How To Loosen Tight Muscles With These 6 Foam Roller Moves

Why Use Self Myofascial Release?

SMR focuses on the neural and fascial systems in the body that can be negatively influenced by poor posture, repetitive motions, or dysfunctional movements.

These mechanically stressful actions are recognized as an injury by the body, initiating a repair process called the Cumulative Injury Cycle. SMR is based on the principle of autogenic inhibition. When the body’s pressure against the foam roller is sustained on the trigger point, it will “turn off” the muscle spindle activity allowing the muscle fibers to stretch, unknot, and realign. A reduction of pain SMR often accompanies this release.

For as little as $25 you can find a basic foam roller and in 10 minutes, begin that well-needed release your muscles need to stay pain-free.

Take a look at all the awesome health benefits of foam rolling and get some more tips if you’re new to foam rolling.

Guidelines Before You Start Foam Rolling

Foam rolling activities should be done on muscles and tissues you identify as tight, stressed, or overactive. Most people can enjoy foam rolling on their own once instructed on how to properly perform the exercises.

During the exercises, it is important to maintain core stability. Use the drawing-in maneuver (pulling the navel in toward the spine) to maintain stability.

6 Foam Roller Moves To Loosen Tight Muscles

Here are six simple foam rolling moves that cover the majority of common muscle issues.

For each move, spend at least 30 seconds rolling slowly and gently, and if you find a “knot” or trigger point in the muscle you are rolling, stop for a few seconds and let the roller apply pressure to that spot.

It will be uncomfortable initially, but keep breathing and let the roller do its work. Momentary discomfort will lead to long-term relief!

It will also make future workouts better and prevent injury in the long run.

How to Foam Roll Your Back

1) Begin in a slightly reclined position with the foam roller under your mid-back, feet hip-width apart.

2) Walk your feet slowly forward as the roller glides up your back. Stop and concentrate on any tight areas. (Note: do not foam roll the low back. Try a massage ball on either side of the spine to help relieve tight muscles.) 

3) Move forward and back for 30-60 seconds.

How to Foam Roll Calves

1) Begin in a seated position with the foam roller directly under the top of your calves and your hands just behind your hips.

2) Lift your hips off the ground and slowly pull your body backward, so the roller glides up your calf. Move back and forth gently for 30 seconds, stopping at any tight areas.

How to Foam Roll Hamstrings

1) Begin seated with hands behind you, hips off the floor, and a foam roller under your right hamstring.

2) Keep the right leg relaxed and long with the left knee bent over the roller and the left foot on the ground.

2) Begin to press into the left foot on the ground, slowly moving the body back as the foam roller rolls down the right hamstring. Keep your right leg relaxed as you roll.

3) Glide up and down the muscle for 30-60 seconds, concentrating on any tighter areas.

4) Switch sides.

Get More Hamstring Relief: Hamstring Stretch Routine To Loosen Tightness

How to Foam Roll Your IT Band

1) Lay on your right side with your forearm down, and the foam roller placed just above the knee joint.

2) Bend the left knee and place the left foot in front of the right foot.

3) Relax your right leg as you slowly roll yourself back, so the foam roller glides up your leg. Move gently back and forth for 30-60 seconds, concentrating on any tight areas.

4) Switch sides.

How to Foam Roll Lats

1) Lay on your back with the foam roller at armpit level, knees bent with feet on the floor, and hands behind the back of your head.

2) Twisting slightly to the right, push slowly into your feet so your body begins to move back, and the roller glides down along your lats on the right. Return slowly to start.

2) Repeat for 30-60 seconds concentrating on any tight areas.

4) Switch sides.

How to Foam Roll Quads

1) Begin face down with a foam roller beneath the top of the thighs and hands below the chest with arms slightly bent.

2) Slowly press arms to be straight, pulling the body upward and forward so the foam roller glides across the front of the thighs.

3) If you choose, you can lean your body weight onto one leg and roll and then switch to the other instead of rolling both evenly.

4) Gently continue to push and pull the roller over the thighs for 30-60 seconds, concentrating on any tight areas.

Try these rolling moves before and/or after any workout, or use them at home any time you need to release your tightness or knots. You can do them daily, but 2-3 times a week is recommended.

Foam Rolling FAQs

Who foam rolling is best for:

Foam rolling and self-myofascial release (SMR) is for most people. Some conditions contraindicate the practice; however, when in doubt, check with a professional for any potential health conditions. Foam rollers are good for anyone who sits a lot and moves a lot and anyone who loves to work out a lot.

Should you foam roll before or after a workout?

The question is often raised as to whether foam rolling before a workout or after would be better.

And the answer is pretty straightforward: You should definitely take some time to foam roll before your workout, and then you could consider rolling out the knots after your workout with the help of a roller.

You will gain the most benefit from foam rolling by doing it before a workout, though.

What about vibrating foam rollers?

The effects of adding vibrating foam rollers to SMR remain unstudied. Vibrating foam rollers often cost double the price of traditional foam rollers. However, vibration may simply feel good on your muscles. If you like vibration, you also may be more inclined to foam roll for longer.

What are the best foam rollers on Amazon?

1. High Density (different length) Foam Roller 
2. Trigger Point Foam Roller
3. Medium Density Foam Roller
4. Electric Foam Roller 
5. Trigger Point Massage Ball –  I use this daily for my low back pain routine. Great for targeted areas!
6. Hyperice Sphere Massage Ball
7. Massage Roller Stick