CrossFit is a strenuous exercise that engages entire muscle groups to transform and sculpt the body.
Because of the intensity of this exercise program, muscle soreness is inevitable. Active recovery is an excellent muscle recovery tool, while sometimes, a massager or stretch band can help too.
We’ve given you the best CrossFit gear and the CrossFit diet, so now it’s time to find the best tools for muscle recovery.
Let’s rock and roll.
Massage Guns
Massages are great recovery tools for muscle soreness, and they increase blood flow to heal the body.
However, they are expensive, and it isn’t always easy to find the time to fit them into your schedule.
That’s where massage guns come into play as one of the best Crossfit recovery tools. Take a look at some of our top recommendations below.
TheraGun Elite
The newest TheraGun Elite is the 4th generation of the model.
It features a QX65 motor with Quietforce technology and longer battery life than its predecessors. Use this massager for up to two hours without needing to recharge.
Because a lithium battery powers it, no cords get in the way while massaging. It has an ergonomic handle for comfort and an OLED screen that showcases the speed and force used.
With Bluetooth capabilities to connect to wellness apps, the TheraGun Elite is a favorite for its efficiency in proper recovery from a CrossFit workout.
It’s available on Amazon for $399 and comes in black or white.
It features five different attachments that focus on overall muscle massages to more specific triggers needing recovery.
User Reviews:
QX65 MOTOR WITH QUIETFORCE TECHNOLOGY - proprietary brushless motor & advanced sound insulation delivers powerful deep muscle treatment quieter than the average massage device.
- With 5 attachments and 5 speeds, your device has the power to massage any area like a pro.
- Ultra quiet with advanced sound insulation and premium design.
Comfier Mini Massage Gun
If you are looking for a good budget option, the Comfier Mini Massage gun is perfect for a post-workout recovery tool.
It’s a compact tool, weighing only 1.2lbs, which is excellent for travel.
To offset delayed onset muscle soreness, grab this compact device and use it for up to five hours on one charge.
A USB port is available for charging and a noise reduction technology to keep it quiet while in use.
For $59.99, available on Amazon in either black or white, the Comfier Mini Massage gun is affordable with four attachments to decrease muscle fatigue and promote blood flow after your CrossFit training.
User Reviews:
Deep Tissue Massager Gun, USB Charging, Lightweight Portable Percussion Muscle Gun for Athletes, Gifts for Men, Women, Super Quiet Body Massage Gun for Neck, Back, Arm, Leg.
- Powerful Brushless Motor: Maximum speed 3600rpm and vibration amplitude is 6.5mm
- Mini Massage Gun Design:pocket sized, much smaller than other massage guns.It weighs only 1.2lbs
- Long battery Life:run continuously for up to 7 hours
- 4 massage head target your muscle groups
- Noise free
Foam Rollers
Another CrossFit recovery tool is the foam roller.
CrossFit athletes swear by foam rollers as an excellent way to stretch sore muscles.
Here are a few of the best ones to try.
LuxFit Foam Roller
Picture this. You just completed an epic training session involving one tough workout after another.
How do you regain muscle function? You reach for the LuxFit foam roller and revive those muscles.
This speckled foam roller comes in various colors and sizes to relieve soreness by rolling tight muscles to stretch and massage all at once.
The foam roller molds to your body, promoting better muscle stretching, coordination, and overall body awareness.
Recovery methods like foam rolling have been proven to help prevent injuries post-workout.
The LuxFit foam roller is made with high-density foam, guaranteed to last with a 10-year warranty.
The price of this foam roller ranges from $12.95 for the smallest 12” roller to $29.95 for the largest roller at 36”. An 18” and 24” foam roller is also available.
User Reviews:
3 Year Warranty High Density Foam Roller for Physical Therapy Exercise Deep Tissue Muscle Massage. Back Leg and Body Roller (Blue, 12 Inch).
- LuxFit High Density Foam Roller is great for Physical Therapy.
- Foam Muscle Rollers helps to relieve Muscles Tension and increase Muscle Reflexology.
- Molded polypropylene foam technology has a 2 lbs.
- Great for core stabilization, balance, and stamina.
Elvire Sport Foam Roller for Physical Therapy
The Elvire Sport foam roller is a medical-grade high-density foam roller that comes as a set.
Receive a soft inner roller for gentle massages post-workout. If you require foam rolling at a more intense level, go for the hard covering roller with sharper pins to massage deeper for more muscle gain.
The Elvire Sport also comes with a foot massager and massage ball. All of this comes in a carry-all bag, making it easy to bring with you for CrossFit recovery.
All of these recovery tools are available together on Amazon for $34.99.
User Reviews:
Deep Tissue Muscle Roller Set - Includes: Back Roller x2, Massage Roller, Massage Ball, Foot Roller - Foam Roller for Back, Neck, Feet & Leg Roller.
- Signature foam ridges for smooth rolling
- Enhanced strength, flexibility, and endurance
- Breakthrough high density EVA foam
- Included soft foam inner roller for sensitive areas
- Foot massager for plantar fasciitis
Muscle Scrapers
Another CrossFit recovery tool, the muscle scraper, is a small apparatus that manipulates small muscle tissue for better blood flow and relief from muscle tension.
Here are a few of our favorites.
BYYDDIY Gua Sha Muscle Scraper Tool
The BYYDDIY Gua Sha muscle scraper is excellent because it comes in various sizes and shapes depending on what area of the body you need to use it.
For example, the stainless steel scraper tool in the form of an S works for the face, neck, calves, back, arms, and chest.
The muscle scraping is intended for smaller areas to activate the small muscle tissue leading to more blood flow and relief from muscle fatigue.
Since it’s made out of stainless steel, you never have to worry about it rusting or wearing. Plus, the range of different shapes helps you recover all over your body.
The prices of the BYYDDIY muscle scrapers range depending on their shape and size from $13.99 to $17.99. The good news is they are all available via Amazon for those who love Amazon Prime and free shipping.
User Reviews:
Scar Tissue Tool, Physical Therapy Tools, Muscle Scraping Tool, Guasha Massage Scraper, IASTM Tools, Fascia Scraper, Skin Scraping Tool, Soft Tissue Massage Tool.
- This Massage Tool can be used for home massage, Physical therapy, acupuncture and RMT treatment.
- This Gua Sha Scraping Massage Tool are made of medical grade stainless steel.
FeelFree Sport Stainless Steel Gua Sha Tools
Coming in one shape for all body areas, the FeelFree Sport tool is one of the best recovery tools to eliminate muscle tension.
Soft tissues get a massage, causing blood to flow quickly to the area for maximum recovery. It’s made with stainless steel, protecting it from rust or wear and tear.
The hole in the center of the tool allows for a better grip for your hand to reach any muscle that needs relief.
Two different sizes are available on Amazon for $18.99 for the regular size and $24.99 for the large size.
User Reviews:
Massage Scraping Tool for Soft Tissue Mobilization, Physical Therapy for Back, Legs, Arms
- Soft tissue massage tools are designed to help effectively treat adhesion and scars caused by surgery, injury and overuse of muscles.
- The massage tool made of high-quality stainless steel is durable, polished to the mirror surface, smooth and easy to clean.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are involved in many training programs, but did you know that they are excellent for muscle recovery too?
They provide great ways to stretch out sore muscles full of lactic acid on hard training days.
They are great as active recovery so let’s look at some of our recommendations.
Walito Resistance Bands
This active recovery tool comes in a set of three with varying intensities to stretch out muscle tension.
They work best for the butt and legs, especially sprains or muscle strains.
The antislip technology ensures the band stays in place for your CrossFit workout if used for active recovery. The levels of resistance are as follows.
- Green – 14-25 lbs
- Pink – 25-35 lbs
- Purple – 40-50 lbs
They offer a lifetime guarantee on the bands. If one breaks, simply send it back for a new one.
Get all three bands plus a carry bag for $14.99 on Amazon. We like these bands for their ability to keep the resistance over time and non-slip technology.
User Reviews:
Exercise Bands Set Booty Hip Bands Wide Workout Bands Sports Fitness Bands Resistance Loops Band Anti Slip Elastic
Taimasi 23 pcs Resistance Band Set
You read that correctly. The Taimasi comes with 23 pieces of equipment to cut your recovery time down on those tender muscles.
Here’s what is included with the set.
- Five resistance bands of different intensities with handles
- One Figure-eight resistance band
- Five loop bands
- One jump rope
- One headband
- One hand strengthener ring
- One towel
- Two soft-grips
- An exercise guide
- One carry bag
- One door anchor
- Two ankle straps
All of this is available on Amazon for purchase.
The resistance bands feature up to 150lbs for those wanting to push themselves further in their exercise.
The door anchor allows you to hook the resistance bands to the door to get the ultimate stretch with these bands.
We like this for the number of items offered in this set for various ways to find active recovery after a CrossFit workout.
User Reviews:
5 Stackable Exercise Bands with Handles, 5 Resistance Loop Bands, Jump Rope, Figure 8 Resistance Band, Headband, Cooling Towel
- Designed for activating your entire body.
- They are made of 100% natural latex, with a good elasticity
The CrossFit Recovery Process
Whether you look to active recovery through resistance bands or muscle recovery via massagers and the foam roll, the CrossFit recovery process is vital for maintaining muscle strength and avoiding injury.
The CrossFit workout is intense, but recovery tools are in place to ensure you don’t overdo it. It’s essential to make recovery a part of your everyday routine.
Ice baths, massagers, and foam rollers are all great ways to indulge your body after a hard workout.
CrossFit recovery enables you to reach fitness goals by giving yourself time to repair muscle tissue after that WOD app puts you through the grinder.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good massager? Happy shopping!
Kristen holds a bachelors in English from Louisianna university. With a longstanding passion for fitness, she owns and operate her own gym and is a certified jazzercise instructor.