Foam Roller

Techless

I am a relative newbie starting with the couch to 5k last year and now doing a couple of 5/8 k runs twice a week and also some speed training. I have been free of any injuries to date but am now feeling a little soreness in the hamstring area at the back of the leg.
I intend to give it a few days rest but have heard before that these "foam rollers" are very good and useful for help with sore muscles.
Any ideas appreciated if it would be worth getting one of these and, if so, where would the best place to get one (based in Dublin city centre)

NIMAN

I bought one when suffering from sciatica, to be honest never used it much but I know a couple of workmates who run a lot, and they swear by them.

You can pick them up cheaply in argos, that's where I bought mine.

Ososlo

http://www.eiremed.ie/grid-foam-roller-p-766.html

I have always used one ever since I started running.
They are great for 'ironing out' sore muscles and especially good for tight calf muscles. I haven't been to a physio for years and put down my good fortune to rolling regularly along with regular stretching and strengthening exercise.
Get yourself one in any sports shop. The grid one like the above is brilliant as it gets really deeply into the sore spots. Try and use it a few times a week. I think I got mine in Elvery's for about 25 quid.

Techless

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3197336/Trail/searchtext%3EFOAM+ROLLER.htm

What would be your opinion of the attached ?

Doesn't look its in stock anywhere.

Ososlo

Techless wrote: »

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3197336/Trail/searchtext%3EFOAM+ROLLER.htm

What would be your opinion of the attached ?

Yeah it looks good to me. Great bargain!

Ososlo

Techless wrote: »

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3197336/Trail/searchtext%3EFOAM+ROLLER.htm

What would be your opinion of the attached ?

Doesn't look its in stock anywhere.

Just saw your edit

Here's the one I got: http://www.elverys.ie/Product/usf-foam-roller-5x13-black/223579/0000002282

panda100

Newbie to foam rolling here too. Is it meant to be sore? Does anyone have a link to a good video or website that shows you how to foam roll?

Ososlo

panda100 wrote: »

Newbie to foam rolling here too. Is it meant to be sore? Does anyone have a link to a good video or website that shows you how to foam roll?

Yes it's meant to be sore. I did a great old session on Saturday and have bruises all over my legs from it still. It'd cost a fortune to get a physio to do that to me!
I'll try find a good video. There are many but not all are great.

BeepBeep67

Start off with a poor quality tennis ball - the hard ones that don't bounce much, mine was swiped from my pooch. I use a sliotar for my calves and hammies - it's brutal, but good
You'll be able to massage most areas with a bit of manipulation against the arm of a sofa, the wall or the floor.

aoboa

panda100 wrote: »

Newbie to foam rolling here too. Is it meant to be sore? Does anyone have a link to a good video or website that shows you how to foam roll?

Yeah. It's sore alright.
My general approach is to get it under the problem part (generally my calves) and slowly roll along until I hit a knot.
Then gently (and slowly) roll back and forth until I can add a little more weight and repeat until I have most of my bodyweight on it.
Works really well for getting rid of knotted muscles like that.
It is sore but you can feel the knots loosening out under you as you're doing it.

I use it sometimes as a general massage a few hours after long runs too on all the leg muscles but not focused on any particular spot.

iAcesHigh

Techless wrote: »

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3197336/Trail/searchtext%3EFOAM+ROLLER.htm

What would be your opinion of the attached ?

Doesn't look its in stock anywhere.

I would always rather just grid one like the one above, or probably best, mixed one as the one somebody below posted (http://www.elverys.ie/Product/usf-foam-roller-5x13-black/223579/0000002282). You can find cheap ones in Argos, T-Maxx or Pennies and similar stores.

My Physio actually told me to get one and it's true, this is just a magic, especially after longer or harder run or bike. Really hurts (I have low pain tolerance too!) but long term does everything and a bit more than I need!