When I switched my workouts to functional training, several of the coaches I follow recommended using foam rolling to help with recovery. I was familiar with foam rolling because I did this when I was doing functional training before. Since I’m older now and made this switch because of an injury, I jumped right back into foam rolling.
There are some significant differences to how I approach it now vs. when I when I first tried it in my early 40s.
- Back then it was an afterthought. I foam rolled at the end of my workouts to relax. Now I do it before and after my workouts.
- I spent many hours watching YouTube videos on foam rolling techniques for performance from trainers and for injury rehab from Physical Therapists & Doctors.
- I bought a lacrosse ball to work particularly stubborn knots and to do specific shoulder rehab rolling.
- I don’t workout without foam rolling first. I consider it a prehabilitation tool that helps reduce the risk of injuries.
But, I must admit, once I work through any painful knots, it leaves me feeling pretty good.
I had one professional massage many decades ago. A coworker’s daughter who was attending massage therapist school came to our store to do $20 neck and shoulder chair massages. It was OK but nothing special.
On the other hand, my wife was the absolute best at giving back rubs, foot massages and head scratchings. From the day we met until she was no longer able to do them, I benefited from her magic hands and outstanding fingernails. Plus she loved me. She was the greatest.
Many people recommend day spas, sports massages and deep tissue massages. I’m sure they must feel good. But when I see the prices, I have to pass. It’s too rich for my blood. What if I liked it?