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When Jane Fonda First he said the now infamous words, “Feel the burn!” during her iconic aerobics videos in the 1980s, she couldn't have known that this phrase would endure to become one of her lasting contributions to culture. Other expressions, such as “no pain no gain,” have taken root deep within the fitness community to the point where pain is seen not only as a normal part of the process but as a sign of progress. While it's true that our muscles can occasionally feel tired and sore after a workout, soreness can sometimes be a sign of a deeper problem.
At a Glance: The Best Massage Guns on Amazon
While actual physical activity dominates many discussions surrounding training, recovery is a criminally underrated aspect of exercise. It is just as important for our bodies to rest after exercising as it is to run, lift or swim. Failure to recover adequately could lead to development problems the longer you continue to ignore it, from a decline in your performance over time to more serious injury. Consider an at-home massage gun, which could help create a post-workout recovery routine that works for your body.
What are the best massage guns to buy on Amazon?
Massage guns (aka massage percussion) come in different styles and prices these days, but it's never been easier to find a decent massager online. Start your search on Amazon, which offers a number of well-reviewed massage guns that rival the name-brand options, along with massage guns that you can get for a lot less than you might think. Here are some of our favorites.
1. Ekrin Athletics B37S Massage Gun
Amazon
You might question the price at first glance, but there's a lot to love about the Ekrin Athletics massage gun, starting with its impressive eight-hour battery life (no need to worry about constantly charging this one). We also like its sleek and ergonomic design, which makes it easy to control with less strain on your wrist. Move through any of the five speeds to find the massage therapy that works best for you and your body, but without the loud noises. Six different head attachments are included to give you a variety of options to choose from.
2. LifePro Sonic Pro Percussion Massage Gun
Amazon
While the LifePro Sonic massage gun doesn't have the battery life of the Ekrin Athletics massager (only three to six hours depending on which of the five different speeds you choose to use), it's significantly cheaper and has a comparatively eight head attachments. The LED display makes it clear and easy to distinguish between all the different speeds, as well as monitor the battery so you can be proactive about charging if needed.
We tested the LifePro Massage Gun and it's not only incredibly sturdy and easy to use, but also extremely comfortable in your hands with grip material and a slightly curved (ie more ergonomic) handle.
3. Renpho R4 massage gun
Amazon
Unlike the previous two options, the Renpho R4 has a rotating head that can be easily adjusted to five different positions to skillfully target different areas of your body. Just press the big button on the side to switch between each position. There are four speed levels to choose from, as well as six attachments included to provide targeted relief.
Unfortunately, the rotating head makes it a bit bulky. may not be easy to travel with if bag space is an issue. While the battery only lasts two hours, the overall adaptability and relatively low price make the R4 a worthy choice if you're looking for a reliable — and adjustable — massage gun.
4. Aerlang massage gun
Amazon
If you're looking for the most bang for your buck, you could do worse than the Aerlang Massage Gun. First of all, it's the cheapest option on our list (and you can currently get it for 57% off as of this writing), but the reduced price doesn't compromise the performance. Its sleek design also lends itself to easy travel. There's even a carrying case to make it even easier. This weapon has 20 different intensity levels, with six attachments included. thanks to the excellent LCD screen, you will have no problem finding the one that suits you.
5. Ekrin Athletics Bantam Mini Massage Gun
Amazon
“Mini” devices are coveted for their compact size and lightweight feel (plus they're so cute), but sometimes they come down on performance and/or features. The Bantam Mini Massage Gun, however, boasts an amazing six-hour battery life, beating out some standard-sized options on the market, even though it's not much bigger than a smartphone. There are three different speeds and four included attachments, and thanks to its slim, ergonomic design, you can comfortably hold the device and ensure that hard-to-reach areas are not neglected.
6. Theragun Mini 2.0
Amazon
Theragun's Mini 2.0 has a noticeably different look than the rest of the options on this list, but it packs the power you're looking for in a massage gun, with three speeds to choose from and included attachments. This is the most compact option on our list. it can be easily transported whether you throw it in your gym bag or take it with you on a long trip and can easily move around the body as well. The trade-off, however, is that you can't closely monitor battery life.
Still, we were able to use it in our tests for hours, and we like that it hides easily — perfect for people who don't have a lot of storage space at home. We also love that it's Bluetooth compatible — you can connect your device to the Therabody app on your smartphone and/or tablet to track your recovery progress and get tips and tricks for a better massage.
Massage gun Benefits
When we exercise, our muscles and the connective tissue around them are damaged so that during recovery they are “rebuilt” stronger than before. The damage causes an inflammatory response in our body, which is the source of the soreness you feel after training.
Although there is no way to completely prevent muscle pain, massage guns can help manage this pain as well as help our bodies recover adequately. They can expertly target specific muscles that need a little TLC and apply pressure to the area which helps increase blood flow and reduce the likelihood of muscle soreness and tension. Massage guns can also promote increased flexibility, which also helps prevent injuries.
When should you use a massage gun?
These devices can be used as a way to warm up before your workout and as part of your cool down/recovery afterwards. Focus on the muscle groups you plan to target/have targeted. As with everything else in life, moderation is key. one to two minutes on each area of your body is generally safe, but we recommend that you consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your massage gun if you are looking for specific recommendations on how long and how often to use it. It's also important to remember that massage guns aren't the only component of an effective warm-up and recovery routine. you should always combine using these devices with stretching and cardio for the best results.
If you already have an injury or if you notice that the massage gun is causing you discomfort, you may want to stop using it. These devices are generally not recommended for people over the age of 65 or those on blood thinners, as doing so makes you more susceptible to bruising. When in doubt, always consult your doctor.
Massage Gun Buying Guide
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for the best massage guns on Amazon.
Adjustable settings: Everyone is different, which means that exercise and recovery will look different for you than it will for your friends or colleagues at the gym. Having a massage gun that can be adjusted to your body's needs will only allow you to get the most out of it. Look for a massage gun with interchangeable heads so you can target different muscle groups more effectively.
Maintenance: It's easy for germs to build up on your workout gear thanks to sweat, so it's important to make sure you keep your gear clean regularly. Try to stay away from massage guns with foam covers if you plan to share them with a training partner.
Battery life: There's nothing worse than wondering, “Didn't I just load that?” Invest in a massage gun that doesn't need to stay connected to the charger.
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