The Best Massage Tools For Runners (bring to your travel)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Massage Ball

 

 

This ball can also be used to ease pain in the different parts of your body like shoulders, foot, buttocks, calves, or back by simply standing against the wall, putting it in the triggered area, and gently rolling upward, downward, and even sidewards.

You can sit down on the floor or yoga mat, place the ball under the tensioned area like your calf, and roll upwards, downwards, and sidewards for a few minutes.

Also if you have plantar fasciitis, massage balls can be very useful to ease the pain and with your recovery.

Tip: If you do not want to spend money on a massage ball simply ask a friend if they have a golf ball or even a tennis ball and start with it.

Even if you are not a runner but someone who walks a lot and stands a lot the whole day at work this massage ball can help you ease the muscle pain.

Note: While this can be a super handy tool for everyone, it is important to try it out first when buying, especially for beginners because if it’s too hard it can cause more pain rather than give you ease and comfort.

Massage Stick

Bigger than a massage ball but still super portable and can fit in your luggage. A massage roller stick is great to use for calves and shin.

When using it I feel that the pressure is not too much or painful compared to a foam roller especially when using it in the calves because there is not much pressure being put on your legs.

You can use it while you are seated down on the floor and place the massage roller behind your legs and roll upward and downward targeting the tension area and calves.

Massage sticks are easy to use and can have different variations and can be also adjusted depending on the design or model. You can use it right after your run to release any muscle pain build-up.

Note: Massage stick is a great companion for your overseas marathon or races. It is ideal for beginners as well since the pressure is not too much and can vary with the help of your hands. Be sure to put it in your check in luggage and not in the hand-carry bag. 

Foam Rollers

Another common and popular massage tool for runners and most likely every athlete has this in their room. Although it is bigger than the massage ball and massage stick the foam roller is a very useful tool to massage different spots around the body.

 

It is easy to use and comes in different sizes, firmness, and textures.  There are smooth foam rollers that are advisable for beginners and foam rollers with spikes for more advanced users.

Did you know that you can also use foam rollers not only after your run but also before your runs which can help you to warm up as well.

With so many tutorial videos available on youtube on how to properly use a foam roller, it will greatly help you with using it.

Note: Spikey foam rollers can be painful to use for beginners because it uses the weight of your body for pressure.

Portable Massage Guns

 

If you have the extra budget portable massage guns can be good investments especially if you are really keen to try and do more self-myofascial release.

I’ve been contemplating this one and wanted to own it. While I don’t have this tool yet, I love looking around and therefore wanted to share with you the tools I’m keen on having, especially that this can help me save trips to physio or physical therapist.

Massage guns have been around for quite a while now and the prices really vary. Let’s talk about what it can do first.

Just like how we use foam rollers or massage balls, massage guns also help to release and ease muscle tension thus increasing blood flow.

It is only not made for athletes but also for everyone whether you work in the office and always seats a lot or you wanted to gift to your elderly parents, this is a great tool.

But there are things that we need to consider, after doing research here are my top 5 concerns: 

• Budget
• Noise
• Reliability
• Battery
• Weight

It is possible that the more expensive a massage gun is, the more reliable and good quality it is therefore sound or noise won’t be a concern as well as the battery life.

But also a super cheap and inexpensive one means you have to deal with the noise and make sure the battery life is enough especially on times you want to use it.

But please do note no one product can give you all the best attributes so this is really a tough call. It’s still best to visit a physical store and try a few or ask your physical therapist for recommendations.

Final Words

I hope I was able to give you insights on the best massage tools for runners and don’t worry even if you do not run you can still own any of these massage tools and you will enjoy using them to have a good relief when it comes to muscle tensions.

Enjoy and Happy Running!

Related Articles

• 10 Good Reasons To Run
• 10 Effective Ways To Motivate Yourself To Run
• Best Morning Yoga Routine
• Best Gift Ideas for Runner and Fitness Enthusiasts

References

Healthline | Runnersworld | Very Well Fit | Wiki How

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