Whether you have a home gym or simply want a compact device or two designed to help you boost your fitness, there are countless products to choose from in today's market. This can make it confusing when you're trying to find the best device for your specific exercise needs, space and budget. To help you on your search, I reached out to certified personal trainers with the question: What's the one piece of at-home exercise equipment you can't live without? This is what they had to say.
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1. Massage guns
Massage guns are expert-approved and might even be covered by your HSA. Ivan-balvan/Getty Images
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.
Read more: 8 Unexpected Wellness Devices Your HSA or FSA Might Cover
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.
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