My foam roller and it’s other uses

I have this on off relationship with my foam roller. Sometimes were are inseparable and at other times it sits and gathers dust and I don’t give it a second look.

This got me thinking of the uses it has for me…other than giving me a painful massage.

Here are my top five (other) uses for my foam roller.

Use 1 – The Dryer

As part of my attempts at space saving I use my foam roller to help dry my socks and gloves.  I just don’t have the space on the radiator to fit everything on so the foam roller comes in really handy here…and technically I can’t get criticised for leaving my triathlon kit on the floor.

Use 2 – The Draught Excluder

Its pretty ineffective but better than nothing.  It turns our draughty gaps under the door into a mild breeze instead.

Use 3 – The Coat Hanger

I am living at my in-laws until we move into our new house and space is at a premium so my foam roller handily doubles as a dumping ground for my cycling kit.  Wedge it up in a corner and it is an ideal mini clothes horse.

Use 4 – The Bedside Table

The bedside table is not one that gets used regularly but its comforting to know my under used foam roller is right there if I suddenly have the urge to give my aching muscles a bit more pain…other than that it doubles as a mini bedside table for charging my Garmin and phone.  And yes…those are triathlon mags for my bedtime reading (sad I know).

Use 5 – The Foot-Stool

I think I’ve saved the best until last, my favourite.  It doubles as a great foot rest.  Basically I’m following doctors orders.  R.I.C.E.  I’m resting, the drinks are on ice, compression socks are on and my feet are elevated while watching the Six Nations.  See RICE – rest – ice – compression – elevation.

I’d love to find out what else I can use my foam roller for.  Any suggestions?

 

 

 

 

Pilates. Is it not just for girls?

My gym routine and training for triathlons was giving me a few aches, pains and my posture while swimming, cycling and running was not quite right.  The guys at Absolute Health were saying “Do Pilates”, my swim coach was saying “Do Pilates” and I thought I may as well give it a go.

Fitness workout plan for a new starter triathlete

Firstly I want to wish everyone a very happy New Year, and for those who have made resolutions I wish you well with completing them.  This is the first year in a long time I haven’t made any resolutions.  I find it hard to stick to them and if I am honest any resolutions I made I was already doing the previous year before.  One of the main recurring resolutions I had was to get myself fitter than I have ever been.

I was never a particular sporty kid.  I was absolutely always close to last at being picked for team games at school.  My parents are not sporty people and my mates, when growing up, we not sporty.

Only in the last few years have I decided to get myself fitter.  I wasn’t over weight, I wasn’t particularly unhealthy but I wanted to get fitter…and combat the emerging middle aged spread.  My main issue was that I didn’t know where or how to start.  I needed a bit of encouragement.

Proof a structured workout plan improves run times

I have published a couple of workouts but wanted to back them up with a bit of credibility and show that a structured plan improves run times…or at least has with me.

I had just completed the Blenheim Palace Sprint Triathlon, my first ever triathlon event. I really enjoyed it but I struggled towards the end.  I really struggled.  My run became my nemesis.

How I chiselled 2 minutes off my 5km PB

To help build up my running I do a routine that leaves my legs exhausted by the end. It is a short routine and doesn’t take too much brain power other than remembering how many sets you have done.

What to get the cyclist commuter for Christmas

I been cycling regularly to work for a while now. I really enjoy it but I like to have the essentials to make the journey a little bit easier and a bit more comfortable.

I cycle about 12 miles each way and it is a great way to combine fitness, being healthy, saving money on train/bus fares and doing your bit for the environment.

So if you out have anyone who cycles regularly and you want to treat them for a present here is my top ten ideas: