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A runner who tore the same calf muscle two years in a row shares his Yoback experience.
(Note: the following article is based on direct quotes from our interview)
Before
I'd torn my calf twice in two years, both times training for the same 20-mile road race. Long before that, I snapped my Achilles completely, went through NHS rehab and private clinic care, and changed my running form to protect it. That just moved the weak point somewhere else. I'd always been inflexible, since running was the only exercise I did.
"I've had problems with my Achilles for years. Snapped it years ago, six months off, did all the exercises. My first run back, I snapped it again."
The Turning Point: Why Yoback?
I saw an ad on Instagram, recognised Gary from a running show I'd ended up missing, sent a DM asking about it, and got an honest answer back. I ordered.
"I must have seen an ad on Instagram... I thought, I must go and see you at the show, because then I can have a go and see how it feels."
The Change: Life After Yoback
I use the two curved pieces side by side for calf and Achilles stretching. I haven't tried the full wheel yet. It lives on the kitchen island, not in the spare room with my yoga mat and resistance bands.
"I've got a full yoga mat, resistance bands. I'll pick them up if I get an injury or feel a twinge. But nothing is used on a continuing basis. This is the only one that is."
I use it before and after nearly every run.
"Probably five times a week. Before a run, after a run, and then maybe once or twice when I'm just doing stuff in the kitchen."
My 14-year-old daughter recently tore the ligaments in her foot. Once she's past the bruising stage, I plan to use it to help rebuild her strength too.
Used in this article
Yoback — £114.99
Used five times a week, before and after runs, with the two curved pieces stacked for calf and Achilles stretching, the only recovery tool that actually stays in regular use.
See the Yoback →A Few Questions We Asked
Q: What was the trigger for you to get it, mate?
"Having that second calf injury, and thinking I need to do something about this. I just wanted something to increase my flexibility and strength, really. I've always been inflexible, because all I do is run."
Q: How would you describe it to someone?
"With it being in the kitchen, people see it and try it. For me, it would just be calf stretching and building strength and resistance. If I do that, I'm giving myself the best opportunity to not have that recurring injury."
What Changed Since He Started Using It
- Uses it around five times a week, before and after runs
- The only piece of recovery kit that actually gets used, unlike his yoga mat and resistance bands
- Hasn't torn his calf again since starting
- Plans to try the full wheel as part of a September challenge
