The Magic Stick

on February 25, 2011
in All Posts

There is something so awesome about fruit salad.  Reminds me of being in a fancy hotel.

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Apple, banana, and orange (split the fruits with the Husband):

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And Chobani Greek yogurt (vanilla) with a crumbled Anne P’s bar:

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Goodbye, Foam Roller

 

Last night, I was hanging out at Nicole’s and picked her up The Stick.

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As we talked, I used The Stick to massage my thighs, IT band, the soft tissue surrounding my knees, my ankles, my feet, and the back of my calves.  It felt AMAZING.  I didn’t want to give The Stick back to her!  And it was so much easier than rolling around on the floor perched on a piece of foam.   I have this foam roller.

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If you have no idea why I’d be frantically rubbing a plastic stick or roll of foam along my IT band, check out this awesome post by Runner’s World, which explains how both products allow you to perform “Self Myofascial Release (SMR), which mimics a trigger point or deep tissue massage.  Myofascial refers to the muscle fascia, the connective tissue that  surrounds each muscle fiber, muscle bundle and connects all the different muscle groups together.  SMR refers to the act of releasing the tension in the muscle.” 

 

Basically, it feels really, really good.  But The Stick > Foam Roller (at least for your legs, can’t use the stick on your arms).

 

Do you roll or stick? 

 

PS – I’m going to do a FAQ post soon, so if you have any burning questions, ask away in the comments section! 

{ 128 comments }

 

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 25, 2011, 9:33 am

    We actually have both! I prefer the foam roller, but The Stick is easier for me to use — I don’t have to prop myself up on my forearms, etc. Sometimes after foamrolling my shoulders just BURN from holding myself up!

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove February 25, 2011, 9:35 am

    I LOVE my stick!! I got it last year when training for a 25k and it took away my leg pain! I do lay on the ground and let my husband roll my back, arms and booty, it feels great!

  • Jackie @ Baking Charms February 25, 2011, 9:39 am

    I really need to mention the stick to my mom. She had a hilarious time trying to use the foam roller and maybe this will be less intimidating for her!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin February 25, 2011, 9:40 am

    I don’t have a foam roller OR a stick. I run a lot so I should probably get one! I’ve never even tried to use it before.

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey February 25, 2011, 9:42 am

    You know I’ve actually never even tried a foam roller OR a stick and I run several times a week. Have you always used one?

  • Kristen February 25, 2011, 9:48 am

    We have both. I find that the stick is easier to use, but the foam roller gets deeper into the pain zone…
    I find it “easier” to inflict more pain onto myself with the roller because I’m using my body weight and therefore can’t really “back off” when it starts to hurt more. With the stick, I can just use less muscle…

    Both are terrible and great all in one.

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty February 25, 2011, 9:48 am

    I love fruit salad too! Especially if it has pears in it!

  • Marina February 25, 2011, 9:48 am

    I don’t have any of it, but I can imagine how awesome it must feel 🙂 Gosh, now I want a massage 🙂

  • Joyce @ Flowing to Fifty February 25, 2011, 9:49 am

    Hmmmmm….food for thought. The fruit salad and the rollers. I have issues with tightness as well, and these look like good ideas.

  • Michelle February 25, 2011, 9:55 am

    I’ve been foam rolling but am contemplating the stick. I have a hard time and feel klutzy with the roller and suspect the stick would be easier to get the trigger points.

    Your fruit salad looks yummy! True story – I love bananas but think they taste better when someone else cuts them up for me.

  • Sarah for Real February 25, 2011, 9:55 am

    Uh not correctly. I used my french rolling pin last week when I had a really tight muscle above my knee that I couldn’t figure out how to stretch. It worked alright.

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans February 25, 2011, 9:56 am

    I do both! I have a little travel “the stick” that I bring with me on all of my work trips!

  • Kristy@RunTheLongRoad February 25, 2011, 10:00 am

    I use the stick (Tiger Tail). It’s amazing!

  • Clarissa @ SoberandtheCity February 25, 2011, 10:00 am

    Those Anne P bars look delicious!!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 25, 2011, 10:00 am

    I’m a roller through and through! I love the feeling of it (yes, even though it sometimes really hurts), especially on my back at the end of the day. I love the photo of your fruit this morning!

  • Macrae February 25, 2011, 10:01 am

    Yes! I got one years ago at the Peachtree Road Race Expo. It was my uncle who was actually drawn to it! Have you heard about Dean Karnazes’ ‘Run Across America’? He was one Regis and Kelly this morning- pretty interesting 🙂

    • Kristy @ Kristyruns.com February 25, 2011, 10:04 am

      Another Atlanta runner! 🙂 The stick is definitely the way to go!

    • Whitney February 25, 2011, 12:05 pm

      I dvr Regis and Kelly every day and watch it after work.. I have really enjoyed the segments and am amazed with Dean Karnazes. What an inspiration he is! 🙂

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 5:02 pm

      I want to marry Dean K.

  • Freya February 25, 2011, 10:02 am

    I don’t cos I have no clue what it’s all about – but I’m guessing after reading the RW post (now), I’ll start!

  • Emily February 25, 2011, 10:04 am

    I have a roller but I don’t roll very often; I sort of don’t know what to do with it! It’s a goal of mine as my outdoor running season starts up in a couple weeks 🙂

  • Kristen @ That Hoosier Girl February 25, 2011, 10:06 am

    I SO need to get with the program! I haven’t used a stick or a foam roller – and I think my poor leggies would greatly benefit from either!

    I just watched Dean too!!!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman February 25, 2011, 10:06 am

    I’ve never tried a stick. I have a foam roller and we have a love-hate relationship. It’s mostly love, until I start rolling.

  • Allison @ Food For Healing February 25, 2011, 10:06 am

    that fruit salad looks soo good.

    we have a foam roller, but i barely touch the thing.

  • Devon February 25, 2011, 10:07 am

    I have both in my athletic training room- the kids LOVE coming in to “roll out” on the foam roller. I prefer using the stick for hamstrings and IT band self massage- plus it saves my hands when working on athletes! Nothing beats rolling your back out on a solid foam roller though. Self mobilization is fantastic 🙂

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa February 25, 2011, 10:07 am

    I actually jumped out of bed this morning just to use the foam roller on my legs! Normally the thought of an amazing breakfast is the only thing that gets me out of bed so fast. 🙂 I do want to invest in the stick as I think that would be a lot easier for the husband to use on me as opposed to using the foam roller. Sometimes you need someone else to inflict such wonderful pain on you. haha

  • Amanda (Eating Up) February 25, 2011, 10:07 am

    Growing up, my mom made a fruit salad bowl for me every day before bed. It was the perfect way to end the day!

  • Callie February 25, 2011, 10:08 am

    I actually used an old fashioned rolling pin I got at Goodwill as the “stick” when I was running a lot. Worked like a charm! 🙂

  • mindy @ just a one girl revolution. February 25, 2011, 10:09 am

    I have (and use) both – but definitely agree that the stick is better!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches February 25, 2011, 10:09 am

    I’ve only ever used the foam roller, but I would like to try the stick at some point just because I imagine it’s less awkward to use than the roller. I always feel super awkward when I’m rolling at the gym for some reason…lol. Runner girl’s gotta do what a runner girl’s gotta do.

  • Maren February 25, 2011, 10:11 am

    I roll, but I’ve heard SUCH good things about The Stick! 🙂 When you’re doing your hamstrings, do you stand up then? I can’t picture it. I mostly use the foam roller for my hamstrings, IT band and piriformis.

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 5:02 pm

      I laid on the couch with my leg in the air.

  • Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing February 25, 2011, 10:12 am

    Totally agree! I could never get the knack of foam rolling. The Stick all the way!

  • AllieNic @Frisky Lemon February 25, 2011, 10:13 am

    We have a “The Stick” that I use…but I’m more of a lacrosse ball girl…after running, most of my sore muscles are in my hips and butt…so a lacrosse ball works better at that trigger point therapy thing…

  • Emily (Comfortable Home Life) February 25, 2011, 10:13 am

    OHH I love love love my stick! I am seriously contemplating a belated valentines day post dedicated to my stick. I had a huge knot in my shoulder last night and used the stick to rub it out. Absolutely no soreness and I’m feeling great today. It seriously works wonders on sore calves, too.

  • Michelle February 25, 2011, 10:14 am

    I don’t do either! I know… bad, bad runner.

  • Tami February 25, 2011, 10:17 am

    foam roller for me. ART is huge in the area where I live and while the foam rolling doesn’t feel half as “good” as when I get ART I do “love” the “hurt” from it

  • allison @ thesundayflog February 25, 2011, 10:18 am

    i rolling pin. seriously. i use my ball-bearing rolling pin on my legs and it’s amazing. it has to be ball-bearing because the rolling area needs to move on its own without you twisting your wrists around. haha

  • Liz February 25, 2011, 10:18 am

    I love the stick! I bought it specifically because I would be traveling for work during marathon training last year, and it is so portable compared to a foam roller. Unfortunately on a flight from Portugal to London they took it away from me 🙁 I guess it looks like a weapon to non-runners.

    • Christine February 25, 2011, 7:18 pm

      My husband travels with his all the time and ALWAYS gets stopped for an extra search, where he has to explain what it’s for etc. He hasn’t had it taken away yet though!

  • Beth February 25, 2011, 10:19 am

    Both! I have a trigger point foam roller (http://www.amazon.com/TriggerPoint-GRID-Revolutionary-Roller-Black/dp/B002KE6TMC–I think those standard foam ones are no good) and a stick. It depends on what type of pain I have as far as what I use! I get knotty calves, so I always roll them, but if I have specific muscle fatique in an area, I’ll attack it with the stick!

  • Alex February 25, 2011, 10:20 am

    I have both the Stick and a foam roller, and I prefer each one for different things. I actually find that the Stick is not as effective on my IT bands and some other parts of my legs because you can only put so much pressure on your muscles when you’re using it. It’s easier to inflict pain on myself to get those really tough spots with the foam roller because I’m forced to use most of my body weight!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine February 25, 2011, 10:20 am

    I have a foam roller and love it, but I took a bootcamp class this morning and the instructor had us stretch with a medicine ball afterwards. HOLY INTENSITY!! Made me realize that 1) I don’t use nearly enough pressure with my roller, and that 2) you cannot hide from the pressure of a ball!!!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life February 25, 2011, 10:22 am

    I don’t do either. I think when I start Marathon training I will, but right now I don’t have too much muscle soreness.

  • Amy February 25, 2011, 10:22 am

    I would love a “what’s in my gym bag” post. I know you cover these things, but still fun! Or even “favorite products” post?

    And I use a foam roller (I just started a couple of weeks ago because I was experiencing some IT band problems), no experience with the stick!

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable February 25, 2011, 10:24 am

    I want a stick!!! I’m training for my first half marathon right now and I definitely could use a rub down. My leg muscles are very tired! Also, I have a very special fruit salad on the menu for this weekend…kiwi, blood oranges, and grapefruit with mint!

  • Whitney February 25, 2011, 10:25 am

    The stick was recommended to me a couple of years ago when I was training for my first half marathon and was experiencing tight calves. It helped tremendously! Love it! 🙂

  • Chloe@321delish February 25, 2011, 10:26 am

    I have been meaning to buy the stick for MONTHS now…and for some reason haven’t done it. I think it is because most places charge around 30$ for them! I think it will be worth it though.

  • LindseyAnn February 25, 2011, 10:27 am

    I was eyeing up a The Stick (that is so awkward to say, BTW) at work yesterday. I might have to make the investment now. Thanks! 😀

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me February 25, 2011, 10:28 am

    I’ve actually never used either since I’m not a huge runner. But I can imagine it feels realllly good on the legs afterwards.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 25, 2011, 10:30 am

    I have a roller but I want a stick! Much easier looking.

  • Theodora February 25, 2011, 10:30 am

    I use both, too, and have also used a rolling pin! While The Stick is amazing for travel…if you forget it/don’t have one, you can freeze a water bottle and roll on it/with it, AND you’re icing at the same time. Amazing.

  • Camille February 25, 2011, 10:34 am

    I am so scared of both! I find that they hurt a lot. Is that normal?

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 5:01 pm

      Yes 🙂 Hurt so good.

  • Sara (Miles and Manhattan) February 25, 2011, 10:38 am

    I foam roll! The stick scares me hahaha. Also when I hear “magic stick” all i can think of is missy elliot and me in college, ohhhhh boy.
    xoxoxo
    s

  • Kristina @ spabettie February 25, 2011, 10:41 am

    I do both!! I have a foam roller and the ‘tiger tail’ which is similar to that stick… last night Jason was using the foam roller up against the wall… new technique!! 😀

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 25, 2011, 10:45 am

    I did a post about this last year. I use both. Foam rolling is better for me before I get myself all beat up, and The Stick helps me more when I’m injured or after a run when I am too tired to hold myself up on the foam roller (my main complaint).

    I have a travel-sized/mini The Stick, and I take it with me when I think I’m going to want it. They are about $20 online.

    Don’t blame you for rubbing it on your IT band just for the heck of it… it feels awesome and relaxing and totally something “busy” to do while you’re watching TV or something!

  • Rachel February 25, 2011, 10:48 am

    I’m a newbie runner, and I was wondering, do you stretch before you run? Or after? Do you do a warm-up and then stretch? Does it depend on how far you’re running?

    • Whitney February 25, 2011, 12:03 pm

      Coming from a long time runner I always stretch before AND after my runs. I never do a “warm-up lap, mile, etc” Not real sure why.. just like to jump right in to my run. I’m sure others have different perspectives on that. Have fun running, it can become quite addictive! 🙂

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 5:00 pm

      I’ll answer this in the FAQs post but the short answer is that I’m a bad example and never stretch. ;(

  • Ashley February 25, 2011, 10:55 am

    I’ve never used either, and I would love to learn where you got the word hair fubbies from.

  • Theresa @ActiveEggplant February 25, 2011, 10:56 am

    I love The Stick! I started using it a couple years ago & use it after every long run or bike ride. I also have a foam roller, but I sort of hate it…so I don’t use it very much!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 25, 2011, 10:57 am

    I have a foam roller and The Stick. I love them both, but I love how I can control the amount of pressure with the stick.

    • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 25, 2011, 11:02 am

      P.S- I randomly came across an old video of you- “HTP Realization- Doing the Best I Can” and I want to THANK you for it. I know it’s kind of old, but it really rings true for me right now and it is just wanted I needed as I get through this injury of mine.

      • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 5:00 pm

        Ah yes, a good video. I’m glad it helped you!

  • J February 25, 2011, 11:03 am

    You can most definitely use The Stick on your arms. It should come with directions when you order it. Just hold one end between your legs (while sitting down) and then move the other end with your hand over your arms.

  • Rae February 25, 2011, 11:10 am

    I use both…the foam roller is better for my quads and glutes, use the stick for my IT nad and calves. Plus, the stick for travel 🙂

  • Caitie @ The Caitie Experiment February 25, 2011, 11:14 am

    I keep promising myself that I’m going to man up and buy a foam roller — my best friend took hers with her when she moved back to Cleveland (the nerve of some people…), and left me foam-less. Although honestly, the whole rolling around thing never really worked for me; I was that jackass who always over-rolled, headfirst, into a wall. Reason #243 why I will not roll at the gym!

    Now I can add The Stick to my ever-growing list of things I want!

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 4:58 pm

      hahahahah poor caitie!!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 25, 2011, 11:19 am

    I don’t do either. I have a rolling pin that I don’t use anymore and I use that on my shins sometimes…which I really need to do now!

  • Kelly February 25, 2011, 11:21 am

    A rolling pin works really well too, haha. I’ve used that before.

  • Caitlin @ TPL February 25, 2011, 11:28 am

    I have been in love with my foam roller lately, the stick seems really cool though!

  • Leah @ Why Deprive? February 25, 2011, 11:32 am

    I do both. I have The Stick, and I LOOOOVE it!! But there are some spots that are easier for me to get with the foam roller.

  • Marci February 25, 2011, 11:43 am

    My physical therapist said a rolling pin works just as well. Also, you could use both because there’s still something great for your fascia about putting all your weight on the foam and rolling on it. But for hard to reach places like calves or shin or something, the Stick is good.

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 4:58 pm

      I am going to go find a rolling pin at Goodwill….

  • Amanda February 25, 2011, 11:45 am

    I have a foam roller but would definitely get a stick. Looks smaller and easier to travel with! Perhaps leave it at my boyfriends house…. hehehe.

  • Carly February 25, 2011, 11:54 am

    True story, I never knew what the stick was for until this exact moment. I once had a roommate who had a stick, but he was incredibly reclusive and lived a very different life than me, so I never bothered to ask about his strange toy.

  • Kacy February 25, 2011, 12:03 pm

    I have the stick and a foam roller. I like the stick for my calves but feel like I have a hard time using enough pressure on my ITBs and hamstrings because I hate to inflict pain upon myself, haha. The foam roller kind of gives me no choice in the matter.

  • Amber K February 25, 2011, 12:04 pm

    It’s funny because everyone always talked about the foam roller so I fiiiiiiinally bought one and now all I hear about is the stick! Dang bloggers and my poor bank account 😉

  • Maryann (The Balanced BeanY February 25, 2011, 12:07 pm

    I have and love them both! They hurt so good 🙂 The stick is a little more convenient to use I have to admit.

  • Allison February 25, 2011, 12:10 pm

    I’ve been using a french rolling pin, haha. I feel like I’m probably lacking something, but it seems to work just fine!

  • nicole February 25, 2011, 12:11 pm

    I have The Stick but don’t really like it- it only works when I’m really sore, like after 15+ miles so it’s rare that I use it. I use the foam roller at my gym all of the time and like it so much more!

  • kathleen February 25, 2011, 12:15 pm

    I have neither. I just do yoga. It keeps me pretty stretchy.

  • Natalia - a side of simple February 25, 2011, 12:23 pm

    Oh, no. It’s going to take a lot of effort to get that song out of my head today!!

  • Tracey February 25, 2011, 12:25 pm

    I’ve never used the stick before but I do own a foam roller. It was a little difficult to get used to using the foam roller but it does feel good after I’m all done 🙂

  • Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) February 25, 2011, 12:27 pm

    I’ve never used either. I’m only up to 5 miles but I think I’ll should by the Magic Stick soon so I’m prepared! 🙂

  • Tamsin February 25, 2011, 12:27 pm

    The stick all the way! I’ve never tried the foam roller – it always seemed like too much space/effort. Plus, it’s easier to travel with the stick, even if the Orlando airport security thinks it might be a weapon (I just had to reassure it was for running and they let me go no problem).

  • Cati @ crave and create February 25, 2011, 12:28 pm

    I won’t lie–sometimes I use my lint roller as a makeshift “stick.” Guess it might be time to break down and buy the real thing!

  • gabriella @ embracement February 25, 2011, 12:30 pm

    I just bought a tiger tail because I’ve found it impossible to get to the sore muscles in my calves and ankles with my foam roller. It is out for delivery right now, which couldn’t be better timing since I just finished an 11 mile run. I’m hope it helps my tight muscles a lot!

  • gabriella @ embracement February 25, 2011, 12:30 pm

    I just bought a tiger tail because I’ve found it impossible to get to the sore muscles in my calves and ankles with my foam roller. It is out for delivery right now, which couldn’t be better timing since I just finished an 11 mile run. I’m hope it helps my tight muscles a lot!

  • gabriella @ embracement February 25, 2011, 12:30 pm

    I just bought a tiger tail because I’ve found it impossible to get to the sore muscles in my calves and ankles with my foam roller. It is out for delivery right now, which couldn’t be better timing since I just finished an 11 mile run. I’m hope it helps my tight muscles a lot!

  • Lizz (leadingthegoodlife) February 25, 2011, 12:34 pm

    I use them both, for different things. I’d still say a foam roller is irreplaceble for ITBands!

  • alison February 25, 2011, 12:47 pm

    I roll, but my husband uses The Stick.

  • Sheryl February 25, 2011, 12:51 pm

    I totally thought this post was going to be about the 50 Cent song 😉

  • Mary (What's Cookin' With Mary) February 25, 2011, 12:55 pm

    I need a stick! My old boss used to keep one at the office (his wife/ asst & he were marathoners). For me, having a fused spine makes it hard to roll around on the ground on a foam roller. I need to order myself a stick!!

    • Mary (What's Cookin' With Mary) February 25, 2011, 1:04 pm

      I had to go to the site and check it out… I’m totally ordering one. I did the profile thingy and it’s reccomending a kit, which is a little pricey. I was thinking about just one… Which one did you use ?? I was thinking the original would probably be best for all around use.

      • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 4:57 pm

        Nicole has the travel stick.

  • Sassy Molassy February 25, 2011, 12:56 pm

    Hey Caitlin, Your breakfast looks great! I use BOTH the stick and the foam roller like you have. I think they are really two different things. The foam roller really gets in deeper into some parts of my hammy or IT band that I can’t quite get with my own pressure. The stick however is a great on-the-go tool that is easy to throw in your bag for a trip or race whereas the foam roller isn’t quite as portable.

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 4:57 pm

      I guess that’s the verdict! You’re right, one doesn’t replace the other.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In February 25, 2011, 1:05 pm

    I use a foam roller..I love using my own body weight on my hamstrings and calves. But I can see how the stick would be great for thighs and other places!

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 25, 2011, 1:20 pm

    Oooh my goodness, had you never used the stick before?!?! I’ve had one since my half in December and use it ALL THE TIME! Not even kidding, even on days I don’t run. In fact, I wasn’t even sore after my 15 miler this past weekend (I kept waiting for DOMS to set in, and it never did!) I totally blame the stick. I say that like it’s a bad thing… but really, the stick is a LIFE SAVER! I even take mine to work and “roll” during downtimes. It has worked wonders on me!

  • Laura February 25, 2011, 1:22 pm

    I roll AND stick! I find that the stick doesn’t get as deep as I’d like on my IT bands, so I still use the roll for that. But I love the stick for my calves and quads!

  • Heather February 25, 2011, 1:30 pm

    Lol, I’ve used a rolling pin before!

  • Kara February 25, 2011, 1:48 pm

    I love my foam roller, but I think the stick would be nicer (plus it takes up a lot less room!) But I think my baby would enjoy the foam roller more than the stick. 🙂

    • Kara February 25, 2011, 1:50 pm

      To clarify, the foam roller is currently my crawling baby’s favorite toy. She crawls on it and then rolls back and forth. I really need to capture it on video!

  • Lauren @ Hungry Dancer February 25, 2011, 2:15 pm

    When I saw the title of this post I started singing. “I got the magic stick, I know if I can hit once I can hit twice…” This really happened, and now it’s stuck in my head!!!! 😉

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 25, 2011, 2:19 pm

    i’ve never used either, but have heard great things about both 🙂

  • Kim T February 25, 2011, 3:09 pm

    Both!
    I think they both have their place. I have not figured out how to do ITB with the foam roller, just me being not so coordinated. I think the stick works great for that. Sometimes though for calves and such the foam roller is better because I can’t rub them hard enough with the stick. Can use my body weight more.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife February 25, 2011, 3:19 pm

    Foam roller is the one I love! 🙂 <3

  • Emily February 25, 2011, 3:45 pm

    my little brother does track and cross country and my mom is the assistant coach, and their team uses the stick!

  • Laurie February 25, 2011, 4:24 pm

    LOVE my stick…use it all the time.

  • Jen February 25, 2011, 4:34 pm

    Here’s a good video for people wondering how to use the foam roller for their IT band. I love that there are so many great videos out there to take the mystery out of things.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoHBDim_fzk&feature=related

    • Caitlin February 25, 2011, 4:54 pm

      Oh thanks for passing along this video! I’m sure people will find it helpful.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 25, 2011, 5:42 pm

    I don’t roll or stick, and I know I SHOULD!!!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 25, 2011, 7:06 pm

    Don’t really know what either are for … well, until now!

  • Rachel @ Healthy Teacher February 25, 2011, 7:09 pm

    Now I want to roll the stick. I feel dirty.

  • Kate @ Walking in the Rain February 25, 2011, 7:56 pm

    I have never used a roller (or a stick), but I wonder if either would help with my tight back.

  • 'Dee February 25, 2011, 8:32 pm

    I started with a foam roller and added a Stick after my 1st half-marathon when I really did a number on my IT band (serious over training). I am not sure I could live without either now! The Stick is the only thing that REALLY gets to where my IT band flares up, but I do have to be brave and apply enough pressure. I have actually teared up a time or two, but afterwards it’s like night and DAY. Ridiculously better. The foam roller is much better for hammies, back, and butt for me. The Stick rocks.

  • Steph_PT February 25, 2011, 10:52 pm

    You definitely have to get the Tiger Tail. Its just like The Stick, but with a foam cover (rather than plastic). I have both and always choose the tiger tail over the stick nowadays!

  • BroccoliHut February 25, 2011, 10:58 pm

    I’m a diehard roller, although I gave a stick to my brother-in-law for Christmas a few years ago. Maybe I should give it a try for myself?

  • Mac February 25, 2011, 11:23 pm

    I used to use foam and stick rollers back when I played college basketball pretty frequently, I don’t anymore though I wish I did!

  • Dean February 25, 2011, 11:41 pm

    I have 2 foam rollers (various sizes and one was on clearance for super cheap at Target after I’d ordered the other.)

    I’ve considered the stick for its travel potential – The foam roller can be kind of cumbersome with luggage, and I’ve gotten comments from hotel staff about it when traveling for races.

    But, I found a great article in Runners’ World or Running Times about using a tennis ball, so I use that when I want something smaller than the roller.

    The other drawback to the foam… my cat likes to chew them, so I have to keep them up – so out of site, out of mind most of the time and I don’t use them nearly enough.

  • Carol February 25, 2011, 11:43 pm

    Stick all the way, baby! Easy to use (yet still appropriately painful) and even easier to pack and carry. I’m letting my fur-children use the foam roller as a scratching post!

  • Caroline February 26, 2011, 8:37 am

    I see Tina using a Tiger Tail on her legs after runs and The Stick looks similar. It seems like it would be tough to properly apply force to IT bands or adductor muscles. How was that?

    • Caitlin February 26, 2011, 9:58 am

      i didnt have a problem with it but it seems some other people in the comments section did.

  • eatingRD February 26, 2011, 12:06 pm

    hmmm I do have a foam roller, but may have to try this stick!

  • sarah (sarah learns) February 26, 2011, 7:19 pm

    i have a foam roller, but i’ve thought several time how much easier it would be to be more controlled with a tiger tail or another one of those sticks. i still love foam rolling though!

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