Written in Partnership with John ShackletonIf you want to improve your health and performance it starts by putting in the work with your training. However, training hard is only half the battle. When training ends is when recovery begins and if your body is unable to recover properly then your results will be limited. Recovery includes everything from rest, hydration, nourishment, muscle repair, and inflammation reduction. Most of these things happen naturally with time but there are also products and tools that can help speed up or enhance these processes.
What are the benefits of Recovery Products?
Recovery products can help athletes and weekend warriors alike by reducing recovery times and allowing you to maximize your training sessions. Some recovery products can help by decreasing lactic acid build up, reducing inflammation, or helping you get better sleep and rest.
What are the best Recovery Products to try in 2022?
Recovery tools are constantly evolving as technical advancements are made. In this list we’ve selected some of the best products that we’ve found this year that can aid with your recovery. This list might be the best of 2022 but the brands listed here are industry leaders and make products that will last throughout 2023 and beyond!
1. PLUNGE – Best Overall
When it comes to recovery there is nothing better than the tried and true cold therapy. Cold water therapy has been shown to help with recovery by reducing inflammation and easing muscle soreness. Additionally, cold water immerision can boost energy, reduce stress, and help build discipline. Athletes have been taking cold baths for years utilizing bath tubs or filling barrels with water and ice. But in 2022 athletes and fitness enthusiasts who want to utilize the most advanced cold water therapy equipment need to check out The Cold Plunge aka PLUNGE.
PLUNGE is listed as the #1 ice bath to try in 2022 for many reasons. First off, the cold plunge has one of the most powerful chillers on the market which can adjust water temperature down to 39 degrees quickly and can keep it there for long periods of time. Additionally, the PLUNGE has an outstanding filtration system. Thanks to these two features, there is no need to consistently change the water or purchase ice. This is very convenient and cost effective. In addition to that, the Cold Plunge offers a versatile hot and cold tub model that allows you to turn your cold therapy into heat therapy when needed. For these reasons, the PLUNGE easily took the spot as our best recovery product of 2022.
2. Firefly – Most Innovative
Electrical stimulation therapy is one of the most common treatment procedures being performed in an athletic training room. However, electrical stim machines aka TENS machines can be bulky and hard to take on the go. Firefly Recovery has changed the game by providing a portable, easy to use, scientifically proven athletic recovery device that is trusted by over 250 pro and collegiate teams. Firefly Recovery allows athletes to recover anytime, anywhere with no cords or plugs by increasing blood flow throughout the body by 400% enabling athletes to recover 3X faster. Increased blood flow reduces pain, soreness and swelling allowing athletes to train harder and perform better. Pro athletes like Kerri Walsh Jennings and the San Francisco 49ers have been using Firefly Recovery to help avoid the “dead leg feeling” when traveling on long flights.
3. Beam – Best for Sleep
Sleep is the greatest recovery method there is. Prioritizing quality rest can greatly affect your energy levels, focus, hunger, appearance, and mood the next day. Beam’s Dream Powder is one of the best solutions to ensure that you get quality sleep. Dream Powder is a delicious, healthy hot cocoa for bedtime created to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed. It’s crafted with a unique blend of 5 sleep-promoting ingredients: Nano CBD, Reishi, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and Melatonin. It’s triple lab-tested and contains no THC, which allows top athletes to use it. Sleep should always be a top priority for any athlete or fitness enthusiast so we highly recommend adding the Beam Dream Powder into your nightly routine.
4. Honey Stinger – Best Post-Workout Snack
After long workouts it’s important that you fuel your body with protein and quality carbohydrates to help replenish your energy and build muscle. The Honey Stinger Nut + Seed bar is packed with 14 grams of protein, three antioxidants and 25 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamins A, C, and E. There are a lot of protein bars on the market but we really like Honey Stinger because they have just the right amount of macro nutrients needed post-workout and they only use high-quality ingredients including whey protein isolate. Also, you aren’t going to find a better tasting protein bar!
5. Hypervolt 2 Pro – Best Massage Gun
Massage guns have become incredibly popular over the past few years. Massage guns help increase blood flow to targeted areas which can reduce swelling and inflammation while also facilitating the release of lactic acid. This is what makes them so great for reducing muscle soreness. There are now tons of different massage gun manufacturers in the space. However, the team at Hyperice was one of the first to enter the industry and continues to release top of the line products every year. Hyperice has continued to evolve their product line over the years and their latest massage gun the Hypervolt 2 Pro is definitely the gold standard. The Hypervolt 2 Pro comes with multiple head attachments each suited for different body parts. It also offers 5 speeds so you can adjust it to suit your recovery needs.
Questions about Recovery Products
Recovery is a vital aspect of maintaining a healthy body and it can feel weird introducing a new product into your recovery routine. We have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below, to help you make the best decision for your recovery.
When should recovery products be used?
Most recovery tools can be used whenever you feel you need them. If you are feeling sore, you should take and ice bath or use the massage gun. If you are hungry after a workout, then you should eat a protein bar. Recovery products aren’t something you just use once though and then are instantly better. Recovery is an ongoing process so it’s important to incorporate the right products throughout your entire day.
Are recovery products easy to use?
Yes, the best recovery products are simple and easy to use. Most quality recovery products focus on one particular area of recovery such as sleep enhancement, nourishment, or reduced muscle soreness. With this narrow focus these products offer very straightforward usage instructions.
How efficient are recovery products?
Easy to use, proven recovery products, like the ones on our list, are incredibly efficient at what they do. Regular use of any one of them is sure to have you feeling better in the gym and in life!
What is the best type of recovery product?
This is unique to each person. The best recovery tool for you is going to depend on what type of training you are doing and what aspect of recovery you struggle with the most. In general any product that keeps you hydrated or reduces inflammation is great for recovery.
About the Author:
John Shackleton aka Coach Shack is the Head Sports Performance Coach for the Villanova Men’s Basketball team. John has helped the team win multiple National Championships and trains some of the best basketball talents in the nation. He is a performance coach / nutritional advisor for players like Kyle Lowry, Mikal Bridges, Saddiq Bey, and countless others. Coach Shack has been featured on ESPN, ABC, Fox Sports, Fatherly, Good Day PA, Livestrong, and many other prominent news outlets.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.