What to Wear When Foam Rolling

 

With any activity, safety is top priority. You want to know where your foam roller and any other equipment is at all times to avoid tripping. You also want to dress for the occasion.

I recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, fitted to your comfort level.

Tops and Bottoms

Looser tops and shorts can get caught under the foam roller.

If you have a loose tank top or t-shirt, tuck it into your leggings or shorts.

If wearing a hoodie, gather it up into your hands when rolling your upper back and lats.

Fabric

If you use a smooth roller (without much grippy texture), avoid wearing your slipperiest leggings and tops.

You want to move freely on your foam roller without slipping.

Hair

If you have long hair, a high bun is a great option.

When rolling your upper back and lats, gather any loose hair into your hands and hold it while you roll.

Barefoot or Shoes

Another safety factor is footwear. Don’t roll in socks, unless they’re barre socks with grips on the bottoms.

It’s best to foam roll barefoot or in athletic shoes, with your roller placed on a non-slip surface like a yoga mat.

Foam rolling the feet feels great, and I incorporate that into many of my livestream Zoom and on-demand classes.

Person foam rolling with hair in a high bun
 
Amy Hoey