Hyperice Normatec 3 - Recovery System with Patented Dynamic Compression Massage Technology (Normatec 3 Legs)

Product Information

The Normatec Go is built with ease and portability in mind. Simply wrap the device around your calves, adhering it snugly with a Velcro closure, and use the built-in controls — or connect it via Bluetooth to Hyperice’s companion app — to start a dynamic air compression massage focused solely on your lower legs. Compression boots are not just for athletes. The benefits to the use of compression therapy are great for everyday use and can be beneficial for a number of medical conditions. Everyday benefits include; improved blood circulation, enhanced range of motion and more time taken to sit in your boots and just relax!

If you decide you want to try compression boots, even just to get that feeling of relief with them on (did we mention they simply feel good?), there are a few things to know. For example, one review published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation in 2021 , which only included three studies on intermittent pneumatic compression in total, stated that this method was not an effective means of reducing exercise-induced muscle damage in endurance athletes. However, it did point out there is short-term relief, just not continued relief. And another study published in the International Journal of Exercise Science in 2020 , involving just 10 distance runners, said this form of compression yielded no substantial benefits.Compression boots can also reduce swelling. No matter what kind of run you do, whether it’s a 5K or a 50K, your muscles experience microtears from repetitive stress. “You may not even notice it, but edema, or swelling, occurs when your body starts to repair those microtears,” says Leninger. That swelling will go away naturally if you’re recovering appropriately (think: staying off your feet, elevating your legs, resting), but compression can help shorten the amount of rest you may need by preventing swelling from pooling in a certain area when you have to go straight from a run into life. Rabe E, et al. (2020). Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment – A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statement. DOI: Haun, C. T., et al. (2017). Does external pneumatic compression treatment between bouts of overreaching resistance training sessions exert differential effects on molecular signaling and performance-related variables compared to passive recovery? An exploratory study. Created by a physician bioengineer (MD, PhD) to enhance blood flow and speed recovery, NormaTec Pulse Massage Pattern employs three key techniques to maximize your recovery:

You can control the compression directly on the device or via a mobile app. Credit: RJ Andersen / Mashable What I loved about the Normatec Go These have four overlapping chambers which each inflate and deflate at different points during a cycle. It’s hard to discern the exact difference between the programmes but the warm-up setting felt much gentler than the others. When these reach 150mmHg, the squeeze is eye wateringly intense – particularly around the feet – which may feel a little claustrophobic for some. I mostly used the recovery programme following strength training sessions, long runs and intervals – and I definitely felt that my DOMS were less noticeable after use, especially after doing leg weights. The Pulsio boots come with three modes: Sequence (default), Circulation and Combination. This is about standard. The modes affect how and where pressure is distributed among the boots’ four chambers: the feet, lower calves, upper calves and thigh. Again, simply press the mode button to change to a different mode.One 2018 study found that the daily use of recovery boots could reduce muscle swelling and improve recovery time, while another found that they increased blood flow to the limbs. The pressure range on the Pulsio boots is impressive, maxing out at 200mmHg – this is almost on par with the MyoAir and way above the industry standard of 120mmHg. My post-marathon legs definitely appreciated the higher pressure range too. Most of the evidence I’m aware of to support faster recovery or reduced soreness is not as strong as what we’ve discussed above [for medical uses of compression therapy]. However, I would say that ‘your mileage may vary,’” he explained. Using compression therapy for sports That said, not all stress is athletic stress. “If you’re someone who’s on your legs a lot—like a waitress on a later shift—then using them before a workout can be helpful in flushing out your legs,” says Leninger. In that case, 10 to 15 minutes before a workout could be helpful. These days, there’s a whole range of tools and products that runners can use to recover between training sessions, from massage guns to ice baths, and magnesium supplements to recovery shakes.

The boots are split into four individually isolated chambers – feet/ankles, calves, mid leg and upper leg. On the power unit, you can choose to switch off a chamber if you don’t want it delivering pressure – handy for those with sore ankles or sensitive shins.The pressure within recovery boots is compressed air that targets the muscle tissue – it's called pneumatic compression. Depending on the model you buy, you can apply different degrees of compression. Most max out at around 110mmHg, but some (like the MyoAir) go up to 250mmHg. Relaxing Experience: The rhythmic pulsing of the NormaTec 3 is surprisingly relaxing. It's not just about recovery; it's also a therapeutic experience. When I first opened it, my first thought was, admittedly, “Where TF am I going to store all this?!” Even the Leg System, which has the fewest parts, still has a lot of parts. You’ll need a dedicated space for this thing to live in your home if you plan to use it often. Compression boots are primarily used for post-workout recovery and rehabilitation purposes. They can be useful for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people recovering from injuries.