The Benefits of Foam Rollers

From gym-goers and casual exercisers to Olympic athletes, many of us have encountered the trusty foam roller. It's becoming common knowledge that, post-exercise, stretching alone isn't enough to release muscle tightness and help prevent next-day aches, and there are several types of foam roller for different exercise types, activity levels and intensities.

What are foam rollers for?

Foam rollers are used for self-myofascial release – in other words, self-massage. They're crafted to relieve muscle tightness and release particular trigger points around the body. For most casual exercisers, they reduce the soreness often felt after an intense workout, while for professional athletes they speed up muscle recovery to maintain endurance into the next session. So how do you know which roller is best for you? Here are the three most popular types. Our guides to foam for physiotherapy and foam for yoga and wellbeing cover related uses.

Low-density foam rollers

Low-density foam rollers are the softest and lightest available, brilliant for the casual exerciser easing strain and soreness, and commonly used in exercise classes for a range of movements. Though they're light and relatively soft compared with firmer counterparts, don't be surprised to still feel some discomfort when rolling – the roller is designed to work your muscles, but if you find yourself grimacing in pain, stop. We supply a wide variety of precut foam cylinders in many diameters and lengths.

Firm foam rollers

Over time, you may want to progress from a soft roller to a firm one. Firm rollers are excellent for a deeper, more intense pressure-point release, making them a good choice for professional athletes who train frequently. If a firm roller feels too intense, or you find yourself wincing in pain, try a softer one. We also provide an extensive range of high-density foams that can be cut to size into cylinder rolls.

Ridged foam rollers

Ridged foam rollers have a patterned texture, with knobs or wave-shaped ridges that embed into the pressure points within a muscle. These ridges help release tension quickly and are excellent for complex muscles such as the shoulders, as they target muscles with numerous trigger points that are used often during exercise. Should you require a ridged foam roller, we have many colours to choose from.

To learn more about choosing the most appropriate foam roller for you, please contact us.

Frequently asked questions

What are foam rollers used for?

Foam rollers are a form of self-myofascial release, or self-massage. They're crafted to relieve muscle tightness and release trigger points around the body – reducing soreness after a workout for casual exercisers, and speeding up muscle recovery for professional athletes.

Which foam roller should I choose?

Low-density rollers are softest, ideal for casual exercisers easing soreness and for exercise classes. Firm rollers give a deeper, more intense pressure-point release, suiting frequent or professional training. Ridged rollers have knobs or waves that target complex, multi-trigger-point muscles like the shoulders.

Do foam rollers hurt?

Some discomfort is normal, as the roller is designed to work your muscles, but if you find yourself grimacing in real pain, stop. If a firm roller feels too intense, progress to a softer one.