Hello folks I have a quick question - is a Normatec PCD really worth the cost or usage? Debating whether or not I should buy one for recovery, but it’s a huge investment on my end.
Please share your thoughts from both a user and non-users standpoint
Cheers.
I researched them a while ago and couldn’t find any convincing evidence they’re any benefit to healthy people. They’re good for pathological conditions.
Hello folks I have a quick question - is a Normatec PCD really worth the cost or usage? Debating whether or not I should buy one for recovery, but it’s a huge investment on my end.
Please share your thoughts from both a user and non-users standpoint
Cheers.
Recovery boots is the number one addition to my training this year and is a big part of why for the first year in a long time I didn’t have a chronic overuse injury arise. It actually lead me to being a little over trained in April and falling performance. In previous year I had always tried recovery boots at a race and the rep always set the pressure way too high for me and I felt like my eyes were bulging out of their sockets. With that being said, I am now hooked, but you don’t necessary need to go with Normatec. The Air Relax system is very nice, small and portable, and effective at 1/6 the price.
I echo some of what Thomas said. I used Normatec a bit in the past and really liked them but couldn’t justify the price. Just seemed like a luxury that wouldn’t yield a good ROI. I did sometime later come across Podium Legs which is what Thomas linked to. I own them. They are a cheaper version. I used them a lot in the beginning but don’t use them near as much now.
Like all recovery aids there is some controversy over whether they interfere with the recovery process by reducing inflammation. I, however, figure that until I see all the ProTour teams selling theirs on EBay, they are probably a net benefit. Your legs will certainly feel less crappy the next day. This probably explains why Thomas found himself over trained.
The Normatec’s are by far the nicest. The quality of the construction is so much better than the cheaper alternatives and when I have tried them they seem to be more effective. I bought some of the Sports Pump ones that were about 800$, but if I had the extra cash…
Are they worth it? Only you can decide if they are worth it to you.
I’ve had mine for about 3 years and use them every day. I do feel they help my legs feel less trashed the next day. I’m currently in them now as I type this. 70 mile ride this morning and have a long run tomorrow. I won’t feel the effects of todays ride during tomorrow’s run.
People have mentioned they have used them right before workouts and have noticed benefits. Personally have never done this (not enough time for me).
Depending on your other race/training equipment and financial situation, there is certainly a compelling argument that there are better uses for that money.
Having said that; I bought one last year when I upped my training volume and I love it. I feel like it does improve my recovery, particularly after hard efforts like intervals. How much of that is placebo effect, I don’t know. It feels great to use, and it forces me to lay down for a while and just rest.
They also seem to hold their value fairly, if you want to resell it down the road.
I have read on slowtwitch before, and find this myself; sometimes the biggest challenge is just finding the time to use them.
i had an itu pro stay at my house, who has been finishing top 20 this year. his normatec is laying on his back with legs up on the wall. if you are a desk job monkey with your own office, then normatec makes sense to use during work. as they say, sitting is the new smoking. wish they had these things on air planes
…desk job monkey
Stay classy.
What setting have you decided on? Was eye bulging working for you?
…desk job monkey
Stay classy.
i used to be one it has ruined my back and eyes. now i do manual labor and love it
I have been using mine for over a year and love it. I’ve had many workouts where my legs were trashed and 30min in Normatec and legs felt so much better.
If you go to a rev3 event, give them a try and you can get one for around $200-$300 cheaper. Or look on eBay. That where I got mine.
Purchased mine a year ago (demo model and $500 cheaper than retail price), they are great especially after a hard workout and on weeks when you have a lot of volume. Legs feel fresher the next day after an hour on those. Do they work, yes; are they expensive, yes. I’d say best bet is to get a cheaper demo unit and a only if you plan to have the need for them (long rides over 50-60 miles; long 15+ mile runs). If you’re training for Olympic, forget about them and get wheels, training for Half, nice addition, training for full, highly recommended.
I have the air relax as well, my only issue is the zipper digs into my feet as it curls down when inflated. Have you found a fix for this other than wearing socks?
I have not any issues with the zipper cutting in. The legs are a little shorter than the newest Normatec model, prob could be an issue if you are tall.
wearing mine now. best way to take a nap!
May want to look back at this thread:
Particularly the post by stephanl…some great deals on eBay if you look!
Scott
I actually got these and really like them: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DD96404/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_ttl_sol_0
There are other brands that have the same central system and charge much more. I got the XL boots so that all of my quads were covered and they are awesome. I am 6’ and my wife is 5’2" and we both use the XL. Great option. I also tried the Air Relax, but didn’t like them as much, quality of the boots were less, powercord was pretty short - but it did have a remote.
used them before and after my IM last Sunday. I am going to tell you this: fresh legs in the morning of the race; and the walking next day was a total non issue because I used them after the race. Work great
YES! (insert long approving post here)