i don’t want this blog to turn into a commercial about products all the time, but on the other hand i know i love hearing about new products that are out there and pertinent to us runners. so when i find something new that i like, i want to share it with you also!
(pic from here)
i was contacted by arctic ease and was sent a box of their products to sample. i really didn’t know much about it at all until it showed up on my door step and i have to say i have been pleasantly surprised.
we all know i am a big fan of icing, i really think it helps the body to recover from workouts and avoid injuries, and at first glance this seemed like an easier, pain free form of icing.
when you first open the pouch you are greeted with a slimy, semi-messy strip of some sort of wrap. i was a little confused at first, but once you get this figured out, it’s really not as bad as it seems and pretty easy to use. they also have instructions on how to wrap joints and lots of FAQ on their site also which i definitely used when getting it figured out.
you can cut the wrap to fit whatever you are using it on and it sticks to itself when you wrap it around. you notice that it’s cool immediately, but not too cold like ice, so you can wear it for much longer. the times i have worn my wrap i have worn it for a few hours.
but since it’s not as cold as ice, is it as effective?
from their website:
“The optimal temperature for effective cold therapy is above 59° F (15°C). When skin temperatures go below that, tissue damage such as frost nip and frost bite can occur – it’s one of the biggest risks associated with traditional ice therapy.”
on top of the cooling effect, you also receive some compression from it, and i have even worn mine under compression socks for double action!
using on my ankle/lower shin 
the advantages of artic ease (per their flyer), with my commentary after:
- hours of targeted cold therapy i wore mine for hours and felt the cooling effect the whole time
- conforms to injury without tape or clips i didn’t need tape or clips, it adhered to itself
- can be worn during exercise i didn’t try this, but i don’t see it being a problem
- ready to use right out of the pouch i used mine right out of the pouch
- no refrigeration needed i refrigerated once i opened the pouch to help keep it cool
- reusable i reused a small portion, but didn’t try to reuse the bigger one in time
- odorless doesn’t smell
where can you buy them? there are many places you can buy them online and in stores, and they also have been attending a number of marathon expos around the country.
cost? they seem to range from $8.99 – 12.99 depending on what size you buy and also i have seen buy 3 get one free coupons floating around.
so would i spend my money on these? probably. if i had an injury that i wanted to attend to and wrap/cool frequently i think this would be a good way to go, and i will definitely be using the rest of the ones i was sent!
have you tried arctic ease wraps? what do you think?
find them on facebook and twitter also if you have any questions.
don’t forget: today is the last day to enter the LA 13.1 giveaway!
This thing sounds fantastic! I definitely love reading product reviews and have gotten soooo many good ideas/recommendations this way. And hey, if someone ius not interested in a particular topic, nobody is forcing them to read it.
Plsu – you need something to fill the blog when tapering. hehehe
Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm hoping I can find this somewhere nearby.
Have a great day!!
I just used it this weekend- got some at the Philly expo and LOVE IT!!!
i've never tried it but it definitely looks like something i'd use because it looks so easy to use!
I just got some and can't wait to actually get some hard outside running in and be able to use it! Plus it will stay in place even with kids climbing all over me!
Sounds like a great product! Thanks for sharing!
looks like a fun product!
I have used these…they work very well and stay cool for a few hours. Good product.
The product sounds good. It would be helpful for me since I'm a football athlete in Calabasas. Physical therapy after a big match has been my routine.
My friend also have some sessions for a physical therapy. Woodland hills, UT, where he live is also a big place known for athletes. Well, we see physical therapy as a maintenance. I'm sure this product will add to our list.
Interesting- Please keep posting product reviews! Its great to read whats out there.
I tried the Arctic Ease wrap at the Philadelphia Marathon, a full size wrap was in our goodie bag. Arctic Ease is the best way to ice an injury I've ever used. I would recommend this product to all runners, new and old.