As a NASM-certified trainer, I think a lot about how I can help you work smarter to achieve your fitness goals.

One pain point of clients (literally) is soreness after workouts.

Myofascial tissues are thick connective tissues that support your muscles. They get notoriously tight and cause soreness.

“Myofascial release” occurs when these tissues get massaged and release tension.

Used by Olympic and professional athletes, percussion massage guns help you do just that.

INTRODUCING THERAGUN MINI

Theragun Mini ($199) is a percussion massage gun that rapidly pulses deep into the soft tissue of your muscles, aiding in recovery.

You can compare Therabody’s higher-tier massage guns here. Theragun Mini is the best bang for your buck (and is the most portable for gym bags and travel).

Alternate Tool: Foam Rollers

Foam rollers are another solid tool for myofascial release. While I prefer percussion massage guns for their precision, foam rollers are more affordable. TriggerPoint is a popular option ($34.99). Here’s their foam rolling how-to video.

SUPERHUMAN SCORING

In every edition of All Systems Go, I assess the featured product across four superhuman dimensions: impact, setup, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Unlike your typical product review, I focus on factors that influence personal growth. Get to know the evaluation system.

Impact (7.5/10)

Compound movements (with a barbell) are the best way to build muscle and strength.

These exercises—bench press, squat, deadlift, etc.—can leave you seriously sore the next day.

I especially get sore in the front of my shoulder after bench pressing. Another frequent hot spot is my glutes after deadlifting.

Using a percussion massage gun has been crucial to releasing tension/soreness in those muscles. That way, I’m recovered by the next time I'm supposed to work 'em.

Setup (9.5/10)

Setup is simple:

1. Charge the gun (80 minutes to charge, 150-minute battery life).
2. Select one of three massage speeds: 1750, 2100, or 2400 percussions per minute. Start slow and work your way up.
3. Spend 15 seconds to two minutes on each sore muscle area.
4. Feel tension melt away.

Maintenance (9.5/10)

Keep this bad boy in your gym bag (soft case included).

It’ll come in handy to activate sore muscles before a workout.

Aesthetics (9.0/10)

Theragun Mini comes in 4 colors (White, Black, Red, and Desert Rose).

My observations:

• The tool strikes the perfect balance between power and size
• An ergonomic grip makes it fun to wield
• The QX35 motor is uber quiet

Robust Amazon reviews (4.8/5 with 4,208 reviews) corroborate my rating.

BRINGING IT HOME

I like buying things that make me healthier, wealthier, or provide me with free time.

Theragun Mini is an excellent investment in your health. To stay on regimen and perform at a high level, you’ll want this tool nearby.

All systems go,

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Resources

• Newsletter Archive: Read past issues of All Systems Go
• Energy Dashboard: Get an under-the-hood look at my self-tracking metrics for energy management (updated weekly)
• [Quick Win] Phone Charger Challenge: Save 60 hours every year with this simple morning hack