In the fitness space, there’s a lot of talk about the different types of tech you must own. In some cases, these pieces of tech are more of an option than a necessity. Some fitness tech can be useful to help you achieve any fitness goals you may have, or if you want to recover more effectively after working out. As CNET’s resident fitness expert, there are some products I recommend, but this time, I asked certified personal trainers, physical therapists and other fitness experts about the fitness tech they love and recommend.
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Whether you’re new to exercising or experienced, you’ll find some of these products to be useful. These are the pieces of tech our experts recommend.
1. Massage gun
A massage gun is a helpful tool to have on hand if you’re looking for recovery relief. I’ve tested many massage guns and have some personal favorites. Certified personal trainer, running coach and massage therapist at Knead Massage, Amanda Grimm recommends investing in one, especially if you exercise regularly.
“Regular use of a massage gun will reduce your recovery time between training sessions, allowing you to train more consistently and with more intensity,” she says. Additionally, massage guns can help improve your range of motion, so you’re prepped to take on any workout.
“The most obvious advantage that my clients report is decreased muscle soreness in the days after a tough session,” explains Grimm. Taking your recovery seriously also has its advantages. The faster you feel recovered, the faster you can return to your next workout.
If you’re new to using a massage gun, Grimm recommends using it before and after a workout for just a few minutes at a time. “Using a massage gun on a slower speed pre-workout allows us to target the major muscle groups that we're going to be working, boosting the blood flow and increasing the available range of motion,” she explains.
For post-workout, Grimm advises targeting the main muscle groups you focused on during your workout. “Using a medium intensity setting for one to two minutes will help flush out excess fluid and inflammation and kick-start the recovery process,” she says.
Grimm's favorite massage guns include the Renpho R3 Mini Massage Gun and the Theragun Pro. “I like the Renpho R3 because it’s affordable and compact, making it a good choice to pop in your gym bag,” she says. She notes that it’s powerful for its size and price and features multiple speed settings, making it a versatile little tool.
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