Angie Partain is very involved in the Missoula Running Community as both a runner and frequent volunteer despite being a busy mom. You can follow her adventures at @jnapartain. As a RErun Ambassador we asked her to review the Rollga foam roller and share her findings with us…
This month, the Runner’s Edge asked me to review the Rollga Foam Roller. When I think of foam rolling, I picture Tony Horton saying “I hate it…but I love it” right before his rigorous P90X ab workout. I know I’m not the only one out there with a love/hate relati
onship with their foam roller. I also know I’m not the only one that tends to ignore recovery in my daily routine. All of us (runners especially) know how important recovery is, and yet we so often put it off until we find ourselves on the brink of injury– or in the waiting room of our Physical Therapist. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Physical Therapist, she’s awesome and has gotten me back to running time and time again. But I think we would all agree, that an injury averted is the way to go!
Why I love the Rollga!
Contour Zones
It’s unique, caterpillar-like shape sets it apart from other rollers. Let’s be honest, traditional rollers are painful…who wants to go through more pain after intervals…or while you are injured and already in pain? The different zones on the Rollga really change that aspect of rolling, by enabling you to completely avoid direct contact with the muscle. Instead, by nesting the muscle inside a contour the muscle is massaged at an angle (which eliminates a lot of pain and is safer for the muscle). If you want a deeper massage you can move to the inner zone to massage at a tighter angle, or move to the outside bubble for full contact, like a traditional roller. Who doesn’t like options?
Full body massage
I just gave myself a head to toe (actually, it was toe to head…but that sounds weird) massage in my living room. I never had to say: “hey, that hurts, can you go easier on that spot?”. I had total control and could adjust my positioning or the pressure as needed. Rolling my IT Band never felt so good…and hamstrings– Ahhh-mazing! I also found it more effective and efficient (15-30 seconds) when targeting problem areas (like glutes or calves) that needed a little extra attention. The contours also nest your spine and shoulder blades perfectly, for a safe upper back massage. The Full body massage took about an hour, but with consistency it could be split up over the week and your full body could get a great massage in a few minutes a day.
Website and App
Rollga.com is a great interactive website that’ll walk you through the full body massage as well as show you specific stretches and exercises…some of which I never would’ve thought of. They also have a free App that has some great tutorials and workouts. When you buy your Rollga, check it out… It’s a space saver! It’s the foam roller to replace all foam rollers. Kidding—don’t go buy this and then toss your other 3 rollers. They all have their place. But If you’re a minimalist (like me) then you’re always looking for the most functional and essential item if it’s going to take up space in your life. If that’s you, this item is for you! If that’s not you and you love to fill your space with all the great products under the sun, this item is for you too! It’s compact, measuring at 18 inches long—wide enough for your body, but perfect for taking it along with you. It also comes with an easy removable shoulder strap!
Obviously, I’m completely sold on the Rollga. It costs $40, has a 60 day money back guarantee as well as a 2 year warranty! There’s no reason to not give it a try…your future more-relaxed- with-less- pain-and- strong-cored self will thank you!
-Angie
