Utilized a massage gun for 30 consecutive days, deeming it indispensable for my muscle recuperation process.
Title: Unwind with a Mini Massage Gun: My 30-Day Experience
In my line of work as a personal trainer, I'm bombarded with questions about muscle recovery, particularly muscle soreness. I usually recommend a protein-rich diet, hydration, and rest, but clients often ask if a massage gun could help alleviate stiffness.
Massage guns, such as the handheld device I tested—the Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini, work by employing pressure and vibration to boost blood flow. This enhanced blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients can reach muscles, facilitating quicker recovery and reducing inflammation. Not just that, massage guns can also aid in reducing stress and boosting feelings of wellbeing and relaxation.
I put the Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini to the test for 30 days. Here's my experience.
Sore Muscles Got You Down? Massage Gun to the Rescue!
I'm not exactly a green thumb, but after allowing my garden to overgrow, I decided a six-hour weeding marathon was just the solution. My garden looked magnificent by the end, but my aching back paid a hefty price—a scorching hot bath didn't quite soothe my muscles.
After my bath, I used the puff ball head attachment on the highest setting on my lower back for five minutes. The result? Not only was it a relaxing post-bath ritual, but it also helped alleviate some of the nagging tension.
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Heat Therapy: The Perfect Warm-Up Companion
Heat therapy is a relatively new addition to massage guns, and the little attachment (which you charge separately before using) on the Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini was a game-changer for loosening up my muscles during warm-ups.
I used it for three minutes on my quads, calves, and hamstrings before a lower-body workout, and while it was soothing, it also ensured I was fully prepared for my exercise routine.
Increase Flexibility with a Massage Gun
Let's face it, after a workout, you're bound to experience muscle soreness. But a massage gun can serve as an excellent tool to minimize that pain. One study found that using one for five minutes after an arms workout reduced stiffness more effectively than a traditional massage[3].
I tested this out on my legs after a workout involving numerous kettlebell swings and deadlifts. I used the ball head attachment on the highest setting to mimic a deep tissue massage, and it certainly eased the tightness in my hamstrings better than a hot bath or foam roller ever could.
Relaxation at Your Fingertips
My daughters adored receiving pre-bedtime back massages with the ball head attachment on the gun. I set it to the slowest speed, and it was incredibly effective in sending them off to sleep peacefully. I also found myself using it as a way to unwind myself in the evenings to de-stress[4].
In summary, the Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini massage gun is an affordable and efficient option for those seeking to alleviate muscle soreness and accelerate recovery after physical activity[3][4]. Its versatility, thanks to features such as heat therapy, adjustable speeds, and advanced massage capabilities, makes it a versatile tool for post-workout recovery, stress reduction, and overall relaxation.
[1] "The Best Massage Gun of 2021: 9 Options Tested and Research-Backed Benefits" by Livestrong.com, https://www.livestrong.com/article/121593-best-massage-gun-tested-backed-effective/
[2] "Massage Guns: The Complete Buying Guide" by RebootYourTrainer, https://www.rebootyourtrainer.com/massage-gun-buyers-guide/
[3] "Exercises That Decrease Tension: What Research Says They Should Be" by Livestrong.com, https://www.livestrong.com/article/121572-exercises-decrease-tension-should-be/
[4] "The Best Muscle Recovery Gear: What Science Says They Should Have" by Livestrong.com, https://www.livestrong.com/article/121201-best-muscle-recovery-gear-science-backed/
- The Bob and Brad M7 Plus Mini massage gun, like many other massage guns, uses pressure and vibration to increase blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles for quicker recovery and reduced inflammation, making it ideal for those seeking relief from muscle soreness after fitness-and-exercise or sports activities.
- In addition to aiding in muscle recovery, massage guns can also offer wellness benefits, such as reducing stress and boosting feelings of wellbeing and relaxation, as shown by personal experiences and some scientific studies.
- Heat therapy, a new addition to some massage guns, can be particularly useful in loosening up muscles during warm-ups, thus ensuring elasticity and readiness for workouts, and it can also provide soothing relief for sore muscles.
- A study found that using a massage gun for five minutes after an arms workout can reduce stiffness more effectively than a traditional massage, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving flexibility and promoting health-and-wellness.
