Best Recovery Tools — Shape Best In Fitness Awards 2023

Work hard, rest hard — with these proven recovery tools at your side, your muscles will be primed and ready to tackle the next workout.

Fulfilling your fitness objectives requires more than just a regular workout regimen. In fact, ensuring adequate recovery can be equally crucial to avoid injuries and maintain optimal health. Numerous recovery tools like massage guns and foam rollers claim to facilitate quicker recovery post-workout. Our experts at Shape assessed these products for their efficacy. The ones that surpassed our expectations have found a place in the prestigious Shape Best In Fitness Awards.

Best Massage Gun: Theragun Prime

Never assume that a percussive therapy tool is solely for elite athletes, as the versatility and effectiveness of this device will surely alter such perception. The Theragun Prime comes equipped with four different attachments specifically designed to cater to various parts of the body, such as the lower back and feet, alongside five adjustable speed settings. Sporting a 120-minute battery life, this device caters to everyone's unique needs and physique. More than just aiding static stretching, this motorized equipment plays a crucial role in alleviating muscle pain and enhancing post-workout recovery in just a few moments.

Professional Opinion: "The Theragun Prime massage gun became an indispensable part of my daily routine after gifting it to myself as a treat following a challenging year (hello, 2020!). I find it incredibly helpful for recovery after my long runs during marathon preparation, but also after exhaustive workdays. It provides much-needed relief to my neck and shoulders after countless hours spent in front of a laptop. The interchangeable tips, compatibility with apps, and robust motor not only justify the cost but also make this massage gun stand out among its competitors." — Shannon Bauer, Senior Commerce Editor at Shape and InStyle

Best Compression Boots: Normatec 3 Legs

These full-leg compression boots use dynamic air compression to help you recover faster and maximize performance. The precision pulse technology helps increase circulation and reduce inflammation and features seven levels of compression to meet your individual needs.

Professional Opinion: "Incorporating regular sessions with the Normatec 3 compression boots proved to be a pivotal component of my initial marathon training regimen. The anticipation of spending quality time with these compression boots after lengthy runs became something I genuinely looked forward to. My top feature: Their exclusive ZoneBoost™ technology, offering extended time and heightened pressure directed at specific areas (just the solution for when my calves were feeling unusually tense)." — Kristen Geil, Certified personal trainer by NASM and Senior fitness editor at Shape.

Best Compression Socks: Figs Double Stripe Compression Socks

Compression socks have a reputation for being uncomfortably tight and made with scratchy, suffocating material. Figs' compression socks beat the stereotype by being ridiculously soft, and their toe and heel padding makes them extra supportive.

Renowned Testimonial: "Being an individual who frequently travels via air over considerable distances, my Figs compression socks are an essential part of my journey. They prevent blood from pooling in my legs during these extended flights, enabling me to feel revitalized and prepared to tackle my competition upon disembarking." — Anastasia Pagonis, a Paralympic swimmer decorated with gold and bronze medals.

Best Meditation Cushion: Samaya Wheat Deluxe Round Cushion

This luxurious, 15-inch meditation cushion is filled with natural fibers, including plushy millet hulls and springy buckwheat hulls, to help support your posture during your practice. It’s also infused with dried lavender to promote even deeper relaxation. 

Expert Review: “Samaya has so many different fabric and color options to match any home interior style. These cushions are durable and beautiful. I use mine for seated meditations and also restorative yoga at times.” — Phyllicia Bonanno, yoga and meditation instructor and Sweat trainer

Best Recovery Shoes: Oofos OOAHH Slide Sandal

These foam-based slides are designed to absorb 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, helping to keep your feet, ankles, and knees healthy and comfortable in between runs and tennis matches. The footbed also cradles your arches, so your feet won't ache after even a full day of wear.

Expert Review: "After a few barefoot strength-training sessions and long walks around my neighborhood, these slides give my feet the cloud-like support they crave. They're just cushy enough to feel like I'm wearing slippers, but the footbed makes them feel like orthopedic shoes. And I'm obsessed with all of the color options." — Megan Falk, Shape assistant editor

Best Hot/Cold Recovery Tool: Hyperice Venom 2 Back

The Hyperice brand has established itself as a significant player in the recovery tool market, notably with its unique Venom series. The series includes specially designed heated massage tools for different muscle groups like legs, shoulders, and back. Additionally, it offers the versatile Venom Go tool that can be used anywhere on the body, thanks to its adhesive pad.

Especially worth noting is the Venom 2 Back tool, which boasts heating speed six times faster compared to conventional heating pads. Essentially, the complete Venom series presents an upgraded version of the traditional hot pad, setting the trend for the recovery tool industry in 2023.

Expert Review: "At some point in the last year or two, I became 'gets injured while sleeping' years old. The Hyperice Venom 2 Back is my favorite way to give swift relief to my lower back muscles, thanks to its soothing combo of heat and vibration." — Geil

Best Foam Roller for Beginners: Love Sweat Fitness 2-In-1 Foam Roller

This recovery tool set includes a dense, knobby foam roller to work out your deepest kinks, as well as a soft and smooth foam roller to gently massage your muscles. Thanks to the nesting doll-like design, you’ll need only enough space for one roller.

Professional Opinion: "Ideal for beginners, the two-in-one foam roller from Love Sweat Fitness is both attractive and functional, encouraging consistent use. Its textured outer roller can be somewhat intense for those just starting their foam rolling journey. Thankfully, this set includes a second, smoother roller that's perfect for more gentle recovery sessions." — Marietta Alessi, Shape Social Media Director

Best Foam Roller for Deep Pressure: TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller

The Grid 1.0 Foam Roller uses a multi-density foam surface to mimic the feeling of getting a deep tissue massage — and the reduced inflammation that comes with it. Its grid pattern offers more pressure than a traditional foam roller, giving you more control over how much intensity your muscles need.

Endorsed by Anne Reuss, a personal trainer certified by NASM and expert in inclusive training, the TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller is a smartly designed fitness tool that offers both flat and textured surfaces for effective tissue work. What makes it stand out is its user-friendly nature, even for beginners, as it comes with comprehensive instructions and tips. Despite being lightweight and portable, it can accommodate significant weight. Moreover, this foam roller stands as an affordable choice for those seeking deep pressure therapy.

Best Travel Recovery Tool: Gumdrop by Delos Therapy

This cleverly designed recovery tool is shaped like a pyramid, with surfaces that stick to the floor or a wall so you can easily apply pressure for extended periods of time. Roughly the size of a fist, it easily fits into any purse, gym bag, or carry-on suitcase.

Expert Review: "I've been the victim of a lacrosse ball rolling away from me too many times while trying to use it for myofascial relief, and using the Gumdrop felt like an actual lightbulb moment. I love how the edges are the perfect size to target the exact muscle or sore spot I want, and it's super intuitive to use." — Geil

Best Acupressure Mat: ProSource Fit Acupressure Mat and Pillow

The small, plastic pressure points on acupressure mats help reduce muscle tension and pain in a flash. This pick from Amazon is budget-friendly and includes both a mat and a pillow to target your entire back.

Expert Review: "This under-$30 set has been key in reducing my back pain during WFH days (yes, I'm a sloucher). At the end of the day, I unwind by laying on this mat and listening to a podcast or simply closing my eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. It takes a little getting used to, but once your body adapts to the little points, it's honestly addictive." — Geil

Best Vibrating Recovery Tool: TriggerPoint GRID VIBE Plus

This recovery tool is basically a cross between your favorite foam roller and massage gun together in one device. The 3.5-inch-wide foam roller is cordless and rechargeable, and it includes four vibration frequencies that increase circulation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Expert Review: "I love my TriggerPoint foam roller so much that I have it in this vibrating version and regular variety as well. What I personally appreciate about the GRID VIBE Plus is its size — it's slim enough to fit inside the well of my larger foam roller but big enough to be used effectively anywhere on my body. — Alyssa Sparacino, ACE-certified personal trainer and Shape editorial director

Best Tool for Improving Sleep Quality: Therabody Smart Goggles

Think of these smart goggles as a high-tech eye mask that gently massages your temples to help you drift off. They offer personalized vibration patterns to reduce your heart rate when you're dealing with late-night Sunday Scaries. With the foldable design, you can easily bring the tool with you on weekend getaways.

Expert Review: "The Sleep mode is wonderful, and I use it most nights. It either gets me right to that sweet spot of heavy eyelid sleepiness or I straight up fall asleep with it on. Something about the combination and synchronization of vibration, air compression massage, and heat gives me the same sensation as when my aching body descends into a hot bath." — Tamim Alnuweiri, Shape contributor and e-commerce beauty writer at Dotdash Meredith

Best Infrared Recovery Tool: HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket

This sleeping bag-like sauna blanket delivers infrared heat rays to promote muscle recovery, increase circulation, and encourage relaxation. After a tough workout, choose from eight different heat levels, set your timer for an hour, snuggle inside, and let the blanket work its magic.

Professional Endorsement: "The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is a favorite of mine, particularly during the chillier seasons. It serves as a wonderful tool for deep relaxation and provides a satisfying sweat session. It's incredibly beneficial for rejuvenating my tired muscles and contributes to a great night's sleep. Ideal for use during meditation sessions, prior to bedtime, or even while indulging in your favorite television show." - Bridget O'Carroll, who established Studio Qila.

Best Roller for Back and Neck Pain: Chirp Wheel

A recovery tool featured on Shark Tank, the Chirp Wheel is designed to stretch and strengthen muscles along the spine. The wheels come in several sizes for a variety of pressures, and you can also use them to relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, glutes, and more.

Expert Review: “Rolling out my back with these wheels is pure bliss. Using them for five minutes daily seems to have helped prevent aches I used to deal with from working with a less-than-ergonomic desk setup.” — Renee Cherry, Shape associate editor

Best Stick Roller: Tiger Tail The Original 18"

This handheld foam roller helps relieve muscle knots and aches when lying on the floor just isn’t an option. The 18-inch recovery tool is small enough to stash in your suitcase while traveling, glides smoothly across your body, and is wrapped in a layer of foam for additional comfort.

Expert Review: “I used this for an ultramarathon in Africa. My calves get super tight, and this is a great way to get the blood going without taking up very much space. It requires a bit more effort than the foam roller, but the benefit is there!” — Alessi