Foam rollers: What are they and how can they benefit you post-workout?

Relieve sore muscles and tension build-up with the help of a foam roller and reap its many benefits.

The best foam rollers UK

by Angelica Daujotas |
Updated on

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

Fit Nation Foam Roller
Price: £14.99

Description

Get instant relief and reduce muscle pain with Amazon’s number one bestselling foam roller from

Best foam roller for a deep massage

Description

For deep-tissue massaging, effective injury prevention and post-workout muscle rehabilitation, the

Best luxury foam roller

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

Description

The Bulk foam roller’s varied pattern works to tackle the tightest of knots and shift stubborn

Best foam roller for design

H&M Foam Roller
Price: £19.99

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

Myprotein Muscle Roller
Price: £25.99 (Was £28)

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

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:

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us