Price: $59.99 (R4 Roller); $49.99 (StretchMat)
Size: 18″ x 6″ (45.7cm x 15.2cm) (R4 Roller); Folded Dimensions: 18” x 13” x 2” (45.7cm x 33cm x 5cm)
Unfolded Dimensions: 51” x 51” (130 x 130 cm) (StretchMat)
Weight: 2.6 lbs (1.17 kg) (R4 Roller); 1.0 lb (0.45 kg)(StretchMat)
Colors: White, Red, Black (R4 Roller); Light Grey, Red, Black (StretchMat)
How Obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online
RBR advertiser: No
Stretch, Roll, Relax – Anywhere, Anytime
I reviewed Roll Recovery’s R8 Plus Deep Tissue Massager a while back and was impressed with the quality craftsmanship and design. Today I’m here to tell you their R4 Deep Tissue Body Roller, and portable StretchMat receive a 5-star rating from me. Honestly, I can’t find anything to ding them on.
The R4 roller is made from proprietary high-density foam for years of durability and ‘fun’ rolling. The design lets you target specific muscle groups and utilize a center groove for a more comfortable back massage without irritating the spine. That same center section is perfect for targeting your IT-band that is notoriously tight on most cyclist.
You can target virtually every muscle group using the R4 roller, including the back, lats, neck, glutes, hamstrings, calves, quads, hip flexors, shins, Achilles tendon, IT-band, and peroneal. A center support is utilized inside the hollow tube to add stiffness and avoid flexion. You’ll notice how rigid the roller is when sitting on it as you massage your glutes.
The R4 is not for the faint of heart. The firmness of the roller delivers an intense deep tissue massage, which I happen to like. If you are lightweight when it comes to rolling, maybe reconsider, or toughen up, buttercup.
Indoor or Outside, After a Ride or Run, Stretch Anywhere, Anytime.
For in-home or on-the-go, Roll Recovery’s StretchMat opens up to 51” x 51” to provide plenty of surface area for stretching or rolling. For indoor use, the backing is non-slip, and after trying it on both carpeting and wood, I can attest that it didn’t move around.
For outdoor use, you can stretch after a race or ride either on grass or pavement. The 4mm high-density foam and soft-touch surface combine for a comfortable surface for stretching, yoga, or pilates. And the water-proof bottom layer keeps moisture at bay and your backside dry.
StretchMat’s lightweight and built-in fold lines make it highly portable. At only 1 pound, it packs up neatly into a large backpack or gym bag.
Bottom Line
Buy the R4 Deep Tissue Body Roller and the StretchMat together or separately. Both are available in three color options to match your décor or style. The durability and functionality of these items from Roll Recovery will give you years of use. Plus, your body will thank you, and you’ll perform better on the bike with recovered muscles.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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