These days, technology and fitness go hand-in-hand โ wellness expert Eugene Pallisco notes that virtually everyone who exercises uses some kind of technology to assist them. It could be something as simple as an app that tracks macros or an AI personal trainer that builds custom workouts.
However, workouts and nutrition are only part of the equation. Recovery is also essential, and technology is improving the accessibility and efficiency of various recovery techniques to help people get back into action faster. Here are a few examples of these advanced tools and why theyโre so beneficial.
At-home saunas are quite a bit more expensive than an app on your phone. Still, that hasnโt stopped them from becoming one of the most popular types of recovery tools. Pallisco says both infrared and traditional saunas are beneficial because they help increase blood flow, relax tired muscles, and alleviate tension for faster recovery after tough workouts.
However, it doesnโt stop there โ he also emphasizes that sauna use can lead to improved cardiovascular health. Exposing yourself to intense heat in short increments is a sort of passive exercise, helping the heart handle more when you get back in the gym.
Cold plunges and cryotherapy chambers are on the opposite end of the spectrum compared to saunas. Such devices are part of a larger wellness trend known as โcold therapy,โ which involves immersing oneself in cold water or supercooled chambers to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery times.
Eugene Pallisco points out that these methods can also significantly reduce muscle soreness, which is why many professional athletes swear by them. While not necessarily an advanced technological tool, cold plunges can be incredibly effective, even for everyday fitness enthusiasts.
Another innovative recovery tool is the percussive therapy device. Youโve likely seen them beforeโhandheld machines that deliver rapid bursts of deep pressure to sore muscles. This targeted probing promotes blood flow and reduces tension, helping improve oneโs range of motion when dealing with muscle aches or stiffness.
One reason Eugene Pallisco thinks this particular technology is so valuable is its ability to target individual muscles. While saunas and cold plunges are more holistic in that they affect the whole body, percussive therapy devices are useful for focusing on specific areas that feel tight or sore after a given workout.
As extreme as these tools may seem, they can leave you feeling relaxed and stress-free. That can benefit your workouts, but it can also improve your overall quality of life.
Solid mental health is essential for showing up for yourself and meeting your fitness goals. The connection between physical recovery and mental well-being is also more significant than many people realize. The better someone feels physically, the better theyโll often feel mentally, meaning theyโre more likely to stay motivated on their fitness journey.
Integrating various recovery technologies into home and gym routines is becoming more commonplace. Fitness experts should welcome these tools with open arms, recognizing just how important intentional recovery is for achieving meaningful results.
Fitness expert and licensed trainer Eugene Pallisco works in Dallas, Texas. Pallisco is dedicated to assisting people in discovering joy and freedom in the movement of their bodies, whether through high-intensity or long-distance cardio, weightlifting, or sports training. He believes that everyone can change their body into a strong, healthy physique with the appropriate mindset, patience, and effort.
