10 Muscle Recovery Tools for Athletes and Clients

Sore, stiff muscles can put a serious damper on your clients' fitness journeys. 

Whether your clients are new to fitness or have been at it for years, delayed onset muscle soreness (also known as DOMs) is a familiar and sometimes crappy experience that can hinder progress and motivation. 

As a fitness pro, you know that post-workout recovery is just as crucial as the workout itself. But your clients may not always get its importance. That's where your expertise comes in—guiding them towards the right tools to repair, rebuild, and come back stronger from their workouts!

From foam rollers to compression boots, these muscle recovery tools are designed to support the body's natural healing processes, in turn promoting proper recovery and reducing the risk of injury.

In this post, we'll dive into 10 best muscle recovery tools for athletes that every client should consider adding to their recovery regimen. Let’s dive in!

10 of the Best Muscle Recovery Tools for Your Clients

Discover these top muscle recovery tools to help your clients bounce back faster after intense workouts. 

Percussive massage gun

Percussive massage guns have taken the fitness world by storm! These handheld devices deliver rapid, concentrated pulses of pressure to targeted muscle groups, helping to increase blood flow, reduce tension, and improve range of motion. 

By breaking up knots and releasing tension deep within the muscle tissue, percussive massage guns can significantly speed up the recovery process after a challenging workout. 

The best part? Most models are compact and lightweight, making them easy for clients to toss in their gym bag for portable, on-the-go recovery! So whether your clients are professional athletes or weekend warriors, a percussive massage gun is a must-have tool for muscle recovery.

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High-density foam roller

High-density foam rollers are a staple in any athlete's muscle recovery toolkit. These cylindrical tools—made from firm, durable foam—are designed to provide targeted self-myofascial release (SMR) by applying pressure to specific muscle groups. 

By slowly rolling over tight, sore areas, you can help break up adhesions, increase blood flow, and promote flexibility. Foam rolling is particularly effective for reducing DOMS and improving range of motion, making it an essential practice for both pre- and post-workout routines. 

Whether your clients are at home or at the gym, spending just a few minutes foam rolling can make a significant difference in recovery time and overall performance.

Acupressure mat 

Acupressure mats harness the ancient principles of acupuncture to support muscle recovery. Also known as yoga mats or massage mats, these mats are typically covered with hundreds of small, plastic spikes that apply pressure to specific points on the body when someone lies or stands on them. 

By stimulating these acupressure points, the mats can help increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. 

Many athletes find that using an acupressure mat after a workout can help alleviate soreness, improve flexibility, and speed up recovery time. The versatility of these mats makes them suitable for use in a variety of settings, including at home, in the gym, or even at the office!

Your clients can simply lay the mat on the floor, a bench, or even their bed, and spend a few minutes lying or standing on it to reap the benefits.

Cold plunge tubs

Cold plunge tubs—also known as ice baths or cold immersion therapy—have gained popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts as a powerful tool for post-workout muscle recovery. 

These tubs are filled with cold water, typically between 50-59°F (10-15°C), and users immerse themselves for short periods of time, usually 5-15 minutes. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and flushing out metabolic waste products that contribute to muscle soreness. 

As the body warms up after the plunge, fresh, oxygenated blood rushes back to the muscles, promoting healing and recovery!

Many professional athletes and sports teams have cold plunge tubs in their training facilities, but you can also find them in some gyms or wellness centers. While it may be uncomfortable at first, encouraging your clients to incorporate cold plunge therapy into their post-workout routine can be a game-changer for reducing sore muscles.

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Compression boots

Compression boots are popular recovery devices among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and physical therapists alike. 

These boots consist of inflatable chambers that wrap around the legs, applying gradual, pulsating pressure from the feet upwards. By mimicking the body's natural pumping action, compression boots help stimulate blood flow, reduce swelling, and flush out lactic acid. The increased circulation also delivers fresh, oxygenated blood to the muscles, which promotes healing and recovery. 

Your clients can find compression boots in some gyms, physical therapy clinics, or even purchase them for home use. They are particularly useful after long endurance events, such as marathons or cycling races, or after strength training sessions that target the legs. 

Recovery bath soaks

Recovery bath soaks are a relaxing and effective way to promote muscle recovery. These specialized bath additives typically contain a blend of Epsom salts, essential oils, and other natural ingredients that work together to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. 

Epsom salts, which are rich in magnesium, help to relax tense muscles and improve circulation, while essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus provide additional anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. By soaking in a warm bath infused with these therapeutic ingredients, your clients can help their bodies release tension and accelerate the recovery process. 

Recovery bath soaks are perfect for use at home after a particularly intense workout or a long, stressful day. They are also a great option for clients who travel frequently and may not have access to other recovery tools. Simply fill up a tub and hop in!

Red light therapy devices

Looking for a non-invasive muscle recovery tool? Enter red light therapy devices. 

They emit concentrated wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that penetrate deep into the skin and muscle tissue, stimulating cellular energy production and regeneration. By enhancing cell function, red light therapy can help reduce inflammation, alleviate muscle soreness, and accelerate the healing process. 

Studies have shown that regular use of red light therapy can lead to improved muscle strength, endurance, and overall performance. Many professional athletes and sports teams have incorporated red light therapy into their recovery protocols, but these devices are also becoming more accessible for home use. 

Compact, portable red light therapy devices allow your clients to treat specific muscle groups or enjoy full-body sessions in the comfort of their own home!

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Muscle stimulating devices

Muscle stimulating devices, also known as electronic muscle stimulators (EMS), are popular tools for enhancing muscle recovery after a workout. These devices use electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions, which can help increase blood flow and reduce soreness. By mimicking the body's natural muscle contractions, EMS devices can help flush out lactic acid and deliver fresh, oxygenated blood to the muscles, accelerating the recovery process!

It's important to note that these devices differ from TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines, which are primarily used for pain relief. While TENS machines target nerve endings to block pain signals, EMS devices focus on stimulating muscle fibers to improve recovery and performance.

Muscle stimulating devices are commonly used after intense workouts, particularly those targeting specific muscle groups. They can be used at home, in the gym, or even while traveling, as many models are compact and portable—perfect for busy clients on the go. 

Topical muscle rubs 

Topical muscle rubs are a convenient and effective way to promote muscle recovery after a workout. These creams, balms, or gels typically contain a blend of natural ingredients like menthol, camphor, or arnica, which work together to provide relief from sore, tired muscles. When applied directly to the skin, these ingredients create a cooling or warming sensation that helps to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort. Tingly!

Topical muscle rubs are particularly useful for targeting specific muscle groups that feel tight or sore after a workout. They can be used at home, at the gym, or on-the-go, making them a versatile addition to your clients’ recovery toolkit. Encourage your clients to keep a tube of muscle rub in their gym bag for quick relief after their next workout!

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Vitamins and supplements

Vitamins and supplements can play a crucial role in supporting muscle recovery. They work by providing the body with the building blocks it needs to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, reduce inflammation, and maintain overall health. 

Some of the most important vitamins and supplements for muscle recovery include protein, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium.

Protein, in particular, is essential for muscle growth and repair, as it contains the amino acids necessary to rebuild damaged muscle fibers. Creatine, on the other hand, helps to increase energy production in the muscles, allowing for more intense workouts and faster recovery. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.

Encouraging your clients to incorporate vitamins and supplements into their post-workout routine is a convenient way to support muscle recovery, regardless of their location or schedule. Recommend they have a protein shake or supplement immediately after a workout to kickstart the recovery process!

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