*UPDATE*: The giveaway winner has been chosen! And thanks to random.org, it was commenter #6 – Hollie!
[Hollie, I will e-mail you to get your info!]
Disclaimer: The Omron Elctrotherapy unit was provided at no cost to me. All views and opinions are my own.
It’s no secret that marathon training hurts. Usually it’s that “good kind of hurt” where you wake up in the morning, take those first few steps, and immediately remember the long run or hard workout from the day before. I always joke about it, but sometimes I really do feel like an old lady first thing in the morning! Of course this isn’t the case every day, but as runs get longer and workouts get harder, there’s no denying the residual soreness. I foam roll, ice, and spend plenty of time with my legs up the wall, but sometimes you just need a little something extra. So when I was given the opportunity to try an Omron Electrotherapy Unit, I couldn’t say no. Especially when they offered to provide my readers one as well!
The idea behind the electrotherapy unit is that it can provide nerve stimulation through electrical pulses, aka TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Depending on the problem area and the level of discomfort you’re experiencing, you can customize each session to fit your needs. The machine itself is small and very easy to use; it’s just like a remote control! And since it comes with two pads that can be placed almost anywhere, the uses are endless. Sore back? No problem. Cranky calf? Give it a zap!
I won’t pretend I wasn’t skeptical at first. I mean, could this little machine really make my muscles feel better? Well my quads were conveniently very sore a week ago, so I put it to the test. It was kind of fun to sit there and watch my my muscles involuntarily twitch (which is why I took a video of it, obviously). With each contraction and release I could feel my muscles relaxing. Now don’t get me wrong, it didn’t make my legs feel brand-new, but it definitely helped speed up the recovery process. I definitely think it’s a nice addition to any runner’s arsenal of recovery tools… or anyone who has lots of aches and pains!
Lucky for you guys, I have one to give away to a reader! All you have to do is leave a comment below and let me know your favorite recovery tool. You have until Wednesday (10/8/14) at 9pm EST to enter!
Foodosaurus Rex 
I recover with Muscle Activation massage therapy!
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I used to have something like this done at the physical therapist, but insurance only covered a few sessions, so I stopped. Would be nice to have one at home! These days, I mostly try to recover with gentle yoga, rolling, soaks, and an occasional massage.
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gah not sure why it did that to my name, and I can’t seem to delete
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foam roller… the recovery tool that’s simultaneously a favorite and a nemesis. frozen veggies as ice packs are a close second.
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I recover with foam rollers, compression socks, and ice baths!
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I’m a huge fan of foam rolling and ice. Also beginning to realize how much cross-training helps my body recover!
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Do diners count as proper recovery? I cannot believe how much your leg shakes. It looks so awesome.
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Foam roller/lacrosse ball, gentle yoga, and epsom salt baths!
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I have one of these (not this brand) and it’s definitely my favorite recovery tool….well and compression. But I have found using this and a heating pad together really help keep my legs loose!
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It’s not really a tool, but my favorite recovery… activity… is a warm epsom salt bath. I have some that smell like mint and are billed for athletes (probably regular epsom salts that are just packaged differently to market to me, but anyway). They do help my legs feel better, along with compression socks.
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My favorite recovery activities are foam rolling and yoga!
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Ive used this before, my boss brought it to work and I became addicted! I love using the rollers after a nice workout:)
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Current favorite recovery tool is the R8 by Recovery Roller – that thing is intense in the best possible way 🙂 love a little e-stim at home – very helpful for runner legs 🙂
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My favorite recovery tool is a frozen golf ball (damn you, PF) followed by an icy cold beer. Anything to numb the pain, right?? 😉
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I use my foam roller and the stick as my recovery tools.
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