New year, new fitness goal? Don’t let soreness slow you down

In this article we'll look at 5 amazing tools that can help you with recovery so those January mornings don't feel quite so hard.

By Olivia Robertson

Last updated on December 30, 2024

Starting a New Year's fitness journey can be challenging, but with the right recovery tools, you'll set yourself up for long-term success. By incorporating these products into your routine your body will bounce back faster and make those January mornings much easier to face. You're giving 100% in the gym, on your run or in your intense fitness classes, so make sure your recovery routine matches your effort!

Ready to level up your recovery game?

Start exploring these 5 tools now and give your body the support it deserves!

  1. Ice Bath
  2. Epsom Salts
  3. Smart Sleep Enhancer
  4. Massage Gun
  5. Foam Roller
1

THE ICE POD

THE ICE POD

IcePod + Pod Chiller

IcePod + Pod Chiller

from $999

Comfortable Ice Bath & Water Chiller (cools to 39F) featuring 20-micron filtration. $89 IcePod also available!

Shop Our Top recovery tool
Not Recommended

Highlights: Free US shipping. 24 months warranty. Financing from $89/month. Try it risk free for 100 days. Easy returns

Value for money score
4.7/5

Our Ultimate Recovery Hack: The IcePod + Pod Chiller ($999)

Cold water therapy has become very popular recently, for it's many science-backed health benefits. Huberman, Wim Hof and many others have showcased how effective daily cold water exposure can be for your physical and mental health. If you're an athlete seeking faster and better recovery, or just a regular person wanting to reap all the health benefits, cold plunging is for you! Some of the main benefits include muscle recovery, reduced pain and soreness, mood & energy enhancement, improved sleep, stress relief, weight loss support, a reduction in chronic pain, among many other benefits.

When we first came across The Pod Company, we were impressed with their simple yet complete product range, and attention to detail + quality to say the least. They offer both a round and long ice bath (for extra comfort), a high performance chiller and a wide range of accessories. From just $999 you are sorted with an ice bath + chiller, which is completely unheard of in the ice bath industry. Plus they have a 100 day returns policy so you can buy safe in the knowledge that if it doesn't work for you, you can return it!

The chiller

The chiller ensures that your water is always exactly the temperature you desire (down to 39°F), and your water will remain sparkling clean too with it's continuous flow and 20-micron filtration. (no more hassle with buying ice).

It's rated both for indoor and outdoor use, highly energy-efficient and quiet (same energy and noice level as a fridge).

But you're probably thinking;

This sounds too good to be true, what's the catch? We thought the same, and was actually hesitant to order this one, but after seeing their ads everywhere, researching them a bit more, being assured with their 24 month warranty, and seeing their 1200+ 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, we took the chance.

3 months of testing later

After 3 months of testing this plunge daily, we can confidently say that this ice bath set up is the perfect rig for 99% of americans. It delivers the same ice cold and clean water consistently, as the comparable $4500+ ice baths. The build quality is impressive and their warranty + satisfaction guarantee seems to hold up based on our own experience and from online reviews. The Chiller we received had a small scratch/dent in the paint that it likely got during transport (no even their fault), so we called their support phone and immediately got a sincere apology, and they promptly sent us a new chiller unit - This is how any company should treat their customers.

Pros
  • The tubs feature thick 5-layer insulation with sub zero technology
  • Fits people up to 6ft9 (or 400lbs) comfortably
  • 8700+ 5-star reviews
  • High strength UV-resistant nylon fabric
  • Free from BPA, phthalates & any other harmful chemical traces
  • Up to 24 month warranty, 100 days return policy, 30 days test trial
  • Best Priced Chiller & Ice Bath Combo starting at less than $1,000 (or $89/month)
  • 20-micron filtration and cooling down to 39°F (3°C)
  • Fully Portable & easy to set-up
  • 40+ accessories such as extra insulated covers, water maintenance packs, ice blocks and much more.
Cons
  • Only available for customers in the USA (for now)
  • Might not look as aesthetic as top of the range $10k ice baths, but it's way more affordable

The Bottom Line

This is exceptional value for a cold plunge setup, offering similar features to competitors at a fraction of the price—often 5x less. We highly recommend this option for both beginners and seasoned users alike as you embark on your fitness journey. You can spend between $89-999 and find an ideal recovery tool to help fuel your January health and fitness goals.

2

Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts

Epsom Bath Salts

$15
our second pick
Not Recommended
Rating
3.7/5

Epsom salts have been a trusted recovery aid for generations, thanks to their rich magnesium sulfate content. When dissolved in warm water, they help reduce muscle soreness, ease tension, and promote relaxation. Not only do they assist in detoxifying the body, but they also improve circulation, making them an ideal solution for post-workout recovery and stress relief.

Pros
  • Nice cheap option
  • Helps you feel refreshed and recharged
Cons
  • More effective recovery options available
  • Not everyone has access to a bath
  • Time consuming to do daily
3

Eight Sleep Pod

Eight Sleep Pod

Eight Sleep Pod 4

Eight Sleep Pod 4

$4,798

Included: Cover + Hub

our third pick
Not Recommended
Value for money score
4.2/5

A good option for anyone prioritizing wellness and performance because it combines advanced sleep technology with luxurious comfort. That said, it comes with a hefty price tag at over $4,000. This smart mattress cover will transform any bed into a personalized sleep system. It uses advanced technology to adjust the bed's temperature on each side, helping you stay comfortable all night. With built-in sleep tracking, it provides insights to improve your rest and overall health.

Pros
  • Temperature regulation
  • Sleep tracking
  • Smart wake-up
Cons
  • Extremely expensive
  • Bulky product that takes up a lot of bedroom space
  • Complexity, not everyone wants or needs such advanced features for sleep

The Bottom Line

The Eight Sleep Pod is a high-tech sleep solution designed to optimize rest through personalized temperature control, sleep tracking, and smart wake-up features. It’s a premium product that will appeal to tech-savvy individuals or wellness enthusiasts who prioritize improving their sleep quality and overall health. However, its high price, maintenance requirements, and potential complexity may make it less suitable for those who prefer simpler or more budget-friendly solutions.

4

Theragun by Therabody

Theragun by Therabody

Theragun

Theragun

$149
our fourth pick
Not Recommended
Value for money score
3.2/5

Massage guns can provide quick and effective deep tissue therapy to break up knots and boost circulation, they're easy to use and portable.

Pros
  • Easy to use and portable
  • Supports recovery
  • Cheaper than regular physio
Cons
  • Preventative for injuries but does not replace professionals
  • Incorrect use can lead to injury
  • Not ideal for targeting full muscles
5

Foam Roller

Foam Roller

Foam Roller

Foam Roller

$50
SHOP NOW
Not Recommended
Value/ease score
3.9/5

Foam Rollers are a good entry-level product targeted at relieving muscle tension and reducing soreness. They work by applying pressure to specific areas of the body, helping to release muscle tightness, improve blood circulation, and reduce pain after intense workouts.

Pros
  • Easy to incorporate into your routine
  • Simple and cheap tool for recovery
Cons
  • Limited Precision, you can struggle to target smaller, deeper muscles or specific trigger points effectively
  • Technique Dependency - Proper technique is crucial to avoid injury, and inexperienced users might apply too much pressure or roll incorrectly, potentially causing bruising or irritation

TOP RECOVERY TOOL FOR JANUARY 2025

TOP RECOVERY TOOL FOR JANUARY 2025

Our experts voted The IcePod as the best recovery product for 2025

The IcePod

The IcePod

From $89 - $899 (with chiller)

Comfortable Ice Bath & Water Chiller (cools to 39F) featuring 20-micron filtration.

Shop Now

Highlights: Free US shipping. 24 months warranty. Financing from $89/month. Try it risk free for 100 days. Easy returns

Value for money score
4.8/5

Our Top Pick: The IcePod from Podcompany.com

Level up this January with a high quality and proven recovery tool. From just $899 you are sorted with an ice bath + chiller, which is completely unheard of in the ice bath industry.

Or, choose a standalone tubs (from $89-$279), and add their 3 lb. ice bricks which you simply fill with water, and freeze in your home freezer. 6-9 of those and you don't have to purchase ice cubes to keep it cold. We do recommend the chiller though, as it's just so convenient, sanitary & easy.

The chiller

The chiller ensures that your water is always exactly the temperature you desire (down to 39°F), and your water will remain sparkling clean too with it's continuous flow and 20-micron filtration. (no more hassle with buying ice).

It's rated both for indoor and outdoor use, highly energy-efficient and quiet (same energy and noice level as a fridge).

But you're probably thinking;

This sounds too good to be true, what's the catch? We thought the same, and was actually hesitant to order this one, but after seeing their ads everywhere, researching them a bit more, being assured with their 24 month warranty, and seeing their 1400+ 5-star reviews on Trustpilot, we took the chance.

Pros
  • The tubs feature thick 5-layer insulation with sub zero technology
  • Fits people up to 6ft9 (or 400lbs) comfortably
  • 8700+ 5-star reviews
  • High strength UV-resistant nylon fabric
  • Free from BPA, phthalates & any other harmful chemical traces
  • Up to 24 month warranty, 100 days return policy, 30 days test trial
  • Best Priced Chiller & Ice Bath Combo starting at less than $1,000 (or $89/month)
  • 20-micron filtration and cooling down to 39°F (3°C)
  • Fully Portable & easy to set-up
  • 40+ accessories such as extra insulated covers, water maintenance packs, ice blocks and much more.
Cons
  • Only available for customers in the USA (for now)
  • Might not look as aesthetic as the top of the range $10k ice baths but very affordable

The IcePod #1 Product for Health & Fitness

4.8/5 8,716 reviews
BUY THE #1 RECOVERY Tool NOW
4.8/5 8,716 reviews
BUY THE #1 RECOVERY Tool NOW