Happy Friday! When I started running again (consistently) in 2013 – I was introduced to the wonderful topic of recovery. You mean recovery is more than a few stretches and lying in bed?! 😉 Today I am sharing five of my recovery tools and gadgets and linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia. Note: These are not affiliate links – just haven’t joined the program to do so (yet).
1. Rolling Rolling Rolling
Image: TriggerPoint
I started off with a foam roller – ouch it hurt so good. Eventually the foam roller was not dense enough for me. My gym carried a few TriggerPoint GRID foam rollers and I fell in love.
2. Massage Stick
Image: RPI Sprinter Stick
A couple years ago, my brother gifted me with a similar looking massage stick for Christmas. I wasn’t sure if I would put it to good use because I already had a foam roller, I was mistaken. The stick is a little more portable than the foam roller. I keep mine in my office and I can discreetly massage my legs while I’m sitting at my desk.
3. I’m a Baller!
Image: TriggerPoint
Haha I couldn’t resist with that title. The massage ball is fairly new to me – I was introduced to it during physical therapy this past fall/winter. It is a good way to get into those knots/areas that a foam roller cannot dig into. I have a TriggerPoint Massage Ball, but lacrosse or tennis balls work as well.
4. Stretch it Out
Image: Valeo Stretch Bands
I started using stretch bands to help with my…can you guess….stretching. You often find them in pilates, yoga or barre studios. They are pretty inexpensive and can also be used for arm workouts.
5. ROLL Recovery 8
Image: ROLL Recovery
The ROLL Recovery 8 is a deep tissue massage roller. Kinda scary looking huh? I heard so many good reviews about it, so I decided to order one last week (a belated birthday treat myself moment). Once I pick it up from my parent’s house I will post a review of it. Can’t wait to try it!
Do you use any of these recovery tools?
What do you use?
Pam
April 1, 2016Oh my goodness that number 5 looks like a torture device. I have numbers 1-3, but need those stretch bands too. I left mine when I was on my cruise in February. 🙁
Pam recently posted…5 Running goals and how they evolved
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016Oh no 🙁 Hope someone is making good use of them now and you get a replacement set soon. Number five does look like a torture device, just tried it yesterday – feels good!
Stacey
April 1, 2016I love the TP Grid roller-I have the extra long one so I can roll out my back and shoulders after a long ride and I use the Sure Foot Rubz ball to massage my feet. Excited to hear what you think about the Roll Recovery, I’m thisclose to ordering one myself but I’m just not sure yet!
Stacey recently posted…Friday Five: Smithfield Triathlon Goals
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016I love rolling out my back and shoulders. Smart about getting an extra long one…I barely fit on it when I do roll those areas haha. I tried the Roll Recovery yesterday, love it so far. Will be curious how my legs will feel over the week.
Jenn @ Run with Sole
April 1, 2016This is great!! Recovery is so important. I love The Stick and love to hate my foam roller. They are definitely necessary evils!
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016Agreed, definitely necessary evils 🙂
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home
April 1, 2016I love my trigger point roller. Well, I should say love-hate…my husband thinks it’s a torture device and won’t go near it. And while sometimes it hurts me, it always brings me results! I also have the stick, and I use a lacrosse ball for those tight spaces…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…The Runner’s Guide to the Rules of the Road
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016I wish it didn’t take me this long to discover the wonders of the ball. I love my torture devices 🙂
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy
April 1, 2016Haven’t heard of the Roll Recovery, but I have and use the rest of it! And my Original Worm. Love how easy that is to throw in a bag!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…It Takes a Village to Raise a Runner
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016I looked up the Original Worm – does look like it is very easy to carry!
Christine @ Two Runners Travel
April 1, 2016My husband bought me a set of resistance bands during marathon training when my hip was nagging at me. They’ve been a great compliment to physical therapy exercises too! I kind of love my foam roller. It definitely isn’t always comfortable but the results are great so I actually don’t mind it that much particularly if I have a distraction like TV.
Run Jenny Run
April 4, 2016That is a good idea to foam roll during TV time! My favorite resistance band stretch is a simple hamstring one.
Sam
April 1, 2016I’m curious about the Roll Recovery 8, looking forward to your thoughts. It seems expensive but also like it might be worth it…
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016I’m liking it so far! Will have a post up this month. I was apprehensive about the price, but figured I’ll bring my lunch to work all this month 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude
April 1, 2016That Roll Recovery looks intense! I rely on the stick and a lacrosse ball to get at those nagging spots. I also love Yamuna Body Rolling balls.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Friday Five – April Goals
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016I’ve never heard of Yamuna Body Rolling balls – thanks! Looks like they could also be used for barre workouts at home.
Lesley
April 1, 2016I’ve got all those except the Roll Recovery. I also use lacrosse balls to did down into small knots when I need more pressure than foam rollers give. First question at PT was did I have a foam roller. Oh yes, I have 3, plus The Stick. And this, and that.
Lesley recently posted…Oldies Workout
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016The lacrosse balls work wonders! My first purchase post PT appointment.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
April 1, 2016That massage roller looks very scary and intimidating, almost like some kind of torture device.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…April 2016 Monthly Goals
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016It does, but it feels so good. I’ll bring it next time I see you if you want to try it 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com
April 1, 2016I do foam roll and use the stick. I have seen the roller 8 but never tired it. It looks like it could hurt. But I guess in a good way.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…This Running Journal is messing up my Zen
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Hurts in a good way – my legs were not as sore as I thought it would be after both my runs this weekend (but who knows if it is mental or I recovered quicker). I’ll have to see after a few months 🙂
Sana
April 1, 2016I have items 1,2 and 4. And I LOVE THEM!
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Yay! PS – love your comment icon/picture, the cartoon is adorable.
Amy Lauren
April 1, 2016I really want to buy the Roll Recovery! I tried it out at Fleet Feet and it was amazing :).
Amy Lauren recently posted…Weekly Rundown: March 21-27
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016It was! I’m bringing my lunch all this month hehe 🙂
Diane @runninrocker
April 1, 2016The only one I’ve ever used is the Massage Stick. I think it works well but I am not very good at using it. It hurts so I stop. I know that is to be expected so I know that I usually give up too soon probably!
Diane @runninrocker recently posted…Friday Five: Training Plan Fail But it’s ALL GOOD!
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Sorry to hear the stick hurts. I remember when the foam roller would hurt and I would say 5 more seconds each day – eventually I probably got use or numb to the “pain”
Karen @ Fit in France
April 1, 2016OMG this is so funny. I tried the first roller you posted, at the Paris running expo yesterday ! I am going back tomorrow and am thinking of buying one, in the format of a massage stick. Will think about the ball now too. Such a coincidence ! It is at the stand where I bought my Balega socks.
Karen @ Fit in France recently posted…Paris Marathon Running Expo
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Love this 🙂
Laura @ try & TRI again
April 1, 2016I have a grid foam roller that I should use more than I currently do. I also keep a golf ball under my desk at the office to roll our my feet. Talk about dense!
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016So smart about the golf balls!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
April 1, 2016Yup those are all in my torture box too! Love the Roll 8!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…My Fave Spring Running Picks From Skirt Sports
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Great minds! Hope post Cherry Blossom recovery is going well for you.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
April 3, 2016Love my stick, but interested to hear your review or Roll Recovery 8 as I get back into marathon training.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Joint Hypermobility Syndrome
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Aiming to have a post this month! Loving it so far.
Coco
April 3, 2016I have all those things except the last one. Interested in your thoughts when you’ve tried it.
Coco recently posted…A Blustery Cherry Blossom Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Loving it so far! I’ll probably tow it with me for the next few races if some people want to try it. Are you going to the GW Parkway 10M?
Kim W
April 4, 2016I can’t wait to hear what you think of the roll recovery 8. I’ve been intrigued by it for a while, but haven’t had the opportunity to try it out.
Kim W recently posted…2016 Course Guide: Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016I’m loving it so far. I wish one of the local stores had them – I ordered it blindly (off people’s reviews). If I see you, you can most certainly try it.
Emily @ Out and About
April 5, 2016Great list! I use that same foam roller and The Stick. Both are very effective and surprisingly transportable for travel purposes! Especially The Stick (although I got pulled aside at airport security because they thought it was a weapon, LOL). I’ve used a golf ball to roll out my heels. I need to get a Trigger Point ball like that one – I’ve been using a tennis ball instead. This is the first I’ve seen or heard of the Roll Recovery – it does like intimidating!
Emily @ Out and About recently posted…Running lately and Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2016 training recap
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016It looks intimidating, but feels good! The airport story was funny, I can see how it looks like a weapon. I even got pulled aside in Miami once b/c of the medal, runner problems 😉
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC
April 5, 2016I will probably buy the R8 before I start marathon training. I’ve tried it before and it’s awesome!!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Cherry Blossom Ten Miler Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016Hurts SO GOOD!
Tamieka
April 5, 2016Foam roll….I need to do better.
The massage stick, I have my hubby use on me…that way I can usually deal with the pain better.
That R8 looks like it could be really good!!
Run Jenny Run
April 7, 2016The R8 feels good. That is a good idea to have someone massage you with the stick! Need to try that.