Let’s face it: those of us who recreate outside have our fair share of sore muscles. From burning quads after a long trail run, to that nagging, sore back from hours on a bike saddle, our bodies take a beating. Stretching and a dip in a hot tub are all good remedies post-workout, but my favorite recovery is a deep tissue massage. Of course those are expensive… and that’s where the ensō Roller from EvoFit comes in.
EvoFit is a company based right here in Park City, and they say their ensō Roller is the only roller on the market that is completely customizable. With a quick and easy adjustment of the discs, ensō conforms to all body types and training and recovery needs. This customization is effective on broad areas like the back and is also good for massaging smaller isolated muscles with their own complex condition.
Features include:
- Customizable design supports and works targeted areas without pressure to surrounding muscles and bones
- 8-disc design can create a one-of-a-kind fit for your body shape and training needs
- Rollers are constructed with a lightweight EVA foam and are supported by durable molded plastic discs and an anodized aluminum core
- Grooved notches on tube position rollers to not slip out but adjust without friction for a micro-tuned disc arrangement
- Weighs 2.13 lbs
The way the ensō works is that you can arrange and rearrange the roller based on what muscles you need to work. They click on and off the aluminum core, and there are both large and small sizes for multiple arrangements. The roller comes with an instruction guide so it’s easy to know how to arrange it based on what you want massaged.
For most of spring and all of this summer so far, I’ve been using the ensō daily. First, I roll my habitually aching back on it immediately after waking up. By adjusting the rollers to work both sides of my back without painfully rolling on my spine, I get a massage that feels great and gets me ready for the day. I also use this back configuration after runs and mountain bike rides.
If my legs are sore from a trail run or backpacking trip, I rearrange the rollers for calf or thigh massages. According to EvoFit, the roller also elongates muscles, relaxes tight muscles, aids in breaking up scar tissue, and increases circulation and flexibility.
What I like the most is that the ensō Roller is so versatile. Any other foam roller is just a large tube, But the ensō can be adjusted for any muscle. I really wish I would have been in possession of one the last time I ran the Ragnar Relay. Unlike most foam rollers, the ensō Roller can be taken apart for awesome packability.
The only thing I don’t like about the ensō Roller is also what make it so great. The rollers are tedious to get on and off, and can be time consuming when you want to massage different muscle groups in one session. After I learned all the different configurations and didn’t have to consult the instructions anymore, I got faster at it, but it still is a bit of a pain to the point that I often leave the roller on the lower back setting for my legs as well.
The Good: Versatile massage roller that can be configured for any muscle group. Packable.
The Bad: Rearranging rollers is tedious.
Final Word: Is the ensō Roller the best on the market right now? Absolutely. All my other foam rollers are collecting dust in the closet, even though a quicker way of rearranging the individual rollers would be nice.
For this and other fitness products from EvoFit, check them out at evofitforlife.com