In addition to nutrition and working out, recovery is an integral component to an athlete’s routine. Without proper recovery, there is a greater likelihood for injuries stemming from overuse. The market for recovery products has grown significantly in recent years, undergoing numerous technological advancements. While Normatec is often considered a leader in the recovery product space, there are plenty of other options that are just as good. Below is a complete guide for some of the best recovery products available. If you’re looking for alternatives to Normatec recovery systems, this guide is for you.
SPRYNG (pictured above) is an affordable, untethered, pneumatic compression wrap muscle recovery tool that helps improve circulation, athletic performance, and much more. It is completely wireless and mobile. The SPRYNG muscle recovery tool, focused on calves, is driven by its unique patent-pending wavetec compression pattern that improves blood circulation through graduated compression of the calf muscle. This product is available starting at around $250.
If you’re looking for a product that specializes in cold treatment for sports injuries and recovery, Squid Compression may be for you. Portability is a great feature of this product as it can easily fit within any backpack or gym bag. While the product only caters to single limbs or small areas on the body, it can treat a number of areas including the thigh, knee, elbow, wrist, ankle, and shoulder. Included in one unit is a cold pack, hose, compression attachment, and battery and controller. One important thing to note is many consider this to be a sports medicine product rather than sports recovery. While it can be used for recovery, other products may give you more features. This product is in the under $800 range.
One of the most extensive systems on the market, Game Ready has a number of features that can aid your recovery process. While the product’s strength is the cooling system, it also features compression, contrast therapy, and heat therapy. Game Ready can be used in both the clinical setting and general recovery space due to its extensive nature. Being considered a medical device reinforces its ability as this system not only helps in treating soreness and tired muscles but can help injury rehab as well.
At times overlooked compared to its competitors, Air Relax will still get the job done, but may be geared more towards a recreational athlete than an elite athlete. Air Relax offers a pant featuring chambers and pulse settings, similar to the design of other brands. There isn’t a ton of knowledge on the system itself. The science promoted on the company website mainly refers to their other products rather than the pants. At a price of $400, the price matches the current quality and knowledge of the product.
Catering to the emerging elite athlete and high-performance weekend warrior, Rapid Reboot offers leg, hip, and upper body recovery. With it being a new company, there isn’t a ton of info on the performance of the product, but through its ambassador program, many athletes fully endorse this product. Priced at just under $1,000 if you will only use this system sparingly, it may not be your best option. Included in the price is the system itself and a travel bag making it easy to take on the go.
As the recovery product market continues to grow, there are now many alternatives to Normatec Recovery Systems. Each of these products offers different features and is catered toward specific parts of the body. Bolster your recovery routine with the addition of one of these products.
