RAD Roller and HELIX Review

There are so many options of foam rollers, self-massage tools, and vitamins that claim to help you recover faster or become more injury resistant.  They come in all shapes and sizes, cost anywhere from a little to a lot, and help to focus on different areas of your body.  I saw a roller called the HELIX from RAD Roller.  It had a very different shape than many of your typical foam rollers or sticks.  I was fortunate enough to be able to test out the HELIX and another product that they offer called the RAD Roller, their original product.

RAD Roller is based out of Boulder Colorado, one of the healthiest places in America.  Michael Mallory, a biomechanics specialist, and Dan McIntosh, a professional triathlete, came up with the idea to fill a void in the massage tool industry.  They wanted to create a massage tool that could be used on the back that would not put pressure on the bones in your back and neck.  This is a common complaint I have with almost every foam roller out there.  That is where the RAD Roller came into existence. 

After a short time, the RAD Roller was expanded from the original (blue) to a firmer model (black) and a softer model (green).  They look like two racquetballs that are attached in the center.  The balls dig into the areas along your spine in your neck and back, but the gap between the balls does not put pressure on the spine itself.  I have found that my back and neck are two areas where I really have to take care of because they are areas that I tend to be more injury prone. In fact, I have had neck pain off and on for years and after only a few weeks of using the RAD Roller, I have notice a significant reduction in neck pain.  All I have to say is WOW!!!

The HELIX is another great tool for unlocking stiffness in your neck and back and is also great for flushing out toxins from your muscles.  The HELIX is 12.5 inches long and 3 inches wide.  It only weighs one pound and is has a unique shape.  RAD Roller designed the HELIX shape to mimic the double helix, which are the building blocks of our bodies.  The design, like the RAD Roller, has a void in the center of the roller to ensure that you do not put pressure on your spine.  It doesn’t make sense to hurt yourself when you are trying to relieve stiffness does it? 

I have to say that I really like both the RAD Roller and HELIX.  I find that the RAD Roller can be used to work out knots and stiffness in almost any muscle.  It really gets into those muscles in ways that larger foam rollers cannot.  I tested the original RAD Roller and found that the stiffness was just right for me.  The HELIX is great for really working on your back and neck.  I found that it took a little while to get used to the smaller diameter because I was used to larger diameter foam rollers. Don’t let this scare you though.  The HELIX truly does work muscles in ways a traditional foam roller cannot. 

The main reason why they made their products the sizes that they do is to make sure that they are easy to pack for your family vacations or races out of town.  Try doing that with your 3 foot long foam roller. Click here for HELIX exercises. Click here for RAD Roller exercises.

Pros:

Great Prices

Can easily travel with you.

Can release tension and toxin in hard to reach areas

Multiple firmness options for the RAD Roller

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I am so glad that I stumbled across the RAD Roller and HELIX.  They are both amazing products that could really take your recovery and training to the next level.  You can pick up the RAD Roller for $24.99 and the HELIX for $49.00.   They are both available on the RAD Roller website and at Amazon.  They also offer kits that include multiple RAD Roller products.  Check them out and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Therawheel Review

In the world of recovery, there are tools that come in all different shapes and sizes.  I have tried rollers, lacrosse balls, roller sticks, foot rollers, and compression gear.  I got the Therawheel to test out and I was excited because it combines an ab roller and tool to roll out muscles.

The Therawheel was designed by Certified Athletic Trainer Tom Jennings.  Tom has over 25 years in the sports and fitness field.  He has helped people from the weekend warrior to Olympic athletes prevent and recover from injures.  Tom also spent 6 years working for the Indiana Pacers. 

The Therawheel looks like an ab roller, which is not a new tool.  Tom took this idea to a whole new level by making small changes in the design for use in trigger point release is new.  Tom made the wheels concaved with wider and thinner sections, depending on what part of the wheel you use on your muscles.  I really liked this aspect of the Therawheel because it made it simple to adjust the amount of intensity you wanted to use on a specific muscle. 

I tried the Therawheel Core.   This model has two wheels that are attached to a padded shaft.  The wheels roll easily and you can find several video’s on YouTube if you type Therawheel in the search bar.  Here are two videos that are common injuries for new runners.    

Pros:

Multiple uses (massage/exercise)

Decent price

Can adjust intensity easily

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I really like the Therawheel.  It really got into some muscles like no other tool I have tried.  In my testing, I used the Therawheel for ab workouts and some existing issues that are a result of my marathon training.  The Therawheel Core costs $49.95 an can be purchased at the Therawheel website.  I will continue to foam roll and stretch, but the introduction of the Therawheel is just another tool that will help me to remain injury free and work through any injuries that I experience.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Oral IV Hydration Review

Hydration should be a part of your run/race plans.  If you don’t properly hydrate, it can lead to a decrease in performance as well as an increase in time it takes for you to recover from a workout or run. 

This is especially true in the summer when dehydration can occur more easily.  When you sweat, your blood volume decreases, which leads to less blood being pumped to your heart.  This in turn reduces the amount of oxygen rich blood that is pumped back out to your muscles.  That is why you will run at a slower pace when you are dehydrated.  Also, in the heat, your body sends more of your blood to the surface of your skin to help remove heat.  You will have to work a lot harder to maintain the same level of exercise.  So why should you take in electrolytes?

Electrolytes drinks usually are made up of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and artificial sweeteners.  There are theories that electrolyte drinks can prevent cramping but there is just as much proof against that theory as for it.  The true benefits of taking in electrolytes is that it assists in fluid balance and absorption.  The flavoring of these drinks is to make them more appealing.

I ran across Oral IV in a Facebook ad.  I wanted to see what it was all about and after reading the information and reviews online, I knew I wanted to see if it really worked.  I reached out to Oral IV and they sent me some samples to test.  The package showed up about 2 weeks before my marathon, so I had a great opportunity to put OralIV to the ultimate test.  I also had my running partner try it out.

Oral IV is different from your normal electrolyte tabs or drinks.  First of all, Oral IV comes in a little plastic vile with liquid inside.  Oral IV is made with a group of trace minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, manganese, selenium, copper, calcium, silicon and zinc.  These trace minerals make up a formula that activates your body’s hydration processes.  Oral IV is made from natural raw materials to avoid contamination and are biologically made so they do not have to be digested in order to be rapidly absorbed into your system.  The mineral absorb directly through your soft tissues in your mouth.  I know that this is a lot of technical information, so I will cut to the chase.

The Oral IV vial is small enough to keep in a pocket or water belt.  You simply twist off the plastic top and drink.  There is no flavor and no artificial ingredients, sugars, or stimulants which I really like.  I like to put the Oral IV in my mouth and mix it with a gulp of water.  The directions say you can take it before and after your workout and every 2 hours for longer trainings or races. 

I tried Oral IV twice before my marathon and during the marathon itself.  The effects that I felt include a reduced need for water and I felt like I recovered from these runs faster than normal.  I had my hydration backpack and did not drink as much water as I normally would have, but did not feel like it hurt me at all.  I think that is a direct result of taking Oral IV. 

Pros:

Convenient small package (easy to take with you)

Decent price (for occasional use)

Sugar-free, stimulant-free, and artificial ingredient-free

Rapidly absorbed into your system

Helps maintain top performance

Decreases recovery time

Cons:

A little pricey for everyday use

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I definitely see the benefits of taking Oral IV, especially in my summer races when I tend to sweat a lot.  It is vital to stay on top of hydration at these events and I will be taking Oral IV for sure.  It costs $12 for a 4–pack, $50 for a 25-pack, or $100 for a 50-pack.  While it may be pricey for everyday use, I think this is ideal for races and even your most grueling workouts.  I am really glad that I got to test out Oral IV and would definitely recommend it to my readers.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

Tommie Copper Recovery Gear Review

There are numerous reports that say recovery is more important than the intensity of your runs.  Most people train really hard, follow their training plans to the letter, and then don’t give themselves enough time to recover properly.  Having a good recovery plans consists of having a good balance of easy and hard runs, stretching, and nutrition.  One way to recover quicker is to utilize compression gear.  I have tested a decent amount of compression gear from some of the leading companies like 2XU, McDavid, Zensah, CompressionZ, and CEP.  I heard about Tommie Copper from a friend and wanted to test out some of their gear. 

I got to test Tommie Copper’s recovery tights, recovery shorts, and their knee sleeve.  Each Tommie Copper item uses what they call Copper Znergy™.  It consists of a proprietary fabric that is infused with copper and zinc, which they claim can provide several benefits.  Copper Znergy™ inhibits the growth of odor-causing microbes on the fabric.  That’s always a plus; nobody wants stinky clothes.  The fabric has a UPF 50+ rating to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays.  Each Tommie Copper product features a light weight, breathable design made with Cool Copper™ which is moisture wicking and has anti-chafe seams. 

The recovery tights, shorts and knee sleeves felt awesome from the moment that I put them on.  They made my legs feel cool, which is nothing I have felt in any other recovery gear that I have tried.  I really felt like they had just the right amount of compression without being too loose or tight.  This is not always the case, it just depends on the brand.  I felt that the materials were very durable and that their construction will make these last. 

Tommie Copper recovery gear can be washed in and dried, although you should not use fabric softener or bleach.  Just wash them like you normally would and dry them on a gentle cycle.  Their website says that they will retain their benefits for at least 50 washes. 

Pros:

Best compression gear I have tried

Great materials

Feel Awesome

Can be used for extended amounts of time

Cons:

Some of the gear is a little pricey (but worth the money).

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I have to say that I love all three of these products for different reasons.  The recovery tights cost $79.50, the recovery shorts cost $49.50, and the knee sleeve is $24.50.  Be aware that they are all sold individually so if you want 2 knee sleeves, you will need to order 2.  They are a little pricey, but it is well worth the money.  You can order them on the Tommie Copper website.  If you order soon, Tommie Copper is offering 25% off by using the code “HOLIDAY25” at checkout.  Shipping is free for all orders over $75 (Free 2-day shipping on orders over $150).  You will also get a 60-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.  Give Tommie Copper recovery gear a try.  You won’t be disappointed.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

ACV Cramp Cure Review

Many runners experience muscle cramps at one point or another.  It can be during a hard workout, sprints, or even on a day when you aren’t running as hard as normal, but your body just cramps up.  What causes muscle cramps?

For years, runners were under the impression that muscle cramps were caused by a vitamin deficiency, dehydration, or fatigue.  Many people take salt pills, electrolytes, or eat bananas to try and keep dreadful leg cramps away.  New research is pointing toward another reason for why you get muscle cramps and how to treat them.

“The Real Cause of Muscle Cramps.” By Dr. Bob Murray discusses that when you decide to move your legs, your brain sends signals to nerve cells in your spinal cord, which connects to your muscles.  The stimulated muscles contract and that is what makes you move.  Basically, Dr. Murray says that the issue is not with your muscles but your nerves.  Research has shown that you can activate sensory fibers in your mouth and throat to send signals to the nervous system.  This will in turn tell your muscles to relax.  That is where ACV Cramp Cure comes in. 

ACV Cramp Cure claims that their drink can typically relieve cramping within 60-seconds.  That is a very bold statement right?  While I did not have a full blown muscle cramp, I did test this twice when my legs were starting to tighten up.  I also had my running partner test out ACV during our marathon on Sunday.  We both felt almost an immediate relief of our leg tightness. 

ACV Cramp Cure is made up of Purified Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Natural flavoring, Stevia, Lime Juice, and capsicum.  It is 100% all natural.  I will warn you that it does have a bit of a bite, so be ready for it. 

Pros:

Convenient small package (easy to take with you)

Decent price

Caffeine free

Gluten Free

No GMO’s

Works in less than a minute

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I will be carrying ACV Cramp Cure on my long training runs and future marathons.  I am a true believer!  ACV Cramp Cure costs $4.49 each or 5 for $17.00.  They have larger packages as well.  You can get yours at the ACV Cramp Cure website today.  Nothing is worse than running a great race and being taken down by leg cramps.  Now you can be prepared and finish strong.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.