Favorite Things
I thought I’d share a few non-food related items that I love today!
First up…
I received a coupon for these at Fitbloggin and sent away for them not long after. Okay, actually long after because you know how it takes me forever to unpack. 
Anyhoooo, these have been a godsend for after my runs.
At first, the “yoga” part threw me off. I thought these were something that is used during a yoga session. After checking out their site, I realized that they are also used to help reduce pain and loosen up locked muscles in all areas, including hip, lower back, IT band, hamstrings and legs. Immediately after a run, I roll the ball up and down my hip, IT band area and around my knees. They help to relax those areas and relieve any pain that might start acting up. I like that they are small and portable. I keep them in my car, so they’re available for use right after the run that way there’s no time for the tightness in the muscles to escalate. They come in a pack of two, so I can share with my running partner. She found them to help her post-run, too!
Along those same lines is the Foam Roller. I bought this one at Dick’s Sporting Goods after reading about the benefits of foam rolling for runners…
I’ll admit I don’t do this as often as I should. Mainly because it hurts like a mother. Here’s me in action, straining to not scream expletives while rolling…
I mainly use it for my hip and lower back. Although it hurts almost as bad as childbirth, it also feels good at the same time. Yep, you know where I’m going with this…Hurts So Good. It really does work to release the tightness of the muscles and I rarely have any hip pain or soreness after a run when I remember to do this.
My all-time favorite running related gadget has been the GYMBOSS….
When I discovered the Galloway Method of run/walk was the method that would keep me injury-free, I needed something to help me time the intervals so that I wasn’t constantly checking my watch. Since a Garmin Forerunner or Polar wasn’t in my budget, I decided to give the GYMBOSS a try. It was priced right at $19.95, so I didn’t have much to lose. Strange as it sounds, this has become my best fitness purchase. It is small and lightweight…
Easy to use, with user-friendly instruction printed on the clip in case you forget…
and has a clear display screen along with a beep or vibrate alarm feature…
I’ve been smitten with this great gadget; so much so that I joined their affiliate program. I don’t do a whole lot of advertising or pumping of a particular product on the blog, but this one is something that has been very beneficial to me and I can really vouch for how it has helped with my running. I’ve even used it for strength training /cardio sets!
So those are a few of my favorites!
What are some of your new favorite things?
Disclosure: I belong to the Gymboss affiliate program and receive a small percentage for any Gymboss purchased by clicking through my site. All opinions and reviews of Gymboss or other products listed are expressly my own and I have not been paid to give favorable reviews. Just sharing things I really like 
Questions? Email me! aloserforlife@gmail.com
19 comments
I’ve been wanting to try one of those foam rollers- I get hip pain from running too. Thanks for sharing all of these gadgets- I love looking for new things to help me along my fitness journey.
I am going to Dick’s tomorrow and might have to try a foam roller!!
I didnt get a coupon for the yoga balls!!! What gives?!?!
I need to try a foam roller!!
AND you KNOW I LOVE my gymboss!!!
I really want to try the foam roller thing.
I love my Nike+, it’s probably the other real work out thing I have to have with me.
I have been seeing the foam rollers around but the idea of causing myself pain definetely holds me back. I haven’t bought anything new in a long time….hmmm…maybe I need to start checking things out.
I don’t have any cool workout toys
You look like a skinny-mini in that picture though!
Those foam rollers look awesome. I really want one. I have a pilates band that I use for stretches on my knee. I too feel like screaming every time I use it. But it helps so much.
Foam rollers are on my list of things to try… The yoga tune up balls sound good, too!
I love my Garmin. I got the older model on sale a while back (a real splurge item). It really motivates me on my hikes and runs. There is nothing like beating your own time by just a bit each time…
Have a great weekend!
I need a foam roller!!!
I’m learning to LOVE my foam roller… I do have to say that my IT Band has really improved since I started using the foam roller everyday.
I love my Garmin. Yes it was expensive, but money well spent.
I also love my iFtitness belt, I take it on all my runs and don’t know what I would do without it.
Marisa Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 8:45 am
Gotta check out that iFitness belt!
I don’t really have any new favorite things, because I don’t have anything new really.
I LOVE my foam roller, i’ve had it for 2 years. I like the pain
It’s alot more convenient and cheaper than sports massage or PT.
I like my Garmin. I’ve had the 405 for 1.5 years, had a 301 before that. I would LOVE it if it calculated cals burned correctly (this frustrates me to no end). But I do love that I can upload everything else and have accurate data.
Thanks Marisa, I want all of those items! I could really use those balls and I have read about that foam roller on another blog some months back but had forgotten about it.
I will have to read about the Galloway method, although I walk/jog so maybe it won’t benefit me.
Thanks for the great reviews!
Marisa Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Galloway is a run/walk method, so it’s probably what you do already!
Just ordered the Gymboss, and plan to start the Couch 2 5K program this week. Ahhhh I hope I can do it!! Thanks for the motivation!
Marisa Reply:
August 14th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Thanks so much, Jess! Let me know how you like it!
I actually see people at my gym using those foam rollers and they always look like they are in so much pain, but I guess they work!
I used to have a BOSU, which I loved, but my sister asked to borrow it and I’ve never seen it again!
Happy Friday – believe it or not I DID NOT make pizza tonight – shocker!
Ordered the gymboss through your link! I’ve been walking but ready to add a little slow jogging : )
Marisa Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Thank you so much, Beth! I am a slow jogger (slogger), too!