I have a love/hate relationship with foam rolling. It’s both the best thing that I can do as an ultra runner, CrossFit-, and strength athlete and the most painful. Every session I have is chock-full of pain. While foam rolling is the most creative form of athlete torture I’ve come across, it can also be the most useful recovery tool.
That said, not all foam rollers are created equal. To get the most out of foam rolling, you need to pick the right tool.
Some foam rollers are too soft, some are too rough, and the best foam roller is just like Goldilocks’ third bowl of porridge – just right.
[color-button color=”yellow”]The Best Foam Roller[/color-button]
The DIY Foam Roller
Before I tell you which foam roller is the best, here’s how you can make one yourself, if you’re a glutton for punishment.
Simply grab a PVC pipe and jump on it.
- Image coming soon
Please note: this is pain on a pipe. Literally. It hurts like hell but will also only set you back $5 at Home Depot. So if you’re hurting for cash and need a quick, no-excuse fix, this is your best option.
However, unless you’re the Terminator, Rich Froning, or someone who doesn’t know pain or have a soul, there are better options.
Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
Why The TP GRID Foam Roller?
The TP Therapy Grid Foam Roller works well because it has the following features (taken from their site):
- Three-dimensional surface allows tissue to aerate while you roll, promoting the flow of blood and oxygen—the nutrients needed to repair muscles
- Hard, hollow core hand-wrapped in EVA foam makes it firmer than traditional foam rollers
- Environmental design uses less foam than traditional foam rollers
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Backed by a one-year warranty
- Weight tested to support up to 500 lbs/225 kg static load
-> Buy the Trigger Point Foam Roller here
My Personal Story
I personally use the TP GRID foam roller. I’d like to say I don’t, since it’s the number one form of torture for me post-workout, but it’s also the thing that makes me feel the best after a tough session.
Foam rolling is the exercise/cool down that I love to hate and, while I’d rather avoid it altogether, the better athlete in me knows that I need to take proper care of myself.
People jump to spend hundreds on shoes, gear, supplements, and other stuff that helps during races and workouts, but I’ve found that few things have improved my overall performance as much as foam rolling, and the Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller is the best foam roller I’ve found.
Get The Trigger Point GRID Foam Roller
Get this foam roller here and prepare for pain. Have fun! 🙂
For more on foam rolling, check out our Impossible Guide to Foam Rolling.