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.

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.
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…
Hoka vs. Brooks: Which running shoe brand is right for you?
The pros and cons of each popular brand
Group of people running

Hoka and Brooks are among the most popular shoe brands. They are well known for making durable and comfortable running shoes, and their products suit a wide range of running needs. Both brands offer exceptional running experiences, but one is best known for cushioning and the other for stability.

Hoka tends to use high-volume stacks of foam in the midsoles to absorb shock. However, the cushioning doesn't get too soft because it incorporates its signature Metarocker to ensure a smooth transition between strides. Brooks, on the other hand, is better known for its outstanding guardrail stability technology, which supports foot alignment with a set of foam rails on the heels and arches.

Read more
Study shows this type of online exercise class could help your back pain
You don't need to go to an in-person exercise class to lower your back pain
Man with back pain

Around 39% of adults in the United States deal with back pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research shows that lumbar stabilization exercises and stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce back pain. One of the reasons exercise could be beneficial for diminishing those aches or twinges is because it lowers inflammation. Studies reveal that just 20 minutes of exercise has anti-inflammatory effects. There are different types of exercise, and working out at home is more convenient and affordable, offering you the privacy and comfort of your own space. A new study reveals that a specific type of online exercise class could also help your back pain. Let’s look at the research. 
The study

In a study published in Jama Network Open, the researchers categorized patients into two groups:

Read more
How many push-ups can you power through in one go? New expert guidelines are in
The push-up is a superior benchmark of physical fitness.
Man doing pushups at a gym

Push-ups are convenient because they don’t require any equipment or a gym membership. They’re also an effective bodyweight exercise for maximizing your upper body power. Push-ups are a superior benchmark of physical fitness. New expert guidelines from the Mayo Clinic reveal the total number of push-ups the average person should be able to power through. There seem to be mixed responses surrounding these new guidelines, and survey results reveal that 53.8% of adults in the United States can’t perform more than ten consecutive push-ups. Only 17.4% report being able to perform between six and ten in a row. Let’s look at the new guidelines, the benefits of push-ups, and the best variations to optimize your fitness.
New guidelines

The Mayo Clinic revealed a target number of push-up counts to strive for.

Read more