Are you planning to hit the gym? If so, a foam roller is one of the best tools you need to relieve muscle pain. Whether you are working out at home or the gym, the best travel foam roller can help you prevent injury, reduce pain and improve your mobility.
Using foam rollers after your workouts increases blood flow, which repairs your muscles and minimizes soreness. When looking for a travel foam roller, it is good to consider a lightweight option so that you can carry it comfortably when on the go.
I have put together a list of 5 recommended travel foam rollers you should consider buying. Check out their outstanding features and benefits so that you can choose the right one for you.
Benefits of Using a Foam Roller
A foam roller is an important tool you can use before and after your workouts. It provides many benefits, which include:
Relieves muscle tension
Are you experiencing muscle soreness, tightness, and even knots after your exercises? Worry no more. Compressing the tender trigger points using foam rollers helps. Through the act, the muscle loosens, reducing pain and stiffness.
Increases the range of motion
Due to various factors such as the inflexibility of muscle a compromised range of motion is caused. However, the problem can be resolved by using foam rollers that loosen muscles increasing performance and flexibility.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Older people tend to have stiff blood vessels that restrict blood flow contributing to cardiovascular diseases. It is proven that the diseases can be prevented or slowed down using a foam roller that loosens muscles increasing blood flow. Apart from preventing heart diseases, increased blood flow improves general health.
Reduces the risk of injury
During workouts and daily activities, tight muscles in your body expose you to hurt. Loosening muscles in the targeted area of your body by foam rolling helps to prevent injury.
Helps to improve posture
For better health, improved posture is important. Poor posture is a result of many factors including tight muscles. To prevent low back and neck pain as well as chronic diseases, use a foam roller that will relieve the tension of the tight muscles that are causing the undesired posture.
Top 5 Best Travel Foam Roller Reviews
Include a foam roller in your pre and post-workouts to relieve stress and tension. If you are looking for a travel-friendly foam roller, below are the top options you can consider.
321 Strong Foam Roller
The tool with medium density will let you do your deep tissue massage also known as self-administered myofascial release. Using your body weight that is accurately controlled, you can stimulate and relax your muscles with the foam roller. At times, the process may be a bit uncomfortable. However, it is worth it as it helps free muscles of the grip.
With four thousand eBooks included, you will learn a lot about the brand. Questions that arise when using the roller are answered in the books. You will learn about the benefits of the tool. In addition, they guide the users to the exercises and techniques that will help them get the most from the roller.
Purchasing this chemical-free tool with lightweight is ideal for your workouts and traveling. With one-year reliable warranty, the deep massager tool will serve you greatly. The foam roller is great for everyone including swimmers, runners, athletes, yoga and Pilate learners, and physical and sports therapy.
- It is comfortable to use due to its soft surface
- Easy to carry around due to lightweight
- Manageable storage due to small size
- The product comes with manual instruction
- Perfect addition to your workout routine
- Offers quick recovery
- Doesn’t have a massage effect
- Shorter than expected
- The roller is too hard
Brazyn Morph Foam Roller
Are you looking for a roller that will serve you during your trip? Brazyne brand is one of the greatest. With its collapsible construction, you can change the form of the tool for greater results. The foam roller has a pull-and-push design that can expand it to a full size of 5.5 inches in diameter. It also has a length of 14.5 inches to fit perfectly across your back.
Apart from relieving back pain, they also act as back crackers and messages and a stretcher. Since joint restriction causes stiffness of muscles, cracking massaging, and stretching your back using rollers helps to release the tension. This creates a good feeling and sense of relaxation.
The small portable tool acts as a deep-tissue leg massage. After long sitting hours, you may experience pain in your legs. Using the roller for massage eases the pain. The versatile tool is great for swimmers, runners, cross-fit athletes, and much more.
- Convenient to pack due to the small size
- Great recovery tool for an active lifestyle
- Does not break easily
- Relieves back pain effectively
- Small and portable design for travel
- Available in different colors
- May cause bruises due to the hard surface
- It is too firm and collapses during use
Rollga Foam Roller
The Rollga foam roller is great for sore muscle recovery, back pain, and shin splints. The 18-inch medium foam delivers deep tissue massage to the muscle group along the shin bone. This will help to alleviate the pain. You can choose from royal blue, purple, and silver colors based on your liking.
It helps in improved muscle recovery hence a perfect solution for sore muscles. Rolling the tool on the back helps relieve back pain. Even better, it eases the tight muscles and ligaments alleviating pain. The professional-grade foam roller has a durable construction so it can hold up to 2000 lbs.
The medium-density device has an ultra-lightweight design which makes it convenient for travel. Apart from relieving muscle tension, it has other benefits like increasing flexibility and mobility for users.
- Has grooves that protect the spinal column when rolling the muscles of the upper, mid, and lower back.
- Easy to transport due to its lightweight
- The roller improves muscle flexibility
- Reliable in relieving back and neck pain
- Great roller for back and legs
- Contours and rounded edges make it easy to hold
- Durable enough to accommodate more weight
- The surface may be too hard for some user
- Requires practice to learn how to use it
- The roller is too large
TriggerPoint Grid Patented Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller
Massage your back, legs, and body with the TriggerPoint foam roller. This is a great tool with a patented design that offers a super, multi-density exterior structure over a rigid hollow core. The firm foam roller can maintain its shape on regular use. Additionally, users benefit from its long-lasting ability.
The unique dimensions and texture offer users great benefits like that of a massage therapist. It is outstanding for reducing the tension of muscles, reducing soreness, and improving mobility. Continuous use of the massage roller has benefits such as increased flexibility and improved balance and mobility. It also maximizes blood flow and oxygen to heal tissues.
With a free online instruction video, you will learn the techniques of using the tool. However, it is provided only after purchasing the item. It comes with a one-year warranty. From the two density models, choose the best product depending on your preference and roll!
- Great foam roller for travel
- Available in different styles and colors
- Made of quality materials
- Sturdy construction to maintain its shape
- Great for rolling through tighter muscles
- Different colors and styles
- Firm and easy to use
- It is too small
- Not great for the back and upper back
LO ROX Aligned Travel-Size Foam Roller
LO ROX roller is constructed with durable Eva foam so it does not wear out easily. Even with continuous use, the foam roller can maintain its shape. Users enjoy the long lifespan of the tool.
The roller has a moderate-density structure which is ideal for increasing blood circulation through fascia, skin, muscles, and joints. Also, it helps users with muscle elongation, toning the body, and regenerative massage.
Are you wondering if it is a good companion for your trip? Don’t worry, It has a portable size to carry on the go. So, you can carry it to the gym or any other place comfortably.
- It is easy to carry around
- Physically appealing
- The foam roller has a sturdy design
- Travel-friendly size
- It is compact and firm
- It is too small
- Better if it was softer
Other Travel Foam Rollers We Liked but Did Not Make Our Top Five List
ProsourceFit High Density Foam Rollers
Take your fitness level to a higher height with the ProsourceFit form rollers. It is a high-density tool for back stretching, Pilates, yoga, and post-workout. From self-myofascial release and gentle stretching to increased range of motion and spinal stabilization, this roller does it all. Therefore, using the product helps with relieving muscle pain, increasing flexibility and performance, and improving posture.
With the versatility of the product, it can be used in both pre and post-workouts for massaging muscles. The high-density foam construction provides deeper massage and it does not lose shape after regular use due to the extra strength it has. It is made of high-density expanded polypropylene that is water-resistant and easy to maintain.
The product comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Depending on your body size, you can choose a product that will suit you from the four available sizes in the market. In a solid pecked design, you will choose a roller of your preference.
- The roller provides a firm massage
- Easy to transport due to lightweight
- Comes in different sizes and colors
- Made of low-maintenance material
- Offers superior performance
- Provides versatile use
- It has the perfect size and thickness
- A hard surface makes it uncomfortable
- The foam roller is too firm
- Too big to fit under your lower back
Yes4All High-Density Round EPP Foam Roller
A Yes4all roller is a firm tool due to its construction with high-quality polypropylene. Therefore, it absorbs energy effectively and does not lose shape after continuous use. It can withstand body weight and offers a great experience. Use the foam roller for your back, legs, muscle, and deep tissue massage.
The foam roller is strong enough to support up to 300 lbs. Apart from muscle treatment, you can use it to enhance core muscles, enhance flexibility, range of motion, and stability. However, it is more suitable for advanced users perfect for dynamic warm-ups and stretching.
They come in different colors and sizes. Based on your preference, you will just pick one that guarantees an effective and exhilarating experience. Being a versatile tool that offers great service to enhance your fitness.
- Light to move it from one place to another easily
- A perfect tool for people with flat feet
- Durable and easy-to-clean material
- Available in different colors and sizes
- Perfect foam roller for self-myofascial release
- Great tool for advanced users
- The tool falls apart easily
- Does not have a cushion-feeling surface this too rough for some users
- Cannot be used on some surfaces like carpets as it is slippery
Best Travel Foam Roller Buying Guide – Things to Consider
There are things you need to put in mind before buying a travel foam roller. For effective performance, these factors are important.
Density
Density determines how you will feel and who is best suited to use the product. Deep tissue massaging depends on the thickness of the product. A too-soft roller tends to be inadequate in massaging while a dense roller may cause bruises to the user.
Are you a beginner who has never used one before? A less roller is best for you. After some time, you can advance to a denser tool. you may be disappointed as most of them deform permanently on regular use. However, it is an indication that you need to get a new denser roller that is more durable.
Texture
Some rollers have textured surfaces and others are smooth. If you are using the tool for the first time, you should consider the smoother item as the pressure during rolling will not be intense. Advanced users suit harder surfaces.
Size and Shape
There are a variety of rollers with different sizes in the market. The standard full-size rollers are more versatile for a variety of uses. However, they are not suitable for carrying around due to their big size.
Shorter rollers that make it easy to target more specific areas are more portable. Rollers with smaller diameters are the most movable. They occupy less space to fit easily in your bag. They are also safe as you can control them while in use.
The shape of the roller is another thing to consider. Some have ridges or bumps and others are flat. If you want to experience a more invigorating massage or target specific areas, the roller with ridges is ideal for you. For strengthening core muscle and balance, flat surface rollers are suitable.
Your Budget
You don’t want to temper your budget by spending more money. You want to acquire a good-value roller depending on the amount of money you have. Therefore, minding the cost is very important when purchasing a roller.
Durability
Acquiring a roller with a long lifespan is the best. Choose a roller that does not deform and lose shape on regular use. Although density contributes to life span, there are less dense rollers that have a longer lifespan for beginners. Ensure you have full knowledge of the durability of a tool before spending your money to purchase it.
Your Needs and Specifications
Everyone has a reason for acquiring a roller. The tools come in different forms and designs. Depending on your need, choose the roller that will satisfy your demands. Depending on your preference, it should also be appealing not only for effective rolling but also for an exhilarating experience.
Construction
Rollers are constructed in different ways and depending on the structure, their longevity and primary location of use are determined. They can either be open or closed. Although open rollers are suitable for exercise and massage, they tend to last for a short time due to the high chance to break. Closed rollers are more durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do foam rollers last?
The lifespan of rollers varies. Some last for a longer period than others. Closed rollers with high density last are more durable than open soft rollers.
Is a thicker or thinner yoga mat better?
During yoga workouts, you are focusing on strengthening core muscles and promoting balance right? A thinner mat is the perfect tool for that.
Can I use a foam roller every day?
Yes, you can. They are the best equipment you can use before and after your daily workouts. Continuous use of the tools leads to long-term benefits such as increased range of motion for performance and flexibility and improved posture.
Do foam rollers help with injuries?
Yes, they help with injuries. Massaging the injured areas using rollers increases blood circulation to the affected tissues. They are provided with the maximum oxygen and nutrients required for healing. In return, the recovery process speeds up.
How to care for your foam roller?
They should be treated like latex-based equipment. Cleaning should be done weekly using a plant-based detergent or vinegar. You should store it in a safe place after use.
Verdict
A foam roller is a tool used to administer deep tissue massage, releasing muscle knots, relieving inflammation, and improving overall comfort. They are also beneficial as they increase the range of motion, flexibility, and mobility as well as boost circulation and lymphatic flow.
The above are the most recommended travel-friendly foam rollers that are compact and lightweight. They are comfortable to carry to the gym or for other travel purposes. Whether you need a foam roller for pre and post-workout, muscle massage, improve posture, de-stressing, or resistance training, any of the above will work well for you.
