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When it comes to working out, it’s not surprising that the most emphasis gets put on the athletic event itself – be it running, practicing yoga, or lifting. However, incorporating a stretching and recovery practice into your routine is just as important, if you want to reap the most benefits from your training. Vibrating rollers are easy-to-use tools that work to improve your range of motion, flexibility, and mobility as well as reduce soreness in your muscles.
How Does a Vibrating Roller Work?
A vibrating foam roller is a recovery tool used by professional athletes and everyday people alike. Foam rolling is a method of self-myofascial release, which helps relieve muscle soreness, inflammation, and tightness. For those who are new to foam rolling, you can start your practice by slowly rolling out a chosen area for 10 seconds. Then, you can work up to greater time intervals, such as 30 or 60 seconds. Vibrating foam rollers further enhance the benefits of this practice, as vibration is a commonly used tool in massage therapy for exercise recovery. The vibrating massage – when combined with the foam rolling technique – releases trigger points in your muscles.
When Should You Use a Vibrating Roller?
The best vibrating foam rollers can be used before or after your training. If you roll your muscles before you train, it helps relieve any tension that might still be in your body from the previous day’s workout. The stimulation sends oxygen to your muscles, which can enhance performance but also help to prevent injury. It also releases tension, preparing your body for what’s to come. Using your vibrating foam roller after a workout can be a relaxing, sports-massage-like exercise. It releases tension produced from your workout, which in turn lowers stress hormone levels. In addition to using your vibrating foam roller in the context of a workout, it can also be used whenever you are experiencing muscle pain.
What Are the Best Vibrating Foam Rollers?
Finding the best vibrating foam roller will depend on what kind of training you are doing and what sort of features make you the most comfortable. The surface texture of a vibrating foam roller will differ from brand to brand. Some people with very tender muscles may want smooth foam, while others will opt for rollers with ergonomic, protruding knobs. Some models fall somewhere in between those two texture extremes, which offer a versatile experience. Other things to consider are the roller’s length, battery life, and vibration speed.
