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Air compression boots like the Hyperice Normatec Legs have become increasingly popular with athletes of all levels over the past few years. Though the scientific research on their benefits has not been conclusive, many have found that using compression tech seems to help speed up recovery from workouts.
I have used compression boots regularly during marathon training in the past, and I enjoy using them, even if I sometimes feel guilty for doing so instead of taking a more active approach to recovery like stretching or foam rolling.
I was intrigued by the launch of the Hyperice Normatec Elite Hip, which is a standalone device that uses targeted air compression on the hips, hamstrings, glutes and lower back. My hips and hamstrings are where I tend to feel tightest after my runs.
I’ve been using the Normatec Elite Hip regularly over the past month to see if they can help boost my post-run recovery; here’s what I’ve found out.
The Normatec Elite Hip offers 7 compression levels with 2 independent, overlapping compression zones to cover your IT bands, glutes, hips and lower back. Right now, they’re $50 off.View Deal
Hyperice Normatec Elite Hips: Price and availability
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The Hyperice Normatec Elite Hips cost $599 in the U.S., though they’re currently reduced to $549 and £529 in the U.K., where they are known as the Normatec Premier Hips.
The device is a standalone version of the Hyperice Normatec 3 Hip Attachment, which you could connect to the same console as the brand’s compression boots. The attachment is still available and much cheaper at $200 if you have the full Normatec compression boots already.
It’s easy and enjoyable to use
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The console for the Normatic Elite Hips is built into the device, so you don’t have any wires feeding out from it, which makes it much easier to use. You slip your legs into the “shorts,” which you can adjust using the velcro straps, then tighten the straps and away you go.
You can customize the level of pressure, with seven different levels to choose from, and also set a timer for your session.
The segments on the device work independently to provide pressure in waves and work the various parts of your body equally. The level of pressure is never so intense as to be uncomfortable, and it feels like it’s providing some relief for tight or aching muscles.
Once it deflates after use, the Elite Hips also pack up quite small, which is convenient for storage or even for taking it with you, if you’re really committed to regular use.
It’s a good way to keep blood flowing when sedentary
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The main attraction of air compression for me is that it’s a passive way to speed your recovery. You can just sit or lie there and use the boots while reading or watching TV, or even working, if you’re able to balance your laptop on top of the Elite Hips while it inflates and deflates.
While sitting for long periods, the Elite Hips helps keep the blood flowing around your muscles, which I found prevented the tightness in my hips and hamstrings that usually builds up for me after a sedentary period.
The battery life is impressive
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You get four hours of battery life with the Elite Hips and it lived up to that listed stat during my testing, which increases the convenience of using the device. I generally opted for a half-hour session every two or three days after my harder runs, so I was able to go a couple of weeks between charges.
There are cheaper ways to boost recovery
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I enjoyed using the Elite Hips, and when my glutes and hamstrings in particular were tight after workouts, it felt like the air compression helped ease those aching muscles.
That said, I wouldn’t say that using the Elite Hips was an absolute must or a game-changer for my running in general, and I do feel you can get similar benefits by taking a more traditional approach to recovery through stretching or using one of the best foam rollers.
I’ve also had sports massages during the past month that have a greater effect in loosening my tight hamstrings, though, of course, in the medium term, regular massages will cost you even more than the Elite Hips.
Hyperice Normatec Elite Hips: Verdict
You don’t need the Normatec Elite Hips to boost your recovery, even if you’re a very active person, but if the high price doesn’t deter you, they are an enjoyable way to treat your muscles after hard workouts.
As with compression boots in general, you could opt for more active forms of recovery instead, like foam rolling and save a lot of money, but there’s no denying it’s nice to kick back with a TV show and let the Normatec Elite Hips do the work for you.
It might be better value to opt for compression boots and a hip attachment if you’re all-in on the technology, so you also get the boots to work your legs.
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