What to Look for in a Foam Roller

Foam rollers come in many shapes, sizes and textures. Know what features to look for before you start rolling. Whether you’re an avid athlete, a runner or a gym-goer, you’ve probably experienced the feeling of being sore. If you’re looking to find relief, however, that is where a foam roller could come in handy.

The Basics

So, what is a foam roller anyway? Foam rollers are made to help soothe muscles and can be great tools to use before or after a workout. The firm, yet comfortable surface is designed to help massage and stretch muscles by using a person’s body weight as they sit or lay on the roller and slowly roll back and forth. When it comes to material, a foam roller can be made of a polyethylene foam, which is softer but can warp over time, or an EVA foam that tends to be denser and a bit more durable. There are also rollers that have reinforced plastic cores to help maintain density and increase their durability.