Even if you truly love working out, I'm going to bet that you don't love the muscle soreness that comes afterward. I mean, there's something kind of rewarding about a little soreness the next day, but the kind of pain that makes it hard to walk like a normal person? I'll pass on that, thanks.

I recently read about a product called The Stick on one of the running blogs I follow. It promises to "prevent and predict muscle injuries, dramatically improve strength, flexibility and endurance, rapidly prepare muscles for physical activity, disperse the effects of lactic acid following activity, and accelerate muscle recovery." I don't know about you, but those are all things I could use some help with.

Lots of professional sports teams use it, including the New York Knicks, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Orioles, but it can also be used by non-athletes who are just looking for the best way to massage and warm up muscles.

Not sure it would work for you? This website has lots of instructions regarding technique, beginning with basic suggestions but also offering recommendations (with illustrations) for specific body parts, so regardless of what's bothering you, The Stick should give you the ability to ease the muscle discomfort, all by yourself.

There's not just one version of The Stick -- there are different models for different needs and body types. But, you don't have to figure it out on your own -- the website has a handy-dandy Stick Selector. Enter your info, and it'll tell you which stick is the best choice for you.

Prices for The Stick range from $32 for the Marathon Stick to $118 for the Stick Pro System. There are other items available, too, such as the Pet Stick (for massaging your pooch), the Little Stick (for children), and the Foot Wheel (designed to make your feet happy -- who doesn't love that?).