Flexibility is a key contributor to success in athletic performance, resistance or
speed workouts, or any other endeavor that requires a particular range of
motion (ROM). However, heavy workouts and tight muscles can create
restricted ROM; as muscles break down during a workout, and then heal and
strengthen during recovery, they can become shorter and tighter. This can set
an athlete up for injury if they push themselves to reach a previously
experienced ROM without sufficient flexibility.

In the past few decades stretching before and/or after a workout has been the
most common technique for improving flexibility. The most common form of
stretching has traditionally been “static stretching” where a stretch is extended
to the tension point and then held, either as long as possible or for a particular
number of seconds. However, static stretching has come under criticism for a
tendency to contribute to injury, while showing few measurable improvements
in ROM and flexibility.

Foam rolling is an excellent replacement for static stretching pre- and postworkout.
By reducing fascial restrictions and adhesions foam rolling increases
flexibility without static stretching’s tendency to contribute to injury. Foam
rolling meets the goals, without the dangers.