5 Different Types of Foam Rollers—and When to Use Each One

Foam rollers are having a major moment. Once relegated to physical therapy offices, they’re now found in most gyms and are even used in group exercise classes. There’s a reason for this, says Holly Perkins, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and author of Lift to Get Lean. “Foam rollers are an amazingly versatile piece of exercise equipment,” she says. “Even better, because they’re light, easy to store, and affordable—most range in price from about $10 to $30—people can buy one to keep at home, too.”

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Yet if you’ve ever shopped for a foam roller or stared at the array of options at the gym, you know how many different types are available. Here, Perkins breaks down what you need to know about the varying kinds of foam rollers, their benefits, and when to use each.