Self-myofascial release (SMR) is an excellent therapeutic practice that can be added to any athlete’s training program. It acts as a deep tissue massage and soft tissue manipulation.
Benefits include:
- improved flexibility and range of motion
- muscle recovery
- movement efficiency
- correcting inhibited or overactive muscles
- pain reduction
- stress/tension release
It focuses on the neural and fascial systems and works by alleviating myofascial trigger points and areas of hyper-irritability located within a band of muscle. Once a sensitive region has been identified, a therapy ball is held on that region for 30 seconds.
On-Demand SMR
As long as an athletes has therapy balls (or lacrosse balls or tennis balls), they can take advantage of all 20 anatomy-specific SMR videos on YAX Online! These videos are an excellent supplement to any training program by acting as a deep tissue massage and soft tissue manipulation.
Some yoga poses may be incorporated to increase joint range of motion (ROM), but the main focus will be on techniques using therapy balls.
The goal is to help athletes to restore optimal muscle movement and function as well as produce positive, feel-good results.
Not a YAX Online member? Sign up for a 7-day free trial on any plan and get access to all of our on-demand recovery content (including yoga, breathwork, meditation, mobility/SMR, and cool-downs).
How to Get Started with SMR
There are 2 ways to get started!
Lower Body Focus
Complete 1 video per week for 5 weeks.
- Week 1: Feet
- Week 2: Lower Leg – Shins
- Week 3: Knees – IT Bands
- Week 4: Upper Leg – Quads
- Week 5: Hips & Glutes
BINGO
Make it a game! Win by completing any 4 videos in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line. If you’re really ambitious, complete multiple lines or black out the whole card!
YAX Online Membership FAQs
What is included in membership?
Membership includes access to all of our recovery content including yoga, breathwork, meditation, mobility/SMR, and cool-downs. The Jump Training Program is available for an additional cost.
What is the difference between the subscriptions (Monthly, 6-Month, Yearly)?
Savings! If you are an individual athlete, or parent of an athlete, you can save 18% with the 6-Month plan or 25% with the Yearly plan. Get started with a 7-day free trial.
Can I sign my whole team up?
Yes, we have discounts available for teams! If you are a coach or club director get a quote on team pricing to get started.
Not a YAX Online member yet? Get started with a free trial!
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Yoga can be used as corrective exercise to improve sport-specific imbalances and prevent injury.
