In our recent RW Lab tests, this massage gun was unmatched when it came to recovery sessions. Our expert loved the innovative features, especially the ability to heat up the massage head to 47C for a hot pre-workout primer that encourages blood flow to the muscles. Alternatively, you can also freeze another of the interchangeable massage heads (there are six to choose from) for a powerful post-run renpho foot massager cool down. It was able to glide over their skin without snagging or causing any (additional) discomfort, and was surprisingly quiet in use — ideal for giving your muscles some much-needed TLC in front of the telly. Our expert tester trialled a range of massage guns over a three-week period, using them after a wide range of exercises, from weightlifting and running to HIIT and yoga.
Once turned on, the Elite has a screen that indicates its current speed setting and remaining battery. I tried the various included attachments and experimented with different speeds to see how well it penetrated my muscles. It’s obviously a powerful massager, falling between the Theragun Pro Gen 5 and the Theragun Prime. However, the Elite is more user friendly, thanks to the simplicity of its features, while having more power than the Prime. Both beginners and well-established athletes will get good use from the Elite to break down knots and eliminate sore muscles.
The 4-speed settings were exactly what we needed, with even the lowest speed providing an effective and relieving massage. However, the higher speeds are quite strong and might be painful if you’re not used to that. While the gun may look bulky, we actually thought it was quite lightweight and found it portable with the handy carrying case it comes with. This massage gun goes up to 3200rpm (over five different speeds) and comes with five precision massager heads. Speeds start at 1800rpm and go up to 3200rpm to provide a range of massage intensities.
Begin by choosing an attachment that will complement the muscle group you’re treating. All of our picks come with a basic owner manual that at least recommends which attachments to use on which areas renpho massage of the body. Float the attachment over the area you’re targeting and adjust the pressure as you go. To warm up for a workout or activity, concentrate on a specific area for about 30 seconds.
Other research has found that vibration therapy can have a positive effect on the nervous system and help prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness. But vibration therapy—a shaking or trembling sensation that can come from equipment like vibrating foam rollers—differs from the percussive massage that massage guns offer. You have more options than its competitor the Theragun Mini second generation which only has three. The Bantam has three speeds ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 percussions per minute and provides 10 millimeters of amplitude and up to 35 pounds of pressure. If you’re traveling with the Bantam and need to recharge it, you can easily do so with its USB Type-C charger.
This is Theragun’s third entry on our list, proving the brand really lives up to its hype. Although the USP here is its dinky size, that hasn’t stopped it still being a powerhouse machine. It’s even smaller and lighter than the 1st gen model, so it’s super easy to slip into your gym bag for a quick post-session massage, or clip onto the outside of your bag thanks to its nifty travel case. So, if you’re ready to banish your foam roller for good, read on as we’ve picked a total of 16 of the best massage guns money can buy.
So we volunteered our own sore muscles to test the 14 massage guns collectively offered by Hyperice and Renpho. In professional settings, massage guns can enhance what a massage therapist, physical therapist, or athletic trainer can offer—with less wear and tear on the practitioner’s hands, wrists, and elbows. “It gets you a lot in a very short span of time,” said Ericka Clinton of the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences.