All I can find in stores are the one-foot ones, but I want a three-foot. So I have to order one over the Internet. The majority are 100% foam but some have PVC cores. Then some have larger and some have smaller PVC cores.
(For heaven’s sake, my ass hurts and I just want to work out a few kinks. I love free market economics but today it has me pissed. End mini-rant.)
I’m leaning toward/assuming “foamier” is better but never have bought one. So, IYO, which factors are better, or does it even matter, and anything works?
Get the hardest one you can buy. The real "foamy ones " break down pretty fast, I’ve seen some that are no better than pool noodles.
You can always duct tape together a couple tennis balls, that works great for rolling on.
If it’s your glutes that are your biggest issue, tennis balls SUCK and by that I mean they totally rock and are killer. I use tennis balls for my glutes and shoulder, but my foam roller for everywhere else.
I’ve been using the one drool-soaked tennis ball I was able to dig out from under the couch, haha, but I do need more surface area. That said, I was able to sleep comfortably last night, been lying awake due to my glutes/hammies being so tight and uncomfortable.
MsM, thanks for linking that previous thread. The OPTP “heavy duty,” I assume meaning pro, was recommended there too. Probably will go with that one.
I like rubber doggie toy balls instead of a tennis ball personally… however, they are harder and hurt a little bit more… but I think they are more effective. You can find them at pet stores and even some grocery stores in the pet aisle.
For those who outgrow the tennis balls, try using a lacrosse ball or a baseball. You can buy different sizes/hardnesses (softball, baseball, maybe a t-ball for something intermediate) for different parts of your body. Coupled with a foam roller, you can hit pretty much everything this way.
[quote]njrusmc wrote:
For those who outgrow the tennis balls, try using a lacrosse ball or a baseball. You can buy different sizes/hardnesses (softball, baseball, maybe a t-ball for something intermediate) for different parts of your body. Coupled with a foam roller, you can hit pretty much everything this way.[/quote]
Right on the money. You can also drill a hole through a several balls and string them on a length of bungee cord.
Three golf balls in a small cotton sock will work small areas like the bicep. Also try a piece of 1" dowel and use it like a rolling pin. Use whatever works for your body.