5 Moves with the Foam Roller.

Hi, I’m Mel Sole, Director of Instruction at the Mel Sole Golf School, headquartered at Pawleys Plantation Golf and Country Club in Pawleys Island, SC.  We conduct 1, 2 and 3-day golf schools, hourly golf lessons, and senior golf schools—any golf instruction program your heart desires. Give us a call at 800-624-4653 or 843-237-4993.  We will be happy to book a commuter school or a package that contains accommodations, golf, and golf school.

Golf Blog by the Mel Sole Golf School.

I have been using a foam roller and a massage stick on and off for several years.  After reading this article by Ron Kaspriske of Golf Digest and watching the video of trainer Michael Cummings working with long bomber Tony Finau of the PGA Tour, it made me realize just how much I was missing.  I am all about stretching, but doing the stretching routine without following up with a foam roller is like having a peanut and jelly sandwich without the peanut butter!  Next week, I am on a program of using the foam roller regularly both before and after my workouts.  I think you should do the same!

I'll admit that I was a little late to the game in embracing soft-tissue manual therapy (AKA "foam rolling). Maybe it's just me, but feeling a little sore between workouts was a welcome reminder that I worked my muscles harder than normal.

But all of that changed last year after I began foam rolling regularly. Now I'm a firm believer that it is key to improving flexibility, relieving soreness, and reducing the risk of injury—either in the gym or on the golf course. Top fitness experts such as Ben Shear, Mark Verstegen, and Mike Boyle have been touting its benefits for years. My resistance to embrace it simply came from the notion that gym goers are looking for ways to reduce time exercising, not add to their already busy workouts.

OK, speech over. In speaking with the experts and testing their beliefs, I've come up with five foam-rolling hacks that will help you adopt it into your workout routine much easier and smarter.

1. Buy an adjustable-density roller.

When you first start foam rolling, you won't believe how sensitive certain muscles are to the applied pressure. The first time I hit my quadriceps with one, I nearly jumped to the rafters of my gym. So buying a roller that allows you to adjust the firmness of pressure is key. That way you can start with a soft massage and gradually adjust the firmness when your muscles aren't so sensitive to the pressure. This all-in-one massage kit from Travelroller is pretty handy.

These handy little items will help you hit areas that are too awkward to massage with a foam roller. They are particularly good for your calves. And if your calves are tight, you're putting yourself in harm's way when it comes to knee injuries. The athletic-performance equipment company SKLZ makes a variety of other massagers that hit those hard to reach areas. Check them out.

Related Posts.