As most serious athletes will know, one of the keys to avoiding muscle cramps involves loosening up the soft tissues both before and after intense physical activity. While there are already balls and rollers that let people do so, Hyperice's new Hypersphere adds another dimension – its core vibrates at a high frequency, reportedly getting those muscles and tendons as loose as a goose.
To use the Hypersphere, users simply press it against the area in question – this can include regions such as the glutes, hips, back, shoulders and feet. Its spherical form factor allows it to be rolled back and forth while in use, the massaging action adding to its therapeutic effect.
According to Hyperice, use of the rubber-coated device should not only loosen but also lengthen muscles, allowing for greater flexibility and range of motion. It's also said to increase circulation – thus accelerating the warm-up process before training – plus it reduces muscle soreness and stiffness when used afterwards.
It weighs 2.5 lb (1 kg), and can run for up to two hours on one 1.5-hour charge of its lithium-ion battery. There are three intensity settings, depending on its intended use. According to a company rep we spoke to, it is the specific frequency range of the vibrations that make the Hypersphere more effective than other muscle-vibrating devices already on the market.
The Hypersphere is available now, for US$149.
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