Reaching peak fitness requires workouts and recovery. Here, five pros and one recovery specialist share the tools they use to prevent injury and prime their bodies for the next interval.
Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Vibrating Fitness Roller ($199)

Ian Sharman, Ultrarunner and Endurance Coach
Most days after a run, you鈥檒l find four-time Leadville 100 champion Ian Sharman rolling out his hips, quads, hamstrings, and calves with . Hyperice is one of the firmest rollers on the market. That, along with the vibration setting, gives you a deeper massage than regular foam rolling. 鈥淵ou can go harder without hurting,鈥 Sharman says. 鈥淚 see it as form of active recovery. It increases blood flow, reduces tightness, and lowers your chance of biomechanical problems, which makes it worth the price.鈥 Bonus: The Hyperice鈥檚 small size travels well.
Gu Energy Recovery Drink ($32)

Emma Garrard, Pro XTerra Athlete
Professional multisport athlete and Gu ambassador Emma Garrard sums up her love for this in one word: convenience. 鈥淚 have a full-time job and two kids under five, so I don鈥檛 have time to make a meal after workouts,鈥 she says. 鈥淭his ensures I get the right balance of carbs and protein.鈥 The no-fuss, portable drink packs 10 grams of whey protein and includes a blend of carbohydrate sources, fructose, and maltodextrin to replenish glycogen stores. 鈥淥nce, I didn鈥檛 have it and felt like crap,鈥 Garrard says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the small details that makes a big difference in how I feel.鈥 Garrard prefers the Vanilla Cream flavor for its versatility. 鈥淚 can add cocoa powder if I want, or fruit to make a smoothie.鈥
The Wave Tool ($49)

Keenan Takahashi, Professional Rock Climber
Keenan Takahashi, known for his first ascent of Terminus, a V12 in Bishop, California, and Ubuntu, a V13 in South Africa, was introduced to the by a fellow climber. The handheld device鈥攄esigned with eight edges made for soft-tissue mobilization鈥攈as since become a regular part of his recovery routine. 鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to get really deep with a ball or roller,鈥 Takahashi says. 鈥淏ut with the Wave鈥檚 multiple sides鈥攕ome straight, some rounded鈥攜ou can really get specific with pressure and location.鈥 The device was developed by two physical therapists and rock climbers, people who know what it takes to relieve pain and stay primed. Takahashi uses it regularly to release tension and adhesions in his forearms and fingers, but says it works really well on quads, calves, and shoulders鈥攁nywhere you (or a friend) can find the good hurt.
2XU Compression Tights ($69)

Sheri Piers, Elite Marathoner
Why only wear compression socks when the quads and hamstrings take a beating too? That鈥檚 the reasoning behind Sheri Piers鈥 decision to slip on these after long runs and speed workouts. 鈥淭hey reduce the throb I feel in my legs after hard workouts,鈥 says Piers, a three-time competitor at the Olympic Marathon Trials. 鈥淭hey have that just-right amount of compression that feels secure and comforting without being restrictive.鈥 Piers wears the tights for a few hours around the house, both while lounging and moving about, for a combination of rest and active recovery.
Gnarly BCAA ($36)

Michaela Kiersch, Professional Rock Climber
Michaela Kiersch usually does two workouts a day鈥攁 mix of hard bouldering, hangboarding, and campusing鈥攁nd consumes a big glass of this in between. 鈥淏CAA [branched-chain amino acids] helps repair muscles. If I鈥檓 sore for my next session, my willpower goes down and I鈥檓 not able to do the intensity I want,鈥 she says. 鈥淜eeping soreness down lets me do multiple higher-quality workouts every week.鈥 Kiersch, a member of the U.S. National Team for bouldering and leads and owner of the first female ascents of Golden Ticket and Necessary Evil, also likes that Gnarly products are gluten-free, vegan, and GMO-free. She recommends the Berry Lemonade flavor: 鈥淚t tastes like fruit punch, but isn鈥檛 too sweet.鈥
Prana E.C.O. Yoga Mat ($48)

Sage Rountree, Author of 鈥The Athlete鈥檚 Guide to Recovery鈥
Good recovery is one part physical, one part mental, says yoga teacher Sage Rountree, who literally on athlete recovery. This thick (5mm), aids in both. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the Cadillac of mats, meaning it鈥檚 a luxurious ride,鈥 says Rountree, who has tested more than 50 mats over the past two decades. 鈥淚t鈥檚 spongy enough for relaxing into a hip stretch or other pose, but thin enough to easily roll up and use as a bolster for supported backbends, bridge poses, and mini-inversions [feet up wall], which helps drain your legs after hard workouts.鈥 Being supported by the mat is very calming for the nervous system, Rountree says, which helps you recover faster. She recommends finishing your sessions with a few minutes of mat meditation. 鈥淚t teaches patience and self-awareness,鈥 she says. 鈥淏eing aware of what your body is telling you and honoring it is one of the keys to recovery and improving athletic performance.鈥