After the seriousness of yesterday’s post, today will be a little more fun and lighthearted. Today let’s talk fitness tools! No runner’s “wardrobe” is complete without a few tried-and-true fitness tools. Check out the five tools I use to keep my legs nimble and fresh:
Five Tools for Every Runner’s Tool Box
1. Foam Roller
I didn’t own a foam roller for a long time. My friends teased me about it during my last marathon training cycle in 2015. So much so that my friend Noemi actually sent me a foam roller as a gift. And honestly? It was the best gift I’ve ever received. I can’t even tell you how many injuries the foam roller has brought me back from. If you’re a runner and you don’t have one, make a point of getting one. Now. Don’t worry, I’ll wait…
Great job! You’ll thank me later.
2. Golf Ball
Another item in my runners’ essentials tool box is a golf ball. A golf ball is perfect for places that are hard to reach or too small to use a standard foam roller. Places that would fall in the “hard to reach” category include: plantar fascia, TFL, ankle, and shoulder blades. Again, it’s a godsend. If you don’t have a golf ball — how do you not?!
3. Baseball
The baseball, while not quite as effective as the golf ball, definitely has a place in the runner’s fitness tool box. It’s great to use if you don’t have a golf ball, for example, but it’s also good for those spots that might need a little extra myofascial attention like shoulders, calves, and even hamstrings.
4. Tiger Tail
The Tiger Tail (or the Stick, Trigger Point GRID, etc) is a great alternative for the foam roller if: you need more pressure such as on the calves or hamstrings, you’re traveling, or you have small square footage and need to save space.
5. Handheld Massager
There’s nothing better than an inexpensive handheld massager. The one I use I got years ago and never really used it for much of anything. It’s moved about fives times with me and it wasn’t until recently that I realized it could be so much more than just a piece of plastic in a box! It could actually be used as a — massager! Lo and behold, I’m so happy I finally decided to use it for the intended purpose because it’s a more subtle massage than the foam roller, golf ball, and tiger tail. It’s gentle and relaxing. A great tool for any runner’s tool box.
If you’re a runner and you don’t have at least one of these items in your tool box, I highly recommend investing in one or a few of them. They’ll keep your legs fresh and nimble, allowing you to run longer and better.
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s your favorite fitness tool?
Do you use a Tiger Tail or foam roller?
Linking up with the Friday Five!
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