Foam rollers can benefit the area of the stomach in more than one way. The abdominal muscles tense up and get sore, as does any other muscle group. Using a foam roller on your stomach is a relaxing way to smooth out the muscles and get rid of tension. The roller can also be an effective abdominal strengthening tool that can improve balance and coordination.
Supine Abdominal Strengthening Exercise
The supine abdominal strengthening exercise is a beginner exercise that targets the abs. Lie face-up with your neck, spine and pelvis resting on the foam roller. Bend your knees to right angles and rest your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor. Hold your arms out to your sides and touch your fingertips to the floor as well. Tuck your hips and squeeze your abs to touch the small of your back to the foam roller. Then, raise your right leg until the lower leg is parallel to the foam roller. Return your right foot to the starting position and repeat with your left leg. Change your arm position to bring your arms next to your sides to make this exercise more challenging.
Arm Reaches Exercise
The arm reaches exercise trains your abdominals as you balance on the foam roller and move your arms in a similar manner as if swimming the backstroke. Sit on the end of the foam roller with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart on the floor. Slowly lie back on the foam roller and place your arms on the floor at your sides. Tuck your tailbone and tighten your stomach muscles. Then, raise your right arm straight up and over until it's above your head. Reach your arm straight as you lift it overhead. Bring your right arm back to your side. Repeat with your left arm.
Rolling the Stomach
The foam roller is not just for strengthening your muscles. Rolling the foam roller from its origin to attachment point is relaxing for your muscles, including the abdominals. If you've ever had an abdominal massage, you're already aware of how gentle pressure on the abdomen can release tension. Depending on your preference, you may or may not want to put a lot of pressure on a sensitive area such as your stomach. To roll the stomach, lie face-down with your forearms on the floor and the foam roller under the lower portion of your abdomen. Extend your legs straight behind you with your toes touching the floor. Then, push with your arms and walk back with your feet to slowly roll the foam roller up to the top of your abdomen. You can then pull with your arms and push with your feet to roll the foam roller back down.
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