We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Please note that these aren't medical recommendations. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any kind of treatment.
1. A knee stabilizer band that provides long-term knee pain relief from activities like cycling, hiking, or just working out a little too hard at the gym.
Promising review: "Oh my god! I have had bad knees for decades and I have tried so many braces but they're hot, they migrate down, and I have to constantly pull them up, so I just don't wear them. But my knees are so bad it's hard to walk sometimes and so I wanted to try something different and this looked really simple, and if it didn't work I wasn't out much money. So I tried it and it's amazing! Instant relief. I even took it off to see if maybe my knees weren't feeling the pain and the pain came back after a moment so I know it was working. Weather really mess with them. Living in the Midwest means spring and fall transitions are awful and the extreme cold and storms wreak havoc on my knees. I shouldn't be this excited about a product but I literally carry this in my purse." —Meghan Dray
Get a set of two from Amazon for $13.88 (available in four colors).
2. A bottle of Dr. Teal's foaming bath with Epsom salt to nourish your skin and help ease those aches and pains caused by an earlier workout.
Promising review: "This is a very pleasant lavender aroma. It's just the right potency so as not to be overwhelming as you're soaking. The Epsom salts are just what I need after a long day. It really helps my low back pain and is very soothing for tired legs as well. This creates lots of wonderful suds and makes quite the luxurious bath. Even my husband uses it. We've been using Dr. Teal's for many years — this is one of our favorites. We find that we both get a better night's rest as it helps us to relax and unwind from the hectic day. Absolutely recommend!" —Yorkie Mama
Get it from Amazon for $4.87.
3. A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm because chafing isn't fun for anyone — especially when you're hiking in the middle of the woods and there's no remedy in sight. Body Glide is small enough to carry around and it really works! The #1 best seller has over 20,000 5-star reviews.
I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning on a summer run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going "OW OW OW" in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging. —Emma
Promising review: "I had a terrible summer in Florida this year with the high temps and humidity and started to chafe every time I wore my sport bra (five times a week) so bad. It was painful and my skin was breaking in places all along my sport bra band. Powder and/or Vaseline did not help. I found this product, and have not had even one episode of chafing once I started using it. It's easy to apply; I just put it anywhere my sports bra band touches, front and back. haven't chafed not one time since I started using it." —Heather
Get it from Amazon for $8.
4. Or a blister-preventing balm so your new sneakers don't painfully ruin your run. This balm basically acts as an extra layer between your skin and your shoe.
A lot of reviewers also swear by this for breaking in new shoes! Not just sneakers and hiking boots but ~fashion~ boots and sandals and flats as well.
Promising review: "This stuff is awesome. As a serial sweater, I NEED this on my feet before every run, no matter how long or short. It doesn't feel heavy or slimy on my feet upon application and so far my feet have not had any friction or hot spots while running in the summer heat. HIGHLY recommend, especially for anyone who suffers from constant feet blisters." —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $8.
5. A neuropathy cream especially helpful for those with localized pain spots or chronic pain. Thanks to ingredients like castor oil, valerian root, peppermint, and hemp flower, reviewers say it really helps!
Body Essentials Herbal Care is a Colorado-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2015 that specializes in zero-waste hair and skincare.
Promising review: "Heard about this item with reserved hope... It has delivered above and beyond my expectations! Instant relief from burning carpal tunnel and muscle soreness. Will be a repeat buyer." —NS
Get it from Body Essentials Herbal Care on Etsy for $36+ (available in two sizes; psst — this item ships for free!).
6. A hot *and* cold massage therapy ball to use for ~instant~ and targeted relief when you've got a bit of post-workout pain in your neck, shoulders, and other hard-to-reach spots. Simply stick it in the freezer for a cooling effect OR place in hot tap water for five minutes for heat.
Promising review: "I was skeptical at first while using this cold massager. I put it in the freezer for a few hours, then I used it on the sore parts of my body (thighs, legs, calves, feet, upper back). At the time I thought this was a waste of money. Boy was I wrong. The next day each area that I rolled the frozen massager felt better. A must for chronic sore, stiff muscles." —kizzy lee
Get it from Amazon for $21.99.
7. Or an ultra portable Theragun Mini, the cute n' powerful little brother of the original Theragun! It's got three different calibrated percussive speeds that'll massage those aching and sore muscles of yours.
Here's what BuzzFeed Editor Melanie Aman has to say about it:
"Exercising has been a huge boost to my mental health during quarantine, but the DOMS, man — the DOMS hurt like hell!! I'm talking hurts to walk, hurts to lower myself and sit, hurts to stand up, hurts to lift things heavier than a stuffed animal, hurts to exist. I learned early on that this little gadget was suuuuuuuuper helpful in reducing my discomfort and loosening my tight, angry muscles. While jackhammering my calves and thighs is not an incredibly fun experience (TBH it hurts, especially when I'm massaging already sore muscles) but I know the next day I'll wake up with significantly less pain."
Get it from Amazon for $179 (available in four colors).
8. A back pain relief gel pack reviewers and athletes alike swear by for easing thier lower back, sciatic, coccyx, AND tailbone pain. It can be worn hot or cold, too!
Each of these comes equipped with two gel packs so you can alternate between hot and cold whenever you need!
Promising review: "This was perfect for my sore back. It comes with two inserts. That is nice because I was able to keep one in the fridge and the other to warm up in the microwave. The belt they go in works great for lower back pain. I could wear it at work when my back was bad." —Brandie Collins
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
9. An easy-to-use posture corrector that'll encourage you to sit up straighter and use better posture. And the benefits of that? You'll have proper form during workouts and waaaay less neck, back, and shoulder pain after exercising.
Promising review: "Once I put it on, I felt the weirdness and discomfort. I immediately went to check myself in front of the mirror. The discomfort was actually from me standing straight with proper posture! I kept it for 20 minutes then took it off. My body wanted to go back to my 'normal' slouch, but it actually didn’t feel right This unassuming basic looking thing does work really well. I have been using it for three days now, and it helps remind me of my posture. I workout a lot, and I have noticed less strain and pain doing certain exercises while wearing this. Definitely worth a try!!" —Trish M.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
10. A wrist compression strap to stabilize and protect your wrists for any and everywhere your activities take you (yoga, weight lifting, and typing on a computer eight hours a day). Reviewers with tendonitis and arthritis LOVE these while they exercise!
Promising review: "A very durable product and it did help me a lot to get rid or relieve me of my wrist pain. I constantly have pain on my wrist even without lifting anything. After 10 minutes of using the product I felt relief on my wrist and even wore it during my sleep. I used to skip some exercises that I often skip because it give me a lot of pain and pressure on my wrist, but when I started using this product I was able to do them. There is still some tingling sensation but not as bothering or as painful as it used to be." —William
Get a pair from Amazon for $9.99.
11. Or a pair of weightlifting gloves that'll stabilize your wrists and help prevent blisters and chafing from gym equipment. Bye bye calluses!
Promising review: "I'm a weightlifter and you can find me at the gym at least six times a week. I take my workout seriously, but recently, I have come into problems with some blisters. I have been trying to create calluses on my hands to help when I compete (no gloves allowed), but this has become incredibly painful and I have lost a lot of the skin on my hands. So, I have caved and decided to buy a pair of workout gloves. I was looking for gloves with wrist support since I lift very heavy weights and need the support. These came in a zippered plastic bag and was easy to open. As a small female, I found that these fit my hands very nicely. There aren't any fingertips on the gloves and this is perfect too. Sometimes, with workout gloves, you have to take them off to do certain exercises. I've found that I can leave them on all workout. These are great and perfect for any weightlifter, beginner or pro." —Katie
Get a pair from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in five sizes and ten colors).
12. A neck-and-shoulder relaxer for when your neck stiffness and shoulder tension from a workout is just too much to bear.
(Psst — you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new involving your neck/back area to make sure it's safe for you!)
For this, instead of like a regular pillow, you're supposed to lay on this in ten-minute intervals; the seller suggests working your way up to it by starting yourself off at five minutes at a time, with a one- to three-day adjustment period before regular use.
Promising review: "I was diagnosed with neck arthritis and got physical therapy treatment done last year. After the treatment the pain came back and I was struggling to manage the pain with upper body stretches and isometric neck exercises. Cardio workout was making the pain worst. This cervical traction device is a big pain relief. I have been using this device for about 10 days . I have seen a great improvement and can sleep better. Hopefully life will get back to normal soon!!!" —Hershey
Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in five colors).
13. A high density round foam roller that not only comes in tons of fun color combos but will actually really help you pre- and post-workout, too. This baby comes in various sizes so you can easily target stiff areas, as well as help you massage your calves and quads after an intense leg day sesh.
Promising review: "Have back, hip, etc. issues? These rollers will feel like a massage, pushing the lactic acid out, opening the lymph glands, circulating blood to the sensitive areas. Depending on the pressure can feel like a deep tissue massage. Our athlete daughter plays a Division I sport and the whole team uses them before and after training. They are instrumental in recovery. These are nice and firm, roll easily. I purchased both the 2' and 3'. The 2' is good for thighs, calves, upper back, shoulders, arms and it easy to switch from side to side. The 3-foot covers a whole body roll, side body, two legs at a time thighs to toes, buttocks to heel, length of single leg, or a complete back roll. Will not slip on you and comes in fun colors. Great when you are in front of tv or just during or prior to a meditation session." —CharmedTote
Get it from Amazon for $15.39+ (available in four sizes and eight colors).
14. A compression foot sleeve for managing heel pain and plantar fasciitis. And the best part is you can wear it discreetly under your socks! Reviewers with chronic pain swear by these, too.
Promising review: "I'm a runner and battling my second round with plantar fasciitis in the last 10 years. I own compression stockings that go up to the knee but I really like these sock 'sleeves.' Much more comfortable and easy to put on and take off. I immediately noticed strong support. The light weight means you can even wear these at night to accelerate the healing process. Go slow with building back up the mileage and good luck, fellow runners." —V. Brancart
Get a pair from Amazon for $14.95 (available in four sizes and nine colors).
15. A super lightweight and breathable hip belt designed to be worn ~during~ workouts to help ease lower back, pelvic, and leg pain (yep, it can help all that!). And when worn during rest, it can help stabilize the sacroiliac joint (aka, the joint in your lower back that causes pain in a lot of these areas when it's inflamed).
(Psst — you should consult with your doctor before trying anything new involving your neck/back area to make sure it's safe for you!)
You can extra personalize the fit based on your needs, too, because there's not only the wraparound belt, but a secondary belt installed over it so you can control the compression you need in certain areas.
Promising review: "Support, support and more support!!! It can provide you support from a feeling of tense or unusual discomfort. You almost feel whole again, like that back pain was never there. I definitely wear it around the house and during some workouts too...But really, the moment I put this on as soon as I got it, it was such a sigh of relief that there was something out there that could release some tension while I do chores or workouts around the house." —Daphne Pavlis
Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in two colors and three sizes).
16. A bottle of tea tree essential oil with numerous uses and benefits when it comes to post-workouts and just life in general. According to reviewers, it's great for soothing red patches, inflammation, and irritation on their skin — including those brought on by exercise!
Reviewers also use it to help cleanse buildup on their scalps, prevent dryness, strengthen their nail beds, and just generally ~breathe in~ because it smells so darn relaxing.
This delicious scent come from small biz Maple Holistics, a brand that provides essential oils, massage oils, shampoo/conditioner, and more with naturally-derived ingredients. Basically anything to help you and the environment around you feel and smell best!
Promising review: "This is a very good tea tree oil. I have been using it for my diffuser and to treat my feet. I am an avid runner and biker and this oil helps soothe and treat hotspots on my feet." —Kenneth C. Griffo
Get it fro Amazon for $7.95.
17. A pair of collapsible walking poles for a much gentler way to get a core and upper body workout while also stabilizing your body to prevent injuries and injury aggravation. Bonus points: the length is adjustable, it comes in a bunch of awesome colors, and with the collapsing feature, they're super easy to bring around with you!
These walking poles don't just come by themselves! You'll also get eight interchangeable pole accessories (so you can you use them on cement, snow, mud, etc.) and a carrying pouch for them all.
Promising reviews: "They are very light weight & made my 18 mile hike WAY more endurable.These poles made such a difference on my ankles, knees, and hips!" —amy hernandez
"FANTASTIC POLES! We went hiking in the mountains in Northern Georgia. The conditions were wet, slick, and muddy from rain. My husband and I both purchased these poles and our hike was way more enjoyable and easy. Super easy to adjust for height and very easy to break down to stow and carry when not using. The poles come with multiple attachments for different hiking conditions (snow, ground/dirt, and pavement). Handles are designed with comfortable grips and have padded wrist straps (all very comfortable). We put our poles through some tough conditions and they held up like a champ! They are definitely made very well and can take a beating. I highly recommend these poles :) We loves ours! Great purchase!!" —Joanna
Get it from Amazon for $17.52+ (available in eight colors).
18. A spiky deep tissue massage ball designed to relieve that annoying, really-hard-to-get inner foot pain that we occasionally get after exercise. But because of it's compact size, it also works for other muscles that need a little relief, too!
Promising review: "This spiky massage ball gives me instant relief on several painful parts of my body: neck, shoulders, injured elbow, pecs, etc. I've been using it for five days or so, and am now feeling less pain and more flexible. The Master of Muscle company is TOTALLY dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction. If like me you are using tennis balls to massage and release some tension, pressure, and/or pain, I think you should try this Mauler ball. It is helping exponentially more than the tennis balls I was using." —James P.
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
19. A pack of top-rated moisture-wicking exercise socks that feature arch support, breathable fabric, and a higher back to help prevent blisters. These socks have over 29,000 5-star reviews filled with people raving about them!
I've had a set of these since April 2020 and not only have they held up for over a year, but they have kept my VERY blister- and chafing-prone feet snug and moisture-wicked since the day I got them. I bought two more packs of them since and they've essentially phased out any of my other socks, because they're extremely comfortable to boot. As a runner who clocks in 40+ miles a week and often in some "yikes!" summer heat, I cannot recommend these socks enough. —Emma
Promising review: "Great running socks! I got these for the tab in the back that fits high enough in my running shoes to eliminate blisters. These definitely handle moisture, even in the Florida heat." —Leslie Cornwall
Get a pack of six from Amazon for $14.95+ (available in four color combos and sizes S–L).
20. A large electric heating pad because its soft, flexible, and great for cuddling up with to ease aches and pains anywhere on the body — your back, shoulders, thighs, etc.
This pad has three different heat settings and an auto-shutoff for safety, *plus* is totally machine washable.
Promising review: "After my workout, I look forward to showering and reclining on this awesome heating pad. The fabric is so soft and you don’t hear that crackling from the plastic like in those cheap heat pads. I have already told three other people that they should buy this product. I like that it also shuts off automatically when it has reached its peak temp. I would definitely purchase this again." —willvela
Get it from Amazon for $59.99.
21. Or a ~king size~ heating pad for those times when just about everything is sore. This giant heating pad will hit multiple places at once, so you can sit back, relax, and recover.
The blanket heats quickly and has six different heat settings to find your perfect fit.
Promising review: "Really good product! Heats fast and safe. You can adjust the heat from level 1 to level 6. The fiber is comfortable. I used it for two purposes. To relieve my shoulder pain. Every day I need to sit in front of the computer for a long time. Sometimes I do some workouts and running. I used it to relieve my muscle soreness. Recommend this product to everyone who needs it!" —Leila
Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in four colors).
22. An acupressure mat and pillow to help you relieve any tension you have post-workout. This duo is equipped with over 7,000 acupressure points that can help release tight muscles.
Just so you know, it's a little bit jarring when you first lay on them, but you should feel results within 10 to 30 minutes of laying on the mat.
Promising review: "I am so impressed with this mat! I currently experience complete back soreness/tightness + back pain. My calves will also knot up, not release for days at a time. I’ve been using it for five days now and have experienced so much relief, it’s truly unbelievable! I actually want to ensure I wasn’t giving the mat more credit than it deserved so I almost didn’t use the mat this morning even through I have a painful jolt down the muscles of one side of my back — I decided to use it anyway because I didn’t want the pain to worsen throughout the day. I’m glad I did because I felt instant relief in my back and neck." —tameeka williams
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 10 colors).
23. A plush memory foam mattress topper because it can turn any old or uncomfortable mattress into something ~magical~. It helps evenly distribute your weight on your mattress to reduce pressure on your joints, which reduces the chances of you waking up stiff and sore the day after your workout.
Promising review: "So comfortable! I received this a day early and was so happy! I unrolled it on my bed to puff up — and it did so immediately. The topper springs right back into shape as soon as you get off of the spot, and my trial confirmed that is is going to be great for sleep. I do CrossFit so there are times when my muscles ache quite a bit after a workout, so this is topper is going to help a lot with that! My dogs like it too LOL." —Rossi Family
Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in 2- or 3-inch depth and in eight standard bed sizes).
24. A reusable neck-and-shoulder heat/cold wrap for a new post-workout ritual. You can throw it in the microwave for soothing heat or freeze for extra cold relief. And unlike many wraps, this one is odorless! So it's perfect for those that are sensitive to strong smells or are just really tired of lavender.
BioMed DB Design is a Washington-based small business established in 2010 that specializes in ergonomically designed hot and cold therapy packs.
For a half hour of heat, you can microwave it for two minutes; for cold therapy, you can leave it in the freezer.
Promising review: "The neck-and-shoulder heater came on time. I love the style of it with the upright collar. Stays warm for a half hour and the main reason I bought it was because it wasn't scented...had a hard time finding a neck warmer that wasn't aromatherapy. Very well made. I toss it in the microwave, throw it over my shoulders, and sit in my recliner and heat up my neck, then do some neck stretches as warm muscles are more flexible. Has been a godsend for my stiff-tight neck muscles, keep up the good work!!!" —Kathy
Get it from BioMed DB Design on Etsy for $35.99.
25. A set of affordable waterproof wireless Bluetooth earbuds with adjustable silicone tips so they'll fit perfectly without constantly falling out while you're running, jumping, and squatting. The buzz on these babies is that not only are they affordable, but they are *super* comfortable, too — just take a look at 185,000+ 5-star reviews!
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds also come with different sizes so you can find your perfect fit and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.
Promising review: "I recently purchased two sets of these earbuds, one for my wife and one for me. We have really enjoyed them. I opted to go with these since they are waterproof and want to try them this summer while I swim laps. These have great sound and best of all no wires. Set up was a snap and, I did not realize but each time you put them back in storage box they charge. I have used them numerous times and they connect every time. I use them while hiking and working outside and I have enjoyed them a great deal. They come with a wide assortment of covers that help to get just the right fit. I would definitely recommend them as I have not been disappointed." —April
Get it from Amazon $29.98+ (available in five colors).
26. A pair of compressive split-toe bunion relief socks that features extra cushioning so your feet are extra protected against the painful (but sometimes inevitable) bunion.
OS1st is a North Carolina-based, family-owned small business that specializes in diabetic socks and compression sleeves, including the first patented plantar fasciitis sleeve.
Promising review: "Over the last year or so I've noticed [bunions] appearing and getting worse. Recently they started bothering me when I was out running. I've tried several tennis shoes but I was still having problems. These socks have made the difference. I run now with no pain. Thank you. Planning on buying some more pairs. :-) I ran back to back races this weekend and although there were a few things that were a little sore, my feet were not one of them. Thank you!!!" —Hiking 1957
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three sizes and three colors).
27. A set of cooling towels you won't be able to live without once you've tried 'em. These towels *instantly* chill when you soak them in water and wring them out. And when you're burning up from an intense workout, it'll feel like heaven!
It also keeps itself chill for hours and will immediately get chilly again when you soak it in water and repeat the process.
Promising review: "Great for a summer workout. I live in Houston and play soccer. These are great for half time to try and keep myself cool. My teammates also like them." —Leanne Field
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $13.99.
28. Plus a ventilated cooling cap with UPF 50 protection! Similar to the cooling towel above, it instantly cools when you wet it, but you can also wear by itself or under a hat or helmet.
29. A micro-adjustable cold compression sleeve that uses individualized pressure and cold temperature to reduce inflammation after a run, hike, gym workout (or just daily struggles of life).
Recoup Fitness is a small business founded by athlete Matt Hyder that specializes in products for post-workout relief and pain management.
Promising reviews: "Ahhhhhhh....finally. I’ve gone through a couple of different types of ice wraps and this is by far the best...The fit and customizable tightening is incredible, completely icing the knee and the affected area. This is so worth the money after wearing it. I can’t say enough." —Kurtis Lease
"I have suffered with lateral epicondilitus (tennis elbow) off and on for years. After a long stretch of feeling good the pain recently came back. Icing always helps. This product works very well because it has a unique feature where you can tighten up the compression on the top and bottom. The ice sleeve is very cold. I went by the recommended sizing and suggest going down one size for tighter compression. Definitely a great purchase." —Amazon customer
Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in three sizes).
30. A thick nonslip yoga mat so you can downward dog your way into relaxation while still supporting your joints in the process. It's made of eco-friendly material that's soft to touch and moisture resistant, allowing you to grip the mat more as you sweat.
Promising review: "I don't leave a lot of reviews, but I had to say something about this yoga mat. It's gorgeous and exactly what I was hoping for when I ordered it. The thickness is perfect for my yoga sessions and the non slip backing is a wonderful addition. I highly recommend this product." —Kegaspirit
Get it from Amazon for $29.90 (available in five colors and two thickness levels).
31. A set of Nip Strips — handy adhesive strips you put on your nipples to prevent chaffing against your bra or T-shirt. Reviewers say they don't hurt to remove, either!
Promising review: "These were a revelation for me. I get VERY sweaty on summer runs (complete shirt and shorts saturation) and that often results in nipple chafing. I've tried bandaids and athletic tape and I sweat them right off. These have held remarkably well for 1.5+ hour runs in July heat and humidity." —lilloquacious
Get a set of 20 pairs from Amazon for $14.99.
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