As someone who regularly hits the climbing gym for indoor top rope sessions, squeezes in strength training, and keeps a jogging routine alive (barely), I’ve come to accept that muscle soreness is part of the deal. So when I got my hands on the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen), I was curious to see whether it could help with recovery or if it was just another fancy wellness gadget. After a week of use, I can honestly say it’s become a staple in my exercise backpack.
Compact but Seriously Effective
First off, the size is a game-changer. It’s 30% smaller and lighter than the original model, and quiet enough that I’ve used it in the locker room without getting side-eyes. The Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) fits easily in my climbing bag alongside my shoes, harness, and chalk, and has made post-session recovery much less of a chore.
Despite the compact size, the power is legit. It delivers the same deep-tissue percussive massage I used to rely on full-sized massage guns for. My forearms, shoulders, and lower back (the usual suspects after a hard session on the wall) feel looser and less stiff after just a couple of minutes of use.
Targeted Relief, Smart Recovery
It comes with three different attachments, and I’ve been rotating through them depending on the muscle group – Dampener, Standard Ball and Thumb.
The ergonomic grip is surprisingly comfortable, even after a long day.
With the option of the 3 attachments and 3 adjustable speeds, I was able to cater to my level of comfort, dependent on the level of ache I had and the location of the muscle pain. Aside from using it after an active session, the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) was surprisingly handy to relieve tension when I had a long day of walking due to work.
Built for Life on the Move
With up to 180 minutes of battery life and USB-C charging, I haven’t had to worry about running out of juice mid-treatment. It also has a travel lock, so I don’t have to panic about it vibrating in my bag while I’m at work or in transit.
You can even bring it on board as it is TSA-compliant. Bonus points for the sleek design: I went with the new Desert Rose colour, and it looks as good as it feels.
Bonus: The Coach by Therabody App Is Surprisingly Helpful
Beyond the powerful yet effective massages by Theragun Mini (3rd Gen), the effects were further elevated by the Coach by Therabody integration.
It pulls in data from your fitness trackers – Strava, Garmin, Apple Health and Google Fit (I use Apple Health) and suggests targeted routines based on recent activity. After a heavy climbing session, the app recommended a recovery sequence, and it walked me through each step with clear visuals and timing. It’s taken the guesswork out of recovery, especially on days when I don’t want to think. The Coach feature makes the Mini feel more like a full recovery system, not just a gadget.
Final Verdict: A Recovery Must-Have
If you’re an active person, the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) is worth the investment. It’s not just a smaller version of a massage gun; it’s a thoughtfully designed, FDA-registered and science-backed tool that fits into a real-life routine.
Whether you’re dealing with any aches after leg day, climbing pump, or just need to unwind after a long run, this thing works.
If you are looking for a compact muscle relief companion, the Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) can be purchased via https://therabody.sg/ at $339.
