We’ve touched on the importance of regular stretching and warm-ups and their importance in preventing workout injuries. Now we want to talk about some of the tools and equipment you can use to help your body recover faster and better after a workout, while also preventing a painful injury.
1. Foam rollers
Many athletes rely on foam rollers for workout recovery. You essentially give yourself a massage using only a foam roller and your own body weight. Foam rollers can help stretch muscles and tendons, break up trigger points, and increase blood and circulation to your soft tissue—all things to help you recover after a workout. There are a heap of different foam rollers out there. It’s an incredibly easy, cost-effective post-workout recovery option.
2. Compression socks or sleeves
If you don’t know what these are, chances are you’ve seen someone at the gym wearing them. Compression socks and sleeves provide pressure around the calves and shins. They help increase blood flow, reduce fatigue, limit swelling, and can help prevent shin splints. You can wear them before, during, and after exercise.
3. Kinesiology tape
Kinesiology tape is a versatile tool for athletes of any level. It can be used for many purposes including joint support, increased blood flow, and faster recovery. It can also help prevent spasms and reduce swelling. The tape moves with the skin, is easily applied, and can be worn for days at a time. Chances are if you’re worried about an injury, kinesiology tape can likely help.
4. Stretch straps
You probably already know how important stretching is, especially after a workout. A stretch strap can help you get spots that are hard to reach or get a deeper stretch. Some of the benefits include increased flexibility, mobility, and range of motion. Many stretch straps have loops of different lengths so you can use it in a variety of ways.
5. Swiss Ball
When it comes to flexibility, the yoga ball is a great tool for targeting muscles of the whole body. What makes the ball so versatile is that it can be used as a support to open up tight areas such as the hips and chest, all while building balance and stability.
Each of these tools can help you recover after a workout and prevent an injury. Don’t forget to do cool-down each and every time too. Chat to one of our trainers if you need a stretch to target a particular muscle, or send us a note below:
hello@integral-wellness.ca
