Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Health and Fitness

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

Christine VanDoren
By
TB12 foam roller

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!

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Christine VanDoren
Christine VanDoren
Contributor
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her…
Everything you need to know about massage guns
Your guide to choosing the best massage gun.
Man using a massage gun on shoulder.

If you want to enhance your training and post-workout experience, consider purchasing a massage gun. These gadgets help to loosen up your muscles and keep your movements fluid. A massage gun can also shorten your recovery time while delaying the onset of soreness after a workout.

You may be asking, "do massage guns work?" Massage guns can be used before a workout to activate your muscles and can also help as muscular support when recovering after the physical activity. Massage guns can ease muscle tension; one way this is possible is by increasing circulation.

Read more
The unwritten rules of sauna etiquette
Everything you need to know about how to avoid a sauna faux pas
Barrel sauna inside

Have you ever walked into a sauna and felt like a foreigner? You're not alone. Sauna etiquette can be confusing, and the last thing you want is to commit a sauna faux pas. Fret not, dear reader, because we've got you covered. In this post, we'll take you through the unwritten rules of sauna etiquette so you can avoid any awkward situations. 

We'll review everything you need to know about sauna etiquette, including what to wear in the sauna, how to use the sauna and other frequently asked questions like whether you can bring your phone (spoiler alert: It's a horrible idea). 

Read more
Experts think you should sleep like an astronaut – here’s why
Does the zero gravity sleep position help you sleep better?
man sleeping on his side

We all know the benefits of a good night's sleep. There are the physical pros of feeling well rested, which comes with reducing the risk of serious health problems and maintaining a healthy weight. Mentally, it helps reduce stress, allows you to concentrate during the day, and gives you the energy you need to get things done. If you have trouble sleeping, you know how frustrating it can be. We asked sleep experts to weigh in on the zero gravity sleep position to see if it may just help those who need it get the sleep they so desperately need.
What is zero gravity?
So, what is the zero gravity sleep position, sometimes called zero-g, and how does it work? "It’s a sleeping position that elevates the head and feet slightly above the heart level, creating a slight slope for the body," said Lauri Leadley, CCSH, RPSGT, and Founder and President at Valley Sleep Center. "In the zero gravity sleep position, the angle between the upper body and the thighs is about 120-130 degrees, and the knees are bent slightly." This means the angle of your hips puts your body in the “zero stress zone," keeping airways free, reducing stress on the heart, and decompressing your spine.

"Zero gravity sleeping position is typically done with an adjustable bed, raising the head and knees so they are a similar height," added Kevin Lees, Director of Chiropractic Operations at The Joint Corp. "This position is very similar to a fetal position, only while laying on the back." Some people refer to an adjustable bed as a zero gravity bed because it makes sleeping in this position for long periods of time possible.

Read more