Product: The Stick
Price Range: $35-50
Lengths: Various (17-24 inches)
My first encounter with The Stick was from a marathon expo several years ago. There were a few people sitting in chairs as they tried out a funning looking stick that had 10-15 spindles on it. It resembled a rolling pin with small plastic coverings that people used to run over their calves, thighs, and backs. I tried it out but felt that $50 was a bit hefty for such a contraption despite their “tax-free” offer as part of their “show special”.
I thought it was a great invention so I kept my eyes out for them if I ever ran into a better deal. Imagine how brightly my eyes widened when I discovered them at the Running Free store starting at only $35 (or less during their holiday sales). The Sticks sold in varying lengths: 17 inches (nice and compact for traveling), 19 inches (suitable for sprinters with its rigidness), 20 inches (known as the “marathon model” for those with lean muscle mass), and 24 inches (the “original body stick”; which is the most popular for the average male/female). There are actually 6 models in total but I can’t remember all the ones that are available.
I bought the 20-inch stick since I felt that it was nice and flexible to use on other body parts (mainly the back).
I think it was the best $35 I have spent and most of my friends will agree as well.
I’ve taken this stick with me on several trips and I can’t help but admit it has probably even increased my popularity amongst friends and strangers. I brought it with me to:
· Dragonboat races where it has loosened the lower backs of many hard working paddlers
· Snowboarding trips where it has eased many tight shoulders and back muscles of snowboarders
· Chinese New Year performances where it relaxed many sore backs that had performed hours of back to back Chinese New Year lion dance performances consisting of bending over and/or carrying people over their heads
· White water rafting trips where shoulder and back muscles were loosened from hours of paddling
· I even used it for ordinary friends that did not have any back pain but simply felt more relaxed after a good run down from the stick
One of my friends who graduated from Chiropractic College in the U.S. tried it out and loved it. I ended up buying additional sticks to use as gifts and they have been well received. If you are an avid runner or sports enthusiast, I highly recommend buying this for yourself or for anyone who encounters many muscle tiring sports.
Using The Stick is very easy; just run it along your sore muscles and feel the effects right away! The bonus is that it’s not difficult or tiring to use on another person. The only cons are that many people may ask you to massage them with The Stick and some may mistaken it for a strength building stick that’s supposed to “bend in half” – it’s not so watch out for that!
