This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Effective Foam Rolling for Exercise Recovery ¶
Before and after your workout, it's essential to take time to roll out. Foam rolling is a super effective practice that can help you feel loose and limber. When you work out, fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles—can stiffen, and over time, painful knots can form. Foam rolling breaks up those adhesions, improving your range of motion and reducing muscle soreness.
So why do many guys skip foam rolling? “It takes a little bit more effort and people just want to jump right into their workout,” Noam Tamir, CSCS, owner of TS Fitness in New York City, told Mens Health. “And after they’re done, they feel like they’re finished, and they just want to go.”
When you set out to buy a foam roller, consider its density, surface texture, and length. A denser and stiffer roller provides more intense pressure, while a smooth cylinder is ideal for beginners. A longer roller provides more stability and versatility, making it perfect for beginners.
Here are 12 standouts for your home gym:
Aimerday Premium 2.0 Pro 4-Speed ¶
The luxe roller from Aimerday gives you the ability to roll out in four different vibration settings, so you can target every muscle group with varying levels of intensity. As an added bonus, you can charge your phone after your roll using the USB port.
NextRoller 3-Speed Vibrating Foam Roller ¶
NextRoller adds a ridged texture to go along with its three speed settings, bringing an extra dimension to your roll. The additional element takes your stretch and turns it into a massage.
Brazyn Morph Bravo Foam Roller ¶
Recognize this handy roller from the hit TV show Shark Tank? The tool is much more than just a gimmick, though—the highly portable convertible design allows you to break down the full-size roller into a 2-inch thick, 1.5 pound slab you can slide into just about any bag.
Hyperice Vyper 2.0 ¶
A favorite of pro athletes, this foam roller employs three vibration speeds to further relax and rejuvenate your sore muscles. At 14 inches in length, it’s an ideal size for targeting harder-to-reach areas like in between your shoulder blades.
SKLZ Hydro-Roller ¶
This water bottle-foam roller combo is perfect for guys who need recovery on the go. Use it to warm up before your pickup basketball game, while you’re on vacation, or as an alternative to the overused cylinders at your gym.
MELT Soft Body Roller ¶
If you’re looking to roll out but want a bit less pressure, this foam roller is for you. It’s safe to use on your legs, arms, back, neck, and butt. And even though it’s soft, you don’t have to worry about the foam chipping or wearing out.
TriggerPoint GRID VIBE ¶
This roller’s foam exterior features a grid pattern that mimics a massage therapist’s hands and allows you to customize your self-massage experience. Power the roller on for soothing vibrations.
RumbleRoller Deep Tissue Massage Roller ¶
If you’re really looking to dig into certain parts of your body, the knobs on this foam roller can help. While firm, they’re also flexible and knead into the muscles of your choosing. Available in two sizes.
321 Strong Foam Roller with End Caps ¶
Want to roll out and have somewhere to stow your keys while you're at the gym? This roller has removable end caps that give you a secure space to keep your stuff.
AmazonBasics High-Density Round Foam Roller ¶
For those on a budget, this high-density round foam roller is a great option. It's durable and provides a great massage experience.
