Finding time for proper workout recovery is — but shouldn’t have to be — a luxury.
Between a job, social life, and chasing eight hours of sleep, workouts get squeezed into the day’s only free time slot. (*Cue the Peloton ad making you feel like shit for not biking at dawn.*) A proper cool down (let alone a massage) is usually the thing that gets glossed over, or else skipped completely.
Enter: those massage guns that have taken fitness Instagram by storm. Turns out that those mesmerizing skin ripples are more than just a weird flex: The form of portable muscle therapy that started with professional athletes has trickled down into the lives of your average gym-goer who doesn’t have the time or money for foam rolling sessions on sore days. Read more…
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OUR TOP PICK
Theragun G3Pro
Pro athletes stan the Theragun for its high-velocity reps and six swappable attachments.
- Strokes per minute: 1,740 to 2,400
- Stroke depth: 16 mm
- Speed settings: 2
- Battery life: 150 minutes
- Interchangeable tips: 6
$599 from Amazon
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BEST FOR TRAVELING
Hyperice Hypervolt
These high-powered vibrations are great for general soreness and a more peaceful experience.
- Strokes per minute: 2,000 to 3,200
- Stroke depth: 16 mm
- Speed settings: 3
- Battery life: 180 minutes
- Interchangeable tips: 5
$319 from Amazon
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BEST FOR APPLYING HEAT
TimTam Power Massager
The TimTam Power Massager Pro employs heat to help loosen up your muscles.
- Strokes per minute: 1,000 to 2,800
- Stroke depth: 32 mm
- Speed settings: 3
- Battery life: 40-60 minutes
- Included heads: 2
$499.99 from Amazon
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BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Exerscribe Vybe Pro
The manageable price point and robust speed settings of the Vybe Pro make it great for beginners.
- Strokes per minute: 1,800 to 3,400
- Stroke depth: 16 mm
- Battery life: 180 minutes
- Speed settings: 9
- Included interchangeable heads: 5
$197.99 from Amazon
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BUDGET PICK
NordicTrack
NordicTrack’s low power at high speeds offers an affordable warm up before workouts.
- Strokes per minute: 1,500 to 3,900
- Stroke depth: 6 mm
- Speed settings: 3
- Battery life: 90 minutes
- Included interchangeable heads: 3
$99.99 from Walmart