Flexibility is a part of our lives that many of us overlook. It is needed to perform everyday activities, 
such as getting out of bed, cleaning, or interacting with children. As such, it is essential to improve flexibility and include flexibility training as part of your regular fitness routine because it enhances performance in aerobic training and muscular conditioning.
Foam rollers are great to use to improve flexibility and range of motion, but their size prevents them from targeting every area. Luckily, there are products that are just as effective as a foam roller, but they can target areas that a foam roller can’t reach.
Listed below are 5 essential items you can use to improve flexibility:
- A smaller foam roller
A foam roller that you use for your back isn’t going to do anything for your feet. A smaller foam roller, like the BLACKROLL® MINI is perfect for targeting smaller parts of your body. It’s safer to use than a tennis ball, which can shoot out from under your foot.
- Resistance bands
Resistance bands can help you get deeper into a stretch. Using exercise bands, such as CanDo® Band or Sup-R Band® can help you move through your full range of motion, activate muscles, and stretch. You can use strips of bands or pre-made band loops to perform these exercises.
- Massage stick
A massage stick, like the Tiger Tail, works just as well as a foam roller, but its small size allows you to keep on at your work desk, in your gym bag, or in your suitcase. A massage stick also lets you control the amount of pressure applied to a certain area and the direction of the roll.
- Massage Ball
Massage balls, like the BLACKROLL® Ball, are designed to get into the small nooks and crannies of your body. Smaller muscles in your shoulders, pecs, and shins can be easily targeted and relieved by using a ball. You can use it just by rolling it over the surface of your muscle. Increase pressure by using it while leaning against a wall or on the floor. You can use a larger ball to target larger areas, such as the hamstrings or calves.
- Spinal Roller
Spinal rollers can help to reduce tension and pain in the upper, mid, and lower-back. Opening up the different areas of your back can help to prevent unnecessary stress on the lower back. These rollers are often peanut-shaped (see the BakBall® or the BLACKROLL® Duoball for an example) are designed to roll along your spine.
Any of these products can provide targeted flexibility training. FEI is a product manufacturer or distributor for all the tools listed above. Contact us at sales@fab-ent.com or your local sales representative for more information today.