Best Massage Balls
Whether you are a regular in the gym, yoga practitioner, or a passionate runner, you are bound to experience that muscle ache and soreness at least from time to time. For anyone that is serious about fitness and practices any kind of physical activity, injuries, strains, and tensions in the muscles can be a frequent problem- if you don’t do everything you can to prevent them.
Massage balls are a tried and tested remedy against muscle knots, soreness, and overall tightness of muscles. The simple yet clever design of massage balls offers deep tissue massage: you can penetrate deep into the affected muscle areas and feel your best again in no time. But before you jump to the purchase, here are some important things to know about the best massage balls on the market.
1. 5BILLION FITNESS Peanut Massage Ball – Editor's Choice
- Available sizes: 5” x 2.5”
- Material: 100% Dense silicon rubber
- Number of Colors: 4
- Massage Type: Split double deep tissue massage
2. Pro-Tec Athletics Orb
- Available sizes: 3”, 4.5”, 5”
- Material: Firm EVA
- Number of Colors: 3
- Massage Type: Multi-Directional
3. Master of Muscle Spiky Massage Ball
- Available sizes: 9” circumference
- Material: Firm rubber
- Number of Colors: 1
- Massage Type: Deep Tissue massage
4. Acumobility Trigger Point Ball
- Available sizes: 3” x 2.5”
- Material: 100% medical grade silicone
- Number of Colors: 2
- Massage Type: Trigger point and pressure massage
5. 321 Strong 5 in 1
- Available sizes: Various
- Material: Foam + Rubber
- Number of Colors: 4
- Massage Type: Deep Tissue Massage + Split type
Best Massage Balls
1. 5BILLION FITNESS Peanut Massage Ball – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- Available sizes: 5” x 2.5”
- Material: 100% Dense silicon rubber
- Number of Colors: 4
- Massage Type: Split double deep tissue massage
Pros
- Great ergonomic design
- Massages greater area
- Ideal for pain relief
- Durable
- Free workout guide
Cons
- Can require some getting used to
How to make a great design even better? 5BILLION FITNESS finds an answer in this unique and ergonomic solution that boasts great massaging efficiency and superb durability. And that solution was found by connecting two massage balls into a single joint design that doubles the effect and c
The so-called peanut design is great for targeting those muscles that are otherwise hard to reach, like the muscles that surround your neck and vertebrae. It is also great for lower back and thighs, as it easily reaches your sides as well.
This peanut massage ball is made with a durable rubber material and comes with a free carry pouch and a massage instructional. One of the best offers on the market and an advanced design that boasts extra efficiency. overs a greater muscle area, allowing you to efficiently target a bigger muscle group.
2. Pro-Tec Athletics Orb
Highlights
- Available sizes: 3”, 4.5”, 5”
- Material: Firm EVA
- Number of Colors: 3
- Massage Type: Multi-Directional
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple but effective design
- Good for deep tissue massage
- Firm and durable high-density EVA
- Three size choices
Cons
- Can crack under great pressure
- The size needs to be chosen with care
With this affordable and well-designed massage ball, Pro-Tec steps forward with an offer that satisfies all your needs. This multi-functional design perfectly targets the desired areas of your body and provides deep and focused massage to relieve pain and muscle fatigue.
With a 5-inch diameter, these balls are just the right size to provide an effective experience to all users. And being dotted with tiny little bumps, it will provide a stimulating feeling when in contact with your muscles, helping to enhance performance and relieve you of that nasty muscle tightness that can occur after a heavy-duty training.Made from high-density EVA, these massage balls are just firm enough to provide a highly effective deep tissue massage, and if you’re unsure how to properly use them, don’t worry:
these come with a detailed manual explaining everything you need to know. This is a simple and efficient way to enhance your performance and keep the soreness at bay, even if you are completely new to sports massage.
3. Master of Muscle Spiky Massage Ball
Highlights
- Available sizes: 9” circumference
- Material: Firm rubber
- Number of Colors: 1
- Massage Type: Deep Tissue massage
Pros
- Perfectly penetrates deep into the muscle
- Free ebook for advanced massage techniques
- Small and compact
- Ideal for plantar fasciitis
- Durable
Cons
- Too spiky for some
- Easy to misplace
Master of Muscle brings you the tried and tested option for all your muscle pains and soreness. This is a tiny ball but it packs a lot of punch. Thanks to its clever design that efficiently penetrates deep into your muscles, this spiky massage ball is one of the best when it comes to pain relief with deep tissue massage. The secret of this small ball is in its non-bending spikes that are perfect for penetrating deep into the fascia and breaking up all those knots that cause you discomfort.Compact but potent, it is perfect for tucking into your gym bag and using it on the go. One of the best uses for this ball is to relieve plantar fasciitis – those nasty pains at the ball of your foot. It can be used in various ways, making it a very versatile ball – something other choices on the market lack.
4. Acumobility Trigger Point Ball
Highlights
- Available sizes: 3” x 2.5”
- Material: 100% medical grade silicone
- Number of Colors: 2
- Massage Type: Trigger point and pressure massage
Pros
- Two firmness levels
- Great precision for muscle massage
- Easy to use
- Vanilla scent
Cons
- Doesn’t grip as good on all surfaces
- Can require some getting used to
Acumobility is a brand that took their massage ball design a step forward and it really shows. This is the first ever flat base massage ball that is designed for ergonomics and enhancing mobility, sporting an advanced design with some highly efficient solutions. One thing where this ball excels is targeting specific muscles and areas that you want to isolate and massage specifically. Its flat base has a surface that somewhat grips the floor and will not slide, allowing you to focus on those muscles and perform the movements that will feel good for you.
This massage ball is also great for plantar fasciitis, lower back relief, neck, glutes, and hamstrings. The stationary design allows you to be in charge and not let the movements of the ball dictate the tempo of the massage- and that can make a lot of difference when massaging the muscles.
5. 321 Strong 5 in 1
Highlights
- Available sizes: Various
- Material: Foam + Rubber
- Number of Colors: 4
- Massage Type: Deep Tissue Massage + Split type
Pros
- Five different items included in the set
- Two different types of massage balls
- Help improve the range of motion and relieve pain and tension
- Durable
- Good balance between price and quality
Cons
- Some items are less durable
- Roller too squeaky
What better way to cover all your fitness-related needs than with this multifunctional, 5-in-1 pack that helps you cover all the important bases and offers tools for unprecedented pain and soreness relief. It contains not one but two massage balls that combine the best designs on the market: one is a compact, spiky ball that is perfect for deep penetration of the tissue, while the other is a peanut design that is perfect for a softer massage that covers a larger area. While one is great for trigger point massage, the other excels at myofascial release. They are both very diverse and with just these two massage balls you can cover all the important bases and ensure the best effect for your body.
Additionally, while the focus in this pack is on the massage balls, you get other goodies besides: three-zone massage roller, stretch strap, and a massage roller. When you take into consideration the balance between price, quality, and contents of this set, it’s clear that this massage tool set is great for experienced sportspeople and fitness enthusiasts.
Are Massage Balls Effective?
There are quite a few unique self-massage designs in the fitness market that are designed to relieve pain and tensions from muscles and keep you in top form for a new day of exercise. But each design has its own pros and cons, meaning it will work great for some people and less than ideal for others, and massage balls are no exception. One thing about massage balls that really stands out is their great effectiveness at isolating and targeting a specific muscle area that you choose. Unlike, let’s say, a foam roller, the massage ball doesn’t massage a wide area – instead you can really penetrate deep into that particular area that is giving you trouble. Furthermore, a massage ball allows you to utilize your body weight and achieve a deep tissue massage with the simplest movements.
Massage balls come in a few different varieties, and each one can help you reach those isolated muscles that can give you the most trouble otherwise. And with other fitness gadgets, like the foam roller, you simply won’t be able to reach some of the muscles that are affected with the same precision. The peanut massage ball design really takes a leap forward in this regard, as it can be used to treat some parallel muscles that cannot otherwise be massaged.
Types of Massage Balls
While the general design of a massage ball is relatively simple, there are a few defining features that can really make them extra efficient. Of course, the few different designs can really make for a one-of-a-kind experience and help with your special spots. If it is your first time relying on a massage ball, it is good to read about the different designs and understand how each one can help you.
- Deep tissue massaging spike ball
Spiky balls are at the forefront of the massage balls market, and for several key reasons. Their shape and features are perfectly designed to offer the best deep tissue massage. The solid rubber spikes won’t cause you discomfort – instead, they will penetrate into the myofascial layer of your muscle and break up all those knots that caused you discomfort. Spiky balls are often compact and easy to carry around, making them great for after the gym stretching.
- Standard massage ball
This is your straightforward massage ball for an even, all-covering massage that breaks up that top muscle layer and offers great relief. Standard massage balls often have a textured surface with little bumps and tiny spikes which give you that tingling but so relieving sensation. Regular massage balls are very adaptable as well, allowing you to target almost all muscles and areas of your body – with just a few simple exercises and massage positions.
- Peanut ball
The peanut-shaped massage balls appeared as a logical evolution in the basic design. Essentially, they are two massage balls connected with some space in between them. This design allows you simultaneous massage at two parallel points, making them great for those hard to reach spots and parallel muscles. Some great examples are the adjacent muscles in your lower back, the thighs, calves, and the parallel muscles in your neck. With such good adjustability, the efficiency of a regular massage ball was effectively doubled and brought to a whole new level.
- Flat based trigger point ball
One of the newer designs, and the one that offers a lot of proven advantages for your mobility, the trigger point massage ball is a really unique design. Unlike other types of massage balls, this one has a flat base that can be placed on the floor or on a vertical surface, giving you absolute control over the area you want to massage. One thing in which this design excels in is enhancing mobility and massaging the feet. This comes in handy for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, and can also be a great relief after a long day of walking or standing when your feet just need some extra attention.
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In Conclusion
Massage balls are a very handy accessory for all fitness enthusiasts and sportspeople. Muscle soreness and tension are a daily occurrence for anyone who exercises regularly and with increased intensity, and if left untreated it can really hamper your progress and prevent you from achieving your full potential. Not to mention that it could lead to serious injuries and health problems!
That is why a massage ball is a must-have: this simple and inexpensive accessory can leave you feeling pain-free, energized, and relaxed with some simple movements that take no time at all. If you are into fitness and exercise, massage balls should definitely be a part of your workout arsenal.