[altoids]

I've gotten a foam roller, and I really like it, but I'm not sure <b>when</b> I'm supposed to be using it.<br><br>
Can you use it right before a run? Right after?<br><br>
Or should you use at other times instead?

 

[Buxtehude]

I don't have any wisdom for you, but can you tell me where you bought it?

 

[diablita]

I love my foam roller, and bought it at a Relax the Back store.<br><br>
I don't use mine before a run, but afterwards. I'm not sure if it would actually be bad to use it beforehand, but I do think you'll get better results if you use it when your muscles are already a bit warm. And I miss my foam roller! I could SO use it up here -- my hamstring would not budge on Friday afternoon while skiing. Try turning on that.

 

[altoids]

I think I bought mine at <a href="http://www.zombierunners.com" target="_blank">www.zombierunners.com</a>.<br><br>
I've been wanting to use it post-run, but I was a little nervous that it damage something. Good to know that it's a-ok to use it then.

 

[altoids]

Follow-up question: does anyone roll their shins? HOW? It's all bony and it hurts.

 

[merigayle]

I do not roll my shins, but i roll everything from my butt to my hip to my ITB to my calfs to my back <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I use it prior to runs to help stretch out and then whenever i think about it otherwise <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> [/i]

 

[Shadow38]

<br>
Do you think its necessary to always warm up before rolling?

 

[Durt]

not necessarily, but it may be more effective if you muscles are loosened up a bit.

 

[runbikesink]

I try to use mine after I'm warmed up, but anytime is better than no time. You can roll the shins but it's hard to get a lot of pressure and you aren't supposed to roll right on the bone. You roll just off to the side of the bone.