Training with ReactICE and ReactHEAT

Warm Up Step 1

Massage small amounts of ReactHEAT into stress points of muscles used during activity. Use a small amount at first to gauge intensity. Massage into musle areas and joints thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds or until cream is absorbed.
The massage serves two purposes:

To stimulate muscle blood flow and loosen tight muscle stress points.

To activate ReactHEAT and warm tight muscles.

Warm Up Step 2

Perform gentle range-of-motion exercises on muscles used in activity. This is in PRIOR to any typical warm up stretches you may do. Invest 30 seconds in each muscle or muscle group and perform full range of motion in a slow, controlled stretch. This serves to loosen the muscle even more, prior to your regular stretching routine.

Stretch and Activity

The ReactHEAT step is NOT a replacement for proper stretching and warm up. Perform your stretches that you typically perform prior to your athletic activity.

STRETCHING TIPS:
Stretching does not mean stretch or pull your muscles to their limit. Stretches should never be uncomfortable, and proper form is critical. Length of stretches is important and most stretches should be held for a minimum of 30 to 45 seconds per repetition. Perform several repetitions of stretching.
The ReactHEAT and massage step should help you perform better stretches, but do no overdo it. Ballistic, or bouncing, stretches are rarely a good idea. A controlled stretch is the key to proper warm up of muscles.

After completing your stretching, perform your athletic activity. You will notice the warming sensation of ReactHEAT increases as you begin to sweat. This keeps joints and muscles loose and blood circulating more effectively.

Cool Down Step 1

Towel off sweaty areas, wiping away any residual ReactHEAT. Perform the same stretching activities that you did prior to your workout. After your usual stretches, apply a small amount of ReactICE to muscles and joints affected by activity. The cooling sensation and topical analgesic will relax muscles that have been pushed to limits by activity. This will also help slow build up of lactic acid and soreness.

Cool Down Step 2

Perform slow range-of-motion stretches of each joint. This concludes the stretching in a yoga-style fashion, and allows the ReactICE to penetrate thoroughly, and allows muscles to cool more effectively.

Stretching isn't an option.

To most runners, stretching is the annoying activity you have to do quickly and get out of the way in order to start running. We usually just knock out a few simple stretches and call it done. And we continue to be surprised when our runs are less effective, slower, or even cause injuries that sideline us from our favorite sport.

You need to stretch properly before you run. This isn't an earthshaking revelation; you already know this, and it is a very high probablility that you ignore this advice and do the minimal amount of stretch and warm up before you run - and are shocked when you pull and tear muscles. ReactHEAT and ReactICE can help you change this systematic self-destruction and (a) get you better prepared for running and (b) help you run farther and faster.

Before you stretch, massage the muscles

Let's face it: Stretching is boring and we're impatient to start running. Stretching is intended to warm up cold muscles and loosen them for activity. But stretching itself can cause damage if done improperly or, in most cases, too quickly. Rather than begin your workout with some rapid stretches that do little to help (or may even cause damage), start with a simple massage and heat.

Rather than jump right into stretching, add this routine into your running preparation:

As you are putting on your shorts and socks, massage a little ReactHEAT into areas of use: calves, quads, hamstrings, ankles, and even sides of hips. USE SPARINGLY! ReactHEAT is very powerful and will get hotter as you sweat. Use a minimal amount at first and then adjust as you feel is needed. Massage thoroughly until cream has disappeared. Wipe hands off thoroughly and do not touch your face.

The ReactHEAT will begin warming and by the time you've finished dressing your muscles are being activated. The warming sensations spreads into the muscles, and the massaging action helps blood circulation and loosens the muscles. You've gotten a head start on your stretches!

Now, rather than jump into quick stretches, do some simple range-of-motion exercises in a slow, controlled fashion. Think of this as Running Yoga. You are moving slow, centering yourself, and stretching your muscles through the range. This doesn't take long, just a minute or two, but the mental and physical benefits are terrific.

Now that you're warmed up, do your stretches. Depending on your age, fitness level, experience, etc. you probably have a stretching routine already. Just ensure that you cover the major muscle groups you are using, and throw in a few core stretches as well.

Running with ReactHEAT

You are in for a surprise the first time you run with ReactHEAT. The warming sensation you had during the stretching will return with a vengeance while you sweat. ReactHEAT reacts to moisture and re-ignites for a super warming sensation on muscles and joints, right when you need it most

Begin your run at a slower pace than usual to ensure your legs and body warms up and the ReactHEAT kicks in. Ideally the first mile or 10 minutes should be done at a conservative pace. We know it's hard to keep from taking off, because you've been ready to run, but here's the benefits to a slower start:

Your muscles become fully activated with a slower pace, with far less risk of injury.

Muscles stretch out and loosen more gradually with a slower pace, helped with the warming of ReactHEAT

Your respiratory system adjusts to the activity more gradually and becomes accustomed to the running without stress.

If you shorted yourself on stretching, the slower pace makes up for it and completes the stretching.

Run Farther, Run Faster

Now that you've learned to stretch and warm up most effectively, you can increase the length of your runs. The slower mile or 10 minutes gets your body into prime shape for pushing yourself further and faster. Remember to increase speeds and distances gradually, and to cool down after runs.