recovery tools for runners
The more you run, the more you realize that overuse injuries are imminent. Plantars fasciitis, runner’s knee, tight IT bands, tight hip flexors, weak glutes, shin splints, piriformis and TFL woes, Achilles woes, tendonitis and tendinosis (if you don’t listen to your Physical Therapist), fractures, breaks, and pulled muscles OH MY. The best way to treat injuries is to prevent them with strength work, mobility work, stability work, and flexibility work. A physical therapist and great coach (come train with the Badass Lady Gang!) will help keep you injury free.
Here are some of our favorite recovery tools for runners! (GO FOAM ROLL!)
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Foam Roller
Foam rollers are the ULTIMATE tool for recovery. Use them after every workout to cool down and especially as you recover from overuse injuries. It helps your muscles regrow like they’re supposed to.
*NOTE: We have how-to foam roller videos in our strength & yoga library, available for team and training experience members.
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Lacrosse ball
These little balls are like foam rollers for your smaller areas (especially feet!). They help break up the fascia in your muscles! Simply put them on the section that hurts and start to roll.
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voodoo band/muscle floss
Voodoo bands are great for compression. They help constrict blood to an area to aid in recovery. Use when muscles feel overused/ hard/tight. Wrap around the tight section before moving around.
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calf board
A calf board works to stretch your calves as well as help you work on balance and mobility.
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calf rocker
The calf rocker is the cheaper alternative to a calf board and a great way to stretch your calves.
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Theragun Mini
Perfect for those days when you can’t get yourself to foam roll, a massage gun is going to be your best friend during training.
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Air Pants aka Compression Sleeves
Meet every runner’s dream, a pair of compression sleeves. Air pants promote blood flow, providing muscles and tissues with oxygen-rich blood to help with recovery. Our favorites are the Normatec compression boots but Air Relax and Theragun offer great options as well!
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Oofos Recovery Shoes
Stop what you’re doing and treat yourself to a pair of OOFOS slides. They’re truly like walking on clouds. Running hurts. OOFOS makes a runner’s life a little bit easier.
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A Great Yoga Mat
INVEST in a good yoga mat. A crappy yoga mat will always feel crappy and it will wear out in a year or two. A great yoga mat will feel sturdy under your feet and last you a decade.