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The best foam rollers

The best foam rollers

Included in this guide:

The Best Foam Rollers
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If you find yourself bruised around your apartment after leg day, or aching later time spent lifting in the gym, chances are you're not prioritizing your recovery. Cream rollers are one of the most important, all the same overlooked fitness tools. Certain, they're nowhere nearly as exciting as the best adjustable dumbbells, or a new do bike,  just according to this study published in the International Journal of Sports Concrete Therapy, spending a few minutes on a foam roller can help increment your flexibility and lessen mail-conditioning soreness. They're also a hell of a lot cheaper than the best massage guns on the market, so if you're looking for an affordable tool to assist your recovery, you're in the right place.

Foam Rolling is a Self Myofascial Release (SMR) technique that helps to relieve tension in your connective tissues. Using a foam roller on "knots"' or "trigger points" will stimulate small receptors, causing muscle tissues to relax and lengthen. When used every bit function of a warm-upwards or absurd-downwardly, foam rolling can promote an optimal joint range of motion, assistance in correcting maladaptive movement patterns, and prevent potential injuries.

If you've never tried cream rolling earlier, your first time might be a fleck shocking. Depending on the density and texture of the cream roller you lot utilize, and what function of the trunk you utilize information technology on, rolling may cause pain similar to an intense deep-tissue massage. Starting with a softer, lower density cream roller tin can aid equally your muscles and tissues get used to the practice. Make sure yous bank check out our guide to the best cream roller exercises before you brainstorm.

What are the best foam rollers?

Our top option among the foam rollers we tried is the Lululemon Double Roller, with its dual densities and textures. Its multipurpose outer and inner rollers are designed to address an unabridged body's worth of trigger points, making information technology an all-around first-class choice for anyone who'southward active.

If you're easing your mode into a new foam rolling regimen and want a portable, user friendly, and inexpensive pick, check out the 12 inch TriggerPoint Core. The moderate density and various textures of the TriggerPoint make it appropriate for use on multiple areas, with only enough compactness for about users. At a comparatively low cost, it's the foam roller to choose if you're on a budget.

For the athlete or weekend warrior who isn't a stranger to foam rolling, the Rumble Roller will take your SMR experience to an entirely new level. The rigid and bumpy protrusions on the Rumble Roller's surface will dig into knots like no other roller volition. It may look intimidating, simply the Rumble Roller is the best choice for extremely tight muscles.

The Best Foam Rollers

(Epitome credit: Tom'southward Guide)

1. Lululemon Double Roller

Best foam roller overall

Specifications

Density: Moderately House/Firm

Texture: Grooved/Deep Waves

Length: 20.5 inches (other options bachelor)

Diameter: v inches

Reasons to buy

+

Two rollers for the price of one

+

Nested design makes for easier storage

+

Length is appropriate for use in nearly areas

Reasons to avoid

-

Inner roller density and texture may be too intense for some users

The Lululemon Double Roller is the best foam roller on our listing, as it's one of the nigh versatile foam rollers on the market. Its interlocking design is fabricated up of a softer exterior roller that provides appropriate pressure to overworked muscles in the arms and legs, and a denser interior roller that digs into tougher-to-care for spots in the dorsum.

While plenty of foam rollers can exist used along thicker tissues in the hips and lower body, it's not so often you're able to find a cracking roller for the upper body. That's where the slightly grooved, moderately dense outer roller actually shines. I'm notoriously tight in the lats (latissimus dorsi, a large muscle that runs along the dorsum side of the body), and using the outer roller on them provided enough pressure level to hitting knotted areas without feeling like I was bruising a rib.

The wavy texture of the inner roller is groovy for targeting stiff muscles in your back, but it's also a useful tool to address tense spots in your quadriceps (the muscles in the front of the thigh) and hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thigh). I fifty-fifty used it to provide relief for the bottoms of my feet after a long run. The inner roller is slightly firmer with a deeper, more rigid texture than the outer roller, and then it may be a bit also intense for some.

The Lululemon Double Roller'due south twenty-inch length is appropriate to utilise on almost major musculus groups, and its ii-in-one design is both easy to store and cost-effective —which has to be the first fourth dimension in history I've used the words "Lululemon" and "price-constructive" in the aforementioned judgement.

When you want 1 roller (or ii) for all of your trunk's trigger points, the Lululemon Double Roller fits the bill.

(Image credit: Tom'southward Guide)

2. TriggerPoint Core Multi-Density Solid (12-inch)

Best budget friendly foam roller

Specifications

Density: Moderately Firm

Texture: Diverse ("GRID")

Length: 12 inches (other options bachelor)

Diameter: 4 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Cheap

+

Density and texture is appropriate for most users

+

Easy to shop and transport

Reasons to avoid

-

Size might exist too pocket-size for apply in some areas

Rolling with the TriggerPoint Core is like hiring a masseuse for a fraction of the expense.

Constructed with EVA cream for a moderate compactness with a scrap of requite, the TriggerPoint Cadre'southward patented Grid texture allows for even pressure across tight musculature in your body — all for $xx.

The Filigree pattern is a major plus to this pocket-size but mighty roller. The high and firm squares, located on the middle and sides of the Core, are corking for dumbo connective tissues. I used these sections on the stubborn knots in my calves and the tension was perfect. There are too tubular grooved sections of the roller that mimic the grip of extended fingers, and longer, flat sections that mimic the palm of a paw.

(Image credit: Tom'due south Guide)

The TriggerPoint's modest, manageable size is both an advantage and disadvantage. At 12 inches long and iv inches in diameter, it easily fits into any gym purse, conduct-on, or backpack. Information technology's super lightweight and doesn't take upward a ton of space. That being said, I sometimes found the size too small to target certain larger areas of my body successfully. It would be extremely difficult to roll both hamstrings or quadriceps at once, unless you've got a very petite frame. Fortunately, TriggerPoint offers their Core roller in both eighteen- and 36-inch lengths if y'all're looking for something a petty longer.

Like the Lululemon Double Roller, the TriggerPoint is a multifaceted roller with diverse textures, equipped to handle many mutual tight spots. And at a very affordable price, you lot can rest assured that one of those tight spots won't be your wallet. If you lot're looking for a solidly fabricated and constructive foam roller that won't break the bank, the TriggerPoint Core Foam Roller is your reply.

(Epitome credit: Tom's Guide)

3. GoFit Cream Roller (36-inch)

Best cream roller for a beginner

Specifications

Density: Mildly House

Texture: Shine

Length: 36 inches (other options available)

Diameter: half-dozen inches

Reasons to purchase

+

Inexpensive

+

Training manual included

+

Appropriate density for a beginner

Reasons to avoid

-

Fabricated from PE foam, which tin warp with repeated usage

-

May exist likewise soft for some users

The GoFit Foam Roller is a fantastic introductory roller for newcomers. With a density firm enough to convalesce overactive muscles, simply not so firm that a get-go time user will be scared abroad, using the GoFit is an splendid fashion to begin a regular SMR regimen.

The GoFit is constructed with PE foam, which is a do good for anyone who hasn't tried rolling earlier. It's less firm than other rollers, which will allow uninitiated muscles a better opportunity to acclimate to the technique. Even though this roller has a softer feel, it tin all the same provide some relief to the experienced roller. I foam whorl regularly, and was able to use the GoFit on my lats and piriformis (a muscle located deep in the buttocks region) to release long continuing tightness. GoFit includes an extensive preparation manual on how to target areas in your dorsum, hips, and legs, which is another large plus for beginners.

The downside to the GoFit's PE foam construction is its durability. Rollers made from PE cream are known for warping later prolonged usage, becoming thinner and worn afterward time.  Since the GoFit we tested is 36 inches long, you tin attempt to avoid this outcome by using different areas of the roller with each session. (GoFit also sells a 24-inch model).

Another downside to PE foam is that considering it's less dumbo, information technology may not be firm enough for a long-time user. I tried the GoFit on my tight quads and while it felt fine, information technology didn't pack as potent of a punch equally some of the other rollers we recommend.

If you lot've been meaning to give foam rolling a attempt, but don't desire to cry during your workouts whatever more than y'all already practise, the GoFit Cream Roller is a great find.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

4. Rumble Roller (Mid-Sized, Firm)

Best foam roller for extremely tight muscles

Specifications

Density: Extra Firm (other options available)

Texture: Rigid Bumps

Length: 22 inches (other options available)

Diameter: 5.five inches

Reasons to buy

+

Firm density and texture can break up the toughest knots

+

Durable

Reasons to avoid

-

Density and texture could be too intense for most users

-

Should merely exist used on thick muscle tissue

The Rumble Roller looks and feels like Medievil torture device; rolling session may leave you wondering if you wronged Male monarch Arthur in a past life. Just with its extra firm density and a bumpy texture that mimics intense thumb pressure level, the Rumble Roller can target fifty-fifty the toughest trigger points and greatly improve mobility.

No matter how many times you've used a cream roller, your beginning time on the Rumble Roller volition injure. It will probably go along to hurt the 2d, third, and sixtieth time you hop on. However, the positive furnishings are firsthand. After xxx seconds of rolling my incredibly tight quads, piriformis, and TFL (a musculus on the outer back side of the hip), my hips felt warm and my range of motion increased. And for all the pain you endure on the Rumble Roller, one time you're off of it, you might notice that a lot of the aches you started with take disappeared. The 22-inch length was perfect for hitting all of my super tight areas, and the EVA/polyolefin cream construction won't degrade with time or usage. (Information technology's as well available in thirteen- and 31-inch lengths).

The Rumble Roller shouldn't be your first foam roller, and it shouldn't be your but foam roller. Nosotros tested the XFirm model, which is non advised for utilise on thinner, less dense muscle or tissue. Used correctly though, this roller can make a earth of difference. Full disclosure: this isn't my first rendezvous with the Rumble Roller. I credit its employ for helping me get back to running later a nasty bout of IT Band Syndrome, an overuse injury affecting the articulatio genus.

This foam roller is not for the faint of centre. Merely if y'all've got a grueling conditioning regimen and seriously tight muscles that a bones foam roller tin can't touch, then the Rumble Roller could be your dream (or nightmare) come true.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

5. Hyperice Vyper 2.0

All-time vibrating foam roller

Specifications

Density: Extra House

Texture: Grooved

Length: 11.61 inches

Bore: 5.31 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Vibration settings can decrease typical hurting response

+

Easy to ship/TSA approved for carry-on

+

EPP Foam structure is extra durable

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Loud

Amp up your foam rolling routine with the Hyperice Vyper 2.0. Flip a switch on the side and choose from three vibration intensities, all designed to increase mobility, flexibility, and apportionment.

Adding a vibrating roller to your warm-up programming can help improve blood menstruation, which volition result in a warmer muscle earlier activeness. But vibrating foam rollers can too help decrease the typical pain felt with a foam rolling routine, which is helpful when working on tense muscle groups. This was the case when I tried the Vyper on my quads and glutes (buttocks), two areas that usually make me wince. The added vibration affected the knots in those tissues more than acutely, while also promoting a greater relaxation of the musculus (which I definitely felt).

Due to its hardware, the Hyperice Vyper is one of the pricier rollers on our list. It has a powerful, high intensity vibrating core and rechargeable lithium-ion bombardment. The vibrating core also ways it's a lot noisier than your run-of-the-mill roller. In fact, using the Vyper on the highest vibration setting shook the walls of my apartment and then much that I started to worry nearly disturbing my neighbors. If it did that to my walls, I can simply imagine what information technology was doing to my quads.

Fabricated of the highest density EPP foam, the Vyper can withstand a lot of use. While information technology'south not as meaty and portable as the TriggerPoint, it can even so fit in a gym or large tote pocketbook. And since the lithium battery is TSA-approved, yous tin can throw the Vyper into your comport-on to save any post-flight stiffness.

The Hyperice Vyper may not be the most economic pick, but if yous're in the market for a Porsche among foam rollers, it's well worth the expense.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

vi. LO ROX Aligned Life Mini Infinity Coil

Best foam roller for cervix and shoulders

Specifications

Density: Mildly firm

Texture: Smooth/tapered

Length: v inches

Diameter: 3 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Extremely piece of cake to store and transport

+

Great for hard-to-target muscles in the neck and shoulders

+

Appropriate density to use on softer, more sensitive tissues

Reasons to avoid

-

Too small and besides soft to utilize in well-nigh areas

The neck and shoulders are notoriously hard to hit with standard foam rollers, which are unremarkably too cumbersome and firm to effectively address tightness in smaller, more sensitive musculus groups. That'due south why the LO ROX Aligned Life Mini Infinity Curl is a full game changer.

Fabricated of a softer density foam, and with a tapered blueprint that won't shrink your cervical spine, the Mini Infinity roll can provide long-awaited relief to the overworked and ofttimes neglected muscles in the back of your neck. Using it on that area felt amazing.  spending hours on my computer (and even more than hours on my phone), the balmy pressure from ball-similar ends of the gyre released a lot of tension I didn't even know I had.

The Mini Infinity roll is also well suited to striking the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles around and in between the shoulder blades. Previously, I'd have to rely on a stone hard lacrosse brawl to target those muscles, which would sometimes cause even more than pain and inflammation. Only past using the Mini Infinity whorl, I was able to dig into trigger points with just the correct amount of tension. I could even tell the difference in the next days' workout: weighted rows felt easier and less constricted.

Nosotros've chosen the Mini Infinity curl as the best foam roller for neck and shoulders, but it'due south also bully to use on the bottoms of your feet, parts of your lower dorsum, and muscles in your breast (like the pectoralis, or "pecs"). While it may not be firm or long plenty to work everywhere, it'southward a fantastic option for tough-to-target spots.

Incessantly powerful despite its "mini" nomenclature, the LO ROX Aligned Life Mini Infinity Roller is a must take for upper torso mobility.

(Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

vii. RAD Helix

Best foam roller for hips and legs

Specifications

Density: Moderately firm

Texture: Smooth/Lightly Grooved/tapered

Length: 12.5 inches

Bore: 3 inches

Reasons to buy

+

Easy to store and behave

+

Free app with usage videos

+

Can be used with other tools

Reasons to avoid

-

Might be a bit also firm for beginners

With a design inspired past strands of DNA, the RAD Helix looks a little different than some of our other selections. But beyond looking cool, this interesting layout allows for focused compression of commonly overused muscles in the lower body, without putting pressure on basic or other sensitive spots.

As anyone subsequently a squat day or a long run can attest, the legs and hips can get super tight. Yes, we're talking quads, hamstrings and calves, just let's not forget the muscles effectually our shins, similar the tibialis inductive. That'southward where the Helix outpaces the competition. The tapered design of the Helix allows you to address muscular tension without any painful pressing on the shinbone itself. I have to admit I've never actually foam rolled the tibialis area before. But later trying it out on the Helix, now I know that I need to (often).

The Helix is also fantastic to use on the hips and upper sections of the leg. The outside of my quads are frequent flyers on the cream roller, only targeting them with the Helix was a new experience. I usually have to shift back and along on the roller and so that I don't put too much force per unit area on my IT Band (connective tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh). Only with the Helix, I was able to avoid unwanted tension on the Information technology Band while being able to actually dig into my lateral quadriceps.

The Helix can be used with additional tools sold by RAD, like a RAD Rod, that expand the way it can be utilized. Some other huge plus is the RAD Mobility App that lets users cull exercises based on the products they own, the areas they want to target, or the sports and activities they bask.

The Helix is a multipurpose roller that can benefit your whole trunk, but because of its unique backdrop, it's the best foam roller for anywhere below the torso.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

eight. Chirp Wheel+ (Medium)

Best foam roller for back

Specifications

Density: Moderately firm (other options available)

Texture: Smooth/tapered

Bore: ten inches (other options available)

Reasons to buy

+

Specially designed for the back

Reasons to avoid

-

Not every bit easily used on other parts of the body

It'due south not frequently that the erector spinae, a large grouping of muscles surrounding the spinal column, become a lot of cream rolling attending. While the back is a mutual tight and overworked department of the trunk, using a traditional roller on the area is unremarkably non recommended as it can put undue pressure on the spine. That's where the Chirp Wheel+ comes in.

The Chirp's patented "spinal canal" cushions the sensitive discs and vertebrae of your backbone while applying force per unit area to all the right places. I tested the 10 inch Wheel+, which supplied a moderate level of tension, and it felt like a dream. As I positioned myself on it, I immediately felt a release through my lumbar (lower) spine that continued as the cycle made its way upwardly to my shoulders. And since its rigid cadre tin can support weights up to 500 pounds, I felt comfortable assuasive the bike to have my full bodyweight. Several satisfying back cracks later, I felt like I had been given a new spine.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

While the "Medium" wheel felt just correct for me, Chirp likewise offers their Cycle+ in a larger 12-inch diameter "Gentle" cycle that disperses pressure more than evenly, or a smaller and firmer half-dozen-inch "Deep Tissue" wheel that provides more than intense and direct force per unit area to the erector muscles.

The Wheel+ does wonders for the back, merely because of its pattern and bore, information technology'southward non as hands used on other parts of the body. Rolling out my glutes, hamstrings, and calves wasn't impossible, but it didn't feel every bit powerful or productive as using some of the more conventional cream rollers we selected. Only the Chirp Wheel+ can evidence the muscles of your dorsum some long overdue love in a safe and effective manner.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

9. Mobility Wall Smooth Roller

Best foam roller for hard-to-reach muscle groups

Specifications

Density: Firm (other options available)

Texture: Smooth/Slightly tapered

Length: 18 inches (adjustable for door frames 26 to 36 inches)

Diameter: half-dozen inches (other options bachelor)

Reasons to buy

+

Targets areas that can't be addressed with standard rollers

+

Not bad for users with mobility bug

+

Free online video library

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

May not provide enough pressure to some areas

In all my years of foam rolling, I've never successfully rolled my biceps. Attempting to do so with a regular foam roller is both comical and a waste of time. I've used smaller SMR tools, like lacrosse assurance or rolling sticks, but they never seem to do the trick. That all changed with the Mobility Wall.

The Mobility Wall takes a standard foam roller and puts it on a revolving rod that fits between most door frames. Installing it isn't difficult or permanent, which means you can adjust its position to hit diverse muscle groups. Placing the Mobility Wall slightly below my shoulder, I was finally able to give my biceps a well deserved release. Raising the Wall a little higher, I was able to press into the tops of my upper trapezius (shoulder), another tough surface area to cream whorl conventionally. The smooth and firm ringlet of the Mobility Wall provided a nice, even pressure to these areas. The hard ball attachment is also useful for releasing trigger points effectually your shoulder blades.

While the Mobility Wall is our choice for difficult to reach muscle groups, y'all can utilise it anywhere on your body (as its extensive online video library shows). This makes the Mobility Wall a fantastic option for anyone who has trouble getting downwardly on the floor, where most foam rolling takes place. The downside to this design is that some users may find they're not able to produce enough force per unit area without the added help from gravity. I tried the Wall on my quads and hamstrings, and while the sensation was nice, information technology didn't necessarily feel like it was doing the work of a traditional foam roller.

The Mobility Wall brings foam rolling to new heights, and promises release for even the hardest-to-reach muscles in your body.

Theragun wave roller

(Paradigm credit: Theragun)

10. Theragun Moving ridge Roller

Best Bluetooth enabled roller

Specifications

Density: Extra business firm

Texture: Smooth/Slightly tapered

Length: 12 inches

Diameter: 5.i inches

Reasons to purchase

+

Roller connects to Therabody app via Bluetooth

+

5 custom vibration frequencies

+

Comes with comport pouch

Reasons to avert

-

You will need to remember to charge, the Moving ridge has an 180-minute battery life

-

Noisy

If you're not really sure how to foam whorl, the Theragun Wave roller is a not bad recovery tool to have in your kit bag. Information technology connects to your phone via Bluetooth and can be used alongside the Therabody app for personalised cream rolling routines based on your needs. The roller has five dissimilar vibration settings and the moving ridge-grooves are designed to apply optimal pressure to tired muscles. The Theragun Wave comes with a charger and a travel handbag, so you can continue your roller safe on the motility.

The downsides hither conform with other vibrating foam rollers - they are noisier than your typical foam roller, and the Theragun Wave is definitely on the noisier end of the spectrum. While this might not bother all users, if you're worried virtually drawing attention to yourself in the gym, or waking a sleeping child early in the morning or belatedly at night. Yous also need to think to charge your roller. This i having a very decent 180-minute bombardment life, merely it's all the same something else to worry nigh charging.

How to choose the best foam roller for you

Foam rollers vary greatly in size, compactness, texture, and shape. They're made from materials such as polyethylene (PE), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), and Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) cream. Some of the selections on our list have reinforced plastic cores to ensure structural stability and durability.

Selecting the right cream roller volition depend on a few factors. If you're just starting a foam rolling program, you'll want to look for a longer roll with a softer density and smooth texture. These types of rollers, which are oft made of PE or EVA foam, will permit you to target larger muscle groups easier and give your body time to arrange to the process. If you've been foam rolling for a while and are looking for a pace up from the basics, yous may want to invest in a specialty roller that has a unique shape or firmer, more divers textures. Oftentimes, firmer rollers are synthetic from EPP foam.

You'll also want to think almost any injuries you've had, any known muscle imbalances impacting your move, and any commonly stiff zones in your body. For case, if you know you suffer from lower back tightness, you'll want to look at a roller specifically designed to be used in that surface area.

Finally, you lot'll want to call up about how and when you lot'll exist foam rolling. If you'd like a roller you can bring with yous to work, the gym, and on vacation, you'll want to pay attention to length and diameter measurements and overall portability. If you'd rather your rolling sessions stay off the floor, yous'll desire to look for a roller that can be used seated or standing.

How we tested the best foam rollers

To help us decide the all-time foam rollers, nosotros tested the selections on our list in a few different means.

Each foam roller (with the exception of the LO ROX Mini Infinity Roller) was used on the medial and lateral quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, TFL, piriformis, and gluteus muscles of each leg  and hip for thirty seconds.

The Lululemon Double Roller, TriggerPoint Core, GoFit, Hyperice Vyper, RAD Helix, and Mobility Wall were used on the latissimus dorsi musculus for 30 seconds. The Lululemon Double Roller was also used forth the erector spinae muscles in the back, and along the bottoms of the anxiety.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The LO ROX Mini Infinity Roller and the Mobility Wall were used on the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles for 30 seconds. The Mini Infinity roller was besides used on muscles surrounding the upper role of the neck, bottoms of the feet, the erector spinae muscles in the back, and the pectoralis major. The Mobility Wall was used on the biceps, too.

The RAD Helix was rolled on the tibialis anterior muscle in the shins for 30 seconds.

The Chirp Cycle+ was rolled along the erector spinae and the heart and lower trapezius muscles for 30 seconds.

Each cream roller was also evaluated for density, texture, durability, portability, and general useability.


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Jane McGuire is Tom'southward Guide's Fitness editor, which ways she looks afterward everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past four years, so knows what to look for when finding a practiced running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big plenty for your smartphone. When she'south not pounding the pavements, y'all'll find Jane striding circular the Surrey Hills, taking far also many photos of her puppy.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/foam-rollers

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