Foam rollers have become the must have piece of exercise equipment, they were popularized by the Israeli physicist and engineer Moshe Feldenkrais whose work on muscle function and body movement became popular in the 1950’s.
A foam roller is an effective and inexpensive way to get rid of any aches and pains you might get after a run. It’s a great way to recover quickly so that you are ready for your next workout.
They also help to improve muscle balance and flexibility. They come in such a wide variety that choosing the right one can be a bit tricky. Not to worry, this comprehensive buying guide will assist you in purchasing the best roller foam for runners to suit your needs.
What is a Foam Roller?
A foam roller gives the soft tissue a relaxing massage, it helps to work out tight spots and knots after a long, tiring, but satisfying run by using your own body weight to create pressure against the foam.
According to the National Institutes of Health, foam rolling after exercise assists in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness. Their study found that men who foam rolled for 20 minutes directly after exercise, as well as 24 to 48 hours after exercise experienced the most benefits.
The National Institutes of Health also found that foam rolling helps with the management of fibromyalgia symptoms.
Participants who foam rolled for 20 weeks reported that they experienced less pain, stiffness, fatigue and depression than those who did not foam roll.
You can use it to roll any part of your body that is causing you a problem. You can also use foam rollers for core training and balance exercises.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Product
When purchasing a foam roller, it is essential that you choose the right one or you won’t get the result’s you are looking for. The truth of the matter is that it can be uncomfortable using a foam roller; however, you should see it as cheaper option to a deep tissue massage, but the benefits far outweigh the pain.
This is why choosing the right product is important, it gives you a slow introduction to the benefits. If you have extremely tight fascia, a hard foam roller is going to hurt more. However, it is also important to remember that the more you use foam rollers, the less discomfort you will experience.
So, you’ve decided that you want to join the foam roller club, here are some of the best foam rollers on the market today.
High Density Round Roller
OUR RATING
You can purchase this foam roller in either 12, 18, 24, or 36 inches; it is also available in a wide range of colors. This roller is from the Amazon basics collection, if you are on a budget, this is definitely for you. There are people who are going to be concerned because this is not a name brand sports product. However, Amazon have got a very good reputation when it comes to their goods and they don’t sell junk! Amazon are a trusted name, and the reviews for this product speak for themselves. Priced at a reasonable $9.94, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank with this one. It is extremely versatile and supportive of the body and can be used in a wide range of exercise routines. The roller is also a good rehabilitation tool and works well for the lower and upper back, hamstrings, calves, glutes and much more.
Features
It is made out of high-density polyethylene foam, making the roller exceptionally durable. You won’t need to worry about applying pressure to the roller and it losing shape or sturdiness. It’s light in weight making it easy to transport to the yoga, Pilates studio or the gym. The product also comes with a one-year limited warranty, so if anything happens to it during this time, you will get a replacement.
321 Strong Foam Roller
OUR RATING
If you are a runner suffering from damaged soft tissue, you may want to pay attention to this foam roller. It reduces soreness and pain at the same time as increasing range of motion and flexibility. It is small and compact in size which allows you to easily target certain pain points and muscle groups.It weighs one pound which means that you can carry it around with you to classes easily, and it is approximately 13 inches in length and 5 ½ inches wide. This roller provides the same benefits as a deep tissue massage, eliminating trigger points and adhesions and soothing knots. Users have reported experiencing relief from shin splints, back pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica and sore muscles.
Features
The 321 Strong foam roller is made from 100 percent EVA foam, making it extremely durable. It is made up of three different massage zones, the finger zone for tissue flushing, the thumb zone for a more intensive massage. The ridges imitate the thumbs and fingers of a massage therapist. And the palm zone, which imitates a therapist’s palms and provides the lightest massage out of the three zones. This foam roller has the ability to hold up to 500 pounds in weight, so you won’t have anything to worry about when it comes to applying pressure. The 321 Strong roller foam also comes with a bonus eBook providing you with detailed information about the product, suggested exercises and much more.
The LuxFit Speckled Foam Roller
OUR RATING
The LuxFit foam roller is a high-density roller perfect for Massage, yoga and physical therapy. It is also great for relieving muscle tension after exercise, and to prepare the muscles before exercise. The roller is extra firm meaning that it will be able to deeply penetrate muscle tissue and effectively deal with any pain you may be experiencing. If you want to get rid of knots, this is not the foam roller for you as it doesn’t have any ridges or texture to provide this function.
Features
The LuxFit foam roller comes with a three-year warranty, it is water resistant so if you accidently spill something on it, the liquid will roll right off. It is made from the very durable molded polypropylene foam which makes it chip and crack resistant. The roller is available in a range of different sizes, 12, 18, 24, and 36 inches, it is 6 inches in width.If you find it difficult to follow instructions by reading them, this roller comes with a detailed instructional video that you can access online for free. Weighing only two pounds, you can easily transport it wherever you need to go.The foam roller has a smooth surface and maintains its shape even after it has been used multiple times.
Conclusion
If you a runner who experiences muscle tension, the foam roller is definitely what you are looking for. It will help to relieve you of any pain you might be in at the moment, as well as prevent further injuries. As you have read, foam rollers provide different functions; therefore, it is essential that you know what you need before going out and making a purchase. Spend some time doing additional research into these foam rollers to determine whether they are right for you.We hope this guide has helped you to make an intelligent and informed decision that will assist you in buying the best roller foam for your specific needs.
- RESOURCE
- Foam Rolling for Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness
- Benefits of a self-myofascial release program
- Do Foam Muscle Rollers Actually Do Your Body Any Good?
