Exercise is a personal pursuit that’s unique to the individual. If you’re a member of the military, a first responder, a law enforcement officer, or uniformed professional, physical fitness is an essential part of your life and your profession. Remaining healthy and fit provides the basis for effective performance on the job.
You may use all kinds of exercise equipment and gear, from specific apparel and footwear to bikes and rowing machines to a weight bench. All of this is essential to a productive workout, but what about after your session is complete?
Theragun products can help by providing percussive muscle therapy in the post-workout period. What is percussive muscle therapy? What benefits does it infer? What Theragun should you get? Here’s the rundown on the best Theragun model for your personal needs.
What is Percussive Muscle Therapy?
Also called percussive massage or percussive stimulation, percussive muscle therapy involves the administration of quick pulses of pressure to body tissues, typically muscles. This is often performed with a massage gun that delivers strong, rapid pulses and/or vibration.
Benefits of Percussive Muscle Therapy
Just like you gain benefits from stretching after a run or increasing your protein intake when you’re trying to bulk up, percussive muscle therapy can serve to enhance the results of your exercise regimen and improve the recovery process after intense activity. It increases blood flow to muscles and assists in the delivery of oxygen.
This is important because oxygen plays a key role in restoring essential substances like myoglobin, glycogen, and ATP that are typically depleted during exercise. Oxygen is also required to break down the lactic acid that is often responsible for sore muscles after your workout.
Percussive muscle therapy may increase lymphatic circulation, flushing toxins from the body, elongating muscle fibers to reduce stiffness, diminishing scar tissue from previous injuries or surgery, and increasing range of motion.
Following up exercise with this type of therapy could help to increase the overall efficacy of your activity, decrease soreness and recovery time, and even improve job performance.
A Theragun for Everyone
There are several different Theragun models to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences. Each model features Theragun’s proprietary, brushless motor with QuietForce technology, delivering quiet and discreet operation without sacrificing power. But there are important distinctions to consider between all four. Wondering what Theragun you should get? Here are your options:
Theragun Prime
Even though the Prime is the Theragun basic model, it still has an abundance of features. Weighing in at 2.2 lbs, Theragun Prime offers 16mm amplitude and 30 lbs of stall force, as well as a range of five speeds to choose from (1,750, 1,900, 2,100, 2,200, or 2,400 PPMs).
Smart Percussive Therapy with Bluetooth connectivity allows you to choose your preferred speed or take advantage of app-guided routines. An internal lithium-ion battery delivers 120 minutes of continuous run time.
Theragun Elite
The next generation of the incredibly popular Theragun G3, the Elite has a ton of bells and whistles in a compact frame that weighs in at just 2.2 lbs This model features an OLED screen with a force meter, so you can easily know how hard you’re pushing.
With a stall force of 40 lbs, you can push pretty hard before the pulses stop. 16mm amplitude penetrates 60% deeper into muscle tissue than vibration massagers, helping to stimulate circulation and release stored tension.
This model includes Smart Percussive Therapy with Bluetooth connectivity. When you connect to the Therabody app, you’ll enjoy customized wellness routines based on your activity data.
You can customize your speed range from 1,750 to 2,400 percussions per minute (PPMs). The internal lithium-ion battery delivers 120 minutes of continuous run time.
Theragun PRO
Like the Theragun Elite, the PRO features Smart Percussive Therapy with Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an OLED screen. It also offers 16mm amplitude and 60 lbs of stall force. The PRO model is the most expensive in the line-up, but you’ll get your money’s worth. The most notable feature is the fact that the massage arm is now adjustable, offering four positions that help you to reach any part of your body while maintaining a comfortable grip (the grippy, matte covering helps here, as well).
With two swappable lithium-ion batteries, each offering 150 minutes of continuous run time, you can customize speeds (1,750 to 2,400 PPMs, like the Elite) or opt to use any of three built-in, app-guided, preset routines. This model also comes with a two-year warranty, as opposed to the one-year warranty offered for other Theragun products.
Theragun Mini
If you’re looking for an entry-level model to try out, the Theragun Mini is a great option, thanks to its lower pricing and small, lightweight, and ultra-portable construction. It weighs just 1.4 lbs and fits in the palm of your hand with an ergonomic comfort grip.
You will sacrifice some power – this model features only 12mm amplitude and 20 lbs of stalling force, but you’ll still have options for three speeds (1,750, 2,100, or 2,400 PPMs).
The internal lithium-ion battery delivers 150 minutes of continuous run time, so you may enjoy considerably longer run time at lower speeds.
Other Theragun Products to Consider
If you prefer vibration or roller technology over percussive massage, Theragun has you covered with the Wave Duo Vibrating Roller and Wave Roller models. How do they differ from percussive muscle therapy options?
Wave Duo Vibrating Roller
The unique, curved design of the dual roller system is intended to deliver tension-relieving pressure, even in hard-to-reach spots like the neck and lower back. Textured, tread-like wave grooves increase traction to avoid slippage on floors, all while providing muscle pressure at varied angles.
Five vibration intensity settings let you customize your experience when you connect to the Therabody app via Bluetooth. Guided warm-up and recovery routines allow for quick and easy operation.
Made with hypoallergenic silicone, this product is quiet, smooth, and comfortable. Best of all, you’ll enjoy 200 minutes of continuous operation on a charge.
Wave Roller
Simple and streamlined, this cylindrical roller is 12 inches long. It’s designed for full-body treatment and constructed from hypoallergenic EVA high-density foam, delivering the safe support you expect.
With wireless charging (delivering three hours of sustained battery life), Bluetooth capability, and five different speed settings, you’ll enjoy all of the convenience and customization you need for a relaxing roll-out.
What Theragun Should I Get?
It comes down to how much power you think you need. Performing basic fitness routines might require only the percussive power of the Mini, whereas top-tier athletes and professionals might require the greater capabilities of the Pro or the Elite. With so many options to choose from, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right Theragun product for your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re ready to improve recovery after exercise and maximize the impact of your efforts, it’s time to explore the fantastic range of Theragun products available at discounted rates for GovX members.