The best massage chairs to ease muscle tension after exercise

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.

Choice Products Air Compression Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager Seat

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

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

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

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

Massage Chair Zero Gravity Full Body Electric Shiatsu Massage Chair

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.

Full Body Zero Gravity Recliner Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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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