Therabody, formerly known as Theragun, picks the perfect time to introduce the Theragun mini. This device is the smallest massager I have seen to date and, although it is not 'pocket' as the manufacturer claims, it is very portable and versatile.
Before this mini Theragun review, I was curious if it can offer a percussion massage experience similar to that of its older siblings, or lacks the power to be useful enough for most people. I also wanted to know how the handle worked and if it was comfortable enough to hold it on different parts of the body.
Is it a worthwhile investment?
Features and design
Theragun mini is a portable massage tool that helps relieve muscle pain while traveling. Given the compact form factor, it has less thrust than its older siblings and I hope no one expects the same strength and versatility from the mini for € 199 as it does from the Theragun Pro for € 599.
Unlike the more expensive models, it's less of an athlete device to reduce recovery times and more of an office warrior tool to ease that stiff neck after looking at the screen for more than 8 hours. It can be operated very easily, there is literally only one button on the Theragun mini, and the grip makes holding the mini comfortable enough to work on the traps, shoulders and neck.
It uses the QX35 engine tuned with QuietForce technology, and while it is not noisy per se, it is definitely not quiet enough to be used in public without disturbing people around you, especially at the highest speed. Using it in open spaces like parks and benches is fine, but not on the subway or in an office.
How is the new Theragun Mini used?
There are three velocity settings to choose from: 1,750, 2,100, or 2,400 percussions per minute. If you haven't used these types of massage tools before, I recommend starting at the lowest setting until you get used to the feeling that it shouldn't take long, a couple of weeks at most.
For inexperienced users, even the lowest setting will provide a strong enough massage experience, but once the initial settling period is over, you'll be amazed at how well you adapted to it. As soon as the knots in your muscles are relieved, you'll be amazed at how weak it feels in lower settings compared to when you started using it.
That said, the Theragun mini doesn't feel like a weak gadget and, especially considering the device's small body, it delivers powerful hits even at low speed. The massager's head is 12mm wide that feels firm enough on the skin.
The mini includes only one accessory, the standard ball head, but is compatible with all fourth-generation accessories.
How much battery does it have?
Theragun mini has a battery life of 150 minutes and a charging time of 80 minutes . I highly doubt that many people use the Mini for more than 10 minutes a day, which means you won't have to charge it more than once every two weeks and even when you do, it will charge fairly quickly. Therefore, it is not necessary to carry the charger when you are away from home.
Who is it for?
This Theragun model would work well for people who have a sedentary lifestyle and exercise slightly less than average, such as people who work in offices or other desk jobs. I can also see that it is useful for people in retail and hospitality who stand for a long time and probably don't pay attention to their overall posture.
For athletes, the Theragun mini does not have enough strength to penetrate muscles deep enough and aid recovery effectively. However, even for them, you can provide a quick fix and ease tension on the go without the hassle of carrying a full-size percussion massager with them. The really ideal for athletes is Theragun Elite .
You can get it on its official website for € 199 .
