Foam rolling is a form of SMR, or self-myofascial release.  SMR is a fancy technical term for the act of self-massaging muscles to release muscle tension.  It has become the go-to for gym goers across the country as a way to increase flexibility, prevent muscle soreness, increase athletic performance, decrease back pain, and even cure cellulite. These claims all sound incredible, but what exactly is happening when you foam roll and what benefits can you actually expect to see?