Alternative Foam Roller?

[Wildtim]

Anyone have any good alternatives to spending $20 plu shipping on a foam roller? I want one, but I don't want to pay for one

[Essexlad]

Heard some people use large diameter PVC pipe, squash balls, tennis balls, soft balls, things like that.
Most of those are obviously a lot harder and apply more pressure than a foam roller, but apparently the effect is the same, although I'm no expert.

[Kodokan]

I use a childs pool toy...foam noodle.

It's more soft because it's not solid all the way through...but it's only like 3 bucks at the grocery store, too.

[CSimms]

You could buy one of the smaller ones for a cheaper amount probably, otherwise, you may be able to call around to some physical therapy clinics as they are usually used there and ask if they have any extras and/or old foam rollers to get rid of or sell for cheap. Good luck

[Wildtim]

I use a childs pool toy...foam noodle.

It's more soft because it's not solid all the way through...but it's only like 3 bucks at the grocery store, too.

i was thinking of that. Does it work and loosen up the muscles, especially upper back and ab/adductors.

[GrapeApe]

i was thinking of that. Does it work and loosen up the muscles, especially upper back and ab/adductors.

I have a really tight IT band. Originally tried the pool noodle (toy one) and it was worthless at doing anything and basically collapsed and pinched my skin (and pulled my shorts off).

I then tried my kid's Nerf-like bat. Thin foam outside and hard plastic core (kinda like the DIY versions I've seen). Oh my god, that hurt so much I couldn't use it regularly. I didn't dare try it on my back.

I looked online but didn't want to pay for the $15 foam roller and the $10 shipping.

Settled on the $15 Gold's Gym roller from Walmart. It got good reviews and wasn't that bad of a price. I use it every day for both IT bands and upper back and love it. I figure it will give out eventually, but for the relief I feel, I'll buy another.

[Wildtim]

Good to know.

[ffrink]

Good to know.

I picked up a two foam rollers bidding on ebay from a place called foambargains. I think one was 18" and the other 36". They were a little cheaper than their regular rollers because they were 'seconds' plus they were extra dense (which must make them a little less desirable to the general public but I wanted extra firm for deep massaging of hamstrings, glutes and calves)

I tried PVC pipe and, while cheap, it has no give so is pretty uncomfortable because it has no 'give'.

I think if you spend a few bucks on a dense one, you will have it for years, so it's a good value.

Good luck.

[Kodokan]

i was thinking of that. Does it work and loosen up the muscles, especially upper back and ab/adductors.

It's not as dense as a solid one...but the one I have still works. I mainly use it for the hip/leg areas, and it does work to loosen up and take some pressure off my lower back.

I don't know for how I'm using it if its any better than doing some jumping jacks to warm up, though, but it feels good.

[cgc]

Maybe worth a try?

[BobisMighty]

Heard some people use large diameter PVC pipe, squash balls, tennis balls, soft balls, things like that.
Most of those are obviously a lot harder and apply more pressure than a foam roller, but apparently the effect is the same, although I'm no expert.

yeah i used tennis balls before i bought my foamroller. i like the pool noodle idea but you're going to need to put something firm in it like pvc pipe. or just use pvc pipe but i heard that gets painful.

[cgc]

Also while I'm thinking about it (because I have a vicious knot in my back right now)....these things are GREAT for working them out as well...

Theracane Massager


I didn't realize that they weren't cheap since mine was a gift...but holy crap you can work the heck out of some knots in your back with this thing.

[ffrink]

Also while I'm thinking about it (because I have a vicious knot in my back right now)....these things are GREAT for working them out as well...

Theracane Massager


I didn't realize that they weren't cheap since mine was a gift...but holy crap you can work the heck out of some knots in your back with this thing.

The theracane is good (and pricey? around $75 or so?). Also good for the knots in your back is the TP massage ball. Kind of like a golf ball inside a tennis ball. Firm but pliable on the outside with a sold center.


http://www.tptherapy.com/

I think the 'science' of trigger point therapy is a gimmick but the balls are helpful, easy to use and relatively cheap. (around $25 with shipping)

[AtomikStrongman]

I've destroyed foam rollered, tried pipe, everything. The best is a good marble rolling pin. Use it after it's been in the freezer a while.. ahhhhhh.. wicked.

[Wildtim]

Hey!

Long time no see. How have things been going.

[homerunrbi]

I made a 400$ dollar order on here and asked bb.com customer service if instead of the regular free gift I could get the atlus foam roller and they said sure. Thats how I got mine

[IvankoBarbellCo]

I have a really tight IT band.

Me too. I'm actually been meaning to look into doing something about it. Got the dense foam roller from a Phys. Therapy place for about $7 or so. About 3' long and 7" diameter. Dense. When used on the IT it hurts like hell. But they say that's good. Also tried tennis and squash balls, and they seem to be okay too.

Vinko

[ffrink]

Me too. I'm actually been meaning to look into doing something about it. Got the dense foam roller from a Phys. Therapy place for about $7 or so. About 3' long and 7" diameter. Dense. When used on the IT it hurts like hell. But they say that's good. Also tried tennis and squash balls, and they seem to be okay too.

Vinko

The tighter your IT band is, the more rolling it will hurt. Make sure you roll from the hip area to below the knee. And do it regularly, along with some stretching. It takes time but is worth it!

[cgc]

Hey guys....forgive my ignorance, but "IT" = ?

[Mega_Man]

Hey guys....forgive my ignorance, but "IT" = ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_tract