, I would tell you to roll out before class or rehearsal. SMR does a good job of promoting blood flow to the muscles you roll and irons out some of the kinks before a strenuous day’s work. Both effects are a vital part of preventing injury.”

Joseph adds that you should avoid SMR when your muscles are extremely sore. “Your muscles need time to heal when they are super sore, and foam rolling won’t help,” she says. “If your muscles are just a little sore, though, SMR is okay.”

*self-myofascial release (SMR)

Foam Rolling Works!

Joseph says she has had multiple success stories with clients who are dedicated with their foam rollers. Some have alleviated back, knee and foot pain.

Joseph says that foam rolling is imperative for athletes. And dancers are athletes! “It’s totally essential for health and should be done every day as part of your daily routine,” she says. “Even if you don’t feel you are particularly tight, I still recommend rolling. I couldn’t stress its importance enough.”

Read the article here.

Or read more on her personal blog here: www.workinglines.org