What is Self-Myofascial Release (SMFR)?

SMFR is a soft-tissue conditioning, self-care fitness format that uses the various tools such as tennis balls/massage balls) for self-myofascial release (self-massage). This may include breath work, CheckIn and ReCheck, elements of alignment, anatomy instruction and mental awareness (such as conscious relaxation).

Self-massage relieves aches and pains, enhances breathing, reduces stress and improves your posture and performance. To understand how it works, you must first understand that the body is made up of multiple layers of connective tissue (fascia) that weaves and winds its way around every part of your body’s parts, connecting (and separating) you from head to toe.

Massage Balls improve the slide and glide between the fascial layers which translates into ease of movement, release of tension, and reduction of discomfort. The grippy texture of our massage therapy balls work by gently locking into all the tissue layers, from the surface of the skin, to the spongy superficial fascia underneath, and further within towards deep fascia. As the balls roll along the skin, they create massive shear that heats, calms, and lengthens not only the targeted tissues but the associated tissues as well.

As a Yoga TuneUp® certified teacher, my classes are based and inspired by this style of self inquiry and out-of-the-box thinking and practice.

What’s the difference between SMFR and Yoga Tune Up®?

Yoga Tune Up® (YTU) is a program developed around the three P’s – Pain, Posture and Performance. It helps eradicate pain, improve posture and enhance performance through a unique blend of Corrective Exercise, Self Massage and Yoga. This program effectively helps you to sense, feel, identify and target your “body blind spots”; areas that are most overused, underused, or misused, YTU heals damaged muscle, increases strength and establishes healthy movement patterns to help you live better in your body.

SMFR is one of the elements included in YTU.

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