The foam roller. Everyone’s least favorite torture device. For those of you that have taken my Revolutions class, I tend to joke around about my foam roller’s main purpose is for decoration. It sits in the corner of my apartment collecting dust and gives me the “guilties” every time I glance at it. We know foam rolling is essential for recovery– especially if you’re taking tons of classes at uforia. All those sprints on the bike, twerking in Hip Hop and squats in Grit make for strong, but tight muscles. However so we may be, we still don’t rush to reach for that sucker! So it stays in the corner. Collecting dust. Well, brush off that dust and let’s get to work!
I recently listened to a podcast on the fascia and how it related to our entire well-being (body, mind, and soul). I learned that it wasn’t until 2007 that research started to reveal that this outter casing of the muscle is critical; it not only creates the shape of our bodies, but it’s essential for maintaining alignment, vitality and function. More recent research has discovered the impact it has on our mentality, and the mental stresses that we endure can ultimately show up in our bodies; it can start right there in the fascia. When we are stressed, we store toxins and these toxins create energy (called “chi” in Chinese medicine) blocks where the stagnation can wreck havoc on our bodies.
This really resonated with me since “stress” might as well be my middle name. I know I’m not the only one here! In fact, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t experience some sort of stress throughout their days! I found myself asking how many times I have experienced a stressful situation(s) and bare minimum, I wake up the next day with neck or back pain. With so much conflicting information out there in regards to our health and bodies, sometimes the only way to see if this particular research is acurate is to actually do the work.
That’s why I decided to create this challenge, and get fellow uforia Rockstars on board with me. We have 21 days straight of foam rolling, with each day focusing on a different area of the body. We’ll be documenting this process, observing how we feel, and check-in as we get further and further into the challenge.
Follow along on Instagram or reach out to me if you would like to join. Cross your fingers that we’re on our way to reducing stress, tension and ultimately those aches and pains.
Let’s get rollin’!
P.S. Did you know uforia was mentioned in Well+Good’s Best Fitness Studios in America? Our feature is shown below, or Click here to read about it!