Are you thinking about buying a foam roller? But, not quite sure what they do? Well, help is at hand.
Foam rollers come in all wonderful shapes and sizes and they can look pretty funky too, with various bumpy, raised textures and surfaces. One thing they all do, however, is help muscle recovery.
What is a foam roller?
A foam roller is a lightweight, cylindrical tube of compressed foam. Boasting many benefits it can be used to reduce muscle pains, increase flexibility and reduce soreness.
Foam rolling is a method of self-myofascial release.
Some rollers are shorter making them good for massaging a specific area, whereas others have a smaller diameter that will help with your balance.
Benefits of foam rolling:
• Ease muscle pain – foam rolling is great for relieving sore muscles and reducing inflammation.
• Relieve back pain – foam rolling can be great for helping ease any tension in the back when using your foam roller vertically to your spine.
• Helps to relax - foam rolling is a great post-workout activity, breaking up tightness in your muscles may help you feel less tense and hopefully more calm!
• Flexibility – foam rolling can help to increase your range of motion and in course help with flexibility.
A top tip to remember when you’re using a foam roller is practice makes perfect. At first, it can feel a little bit uncomfortable because your body is getting used to it. It’s essential to always roll it along slowly and apply pressure to the direct area.
9 of the best foam rollers UK 2021
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Best affordable foam roller
Description
Extremely lightweight yet stimulating on muscles, this foam roller is perfect for taking on the go
Best overall foam roller
Description
Get instant relief and reduce muscle pain with Amazon’s number one bestselling foam roller from
Best foam roller for a deep massage
uk.gymshark.com
Description
For deep-tissue massaging, effective injury prevention and post-workout muscle rehabilitation, the
Best luxury foam roller
www.lululemon.co.uk
Description
Release post-sweat tension in your back, arms, and legs with this two-in-one roller. Featuring two
Best foam roller set for beginners
Description
Use FitBeast Foam Rollers 4 Piece Set to flush lactic acid from your muscles and increase blood
Best lightweight foam roller
www.bulk.com
Description
The Bulk foam roller’s varied pattern works to tackle the tightest of knots and shift stubborn
Best foam roller for design
www2.hm.com
Description
Keen to get into foam rolling and want to look stylish while doing so? Then this offering from H&M
Best foam roller for avid gym-goers
www.myprotein.com
Description
This Muscle Roller is a training aid ideal for warm-up and recovery using deep tissue massage. It
Best smooth foam roller
www.argos.co.uk
Description
This medium/firm foam roller from Opti has a smooth surface for applying even pressure when
Foam rolling for beginners
As a beginner, you should always start slow, remember practice makes perfect so don't panic if you're not getting the hang of it after your first try. With time you will learn how foam rolling best suits you and the contours of your body because every body is different!
To get you started here is a great video to follow along to get you started on your foam rolling journey: