Foam Rollers

glasgowbhoy

Been thinking about getting one as my IT bands are quite tight at the moment.
Anyone use one, what make/model and do you get the benefit from them?

baldwin471

I actually just got one about 2 days ago. Have used it a few times and already feel the benefits. Be warned, if you have tight muscles (Mine were hamstrings and IT bands) It will hurt quite a bit the first couple of times, but stick through it and you'll reap the rewards in the long run. Got mine from here http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002 ... 04_s00_i00

Good quality material, nice and stiff.

derbygrimpeur

Got exactly the same roller as baldwin about 2 months ago as my IT band was causing knee pain. The foam roller bloody hurt, but it sorted the problem

Sussed out

The amount of foam rollers I've gone through that have become misshapen or squashed through use over the past few years I struggle to count. So I invested in one of these...
http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/LIV1 ... am-roller/
And it's great! Doesn't break down, stays solid, rolls well.
Worth the extra money, with these if you buy cheap, you buy three times.

shockedsoshocked

As long as you get a solid roller (not one with two cylinders if you get me) you'll be fine.

Calpol

Sussed out wrote:

The amount of foam rollers I've gone through that have become misshapen or squashed through use over the past few years I struggle to count. So I invested in one of these...
http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/LIV1 ... am-roller/
And it's great! Doesn't break down, stays solid, rolls well.
Worth the extra money, with these if you buy cheap, you buy three times.

I have one of these also. I do like it and I think its more effective than the basic 8 quid one I bought to begin with. I think there will be some good middle ground if £30+ is a bit strong for you. I justified it by comparing it to the price of a visit to the physio - which is £30+ round here.

rock_hopper

Foam rollers are amazing, my body would be in all sorts of trouble if I didn't use mine 3-5 times a week! Be warned though, your body will get used to it and sort of starts relying on it.

A couple have mentioned 'the grid' roller but they are nothing compared to these torture devises!
http://www.physiosupplies.com/fitness/R ... -Firm.html

dw300

Yeh, I mean it's good that they don't get punctures and the ride is a bit better, but the rolling resistance is so bad that I just went back to my regular wheels.

XtotheZ

I use a bit of plastic pipe I had in the garage a trainer from Connnacht Rugby told me its the same only its cheaper and will last longer.

I was also told not to use it the day before a race though as it damages the muscles? can anyone verify that?

TheEnglishman

Oh good - the trainer at the gym mentioned I would get more out of using these than just stretching. I start next week!

Are the cheap ones just a waste of time then? I guess if you're in it for the long term you may as well get the decent ones? Or visit Jewsons!

sadlybiggins

I've got the same one as Baldwin471 and Derbygrimpeur and I'd highly recommend it - not too expensive and has not distorted in the year or so I've had it. The first time I rolled my IT band was agony but this improves quickly with regular use. The instructions with the roller are pretty brief but there are loads of videos on YouTube which show various exercises.