Best Foam Rollers in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update March 17, 2024
A perfectly shaped body is a common dream for both boys and girls but it isn't necessary to go down to the gym and tear yourself up with intense workouts in order to stay fit. Get a foam roller and make that dream come true! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
BEST FOR
MATERIAL
SHAPE
FOAM DENSITY
SIZE
TYPE OF SURFACE
WARRANTY
 
PROS

TriggerPoint foam roller has a patented design boasting both perfect density and stylish look. 

CONS
Elderly people might find using the roller difficult.
OUR VERDICT
A perfect massager for muscle stimulation appreciated by a great number of users.
detailed parameters
BEST FOR
Beginners, Experienced users
MATERIAL
Hard hollow PVC core with EVA foam exterior
SHAPE
Cylinder
FOAM DENSITY
Medium
SIZE

33 x 14 cm

TYPE OF SURFACE
Textured
WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

A spiky massage ball is great for those body parts where using a roller isn't comfortable. For example, feet, palms, neck, and even head.

CONS

It can be difficult to put all accessories in a carry bag.

OUR VERDICT

Purchase this foam roller set and you will be able to organize your own compact gym at home. Moreover, the variety of rollers textures allow you to use them for different purposes. 

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Beginners, Experienced users

MATERIAL

Outer roller and massage ball: EVA material

Inner roller: EPE material

SHAPE

Cylinder

FOAM DENSITY

High

SIZE

33 x 14 cm

TYPE OF SURFACE

Outer roller: textured

Inner roller: smooth

WARRANTY

Lifetime

PROS

Patented Nodules™ bumps allow you to stretch hands, legs and back muscles stimulating oxygen saturation.

CONS

After a certain period of time, the item may bend and start to look shabby.

OUR VERDICT

This Fit Nation model gained the popularity among professional sportsmen. With its help, you can stretch your muscles in a few minutes and show incredibly high results. 

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Experienced users

MATERIAL

Professionally moulded EVA foam

SHAPE

Cylinder

FOAM DENSITY

High

SIZE

33 x 14 cm

TYPE OF SURFACE

Textured

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

A special rough texture allows you to stretch muscles in the shortest amount of time and improve blood circulation.

CONS

The logo erases rather quickly.

OUR VERDICT

This foam roller will be useful for people with a sedentary lifestyle as well as for those who work on a computer for a long time. Try this device and you will forget about a backache.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Beginners, Experienced users

MATERIAL

EVA foam

SHAPE

Cylinder

FOAM DENSITY

Medium

SIZE

45 x 15 cm

TYPE OF SURFACE

Textured

WARRANTY

Lifetime

PROS

The EVA foam material balances the hardness of the model with its soft exterior. It is particularly good at resisting moisture. Plus, the material is also shock absorbent, which makes the roller great for stretching purposes as well as for general body strengthening.

CONS

A bit inconvenient in terms of transportation as it doesn't find a typical sports bag. 

OUR VERDICT

PhysioRoom EVAR-36P is an extremely hard-wearing foam roller that you can use at home or bring with you to the gym. It will improve your performance, relieve pain, and prevent future injuries.

detailed parameters
BEST FOR

Beginners, Experienced users

MATERIAL

EVA foam

SHAPE

Cylinder

FOAM DENSITY

High

SIZE

90 x 15 cm

TYPE OF SURFACE

Smooth

WARRANTY

Amazon's 30-day return policy

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TriggerPoint GRID

Massage Without a Therapist

You’ll hardly disagree with the statement that every person has experienced muscle pain at least once in his or her life. Perhaps, sportsmen feel it more frequently than other people. Overtraining is an inevitable part of their life – they need to work out hard to strengthen muscles. As a result, muscle knots, tension, painful feelings become a guarantee of their successful career. However, we often face the same feelings in usual life. A sedentary lifestyle, a minor accident or a wrongly done exercise are among the most frequent reasons. So, what's the way out? The first thing which comes to mind is a massage. However, visiting a massage therapist is a time-consuming and expensive procedure so not everyone can afford it. That’s why TriggerPoint company have been producing exercise tools (foam rollers as well) for years to give you a chance to relieve pain easily.

Review of TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos

Tone Up Your Muscles

As it has been mentioned above, using a foam roller is one of the easiest ways to relax muscles. And if you aren't yet convinced that you need a foam roller, consider these possible ways of its application and make up your mind. First of all, it helps you relieve pain after intensive workouts. Secondly, you can increase core stability and balance while doing pilates or fitness classes. Moreover, you can warm up your muscles before doing exercises. At last, you may use a foam roller 10 minutes a day to stay fit. Still hesitating? 

What will you say if you find out that the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller has a structure that will let you feel massage resembling the procedure performed by a real massage therapist? The projections of the roller are of a different size and shape. Thus, when you roll over this exercise tool, your feelings resemble the sensation one feels after a touch of palms, phalanges, and fingertips. Moreover, EVA foam exterior provides durability and resistance to damages. Perhaps this is what you need to know about the TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller. So, do you need it now?

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos in the use

History of TriggerPoint

The brand appeared thanks to Cassidy Phillips - a former marathon runner and triathlon participant. He had to stop his sports career because of a chronic muscle pain. When doctors examined him, they couldn't say for sure what treatment he had to undergo to improve his physical state. Then, he decided to take control over his physical fitness and kicked off himself. After he had examined his own body, he came up with the invention of a new sports equipment to ease pain and recommence practising sports. If it wasn't for his desperate desire to recover and get back to doing professional sports, a lot of people today wouldn't be able to use foam rollers and would have been still stuck in the misery of their daily routine.

Detailed review of TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £36.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0040EKZDY

VIDEO
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller Review
 

Prime4Design 2 in 1 Set

Total Body Relief

Have you ever felt that whole your body aches? Probably most of us have. The reasons can be different, but the result is always the same: constant feelings of pain and discomfort around the body. The sedentary lifestyle, poor posture or high physical exertions can make your muscles ache. If you suffer from these kinds of pain, a foam roller is a godsend for you. This device will help you avoid taking pills or making injections offering an even better result. We propose you to consider the Prime4Design 2 in 1 Foam Roller Set to start feeling the benefits of the muscle massage. This set offers quick myofascial release, is great for muscle rejuvenation, body tension and awareness, backache, muscle re-education and coordination. It is also suitable for yoga and Pilates. 

You can be sure that its material is anti-slip and non-toxic. This set will be a great purchase due to the 2 different roller textures and free massage ball. The grid texture of the outer roller made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material improves flexibility and helps in achieving total muscle relaxation. The inner roll is made of expanded polyethylene (EPE) material. Both of the rollers are extremely lightweight and compact. So, if you are still considering whether to buy a foam roller or not, your answer should be YES. You will not only feel a total body relief but also will improve your blood circulation.
Review of Prime4Design 2 in 1 Set Riggerpoint Rollers with Grid Design Plus Bonus Travel Bag & Exercises Instructions

Your Own Portable Fitness

As it was mentioned above, this set also includes a free massage ball. It is a perfect addition to the rollers helping you to massage tight muscle knots and stiff joints. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to use rollers for palms, feet or head; in such cases, you will definitely need this massage ball. Also, it is good for deep tissue massage to release chronic muscle tension. This set also comes with a travel bag making it portable and easy to take with you. If you purchase this 2 in 1 set, you will get your own portable fitness that can help you feel and look better. To make sure it works well and will serve you for a long time, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty.

Prime4Design 2 in 1 Set Riggerpoint Rollers with Grid Design Plus Bonus Travel Bag & Exercises Instructions in the use
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01G5S3LZ6

 

Fit Nation 2015-FN-FRB-BLK

Patented Nodules Bumps

Fit Nation equipment is made of the highest quality materials to meet every kind of standard and Performance Foam Roller is a prime example of that. Fit Nation absolutely knows how important is product’s quality, so they use a lightweight yet strong high-density environment-friendly foam. This foam roller has Nodules bumps on the 3D surface to work on the tense areas and ease muscle pains. With Nodules' help, you can stretch your muscles stimulating oxygen saturation. Isn’t it great?

It is best to use this roller before the workout to release toxins in the muscles and prevent the possibility of traumas. When your muscles are stretched, you can train even harder. And you should also try to use it after the workout to relieve DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness). So what you get is a perfect foam roller that comes in 6 colours to suit every taste for the most reasonable price. Everybody will appreciate its functionality and this foam roller will definitely become an essential thing in your home.

Review of Fit Nation 2015-FN-FRB-BLK Ultra Lightweight Hollow Core Muscle Roller

Useful Additional Materials

If you buy this Fit Nation Performance Foam Roller, you can reduce muscle soreness, improve your mobility, prepare your body for high-intensity physical activities or recover from sports injuries. This device is suitable mostly for experienced users because its surface is extremely textured; beginners can find it too coarse and sharp. Despite its super strong Nodules bumps material, this roller is rather lightweight, so you won't face any problem if you decide to take it with you somewhere.

Most of you probably know that any sports equipment needs a special guide for a user’s safety and faster results. To learn how to use this foam roller properly, Fit Nation provides you with an exercise guide including 10 video lessons and access to the 2 most popular foam rolling eBooks. If you are not satisfied with this product, you can get your money back within 30 days. In general, if you care about your body, this foam roller is exactly what you need to feel healthier.

Fit Nation 2015-FN-FRB-BLK Ultra Lightweight Hollow Core Muscle Roller in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £11.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B018MHUGC4

 

Maximo Fitness Eva

New Popular Brand

Maximo Fitness is rather a new popular brand of CrossFit and Sports products. Its goal is to design only the best sports equipment both for professionals and for amateurs. This company provides innovative and superior products at a reasonable price. So you should probably quit considering whether you ought to purchase this product and go straight to the "buying" part of the whole process. Start accelerating your workouts and reducing your muscle pains. The device is incredibly easy to combine with any athletic activity.

Its main feature is medium foam density which is firm enough to provide support but isn’t coarse and hard. It also has a textured surface to provide more comfortable and deep muscle massage. Due to this special rough texture, you are able to stretch your muscles in the shortest amount of time. This model will suit both beginners and experienced users providing blood circulation improvement. In general, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your muscles really need some relaxation. So, buy this foam roller and feel an immediate result.

Review of Maximo Fitness Eva Perfect Self Massage tool for Home, Gym, Pilates, Yoga

Self-Myofascial Release

Foam Rolling is also known as a self-myofascial release used previously only by professional athletes. But nowadays it is employed by people at all fitness levels. This technique became so popular due to its incredible effect and result. If you are suffering from trigger points (special knots in muscles), you know how painful and uncomfortable it is. To get rid of them or at least to relieve the pain, you need to put some pressure on these knots using such a device as a foam roller. This one is perfect because it is not coarse and doesn’t make any bruises. Maximo Fitness Eva features a longer design providing an opportunity to massage both legs at the same time. It is not only longer but also lighter than others providing more a comfortable carrying experience. Maximo Fitness uses only high-quality materials supplied with a lifetime warranty. Summing up all the advantages, we would suggest this model to everybody who needs to relieve muscle pains as soon as possible.

Maximo Fitness Eva Perfect Self Massage tool for Home, Gym, Pilates, Yoga in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01897UA4G

 

PhysioRoom EVAR-36P

Bit More Length to Work With

PhysioRoom EVAR-36P may seem like your everyday foam roller that doesn't really have much going for it. But that isn't necessarily the case. Sure, it's the little things, but a small change here and there makes for a pretty noticeable difference all in all.

Having said that, not every change is that small. For instance, compared to other entries on our list, this roller is simply huge. The usual width of 15 centimetres is there but the length has been extended up to whopping 90 centimetres.

Of course, some may see it as a disadvantage and there's a chance they will have a point. One of the arguments could be that the roller may not fit in your average training bag, so it won't be as convenient in terms of transportation as other foam rollers. And we wouldn't argue that point. Nevertheless, we would say that the positives of the massive size far outweigh the negatives.

The product's extra length will be able to cover a much larger part of your body. This way, you will have the opportunity to increase your range of exercises, shake up your workout routine, as well as decrease the time it takes for you to massage your back.

Just like any foam roller, the model will increase your range of motion. With the increased motion, you'll be able to improve your level of performance as muscles since your muscles will be able to fully engage with the exercise. That extra range of motion also prevents future injuries and lengthens your muscles.

Review of PhysioRoom EVAR-36P Foam Roller Fitness Exercise Training For Core Stability Workouts, Yoga, Pilates and Other Sports

Hard and Soft at the Same Time

Most foam rollers are more suited for experienced users or beginners. But the roller in question is pretty good at accommodating both of these groups. Unlike the model from Fit Nation, it doesn't any bumps that might inconvenience a beginner.

The surface isn't textured but smooth. This type of surface is usually associated with rollers for beginners but that isn't the case here. The product features 30-degree hardness. It also scores high in foam density, with 30-35 kg/m2 of the latter.

The roller is made of EVA foam. The material balances the hardness of the model with its soft exterior. And it is particularly good at resisting moisture. Plus, the material is also shock absorbent, which makes the roller great for stretching purposes as well as for general body strengthening.

To sum it up, PhysioRoom EVAR-36P is an extremely hard-wearing foam roller that you can use at home or bring with you to the gym. It will improve your performance, relieve pain, and prevent future injuries.

PhysioRoom EVAR-36P Foam Roller Fitness Exercise Training For Core Stability Workouts, Yoga, Pilates and Other Sports in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0057EQHU6

 

What Is a Foam Roller?

Modern pace of life doesn't always give us a chance to go to the gym or visit a massage therapist for health care. However, everybody wants to stay fit. Foam rollers are a unique sports gear that can be used by both beginners and experienced users. They have a cylindrical shape and are made of foam material. These exercise tools suit young people as well as the elderly. You can use them if you are a professional sportsman, during fitness and pilates classes, or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. Foam rollers help when it comes to improving the general physical state, staying in shape, and even facilitating muscle recovery after injuries. They also greatly impact body circulation and nerve system.

Besides foam rollers, you may also be interested in exercise balls that are used extensively during fitness and pilates exercises. And if you prefer more intense workouts, medicine balls will help you train different muscle groups.

What Features to Compare

Best For

Foam rollers differ in shape, material, size, and density. That's why before choosing this sports gear, consider several features. First of all, think about a person who will use it. If a potential user is a beginner and hasn't used such equipment before, soft-density smooth rollers will be the best pick. For experienced users, foam rollers of firmer density and with a textured structure will be a preferable option.

Features

  • Foam rollers are usually made either of polypropylene or EVA foam. Polypropylene rollers are more dense and firm, they are often bought by professional athletes, while rollers with EVA foam exterior are a bit softer and more flexible, they are prone to little deformation, yet they best suit beginners that just got introduced to the foam rollers.
  • The design of foam rollers predetermines their use. With that said, let’s give a brief review of the shapes evolved and available. Foam roller cylinder can become the best fit for those who’re going to pilates, do abs, legs and want to develop body flexibility. Semicylinders are great for those who work on balancing. They are very steady and aren't going to slip on a surface. Foam semicircular rollers are much softer than all of the rest. This means they aren’t as durable, but the good side is, they don’t require as much physical strength and can easily be used by the elderly and the novices.
  • The density of foam rollers is different too - low, medium or high. If this is your first time using a foam roller, it is better to opt for one of low density. Something firmer may easily lead to a muscle pain. Medium-density rollers are an optimal option for both beginners and experienced users. They can help you develop all groups of muscles. High-density rollers will be the best choice for those who have practiced for quite a while and built muscle endurance. They are also incredibly efficient for losing weight.
  • In general, roller's length varies in the range of 12" to 36" with 6 inches common width. Use a longer roller to massage your back and a shorter one for common body massage excluding back muscles. Shorter foam rollers are much more handy to carry in a bag too, so if you prefer outdoor workouts, consider the size of this setting.

Surface

Foam rollers have different exterior. If you're looking for a simple and universal solution to develop all groups of muscles without getting them strain, you need to get a foam roller with a smooth cover. Textured foam rollers work better for larger muscles such as back and shoulders, but it's very important that you use them carefully, not rolling too hard, so there's no risk of harming your spine.

Did you know?

Causes of trigger points

The most common reason for trigger points is a muscular overload. When you overload your body, it leads to a trigger point formation. Such muscular overloads can be very different and not entirely obvious. One of such examples would be exertion overload associated with muscles weakness to perform some specific task. And this type of muscular overload is the most common one because people often exhaust themselves, not thinking about possible consequences. Another form signaling of trigger point formation is a repetitive stress overload which occurs due to repetitive movements every day. It can be sports activities or some housework, for instance. There is also a postural overload when your muscles are placed in an overstretched or over-shortened position for a long time. Such a form of overload can be neurological or mechanical and can easily go unnoticed by an untrained eye. Some physical traumas are also able to cause trigger points. Anyway, all these forms of muscle overload need a special care and everyday exercising.

Ways to use a foam roller

Sometimes even professional athletes happen to have no idea how to use this device properly. On the other hand, some people think they don’t need any guidance because they have already used a foam roller. But don’t you think that any sports equipment should be used properly to achieve maximum result in the shortest amount of time? We advise you to read the instructions and our helpful tips before using it. If you feel that your neck aches, put a foam roller under your neck perpendicularly forming a capital letter T. Then slowly roll until you feel where the trigger points are. For upper back pain relief, you should place this device under it and shift the body back and forth. As for the lower back, the movement is identical, but you should put your elbows and feet on the floor, raise the buttocks and roll. When you need to stretch your buttocks, place your feet flat on the floor and bend your legs. After that, shift the body back and forth rolling along your buttocks. Your feet can also ache after jogging or uncomfortable shoes. For feet pain relief, use a roller putting some pressure on it in a standing position.

Kinetic chain concepts

In order to understand the benefits of foam rolling, you should first know what is a kinetic chain. It consists of soft tissue system, neural system and articular system. This kinetic chain works as an integrated unit and all of its components are interdependent. That means if one segment doesn't function properly, others try to compensate leading to fatigue or muscle overload. For example, if your muscles are tight, they restrict your joints movement providing overload. SMFR (Self-Myofascial release) is the best way to return your muscular balance and maintain normal muscular length.

Why every yogi needs a foam roller

Yoga is one of the most ancient fitness art based on putting your body in different positions to increase your body stamina and capacity. As yoga exercises are very similar to foam roller exercises, this device can be simply applied in a yoga session. Such exercises help to release the fascia when it is restricted. That makes your movement feel restricted too and provides discomfort. Combining Yoga with a foam roller, you will release all stiffness in your muscles and feel free in your movement. It will improve your results and diversify your workouts.

FAQ:

Q: What does a foam roller do?

A: Foam rolling technology can also be called self-myofascial release (SMR). It can be used for trigger points and tension relief in your muscles. With this kind of device, you don’t have to exercise regularly. If you feel any pain in your muscles, you are able to use a foam roller to dispose of it even at home. Some scientists believe that such technology can also better a vertical leap and improve your flexibility.

Q: Does foam rolling feel good?

A: This factor depends on your exact situation and muscle preparedness. Of course, foam rolling can be painful for inactive people who sit a lot, but this feeling should not make you cry or call a doctor. You should feel the good kind of pain which stretches and oxygenates your muscles. This pain can be uncomfortable at first, but after that initial reaction, you will feel pleasure and comfort.

Q: What are the benefits of using a foam roller?

A: Foam rolling has only positive results. Using this device, you will get rid of muscle pains, massage your tight muscles, improve blood circulation and flexibility. After exercising with a foam roller you will feel lightness and pleasure.

Q: What type of foam roller material is better?

A: The first one, PE (Polyethylene) foam is the softest material. It will be great for those who don’t want a foam roller that is too firm or overly coarse. But this type of material is not strong enough for a long use. The EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is an excellent and extremely lightweight material which will serve you for a long time. It delivers a slight sponge feel providing both good result and comfort. And the last one is EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) which is the coarsest foam roller material. It will be great for professional users. Which material is better depends on your preferences and needs.

Q: I need a yoga roller. Does it mean I can use any foam roller or I need to look for a specific one?

A: Also called a yoga foam roller or exercise roller it can be used not only for yoga session but any session to increase the efficiency of the workout. This means you do not need to search for any specific roller and can use one you've already got.

Q: Is it possible to use a foam roller as a massage roller?

A: Of course. You can use it not only for preventing injuries during workouts but also for relieving muscle pain and releasing trigger points. This device is multifunctional, so you don't need to buy additional massagers. Having a foam roller will be more than enough to brush off tiredness and stress, relax and to stretch your muscles after a hard working day.

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Publish Date: 2017-11-21 13:42:08