Friday Fitness: Roll it Out - Quick!

 

Last Sunday, twenty of our guests and staff participated in the 25^th annual Firecracker 5K and it was without a doubt a big success. Everyone had a blast and achieved more than they ever expected. Hilton Head Health is definitly pumped up for the next race in August.

 

Anyways, this week’s Friday Fitness gives us a good chance to check in with our body and work flexibility back into the equation. Today, we’ve got three quick moves to stretch the tight IT Band, Quadriceps, and the calves using the unique foam roller.

 

The foam roller not only stretches tight muscles and tendons, but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions (aka a knot!) and muscle tissue.  By using your own body weight and a foam roller, you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and smooth tight muscles while increasing blood flow and circulation.

 

The use of a foam roller has been shown to relieve various muscle and joint pains such as IT band syndrome and shin splints as well as improving flexibility and range of motion. 

 

Foam rollers are inexpensive and with a bit of experimentation you can target just about any muscle group!