Test & review: Flow Mini massage gun – Do you need one?

If you spend at least a few hours in a gym or at a Crossfit box every week, there’s no way you’ve missed it: the new big thing when it comes to recovery is massage guns. This relatively new technology aims to release the tension in your muscles through vibration therapy.
If you don’t go to the physio or haven’t hired a PT yet, you may wonder: “Should I get one for myself?” Is it worth it? Or is it another gadget you’ll buy and forget after a few months in a drawer?
I had the same question floating in my head for a while, and I decided to give it a try. I got one of the small versions: the Flow Mini, from the ArmourUP Asia shop in Orchard.
After a few weeks using it quite frequently, I’m happy to share with you my thoughts – Is it worth investing in it? Do you need one?

First, what is vibration therapy?

Vibration therapy has been created to help muscles warm up and recover faster.
Before a workout, it helps activate the muscles, increase the blood flow and get ready to perform.
After a workout, it helps relieve the pain by targeting specific muscles and decreasing lactic acid production. It can also be used before going to bed, to relax tight areas and get better quality sleep.

What makes the Flow Mini special?

Compared to most of the other massage guns, the Flow Mini is (as you could guess with the name), quite small. It makes it much easier to handle and use (especially if you have tiny hands, as I do).
Weighing only 800g, it has been made to follow athletes and sports addicts everywhere, and even comes with a travel bag. 
I’ve been quite amazed by how complete the product is, for quite a low price – you get 4 different massage heads, a travel bag & a guide to learn how to use it.

After a few weeks, what do I think of it?

I’ve now been using the Flow Mini for 2 weeks – of course, I started by using it every single day when I got it, and had to slow down a bit. Overall, I’m very happy with it: it is a relief to find it at home after a hard workout or before going to sleep when my back muscles are painful (I changed my training program recently, and I have to deal with muscle soreness almost every day). I recover faster when I use it, and it definitely helps with the pain – I also realized how calming it was after a long day, as it makes the muscles numb a bit. It also forced me to take some me-time – I have a hectic lifestyle, and I often forget to take care of my body, while running around all day, training & working with clients. Taking 5 or 10 minutes after my workouts or a long day of work, just to analyze which of my muscles were sore, and relaxing with a massage, is something that I didn’t know I needed – and that I’m glad I have now!

I’m not the only one benefiting from it either: as it’s quite light, I can bring it with me and I started using it with some of my clients too – It’s definitely too good not to share.

Do you need one?

I would say yes, especially if:

• You work out a lot and would appreciate a faster recovery cycle
• you are an athlete attending long competitions and need to keep your muscles warm
• You have chronic muscle pain and could do with frequent massages (without having to visit a spa every day)

It costs 249S$ and it’s money well spent if you can commit to using it at least a few times a week – very occasional gym-goers might not benefit from it as much as workoutaholics would.

Where to get a Mini Flow Gun?

Visit Armour UP Asia in Orchard – 181 Orchard Rd, Orchard Central, #06-23 
Their new shop is really cool, and you can ask all of the questions you may have to the team, they are very knowledgeable and will be happy to advise.
You can also shop online: armourupasia.com