The best (and most cost effective kit ever)

I was talking with some running mates about what they felt was their best piece of equipment that they invested in and many spoke of the different pieces of clothing or compression wear that they had acquired. Now all of this is very important to aide recovery, but as I have pointed out on here many times previously, we can get by without large amounts of this gear and in fact due to the fact that most athletic and running gear these days is made from synthetics means that it is very hard to wear through these garments to the point that they need replacing as often as cotton items.

For me the best purchase I have made has been my foam roller and little bouncy ball (pictured). The roller was $10 from my physio and the ball $1 from a sports shop. Most athletes will have either used a roller at the gym or own one (they come in different shapes and sizes but do the same job) to massage areas of tightness or concern such as the ITB area or the calves or hamstring area.

The ball is perfect for massaging the underside of the foot and the plantar fascia. You can also strengthen the foot and the toes through picking it up with your feet (use your toes to grip it). Another bonus is being able to use it to massage areas of tightness like the quads, ITB or the glutes – either roll around on the ball on the ground or place it against the wall and massage the area by moving it around over that body part.

Friends of mine have recently bought a new age device that is designed to do the same job as my ball and roller, but due to its design it costs substantially more. Personally I like my roller and ball and contrary to what some people may tell you, they do not wear out and I have had both (used several times a week) for 5 years.

My current employer was giving out some similar balls for free at an Expo and a couple of the ladies running the Expo were surprised when I pointed out how good they are for massage. Here’s hoping some of the delegates find them equally useful as I do.

Don’t get sucked in by marketing ploys – a ball and roller are all you need!

Running together stride for stride (while using rollers and balls) stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller