Featured Image: Donny O’Neill | Skier: Nat Houston | Location: Summit County, CO
We’re already in the last week of February (um, how?) which means spring–arguably one of the best seasons in the mountains–is just around the corner. As the days get longer and the temperature rises, the snow pack stabilizes and peak-bagging season inches closer and closer. Welcome are the days of working sun-up to sun-down for lines you’ve been looking at all season, or longer. But with these epic ski days comes extreme physical exertion and being able to get up and do it all again the next day entirely depends on your recovery. Below are five products I’ve been able to test this season, so far, that I’ve grown to depend on for my own pursuits and strongly believe will keep you out skiing longer and harder this spring and for seasons to come.
Pro Massage Bundle, Moji
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is super common when we start doing a new type of exercise or dramatically increase how hard we’re working. What we’re feeling are microscopic tears in the muscle fibers and while there is no one right way to treat DOMS, increasing blood flow to the muscles has shown to aid in reducing swelling and stiffness. Sport massages are a great way to get the blood moving but I, for one, don’t have the funds or time to do that on a regular basis. That’s where Moji comes in. The Pro Massage Bundle from Moji includes a foot massager for when your dogs are barking, a curve massager for the quads, hammies, calves, IT bands and hips and a hand-held mini massager that’s perfect for the neck, back and shoulders. The next time you’re feeling like you got hit by a bus, try out the Moji Massage Bundle for full-body recovery. For an extra dose of therapy, stick these babies in the freezer to get the benefits of icing and massaging at the same time.
Targeted Topical, Receptra Naturals
With the rise in popularity of using Cannabidiol (CBD) for pain, it’s time to throw out your dad’s old tube of Bengay and pick up yourself a jar of Targeted Topical from Receptra Naturals. For specific joint or muscle pain–I had hip surgery almost a year ago–I have yet to find anything as effective for pain management and relief. Made from pure hemp CBD extracts, Targeted Topical instantly targets the muscles and joints to reduce inflammation and irritation, and when I say instantly, I mean I rub it on and within minutes I forget I was ever in discomfort. The natural scent of jasmine and Ylang Ylang (derived from the Cananga odorata, a plant native to the Phillippines and Indonesia, known for its health benefits) soothes the mind and body and because it’s made entirely of natural ingredients, you can feel good about putting it on your skin.
Tailwind Rebuild, Tailwind Nutrition
What you consume after a bell-to-bell session directly correlates to your body’s ability to recover and there’s nothing more frustrating than sacrificing tomorrow because you’re too sore today. Tailwind Nutrition, a Durango, Colorado-based company focused on the nutrition of endurance athletes, knows this better than anyone. That’s why the brand has created a drink mix made specifically for recovery. Tailwind Rebuild helps your body recover faster by rebuilding damaged muscle tissue with a patent-pending rice protein packed with amino acids; replenishing your energy stores with the right amount and kinds of carbohydrates and healthy fats from coconut milk; and restoring your electrolyte balance with added sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. A packet of chocolate (245 calories) or vanilla (240 calories) Tailwind Rebuild mixes with 16 ounces of water, tastes great and doesn’t get chunky or leave a chalky residue in your mouth. Both flavors are non-GMO, vegan and gluten-, soy- and dairy-free.
G3PRO, Theragun
For your most wicked knots and muscle soreness, you’re going to want to get your hands on the G3PRO from Theragun. In its third generation, the hand-held, battery-powered percussive therapy device utilizes 16 millimeters of amplitude, meaning the head of the device moves a whopping 16 millimeters back and forth in a percussive motion. It can also withstand up to 60 pounds of pressure–meaning you can press the device as hard as you need–to get deeper into the muscle tissue than a traditional massage or foam roller. Moving at 2,400 percussions per minute, you can achieve total body recovery in under 15 minutes and with a rotating arm and ergonomic design, you can reach 90 percent of your body without any outside assistance. With how much I carry my skis on my shoulders, the G3PRO has been the only thing to effectively eliminate the excruciating knots under my shoulder blades.
Original 108 Wool Clogs, Stegmann
After having my feet shoved in ski boots for hours on end, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as stepping out of those plastic foot entrapments in the parking lot. When that time of day comes, don’t settle for just any pair of shoes to house your dogs. Instead, slip your feet into the Original 108 Wool Clogs from Stegmann. The top of the clog is made from a Tyrolian and Merino wool blend and is paired with an anatomically contoured cork sole for superior arch and metatarsal support. In other words, these clogs are quite possibly the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn. Available in 13 vibrant colors, these slipper-like shoes are the perfect recovery for your feet and look cute as hell at après.
