DISCLAIMER: I did pay full retail price for this product being reviewed and I have no affiliation or relationship with the supplier of this product being reviewed. This blog receives no payment or other compensation for reviews of products or services. This is just to offer my reading audience an objective review, so you can make an informed decision before buying.
In one of my past posts, Compression Recovery for Duathletes, I discuss why the ability to recover rapidly is important for your ability to train at full strength and how compression recovery helps your body recover faster so you can perform at your best. Unfortunately, the high price tag associated compression boots really put this amazing technology out of arms reach for the common consumer. Enter the Air Relax Leg Recovery System.
Depending on the brand, compression boots, such as those from NormaTec (one of the biggest compression therapy brands on the market), can cost upwards of $1,000 or more. After some research and recommendations, I discovered that the Air Relax Leg Recovery System did exactly the same thing as the more expensive brands for about half of the price. I also found that compared to NormaTec, the Air Relax Leg Recovery System was just as good with aiding my legs in recovery after long workouts (NOTE: Remember to consult your physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about compression therapy).
The Air Relax Leg Recovery System is very easy to use. The leg sleeves are basically plastic pillows that fill with air and as they inflate, they squeeze your leg muscles. There are four levels of adjustable pressure and three pre-programmed variations. Each setting works by inflating each of the four chambers sequentially until all four chambers are inflated, then alternate the release of pressure to allow for a surge of healthy blood flow to rush to the muscles aiding in recovery. You can adjust the settings to specify which region you want the pressure to focus on and how little or how much pressure you want to have. The result is improved blood circulation, removal of lactic acid, stimulation of lymphatic fluid movement, and improved flexibility. Basically, these inflatable pants refresh tired legs for my next workout.
Is it worth the investment? This really depends on your commitment to your particular sport. If you use them on a regular basis, they definitely pay for themselves in a short amount of time. Not to mention, you can’t beat the convenience of a portable system that you can use whenever and wherever you want. It's definitely an investment up front, but potentially worth it in the long-term in my opinion.
Bottom line, the quality of your workouts is directly affected by the quality of your recovery. Recovery periods allow our bodies to rebuild what was broken down during training and become stronger. The Air Relax Leg Recovery System is a cost-effective compression boot option that has helped improve my recovery period so I can continue with my training effectively.