Foam rollers: Hi everyone, please can I have... - Couch to 5K

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Foam rollers

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate
8 Replies

Hi everyone, please can I have some feedback comparing smooth rollers versus the ridged/nobbly ones? I don’t want to buy one of either sort and regret it. Are the ridged ones really painful, or are the smooth ones actually beneficial? Thoughts, please.

Thank you!

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MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardener
Graduate
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8 Replies
Oddity profile image
Oddity

I have absolutely no idea. But I'm sure someone here will help!!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

They all work... smooth ones are less intense. Here’s a runners world article on foam rollers including their best buys for 2018, sorry I don’t have a 2019 one as of yet.

runnersworld.com/gear/a2193...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

They all have their place depending on what you use them for... I have a big foam roller for all sorts of back and leg issues.. but I love my massage stick for my calves etc.

Physix Gear Sport Muscle Roller Stick

The main point is to learn to use them correctly.. they can do more harm than good if used incorrectly:)

DrBunny profile image
DrBunny

Morning MuddledGardener! I’m no expert, but I do have some personal experience to share. The choice imho vastly depends on problem areas you want to target. I started figure skating 4 years ago (still skate, spins, jumps and all!), and my legs were in agony for months. I tried a traditional foam roller first but found it hard to control and ended up with a rolling stick. It can be best described as a slim version of a rolling pin with knots and bumps. Amazon have a few. For me, it did a better job on small areas of tightness; also , you roll it with your hands and don’t have to play Twister with it, like you would with a large foam roll. Hope this helps😊

Feeling_Runderful profile image
Feeling_RunderfulGraduate

I have a foam roller with all the bumpy bits. It’s basically a torture device. My husband does it and I often swear myself through it! Always feels better after it though and is awesome!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

The smooth one is good to start off with as it’s not so intense, the nobbly one is a bit fiercer 😱 But if you want only one then go for the knobbly. Start off gently and learn how to use it properly. It does a better job of getting into some nooks and crannies....

I have a selection but always head for the knobbly one and in any gym you’ll nearly always find the knobbly one 🙂

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Btw, a tennis ball is a great addition to your post-run workout arsenal 🙂

Failingfifty profile image
Failingfifty

There is no real difference.

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