Trainer’s endorsement! What is the best product for myofascial release? Page 2

How to choose a foam roller for myofascial release

There are many different types of foam rollers for myofascial release available from various manufacturers, and beginners often make the mistake of choosing a roller that is not suitable for them or that does not meet their goals. Here are three ways to choose the right foam roller for you.

Find a foam roller

How to choose (1) “Pay attention to the “hardness” of the foam roller!

The hardness of the foam roller differs depending on the manufacturer. While hard foam rollers transmit force easily and provide strong stimulation, in some cases they may be too painful and cause muscle tension, making it impossible to relax the muscles at all. Conversely, if it is too soft, the stimulation is not transmitted properly to the muscles. Therefore, if you are buying a foam roller for the first time, it should be as soft as the belly of your thumb, i.e., when you press the roller with your finger, it should be slightly concave. It is also important to check the material used. Soft foam rollers are made of urethane or polyethylene, while hard ones are made of hardened PVC or EVA, so it is a good idea to check carefully if you are thinking of buying one online. If you feel that the stimulation is not enough after using the roller, upgrading to a harder foam roller is the most fail-safe way to choose.

How to choose a foam roller: “The difference in the unevenness of the foam roller is also a factor that determines the feel of the roller!

The basic shape of a foam roller is a cylinder with a smooth surface, but some foam rollers have uneven surfaces. The flat surface gives the sensation of being “pressed by hand,” while the uneven surface gives the sensation of being “pressed by fingers. The flat surface is suitable for relaxing large surfaces such as the back with moderate pain, while the uneven surface works to improve the effect by locally approaching the trigger points that are the cause of the pain. There is no wrong choice between the two, but it is a good idea to choose the one you prefer after careful examination, as it greatly affects the feel of the product. Incidentally, there are a wide variety of uneven surfaces, from angular to rounded, and from high to low, so be sure to check the type of roller you choose.

How to choose (3) “Select a foam roller with a shape that matches the “part” of the body!

Foam rollers can be broadly classified into three types: cylindrical, stick, and ball types. Cylindrical types are good for stimulating hard-to-reach areas such as the buttocks, back, and backs of thighs using their own weight. However, it is not good at stimulating smaller muscles such as the arms and shoulders. The compact stick type with a handle can release myofascia in areas that are difficult to reach with the cylinder type, such as the front thighs, shins, arms, and neck, but it is a little less intense. The simplest ball type is suitable for pinpointing a single point, but it takes longer to loosen the entire body. Each type has different areas of strength, so choose the type that best suits your personal goals and lifestyle.