Fitness
Prevent muscle pain with a foam roller
You find them everywhere these days: at the gym, in your Pilates class, and at your sporty friend's house: the foam roller. That's not surprising, because this foam roller, massage roller, or foam roller offers countless benefits, such as reducing and preventing muscle soreness. Who wouldn't want that?
You know how it is: that satisfied but painful feeling in your muscles after an exhausting workout at the gym, a brisk run, a tough bike ride or another workout. Buy a foam roller and your enormous muscle pain will soon be a thing of the past!
How does a foam roller work?
A foam roller You can use it before, during, or after a workout. Roll the foam roller over your (sore) muscles to stimulate blood circulation. This improves your body's ability to eliminate waste products, reducing the risk of injury.
The foam roller is also useful as a training aid, for example during floor exercises or stability training.
Thanks to the use of the foam roller You also increase your muscle flexibility. Because you roll the muscles more loosely, it's easier to perform certain exercises or poses. Do you suffer from stiff or tense muscles? With the foam roller, you can reduce or remove muscle knots. A wonderful self-massage! This way, you'll feel flexible and balanced again.
Which foam roller should I buy?
Are you, like many fitness enthusiasts, personal trainers, and physiotherapists, enthusiastic about foam rollers and looking to buy one? Then choose the right one for your body type.
Hardness
Foam rollers are available in different firmness levels. The softer, the more comfortable they feel. Harder foam rollers are more direct and therefore often perceived as more painful. Hard foam rollers are particularly suitable for loosening the neck and lower back. Soft foam rollers are the Sissel foam rollers. Other foam rollers are harder.
Never used a foam roller before? Start with a softer roller. Keep in mind that these are less durable than hard foam rollers, as the foam dents and can eventually lose its effectiveness.
Length
Consider how and where you want to use the foam roller. Do you want to roll across the entire width of your back, or perhaps both legs at once? Then a slightly longer foam roller might be helpful. A smaller foam roller can be practical if you carry it with you often. The effect of a small or long foam roller is the same.
Form
Most foam rollers are cylindrical, but there are also alternative shapes, such as a semicircular foam roller or massage stick.
The semicircular foam roller, with its flat side facing down, is ideal for stretching or massage. The rounded side creates an unstable surface that helps you work on your balance.
The massage stick or massage roller features nubs in the center, allowing you to target specific muscles. The ergonomic handles allow you to easily adjust the pressure.