24 Best Workout Recovery Tools to Help You Bounce Back Stronger

After a challenging workout, do you ever find yourself sore, stiff, and dreading your next session? If so, you're not alone. Many athletes struggle with post-exercise recovery. The good news? Using the right workout recovery tools can help you bounce back faster, so you can get back to training without missing a beat. In this article, we'll explore a range of techniques and equipment that can help reduce soreness, increase mobility, and make your next workout feel easier so you can stay consistent, train harder, and progress toward your goals.

One solution to consider? Pliability's mobility app is an excellent resource for athletes looking to improve their recovery routine. With dozens of sessions led by expert coaches, the app can help you feel less sore and return to your workouts stronger and more consistently, so you can stay injury-free and keep progressing steadily toward your fitness goals.

Why Should You Care About Recovery?

Recovery is one of the most essential parts of any workout routine, but a highly underutilized tool for anyone active. Recovering and stretching before and after your workout will help to:

• Relieve muscle tension and stimulate blood flow
• Reduce your risk of soft tissue injuries
• Improve flexibility

Types of Recovery Gear 

There are a plethora of post-gym and sport recovery tools available that can help your performance, but it's essential to know which one is right for you and what each product offers. 

Massage Guns and Therapy Devices 

Percussion therapy is a widely used recovery technique that leverages high-frequency vibration to relieve muscle tension and simulate deep tissue massage. Massage guns enable users to adjust speed settings, allowing for customized intensity based on muscle sensitivity and recovery needs.

Use the massage gun before and after exercise for optimal results, particularly on tight or fatigued muscle groups. Focus on a single muscle or area, applying gentle pressure while moving the device slowly over the region for 30 to 60 seconds. To prevent overstimulation, avoid exceeding 2 to 5 minutes per area. Always begin with the lowest intensity setting and increase gradually, according to your comfort and pain tolerance.

Foam Rollers 

This is one of the most common recovery items people use. A foam roller focuses on large muscle groups that are tight or have a limited range of motion. Always move slowly and hold your position on the sensitive spots of your muscles (for 20-30 seconds) to help relieve the tension. 

It is best to use this while your muscles are warm. Some significant areas in which people commonly use a roller are: 

• Hamstrings
• Quads
• Shoulder blades

Resistance Bands 

These unique recovery tools stretch out your muscles, making them great for post-gym recovery or after a match. Resistance bands are long and can wrap around your body, applying pressure to help hold stretches. 

These bands come in various sizes and widths, offering more or less slack. Try holding the stretch for 15 seconds and then releasing it when using a resistance band. You can also use this to dynamically stretch, which is all about actively moving your body or muscle during the stretch to improve flexibility.

Massage Balls 

Massage balls are an excellent tool for targeting and releasing tension at specific points or knots in your muscles. They are small and portable, perfect for people who travel or move around a lot. Massage balls come in various sizes and styles and can often have small spikes to increase the tension applied to your muscles. 

It's always best to build up to using massage balls, as they are firm and will take some time to get used to. An excellent use for these is to hold them firmly on the spot, feeling particularly tight for 15 seconds, then release. Use massage balls for hard-to-reach areas such as your shoulders or hip flexors. 

Compression Gear 

You can find compression gear for almost any body part, but it’s most popular for: 

• Wrists
• Ankles
• Knees

Compression gear wraps tightly around a body part with the intent of: 

• Reducing muscle soreness
• Increasing and improving blood circulation
• Providing stability during workouts

If you want to take advantage of compression gear, keep the following in mind: using compression gear post-workout helps reduce swelling and muscle soreness. Using compression gear during a workout keeps your joints stable and steady, allowing you to avoid injury. 

Heat and Cold Therapy 

Heat therapy is an effective method for relieving stiffness and muscle pain. It increases blood flow and promotes tissue relaxation. 

There are two main types:

• Dry Heat: Includes heating pads, electric blankets, and heat packs. This form is easy to apply and convenient for quick relief.
• Moist Heat: Includes steamed towels, moist heating packs, and hot baths. Studies suggest moist heat may penetrate tissue more effectively, offering faster relief than dry heat.

Heat therapy isn't suitable for everyone. Avoid it if you have: 

• Vascular disease
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Dermatitis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sensory disorders such as diabetes

How to Safely Integrate Cold Therapy into Your Recovery Routine

Cold therapy, by contrast, is ideal for reducing inflammation and numbing acute pain. It typically involves ice baths, massage, gel packs, or coolant sprays. While effective, cold therapy should be avoided if you have poor circulation, a sensory disorder that prevents detecting cold damage, or stiffness that responds better to heat.

A balanced approach often involves alternating heat and cold therapy. For example, apply a cold pack for 20 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, then follow with a heat pack for 20 minutes. This method can help reduce inflammation while also easing muscle tension.

Vibration Plates 

These devices use cutting-edge technology to transmit vibrations through your body, causing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times per second. These contractions help to redevelop your muscles and restore joint motion. 

Sleep Aids 

Any professional athlete or experienced fitness enthusiast will tell you that sleep is crucial for muscle recovery. Getting the right amount of good sleep can accelerate your recovery tenfold while providing great mental health benefits. 

Sleep aids help you get better sleep. From sleep headphones to eyemasks, if you're serious about your post-workout recovery, our sleeping aids will quickly become your new favorite. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Recovery Tools? 

Recovery tools like foam rollers and massage guns offer a range of benefits, from easing sore muscles to relieving tension in tired joints. High-quality massage guns use pulsating movements to target deep muscle tissue, which is ideal after intense workouts or long runs. 

Foam rollers, on the other hand, are excellent for reducing spinal pressure and gently stretching tight areas. Beyond physical relief, these tools also promote relaxation, helping you unwind before bed or decompress after a stressful day. We’ve also highlighted a few innovative post-workout accessories designed to track progress and accelerate recovery times.

Related Reading

• What Is Active Recovery
• Why Is Recovery Important for Athletes
• Is Yoga Active Recovery
• Should You Be Sore After Every Workout
• Calves Sore After Running
• Which Muscles Recover the Fastest
• Why Are Ice Baths Good for Muscle Recovery
• What to Do on Recovery Days
• Why Is It Important to Include Recovery Time in a Workout Program?
• What to Drink for Muscle Recovery

24 Workout Recovery Tools

1. Pliability: Flexibility Training for Recovery

Pliability offers a fresh take on yoga, tailored for performance-oriented individuals and athletes. Our app features a vast library of high-quality videos designed to: 

• Improve flexibility
• Aid recovery
• Reduce pain
• Enhance range of motion

Pliability provides daily-updated custom mobility programs for those interested in optimizing their health and fitness. It also includes a unique body-scanning feature to pinpoint mobility issues. If you're feeling limited by pain or ability to move, Pliability aims to complement your fitness routine and help you move better. 

Sign up today for 7 days absolutely for free, on iPhone, iPad, Android, or on our website to improve flexibility, aid recovery, reduce pain, and enhance range of motion with our mobility app. 

2. Celsius Mini Percussion Gun: Compact Massage Tool

A powerful and compact massage tool, the Celsius Mini Percussion Gun is designed to help athletes recover faster and alleviate muscle soreness. This percussion gun targets deep into the muscles with high-frequency vibrations, releasing tension and increasing blood flow. 

This provides them relief from muscle tightness and promotes faster recovery. Giving them this as a holiday gift will allow them to take control of their recovery routine and experience the benefits of professional-grade massage therapy from their homes.

3. Theragun Mini 2.0 Percussion Gun: Portable Recovery Tool

The Theragun Mini 2.0 Percussion Gun is a must-have tool for athletes to enhance their recovery routine. This powerful device delivers deep muscle treatment through rapid and targeted percussive therapy. 

Athletes can use it to relieve muscle soreness, break up knots, and increase blood flow to promote faster recovery. With its compact and portable design, athletes can easily pack it in their gym bag or backpack and take it wherever they go, ensuring they never miss a recovery session.

4. Celsius Percussion Gun: Vibration Therapy for Recovery

Recovering from intense workouts has never been easier with the Celsius Percussion Gun. This powerful tool provides athletes with vibration therapy that increases blood flow and releases muscle tension. 

With three power levels and interchangeable heads, athletes can target specific areas and customize their recovery routine. This percussion gun offers it all, whether they need: 

• Deep tissue massage
• Stimulation for warm-up and cool-down
• A relaxing surface massage

5. TriggerPoint IMPACT Buffer: Percussion Meets Vibration

Combining percussive therapy and vibration technology benefits, the TriggerPoint IMPACT Buffer enhances recovery workouts by delivering a deep muscle treatment. Its vibrating massage head and adjustable rotation speeds allow athletes to target tight muscles and release tension, promoting faster recovery and reducing discomfort. 

Athletes can use it to alleviate muscle soreness, loosen knots, and enhance blood circulation, allowing them to recover more effectively and return to the game faster. With its compact and portable design, you can easily take it to the gym or on the go, ensuring you never miss a recovery session.

6. Hyperice Hypervolt 2: Quiet Massage Gun

If you’re looking for a massage gun that eases muscle soreness without excessive noise, consider the Hypervolt 2 by Hyperice. This three-speed cordless device offers a quiet yet powerful massage experience and pairs seamlessly with the Hyperice app for guided recovery sessions. According to the brand, it provides up to three hours of use on a full charge. 

For a more budget-friendly option, Hyperice also offers the Hypervolt Go 2, a compact version ideal for travel, and the Venom 2: a vibrating belt designed to target lower back tension. To use the Hypervolt, simply attach one of the five included massage heads, power on the device, and apply the tip directly to the sore or tight area. Adjust the pressure based on your comfort level for optimal relief.

7. TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller: Essential Recovery Gear

Regarding essential recovery gear, Foxie considers foam rollers “must-haves” for their affordability and effectiveness. He recommends TriggerPoint, a brand known for its various foam rollers tailored to different needs and body types. One standout is the GRID model, designed with multiple surface textures for targeted muscle relief and capable of supporting up to 500 pounds. According to TriggerPoint, the GRID is ideal for massage, stretching, and post-workout recovery.

A foam roller can be used for tight calves and placed on the floor beneath the sore muscle group. Rest your leg or targeted area on the roller, and apply pressure based on your comfort level. When we roll, we typically allow most of our body weight to press into the roller, creating a sensation akin to a deep-tissue massage

8. Braceability Exercise Knee Brace: Injury Prevention

Recovery isn’t just about addressing post-workout discomfort but also prevention. The athletic knee wrap from Braceability is designed to deliver support and comfort during workouts, helping reduce the need for intensive recovery later. Its open-patella design relieves pressure on sensitive kneecaps, making it ideal for those managing joint soreness. 

This sleek compression sleeve helps stabilize the knee, offering reliable support during high-impact activities or when navigating uneven terrain, such as hiking or trail running. Constructed from lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric, it’s well-suited for outdoor training and warmer conditions, keeping you cool and comfortable.

9. Champion Sports LBSET Colored Lacrosse Balls: Simple Recovery Tools

Frequent runners don’t always need expensive, high-tech products to relieve tension before or after workouts. Foxie recommends trying simple lacrosse balls. They’re an inexpensive choice you can pack in any bag or even your pockets. 

We like Champion Sports’ option because you can order it in packs of two, six, or a dozen, and it also comes in multiple colors. While these are official lacrosse balls used in games, they’re great for rolling under the balls of your feet, your lower back, or glutes for an effective portable recovery tool.

10. Therabody TheraCup: Cupping Therapy for Recovery

If traditional recovery tools aren’t delivering results, cupping therapy, a favorite among pro athletes, offers a compelling alternative. According to the Mayo Clinic, this method uses suction and heat to draw blood to targeted areas, which may help speed up muscle recovery and reduce tension after intense training. While cupping was once limited to clinical settings, you no longer need an appointment with an acupuncturist or sports physician to benefit. 

The TheraCup by Therabody brings professional-grade relief into your home. ThermaVibration™ technology delivers a powerful combination of heat, suction, and vibration to promote circulation and relieve deep muscle discomfort. With three intensity levels for each setting and built-in safety features, like automatic shutoff, it’s tailored for personal use without compromising effectiveness.

11. Hooga Red Light Therapy Panel for Face & Body: Reduce Inflammation

Recently, some athletes (including Peña) and trainers have started using red light therapy to repair muscle tissue, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow, among other possible benefits (as a bonus, red light therapy may also reduce wrinkles and signs of aging). 

We recommend this large, highly-rated red light panel from Hooga, which lets you treat your whole body. Simple, straightforward, and practical, it makes rejuvenating your skin cells a breeze with 60 LED lights, user-friendly digital controls, and a built-in timer. Built-in cooling fans ensure that the panel is never too hot to the touch, while Hooga says its 60-degree beam angle perfectly directs the red light to your face and body.

12. Whoop 4.0: Recovery Tracker

The Whoop fitness band is a minimalist, wrist-worn device that delivers real-time insights into your: 

• Sleep quality
• Recovery
• Daily exertion

It goes beyond tracking steps or heart rate. Whoop analyzes your sleep patterns and provides personalized recommendations for how hard to train or how much to rest, helping you optimize performance and recovery. Whether you're gearing up for a high-intensity workout or facing a demanding day of meetings, Whoop adapts to your activity level and recovery status in real time. 

The companion app allows you to log specific activities, from HIIT and hiking to dancing, commuting, or meditating, offering detailed feedback on your body’s response. The band is water-resistant and designed to stay on during workouts, even in the shower or pool. Plus, a rechargeable battery pack slides on seamlessly, so you never have to take it off. Whoop is one of the most intelligent recovery tools available if you’re serious about long-term health and performance, a must-have for data-driven athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike.

13. Plunge All-In: Cold Water Therapy

It’s no surprise that rock stars and professional athletes alike have turned to ice baths and cold plunge pools after strenuous concerts, events, or workouts; dipping in a chilled tub of water ranges from improving circulation to boosting muscle recovery. The best plunge pool to try this year is Plunge’s new All-In, which gets down to a powerful 37°F of cooling, and whose all-in-one plug-and-plunge setup gives you a spa-like recovery session in a few minutes. 

Built indoors and outdoors, it boasts a UV sanitation system, can be easily filled using a garden hose, and even has a sleeker design, with the chiller entirely housed inside the tub. The bottom line: Recovery doesn’t get any (literally) cooler than the Plunge All-In.

14. Sun Home Sauna Infrared Sauna Blanket: Recovery with Heat

We have plenty of our favorite at-home saunas, but if you don’t have a single inch of space to spare, your next recovery sweat session deserves an infrared sauna blanket like this one from Sun Home Sauna. 

It mimics the feel of a spa-worthy sauna using built-in infrared heating tech to help ease your sore muscles and even reduce stress. That’s why we named it the best infrared sauna blanket you can use at home.

15. Will Perform Lavender Oil Magnesium Lotion for Sleep by Serena Williams: Topical Recovery Balm

Fans of topical products who want something extra portable might try this soothing lotion from Serena Williams’ company WILL. According to the brand, it’s made for “a relaxing experience to help settle your body (and mind) while supporting your body’s natural recovery process. “ It can easily be stored in your medicine cabinet or a gym bag, so you can roll it on even if you’re not near your other recovery gear. 

The formula is infused with Lavender, Magnesium (Epsom Salt), and Vitamin D to help soothe joint pain and tightness. The calming scent provides a relaxing aromatherapy experience as well.

16. Recovery Gummies - Tart Cherry Gummies for Muscle Recovery: Natural Muscle Recovery

These Recovery Gummies, which golfer Phil Mickelson co-founded for Wellness, are ideal for recovery days and decompressing after a strenuous workout. Unlike other pre-workout blends, these keep to a simple, all-natural ingredient list, and the Montmorency tart cherry gives them a nice sour flavor that can also help reduce loss of muscle strength and soreness. 

The performance-minded gummies are also loaded with glucose syrup for a rapid boost of energy and potassium and sodium for muscle support. Throw them in your gym bag or toss them back along with your post-workout smoothies. They’re great for taking before your workout or as part of your muscle soreness recovery post-sweat sesh.

17. Frigidaire Countertop Ice Maker (Stainless): Get Ice On Demand

If you need to ice any part of your body and don’t want to get regular bags of ice from the store (or if your fridge doesn’t have an ice machine), consider this budget-friendly countertop ice machine, recommended by Strategist contributor Margaret Eby.

18. LifePro Red Light Therapy Belt: At Home Infrared Recovery

Red light therapy can help tame inflammation and boost blood circulation, which can help muscles bounce back quickly. While you can visit a physical therapist to get red light therapy, that can be costly. 

The LifePro Red Light Belt allows me to do at-home treatments and costs a fraction of what I’d pay for during PT sessions. It’s a convenient size and shape that I can wrap around different body parts, like my: 

• Legs
• Arms
• Lower back

19. Power Plate DualSphere: Vibrating Massage Ball

The DualSphere earns me the top spot for being the best foot roller. It effectively targets the arches and is versatile across the body. Its contoured “peanut” shape delivers deep, multidirectional pressure, allowing it to dig into muscle tissue from various angles even without the vibration feature. The four-speed vibration function is a valuable bonus for amplifying the intensity.

While it's marketed as a foot roller, I’ve found it incredibly effective on the calves, glutes, hamstrings, traps, spine, and neck. During triathlon training, running 25 miles and biking up to 70 miles weekly, it’s been a lifesaver for sore, overworked feet. The shape is especially well-suited for arch relief, applying pressure simultaneously to the inner and outer foot.

It’s also excellent for spinal work, though I did find it slightly challenging to keep in place around the upper back and shoulder blades. Still, the ergonomic contour makes up for that minor limitation, providing precise, targeted relief for both small and large muscle groups. In short, the DualSphere is far more than a foot roller. It’s a powerful full-body recovery tool.

20. OOFOS Ooah Slide Sandal: Recovery Footwear

After testing several recovery slides, we found that the OOFOS OOahh Recovery Sandal did the best job relieving pressure on our feet. The slides are made of OOFOS’ special foam, OOfoam. The company claims it absorbs more impact than traditional foam, and while there’s no proof to back that up, they did perform better than other slides. 

Matt noticed his feet, knees, and ankles felt better when wearing the slides than without. The best part? They’re machine washable. Despite wearing them daily for over three months, Matt says there are no signs of wear and tear.

21. Tiger Balm: Topical Pain Relief for Recovery

I was a fan of Tiger Balm before I even tried it. Its slogan, “Pain Happens. Suffering Is Optional,” says it all. But clever marketing aside, this product truly delivers. With so many topical analgesics on the market containing similar active ingredients, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Tiger Balm’s fast-acting, long-lasting formula, powered by camphor and menthol, sets it apart.

Camphor is a waxy, aromatic compound derived from plants and has been used for centuries as a natural analgesic. Like menthol, it creates a cooling sensation on the skin, followed by a soothing warmth. These two terpenes are the key players behind Tiger Balm’s signature tingle and its effectiveness at relieving muscle aches and tension.

I prefer Tiger Balm over other options like IcyHot or Biofreeze, not only does it seem to work more quickly and for longer durations, but its high concentration means a small amount goes a long way. A single tin outlasts most tubes of other muscle rubs, making it both potent and economical. It stands out as my pick for the Best Muscle Pain Relief Cream.

22. Dimple Ball: Effective Recovery Tool

Massage balls have long been a staple in functional fitness, particularly in CrossFit circles, where lacrosse balls have been used for years to target deep tissue precisely. Their appeal lies in their: 

• Simplicity
• Portability
• Affordability

No batteries or motors required.

The Dimple Ball builds on this classic tool with a slightly larger diameter and textured surface, improving comfort and control. It’s especially effective for rolling out larger muscle groups like the upper back and glutes, as the broader surface helps distribute pressure more evenly. The textured design also keeps the ball in place between movements.

While effective, the Dimple Ball may slide on certain surfaces and can tug at hair due to its rubbery texture. Still, it’s a smart upgrade for anyone looking for targeted, low-tech muscle relief with more versatility than a standard lacrosse ball.

23. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat: Recovery Tool for Mobility Exercises

Whether for mobility work or active recovery, the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat is our top pick for serious yogis. It’s grippy, sleek, and more versatile than other mats we tested. “It’s not going anywhere while you work out,” says Nicole Davis, certified personal trainer and GGR’s head of content. “It feels pretty heavy for a yoga mat.”

We rated it 4 out of 5 for versatility. Its 6mm thickness makes it ideal for yoga and bodyweight movements. It doesn’t offer enough support for more demanding exercises like Nordic curls. “This will work just fine for yoga,” Nicole adds.

The mat scored 4.5 out of 5 overall in terms of performance. It may feel slightly slippery initially, but the grip improves with use. Built from closed-cell PVC and backed by a lifetime guarantee, it earned a rare 5 out of 5 for durability, making it a long-term investment for any fitness routine.

24. Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Wellness Therapy: Soothe Your Muscles

Epsom salts like Dr. Teal’s have been used for over a century to aid muscle recovery; though scientific support is limited, it may be primarily a placebo. But if a 15-minute soak in a pleasantly scented bath helps you feel better and move more, that alone can make it a worthwhile part of your routine.

Certified personal trainer Lauren Strong rated the Wellness Therapy blend 4.5 out of 5 for scent, noting that the rosemary and mint combination was refreshing but slightly overpowering. The mint was more prominent, which may appeal to some, while others might prefer a subtler fragrance.

Related Reading

• Natural Muscle Recovery
• Is Sauna Good for Muscle Recovery
• Is Swimming Good for Recovery
• Benefits of Active Recovery
• How to Speed Up Muscle Recovery
• Active Recovery vs Rest Day
• Active vs Passive Recovery
• Recovery Methods for Athletes
• How to Speed Up Muscle Strain Recovery
• Muscle Recovery Time by Age

Improve Your Flexibility with Our Mobility App Today | Get 7 Days for Free on Any Platform

Pliability offers a fresh take on yoga, tailored for performance-oriented individuals and athletes. Our app features a vast library of high-quality videos designed to: 

• Improve flexibility
• Aid recovery
• Reduce pain
• Enhance range of motion

Pliability provides daily-updated custom mobility programs for those interested in optimizing their health and fitness. It also includes a unique body-scanning feature to pinpoint mobility issues. If you're feeling limited by pain or ability to move, Pliability aims to complement your fitness routine and help you move better. 

Sign up today to get 7 days absolutely for free on iPhone, iPad, Android, or our website to improve flexibility, aid recovery, reduce pain, and enhance range of motion with our mobility app.

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