Finding the Best Foam Rollers
Choosing the Best Size Foam Roller
When searching for the best foam rollers, you must consider size. Not only are there many different types of foam rollers, there are many different sizes that foam rollers come in. It can be confusing choosing the right size roller.
The length is what usually is the main difference in sizes between foam rollers, but there can also be differences in diameter. For example, there are the traditional Trigger Point Foam Roller (pictured above) and there is the Travel Foam Roller (pictured below), which is miniature sized Trigger Point Foam Roller to make it easier to carry around.
When choosing the best foam rollers for your particular needs, the size is usually just a personal preference, as the smaller ones are better for travel and portability. The longer ones are easier to roll on and to not slip off from. It really all depends on where you want to use it. We generally recommend a longer roller for home and a shorter one to bring to the gym and while traveling.
Choosing the Best Firmness for your Foam Roller
When searching for the ultimate muscle foam roller (either for fitness or general health) you need to consider your preference, age and your purpose for rolling. When using foam rollers, it is important to decide if you want more of a firm foam roller or a softer one, as each can give you different experiences while rolling. You also want to decide if a grid style foam roller or something more firm like a knobbed style foam roller is better.
The firmness is all about how dense the foam is. If the foam is extremely dense, it will be much more firm. If it is less dense, it will feel softer to the touch and you will feel the softer foam when rolling your muscles.
Softer Rollers For Beginners
In general, you should choose a softer foam roller when you are first starting out. The soft foam rollers are better for beginners because it is common to experience soreness and pain when first getting into rolling with foam rollers. Your muscles need time to adapt to the rolling. The very first time you get on a foam roller, you will likely experience some uncomforted in certain areas, while felling great in other areas.
With that said, it is okay to use a hard foam roller like the high density foam roller, even when you are a beginner. It helps relieve the myofascial trigger points better than a softer foam roller. It all depends on your personal preference.
Firm Rollers For Advanced Users
Once you give your body time to adapt, you will be able to roll on (and probably need) a more firm foam roller. Though you may still want a soft roller, some people may need a firm foam roller as they continually use them. At first, your muscles are much easier to get to and much more tender. After your muscles have adapted, the firm rollers help you get a good muscle massage, stress relief, and all the other benefits foam rollers have.
Textured or Flat Foam Rollers?
Not only are there different sizes and degrees of firmness, there are also different textures. There are grid type textures, round bump like textures, and spike knob-like textures.
This is all about personal preference. We personally use different textures for different purposes. For example, the smooth foam rollers are a great all purpose foam roller. The knobbed ones are good for more of a deep tissue massage. The grid foam rollers are a good mix on the flat rollers, as they give you a more varied massage; It varies the pressure on your muscles.
Choosing the Color that Fits Your Personality
This, obviously is all about personal preference. Whether you want a white foam roller, a black foam roller, a pink foam roller, a blue foam roller, a green foam roller, or a purple foam roller, the choice is all up to you. However, you should note that some companies will use a color code to differentiate between the firmness.
For example, white is traditionally the softest roller and black rollers are the firmest foam rollers. Colors like blue and green are usually a medium thickness.
Just keep that in mind when looking for a roller, and be sure to read the description to make sure it is the correct firmness that you need. We don’t agree with this logic because we know that people want different colors based on preferences, and different degrees of firmness.
Though it may seem complicated with all the factors, just get a foam roller. It will make a huge difference in your life. It helps with pain, it helps with staying fit, staying hydrated, and many other benefits. Here at muscle foam roller, we have a huge variety of foam rollers that will fit your needs.