So for most of 2018 I’ve been making YouTube videos but falling behind on making the corresponding blog posts or updating old blog posts to match the YouTube videos… and enough is enough! So here goes…!
As you probably know by now, I love foam rollers as a self massage tool and even have a guide on which one you should buy.
But other than self-massage, the foam roller is incredibly useful for increasing your thoracic extension (the ability to bend your upper back backwards) and stretching your lats, shoulders and chest. Here’s one of my favorite stretches!
This will feel quite good if you haven’t tried it before and make your shoulders a lot more “open” to have a nicer handstand or bridge, to boot! I used to do this daily for years before I exhausted the stretch. On the other hand, people who have impeccable thoracic extension won’t feel a thing. If you’re curious which roller is used above, it’s the TriggerPoint Therapy roller which is one of my favorite basic ones.
BONUS VIDEO + TIP!
Use the weight of your pupper (or anything, really) to increase the pressure of the roller against your upper back!
Hope that helps!