Looking for something to relax your muscles and provide you with a deep tissue massage without heading to the massage therapist’s table?
A foam roller just might be your answer.
While nothing can compare to a professional massage therapist, these handy tools are ideal for keeping muscles limber before and after physical activity. Athletes, gym-goers, runners and everyone in between can benefit, so find out which is the best foam roller for your needs by reading our guide below!
Things to Consider When Choosing a Foam Rollers
Here are the main things to take into consideration as you choose a foam roller.
- Firmness. Just like Goldilocks, you’ll need to find the foam roller that’s just right for you.
Softer rollers are better for beginners or those who want to incorporate it into a workout routine and those who have tender muscles that aren’t yet ready for a firmer, deeper tissue massage.
Medium firmness means medium amount of pressure. These are great for certain workout routines (such as Pilates) or for self-massages that provide you with a medium amount of pressure.
Firmer rollers are made with high-density foam and are great for those in need of a deep tissue massage.
Ideally, you could have one of each density level in order to match your specific massage needs at any given moment. If you have experience with rollers, then stiffer is usually better (more effective) for you.
- Texture. Decide whether you prefer a smooth roller or a textured one.
Textured rollers are ideal for warming up your muscles prior to a workout. They stimulate the nerve endings more effectively than smooth rollers, which would be better for a post-workout roll.
See numbers 1, 4, 6 and 10 below if you’re in need of a smooth, high-density roller.
The rest are perfect for those of you who like the textured feel.
- Length. They range from 12 inches to 36 inches in length. If you plan to use it on your back, a longer one is best.
Shorter rollers are easier to take to classes (such as Pilates) since they can fit in a bag easier or for use on one side of your body (under one leg or on one hip, for example).
Try Before You Buy
If you’re not sure what type of foam roller to get or if you’re new to foam rolling, the best thing to do is try out the different styles in person before you choose.
Those of you in need of a foam roller for rehabilitation purposes should ask your rehab therapist which one is right for you and have them show you how to use it properly based on your injury.
There are plenty of tutorials available for those of you who just need a little extra help before or after a workout, so make sure to check out.
Avoid injuring yourself further by learning how to properly use foam rollers!
Top 10 Foam Rollers Table
Half Foam Roller
You’ll notice that we also included a half foam roller on our list above (number 8).
While most of you will probably benefit from a round foam roller, here are a few ways that a half foam roller comes in handy:
- Core Stabilization
- Lower Body Balance
- Stamina
While it won’t allow you to do the same movements that a round foam roller does (round foam rollers are used for self-myofascial release), it can be very useful for certain users, especially for those who want to improve their balance.
Top 5 Best Foam Roller Reviews
1. Product Stop, Inc Exercise Foam Roller
One reason this foam roller is so popular is because it also comes with a hand-held roller that you can use on the top of your legs and calves. This is great for light massages on tight muscles that are a little too tender for the main stiff roller.
The main roller is made of high-density foam with a smooth surface (it measures 6 inches in diameter and 13 inches in length), great for a deeper massage to loosen those large knots.
The foam quality is great and it’s the perfect size for taking to the gym! If you’re in need of a high-density roller that’s easy to transport, then this is the best foam roller on our list.
Some of you might already have something similar or you need to use the roller in a different way, which is why we have a few more options for you below.
Keep reading!
2. King Athletic Foam Roller
Two foam rollers for the price of one? Yes!
We like this one because you get two different density rollers. The softer roller is actually the insert to the larger roller, and you can just slide it out whenever you need it.
The surface of each roller has different textures in order to help you target your muscle tension and relieve it, which can help speed up recovery time for some.
Even when the smaller soft roller isn’t inserted into the main one (which means that it’s hollow), the foam is designed to withstand constant, heavy-duty use.
It’s a tough roller! Great for those of you in need of multiple firmness choices and a textured surface.
3. Trigger Point Performance GRID Foam
This is another hollow core roller (like the previous one) but without the additional insert.
The multi-density exterior has been constructed over a rigid, hollow core that won’t break down with use (it’s tough!). What’s unique about the texture pattern is that it is designed to imitate a real massage therapist’s hands, with the wide, flat part similar to the palm and the long, tubular parts that imitate the fingers.
Maximize blood flow and oxygen supply to your sore tissues by rolling on this foam roller. It’s slightly higher in cost than the others, but well worth it if you’re looking for a quality roller this size.
4. ProSource High Density Extra Firm Foam
This is a smooth, high-density foam roller that is very useful in Pilates core work, rehab exercises, spine stabilization, balance workout and body-awareness.
It is 6 inches in diameter and comes in three lengths (see options in the table above), and for the price, the quality is pretty impressive.
If you’re new to foam rolling and you’re looking for something made with firm, high-density foam, this is an excellent choice! You don’t have to spend too much in order to give it a try and it gives you the opportunity to see what you like and don’t like about this type of foam.
You can always incorporate other sizes and firmness levels as you gain experience!
5. Fit Spirit® Set of 2 Textured High Density
Fit Spirit makes a foam roller set similar to number two on our list above.
The main hollow roller is firmer (measuring 13 inches in length) and the insert roller is softer (measuring 12 inches in length).
While the main roller is textured just like number two, the insert of this one is smooth.
