This $27 Fitness Buy Changed My Workouts for the Better

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I have to admit, I used to not be very good at my post-workout routine. I normally would finish my workout by leaving the gym or fitness studio immediately, running home to shower, and then either spending my "recovery" period lying down or stuffing my face. I would do the minimal stretching that comes during the wind-down part of a studio class, but that was it. 

All of that changed once I started covering health and wellness as managing editor of THE/THIRTY. After talking to so many trainers, kinesiologists, and other experts in the fitness industry, I learned just how important it is to stretch and recover after a workout.

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Stretching, in general, can do so much for your body. According to Harvard Health Publishing, "Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight." This can come especially in handy when you've been sitting for a long time. Not only that, but a good stretch can just feel so good.

In addition to helping you move better, stretching can also prevent any injuries or pain. The American Council on Exercise states that post-workout stretches can help relieve any aches or pains you might feel in your muscles. If you've ever been sore for days after an especially grueling gym session, you know that you'll do anything for sweet relief.

Luckily, you can do stretches without any gear at all. But something that makes stretching and the recovery process so much easier (and fun, actually) is my foam roller. It might be one of the most-used items in my apartment at this point. According to ACE, "foam rolling is a self-myofascial release technique (SMR), which is a type of therapy used to eliminate general fascia restrictions." It decreases soreness and increases flexibility. I even like to use mine for any back or shoulder pain I have when I've been sitting at my desk for so long. ACE says that you shouldn't use a foam roller to replace stretching entirely, so I like to use mine after I've done a few basic stretches.

The one I have at home is a $27 buy from Amazon. The compact device has a 3D grid that's supposed to mimic the fingers, palm, and thumbs of a massage therapist's hand. I love the grid because it really helps me get in the "nooks and crannies" (so to speak) of my sore muscles.

And although I'm obsessed with the one I have, there are so many other good options out there on Amazon. Below, I've compiled a list of highly rated ones to try.

1. AmazonBasics High-Density Foam Roller (18 Inches)

2. TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller (13 Inches)

3. AmazonBasics High-Density Foam Roller (36 Inches)

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4. LuxFit Foam Roller (18 Inches)

5. TriggerPoint Grid Foam Roller (26 Inches)

6. Gaiam Essentials Foam Roller (36 Inches)

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7. RumbleRoller Textured Muscle Foam Roller (22 Inches)

8. Yes4All Exercise Foam Roller

9. Rolling With It Therapeutic Grade Premium EVA Foam Roller (18 Inches)

Other Recovery Tools to Try

Want to up your recovery game even more? These are some other options to help you stretch and relieve any aches and pains.

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(Image credit: fizkes/Getty Images)

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Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.