Foam Rollers

samsamson

I want to get a foam roller or two, and I found a place to buy them at http://www.physioneeds.biz/ which is apparently an Irish website. They're in their online shop for 30 euro per roller, is it normal that they would be that expensive?

Any bricks and mortar shops I could find them in? I'm out in Bray but Dublin city centre is handy enough either.

Also, are there any guides out there on how to use these?

Thanks

Hanley

They physio needs store is in Ringsend I think.

colmconn

http://www.t-nation.com/readArticle.do?id=475832

Rogueish

It depends on what you want if for.

If it is for myofascial release the 1ft rollers are fine and the cost is reflected in the size of it.

Foam rollers and in general exercise equipment in the U.S. is cheaper than here. If you order from the U.S. you get charged carriage and import tax depending on the total price of your order. This can be expensive. The more 'awkward' shape that your package is the more the cost of carriage.

Here in Ireland any foam roller reflects this cost. 4ft foam rollers needed for some core and pilates exercises cost €30. Shorter lengths are a bit cheaper. I have yet to find any 'shop' except physioneeds in Ringsend which serves the industry as well as the public (however their industry prices tend to be a bit higher than other suppliers) that you can walk in and buy these products and even at that Physioneeds may not have them in stock. Ring ahead to make sure.

I get my foam rollers from a guy in Thurles - he orders them in from the U.K. PM me for his number.

Here is a book detailing exercises with a foam roller.
http://www.amazon.com/Therapeutic-Exercises-Using-Foam-Rollers/dp/0964115336

Foam rollers can far more versatile than simply a tool for myofascial release. I use them for abdominal work, hamstring rehabilitation, shoulder proprioception and mobilisation techniques.

Boru.

Star Fitness in Bray, 4 Castle Street carry a range of foam rollers if that's any use. Elvery's also carry them.

Khannie

Boru. wrote: »

Elvery's also carry them.

Any idea of cost?

Aran

Foam rollers are various different prices on www.physioneeds.biz

4" x 18" around €12.50
6" x 18" €18.11 (this is the ideal size for ITB band stretching)
4" x 36" around €24.50
6" x 36" €26.50 (Online offer)

They also have a book called "Foam Roller Techniques" for €15.00

d'Oracle

Aran wrote: »

6" x 18" €18.11 (this is the ideal size for ITB band stretching)

Got this the other day.

No complaints, satisfied.

JJayoo

At the moment im using the roller part from a balance board so would def like to get one. The one i use is in the gym:(, would be sweet to have one at home, could use it while watching the tv:D

InKonspikuou2

I got the 6 x 36 one and just cut it in two. Me and a mate split the cost. Saved 10 Euro on us both buying a 18 inch one.

beegirl

And here was me thinking foam rollers were something you used to curl your hair

JJayoo

http://physiosupplies.ie/acatalog/Fitness_Rollers.html

A wise man once told me about this site:)

Inspector Coptoor

great site - physio supplies

got a 3 foot foam roller - €30, great buy

JJayoo

can't wait to get mine

eclectichoney

Does anyone know the difference between the blue & white ones? Is the blue firmer? My gym recently got two of the Sissel ones from physio needs (the two they had were getting a bit worn out) and they are truly the business, but I can't help thinking a cheaper one would be just the same!

Transform

eclectichoney wrote: »

Does anyone know the difference between the blue & white ones? Is the blue firmer? My gym recently got two of the Sissel ones from physio needs (the two they had were getting a bit worn out) and they are truly the business, but I can't help thinking a cheaper one would be just the same!

the blue ones get real soft real fast IMO - i get the short white ones and NEVER buy the long ones as they sag in the middle real fast.

eclectichoney

Thanks a million for that Transform

JJayoo

Score, i purchased the white one lastnight. On the site they are selling boxes of foam rollers at a big discount, would be ideal for gyms to purchase and then pass on to members at cost price.

holdfast

Was in the Markdyke during the week and they had orange rubber ones. Could get over the problem of rollers getting soft. They were about a 450 mm(1 1/2 ft ) in lenght. You could just go and get the stick hope the link is right http://thestick.com/

eclectichoney

holdfast wrote: »

Was in the Markdyke during the week and they had orange rubber ones. Could get over the problem of rollers getting soft. They were about a 450 mm(1 1/2 ft ) in lenght. You could just go and get the stick hope the link is right http://thestick.com/

I have a 'the stick' (it doesn't sound right saying a stick lol) and don't find it anything as good as a foam roller. I actually really enjoy using the FR after a workout, whereas with the stick I never feel like it works as well but it is certainly better than nothing and takes up less space / is more portable for travel etc.

Transform

I have used both for years and really the stick is only best for the calves

i use tennis balls and the like for the smaller areas i.e. shoulders and glutes

d'Oracle

Transform wrote: »

the blue ones get real soft real fast IMO - i get the short white ones and NEVER buy the long ones as they sag in the middle real fast.

Just for ****s.

Could you not just cut it in two?

Transform

i have done so but the long ones are built differently so just buy the short ones.

However mine get hourly use with clients so mine are waearing much faster than most

BobbyOLeary

Transform wrote: »

i use tennis balls and the like for the smaller areas i.e. shoulders and glutes

Two tennis balls held together with zinc oxide tape is a decent portable alternative to the foam roller. I've been using them for a while after watching the CrossFit journal article on it. I think the video's called lower body maintainence.

I've found them better for my hamstrings than anything I've tried before. Takes a bit of getting used to for the back though.

BossArky

samsamson wrote: »

I want to get a foam roller or two

This thread may help with a few ideas.

Aran

The Blue ones are actually made of rubber rather than foam and are slightly firmer and also don't get as dirty as the white ones. They do cost a bit more but on www.physioneeds.biz they come with huge poster as well.

It looks like prices have been reduced here http://www.physioneeds.biz/BrowseProducts.aspx?type=/13/330/

6 x 36" only €22.00
4 x 36" only €20.00

Delivery is €8.00 but that is fixed so if you get 2 or more then it really starts to become fantastic value.

jaggiebunnet

Transform wrote: »

i have done so but the long ones are built differently so just buy the short ones.

However mine get hourly use with clients so mine are waearing much faster than most

Digging up an old thread i know but...about to buy one of these and just want to clarify - what size is the short one you are talking about Transform? Cheers

Transform

jaggiebunnet wrote: »

Digging up an old thread i know but...about to buy one of these and just want to clarify - what size is the short one you are talking about Transform? Cheers

its 3foot and 6inch in diameter

jaggiebunnet

thanks very muchly

dave80

Transform wrote: »

its 3foot and 6inch in diameter

is tat not the long one?

Transform

dave80 wrote: »

is tat not the long one?

this is the one i generally recommend -
http://www.physiosupplies.ie/acatalog/Blue_Foam_Roller_15cm_x_45cm_.html

jaggiebunnet

Transform wrote: »

this is the one i generally recommend -
http://www.physiosupplies.ie/acatalog/Blue_Foam_Roller_15cm_x_45cm_.html

Great cheaper than the place I was looking at too - but I thought you said the blue ones were not as good as the white ones - or was that in jest

Transform

jaggiebunnet wrote: »

Great cheaper than the place I was looking at too - but I thought you said the blue ones were not as good as the white ones - or was that in jest

no the long foam blue ones are not great but those are not really the same type of foam

Edwardius

I've one of the longer blue ones. It lasted about a month before the foam got compressed. Think a drainpipe might be the way to go. Could wrap a towel or something around it if it's too much to bear.

Transform

Dead Ed wrote: »

I've one of the longer blue ones. It lasted about a month before the foam got compressed. Think a drainpipe might be the way to go. Could wrap a towel or something around it if it's too much to bear.

ahhh no do not do that just get the right bloody one and it will last

Edwardius

Transform wrote: »

ahhh no do not do that just get the right bloody one and it will last

Lol, ok. I did try a drainpipe once and it wasn't all that bad for the hips. It may have been a little excessive on the quads though. How long do you usually get out of those rollers Transform?

Transform

really depends on use but at least a year anyway

accensi0n

Just like to say, foam rolling is the bees knees.

eclectichoney

Just spotted this one actually - it looks new (and is made form fancy EVA foam) and says it's ideal for repetitive / frequent use. Any opinions? Or just stick with the good ol' 'Transform classic'?

http://www.physiosupplies.ie/acatalog/EVA_Foam_Roller_15cm_x_45cm.html

Transform

havent used that one before so cant say really

whitelightrider

Transform wrote: »

this is the one i generally recommend -
http://www.physiosupplies.ie/acatalog/Blue_Foam_Roller_15cm_x_45cm_.html

Just ordered mine there. Is it possible to push something through the middle to make it easier to use when rolling?

jaggiebunnet

Got mines yesterday - the pain and pleasure of it last night really good stuff!

Khannie

Just ordered one. Looking forward to it.

Jaggiebunnet: How long did delivery take for you? It says 12 days, but that seems unlikely.

The Guvnor

Great advice here.

I read the 6 inch diameter was the one to go for.
I was thinking of the 90cm one until reading this thread.

The reason for the 90cm was to lie down on it with it running from butt to shoulders but then read that maybe this is not a good idea?

Is it realistic to say that if one is cautious and conscientious when using a foam roller then they should not really be able to do anything that could injure themselves?

I'm getting one for myself.

jaggiebunnet

Khannie wrote: »

Just ordered one. Looking forward to it.

Jaggiebunnet: How long did delivery take for you? It says 12 days, but that seems unlikely.

Khannie - it did take around 12 days for whatever reason - have no idea why though as it was posted from ireland - maybe they source from somewhere else or make them first

Khannie

That's weird. Thanks!

TommyKnocker

Hi Khannie

There is a place in Dun Laoghaire (Across from Ericsson) called Irish Fit which is I think the same as physio supplies where you can walk in and by one and take it home with you.

Not much use I know if you have already ordered one, but for future reference.

Irish Fit http://www.irishfit.eu/contactus.htm

Physio Supplies http://www.physiosupplies.ie/

Notice the Contact number


M

Khannie

Thanks. DL's a bit far for me and I'm not in a terrible rush for it. Good to know though.

An Citeog

Khannie wrote: »

Just ordered one. Looking forward to it.

Jaggiebunnet: How long did delivery take for you? It says 12 days, but that seems unlikely.

According to the site, if you order on a Monday it'll take 12 days to deliver, whereas orders on a Sunday only take 5 days. I'm guessing that means that all orders for the previous week are dispatched on Monday mornings.

Also, your order is processed through the UK which means you're paying UK VAT at 17.5% instead of Irish VAT at 21%.

Aran

I got a 6" x 18" roller for my ITB Band for only €18.11 yesterday in Dublin 4 from Physio Needs on Bath Street in Irishtown. Seems like a good firm one too.

Aaahh good pain!!!

g'em

B-Builder wrote: »

There is a place in Dun Laoghaire (Across from Ericsson) called Irish Fit which is I think the same as physio supplies where you can walk in and by one and take it home with you.

Khannie wrote: »

Thanks. DL's a bit far for me and I'm not in a terrible rush for it. Good to know though.

Deadly! I live about 3 mins from there and I never even knew it existed Khannie I can pick one up for you and meet you in town if you like?