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

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.

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.

Editors' Recommendations

Christine VanDoren
Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her…
5 fantastic mood boosting foods to incorporate into your diet
How to increase serotonin: The best mood boosting foods
Avocado cut in half

Our bodies naturally produce a chemical called serotonin, which plays a critical role in our mood and sleep. Sometimes referred to as your body's "feel good" chemical, not getting enough serotonin can leave you susceptible to depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. On the other hand, adequate serotonin levels help promote a happier, calmer mood. To help maintain healthy serotonin levels, it's important to eat foods that are high in tryptophan, an amino acid involved in the creation of serotonin. These 5 foods that boost serotonin into your diet are not only delicious but can also give you the serotonin boost you need for a great mood.

Berries
Berries are a delicious, low-sugar fruit that offers dozens of benefits (beyond their amazing taste). All types of berries (blackberries, raspberries, etc) are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients to support your brain. Just one cup of raspberries or blackberries contains about 35% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of serotonin. Berries can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or added to fruit smoothies or yogurt. Studies examining the mood-boosting effects of berries also found that the flavonoids in berries contributed to an overall improved mood.

Read more
Improve your skin and eyes with these delicious foods high in vitamin A
Stay healthy with foods that give you a good dose of vitamin A
Foods high in vitamin A.

Most of us know that vitamin A is good for us, helping our eyes function at their very best. But there are plenty of other benefits as well, from dealing with inflammation and promoting healthy skin cells, keeping cancer at bay, and giving an assist to the immune system. Not enough? Well, vitamin A is good for your bones, too.

Think of vitamin A as a two-pronged essential nutrient. There's preformed vitamin A found in things like fish and carotenoids, which tend to show up in produce and plant-based foods. What's the best way to get your daily intake (an estimated 900 mcg for the average man)? A well-balanced diet, of course. But there are some foods high in vitamin A that are worth targeting the next time you're at the farmer's market or grocery store to keep your eyes, skin, immune system, and hormones functioning optimally.

Read more
The important health benefits of magnesium you need to know about
This is why you need more magnesium in your diet
Baby spinach

When most people consider important electrolytes that they need to replace after a hard workout, sodium and potassium typically come to mind. But what about magnesium? Magnesium has numerous benefits, and the essential mineral is involved in over 300 different enzymatic reactions in the body.

These include regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, synthesizing proteins, and conducting nerve and muscle impulses. Magnesium is also responsible for transporting calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes; this allows the heart to maintain its regular contractions.
Because there are several vital functions of magnesium in the body, there are numerous benefits associated with taking magnesium supplements or consuming foods high in magnesium to ensure adequate intake. Keep reading for a list of the benefits of magnesium, and make sure you’re not missing out on this essential nutrient for your health!

Read more