On a Roll!

For this Workout of the Week, you might say we’re “on a roll” … foam rollers, that is. "We see them a lot in a physical therapy environment," says personal trainer Gigi Filer. She also knows most of us see them at the gym, but we aren’t using them. "They're also a great tool to work your body as well, not just treat it, but work it and get it to look better!"

The biggest benefit comes from lack of balance. Anytime you're on an unstable surface, more muscles have to work to keep you on there," Gigi explains. The first move she has us try is a familiar one, but a crunch feels very unfamiliar on the roller. Once we add or legs into the mix and try a torso twist, things are getting tough and we’re falling onto the floor!

The bonus – abdominals aren’t the only body part being blasted. "Do you see how this inner thigh is having to work to keep you balanced?” asks Gigi, “and your glutes and quads have to engage as well."

The roller is ideal for targeting your backside. Bridges and hamstring curls take on a different feel, just like other traditional moves. We are weebling and wobbling the whole time and working harder than we expected.

Believe it or not - there's even more to do with half the roller! "You're just going to put one foot on the foam roller and the other foot off to the side, and hold your balance on one foot," Gig instructs us. The stabilizers in our lower legs are working like crazy, and things get more challenging when we add resistance. For Sonya that means doing overhead presses with a body bar. For me it means holding a small resistance ball in each hand while doing various arm moves. Then Gigi pulls another trick out of her training bag. "You're going to toss me the ball,” she says with a grin. “What?!?!" I exclaim. A game of catch becomes a game of chance as we struggle to stay upright and feel every muscle twitching.

You can also do planks, pushups and Pilates moves on the roller. Adding this tool to your routine will have you “rolling” toward your fitness goals in no time!

To find a foam roller of your own, visit any sports store or retailers like Target and Wal-Mart or shop online. Depending on size, you’ll spend between five and twenty-five dollars.

Have a healthy week!
EEK
Erin.Kiernan@whotv.com