Running Essentials: Roll it Out {Giveaway}
I’ve found that tension relief is essential when I’m in in training mode. Taking the extra few minutes to “roll-out” my IT Band, piriformis and other key muscles can make all the difference in the world.
Foam rollers, The Stick and Yoga Tune-Up Therapy Balls are all great ways for runners to use massage to release tension and perhaps help prevent injuries.
The Stick: I’ve had mine for about 5 years and I use it often. It’s easy to use. I’m more likely to use it vs. a foam roller.
Foam Roller: I only use this when I’m at the gym. I love how great it feels on my IT band.
Yoga Tune-Up Therapy Balls: This product when used along with the online videos provides me with the most relief. If you have knee issues, I recommend checking out the newly released KneeHab video.
Do you use self massage to prevent injuries?
I happen to have an extra pair of brand new Yoga Tune-Up therapy balls, that I’d love to send one of you. Leave a comment on this post and I’ll randomly select one of you as the winner. Giveaway ends Sunday, June 5th at Midnight EST.
{FCITC received a complimentary review copy of the Yoga Tune Up KneeHab dvd and pair of therapy balls (which I’m sending to one of you) but was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.}
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I use a foam roller at the gym but need to do more at home, I have some serious knots in my neck!
I only ever foam rolled when I was in PT, but I KNOW I need to do it more often, especially now that I’m back in half training mode.
I am in the process of buying a foam roller. I have used a stick before even though I do not own one myself
I only use a foam roller at the gym too, but with my knee and IT band issues I definitely need to be spending some more quality time rolling out those leg muscles!
Yes, I definitely do try to incorporate self massage. I have The Stick and a foam roller, and like you I find that I use the stick more often. I think it’s just easier because it’s more portable maybe? I can toss it in the car with me to have right after a run.
I love my stick but would love to try the yoga balls. Just signed up for my first half and I am going to need all the help I can get!
I haven’t tried anything at home, but we’ve used golf balls in yoga class which feels GREAT. I’d love to win these!!
I use my stick more than the foam roller too and I have a foam roller at home! I think it is because it hurts too much. I am wimp.
i can be lazy about using the stick, even though it works and is easy. i have heel spur issues too, and have used a golf ball under my feet to massage out the pain, but it HURTS. i need to make a schedule and get into a routine for rehabbing myself – not just for my exercises
never used the yoga balls or the stick – so, I’d love to try ‘em!
Pardon my ignorance, as Im a VERY new runner, but ALL of those things look so weird to me, and I can’t even imagine how to begin to use either, except MAYBE the ball. Clearly, the mountains of information and resources that go along with training is limitless. I would love if I could google upon, on a how to use any/all of those above items. New runner I may be, but I have already experienced tightness and aches and pains, but I guess in due time!
The stick, is it like rolling bread dough? Only used on the body? Im sorry, Im just really trying to wrap my brain around those objects.
Yes, think of it like rolling dough. The foam roller can sometimes be quite painful and the stick is less intense. It can be used to warm-up the muscles or to help loosen them up after a run. For example for your IT band you would sit in a chair, relax one leg, then take the stick and roll it along the IT band from top to bottom several times applying a decent amount of pressure, but not so much that it’s painful.
The foam roller is painful! I think it’s because all of your weight is bearing down on there. I think I might try the stick after reading this post — more control!
Yes, it is less painful!
Ooh! I am relatively new runner, and I just got a foam roller a few weeks ago to help with knee problems. I’d love to also have therapy balls to use.
I’m so excited for your new running series, Jess! I would love to try these
I didn’t realize how important it was to foam roll and painful! I hope I can win this!
I use the foam roller and the stick. Unfortunately, I’ve been plagued with injuries over the past few years, so they get used on a daily basis. I’d love to try the tune-up balls!
i try to use my foam roller after every run.
I love my foam roller but would be interested in the trying the the yoga balls!
I dont’ do massage very often (although one time after a 1/2 I used a rolling pin on my calf muscles! haha)
But I LOOVVVE to stretch!
i love the foam roller (hurts so good, sometimes). would love to try out the tune-up therapy balls.
i use my foam roller all the time – we have a love/hate relationship. i actually have these yoga tune-up balls on my amazon wish list, so i’d love to win. thanks!
i have never used any of the things you mentioned! ha, is that bad???
i do stretch alot, after each run.
i can totally see the benefits of using alternative equipment though. and the kneehab sounds really intriquing!
Ooo I’d love to try the tune-up balls!
I have a Tiger Tale, which is essentially The Stick. Love it.
I started foam rolling almost two years ago and haven’t looked back since. It has definitely kept me injury free, I love it!
I have a deep and intimate relationship with my foam roller.
I love it. I make obscene noises after long runs. Good think my roommate knows what I’m doing! 
I’ve been wanting to try the yoga tune up balls so this is awesome!
I’ve never used the stick or the balls….but I’m in love the foam roller!
I have a foam roller and really should use it more than I do. I’d love to try the tune up balls!
Would love to try out the stick! I haven’t tried one yet, but I do enough running that I would LOVE to try!
I use the foam roller and stick and love them! Ok, actually have a love-hate relationship: I hate to use them, but love how I feel afterwards. I haven’t tried the yoga balls and find tennis balls too hard.
I have never used either, but I would love to try!
I have used a foam roller at the gym and just picked one up a couple weeks ago to use more often at home since i’m doing more outdoor runs now and less gym stuff. I’d love to try the tune-up balls!
I use the foam roller at the gym, but haven’t tried the other things available.
I’d love to try the yoga therapy balls! Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway, FCITC!
I have a foam roller and I always “forget” to use it. I’m bad!
I keep hearing about foam rollers but haven’t tried one.
I want! Was just thinking how I could use a good roll on the foam.
I am a massage therapist and often send clients home with foam roller exercises. I personally am in need of a tune up! I’d love to try them. My knees thank you!
I actually never roll anything out after a run, and I hardly stretch. I’m pretty terrible that way.
Perfect timing! I just started a couch to 5K running program and my knees are aching.
I need some suggestions for my knees (actually I need all the advice I can get, so your Thursday running posts will be fantastic). I started a running routine about 6 weeks ago and my knees have been stiff for the past two weeks.
These products look great! and I would love to try them, especially the yoga tune up balls
I love my stick and my foam roller! I only started using the foam roller after a back injury. Now, I’m not sure how I ever ran without it.
I have tried out the tiger tail when I worked at a running store and it was great, but I don’t currently own one or the yoga tune up balls. Would love to try both though.
I LOVE my foam roller. I had a knee injury and it worked wonder by stretching out above it! It has made my recovery!!
Yes I have to self massage. Now that I have started to run again I really need it.
Thx so much for this info! I have the foam roller but not the others & I am having major hip tightness issues from the gait change with my feet probs. Would so love to get my hips/IT band on those yoga balls!!!
Oh my gosh, I would *love* to win this. I don’t have any of these items at home and I think it would really help me if I could do this every night while watching TV. I love foam rollering at the gym.
I’ve just started developing what sounds a lot like plantar fasciitis, so I’m thinking those balls might be able to work wonders on my feet
Thanks for the info and the giveaway! These tools look great – I need to look into them to ease my aching limbs and help stave off running injuries, which I fear are always just around the corner.
My hips have been bothering me since I ran a half marathon a few months ago… I would love to try a foam roller!
I recently purchased both a foam roller and a set of yoga therapy balls (so please don’t choose me as the winner! I’m writing here just to add my two cents).
I have taken a hiatus from running until my IT band issue resolves but I do think the foam roller has been helpful. I still have not used the yoga therapy balls but I am hoping to use them to loosen up my upper back/shoulder region.
I use a foam roller after every personal training session.
I’ve also started rolling at the gym before my treadmill runs and have seen a noticeable difference in how loose my legs feel!
I’d love to win this, I have been having some issues with my knees!!! I love running and this would really help me!!
i’ve never used these products, but i could sure use them! what a great prize
I love the foam roller, but don’t use it regularly enough. I’ve never tried the stick or yoga balls though!
Could use one of these about right now. What a great idea!
I would love the chance to win this. I am in alot of discomfort for my knee pains. I am no longer able to wear heels and now wear slippers at work all day, and have to keep them up on a foot stool. I am only 38! I am getting worried of what kind of pain I will have in a few more years. If this could help, it could save years of pain for me.
I am trying hard to refrain from inappropriate jokes about self-massage, sticks and balls.
But yes, I do use the stick but would love to try the yoga balls!
Never tried one, but based on the comments and info, sounds like I sure need to try it! Would love to win!
I’m training for this year’s ING NYC marathon so the foam roller is my best buddy these days!
I would love to try foam rolling. So many people have recommended it but I haven’t tried it yet.
PICK ME~PICK ME~PICK ME
I would love to try the foam roller!! I have heard such wonderful things about it. I just got the ok by my Physical Therapist to run the Portland Marathon in October!! (as long as I stick to my at home Knee exercises in addition to my training)