Foam roller anyone?

[practicallyperfectinmyway]

I've been watching folks @ gym using a foam roller and am wondering if anyone here has used one, which type, difference it's made and any tips?

Just curious before I go for it.

[MeNeedSleep]

I use one after every run and swear by it for staving off injury. That and stretching.
I have a short trigger point one, which is more painful than the smooth ones but you get used to it!

[naturalbaby]

You need to have a vague idea of what you're rolling and why. I use a plain roller for the whole of my back and thighs - but I was told to only roll just above the knee and hip crease, not the whole thigh. Also small hard balls (lacrosse ball) are really useful for smaller areas - I used one on my upper back and lower neck - where all the tension builds up. If you do it properly it hurts like hell but is as good as a massage from a physio if you get it right.

On youtube mobility wod is excellent - he explains what you should do and why.

[Cantseethewoods]

I use a padded plastic roller on my upper and lower quads, glutes and calves before stretching and to get rid of knotty bits. I'm a runner with a tendency towards tightness and running with tight muscles is similar to running with the handbrake on.