Foam Rolling: Can It Rid You of That Dreaded Cellulite?

Cellulite Be Gone!

The benefits of Foam Rolling are huge but I do it mainly because it feels great!

About three years ago, I purchased a basic foam roller.  This was way before I heard about the potential for cellulite reduction via foam rolling.  My whole family laughed at me as I sat on the floor foam rolling while we watched TV.  Once I learned the benefits of foam rolling and felt how good it felt, I was hooked!

Foam Rolling, otherwise known as self-myofascial release, is a stretching technique that focuses on the neural and fascial systems of the body.  As a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certified Personal Trainer, I am a HUGE fan of foam rolling.  By applying gentle force to a “knot” the muscle fibers are released (and the discomfort is gone).

The best way to foam roll is to position the foam roller under your calf, in front of the hip (to get at the IT band), under the arm (to get your lats), on the back of the hip (to hit your piriformis) or inside the upper thigh (to hit your adductors).  Slowly roll up and down the specific area you are rolling to look for a tender spot.  Once you find that spot, hold pressure on the spot for a minimum of 30 seconds.  Keep this up and not only will you rid yourself of those tender spots but you may find yourself also falling in love with the process of foam rolling.

My clients always ask me what type of foam roller to buy.  I’m a huge fan of the 2 in 1 foam rollers. These tend to have a textured outer shell (my favorite to use) for the larger muscles and a smooth inside to use if the pressure of the outer shell is too much.


If you do not have a foam roller (although I strongly suggest you consider getting one) you can hit some targeted areas with a lacrosse or tennis ball.

But now- This just in- the news I just read this morning on Shape.com.  They are claiming that cellulite (which is housed by 80-90% of women after hitting puberty) could be reduced or eliminated by foam rolling.  Wait, what?!?!?!??!?  Is this possible?

So, here’s the theory, according to Shape.com and Dr. Batra, “cellulite is caused by fibrous tethers that course through fat and create dimples, fluid and toxin accumulation, and the breakdown of collagen and elastin.”  By foam rolling everyday for 5-20 minutes (and then ongoing maintenance of 3-4 times a week) you can create the illusion of a smoother appearance on the skin.

So, how can we test this?  I’m going to try it!  I will put my foam roller in front of the TV and commit to 20 minutes a day of TV and foam rolling (also a technique that I will use to avoid eating while watching television).  Then I will keep you posted on my results.  I may even share some photos if I feel they are informative.

I strongly encourage you to give it a try with me.  Let me know how it’s going.  As always, let’s grow younger together.

Sincerely, Lisa