How many of you stretched after your last workout? Yeah, even if I could see a show of hands, I think that showing would be slim.
I, too, am guilty of skipping the stretch part of my workout. Although I know it's good for me, sometimes even us trainers don't always do what's expected of us.
One thing I have found to help offset my lack of stretching, though, is rolling.
While I may not have the time right after my workout for those pesky, good-for-me stretches, I always have some spare time in the evening to roll out my tired and shortened muscles.
A lot of people have heard of foam rolling, which is awesome. Foam rolling is a form of myofas-cial release, which is just a fancy word for working out the kinks and knots in the muscles.
While foam is one of the more popular ways to roll the muscles of the body, I much prefer the Travel Roller as my human rolling pin.
I took a course with the developers a few years ago, and their workshop has always stayed with me.
First off, most foam rollers are too large for our bodies, and the act of rolling on them will actually do more harm to the muscle cell than good. A Travel Roller, on the other hand, is ergonomically correct to fit all users (as long as you are under 6'5").
Second, foam will break down, losing its compression and shape over time. A Travel Roller, on the other hand, will not. The inside cylinder, or core, is made of eco-friendly plastic, enveloped with a lightly padded sheaf.
Inside the core you will also find three acupressure balls, varying in density.
Foam rollers don't have a fancy compartment like that.
Apparently, you can even store a bottle of wine inside your Travel Roller. Not sure if I recommend drinking and rolling, but it's neat party trick nonetheless.
The Travel Roller is also designed for... well, travel.
Yes, it is small enough to easily pack in your suitcase, which is kind of cool.
It's like bringing your own personal massage therapist on vacation with you.
Other benefits to rolling are:
. Increased blood flow throughout the body, making this a great warm-up tool as well.
. Rolling, on a regular basis, will also help prevent injuries. I thank my lucky stars for the day I met the Travel Roller. It has not only helped me to stay loose, but has also helped me to continue training like a frenzied banshee - well into my 40s.
. Rolling has also proven to be successful in improving an athlete's balance, coordination and stamina.
So, if it can work on an athlete, just think of what it can do for us regular folk.
. Finally, rolling will also help improve your spinal alignment and posture.
Great news for all you desk-jockeys out there.
If you are looking to purchase a Travel Roller, check out Fitness Town (www. fitnesstown.ca) or Travel Roller's own website for more information (www. travelroller.com).
P.J. Wren is a local personal trainer and writer in the Delta area. You can check out her show Fitness with P.J. on Delta TV, or find her at www.gofitgals. com.
