When used properly, a massage gun can be a powerful tool to help you get through muscle tightness, says senior coach Laura Pachnos of New York City’s Solidcore. She recommends using it before and after workouts, to warm up or cool down, as well as for recovery after tough sessions at the gym. She also suggests getting a professional session to learn proper technique and use. Physical therapist Ashley Rozek adds that “massage guns can be an inexpensive and effective supplement to help you find those tight spots” and can help with pre- and post-workout flexibility.
When shopping for a massage gun, it’s important to look for one that is easy to operate, and some models even have built-in instructional videos and how-to guides. Many also have automatic shut-off features that preserve battery life in case you forget to turn them off. You’ll want to look for a unit that charges quickly and is compact enough to easily fit in your gym bag or carry-on luggage. Mini options like the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini and Ekrin Athletics Bantam are a good choice for travel.
The Achedaway Pro has the most power on our list, with 16 millimeters of amplitude and 80 pounds of stall force (by contrast, Hypervolt lists 12mm of amplitude and 50 pounds for its Go 2 model). It’s not as portable as some other models in this article, but it is TSA-friendly and comes with five head attachments including a fork, ball, bullet, and air-cushioned heads. best massage gun