A good workout routine goes a long way in improving your health, boosting your mood, and providing extra energy. However, there is one part of a hard workout that everyone hates: sore muscles. Not only does soreness make daily living hard, but it also makes it difficult to work out again anytime soon. Enter the Theragun.
The Theragun massage gun uses percussive therapy to soothe sore muscles and restore strength to your body. The manufacturer even recommends it as a tool to help you relax before bed. How does it work, and is it worth the steep price tag?
What is Percussive Therapy?
First things first: what is percussive therapy? In a nutshell, percussive therapy uses rapid-fire massage techniques to increase blood flow to your muscle tissue. The extra blood flow encourages your muscle tissue to repair itself quicker than it would otherwise.
If you have ever been to a professional masseuse, you may have experienced their short, firm strikes to your back or neck to help work your muscles loose. The principle is the same for the Theragun, but you only need to pay for it once.
What Are the Features of the Theragun?
The Theragun comes in 3 models (not including the miniature version), each one boasting a sleek, triangular style designed for easy gripping. The three types vary in price, with the top running about $600 and the bottom running about $300. Of course, with the different prices come different features.
Each model boasts four attachments (standard ball, thumb, dampener, and cone), at least 2 hours of battery life, five built-in speeds, customizable speeds with the aid of the accompanying app, and 16mm of amplitude for deep muscle treatment.
Here’s a rundown on each Theragun model and its features:
Theragun Prime
The Theragun Prime is the most basic of the three types. For $299, you can purchase the Prime and receive a 2.2 lb device with 30 lbs of massage force. The 2nd quietest version of the bunch, the Prime, comes with a year-long warranty and, like the other types, connects to a pre-set app via Bluetooth. The Theragun Prime comes only in black.
Theragun Elite
The Theragun Elite, running $399, offers a few bonus features that the Theragun Prime does not possess. The Elite charges wirelessly and puts out 40 lbs of force. It also includes an extra wedge attachment that the Prime does not. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame is its low volume. Of the three models, the Elite is the quietest. The Theragun Elite comes in black, red, or white.
Theragun PRO
The Theragun PRO is the most high-end of the three models. It weighs 2.8 lbs and costs $599. In addition to the features mentioned above, this model offers a rotating arm attached to the triangular grip, making it easier and more comfortable to handle. With 300 minutes of battery life and the ability to wirelessly charge, you can count on the Theragun PRO lasting a long time.
It comes with two extra attachments (the supersoft and the wedge) and massages the body with 60 lbs of force. Additionally, your purchase of the Theragun PRO comes with a 2-year warranty. The Theragun PRO comes in black or red.
What About the Miniature Version?
The Theragun Mini weighs just over a pound and is excellent for on-the-go workouts or daily massages. It puts out 20 lbs of force, offers three different speed settings, and is incredibly quiet. It has only one attachment but holds a charge for 2 and ½ hours.
Is the Theragun Brand Worth the Price?
Brand names are funny. Sometimes, you know that the knock-off doesn’t compare, and shelling out the extra cash for the name brand is a no-brainer. Other times, the extra money buys you the logo alone, and in the back of your mind, you know you could have paid less for essentially the same product.
The Theragun lands somewhere in between. Is your money going toward a high-quality, well-designed product? Absolutely. However, could you spend less than $300-$600 and still get a percussive massage gun that performs well? No doubt.
Perhaps the biggest problem with the Theragun’s cost is that the different features on each model don’t quite warrant the price difference. A few extra attachments and some extra battery life don’t seem to equal a $300 upcharge between the PRO and the Prime.
A Cheaper Alternative: The Sharper Image Powerboost Massager
If you’re looking for a percussive therapy massage device with a lower price tag, one great choice is the Sharper Image Powerboost Massager. The Sharper Image massage gun has five attachments, three massage speeds, and boasts whisper-quiet operation. It also comes with a carrying case for the massage gun and attachments. It offers four and a half hours of battery life on one charge and comes in dark grey. The best part is that it only costs $99.99 on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
If you are a dedicated gym junkie and are always sore, investing in the Theragun might be a no-brainer for you. However, if you work out more casually and are just looking for something to help you cool down at the end of a workout, you might consider a more inexpensive alternative like the Sharper Image Powerboost Massager. Whatever you choose, investing in a percussive therapy massage gun is a great way to soothe your sore muscles, relax, and restore strength to your body.
