SPRI Foam Roller High Density Extra Firm Muscle Massage Roller (Available in 12, 18, 36-Inch Lengths)

I took a physical education class in college as a requirement for my degree program and in an effort to avoid the trauma of gym class all over again, I elected to take a strength and self defense class as opposed to say, volleyball or hurdles. It turned out to be a great choice if for no other reason than I learned about these foam rollers! I have tense muscles from working at a desk job all day. My posture is terrible as a result, so I have to actively undo the damage by stretching and gentle exercise when I'm not sitting at work. Yoga and pilates are my go-to, but sometimes I want to just get a massage and it's not feasible to pay someone day after day to work out my aches. Instead, I use the foam roller to work out the kinks and smooth out the pinched muscles. Here's the best parts -- The foam is rigid, but has a little bit of give so you're not tearing at your muscles when you use it -- The diameter of the roll is proportionate for my size: I'm 5'4" and slim so the roll isn't too big or too small to fit with my body -- Inexpensive compared to those at retail stores (they're all plastic foam, folks, there's no reason to pay $60 for a pink one) -- You use the weight of your body to rest and press downward against the roller; it doesn't require special additional parts or assistance from anyone else to use; massage kinks out your back just by laying down and rolling back and forth over it! -- It lengthens the muscle fibers as it rolls; the stretch comes from your body accommodating the stretch caused by the curvature of the foam roller and it very gently provides pressure+stretch, which feels fantastic and over time allows your muscles to heal and resist injury -- Once you pay for it, you have a massage waiting any time you need it at no additional charge -- Water, sweat, liquid and wear-and-tear resistant. I don't know why you'd ever need to replace this. It will blow you away how much better you feel after just absent-mindedly rolling it along your body. Look for videos online to get suggestions from therapist-types about method of use and whatnot. Great investment!

I went to a PT & she said I had some of the tightest muscles (with high tone) she'd ever seen in her 20 years of practice. Boy, I was sure pleased to hear that! Anyways, I bought this foam roller to help relieve some of the tension & it's helped quite a bit. It's extremely painful, especially when working on the IT band, but rolling the IT band has really improved my knee pain so it's worth it. I don't use this foam roller every day but it's held up for 3 years (I'm a petite woman). If your muscles are stiff, sore, or tight I'd definitely recommend you at least try foam rolling & this is a good, durable roller that lasts a long time. It's not too soft, not too hard. It's just right. Tips: Be patient & try to relax through the pain. Move at a slow pace & remember to breathe. When you hit a sore spot/knot stay on top of it until you feel a release. I finish all foam rolling sessions by lying supine on the roller for 5-10 minutes to stretch my back/spine. It feels amazing & has helped my posture immensely.

I read an article about how important a foam roller is for men in there 40's. Working out and the beating I have given my body over 20 years has caused a lot of back pain and pain in my legs. I decided I would try it out and see if it works. This foam roller came in a week ago and I used it almost right away. It hurt like h$^% when I was using it, but when I was finished I had never felt better. I have been using it daily and have noticed an improvement in my daily life. I no longer have horrible back pain, and my legs feel much more limber. My neck pain is even starting to go away. The product is sturdy and feels like it should last for awhile, not cheap crap like you usually get for 30 bucks. I would recommend this product to anyone who is reaching 40 and wants to feel young again while working out.

COMPLETELY satisfied with this purchase. I weigh about 180 lbs. Mostly muscle mass.. prior to owning one of these babies I would shovel out HUNDREDS of dollars for a massage therapist.. really. Don't get me wrong.. there will always be a place in my book for a physical touch massage.. HOWEVER.. This simple cylinder of foam has alleviated knots/muscle tensions all over my body.. Ones I knew existed. . and especially ones I did not. Today I was able to play with my nephew and niece .. and.. just.. kept .. going. I feel rejuvenated.. loose and relaxed all over.. sore muscles from lifting and knots in lower back all feel better.. *My only concern is the amount of weight I put on it and eventually will flatten it out, yet so far it's keeping it's shape.. as a week has gone by. If it gases out less than a year.. and if I remember, I'll post my findings.. but for now .. I'm going to keep on rollin! TECHNIQUE: A great place to roll your body on this roller I have found is slightly above your buttocks and below your lower back.. (on or above the pelvic bone).. lay on the foam roller fully extended body, legs straight/head/upper back on the ground and rock with your heels... OH WOW! Releases tension from sitting on your bum and the stress on your lower back. Legs will feel loose .. just great!

I am an ultra runner who has regularly done 100 plus mile runs for about five years. I have developed tendon problems and IT band issues that are exhibited as pain in the knees. It has forced me out of an event or two. A foam roller is often used like a pressure point/trigger point tool and allows the individual to work aspects of the body that may be hard to reach otherwise. The rolling motion also flushes the tissues and helps to circulate blood through the legs. Both help to loosen the tendon and muscle tissues. Pain is often referred. Knee pain is often from injured or contracted tendons and white tissue outside of the knee area. Using a roller is often painful, but often helps to alleviate chronic pain in the knees and legs. If you don't know anatomy get yourself an instruction book to go with the roller, or google the instructions. I borrowed a foam roller from a friend who told me of a similar problem he had solved with the roller, and was searching for an identical one for myself. Easier said than done. After reading the reviews I purchased the SPRI Black HD roller. It arrived on time and in good condition. It seems to be holding up well and is not falling apart nor is it losing its shape. I find that this roller is not as firm as the original one I was using. The ends rise up off the floor when I use it.(I'm 200 plus) However the softer aspect of this roller is easier on my legs and I seem to use it a bit more as the pain is not quite so intense. I continue to use the harder roller to get deep down into the tissues after using the SPRI. I have purchased a second of these SPRI rollers for a non running friend who suffers knee issues likely to be amplified by IT and tendon tightness. I believe its qualities will suit his needs well. If you are new to foam rollers this may be a good pick. If you are an old hand at them and are seeking the hardest one out there this may not be the one you want. I don't know which one is as most lack identification markings. Quality and physical aspects may even vary with the production run.

Excellent for tight muscles. Sturdy and long enough to sit on. Rolls easily and has been the best way to open and loosen up my hips. I have not had any difficulty using it.

I spent 60 hours a week sitting at a desk, but manage to get out 3-4 times a week for long-distance runs. Lately, though, pain in my back and neck has gotten excruciating. About a month ago, my running trainer suggested that I get a foam roller. I didn't notice what brand she had, so made my purchase on Amazon based off of reviews. Turns out this was a good purchase. I like how hard the foam is (doesn't feel cheap, or like it will fall apart or break down quickly). But mostly I like the results I've been able to get with this foam roller. As soon as I lay down on the roller, my spine and neck crack in ways that would be impossible without ongoing physical therapy. (Which I had been paying for twice a week to resolve my back and neck pain.) I tend to use the roller at night or after a run. I just recently started using the roller to work muscles in my legs as well. That's a little more difficult (and a bit painful!). I have been recommending this particular foam roller to a couple of running buddies.

I first purchased an EVA roller from a different company that was excellent quality but was not firm enough for consistent use. EVA foam is the foam used in the footbeds of many shoes. I returned the EVA foam roller and got this one (in 36" inch length) instead. It is very firm, which is great for long-term use. Using the roller becomes less painful over time. After about a three weeks of use, I can put my full weight on my right IT band and roll without using my other foot to reduce to the pressure. The first times I tried the foam roller at the physical therapist, it reminded me of being in labor (I gave birth without drugs). That is to say that I had to do some MAJOR deep breathing. Ouch! But now the adhesions in my legs have been MUCH improved through the use of the roller and it feels more like a deep and relaxing massage. You can also lay your back on the length of it and it gives you a lovely back massage. My husband (who usually doesn't like this kind of thing) is often stealing this and using it when I also want to. We might need two... :) I love it! Get one!

This is the foam roller that they use at my gym (Equinox) and I was happy to find it and at such a reasonable price. I had previously purchased a different, more expensive roller, it was softer and I found it was not as good at working out the sore spots.

Exactly as described. I highly recommend and will buy it again. Hoping the rolling will help with my joint pain, time will tell.