Foam Rollers

After years of supplying foam rollers, we have found the most reliable and superior rollers from a great source with consistent quality. We’ve tested loads of versions to discover the perfect roller and are confident you’ll be impressed with our choice. Plus, the Physique Massage Roller, Physique Pro Foam Roller and Foam Roller are available on our great value 4 for 3 Mix & Match offer. 

Introduction To Foam Rollers

Foam rollers have grown in popularity over the last 15 years, developing from a tool only used by exercise professionals to one found in every gym and many households.

The choices available for you today is ever increasing. Starting from a simple log-shaped piece of white foam in the early 1970s, you will now find foam rollers in 100’s colours and designs and in all shapes and sizes.

Despite the increasing list of options, the aim is still the same. Foam rollers can be used for self-massage which allows you to use physiotherapy techniques such as self-myofascial release and soft tissue release. 

So What Does A Foam Roller Do?

As in all walks of life, prevention is better than cure. Using a foam roller regularly, whether injured or not, may help to give your muscles normal function, meaning your muscles are elastic, healthy and ready to perform.

The process of rolling on a foam roller will apply pressure to specific points on your body and aid in the recovery of muscles. So if you have tight hamstrings, sore calf muscles, aching arms or another over-worked part of your body, a bit of foam rolling could work wonders.

Foam rollers are also great if you have ‘Trigger Points’ (specific knots that form in muscles). The practice of foam rolling can assist in breaking up these muscle knots, resuming normal blood flow and function

How Does A Foam Roller Work?

Foam Rolling exercises are very simple. You start by placing your body on the Foam Roller and slowly roll up and down the muscle indicated. The trick is all in the technique. Executing the correct foam roller exercise is vital for you to achieve best results. Positioning your body and stretching certain areas being treated will help to enhance the effectiveness of your routine.

We can’t stress enough the importance of technique. Using a foam roller correctly when treating your body is vital to not only improve the condition of your muscles but also to prevent damage. If in doubt refer to guides or your practitioner. 

For more information, have a look at our guide on foam roller fundamentals

What Can I Use A Foam Roller For?

Foam Rollers are an essential piece of kit for any sports player or fitness and activity enthusiast. Nobody likes getting injured and we all want to give 100% when we participate. Unfortunately, our bodies can suffer when we push it too far. Looking after your muscles will help you prevent injury and improve performance. Using a foam roller regularly may help to keep your muscles in top condition.

The entire body can be treated, so in whatever area you are looking to improve or manage an injury, a foam roller can help.

Does A Foam Roller Help Improve Performance?

Using a Foam Roller as a tool to stretch before activity will help to warm up cold muscles and prepare them for deeper and more aggressive movements. You can also use a foam roller after activity to help your muscles relax and repair… The crucial part many of us often forget!

Foam Rollers are also excellent for balance and proprioception training. Our Pro Foam Rollers are designed to withstand balance exercises and will not lose shape. You can improve the strength of your ankles, knees and core muscles with both a full round and half-round roller.

Why Are Foam Rollers Different Shapes and Sizes?

Traditionally foam rollers are cylinder-shaped, round and approximately 90cm in length. Over the years improvements in technology and design have allowed foam rollers to develop into more complex shapes enabling the user to target the specific muscle group they are looking to treat.

The width is the main variation you will notice. Everyone is a different size and shape, therefore the choice is beneficial so you can get the most from your roller. Also, the width will adjust the intensity of how deep the muscles are worked, however, the technique is the best way to vary this yourself. The narrower rollers are not so intense but are great for getting to smaller muscle groups that can be tricky with a wider roller.

Foam rollers are available in a number of lengths, mainly 30cm, 45cm and 90cm. The 30cm and 45cm rollers are great for working legs, arms, shoulders and part of the back. A 90cm roller will enable you to work the entire body.   

Another fairly recent addition is the change to surfaces of foam rollers. Featuring ribs, flat blocks, triangular shapes and many more, each new surface is designed to give the user an experience as if they were receiving a massage. Ribs feel like fingers, flat blocks can feel like palms and the more pointy shapes feel like fingertips, intended to get right into the muscle and give the user the ultimate foam rolling treatment.

Which Foam Roller Should I Buy?

It all depends on the area being treated and how often you intend to use the roller.

Those of you who practice your activity several times a week would hugely benefit from a roller that will give you a deep self-massage. The rollers that feature a hollow core are made with a rigid tube that is covered with high-density foam, giving them the strength to provide the deepest treatment. Featuring innovative surfaces these rollers allow for targeted massage and mimic the feel of a hand.

These should only be used for self-massage foam rolling techniques, not balance or proprioception training. 

There are several types available, with the main difference being the size. Our smallest ‘hollow core’ roller starts at just 6.5cm wide and 16cm long. They go all the way up to 15cm wide and 61cm long, so you can find the perfect size for you.

The more traditional Foam rollers are available in a variety of foam densities. These rollers are one solid piece of foam and are available in full round or half round and various lengths.  The Blue Rollers are of higher density and will not lose their shape when used for self-massage or balance training.

Options Available...

Still unsure? Then please contact us by email or call our team on 02392 471346 and we will do our best to help.