Recovery Tools: my favorite and most used recovery tools
Recovery tools review from RunFarGirl
What recovery tools do you use?
I get asked that question pretty frequently, I think because most runners want to know how they can prevent injury, sustain their training and simply feel better.
Everyone has different tools that they swear by and over the years I've amassed quite a selection of recovery tools. So here's what's in my "Recovery Tool Bucket."
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Recovery tools review from RunFarGirl
What's in my Recovery Tool Bucket
Recovery tools review from RunFarGirl
Addaday
The Addaday roller is a traditional 'stick' roller, but has knobs along the stick that have varying degrees of firmness. I like this roller for my calves and ankles, especially if you have a specific spot you're trying to get to.
Get it: addaday.com
Price: $47.00
Foot Rubz Ball
This ball is great for sore feet or issues with plantar fasciitis. Standing on this or roll it underfoot while sitting down. Even if you aren't injured it is a great way to relieve tired feet after a long run.
Get it: Available at many stores. Search for one near you HERE.
Price: $5-6
Lacrosse Ball
These are pretty much essential for targeting tight spots in the hips, I keep a couple in my track bag and they go to every race and track practice. They are great because a) they are cheap and b) they are portable.
Get it: Any sporting goods store.
Price: $5-10
Moji Foot Pro
The Moji Foot pro is another great foot roller with the addition of cold therapy. You can toss this one in the freezer and then use the cooled ball bearings to roll out tired feet.
Get it: gomoji.com
Price: $39.99
PVC Pipe
When you need to get serious you skip the foam roller (which I don't even have) and go straight to the PVC pipe. There's definitely a cringe factor with this one because it is so firm, but if you've got stubborn spots in your calves this can be pretty effective.
Get it: at your local home improvement store
Price: $3-$5
Roll Recovery R8 Roller
The Roll Recovery Roller is fantastic for calves and IT bands simply because it applies the pressure for you, and makes hard to reach places a little easier to access. It is also conducive to longer rolling sessions since the tool is doing most of the work. Bonus: you can roll while sitting on the couch.
Get it: rollrecovery.com
Price: $119
Tiger Tail-The Classic
Another traditional stick roller, the Classic Tiger tail is a nice firm roller that works really well for quads. I find it hard to use on calves since you have to apply quite a bit of pressure for it to be effective.
Get it: tigertailusa.com
Price: $34.95
Tiger Tail-Curve Ball
You can use the Curve Ball similarly to a Lacrosse ball for hips and glutes, the great part is that instead of rolling around and slipping off the spot you are trying to target, this stays put thanks to the flat bottom and rubber gripper.
Get it: tigertailusa.com
Price: $24.95
T-Pin! Muscle Therapy
The Trigger Pin is a great tool for pretty much every area. The two knobs make targeting the IT Band, Hip flexors, calves, quads and glutes easy. Because of the knobs you can get better pressure on tight points compared with using a flat surface. The "wheels" on either end make rolling smooth and easy.
Get it: tpinmuscletherapy.com
Price: $59.00
Worm
The worm is a soft roller comprised of several massage balls connected in a neoprene cover. The Worm is great for very tender and tight areas, and is also effective for piriformis issues. You can easily sit on it while at your desk or in the car, making it easy to target hard to reach areas in the hip and glute.
Get it: theoriginalworm.com
Price: $23-32
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My Favorite and Most Used Recovery Tools
Recovery tools review from RunFarGirl
My favorite tools by far are the T-Pin roller, I use this one almost daily. It is so effective for hips, glutes, piriformis and IT Band. I can also really dig into my hip flexors. The Roll recovery R8 is essential for tight calves (which I have) since it applies the pressure for you. And when things get really tight I reach for the PVC pipe it can be really good for the IT Band and for calves as well. I also like to use the Curve Ball to address tightness in my hips and glutes.
What recovery tools do you use?
--Sarah
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