WATCH: Talking Tennis with Tracy—Learning from Roger Federer

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Recovery from and preparation for exercise are two critical components of athletics. And it’s not just for professionals earning a paycheck with their bodies; incorporating savvy pre and post workout routines has become standard operating procedure for dedicated weekend warriors as well. Through its catalog of innovative products, Hyperice has become one of the leaders in this expanding aspect of sports training. Whether through temperature, compression, vibration or all of the above, their devices are designed to prime the body to perform and its best.

Venom Go

Venom Go

Their latest three releases evolve their growing collection. Besides all being highly portable, the trio of items can be operated on the units themselves, or controlled via Bluetooth by a smartphone using the Hyperice app. Whether readying for competition or easing body tension, they’ll be welcome additions to any athlete’s fitness regimen.

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Hyperice Normatec Go

Hyperice Normatec Go

Normatec Go
Price: $399

The calf is often referred to as the body’s second heart. That’s because when you move, the muscles and veins of the calf help pump blood back toward the upper body. Besides this crucial circulatory function, it’s a muscle recreational athletes frequently injure. The Normatec Go is a fully portable system—no hoses or separate support units—that provides dynamic air compression massage to the calves. There are seven levels of pressure delivered over three overlapping zones; the sensation can best be described as a rolling blood pressure cuff. It is designed to increase circulation in the entire lower half of the body, as well as reduce pain and soreness in the lower legs. The sleeves can be a little tricky to get a snug fit, but once in place deliver an incredibly soothing post-match rubdown.

Hyperice Venom Go

Hyperice Venom Go

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Venom Go
Price: $149

If years of overuse have resulted in creaky joints or chronically sore muscles, the targeted heat and vibration therapy offered by this wearable provides a great warm-up for exercise. The adhesive pad is about the size of a slice of bread and sticks directly to the skin wherever the body needs treatment. A detachable power pod connects magnetically to the pad and holds a battery life up to an hour on a full charge, with a standard session running 10 minutes. There are three temperature settings—the pad reaches up to 113 degrees in just over a minute—and three vibration patterns. Weighing less than 0.2 lbs. the unit can transport easily in any tennis or gym bag. It comes with three pads that are good for up to 20 uses. 3-pack refills are available for $29.

Hyperice Venom 2

Hyperice Venom 2

Venom 2
Price: $249

Three different vibration patterns and a max temperature of 131 degrees reached in just over a minute are the selling points for this heating pad on steroids. With an increased treatment area of 111% (94 square inches) and improved battery life—up to 3 hours on a full charge—over the original version, it comes in models for the back, leg and shoulder (left and right). With a total weight of just 2.3 lbs., the heating unit is encased in a silicone surface inside of a lightweight, comfortable neoprene wrap that has a compression strap for a customized, unobtrusive fit. I demoed the back model and found it hugely effective whether it was loosening muscles and increasing range of motion to prep for activity, or simply easing tension and alleviating soreness at the end of the day.