Self-myofascial release, otherwise known as SMR, is a popular method of injury prevention and recovery to release muscle tension and tightness. Foam rollers are the perfect tool to use for SMR. They are inexpensive, portable, and versatile, and allow for a quick, targeted, and effective release of tension.
There are many foam rollers on the market today that vary in size, color, and shape. This can make it difficult to decide which roller is best for you. To help you find the best foam roller for your needs, read this article to learn about the different types of foam rollers and their benefits.
What is a foam roller?
A foam roller is a cylindrical piece of foam that is typically covered in a cloth and has a handle on one end and a knob on the other end. It is used for self-myofascial release. It is also used for a variety of other purposes, such as cellulite reduction, deep-tissue work, or increased circulation. It is important to know the best type of foam roller to purchase.
There are different types of foam rollers, such as the B-Roller, the Trigger Point, the Trigger Point Grid, the Trigger Point Express, the Trigger Point Inchworm, and the Trigger Point Roller. Each type of foam roller has its own benefits and drawbacks. You should choose a type of foam roller that is best for your needs.
Types of foam rollers
Many people use foam rollers as part of their self-myofascial release (SMR) practice. For a complete SMR practice, you should also use a foam roller on your back and your quads. The best foam roller for this purpose is a short, wide roller. There are many different types of foam rollers that can be used. Some have ridges, some are thick, and others are smooth.
Make sure you choose a foam roller that is the appropriate size for your needs before you purchase it. It is also important to make sure that the foam roller is comfortable to use.
Benefits of foam rollers
A foam roller is a tool that is used to release tension in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It is a great way to relieve muscle soreness and help improve flexibility. The foam roller is a simple piece of equipment that can be used at home or at the gym. The foam roller can be used to reduce stiffness and increase circulation. It can also help to reduce the risk of injuries. The foam roller can help to improve your mobility and reduce your recovery time.
The roller can be used to release the tension in the muscles and ligaments, thus reducing pain and inflammation. The best foam roller to use is one that is made of dense and firm foam. The foam roller should also be long enough to reach your entire body.
Conclusion
If you have been experiencing some pain during your workouts or your workouts are just not as effective as you would like them to be, then you may want to invest in a foam roller. A foam roller is a great way to help release the self-myofascial (SMR) buildup that is causing your pain. They are also a great way to help with injuries, sports injuries, and muscle soreness, as well as many other body issues.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Foam Roller on Amazon.
Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Foam Roller - Reviews
The Best
TriggerPoint GRID Patented Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller (Back, Body, Legs) for Exercise, Deep Tissue, and Muscle Recovery - Relieves Muscle Pain & Tightness, Improves Mobility & Circulation (26").
About this product
- Imported.
- The patented foam roller design offers a superior, multi-density exterior constructed over a rigid, hollow core.
- Constructed from quality materials that won't break down or lose shape from repeated use.
- Includes access to a free online instructional video library on foam rolling best practices from the experts at TriggerPoint.
- Trusted foam roller of physical and massage therapists, coaches, trainers, and athletes.
Five colors to choose from. Helps muscles recover with its firm padding. It does help to relieve soreness or fatigue-related aches. The foam roller is made with great material and is very durable.
Some customers mentioned that it's too hard and that it doesn't feel like a hand massage. Others said that it's overpriced.
Our Thoughts - Slightly firmer than the actual foam rollers. Some people like it firm others don't. Can't please everyone!
It does well to get rid of the knots and is designed well to provide comfort and ease when rolling versus other brands.
Very Good
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller for Exercise, Deep Tissue Massage and Muscle Recovery, Original (13-Inch), Black.
About this product
- The patented foam roller design offers a superior, multi-density exterior constructed over a rigid, hollow core.
- Constructed from quality materials that won't break down or lose shape from repeated use.
- Includes access to a free online instructional video library on foam rolling best practices from the experts at Trigger Point.
- Trusted foam roller of physical and massage therapists, coaches, trainers, and athletes.
- Original GRID: Standard density, 13 x 5.5 inches, 500-pound weight limit.
- Trigger Point Performance.
Easy to bring with you to places. Suitable for rolling your legs, back, side, shoulders, and arms.
Some customers mentioned that they found it to be too hard. However, others say that it's the right hardness. Duh! Only a few said that they received damaged rollers.
Our Thoughts - This roller opens up muscles and tension getting blood back into areas that normal exercise may not do.
Good Value
Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller for Exercise, Massage, Muscle Recovery - 12", 18", 24", 36".
About this product
- High-density foam roller with molded edges.
- Ideal for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises.
- Made from molded polypropylene to maintain firmness.
- Lightweight, easy to clean and transport.
- Measures approximately 24 x 6 x 6 inches (LxWxH).
Four colors to choose from. It's great to roll out before and after workouts to help work the soreness out and stretch the body out. Small enough to take traveling.
Some customers mentioned that they found it to be too hard. Others mentioned that the roller broke in half.
Our Thoughts - Go grab a log from the backyard and would be about the same.
Very Good
OPTP Pro-Roller Soft Density Foam Roller - 36" x 6" - Low-Density Foam Roller for Physical Therapy & Exercise.
About this product
- Professional Quality: Designed to withstand heavy use at the gym or in a clinic; Closed-cell foam will wipe clean easily, unlike more common open-cell foam rollers
- Maximum Durability: Constructed of closed-cell, heat-molded EVA foam to outperform and outlast store model foam rollers.
- Soft Density: Features a softer, comfortable compression for gentle relief on tight areas during self-massage rolling. It also provides support for lying supine and performing a variety of exercises.
- Versatile Fitness Tools: Ideal for balance and stability exercises such as Pilates in addition to traditional self-massage applications
- Standard Size: Measures 36-inches long by 6-inches in diameter
It has a dense core that provides lasting support through long use. The texture is smooth with just enough grip to roll smoothly or keep you from slipping. It doesn’t squeak or slide against wet skin.
Some customers mentioned that this roller is not what they ordered. Others said that it was a fake. Too soft and spongy.
Our Thoughts - Found it to be very helpful in releasing the tension and tightness in the back. The surface is soft enough not to irritate or cause pressure points.
Good
Brazyn Morph Foam Roller (Bravo-Orange): Collapsible Travel Foam Roller for Back Pain Relief, Workout Muscle Recovery, Back Massager, Deep Tissue Leg Massage, Back Cracker, Stretcher; Small, Portable
About this product
- FITS IN YOUR EVERYDAY BAG SO YOU CAN ROLL MORE OFTEN: Your body and mind are your greatest assets. Regular foam rolling has been proven to have huge benefits on both. With the world’s first truly portable roller, you can manage pain and speed up your recovery no matter where you are. ROLL MORE, FEEL BETTER, and CONQUER THE DAY with your Morph!
- NOT MADE IN CHINA: We get it, $69 may seem like a lot to spend on a foam roller, but The Morph is not your typical roller. It takes a team of European craftsmen (and craftswomen) nearly an hour to assemble over 60 individual pieces into this one-of-a-kind FOLD FLAT mobility tool (no drain pipes covered in foam here). The result is the most convenient and usable roller on the market… making it the most effective foam roller available.
- AS EASY AS PULL AND PUSH: With a quick tug on the easy pull ropes, your Morph will expand into a full-size, 5.5” diameter muscle roller. It’s 14.5” long so it will span across your entire back. When you’re finished, push firmly on the disks at the end of the roller and it will collapse back down. It’s now ready to be stashed back into your daily bag. Collapse. Stash. Go.
- PORTABLE, STURDY, AND KINDER TO THE ENVIRONMENT: The Morph Bravo weighs in at only 1.5 lbs and collapses down to less than 2 inches thick (slimmer than two folded shirts). But don’t let the slender form fool you, The Morph has been tested to support up to 350 lbs. Science! With a form factor that small, there's no reason to leave recovery and mobility training at home. MADE WITH BAMBOO AND RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM. One Roller Per Purchase. AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK.
- VERSATILE FOR ALL ATHLETES: Loved by runners, Cross fit athletes, yoga and Pilates students, swimmers, and physical or sports therapy patients. Great for the arch of the foot, and any part of the body but the spine or neck.
Three colors to choose from. Many mentioned that it's great to bring when traveling.
Some customers mentioned that this roller collapses while using it. Others said that it's not worth the price.
Our Thoughts - This collapsible model does save some space relative to traveling with a solid roller. It is perfect if you are checking in your luggage, and you have 2 pounds to spare.
Good
Gaiam Essentials Foam Roller is High-Density Firm Deep Tissue Muscle Massager for Back Pain & Sore Muscles.
About this product
- Foam Roller: High-Density Muscle Roller Offers Relief For Back Pain And Can Help To Isolate And Alleviate Trigger Points In The Body With Deep Tissue Pressure And Massage.
- High Density: Super Firm Foam Construction Allows For Maximum Pressure And Weight Application Without Compromising the Quality Of Massage Or Losing Its Shape.
- Ideal For Total Body Work: Foam Rollers Are An Excellent Way To Work Out Kinks, Knots, Tight Muscles, Back Pain, And Overall Soreness From Exercise And Fitness Activities (Running, Weightlifting, Physical Therapy).
- Pre & Post Workout: Use Massage Roller Before Your Workout To Loosen Muscles And For Stretching Routines, As Well As Post Exercising, To Help Relieve Your Trouble Spots.
Three colors to choose from. For all the therapeutic stretches and exercises one can do, this thing delivers the biggest bang toward improvement.
Some customers mentioned that the material is a bit hard. This is not made of foam. Can be a bit slippery.
Our Thoughts - This took some getting used to as it isn't pleasant, but it does what it is supposed to do. We think of it as medicine and worth the discomfort to get relief from the end result.
