accessories [recovery] 52
Rehab Center B y A l l i son Patti l lo
Smart recovery is essential, but it’s not always easy or fun. If you need some inspiration, these new gadgets use heat, cold and intense massage to keep your body feeling good and ready to run.
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1. Trigger Point MB2 Roller, $25
2. Pro-Tec Athletics The Orb Extreme, $25
Highlight: Loosens up a tight back
Highlight: More invigorating and less punishing on muscles
Melt away back and neck stress after long runs with this easily adjustable tool. It looks like a mini barbell with a small, no-slip, MB1 massage ball on either end. Have it in the closed position to target smaller muscles and open to work larger back muscles.
A 5-inch, high-density foam ball is wrapped in muscle-massaging nubs for deep relief of quads, hamstrings and your lower back. Place it on the floor or wall and use your body weight for an invigorating massage. It’s less intense than a lacrosse ball or golf ball, meaning longer massage sessions.
3. Addaday Nonogan, $45 Highlight: New twist on the old roller This hurts, but in a good way! With a nine-sided design of raised, soft foam ovals wrapped around a solid foam core, this goes beyond standard foam rolling. Yes, it works like a roller, but it also digs deep to target fascia and help improve mobility.
4. Vibra Cool Massaging Ice Therapy, $90
5. Dr. Marc’s Quattro Pro Massager, $40
Highlight: Two-pronged therapy for knee and ankle pain
Highlight: Foam roller and ball alternative
Ice relieves pain but can cause muscles to tighten. Vibration improves circulation. With ice packs, a vibration unit and a comfortable neoprene sleeve, this kit lets you reap the benefits of both. The high-pitched vibration unit runs for 10 minutes. You can even stretch with it in place to help with muscle mobility.
Designed by a chiropractor, this hand-held massager has four removable rollers to work major muscle groups from your neck to your feet. The knobs can be heated for a deeper release—which felt incredible on sore calves. The heat helps muscles relax, allowing for more intense trigger point work.
6. Rumble Roller Gator, $50 Highlight: The ultimate roller for masochists This evil looking roller is just the tool for cross-frictional massage. Instead of only using it as a roller, which you certainly should do, lie on the roller and shift your body weight one or two inches while maintaining skin contact. Much like a massage, you’ll feel a tugging and release of the underlying muscles.
2017 Gear Guide | For more gear reviews, go to Competitor.com/gearguide2017
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2/8/17 2:35 PM