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SMR Rolling: A Simple Hack for Amazing Health

Who knew that you, plus a foam cylinder that looks like a little fat pool noodle, could
equal better health?
SMR (self-myofascial release), also called foam rolling, is a set of easy techniques for
reducing and recovering from injuries, easing muscle pain, and losing weight. This
form of therapy is used to relieve knots, called adhesions, in soft tissue to restore
muscle motion and elasticity. It works by harnessing the power of increased
circulation and oxygen in the bloodstream. SMR is far more effective than traditional
stretching exercises.


The SMR technique is fast to learn. It’s a simple series of bodily movements back and
forth over the top of the foam roller—that’s it! Though SMR isn’t completely
painless, the health benefits of this deep tissue massage more than make up for the
discomfort. And the more you practice it, the easier it gets.
The Many Benefits of SMR
SMR works on the principle of the interdependency of muscles. That is, when one
muscle isn’t functioning at its optimal level, another muscle will compensate and
become overstressed. This confuses our central nervous system and causes bodily
fatigue, imbalances, and a host of other issues.


Without going too far into f neuromuscular anatomy, SMR works by reducing the
tension in the soft tissues. SMR has a surprising number of physical benefits:


 Speeds Recovery from Injury
 Relaxes Muscles
 Increases Range of Joint Motion
 Improves Neuromuscular Efficiency
 Eases Post-Workout Pain
 Adjusts Muscle Tone
 Corrects Posture
 Burns Fat and Cellulite
 Breaks Down Scar Tissue


How to Get Started with SMR
To do SMR, all you need is an inexpensive SMR roller. Most are less than $20. To use
it, you place the roller between your body and the floor and use your body weight to
put pressure on the roller. Then you perform a series of exercises designed to
maximize the combination of your body weight, its pressure on the roller, and the
floor. Usually, this is done by “stacking” your legs or moving your legs singly or

together. The exercises are simple to perform, but it’s recommended that a trained
health and fitness professional show you how to do them correctly.
The key to effective SMR is starting slowly. It takes some getting used to, but the
more you practice, the more bodily pressure you will be able to apply. With subtle
pressure adjustments, you can learn to target problem areas and maximize the
benefits.
SMR is an easy, inexpensive way to keep your body in top condition. Try it, and you
will be amazed by the benefits!