How to Choose a Foam Roller

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release (SMR) that targets tense and overworked muscles. It is similar to myofascial release, a common technique in massage, otherwise known as deep-tissue massage. Licensed Massage Therapists use their hands, elbows or other tools to press directly on a tight muscle until it releases its tension. With the pressure created by your own body weight, you can use a foam roller on the back, hips, legs, arms, and other parts of the body, to release muscle knots. It can also be used to increase balance and core stability. Foam rollers differ in size, shape, foam type, and cost. By determining your specific uses for the Eva Foam rollers, you can buy a foam roller that fits your needs. This article will tell you how to choose a foam roller.

Try out various foam rollers at a sports supply store or local gym. Most people learn to do foam rolling through a class or a personal trainer. These classes introduce techniques that can help you make the most of your foam roller and give you exercises to use with your roller.

Determine if you will use your foam roller primarily for tissue massage or if its dominant use will be for exercises like balance and core training. Although it is not round and only rolls slightly, a half-round foam roller can increase your balance when you stand on it. It is often used by physical therapists to enhance proprioception after injury to knees or ankles. Proprioception is your body's sense of its parts in relation to each other.

Choose your firmness. A decision of firmness should be based on your experience-level with the craft foam rolls. Most foam rollers are color coded according to firmness. White rollers are the softest, followed by blue or green rollers of medium density and black foam rollers, which are the firmest.