Types of Foam Rollers | Kinds of Foam Rollers | Sizes of Foam Roller
Though manufacturers all over the globe are offering all kinds of different exercise equipment, tools, and devices for consumers today, making a selection can become overwhelming. Therefore, before an individual can make a decision to invest in a specific type, they will need to do their homework first.
The type that consumers purchase is often based on the exercises that they are interested in doing, the type of massage that they prefer, the amount of money that they have to invest, and the space that they have available in their homes or apartments to store the items that they have purchased.
In some cases, the device that an individual purchases may not be very expensive at all, specifically when compared to equipment like digital walking machines and the like. However, it is important that the device or equipment that people buy for exercising is effective enough to assist with their fitness and weight loss regimens.
Types of Foam Rollers
There are a few different types of foam rollers which include the following:
- Low density foam rollers
- Firm rollers
- Short foam rollers for travel
- Bumpy foam rollers like the Rumble Roller
- Medium density foam rollers
- Foam roller balls
Compare types of foam rollers
Foam Rollers: Numerous Benefits
With this being said, if you are looking for a device that you can use on a daily basis, you may want to consider the foam roller. Foam rollers are normally considered great buys because they are usually very inexpensive, while also being highly effective in several low impact exercises, and relieving and eliminating soft tissue and muscle pain.
In fact, it is important to note that many professional athletes use foam rollers for numerous reasons including breaking up unwanted scar tissue that has developed over a period of time during their workouts.
Similar to getting a massage from a professional masseuse, people can also use these rollers for a good body massage. Choosing the right type of foam roller, however, does not have to be difficult, once the person knows what is available to them and the purposes that they are using them for.
What is Foam Rolling and Why Should I Do It?
Standard Density Foam Rollers
198 ReviewsAmazonBasics High-Density Round Exercise Therapy Foam Roller – 36 Inches, Blue…
- High-density blue speckled foam roller with molded edges: Extra firm – best for…
- Ideal for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises
- Made from molded polypropylene to maintain firmness
- Lightweight, easy to clean and transport
- Measures approximately 36 x 6 x 6 inches (L x W x H)
$22.99 Buy on Amazon
When making a decision to buy a foam roller, you may want to start off by reviewing the standard type first, and then making comparisons between the rest. For instance, the first type that an individual may want to consider is the standard density foam roller.
The standard foam rollers are designed with a medium firmness that makes them perfect for exercises and a self-massage. This is because they provide a moderate cushion, and at the same time, give a deep massage to the individual. This is also the type that can be used for range-of-motion exercise routines.
If you’re looking for a foam roller that has a nice medium density to it, then you’ll want to consider this one: Amazon Basics Foam Rollers. It has a nice design to it, falls in the middle of the pack in terms of firmness and is one of the cheaper options on the market. That’s a serious win on all counts in our books!
Soft Density Rollers
32 ReviewsOPTP Soft Foam Roller – 36 inch x 6 inch (SFR366)
- OPTP’s softest foam roller
- Incredibly soft construction compresses to 1/3 of its size (2”)
- Allows users to perform weight shifting exercises and practice balance
- Ideal for those who require gentle spine exercise
- Measures 36″ L x 6″ diameter
$25.60Buy on Amazon
In some cases, the person may decide that the standard density may be a little too firm for their likeness. This is because they may prefer the softer cushion for the comfort since it provides a much gentler massage to the muscles. Specifically, when the muscles in the legs are sore and painful.
If you’re interested in a soft foam roller, we recommend the OPTP PRO-ROLLER Soft Foam Roller. Although it’s soft, it doesn’t warp and dent like many of the cheaper, soft foam rollers on the market today. You can check out our review for all the details:
Firm Density Foam Rollers
3,810 ReviewsTriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos, Original…
- Patented foam roller Design offers a superior, Multi density exterior constructed…
- Constructed from Quality Materials that won’t break down or lose shape from…
- Includes access to Free online instructional video library on foam rolling Best…
- Trusted foam roller of physical and Massage therapists, coaches, trainers and…
- Original GRID: Standard density, 13 x 5.5 inches, 500 pound weight limit; 1 year…
$34.95 Buy on Amazon
It’s not uncommon for athletes to spend a huge amount of their time in the gym performing all kinds of different activities. In fact, they can spend several hours at a time in intense sports training to make sure that they are the best.
As a result, when they leave the gym, they may find their muscles are tight and tense. Therefore, they may need a massage that can penetrate deeply within the affected muscles. When this is the case, the type of foam roller that is needed is normally the firm density option.
If you want a dense foam roller, we have two recommendations: the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller or the RumbleRoller. Both of these are top-quality rollers that will last you for decades. The main difference is that the Rumble Roller has knobs on it, while the TriggerPoint is flatter. However, both are extremely firm and durable. Check out the review for yourself:
What are the Differences Between Foam Rollers?
Roller Sizes – Long or Short
When people are making their selection, they may choose between the long foam rollers or those that are shorter in length. The choice is often determined by its use. For instance, cyclists and runners may prefer the shorter sizes if they want to massage their hamstrings or their calves.
Another consideration is whether or not you will be traveling with your foam roller. If you will be, you’ll probably want a foam roller that will fit into your suitcase. You’ll probably want to get a 12 inch roller, as opposed to the larger 36 inch one.
For more details about this important question, check out this article:
What Sizes Foam Roller Will Work for Me?
Unique Texture of Foam Rollers
Manufacturers of the foam rollers have also taken several other factors into consideration when making the different designs. One of the most important factors involves getting a more intense massage for those who really need it.
So, these foam rollers usually contain different textures that are unique. This is including designing a line or two with ridges or spikes that can penetrate deeply in painful muscles.
Are Bumpy Foam Rollers Better?
If you’re just starting out with foam rolling, choose a foam roller that’s soft and smooth because it’ll be more comfortable to use. As you get used to it, consider a bumpy foam roller like the Rumble Roller as it do a better job at hitting the smallest trigger points like under the shoulder blades.
Are bumpy foam rollers better than smooth ones?
Conclusion for Types of Foam Rollers
If you are interested in purchasing foam rollers for performing exercises, or giving yourself a massage, it is important that you know what types are available, to make your selections from, on the market. The types of foam rollers can vary significantly in density (soft, medium, firm), size, and texture. So, it is important for everyone to know these distinctions and which one will work best for your needs.
You may prefer a soft, or firm one. It just depends on your needs and how much of the “hurt so good” you can handle! Same with texture. You may want to try out both the smooth and the textured ones to see which one is right for you.
Finally, size does matter. If you plan to take it with you when traveling, then you’ll want to opt for the shorter roller. At home, consider the longer ones because they’re more versatile.
Different types of foam rollers
Where Can I Buy a Foam Roller?
Now that you have the basic information about types of foam rollers, you may be ready to buy one. Our top rated foam roller on this site is the RumbleRoller. It’s a nice combination of firm in the core, but soft with the knobs which help make it a less painful massage.
It’s durable and will last for decades, even with the heaviest of a users. We have a ton of foam rollers at our house. However, the RumbleRoller is the one we keep using, night after night, after night.
Check out our top-rated foam roller on Amazon today:
Have your Say about Types of Foam Rollers
What type of foam roller do you prefer? Hard, soft, or something in between? And do you like the smooth or textured ones? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
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