IT Band troubles are the bane of many runners and I’ve shared over the years all the ways I combat IT Band issues from the initial IT band recovery, to hip strengthening exercises, to post run recovery. With each of these tools you are working more than simply your IT Band, you are releasing tension, creating flexibility and improve oxygen flow.
Foam Roller: Basic tool that every runner should be using. It helps to massage your muscles and “smooth's” them out to prevent tightness and injury. Here’s a short video on how to use the foam roller.
Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller: Advanced torture device used by many athletes who have experienced any previous injuries. “The Matrix of 3-D Distrodensity Zones allows for blood and oxygen to channel through and create elasticity in the muscle to deliver a precision massage associated with Self-Myofascial Release Therapy.”
The Stick: “The Stick is a revolutionary device used to segmentally compress and stretch muscle. It is highly effective in the treatment of muscle pain and trigger points.” Besides performance benefits, The Stick saved me from nightly calf cramps and seems to help with RLS.
Tennis Ball: Simple and probably tucked away in your garage somewhere this portable tool is a go to for lots of things…watch the video to see how I use it.
More coming on using each of these tools in Part 2 of IT Band School.
What tools do you use at home to keep your body performing at it’s optimal level?
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Gratitude Journal
Sept 18
I am grateful for opportunities to expand my knowledge of the body and find ways to work more efficiently, so I can keep going for years!
