Does anyone use those foam rollers to stretch? I've seen Reynolds and some other pros using them...
Need to get my stretching game going after not skating for more than 6 months (mostly due to shitty euro weather)
Nerd jogging knowledge coming at ya:
"Foam rollers" do help if stretching doesn't. In my experience it's good when your muscles aren't to tight in any particular direction but more stiff, painful and slow-reacting in general. After running my calves usually feels like one big bruise and rolling with your bodyweight on top of something seems to help release muscle-knots and increase blod-flow or whatever. Anyway, less pain.
I don't think it will make muscles recover faster from fatigue and i can't imaging needing it after skateboarding, but then again I ain't bs-flipping wallenberg.
Fuck buying a branded "foam-roller" for money though, just ask for/steal a pvc pipe from a construction site. The harder the thing you're rolling on, the more effect it'll probably have.
Main topic: When my ankles feels worked i do these kind of toe-lifts (1:00), not so much training as just getting your feet back into position after being pounded from the ground:
(Warning if you're a bitch and grossed out by dudes feet)
On last tip: If you are running/jogging, try adopting the new "forefoot-natural-minimal-granola" way of running. It will force the foot and calves muscles to work more and i think it's a way more effective way of training ankles and feet than balance boards. I used to have really bad problems with flat feet and they are pretty much gone now. Be careful though cause it will destroy your calves (aforementioned foam-rolling) and can lead to achilles injuries. But i would still trade ligament pain for muscle pain any day.
Wow i'm a nerd. Raw fruit diet anyone...?