Eastnole Yoback Review

Eastnole Yoback Review: Recovery/Training Tool For Ultra Runners

If you're like me, it can often feel like your social media feed is a constant stream of the "next big thing" in running. I’d seen the Yoback popping up everywhere recently, so when Gary from Eastnole kindly sent me one to test out, I was keen to see what the fuss was about.

Let’s be honest, the market is pretty saturated with recovery gear. Whether it's massage balls, foam rollers and even a massage guns, it often feels like there’s a new bit of kit bubbling up through the zeitgeist every month. However, after living with the Yoback for a few weeks, I can confirm, this one actually offers something a bit different.

Recovery and Training

The problem with most recovery tools is that they are ‘one-trick ponies’. The thing that sets the Yoback apart is its versatility. To label it simply as a "recovery tool" does it a disservice.

Yes, it’s brilliant for stretching but its real superpower lies in training. It’s designed to be incorporated into your strength routine to bulletproof your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As an ultra runner, that proactive approach appeals to me far more than just reacting to pain after it happens.

What Is The Yoback?

In the box, you get three curved interlocking sections. These can be securely clipped together to form a large yoga wheel, or they can be used independently with the included attachable feet to create stable platforms.

The package also includes a neat storage bag and a 21 page Runner's guide to mobility, strength & staying injury-free which contains over 50 individual exercises and stretches to get you started. These focus on routines designed to both treat and prevent common running injuries, such as plantar fasciitis and runner’s knee, with a strong emphasis on strengthening the calves, intrinsic foot muscles, and tibialis.

Why It Matters for Trail & Ultra Runners

We ask a lot of our bodies. The Yoback is particularly clever because it allows you to target the specific weak links in the kinetic chain that often take ultra runners out of the game.

I’m talking about the Tibialis Anterior (essential for preventing shin splints), the VMO (the teardrop muscle by your knee that stops patellofemoral pain), and the Plantar Fascia. Rather than just rolling these areas when they hurt, the Yoback lets you strengthen the entire chain to improve your durability and form over ultra distances.

Strength Training Exercises For Ultra-Runners With The Yoback

I won’t bore you by listing every single movement in the guide, you’d be asleep before you finished reading. Instead, here are the exercises I actually found myself doing consistently over the last few weeks, and why I think they are worth your time.

1. The "Proper" Calf Stretch

Target: Deep calf muscles and Achilles tendon. 

The Verdict: I have to start with this one because it offers probably one of the best calf stretches I've experienced. 

Why it matters: Tight calves limit ankle mobility, which can cause plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, two major enemies of the ultra runner. 

With the Yoback: You simply place the ball of your foot on the high point of the curve and let your heel drop. It mimics the deep stretch you get hanging off a stair, but because the cork grips your foot so well, you can really lean into it. The relief is instant, and being able to do this anywhere in the house is a massive plus.

2. Tibialis Raises

Target: Tibialis Anterior (the muscle running down the front of your shin). 

Why it matters: This is the primary shock absorber for your foot strike. Weak shins are a one-way ticket to shin splints, especially when you increase your mileage or tackle aggressive downhills. 

With the Yoback:  Start in a seated or standing position with your heels resting on the curved base, then draw your toes upward toward your shins. The curved design creates a smooth hinge for controlled dorsiflexion. As you reach the top of the movement, the Yoback’s profile naturally increases resistance while keeping the heel supported, allowing you to work through the full range of motion without compensatory movement. The subtle instability also activates the ankle stabilisers which are particularly beneficial for trail runners tackling unpredictable terrain.

3. Heel-Raised Squats

Target: VMO (Vastus Medialis Oblique) and Quads. 

Why it matters: Strong knees are non-negotiable for ultra runners. Strengthening the VMO helps track the kneecap correctly, which is vital for surviving the braking forces of running downhill. 

With the Yoback: You stand with your heels elevated on two of the Yoback sections. This elevation allows you to squat much deeper (ass-to-grass) while keeping your torso upright. It shifts the load directly onto your quads and knees rather than your lower back, building serious resilience in the legs.

4. Calf Raises

Target: Gastrocnemius and Soleus. 

Why it matters: In trail running, your calves take a hammering, especially on steep ascents. Strong calves are your engine for climbing. 

With the Yoback: You place one of the curved sections on the floor (with the feet attached) to create a deficit. Because of the curve, you get a much deeper range of motion at the bottom of the rep compared to doing this on a flat floor.

5. Push-Up Blocks (The Bonus Use)

Target: Chest, Shoulders, and Core. 

Why it matters: Upper body strength is often neglected by runners, but it’s important for maintaining posture in the later stages of a 50 or 100 miler when fatigue sets in. 

With the Yoback: This isn’t actually in the guide, but I found it works a treat. I use two sections as push-up blocks. The slight instability forces your stabiliser muscles to fire, and the height allows you to lower your chest past your hands, massively expanding your range of motion.

The Wheel & Lumbar Support

To be completely honest, I haven’t used the Yoback in its full "wheel" configuration yet as my training doesn't currently include much yoga. It is something I’m tempted to try out now that I have a tool to help with it, but for now, I’ve found a brilliant use for the individual segments regarding back health.

By placing two pieces together on the floor you can use them to stretch out the lumbar spine. You essentially lie back over the curve, and it provides a fantastic, supported stretch for the lower back. After a long week of high mileage, or just sitting at a desk, lying on this for a few minutes feels incredible and really helps decompress the spine.

Yoback Discount Code

The full Yoback package retails for £114.99.

• Discount: Eastnole has kindly provided GBUR readers with a 15% discount code (GBUR15), bringing the price down to £97.75.
• The Lite Option: If you’re on a tighter budget, they also offer a "Yoback Lite" for £89.99. This comes with just two sections. You lose the ability to form the full wheel, but for most runners focused on leg strength and stretching, this might be all you need.

I really appreciate that Eastnole decided to offer a Lite version, it feels like they actually care about what customers need, and their pockets, rather than just forcing the most expensive product on you.

The Verdict: Is The Yoback A Good Training Tool For Ultra Runners?

Yes, the Yoback is a legit bit of training kit for ultra runners.

With a lot of training products, the novelty can wear off after the initial unboxing, and they end up in the "cupboard of shame." But the Yoback is something I’ve been using daily for the past couple of weeks of testing and will continue to use.

The biggest win for me is the versatility combined with ease of use. As a parent of young children, finding time to train is the hardest part of being an ultra runner. The Yoback fits into the "micro-moments" of my day. I often find myself using it in the bathroom to do a few sets of calf raises and stretches while keeping an eye on my 6-year-old in the bath.

If you want a tool that is quick, effective, and respects the fact that you don’t have hours to spare for recovery, this is it.

Eastnole Yoback

15% discount - use code: GBUR15