A good workout builds strength but can leave muscles feeling sore and stiff. As you increase your workouts’ frequency and intensity, you may want to reduce recovery time. A massage chair can help, and they come in all sizes, from portable to monumental.
How can a massage chair help?
A good massage after a workout reduces soreness the following day. If you only need to massage a specific area of the body, a massage gun might be enough. If you push your body too hard in general, a heated massage can relieve tense muscles and speed recovery from any muscle damage. As you relax in a massage chair, your heart rate, blood pressure and the amount of cortisol in your system return naturally to normal levels.
Types of massage chairs
The most extensive massage chairs are fairly massive pieces of furniture, best for a living room with plenty of space. Simpler ones with more limited functionality are available in a traditional office chair style. Basic massage chairs are designed to be placed on top of an existing chair or sofa.
Best massage chairs under $300
Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
Enjoy a deep, powerful kneading massage with this chair that offers four adjustable shiatsu nodes. Control the chair’s functions with the connected app and try both 2D and 3D lower back massages.
Best Choice Products Air Compression Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager Seat
If you add this massage cushion to your sofa or recliner, its combination of heat and air compression will relax your back. It has 2D and 3D massage modes and uses oscillating rollers to relieve tension in your back.
Andover Mills Zelma Heated Massage Chair
This versatile model in the wingback chair style is covered in tufted fabric and provides relaxing heat as it massages six points on your body. Choose it if matching your traditional interior style is a priority.
Best Choice Products Faux Leather Electric Massage Recliner Chair
This massage chair comes with an ottoman and a stylish faux leather covering. You can use the remote control to access nine levels of intensity and five massage styles. Its backrest is also heated.
Latitude Run Reclining Heated Massage Chair
This chair swivels 360 degrees and rocks gently. It is upholstered with skin-friendly fabric that won’t stick to your skin as it delivers soothing heat. A remote control gives quick access to all of its functions, and thick, soft foam cushions encourage lingering.
Best massage chairs over $300
BestMassage Massage Chair Zero Gravity Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair
This highly adjustable reclining option features massage heads that automatically adjust to the contours of your back. You can choose from three automatic massage modes and three manual modes.
BestMassage Full Body Zero Gravity Recliner Chair
With eight massage points, this chair stimulates the entire spine and tired feet. Heat relaxes the lower back and legs, and you can modify your massage with the attached touch screen.
Real Relax Massage Chair
Full-body relaxation awaits in this comprehensive massage chair. You can escape the tug of gravity with the zero-gravity mode and choose from six massage programs and three intensity levels. Personalize your massage via the large touch screen. This chair automatically scans your body to locate massage points.
Titan Pro 8500 Series Black Faux Leather Reclining 2D Massage Chair
Another comprehensive option, this massage chair has 24 air cells that inflate to gently compress shoulders, calves and feet. Try the automatic massage modes or manually direct the chair’s functions to focus on problem areas.
Osaki Pro Yamato Massage Chair
You can enjoy some music with this chair’s Bluetooth speaker as you indulge in a restorative heated massage. This clever chair scans your body and adjusts automatically to deliver a strong kneading from neck to thighs.
Bosscare Massage Chair Recliner with Zero Gravity
This chair employs 14 massage balls at eight fixed points to deliver a satisfying massage. Airbags inflate to gently compress your shoulders, upper arms, calves and ankles. A Bluetooth speaker lets you listen to your favorite podcasts or relaxing music as you rejuvenate.
iRest 2024 Massage Chair
You can control this massage chair’s functions with voice commands and benefit from its rolling, kneading and shiatsu modes. It gives your body a therapeutic squeeze from shoulders to ankles with air-filled cushions. Its unique functions include traction massage, sleep-inducing soft massage and, for trend-hoppers, buttock-shaping massage.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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