As I’ve been working on getting and keeping my legs happy I have been very diligent about two things – my strengthening exercises and Yamuna Body Rolling. I did a post about Yamuna back when my mom was probably my only reader (Thanks Mom!) – so I thought I’d re-visit some of the reasons why Yamuna Body Rolling is my go-to choice these days for working out the kinks.
Yamuna Body Rolling (YBR) utilizes several different-sized balls for different parts of your body. The idea is that the compression of these balls into bones, tendons, muscles, and fascia releases restrictions. So how does it differ from foam rolling? Each ball is designed with a specific density and size and meant to be used for specific areas. As such, Yamuna balls can be used on more areas of the body, offering more flexibility and, therefore, more advantages than foam rollers.
YBR essentially uses the muscles as a roadmap to the body. YBR routines follow specific sequences that match the body’s own logic and order. Starting where each muscle begins, at its origin, you roll toward where it attaches to the point called its insertion. According to the YBR website, by following specific muscles from their beginning to end, you can maximize their length and restore space in your body. This direct approach affects your stuck, adhered tissue, helping to improve its health, balance and circulation while restoring length in a way that stretching alone just can’t.
I was first introduced to YBR by a Pilates teacher (who also happens to be a kick-ass marathoner), and I took classes to learn the various rolling routines. If you want to try YBR I’d highly recommend either learning from a trained Yamuna practitioner or getting one of the DVDs usually sold with the balls so you can learn the best ways to use the balls.
Have you ever tried YBR? What’s your go to method for working out the kinks?
Rolling is what saved me and allowed me to run half-marathons! I was doing everything right yet still getting injured. Rolling solved it. I mostly “work” on my glutes and IT band. Nice post!
How great to hear rolling’s worked so well for you!
(((need to need to need to as per my post today need to)))
I’ve never heard of this but it sounds awesome. I am all for some body rolling!
this is so interesting! i’ve never heard of this but am SO intrigued!
Never heard of it but sounds cool. I usually use a combination of the following: roller, tennis ball, Tiger Tail and I have a ball similar to those YBR balls, but forget what it’s called. It’s like the size of the black ball in your picture above.
I’ve never heard of YBR either, but it sounds good! I’m glad that I’ve really started foam rolling after my runs. This sounds like the next level!
OHH I totally need to try this!! I’ve been thinking that the roller just isn’t get some spots well enough
That’s what really drew me to YBR – that I can really get to some points that the roller can’t!
My chiropractor swears by these balls!! I must try it!
Never heard of this one! Very intrigued. I have a neighbor who is almost done with a year of pilates instructor training. I’ll have to pick her brain on it.
Definitely Amanda – I’d be curious to know if she’s familiar with YBR.
Interesting! I’ve never heard of this. I can’t tell from the picture – how big are they?
Coco they range from 10 inches down to 4 inches in diameter.
I have never heard of this specific type of rolling but maybe I should because I hate the roller… I really do… even if it is so helpful 🙂
This is new to me! Seems like it just might do the trick for hitting the spots the roller misses.
Michelle’s comments about YBR are spot on!
I am a certified Yamuna Body Rolling instructor trained at the Yamuna studio in NYC. I am also a runner and I have helped lots of athletes learn the benefits of YBR in my home town of Tampa, Florida and in other locations with the help of Skype. Recently I have been working with a runner and endurance athlete that is pain free for the first time in 3 years as a result of YBR!
You can contact me via my website http://www.rollforfitness.com
That’s awesome Emily – YBR really can be a game changer!