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I am all about taking care of one’s body to reduce pain, tightness and injury. One of the tools I have used (and recommended to others), that I recently rediscovered, is The Stick. The Stick is a bar with hand grips on either end, that has a slightly flexible core with revolving spindles between the grips. The middle section of The Stick bends to mold to various body parts….like calves and hamstrings.

The purpose of its use is to promote circulation of blood in the muscles, so as to warm them up, or to help disperse lactic acid after a workout. It also helps to eliminate trigger points – areas of knotted up muscle (muscle adhesions), that can be caused by any repetitve activity, like running or sitting at the computer all day.

I used to use mine religiously before and after every run. I really noticed the warm-up effect it had on my muscles, as I started off on my morning run, the day after a really hard workout. My muscles felt looser than if I had just started out for a run cold, and those “tight spots” ( areas of muscles adhesions) felt better than they had the day before. I took that thing with me everywhere.

I recently did a 4 mile trail race (the wicked fun Mountain Epic) at Sunday River. The result being extremely sore quads the following day, from screeching down those steep ski slopes. The Stick really helped to loosen my adductors and quads, as I attempted to do some easy runs in the days following the race. As a result, I have now returned to regular use, and worship, of The Stick.

You can buy The Stick at any running store, online, as well as at Peak Performance here in Portland. The Stick comes in a variety of lengths and types. I have the Travel Stick since it is easy to take along with me, is shorter than most sticks, and seems to mold best to my leg and glut muscles. There are ones that are longer for those with bigger muscles and bodies, as well as ones for your feet, and even ones for you the computer geek (Alex).

Check them out online if you want. They describe the different types, as well as how to use them. Best is to go to any running store or to Peak Performance, where the staff can help you find the Stick right for you. Just hoping to keep everyone as healthy as possible.