My Recovery Routine - What's in My Basket
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There’s a basket by my TV. It’s not decorative.
Inside is everything I reach for when my body starts barking. After a hard workout, 18 holes, or too many hours at my desk, recovery matters more now than it used to. It’s taken me some time to figure out what works best; some of these props I used in my Pilates Reformer classes, some were recommended, and some I stumbled across.
I love my workout routine – Pilates reformer, Orangetheory, golf, and lots of walking. They all feed my soul, and I know if I want to keep doing them, I have to take care of my body – mobility is key, and it doesn’t take a lot of time, just consistency. There's no specific routine. I just work on what's barking at the end of the day.
What’s in the Basket
I use this instead of a traditional mat – it’s anti-slip, microfiber and easy to throw in the wash. It works on any surface, rolls up flat, and takes up zero space.
Also called the magic circle — a flexible resistance loop that adds challenge without adding complexity. I use it for pelvic work and arms, usually while I’m already on the floor doing something else.
OPTP Franklin Method Peanut Roller
This might be my favorite thing in the basket. We were introduced in a Pilates class, and I knew this little guy was a keeper. It’s a great place to start with some pelvic tilts – it immediately tells you what needs attention. It’s perfect for the neck, back, and hips too.
I also travel with this. It works as a lumbar support on a plane, a neck pillow, and I’ve done pelvic tilts right in my airplane seat on long flights. You might get some odd looks, but it’s well worth it and it fits in a backpack no problem.
This is a more serious piece of equipment – another studio recommendation. There are all kinds of ways to use it, but I love to lie on it and roll my spine up and down – short or long spine if you know Pilates. It’s a strange contraption but after you’ve tried it, you’ll add it to your basket too.
The Rolling
Rolling has become a consistent part of my recovery. I am a big believer in The Fascianator Method. Fascia is the connective tissue that holds everything together. When it gets tight or stuck, it affects how everything else moves — your swing, your stride, your posture. Regular rolling keeps everything mobile and moving freely.
Also in the Rotation
The broader complement to the peanut and Fascianator. Good for larger muscle groups — quads, hamstrings, IT band. Essential after a long walk or a full round of golf.
Underrated for stretching and modifying mat work.
Light, versatile, pack flat for travel. Great for shoulder mobility, which every golfer needs.
When rolling isn’t enough. Percussion therapy for the spots that need more than pressure — particularly useful after golf - forearms, shoulders and hips.
The basket by my TV isn’t fancy. It’s just what helps me to keep showing up for what I love - the workouts, the golf, the long walks. A few specific pieces, used consistently, that keep my body ready for whatever’s next.
A Small Life Gem: your body will tell you what it needs. The trick is learning to listen before it starts shouting.
