I do receive a small commission as an affliliate if you purchase from one of these links.
Feet & Ankles
[I own 2 sets of these Yamuna Foot Savers]--one for studio and home. I've had the studio pair for 15 years and they're still like new. Great for travel. You can see my videos on YouTube for how they can help with plantar fasciitis and for increasing big toe flexiblity (SUPER IMPORTANT).
Thse OPTP Half Balls are similar to Yamuna and much less expensive. That said, they are not quite as durable.
Little green Rubz ball. Small, spiky and perfect for travel or keeping at a desk. Great for forearms too!
Magic! Heated foot massager! 15 minute settings--I do 2 in a row! Perfect addition to morning coffee or some Netflix & chill.
I wish this calf massager worked well as a foot massager, but perfer the Breo above for that. This thing has significantly improved my ankle range-of-motion. I get some really great adjustments afterward. Also effective for peeling back the tight calves to back pain connection. Bonus tip: you can put your forearms in it as well!
Hands & Forearms
I use this hand massager 2-3 times per week. It actually releases my right QL (back muscle) and makes me taller. It may not be appropriate for those with severe joint pain or arthritis. Some clients have remarked that they felt clausterphobic using it, so make sure you can return if that is a concern.
This contraption is a favorite for forearm tension. Particularly with active aerial silks or climbinb workouts. Also helpful for tennis elbow.
Weak hand and grip muscles totally play a part in lower back as well as neck & shoulder pain. Think of using this kit as cross training for all the typing you do.
Voodoo floss as an inexpensive and easy-to-transport way to wring out tension of the forearms. I only ever use the lighter band (black) as I feel like it's easier to get more torque.
Head & Neck
A stillpoint inducer is great for headaches and general head/eye tension. Also compact enough to pop into a bag and take with you. If you still own a CD player, the music is a little campy, but soothing. Great to combine with a meditation practice.
Yes, this neck release is expensive. Yet, if you have chronic tension at the base of your skull...this thing scratches that itch you always want relief from. Haven't ever found anything that compares. ShannonRashap in the code at checkout gets you 10% off.
Lower Back
Be sure to order your size! Recommending this SI belt over others. Some of these are too stiff & thick, and then when you move around they ride up. I've heard from a client who had quick and lasting success from this one, in pariticular. Helpful if your back hurts after standing for long periods.
Great little peanut that you can use for core strengthening--particularly if you have lower back pain. Also great to lay with it under the SI joint for a gentle stretch and release. Or, sit on it under your sits bones to release the pelvic floor.
This is the partner product that I highlighted at the end of the neck release section above. Over 15 years I've tried pretty much every psoas release on the market and this is the most effective. The two products together will completely change your posture and improve your breathing. We know that when those 2 things improve, many other things do as well. ShannonRashap in the code box at checkout gets you 10% off.
Stretching
Inexpensive & versatile stretch strap for improving flexibility.
Strengthening
A strong back=a strong core and a pull up bar is a simple solution with a lot of results. Really push my female clients as well to work up to a pull up--just purchase an assist band (listed below). Also great if you have back pain for the traction. Also amazing if you type all day to get the stretch through your arms and shoulders. For a minimal amount of money, brings a lot to the table.
You can also use these pull up assist bands for resistance training beyond just tying them to a pull up bar. Scroll down and look for coupon codes, they often have deals if you buy more than one at a time. AND as I look this up, this contraption would be more cost-effective and solve some of the issues with the assist bands wanting you pull your body forward as you pull up. That said, the first product can be multi-purposed to more strength-training activities.
You can buy a set of these thera loops, but I find that most people only need the light to extra light. Great for hip and pelvic floor work as well as combining with weights in shoulder work--it will force you to access the smaller muscles in your shoulders and upper back. Has been harder in the last few years to find these in consistent stock on Amazon. Really like this particular brand as it is the perfect width. Too big of a loop doesn't give you good feedback for resistance and I've seen a lot of this kind of thing in 15 years of practice.
Yes, you have to pay for shipping here, but this little ball is really the perfect prop for pelvic floor work if your pelvic floor is loose. Place it right up at the base of your torso during exercises to trigger those muscles to lift. Also like putting it between ankles for calf raises to get smaller muscles working there and to encourage ankle stability.
Having one of these 8" Pilates balls is a must for core and inner thigh (read: pelvic floor) strengthening. Also great to use your stretching your back and releasing your diaphragm. They are not all created equal. Spending mid->high range will save you frustration later when you lay on it and it keeps its shape.
Self-Massage/Tissue Release
I'm kind of ambivalent about which of these massage guns someone buys and more particular that there is an option of attachments. I love the soft, rotund disc for going over bones and sensitive areas. The pointy attachment is great for getting at muscle attachment sites. Plus, it has setting that are vibrational then percussive, meaning you have more control over what works best for a particular area. I DO NOT think one needs to spend more than about $125 for anything like this unless you're a pro/semi pro athlete with a lot of muscle mass.
Cup scar tissue--it will change your life. If you hate foam rolling your IT band, cup it! Use with massage oil, coconut or jojoba to drag the cup over skin for a release.
Cheaper foam roller than anywhere else. You could purchase a less-dense version from this link as well that will be less intense. Make sure you purchaes the 36" version as you can do more with it.
A textured peanut roller is like scalpel work on your TFL (the muscle that tenses the IT band). A lot of people spend time focusing on roller their IT bands and never get ahold of this guy. Here's a video on how to go about that. This little peanut is also a great way to be 'extra' in rolling out your calves/triceps, which are gnarly on everyone. Fits great into a suitcase too!
Your lymphatic system=your immune system. Stimulating your lymph is also great for athletic recovery (and more important as we age to help prevent injury). This vibration plate is powerful, small and can accommodate a good amount of weight. I have the pro as it moves simultaneously in different planes of motion. Think it has one more direction it moves than the Plus. I do Program #2 a couple times per day at least 5 days per week. Twerk away!
Bascially shrink wrap your calves or forearms (or anywhere, really) and squeeze over the top. I love combining this with calf stretches. Wrap the calf & then stretch for a turbo calf release. I only ever use the black as it's easier to create more torque.
Books
The Body Keeps the Score is the most approachable book I've ever read on trauma and how it affects the brain and body.
Love, love, love this book. The author correlates the chakras to western psychology. It's an academic perspective on energy.
I've purchased and read many books on the pelvic floor. This one is the best & the one I consistently find myself referring back to.
Other
Earthing mats are really powerful for inflammation-based issues, and this coming from someone who thought they were equivalent to snake oil. They're not for everyone. I love mine and feel like overall it has helped with sleep quality and immune function. That said, some folks I use one with in studio don't feel anything. Also, the bed mat I have linked above can get got as it doesn't breathe. The mat or yoga mat is a great option as you can have it plugged in when you workout or just sit with your feet on it.