Strength training and recovery are two of the most important pillars of long-term running health. Whether you're training for your next race or simply trying to stay pain-free, the right equipment can make your workouts more effective and your recovery more intentional.
I’ve found that keeping a few essential tools at home makes it easier to stay consistent. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, now is a great time to keep an eye out for discounts on exercise and recovery gear.
I’ve made it even easier by consolidating my favorite recovery tools into an Amazon wish list. These are the same items I personally use and the ones I recommend to my patients every week.
Let’s dig into why these are my top 5 favorite exercise and recovery tools.
1. Foam Roller
A foam roller is an essential tool for improving tissue mobility, reducing muscle tightness, and helping the body recover after training. Rolling out the quads, calves, hamstrings, glues, and hip flexors can improve tissue quality, decrease soreness, and help you move more efficiently during your next run. Check out one of my Foam Roller Routines for Runners.
The Foam Roller I use: Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are incredibly versatile and perfect for strength work, mobility drills, warm-ups, and activation exercises. They help improve stability, build strength in weak or underused muscles (hello glutes!), and allow you to perform targeted exercises without needing heavy equipment.
The Resistance Bands I use: VEICK Resistance Bands (Fit Simply Resistance Loop Exercise Bands are another solid choice)
3. Massage Stick
A massage stick is a quick and convenient way to target sore spots, especially the quads, calves, hip flexors, and hamstrings. It’s ideal when you want to loosen tight muscles without getting down on the floor, and it’s one of the easiest recovery tools to travel with.
The Massage Stick I use: MZDXJ Muscle Roller Stick
4. Lacrosse Ball
A lacrosse ball is a powerful tool for pinpointing smaller, stubborn areas that need extra attention like the feet, glutes, piriformis, shoulders, or hip flexors. Unlike larger tools, it helps you apply deep, targeted pressure to break up tension and improve mobility where a foam roller can’t reach.
The Lacrosse Ball I use: Champion Sports Lacrosse Ball
5. Exercise Ball
An exercise ball is great for core training, stability work, mobility drills, and posture-focused exercises. It helps you challenge your balance and build a stronger foundation for running, making it a valuable addition to your home routine.
The Exercise Ball I use: Trideer Exercise Ball
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of this equipment, follow OutRun Physical Therapy on social media for weekly tips or schedule a Discovery Call to learn more about physical therapy appointments with Dr. Melissa.
Happy shopping—and happy running!
Dr. Melissa
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