The Best At-Home Recovery Tools That Aren’t A Foam Roller

Let’s Be Honest, You Hate Foam Rolling

Getting up early to work out? Easy. Eating a clean, healthy diet. Prepped and ready. Foam rolling after an intense workout? Nope!

Just admit it. Foam rolling is the bane of your post-workout routine (if you have one). You know it’s good for you, so why fight it?

Let me list the ways:

  • It hurts.
  • You have no clue how. “Am I doing this right??”
  • It is time consuming.
  • Frankly, it’s just physically awkward using it.

You probably feel a bit like this trying to use one…

person failing in an obstacle course

Am I right?

So if you’re like us and want the muscle recovery benefits of foam rolling without the hassle, here are 5 alternatives to foam rolling.

Roll Recovery R8

Want an easy solution to prevent muscle soreness? The Roll Recovery R8 is one of those products that truly reinvents the way things are done. When it comes to myofascial release and muscle recovery, the R8 is a game changer for many.

With it’s patented design, you’re able to easily glide the interchangeable, spring loaded rollers to target the muscles that need it most. It’s incredible easy to use and maneuver whether you’re sitting or standing.

The days of trying to balance your body weight while trying to roll your IT Band is over!

The Roll Recovery R8 was conceived by Jeremy Nelson of Boulder, CO. It’s worth checking out his story.

You can buy directly from their website, but if you’re interested in some cash back and free shipping, purchase from JackRabbit instead. As of this writing, get 4% Cash Back when you use Rakuten before checkout.

SKLZ Massage Bar

person using SKLZ Massage Bar on thigh

The SKLZ Massage Bar is an excellent addition to any self massage toolkit. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to use. This little guy, unlike an enormous foam roller, is very easy to tote and and stow away when not in use. We absolutely love the versatility this massage bar offers and works as intended.

The ergonomic, mountain bike grip inspired make it simple to roll the 9 independent moving wheels. Muscle knots don’t stand a chance against this massage bar.

With a 4.6/5 star rating, people have nothing but positive things to say about it.

TriggerPoint AcuCurve Massage Cane

man using AcuCurve Massage Cane on shoulder

The AcuCurve Massage Cane is an extremely effective tool to target trigger points and prevent muscle soreness in the neck, back, and shoulders. Unlike a foam roller that tends to massage a broad area of the body, the AcuCurve is better suited to target smaller, more acute areas.

We love the ergonomic design that allows us to reach those hard to reach places in the the middle of the back. The AcuCurve has two different tips that allow you to effectively treat trigger points based on where they’re located.

At only 16.5 inches long, it’s easy to carry around or travel with.

4KOR Fitness Ultimate Massage Balls

4KOR massage balls

As basic as they are, massage balls can be an invaluable asset to speed recovery and reduce the inevitable muscle soreness that follows an intense workout. Unlike a traditional foam roller, you can use these 4KOR massage balls on the ground, sitting, or against a wall.

They’re small enough that you can place them where you need it the most. Again, unlike the foam roller, you can easily grip these making it easier to use.

This particular set comes with 3 different size massage balls, which adds to its versatility.

LifePro Pulse FX Massage Gun

LifePro FX massage gun with attachments and case

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a massage gun. If you’ve been around our site or read our Buyer’s Guide, you know we love the Pulse FX massage gun.

We’re big fans of LifePro because they offer a phenomenal product that performs on the same level as other devices that cost twice as much.

With the 3 speed, ultra quiet motor and the 90 degree adjustable massage head, we are able to target any muscle with the exact pressure we need. The battery life is always more than acceptable and overall the quality is top-notch.

Be sure to apply promo code “FIGHTPULSEFX” at checkout to get $30 off the price.

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