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Recovery is arguably one of the most important parts of any workout routine, but a highly underutilised tool for anyone who is active.
Why Should You Care About Recovery?
Recovery is arguably one of the most important parts of any workout routine, but a highly underutilised tool for anyone who is active. Recovering and stretching before and after your workout will help to:
- Relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood flow
- Reduce your risk of soft tissue injuries
- Improve flexibility
Types of Recovery Gear
There are a plethora of post-gym and sport recovery tools available that can help your performance, but it's important to know which one is right for you and what each product offers.
Massage Guns & Therapy Devices
Percussion therapy is a popular recovery method that uses the power of vibration to help relieve muscle tension and apply a massage to your muscles. A massage gun allows you to apply different speeds to increase the intensity of the massage.
Use this tool to work over muscles before and after exercise for particularly tight areas. It is best to focus on a specific muscle or area that feels tight by holding the therapy gun and applying gentle pressure while you move it around for 30 seconds to a minute at a time (but no more than 2-5 minutes on any area). Start with the lowest setting and increase based on your pain level.
Foam Rollers
This is one of the most common recovery items people use. A foam roller focuses on large muscle groups that are tight or have a limited range of motion. Always move slowly and hold your position on the sensitive spots (for 20-30 seconds) of your muscles to help relieve the tension.
It is best to use this while your muscles are warm. Some great areas on which people commonly use a roller are your hamstrings, quads, and shoulder blades.
Check out our foam rolling guide for more benefits, how to choose and use a foam roller here.
Resistance Bands
These are unique recovery tools to stretch out your muscles, making them great for post-gym recovery or after a match. Resistance bands are quite long and can wrap around your body and apply pressure to help hold stretches. These bands come in an array of sizes and widths which offer more or less slack.
Try holding the stretch for 15 seconds and then releasing it when using a resistance band. You can also use this to dynamically stretch which is all about moving your body or muscle actively during the stretch to improve flexibility.
Massage Balls
Massage balls are a great tool to target and release tension at specific points or knots in your muscles. These are perfect for people who travel or are moving around a lot as they are small and portable. Massage balls come in a variety of different sizes and styles and can often have small spikes to increase the level of tension applied to your muscles. It's always best to build up to using massage balls as they are really firm and will take some getting used to.
A great use for these is to hold them firmly on the spot which is feeling particularly tight for 15 seconds then release. Use massage balls for hard-to-reach areas such as your shoulders or hip flexors.
Need help choosing between a massage gun or massage ball? Our guide can help.
Sleep Aids
Any professional athlete or experienced fitness enthusiast will tell you that sleep is crucial for muscle recovery. Getting the right amount of good sleep can accelerate your recovery tenfold, while also providing great mental health benefits.
Sleep aids help you do exactly that, get better sleep. From sleep headphones to eyemasks, if you're serious about your post-workout recovery, then our sleeping aids will quickly become your new favourite.
Best Recovery Gear for Beginners
If you're just starting out at the gym or getting back into a sport, these recovery products are the perfect first step into your recovery journey.
Celsius Mini Percussion Gun
The Celsius Mini Percussion Gun packs a punch in a lightweight, portable design – making it the perfect recovery companion for athletes on the go. Using powerful high-frequency vibrations, it digs deep into tired muscles to relieve soreness, break up tight knots, and boost blood flow. Enjoy quick muscle relief and a faster bounce-back from tough sessions, all from the comfort of your own home.
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Theragun Mini 3.0 Percussion Gun
For those looking to enhance their recovery routine, the Therabody Theragun Mini 3.0 Percussion Gun is a must-have tool. This powerful device (which is 30% smaller and lighter than its predecessor) delivers deep muscle treatment through rapid and targeted percussive therapy. You can use it to relieve muscle soreness, break up knots, and increase blood flow to promote faster recovery. With its compact and portable design, you can pack it easily in yourgym bag or backpack and take it wherever ensuring you never miss a recovery session.
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Celsius Hot/Cold Percussion Gun
Recovering from intense workouts has never been easier with the Celsius Hot/Cold Percussion Gun. It's built for ultimate recovery, offering both instant heat and cooling with a wide temperature range from 3°C to 43°C (based on ambient conditions). Tailor each session to your needs with six vibration intensity levels and five interchangeable heads, including a powered hot and cold attachment. With over four hours of battery life, it's ideal for extended use. The set comes complete with four massage heads, one hot/cold head, two USB-C charging cables, and a handy storage case.
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Theragun Relief
Recover like a pro with Therabody Theragun Relief – a lightweight, easy-to-use percussive massage device designed for all-day comfort and helps quickly ease everyday aches, pains, tension, and stiffness. The triangle grip makes it easy to reach tough spots, while three attachments target everything from large muscle groups to more sensitive areas. Perfect for beginners, its simple design takes the guesswork out of recovery, making effective relief accessible to anyone looking to stay active and feel their best.
ShopBest Recovery Gear for Athletes
Suited to high-performing athletes who know how important recovery is to their game, this selection of recovery gear will help you bounce back from a tough session in no time.
Theragun Prime Plus
With its advanced features and customisable speed settings, the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus allows athletes to tailor their recovery routine to their specific needs. Its powerful and targeted percussive and heat therapy assists in alleviating muscle soreness, loosening knots, and improving blood circulation for a quicker recovery. Bluetooth connectivity to the Therabody app offers step-by-step guided routines, and the 120-minute battery ensures uninterrupted use for sessions.
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TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
Whether you're gearing up for a race or just smashing your regular workouts, the TriggerPoint Grid Roller is your go-to for faster recovery. The textured 3D surface helps get deep into tight spots, boosts blood flow, and helps you bounce back quicker. It's made with a solid core and durable EVA foam, so it gives a firm, effective massage while providing exceptional durability compared with full foam core rollers.
Check out our top foam rolling moves for recovery here.
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Therabody Smart Goggles 2.0
Take your post-workout recovery to new heights with the latest Therabody Theragun Smart Goggles Gen 2. Merging cutting-edge massage, soothing heat, and rejuvenating vibration all in one, these smart goggles offer a truly immersive experience that sets them apart from the rest. The updated 100% blackout design helps you fully switch off, while the lighter, quieter build and plush cushioning ensure next-level comfort without any pressure on your eyes. With three customisable treatment modes – SmartRelax, Headaches & Eye Strain, and SleepPrep – you can target exactly what you need to feel your best. Easily tailor and control each session and enhance your relaxation by pairing with Theramind sound therapy via the Therabody app. Recovery’s never looked (or felt) this good!
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Chirp Wheel XR 10 Inch Acupressure Foam Roller
The Chirp Wheel XR 10” is built for serious muscle relief with athlete-level recovery in mind. Its Spinal Canal design keeps pressure off your spine while targeting tight muscles with its acupressure texture – perfect for hitting those stubborn trigger points. The 5" width fits right between your shoulder blades, and the extra-thick, compression-sensitive padding means you get deep tissue benefits without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're training hard or just feeling tight, it's a game-changer for recovery and keeping your body moving at its best.
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GU Lemon Lime Hydration Tablets
GU Hydration Tabs make it easy to stay on top of your hydration – before, during, and after your workout. They're packed with electrolytes to help replace what you lose through sweat, keeping your body balanced and your performance strong. After a tough session or a big race, rehydrating properly is key to faster recovery, reducing cramps, and can help to avoid that drained, sluggish feeling. Just drop one in water, and you're good to go!
ShopBest Recovery Gear for Experienced Fitness Enthusiasts
Designed for experienced gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts – essentially anyone who has been going to the gym consistently for a while – this collection will elevate your post-gym recovery to new heights.
Theragun Pro Plus Percussion Gun
Meet the Therabody Theragun PRO Percussion Gun – the pinnacle of recovery gear for anyone serious about their fitness. This powerhouse device combines six proven therapies in one: percussive therapy, near-infrared LED light, vibration, heat, and optional cold therapy, plus guided breathwork. Whether you’re chasing peak muscle recovery, easing stress and tension, or just giving sore muscles a bit of TLC, this tool has you covered. With step-by-step routines built in and a biometric sensor that delivers real-time, personalised feedback, you’ll get the most out of every recovery session.
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PTP Massage Balls
The PTP Massage Balls are designed to help athletes release tension and alleviate muscle pain in areas such as the hips, back, shoulders, glutes, feet, and forearms. With their different densities, the firm ball and the soft ball cater to different pain thresholds, allowing athletes to customise their self-massage experience. You will love the versatility and effectiveness of these therapy balls, as they can easily access trigger points and relieve tension in multiple areas of your body.
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TheraBody TheraCup Heat & Vibration Enhanced Cupping Therapy
Advanced and innovative, the TheraBody TheraCup Heat & Vibration Enhanced Cupping Therapy is for those of us who need deep, targeted recovery treatment. This device combines the benefits of heat, vibration, and cupping therapy to alleviate muscle soreness, increase blood flow, and promote faster recovery. Gym goers can use it to target specific areas of tension and tightness, providing relief and enhancing their overall recovery routine. With its portable and easy-to-use design, they can take it wherever they go, guaranteeing they never miss a recovery session.
ShopBest Recovery Gear for Improving Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery, as it allows the body to repair and rebuild muscles after intense workouts.
Sleepwell Bluetooth Eyemask Sleep Headphones
The Sleepwell Bluetooth Eyemask Sleep Headphone is an innovative device that combines the benefits of a comfortable sleep mask with built-in headphones, allowing athletes to block out distractions and get a restful night's sleep. With these headphones, you can enjoy your favourite relaxing music or guided meditations while drifting off to sleep, promoting relaxation and enhancing your recovery process.
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The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health, especially if you are injured, have concerns, or are considering changes to your health routine.