IonLoop Review

There are tons of companies out there that offer wrist bands with holograms, negative ion technology, and magnet technology.  Do you know what the purpose of those bands are?  Could they help you to become a better runner?  Do you believe it is hocus pocus?  I will be reviewing the IonLoop bracelet with negative ion and magnet technology.  

First of all, let’s look at the technologies behind the bracelet (as stated on the IonLoop website).  The world is filled with atoms.  They can be either positively or negatively charged.  Positive ions come from places like computers, other electric devices, and the sun.  Our bodies absorb these positive ions, which can zap our energy.

What are negative ions?  Negative ions tend to have a positive effect on our thinking and sense of well-being.  Negative ions are found in places like rain, trees, grasses, and minerals.  Negative ions are thought to balance out the positive ions that zap your energy.  IonLoop gets their negative ions from a natural occurring mineral called tourmaline.  

As runners we tend to build up lactic acid in our muscles.  It is thought that the introduction of negative ions can reduce the recovery time for lactic acid buildup.  There are also reports that people that wear negative ion bracelets tend to have more focus and higher levels of performance when playing sports.  

Everyone knows what a magnet is.  The cells in your body create electrical charges and magnetic forces.  The human body requires magnetic fields to remain healthy.  Studies have shown that magnets may increase activity in blood flow, which may also help oxygen and other nutrients more effectively flow throughout your body.  Magnet therapy has been linked to helping facilitate the healing process. 

With that being said, I wanted to test out this technology with an open mind.  I don’t know if negative ion or magnet technologies are actually beneficial.  On the other hand, I feel that if you are not open to the possibility for these things to work, then you will not see the results even if they were present.

I will now share my experience over the past 3 weeks.  I have been using PowerBalance (knockoff) bands for over a year now.  While I don’t know if it works, I allow myself to be open to the idea of it working.  I got my IonLoop and replaced my fake PowerBalance band.  The band looks great and I did not notice that I had it on after a little while.  

I have noticed that I have been recovering from my runs faster and that my endurance has increase since I started using the IonLoop.  My shin splints have gone away and my IT band doesn’t hurt as much as it used to.  Now that you think I am nuts, let me put in my disclaimer.  My results could be just as much a placebo effect as effects coming from the band itself.  I am willing to accept that though and continue to believe. If it helps me to be a stronger runner, I don’t care if it’s a placebo effect or not.  

I really like the IonLoop.  They have several versions including ones for runners that have 5K, 13.1, and 26.2 printed on them.  They have 13 different colors options, a braided bracelet, and more.  IonLoop even sells a watch with magnets on the back.  You can go to www.ionloop.com to check out their extensive selection.  The bracelets sell for about $20 each.  I will be buying more as this one wears out.  Give it a try and let me know what you think.  Keep your eyes peeled as I will be giving away some IonLoop bracelets in my upcoming Running Without Injuries Giveaways.

* IonLoop makes no medical claims in regards to the technologies in their products.  They just relay the experiences of their customers.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.