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If you’ve been exercising, or doing a lot of yardwork and housework, or even sitting at your desk for hours on long workdays, you may have a lot of sore muscles– and the thought of a massage might sound heavenly.
However, we’re trying to be financially smarter and save money wherever possible, so those weekly trips to the masseuse may not fit into the budget.
But health is very important too, and I subscribe to the saying “Your Health is Your Wealth.”
So, what should you do?
You can give yourself a massage – foam roller style! That plan may have you going, “Really? Can I use a foam roller to truly give myself a good massage?”
Well, let me tell you, the short answer is a resounding: YES!
I’ve been doing the 80-day Obsession workout program by Autumn Calabrese (Beachbody), and that means I’ve been super sore all the time.
Well, luckily the program comes with a 20-minute foam roller video by Autumn. I was skeptical at first too. I just wanted to take a rest day, but I decided to do it anyway since it was only twenty minutes. And I’m so glad I did!
Autumn’s foam roller video has been giving me the will to keep going through this 80-day program. It is AMAZING! With just a mat and a foam roller, she teaches you how to massage all your sore muscles, and I swear it’s as good as paying a masseuse. I’ve been giving myself a foam roller massage every Sunday and, besides being a free quality massage, it cuts down on how sore I am as well.
10 Reasons You Should Try a Foam Roller Massage
1. It is free.
Since you’re giving yourself the massage, you don’t have to pay for it–plus no need to give yourself a tip! Super budget-friendly, indeed. If you don’t have a foam roller, you can get this one on Amazon for only $14. If you have a beachbody on demand subscription, you can follow along with Autumn on 80DO Phase 1, Day 7. (They also offer a 14-day free trial.) Otherwise, you can search for some YouTube videos that will show you some moves to try.
2. The massage can last as long as you want.
You’ve got all the time in the world. There’s no 30-minute or 60-minute countdown to when you know the masseuse will tell you time’s up.
3. You can do it as often as you want.
Besides no massage time limit, there’s no limit to the frequency. You could give yourself a daily massage if you wanted, and save thousands of dollars! It’s all up to you and your schedule.
4. You can focus on the muscles that need extra attention.
You can feel exactly where you need extra attention, and you are in control without the need to try to relay the information to a masseuse.
5. Massage loosens up your muscles.
If you’ve ever gotten a massage when your muscles feel stiff and sore, you’ll know what I mean here. Your muscles will feel so much better and looser after a massage.
6. It prevents soreness.
Same for soreness. Your muscles will be looser, less sore, and you’ll love how much better you feel even into the following day. I will literally go from feeling so sore that I don’t want to move, to having no soreness the next day.
7. Injuries are less likely.
And you’re less likely to injure yourself because you’re taking care of your muscles and helping them heal faster.
8. It feels so good!
I think this is the number one reason to give yourself a massage with a foam roller (after the whole “free” reason, of course)!!! When I did this the first time, I could not believe how great it felt on my muscles. It was incredible to me that I could give myself a massage that felt that good when I thought I had to pay big bucks for it.
9. You can do it at home.
Since you can give yourself a massage at home, you can stay in your pajamas or even light candles. Whatever ambiance you prefer, it’s your choice!
10. And did I mention it’s free???
It’s FREE, other than the initial investment of a foam roller, so give it a try. What do you have to lose? Worst-case scenario: if you decide you don’t like it, you won’t have money guilt and you don’t have to do it again. But I highly doubt that’s how you’ll feel about it.
Me and my new foam roller friend:
Read about other great self-care options that are budget-friendly on Frugal Thumb:
3 comments
I think you should post a video!! 😀
Haha! And then everyone could laugh at me rolling around on the ground!
I’ll think about it.