How To Choose The Best Back Roller

Density

Density is perhaps the most crucial factor to consider when getting a foam roller. Density may be regarded as a cushion, give, or firmness. Foam rollers come in three densities.

• Firm: If you want a deeper and more intense massage, firm rollers would be best for you. Highly active individuals like athletes get tight muscles often. These rollers act best for them as they give a penetrating massage. These are the rollers that provide you a proper myofascial release.
• Medium: These rollers are also known as standard rollers, and their firmness is medium. Since they have a universal quality, you can use them for both exercise and self-massage. They have just enough firmness to have a moderate cushion and are suitable for deep massages too. They also act as useful props for core strengthening exercises like yoga or pilates.
• Soft: These types of rollers have more cushion. These are for people who want more comfort than deeper massages by standard and firm rollers. Soft rollers are gentler to your muscles and are the optimum choice if you have sensitive muscles.

Shape and Size

Foam rollers come in many different sizes and shapes. Though most rollers have the full-size, traditional round cylinder shape, there are other varieties too.

• Full-size standard: When you think of a roller, these are the ones that come to mind. The measurements of the standard rollers are 36 inches in length and 6 inches in diameter. These can be used for many kinds of massages and help relieve larger muscle groups. They are also useful in physiotherapy and exercises such as pIlates or balance and core strength exercises.
• Short-length roller: These rollers feature a short length of about 12 or 18 inches and are portable. You can carry them to the gym, pilates studio, or the physiotherapy clinic. They target specific muscle groups such as glutes or calves.
• Small diameter: Rollers with a smaller diameter of about 4 inches are more stable and closer to the floor. They are primarily for older people, physical therapy patients, or those who don’t have the right balance.
• Bumps and ridges: If you want a more invigorating massage or want to massage specific areas, rollers with protrusions are the best option for you. These uniquely designed rollers offer a deeper massage and relieve even tight and compact areas.
• Half-size, flat roller: These kinds of rollers are best for core strength or balancing exercises. Most of these have a general length of 36 inches and a height of 3 inches. They have a plano-convex shape, that is, flat on one side and rounded on the other. 

Types of Foam

• EPP foam: Rollers made from this type of foam are of excellent quality yet affordable too. They are quite versatile and are suited to every kind of user. They offer a perfect combination of affordability and durability. Thus, they are perfect for people who are just starting with rollers and more experienced users. These rollers last longer than open-cell rollers.
• Open-Cell: Rollers that have open-cell construction tend to break down faster than closed-cell ones. Though these are inexpensive, you would be better off investing in closed-cell foam rollers. Closed-cell rollers provide the durability you need.
• EVA Foam: The durability of rollers made with EVA foam is unmatched. These rollers are known to have professional strength. They can withstand heavy use, generally expected in gyms, pilates studios, or clinics where they are used all day. You can even use it at home easily because of the assured durability it provides.

Conclusion

As you may have understood by now, it takes a lot of thought and research to purchase the perfect foam roller for yourself. But you should invest your time into finding out about rollers so that you find the right match! The right roller would give you the utmost comfort, and you would be motivated to use it with consistency. Just keep in mind the three factors before buying one, and you will be good to go.