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Running involves a lot of wear and tear on joints, tendons, and muscles. There’s a reason it’s commonly referred to as “pounding the pavement.” The repeated impact can take its toll on the body, and remaining active and healthy involves focusing on rest and recovery.
As I trained for my first half-marathon this fall, I knew I needed to level up not only my miles but my recovery game. Sure I was a pretty consistent casual runner, but most of my outings were in the 3-5 mile range, and this was going to be a significant jump. I knew I couldn’t cut any corners when it came to preparation, and that meant checking out HigherDOSES's Infrared PEMF Mat.
At $1295, the mat certainly isn't cheap, and it also takes up precious real estate in our small home, but I thought it could be the key to my recovery.
I ended up using it frequently after training runs, and in the aftermath of the race itself. I appreciated the way various modes of electromagnetic pulse therapy it offered, and the heating component was a delightful and luxurious touch. It is pricey and somewhat cumbersome to take out and put away after each use – but, if you have the space and are willing to make the investment, it is a recovery amplifier for any runner.
We like
- Four different electromagnetic pulse options to boost recovery and reduce pain
- Heating element makes it incredibly cozy and restful to lay on
- High quality construction provides comfort and durability
We don't like
- The price point is high for a recovery tool
- The mat weighs 43 pounds and can be cumbersome to unfold and store
- The effect is subtle so it takes a little time to appreciate
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This Is Your Body on Electromagnetic Pulse Therapy
So what is electromagnetic pulse therapy anyways? Essentially, it is the non-invasive application of electromagnetic pulses to living tissue to stimulate cell growth. Such stimulation can help with pain relief, healing, inflammation, and cognitive function. Though the research on the efficacy of this kind of therapy is inconclusive, a comprehensive review of the existing studies suggests there are legitimate benefits to its application.
The HigherDOSE Infrared Mat takes the process right out of the clinic and allows it to occur in your own home. It offers four different pulse frequencies that correspond to that correspond to four different brain waves:
- Level 1: Restore—Delta Brain Wave
- Level 2: Ground—Theta Brain Wave
- Level 3: Relax—Alpha Brain Wave
- Level 4: Focus—Beta Brain Wave
One can also opt to turn up the heat or to turn on the Negative Ion features, which heats up natural gemstones to help boost mood and energy levels.
Subtle Healing
When I first used the mat, I honestly wasn’t sure if it was working. That is because, aside from the heat, there isn’t a noticeable sensation like buzzing or vibrating that provides immediate feedback. I liked the heated element (and so did my wife, who would steal time on the mat when I’d pull it out for recovery), but after laying down for 20 minutes (HigherDOSE’s suggested use-time) wouldn’t I always feel a little more restored, grounded, relaxed, or focused?
After a few sessions, though, I really started to appreciate the impact after runs. I knew that certain distances should correspond to a certain level of soreness, but when I spent time on the mat post-run I was surprisingly limber not long afterwards.
The Recovery Assist
The half-marathon I ran this fall was the longest distance I’d ever run. I’ve heard horror stories of friends who took months to recover, and was worried I’d have trouble running around with my kids and doing stairs after the race. And when I first got home I was pretty sore.
Then I spent time on the Infrared PEMF Mat. Yes there were aches afterwards, but I was in much better shape than I’d imagined. I wasn’t limited at all and biked to work the next day. Being able to run a longer distance and still have the energy and ability to chase my kids and not be physically limited was a gift. The Infrared PEMF Mat definitely isn’t the sole reason I was able to recover faster, but it was certainly part of the process.
In Conclusion
I was a bit skeptical when I first got the mat. It is not light, or super easy to store. Our house doesn’t have that much space and the weight and size of it don’t exactly allow it to be tucked in a closet. Yet if you are willing to pay the price and have the space, it is a great tool for runners seeking a recovery boost, or anyone looking to find a little relief or relaxation. I’m not getting any younger, so I’ll be spending a fair amount of time enjoying the warmth and support the mat provides. If you too are an aging runner looking to become an ageless wonder, I highly recommend checking out the HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat here.
