Shape best in Fitness Awards 2023: Best relaxation tools

Shape best in Fitness Awards 2023: Best relaxation tools

Whatever your fitness goals may be, it is important to remember how you move is only part of the equation; In fact, prioritization of recovery can be as important as sticking to a consistent training routine (especially if you want to remain pain and injury-free). From massage guns to foam rolls, shape experts have tested all relaxation tools that promise to help them recover from their last training session. These were the products that have grown to the challenge and deserved their place at the Shape Best in Fitness Awards.

Best massage gun: Theragun Prime

A percussive therapy device only seems to be reserved for top athletes, but trust that a few sessions with this relaxation tool will change their opinion. With four attachments for different areas of the body (e.g. feet and lower back), five speeds and a battery life of 120 minutes, the device offers something for each and body. A motorized device can relieve sore muscles beyond the static stretching and help with recovery after training in just a few seconds.

Theragun
Prime
$ 299.00

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Expert assessment:"I bought this massage gun as a reward after a particularly strenuous year (Hi, 2020!), And it quickly became a daily staple. I love it for the relaxation after a long run during marathon training, but I also reach for long work. App connectivity and the powerful engine justify the price and make this massage gun into an outstanding massage gun. ” - Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor at Shape and Instyle

Best compression boots: Normatec 3 Legs

This compression boots with full leg use dynamic air compression so that you can recover faster and maximize the performance. Precision pulmon technology helps to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation, and has seven compression levels to meet your individual needs.

Hyperice
Normatec 3 legs
$ 799.00

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Expert assessment:"The regular time with the NORMATEC 3 compression boots was an integral part of my first marathon training plan, and I was actually looking forward to my long runs, because I knew that I had a date with these compression boots afterwards: Your special zoneboost ™ technology, that gives itself in a certain area (perfect if my calves are particularly tense felt). " -Kristen horny, NASM-certified personal trainer and Shape Senior Fitness Editor

Best compression socks: Figs Double Stripe compression socks

Compression stockings have the reputation of being uncomfortable and consisting of scratching, suffocating material. Figs' compression stockings exceed the cliché by being ridiculously soft, and their toe and heel padding makes them particularly supportive.

Fig
Double strip compression socks
$ 28.00

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Expert assessment:"I travel a lot with planes over long distances and always make sure that I have my FIGS compression stockings with me. They help me to get my blood on these long flights, and I feel full of energy and ready to take part in competitions when I get out of the plane." - Anastasia Pagonis, Paralympic swimmer with gold and bronze medal

Best meditation pillow: Samaya Wheat Deluxe Runde pillow

This luxurious 15-inch meditation cushion is filled with natural fibers, including plushwood deer bowls and feathers to support their posture during their exercise. It is also enriched with dried lavender to promote even deeper relaxation.

Samaja
Round deluxe pillow wheat
$ 149.00

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Expert assessment:"Samaya has so many different fabric and color options that fit every furnishing style. These pillows are durable and beautiful. I use my sitting meditations and sometimes also for restorative yoga." - Phyllicia Bonanno, yoga and meditation teacher and sweat trainer

Best relaxation shoes: Oofos ooahh slide sandal

These slides on a foam base are designed in such a way that they absorb 37 percent more bumps than conventional shoes and help to keep their feet, ankles and knees between runs and playing tennis healthy and comfortably. The footbed also supports your foot vault, so that your feet do not hurt even after a whole day.

Oofos
Ooahh slide sandals
$ 60.00

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Expert assessment:"After a few barefoot strength training sessions and long walks in my neighborhood, these pantolettes give my feet the cloud-like support that they long for. They are just so comfortable that they feel like I was wearing slippers, but the footbed gives them the feeling of orthopedic shoes. And I am obsessed with all the color options." - Megan Falk, Deputy Editor of Shape

Best Hot/Cold Recovery Tool: Hyperice Venom 2 Back

Hyperice is one of the best-known brand names in the recovery area, and the Venom line of the brand offers muscle group-specific heated massage devices with products for legs, shoulders and back (plus a refined Venom go device, a portable heat and vibration device). which can be attached anywhere via an adhesive pad). Venom 2 in particular heats up six times faster than a conventional heating pillow. Simply put, the entire Venom line is a 2023 upgrade of the tired hot pad.

Hyperice
Poison 2 back
$ 249.00

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Expert assessment:"At some point in the past one or two years, I turned into my sleep. The Hyperice Venom 2 Back is my preferred method to provide my lower back muscles thanks to its calming combination of warmth and vibration." - Cool

Best foam roll for beginners: Love Sweat Fitness 2-in-1 foam roller

This recovery tool set contains a dense, gnarled foam roll to train your deepest kinks, as well as a soft and smooth foam roller to gently massage your muscles. Thanks to the doll -like design, you only need enough space for a role.

Dear Sweat-Fitness
2-in-1 foam roller
$ 35.00

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Expert assessment:“This two-in-one foam roll is ideal for beginners. A foam rolling routine can be started (and staying with it) can be a challenge for newcomers, but this role set is so cute that you actually want to use it. The outer knob roll can feel a little too intensely on your muscles at the beginning, but luckily this set is delivered with a second smooth roll that you can use if you need a gentle recovery session. ” -Marietta Alessi, Social Media Director of Shape

Best foam roll for deep pressure: Triggerpoint Grid 1.0 foam roller

The Grid 1.0 Foam roller uses a foam surface with several densities to imitate the feeling of a deep tissue massage - and the associated reduced inflammation. Its grid pattern offers more pressure than a conventional foam roll, so you have more control over how much intensity your muscles need.

Trigger point
Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
$ 37.00

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Expert assessment:"Triggerpoint is delivered with clear instructions and advice for beginners, so I started. His design is intelligent: a combination of flat and structured/channeled surfaces for tissue work, so that everyone can find their" sweet spot ". It is affordable, portable and can endure quite a lot! ” -Anne Reuss, NASM-certified personal trainer and expert in inclusive training

Best travel recreation tool: Gumdrop from Delos Therapy

This clever recovery tool designed has the shape of a pyramid with surfaces that adhere to the floor or on a wall so that you can easily put pressure on a long time. It is about fist -sized and easily fits in every handbag, sports bag or every hand luggage case.

Delos therapy
Gummy bear
$ 39.00

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Expert assessment:"Too often, I was victims of a lacrosse ball that rolled away from me when I tried to use it for myofascial relief, and the use of the Gumdrop felt like a real light bulb moment. I love how the edges have the perfect size to go to target the muscle or the painful point I want, and it is super intuitive to serve." - Cool

Best acupressure mat: Prosource Fit Acupressureatte and pillow

The small pressure points made of plastic on acupress tower attachments help to reduce muscle tension and pain in no time. This selection of Amazon is budget -friendly and contains both a mat and a pillow to target your entire back.

Prosource-Fit
Acupressmatte and pillow
$ 30.00

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Expert assessment:"This set for less than $ 30 was the key to reducing my back pain during the WFH days (yes, I am a sloucher). At the end of the day I relax by lying on this matt and listening to a podcast or simply my eyes for 10 to 15 minutes.

Best vibrating restoration tool: Triggerpoint Grid Vibe Plus

This restoration tool is basically a mix of your favorite foam roller and massage gun in one device. The 3.5 -inch wide foam roller is wireless and rechargeable and contains four vibration frequencies that increase blood circulation and accelerate muscle regeneration.

Trigger point
Grid Vibe Plus
$ 105.00

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Expert assessment:"I love my triggerpoint foam roll so much that I also have it in this vibrating version and in the regular variant. What I personally appreciate about the Grid Vibe Plus is its size-it is thin enough to fit into the deepening of my larger foam roller to be used effectively everywhere on my body." -Alyssa Sparacino, ACE-certified personal trainer and shape editor-in-chief

Best tool to improve sleep quality: Therabody Smart Goggles

Imagine this intelligent glasses as a high-tech eye mask that gently massages your temples so that you can fall asleep. They offer personalized vibration patterns to reduce your heart rate when you are dealing with nightly Sunday Scaries. With the foldable design, you can easily take the tool on weekend trips.

Thermal body
Intelligent glasses
$ 199.00

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Expert assessment:"The Sleep mode is wonderful and I use it most nights. It either puts myself directly into the sweet point of heavy sleepiness of the eyelids or I fall asleep immediately. -Tamim Alnuweiri, Shape employee and e-commerce beauty author at Dotdash Meredith

Best infrared production tool: high-tose infrared saunad corner

This sleep -like sauna corner delivers infrared heat rays to promote muscle regeneration, increase blood circulation and promote relaxation. After a hard training from eight different heat levels, set your timer to an hour, cuddle in and let the ceiling unfold your magic.

Higher edit
Infrared sauna corner
$ 599.00

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Expert assessment:"I love my high -tone sauna corner (especially in the colder months) for deep relaxation and pleasant sweating. It helps to revive my painful muscles and let me sleep so well. Perfect for meditation, shortly before going to bed or even watching TV." - Bridget O’Carroll, founder of Studio Qila

Best role for back and neck pain: CHIRP Wheel

The CHIRP Wheel is a recovery tool from Shark Tank and was developed to stretch and strengthen the muscles along the spine. The wheels are available in different sizes for different pressures, and you can also use them to solve tension in the neck, shoulders, buttocks and more.

Chirp wheel
CHIRP Wheel+ 4-pack
$ 130.00

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Expert assessment:"Rolling out my back with these wheels is pure bliss. The daily use for five minutes seems to have contributed to preventing pain that I previously had to struggle with a less ergonomic desk arrangement." - Renee Cherry, co -editor of Shape

Best floor scooter: Tiger Tail the Original 18 ″

This portable foam roller helps to relieve muscle nodes and pain if lying on the floor is simply not an option. The 18-inch rescue tool is small enough to store it when traveling in your suitcase, glides gently over your body and is wrapped in a foam layer for additional comfort.

Tiger tail
The original 18 ″
$ 40.00

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Expert assessment:"I used this for an ultramarathon in Africa. My calves are super narrow, and this is a great way to get the blood going without taking up a lot of space. It requires a little more strength than the foam roll, but the advantage is there!" - alesi