If you've just run the TCS New York City Marathon, congratulations! As someone who has run a marathon and several half-marathons, I know how much work goes into training for a long-distance race. However, don't forget that providing your body with what it needs to recover is just as important, so you'll be ready to run your next race.
Your lifestyle habits will play a crucial role during this time. Although not essential, certain wellness devices. To find out exactly which ones you can benefit from, we spoke with running and fitness experts, who also offer their professional tips for a successful post-marathon recovery.
Four wellness devices experts recommend for marathon recovery
An easy way to recover in the days following the marathon, besides focusing on resting and replenishing nutrients, is by applying some wellness tech to support your recovery. Keep in mind that these are not necessary for recovery, but they can be helpful if you have access to them.
“Recovery gadgets can be useful when used mindfully, but they should never replace the fundamentals of sleep, nutrition and rest,” says Anya Culling, run coach at Runna, a running coaching app. As long as you’re following those protocols, you can take advantage of some of the popular fitness recovery tech. Below are our favorites, along with some expert-recommended picks.
1. Massage gun
A massage gun can be helpful to soothe those sore muscles in your legs after a long-distance race. Chris Kaplanis, co-founder of RTA Triathlon and New Jersey-based triathlon and run coach, recommends using a massage gun to support your post-marathon recovery. “Percussion therapy guns can help loosen tight muscles and relieve tension,” he says.
Some of CNET’s favorite massage guns include: Therabody Elite, Therabody Pro and Ekrin Athletics B37. Culling likes using massage guns right after a race. “Massage guns are great for easing tight muscles 24 to 48 hours after the race, but be careful not to overdo it,” she says.
2. Compression boots
Using compression boots like my favorite Hyperice Normatec Go Boots or Therabody’s JetBoots Pro Plus can help with recovery thanks to their unique pneumatic compression technique. Hyperice recently released the Normatec Elite Hips, which target the hips and lower back, perfect for post-marathon relief.
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