It’s like a heated, mega-size, vibrating foam roller.
I’m a firm believer in the benefits of foam rolling.
It taught methe power of recoveryfor getting through long training days and months.
Photo: Body Roll Studio // Piret Aava
Research backs up some of the benefits of foam rolling, too.
She also cautioned that some people get subtle bruising or experience soreness the next day.
(FWIW, this could also occur with other intensive recovery methods, including adeep tissue massage.)
I started my sessionmassaging my feet I must for runners.
(Thank goodness for the curtains because some positions definitely felt a bit awkward.)
But my favorite aspect of the machine was the warmth, thanks to the infrared light in the center.
That was my mistake, considering I did the session about three days before the virtual Asics race.
“This will actually delay your recovery process, as there is now increased localized inflammation.”
(Note to self: More pressure does not mean more benefits.)
So, if you’re like me and often push through discomfort, proceed with caution.
It may also help to further remove waste products like lactic acid, he adds.
“This is one way infrared light can be beneficial post-activity and promote recovery.”
It’s the spa experience your body and mind probably need right now.
