Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

TB12 vibrating pliability roller review: Is this upgraded roller worth the money?

Read a personal trainer's thoughts on this advanced foam roller

TB12 foam roller
Image used with permission by copyright holder
TB12 foam roller
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Recovery is a vital part of being healthy, and it can frequently be neglected. Many people focus on exercise and nutrition when they wish to lose weight or gain muscle, but the body can’t function optimally without proper recovery. Luckily, there are tools like a foam roller to help!

Recommended Videos

4 benefits of using foam rollers

1. Decrease muscle inflammation

Foam rollers may be a simple piece of equipment, but they actually have the ability to get your body to increase its production of anti-inflammatory proteins. This helps boost muscle recovery and reduce soreness.

2. Increase blood flow

As you roll the foam roller against your body, it pushes the blood around in the tissue. When this happens, the body sends new, oxygenated blood to the area, therefore promoting blood flow.

3. Accessible

Foam rollers are one of the cheaper pieces of workout equipment, especially when it comes to recovery tools. They also can last for years before needing to be replaced, so they are fairly accessible to everyone.

4. Easy to use

Foam rollers are a very straightforward piece of equipment, considering you only need to roll them along specific muscles for them to work. They are also lightweight and generally compact, so you can store them nearly anywhere. You may also be able to take the smaller rollers with you when traveling or in a bag or to the gym.

TB12 foam roller.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What makes the TB12 foam roller different?

The primary difference between a standard foam roller and the TB12 foam roller is that it has numerous vibration settings that you can use. This recovery tool was inspired by Tom Brady, and he helped design it for those who want to take their post-workout foam roller exercises to the next level.

Vibration helps soothe muscles and supply quicker recovery by promoting reduced tightness and increased body temperature and blood circulation.

Pros

  • Vibrations increase the effectiveness of using a foam roller
  • Has four settings
  • Can still be used as a standard foam roller
  • Made from high-quality materials

Cons

  • On the smaller side
  • Quite expensive

My honest opinion on if you should buy the TB12 foam roller

As a personal trainer, I have had a lot of exposure to different people’s experiences when it comes to exercising. Everyone is unique, but I think we can all agree that recovery is necessary for every person, no matter the intensity of their workout regimen.

Whether you wish to primarily use a foam roller for back relief or a foam roller for legs, foam rollers can really help with reducing tightness in the body; helping you feel your best for your next gym session.

The TB12 foam roller costs $160, making it very costly compared to the average price of $20 for a standard foam roller that doesn’t have the vibration feature. So is it worth it? With over 160 reviews giving it 4.5/5 stars, it can be agreed that it’s a quality product. However, considering the price, I think it’s only worth shelling out the extra $100+ if you’re an athlete or generally very active and know that you will use it multiple times a week.

Christine VanDoren
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her…
We tried the Amazfit GTR 4 watch to see if it’s worth the hype
There are a lot of smartwatches to choose from. Here, we assess the hype around the Amazfit GTR 4 model
Amazfit GTR 4 watch.

Like red wine types and binge-worthy Netlix shows, there are a lot of smartwatches out there. Some are tailored to fitness, others more for their communication features and app integration. The latest from Amazon, the Amazfit GTR 4, is a hybrid that's a bit of both worlds.

Coming in at $200, it's by far one of the least expensive options on the market. For the price, it does a lot — sometimes to a fault. However, if you're after a watch that's a solid bet as a workout partner and easy-to-use timepiece, this model is for you. Falling fairly nicely somewhere between a fitness tracker and a sophisticated smartwatch, it's a good bet.

Read more
Top elite runners are using this simple hack to level up their fitness
Marathon winners are using this science-backed workout style to boost performance.
men running fast male runners setting off

From their favorite running shoes to their chosen training styles, elite runners have their own preferences and hacks to enhance their fitness, ready to zoom over the finish line. Advanced runners, such as John Korir from Kenya, have recently been incorporating step aerobics into their training regimen and touting its benefits for race day. Korir won the Chicago Marathon last year with a time of 2:02:44, and step aerobics is one of the methods that helped him fine-tune his speed and running technique. Let’s explore the benefits of step aerobics.

Step aerobics

Read more
I tried the Google Pixel Watch 3 after years with Apple — here’s what shocked me
What surprised me about this fitness watch
Google Pixel Watch 3

I've always been a fan of Apple products for every device, from my iPhone to my Mac to my Apple Watch. There's something safe about sticking with what you know. Though there's comfort to be found in familiarity, the safe choice isn't necessarily always the best one.

Playing it safe and sticking with what you know also means you might not be aware of what's out there that could be a better fit for your needs. When I stepped outside of my comfort zone to try the Google Pixel Watch 3, I learned a few things. Here's what surprised me most about trying the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Sizing and comfort

Read more