Is our neglected fascia the secret to long, lean muscles? Emma Strenner swaps the treadmill for an unassuming foam roller.
Let me just get it out there: I’m a fitness purist. I believe in the simple equation that your energy intake must be equal to your energy output. Hard work gets results. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve come to this conclusion after years of dabbling with faddy promises. Cleanses that claim to drop five kilos in five days? Been there. Wrapping myself up in cling film before a big event in the futile hope that it might shed the last few millimetres? Done that. Unfortunately, I’ve also spent most of my life hating my legs—their shape, their length (or lack thereof). In my former career as a magazine editor, I would gaze wistfully at colleagues (always in the fashion department) with long, lithe limbs, and, suddenly, that cleanse didn’t seem like such a bad idea.
But I’m wiser now, and to be honest, I’ve tried enough health trends (call it an occupational hazard) to know that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. So, my skepticism is high when I get a call to road-test the new book Taller, Slimmer, Younger: 21 Days To A Foam Roller Physique, penned by “fascia and alignment expert” and Goop’s go-to foam-rolling aficionado, Lauren Roxburgh. Her three-week programme involves just a few minutes per day of foam-rolling exercises. No dieting, no intense cardio. I’ve already cleared space for the book, right next to my cling film...
I start with a call to my dear friend and A-list trainer to Jennifer Lawrence, Dalton Wong. He doesn’t hesitate: “The benefits are endless—from reducing muscle soreness and improving posture, to increasing lean muscle and burning more fat, allowing your body to perform better.” Wong is my fitness guru, and if it’s good enough for JLaw and her impossibly toned, youthful form, it’ll just have to do for me too.
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2016 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Indu Antony And The Gentle Art Of Feminism
In an unfiltered conversation with Akshaya Pillai, the multidisciplinary artist lays out a manifesto for a creative life
Taapsee Pannu: A True Original
The actor in conversation with Ainee Nizami Ahmedi on the roles that shape her on & off screen
Canvas Chronicles
The rise of art-cations is elevating conventional vacations into a therapeutic medium of catharsis and transformation for the soul, finds Hasina Jeelani
A FEAST For The EYES
What goes into making a dish that looks like a masterpiece? Notable chefs take Isha Mayer through the art of plating
Yala's Hidden Gem
Zoha Castelino visits the Hilton Yala Resort, where elegance meets nature
The New Wave
Barry Rodgers on the artists to have on your radar, as recommended by gallerists
Tracing Tattoo Trails
Sakshi Rawte on the developing relationship between crossing continents and lines of ink
Sculpted In Time
2022 Venice Biennale's youngest artist, Niyamat Mehta, takes Geetika Sachdev through her art journey
Crafting His Narrative
Yuvraj Menda in conversation with Ipsita Kaul on his much-talked-about debut and his enduring love for Home Alone
Can't Stop Blushin'
This cult-favourite product has taken over our beauty shelves, and we're not complaining, reports Urmi Dande