A product exploration - Theragun.
18 Oct 2020 - Jake Sherwood
Pain Points
Workout pain - Theragun to the Rescue?
Everyone has their go to pre and post workout secret. Do this before, do this after, I swear by this, I swear by that. Everyone has a solution.
As an avid skateboarder of 30+ years, still throwing myself on the ground weekly, pain is real. Post session / workout soreness, or more specifically DOMS, delayed onset soreness.
DOMS is when you really feel those last few reps in the gym, that last mile of the run, or the last few slams of the sesh, a few hours later or the next day.
There are a number of articles about why DOMS happens here and here, but how can we try to reduce it?
Enter Theragun, first prototyped almost 14 years ago, the inventer needed a way to deal with pain after a motorcycle accident. Fast forward to 2016 and the original Theragun was launched creating a consumer niche all it’s own.
Now there are a number of options Theragun G4 Pro, Hypervolt, Impact, DreamPro etc. But the product that has especially peaked my interest is the Theragun Mini.
theragun mini
Released this year, the Mini, while not as powerful as the other models, offers a few key points that resonate with me. Simplicity, quietness and portability.
As a skater portability is crucial. Being able to have the device with you pre and post sesh can have a big impact on the intensity and potential of DOMS.
Disclaimer, I don’t have one… yet… but I have used one and WOW.
A friend brought his to the spot the other day and I quickly asked if I could try it.
Sore from a session the day before, this was the perfect opportunity to test it out.
In my early 40’s, warming up for the skate session is a slow process. It usually entails rolling around the spot, hopefully there is transition (low impact obstacles), and slowly massaging life back into my aching limbs.
The Theragun Mini made a noticeable improvement. I was able to get going much quicker than normal and the fatigue I usually feel around the 1.5 to 2 hour mark was much less.
Coming in at about half the weight of the Theragun Pro and the same battery life, the mini is much simpler. No screen, only one attachement, no bluetooth. I never knew why I needed to connect via bluetooth to a massage gun, but other versions have it. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Also, it less than half the price of the before mentioned version(s).
After an almost 3 hour sesh, I was certain I was going to be sore. I asked my buddy if I could have another go with the Theragun, which he obliged. The next day, soreness… appreciably less!
Lightweight, simple, cheap, and apparently effective, that meets most of my requirements. I think a purchase will be happening soon…