Take Your Yoga Practice to the Next Level with the Help of a Foam Roller

You’ve probably heard about and seen foam rollers, but still don’t know how and why people use them. These small pieces of equipment are primarily used for massaging sore muscles after working out or running, and are also the perfect addition to your yoga practice. Incorporating foam rollers in your yoga routine is a great way to develop a range of motions and flexibility, tone muscle, and much more.

Yoga is a type of exercise that is mainly focused on putting the body into different positions to challenge the overall body capacity and improve well-being. And since a lot of common yoga poses are very similar to foam roller exercises, it is fairly easy to add this piece of equipment to your yoga session. Whether you are a yogi or still new to it, there are so many benefits that you can reap from using a foam roller. Check out some of the ways to start using this fitness equipment into your yoga routine.

Savasana Without Lower Back Tensing Up

Sit with your legs in front of you a bit apart and place the foam roller under your knees. Gently lie down on your back, with your arms on either side of you. Take deep breaths while you stay in this position.

Improve Your Upward Facing Dog

Use a foam roller in the upward facing dog position to help you release your quads and control the depth of your back. Make sure that the roller is placed under your thighs and not your knees.

Take Your Planks to the Next Level

Place a foam roller on your thigh above your knee to build strength in different types of planks and side planks while releasing your IT bands. Place your top foot on the ground, in front of your back knee for enhanced stability or to be able to roll.

Supported Fish Position

Do a supported fish position modification on a foam roller to open your thoracic spine. With your bra line rested on the roller, and your head dropped back while supported by your hands, take a few crunches to mobilize the spine – it will do wonders in improving your thoracic spine mobility.

A Bolster For any Pose

Use a foam roller for any pose that calls for a bolster. While seated, place the roller lengthwise behind your sitz bones and gently lie back so your head and upper back are supported by the roller. Once you’re in a comfortable position, place your feet together and knee apart, and allow your arms to relax on either side of your body. Take as much deep breaths as you want.