Therabody releases three new health and fitness devices perfect for tennis players

WATCH: Paula Badosa scored a sizable upset at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart over No. 7 seed Daria Kasatkina.

Percussive massage tools have become staples for athletes to prepare for and recover from activity, as well as for dealing with chronic pain. The Theragun was a pioneering device in the movement. Now in its 5th generation, Theragun has evolved into Therabody—a wellness brand with a range of cutting-edge products to improve health and fitness.

In addition to the signature massage gun, the options include compression wear, temperature contrast therapy, muscle stimulators, and topicals and edibles. Three of the company’s latest releases are particularly well-suited to the tennis lifestyle.

The vibration has a low humming sound that causes a mild tingling sensation. There is no timer and the sleeves don’t sync to the Therabody app. So any therapy session has to be manually powered on and off and timed.

There are three vibration settings: Low aids general wellness and pain relief; High is best for warm up and exercise recovery; Wave provides a contrast pattern to maximize stimulation to the nervous system. The battery stays attached magnetically so it could be worn during exercise. While vibration should be powered off during movements, it can be used during rest periods. The battery gets about 45 minutes on a full charge which comes via the included USB-C cable.

Each sleeve comes with a machine wash laundry bag—although hand washing is recommended—that doubles as a convenient travel pouch. Players with a cranky elbow or tricky calf, would be wise to throw one in their tennis bag to jump start their post-match recovery.

RecoveryPulse Arm and Calf Sleeve

Price: $149 (single); $249 (pair or bundle);

Two of the most popular causes of concern for tennis players are the arm and calf. All the racquet work and explosive movements put these body parts under constant stress. Play long enough, and running into issues with one, if not both, of these areas is practically inevitable.

The RecoveryPulse Arm and Calf sleeves are engineered to aid in the general health of these trouble spots. Designed to be worn directly on the skin, the infrared FlowKnit Fabric is made with Germanium polyester to reflect heat back lost by the body to boost circulation. Combined with targeted vibration, it stimulates blood flow to encourage pain relief, increase mobility prior to exercise, or improve mid-workout performance.

The sleeves provide a moderate amount of compression, and can be worn during activity for warmth and light support. The arm sleeve has approximately a dozen hard vibration pieces about the size of large Tylenol capsules strategically placed along the biceps, elbow and forearm. The calf sleeve has about half the amount of these spots—it’s shorter in length as well—which are more localized to the heart of the muscle. Activating a pocket-sized square battery housed in small pouch towards the top of the sleeve triggers the vibration.

SmartGoggles

Price: $199

Not all tension is physical. Mental strain from the daily grind can take a toll as well. And when left unchecked can be a disruptive force and compromise performance. SmartGoggles are a wearable designed to enhance focus and sleep, while minimizing stress. The mask is powered by SmartSense technology—a biometric sensor that lowers heart rate through a soothing combination of heat, massage and vibration to ease facial tension, lessen anxiety and promote relaxation.

The goggles are worn right on the face, sitting on the bridge of the nose—removing glasses, contacts and makeup is recommended—and are quite comfortable thanks to a thick layer of padding. They can feel a little awkward at first, especially if using them sitting in a chair with the head unsupported. But it feels more natural with time, and not an issue when lying down.

That said, it’s not a sleep mask. They’re nearly 15 oz. and the vibration and gentle, rolling massage are noticeable enough that it’s unlikely to doze off while using them. However, the subsequent meditative state can induce quicker and more quality rest.

There are three different modes that can be controlled by toggling the power button: SmartRelax adjusts treatment based off current heart rate readings; Focus releases tension for improved concentration; Sleep prepares the mind and body for rest. Heart rate is monitored through a tracker that contacts the cheek bone. Treatment duration is usually 15 minutes. There are also three different vibration patterns and heating modes, each adjusted by separate function buttons.

However, manipulating the controls via Bluetooth through the Therabody app presents the most seamless and precise method. It also offers a fuller display of the goggles’ capabilities. In addition to the preset modes, there are numerous supplementary routines under the TheraMind banner that incorporate sounds, music, guided instruction and breathwork played out of the phone to enhance the experience.

Battery life is about 150 minutes depending on program usage, with recharging done through the supplied USB-C cable. It has a one-year warranty and comes with a 60-day trial. So it can be returned within a couple of months if not satisfied. If you’re looking to lessen stress, improve sleep and feel more rejuvenated, SmartGoggles can be a valuable tool in your wellness repertoire.