Mobility is a key component of health and fitness and foam rolling is a great way to increase mobility, while also improving recovery time and soothing those sore, achey muscles. For years, I had settled with the basic foam rollers at my gym. Then, one glorious day, someone gave me the Trigger Point GRID foam roller. Wow, what a difference! Here is my honest review of the pros and cons of the GRID foam roller.
The typical foam rollers you’ll find at most fitness locations are the high-density compressed ones, consisting of a long tube made completely of foam. While these get the job done for the most part- massaging the muscles and increasing blood flow to aid in recovery- they tend to break down over time and don’t really dig into the muscles as much as I’d like after a really tough workout.
Not sure how to use a foam roller? ← This article will help you get started.
That is where The GRID foam roller comes in. It is definitely a noticeable upgrade from your basic compressed foam roller. One of the great things about it is that there are a variety of different densities found along it, each mimicking a different type of hands-on massage technique. There are zones designed to feel like fingertips, forearms or palms and fingers and thumb. This allows you to really zero in on the type of pressure a certain area on your body needs, while still providing a smooth roll.
The Pros
Rolls Smooth
This may sound obvious, but sometimes those fancy rollers with all the bumps and nubs on them can feel a bit wobbly when you roll on them. This foam roller offers a smooth roll while still offering those 3-dimensional raised areas.
Sturdy
The GRID is built to last. While compact, it can support up to 500 lbs, making it a great choice for anyone.
Travel-Friendly
I can vouch for this one. I’ve traveled with this little guy tucked right in my suitcase. The compact size and hollow design (perfect for stuffing your clothes right in) make it super easy to bring with you wherever you’re headed.
Firmer Design
The GRID foam roller is made of a hard, hollow core that is wrapped in EVA foam, which makes it firmer than your traditional roller. This is especially good news if you have denser muscle tissue (ie; crossfitters), as the long and short raised areas can really work deep into the muscles, increasing blood flow and improving recovery time.
The Cons
Price Point
The GRID foam roller costs $39.99. While this may seem steep compared to the foam roller you can grab at Walmart for $7.99, they will be noticeably different. I’m not certain the price point is a con for me personally, but if you are new to foam rollers or just really like your dense foam roller from Walmart, then I can see how this could be a turn off. I guess it’s a matter of preference here.
One Size Fits All?
While the compact size of this foam roller makes it great for travel and moving around with ease, some may find it a bit too small for certain muscle groups. If you have a broad back, the 13 inch length may not hit your entire back, preventing you from properly rolling out.
Good Pain or Bad Pain?
As I mentioned, this foam roller is much firmer than your average compressed foam one. While this is great if you have a lot of muscle or if you really want to dig into the muscles, those of you on the bonier side may find it a bit too firm. I have a decent amount of muscle on me, but I do find it sometimes a little tough to roll out my upper back and near my tailbone, as I’m on the bonier side in those areas. In this case, you may want to switch over to the compressed foam when rolling out those areas.
Conclusion
If the high-density compressed foam roller at your local gym is working for you and the GRID’s price point is a concern, then I’d say just stick to what you’ve got. If you are looking for an upgrade or trying to improve your mobility, then this little guy is definitely worth the splurge.
I have had mine for almost 5 years now and couldn’t imagine not having it. It meets my needs and has stood the test of time. I’d highly recommend it!
No Comments