Do I need a foam roller?
How do I use a foam roller?
What kind of foam roll should I get?
What foam roll do you use?
So now that you've decided you want one, what type of foam roller should you get? I'll tell you exactly:
ANY one you like!
Pick your firmness, color, and price point. You absolutely do not NEED a $50 or $100 foam roller. The company may claim it is the "best", but remember it is just a foam roller. Like I said in my previous post, foam rolling is a "bonus" activity to all the other things that you do. It is not a miracle cure or a quick fix on it's own.
But if the pricier ones appeal to you and is in your budget then go for it! It will work better if you are happier with it (that isn't a joke, it's actually true!).
There is a lot of marketing out there that will try to tell you one is better than another. But bottom line is you'll need to try it for yourself. Like Goldilocks.
Some people really like the ones with texture and ridges, some people like the brightly colored ones, some people like them a little more firm. One thing I will say is that the longer 30" or 36" ones are much more versatile. You can use them for stretching, rolling, exercising, even balance activities! The shorter ones are primarily for rolling out but there are fewer stretches and exercises you can do because of the length.
If you really want one of these shorter ones, I recommend you get a longer one too. If you are only going to get one, I recommend the longer one!
This one is great if you have a lower pain tolerance, are sensitive to touch, or have an inflammatory condition. Not sure? Make a fist and rub it with moderate pressure on your thigh or lower back; if it is sensitive, this may be a better roll for you! It is also good if you have never used a foam roll before and are a little apprehensive about it.
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My last foam roll post covered what the benefits are to help you decide whether it is for you or not. You can find that post here: To Roll or Not to Roll.
So now that you've decided you want one, what type of foam roller should you get? I'll tell you exactly:
ANY one you like!
Pick your firmness, color, and price point. You absolutely do not NEED a $50 or $100 foam roller. The company may claim it is the "best", but remember it is just a foam roller. Like I said in my previous post, foam rolling is a "bonus" activity to all the other things that you do. It is not a miracle cure or a quick fix on it's own.
But if the pricier ones appeal to you and is in your budget then go for it! It will work better if you are happier with it (that isn't a joke, it's actually true!).
There is a lot of marketing out there that will try to tell you one is better than another. But bottom line is you'll need to try it for yourself. Like Goldilocks.
Some people really like the ones with texture and ridges, some people like the brightly colored ones, some people like them a little more firm. One thing I will say is that the longer 30" or 36" ones are much more versatile. You can use them for stretching, rolling, exercising, even balance activities! The shorter ones are primarily for rolling out but there are fewer stretches and exercises you can do because of the length.
If you really want one of these shorter ones, I recommend you get a longer one too. If you are only going to get one, I recommend the longer one!
Here are 3 of my favorites to check out:
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You can just as easily purchase these items from your local fitness store and I would love for you to support your local businesses! The reason I became an Amazon associate was because
#1 I was already recommending these products to people anyway and
#2 the nominal associates fee helps to support my ability to provide this content to you
1) Firm & Smooth!
This is the one that I use and I love it. If you aren't very sensitive to touch and also aren't someone who needs a LOT of extra pressure, this is a great one to start with. Mine is black but there are other exciting colors you can choose! Totally affordable. You could even get one for home and one for your office if you work in a place where you can do this over your lunch break!___________________
2) Softer Touch!
This one is great if you have a lower pain tolerance, are sensitive to touch, or have an inflammatory condition. Not sure? Make a fist and rub it with moderate pressure on your thigh or lower back; if it is sensitive, this may be a better roll for you! It is also good if you have never used a foam roll before and are a little apprehensive about it.
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3) Massaging Ridges!
This is a great choice for you if you like a lot of extra pressure or the texture of ridges. I don't use these types a lot because I find the bumps distracting and I can't just relax over it. But some people swear by them!
Let me know what you think! How do YOU roll?
"Change happens through movement. And movement heals." - Joseph Pilates
Stay in touch!
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