When is the best time to foam roll/massage?

[npcout]

So i plan to incorporate foam rolling and massage as a new addition in this offseason. I do not have time to do it daily, but when is best to do this.

For instance, I trained back today. Should I foam roll for recovery for my back tonight, the same day I trained it, or wait until tomorrow when its really sore?

Any other time it is important to massage?

 

[heavyhitter]

I do my foam rolling and flossing pre workout, and my stretching post workout.

 

[jm425]

You don't need to foam roll everyday. You can do a total body session twice a week like I do. I will workout in the am and do my foam rolling late afternoon or early evening so that all the knots and tightness in my body loosens up before I hit the hay. It feels even better if you foam roll after a hot shower or bath.

 

[heavyhitter]

I disagree. I prefer to do shorter sessions pre workout for the body part about to be trained. This breaks up adhesions which could impede blood flow as well as allowing for increased range of motion. But to each his own

 

[Google&Pubmed]

Post workout and then if possible stretch.

 

[myosaurus]

there was a time when i couldn't squat 135 without my knees killing me and I was a 600lb range squatter. incorporated foam rolling pre workout and started legs with hamstring curls like John meadow does and I;m squatting pain free again(except last week when I tried on new weightlifting shoes..., it makes your heels elevated and killed my knees..)

start from quads(middle/outer/inner), IT bands, piriformis, calves, hamstrings, lumbar, thoracic spine and you're ready!

 

[MidwestViking]

Do the foam rolling in the middle of the workout on the working body part. Fill the area with blood first and your compound movements, then roll. The rest of the workout you'll be able to get more blood in the muscle.

I've done that since I saw mountaindog do a video on it. And it has worked for me.

 

[chinaboy]

I don't think there is a best time. But you should be warmed up like exercising. I like all the different ways people use the foam roller as mentioned above. All good suggestions.

 

[Ashop]

So i plan to incorporate foam rolling and massage as a new addition in this offseason. I do not have time to do it daily, but when is best to do this.

For instance, I trained back today. Should I foam roll for recovery for my back tonight, the same day I trained it, or wait until tomorrow when its really sore?

Any other time it is important to massage?

I think you do it both ways if you wanted too. Personally I like my massage and stretching primarily on my OFF training days as part of my recovery.