What I actually use the day after heavy squats and deadlifts: massage tools, compression and heat, and the sleep and refuel basics that get me back under the bar faster. Mostly $20–$160, and a few of these make great holiday gifts for the lifter in y...
Sections
3
Massage & soft tissue
Heat, cold & downtime
Sleep & refuel
Massage & soft tissue
Light enough that it actually lives in my gym bag. Quads and glutes the night after squats is where it earns its keep.
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Handheld Massage
The textured one that doesn't go flat after a month. Two minutes on quads and IT band and the stairs next morning are way less dramatic.
TriggerPoint Grid 1.0 Foam Roller
For hips and glutes where a roller can't dig in. Cheap, tiny, and I use it more than I expected.
4KOR Massage Balls for Trigger Point Therapy
I wear them the evening after a heavy leg day; legs feel less heavy on the drive home. Size down if you're between sizes.
2XU Men's Elite Power Recovery Compression Tights
Heat, cold & downtime
Low effort, high reward for a tight lower back and hamstrings. The auto shut-off means I can fall asleep with it.
Sunbeam Heating Pad for Pain Relief
Ten minutes on the knees after a high-volume day. Velcro wrap so you're not holding a bag of frozen peas.
Coldest Knee Ice Pack Wrap - Hot & Cold Therapy
Not magic, but a hot bath with this is my Sunday reset after a long week of training.
Dr Teal's Epsom Salt Magnesium Soak 4 lbs
Weirdly the best recovery buy I've made. Sore feet and calves notice the difference right away.
OOFOS OOahh Recovery Slide - Women's and Men's
Sleep & refuel
Tracks sleep and resting heart rate, so I can tell if I'm actually recovered before another heavy session.
Google Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker Black
The one tub I keep rebuying. Mixes clean and the double rich chocolate is the safe pick.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
For hot days and two-a-days. Salty, so start with half a packet in a big bottle.
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes Citrus Salt
Total blackout without pressing on your eyes. Sleep is the cheapest recovery tool there is.
