Tuesday’s Training Tip: Get a Tennis Ball

If you’ve been training for a few weeks chances are you’ve had to deal with some aches and pains. Today's tip suggests it might be time to get a tennis ball.  You could be surprised at the many uses of these brightly colored orbs.  They’re not just for tennis players anymore!

Reasons to use tennis ball …

• It fits under your foot and can be used to massage from heel to toe while sitting in a chair, even at work.  (I didn’t believe it until I tried it!)

• A tennis ball can isolate sore spots in the upper calf.  Sit on the floor and roll it around under your leg.

• Hamstrings – It works for these guys, too.

• Gluts – Bye Bye, Sciatica! Position the tennis ball under your left or right Gluteus Maximus and roll around until you find the sore spot. You’ll know it!  Hold that position until you feel the muscle relax. Your nerve will thank you.

• Tennis balls are inexpensive.

• You can pack them in your purse, pocket, or gym bag.

• When you are not using them for massage, they are a cheap form of entertainment.  You might want to learn to juggle – or not.

Don’t let those aches and pains go for too long.  If you don’t find relief quickly with your home remedies, seek help from someone who knows more than you.  Your family physician, massage therapists, and even the pros at your favorite running store should be able to help. Try a tennis ball first.  You don’t have to wait for an appointment and you can afford it.

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share?

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.