The gym chain has just spent millions of dollars on new recovery plunge pools and saunas across the country \u2013 and queues formed in Auckland last week as it opened its facilities.<\/p>\n
The former military man says this reflects a shift in how people think, with recovery increasingly seen as part of performance rather than an afterthought.<\/p>\n
While I politely declined an invitation to cold plunge, we met at the new sauna facilities at Les Mills\u2019 flagship space in Auckland.<\/p>\n
Sutton says he has a monthly \u201ctune-up\u201d with a masseur at the club who calls out his \u201chot spots\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI go by the saying that motion is lotion,\u201d so the more you move and train your body to release, the easier it becomes,” he says.<\/p>\n
Sutton says years of repetitive calf injuries from running and touch rugby mean an exercise gun is \u201cexponentially helpful for recovery from home.\u201d He uses his twice a week.<\/p>\n
He says this, combined with other low-tech gear like a trusty foam roller and lacrosse ball, is key to success.<\/p>\n
Therabody: Gunning it<\/p>\n
Theragun has a range of products available in NZ.<\/p>\n
The team and I have been testing the latest Therabody range.<\/p>\n
The United States firm is the fastest-growing self-care brand at Noel Leeming, up 500% year on year.<\/p>\n
These All Blacks-endorsed massage guns are the premium choice in a growing category.<\/p>\n
Noel Leeming small appliances buyer Reef Galloway says the American brand is heavily endorsed by National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL) stars alike.<\/p>\n
Noel Leeming generated $2 million in massage gun sales last year alone.<\/p>\n
We tried three guns from its range, and Therabody\u2019s at-home massage cups.<\/p>\n
The entry-level Theragun Relief is a $299 piece of kit.<\/p>\n
It does all the basics, with three levels of massage therapy.<\/p>\n
At first, I could only handle the vibration on the first setting, but once I got settled in, I moved to level two, and my partner (slash run coach) went up to the third, maximum level.<\/p>\n
Therabody\u2019s patent-protected triangle formation is what sets the gun apart \u2013 it is easy to swing around and change your grip to massage the back of your calves and lower back.<\/p>\n
Theragun Sense is the next level at $549 \u2013 for the bumper price, you get all the technology.<\/p>\n
In particular, there\u2019s an LCD screen which shows you where to put the device and times for how long. <\/p>\n
Our in-house tester said, \u201cFrom the moment you pick it up, it feels like a premium product. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s solid and well-made, and compared with other massage guns I\u2019ve tried, the thoughtfully designed handle makes a surprisingly big difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of my favourite things about it is how easy it is to reach those awkward spots that are usually impossible to get to yourself, particularly around the back and shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Theragun Mini 3 is smaller but priced higher at $399.<\/p>\n
Our publisher Matt Martel said, \u201cMy daughter used the Therabody Theragun Mini, and she is now 2cm taller. I call her to get things down from the top shelf.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe has also asked me to point out that it is very good at vibrating the top of your chest to make robot voices. She is 18.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs someone who walks a lot, it surprised me how much tension it seemed to release in my legs. I can see it being a good part of my post-walking routine.<\/p>\n
\u201cI generally use it only on a lower setting, though.<\/p>\n
\u201cI occasionally get bad calf cramps at night. They can be agonising, and the pain can linger for days.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a cramp (though not the worst) on the night we received the Theragun, and the next morning the left calf was painfully sore. I used the massage gun on medium for a few minutes and, voila! No pain. For that alone, I\u2019d buy one.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut robot noises are a close second as a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n