Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Product Review: WholeYou Dynamover

This is a sponsored post. I received a free product and compensation for my review. All opinions are most definitely my own.

A few months ago I noticed a little click in my right knee. It wasn't enough to prevent me from running or even walking normally, so I took no issue continuing to travel and train on it. It felt more like a joint that wouldn't crack, yet it would crack constantly. I could stand still and bend my knee. Snap. I could sit with my legs propped on the coffee table and flex my foot. Crackle. I could lunge across the gym with the lightest handweight. Pop. 

But all talk and no pain. Ok then.

After running a 50k in New Zealand followed by a great walk across humbling alpine terrain, my knee wasn't so happy and I knew that rest might be on the books. Shortly after I took that time off, the fine folks at WholeYou asked if I wanted to review their Dynamover product. With nothing to lose and so much more running on the horizon, I figured I'd give this a go.

Let's get down to business. 
Dynamover

The Good (5/5 stars)
Dynamover is an extremely lightweight rubber + fabric knee brace that doesn't discriminate which knee it's for. It's got a snug fit thanks to five specialized "zones," and it doesn't feel itchy when wearing it for a short amount of time. I was shocked at the support it offered -- it felt like it was hugging my knee in place while I ran, and even if I tried cracking the joint, it wouldn't allow it.

More about the design:
There are 5 "zones" built into this tiny package of a brace. 
  1. Zone 1 provides good stretch for compression to support the knee entirely.
  2. Zone 2 offers a little less of a stretch that acts as stability for the knee, but offers flexibility around the thigh without sacrificing fit.
  3. Zone 3 is an elastic weave that prevents the top from slipping own and the bottom from inching up while in motion.
  4. Zone 4 is on the back of the knee, and it is comprised of a very dense weave to stabilize the knee. This is the zone that I found most noticeable and uncomfortable. 
  5. The last zone is a honeycomb weave that allows for really great flexibility all around. 

More about care:
Each zone of rubber and fabric is seamlessly connected, making the entire brace breathable, stretchable, pretty stink-proof after a couple wears, and hand washable. 

Even more good stuff:
It's easy to remove and put on (very unlike compression socks or neoprene knee braces!) and wasn't noticeable when wearing for short periods of time. I'll happily give it a few stars for short-term comfort and a couple more points for offering amazing knee support in the tiniest package. It's so lightweight that when I first opened the box, I thought they sent me a sock!


The Bad (3/3 stars)
This isn't the prettiest brace around, but then again, none really are, amirite? I had the fine fortune of wearing this brace under leggings for most of my testing, but imagine that it looked a bit like a robo-knee under my tights. It's not heinous, but it's also not glamorous. I wouldn't dock any points for this factor and keep its rating high.

The Ugly (1/2 stars)
Size up! My knee brace felt uncomfortably tight enough that it pressed on the back of my knee tendons (zone 4) after a while. It wasn't painful, but I couldn't to stand wearing it for more than an hour at a time without starting to shift and move it around out of subconscious discomfort. Even after guidance on my sizing (I measured everything and still had them recommend a larger size), it felt small. Luckily there are 6 different sizes to choose from, so something is bound to work eventually!

I will dock the Dynamover a point for minor irritation over long stretches of time, but bonus points for the Dynamover rep telling me to size up without compromising fit.

The End
Dynamover gets a 9 out of 10 rating from me. I wholly recommend it as mild knee support for minor twinges and aches, but can't speak to it beyond any injury more substantial. It offers good support in a tiny punch, is easily hand-washable and breathable, and is simple to take on and off. When it comes to all the training and sweating we do, this brace is a welcome addition to any runner's wardrobe. 

50% off + free shipping means you're saving more than $35 on this little gemI have no idea how long this code is good for, so use it until the internet breaks! Order limit of one per person (so sorry).
 go to link http://lbx.la/JN3B & use code AVERUN