The Stick

[YoungGun21]

I searched and I couldn't find anything. If you run at all in your workout, or just during your day, then you need to buy one of these. I run competitively and I think this is probably the single greatest investment in sports equipment that I have made. Sore leg muscle? Roll it for like 40sec and you are good to go. Cold day outside and hard to get the blood flowing? Roll it for 30sec and you are ready to run. Every athlete needs one of these!

I used to have permanently tight hamstrings; stretching alone couldn't loosen them up. Now the combination of The Stick and stretching has got them more loose and I can almost touch my toes again (I could just touch the bottom of my knees before, and this is only after a few weeks of use.)

The Stick (BUY ONE)

 

[KoolDrew]

I've always wanted to get one, but never actually did. I already use a foam roller, but I find some areas the foam roller doesn't hit very well, where I think the stick would. Hamstrings come to mind since most of your body weight is supported by your upper body when using a foam roller.

 

[SWScorch]

I have one and it is pretty nice when your muscles are tight and sore. I use mine on my hamstrings too (also chronically tight) and my calves (especially after hill repeats) and it hurts so good when you're doing it. Good for working out knots too.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

My wifey > the stick.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Completely agree. My brother got me the Stick and it has been fantastic for keeping my muscles loose after runs. After a long run, my quads often feel heavy, but the Stick works out the knots.

I use it on my quads and calves (especially my calves, which are chronically tight, even with stretching and plyometrics). I have also tried using it on my ITBs, but I find the foam roller is more effective for that.

 

[Redfraggle]

What makes this better than just a wooden dowel -- which wouldn't cost me over a hundred bucks?

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
What makes this better than just a wooden dowel -- which wouldn't cost me over a hundred bucks?

The Stick is flexible; dowel is not. You can apply varying amounts of pressure more specifically than you can with a rigid piece of dowel.

Also, check the website - most of the models are well under $50, so they're quite a bit cheaper than you're expecting.

 

[YoungGun21]

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
What makes this better than just a wooden dowel -- which wouldn't cost me over a hundred bucks?

The Stick is a flexible rod, with rings over it. With just a dowel rod the muscle does not get a nice smooth massage because the rod stays on one part of the muscle most of the time. With the stick, it rolls up and down actually massaging the muscle.

Just for fun I just took a dowel rod to my leg... OUCH. Did you actually try that?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
What makes this better than just a wooden dowel -- which wouldn't cost me over a hundred bucks?

They grow in my yard for free!

 

[Redfraggle]

Originally posted by: YoungGun21

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
What makes this better than just a wooden dowel -- which wouldn't cost me over a hundred bucks?

The Stick is a flexible rod, with rings over it. With just a dowel rod the muscle does not get a nice smooth massage because the rod stays on one part of the muscle most of the time. With the stick, it rolls up and down actually massaging the muscle.

Just for fun I just took a dowel rod to my leg... OUCH. Did you actually try that?

LOL No, I did not, but now I don't have to either.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Going to order one. Boy, they have a lot of versions. Not sure which one to order.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Going to order one. Boy, they have a lot of versions. Not sure which one to order.

You're a runner, so the Marathon Stick is probably the one to go for. Although, I'm using the Original Stick (24"), and it's working quite well for me.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Going to order one. Boy, they have a lot of versions. Not sure which one to order.

Report back with results please!

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Going to order one. Boy, they have a lot of versions. Not sure which one to order.

Report back with results please!

I ordered the Original Stick from Amazon today. Looking for something to help warm-up the muscles before a run and then to help stretch them afterwards.

I'll let you know.