The foam roller is having a moment of redemption in the wellness world. Once used almost exclusively for post-workout self-massages—ideal for relieving muscle tension and stimulating circulation—it’s now gaining popularity as an "active" tool for exercise. Much like ankle weights, resistance bands, dumbbells , and wrist weights, the foam roller is increasingly being incorporated into workout routines.
Marina Colombo, trainer and founder of PM Concept, explains how best to use it to achieve visible toning results. What is a foam roller? The foam roller is a compact, versatile piece of equipment , originally known for injury prevention, muscle activation, and recovery. Recently, it has become a rising star in the fitness world, appreciated for its ability to aid both pre-and post-workout.
It’s cylindrical, and available in various lengths and densities—ranging from soft to hard. Some models feature raised bumps, offering different levels of intensity. The smaller the bumps, the gentler the massage, while larger ones provide a more intense effect, impacting muscle work based on the pressure applied.
Which foam roller should you choose? There are different models, but the two main ones are: the short one with protuberances used purely for working on circulation or muscle recovery, and the longer one made of foam and without protuberances, used instead for toning the muscles. What can it be used for? To make sure you achieve the goal of toning the body, the foam roller c.