Normatec Hip Attachment 2.0 Review
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The Normatec dynamic air compression system by Hyperice creates a restorative massage that helps you feel refreshed faster.
The one thing that was missing in the Normatec Legs was treatment of the hips, hamstrings, and lower back. This is solved by the Normatec hip attachment.
It’s perfect for anyone that is looking to take their recovery seriously. In this article, we’re doing a full review of the hip attachments.
What are Hyperice Normatecs?
The Normatecs are a compression therapy device designed to help you recover faster between training sessions or competitions.
The hip attachment wraps around the top of your legs, hips, and glutes. To be honest, it’s kind of like wearing a nappy!
How do they work?
There are 2 zones on the Normatec hip attachment. The first zone hits your quads and hamstrings. The second zone treats your hips, glutes, and a bit of your lower back, depending on how high you wear them.
The Normatecs inflate with air around your quads and hamstrings compressing these first. Once the compression is complete it will inflate the second zone, to target your hips, glutes, and lower back.
The reason the Normatecs work this way is so the compression isn’t working against the valves in your body. The valves prevent blood flow from going the wrong way in your body.
Deoxygenated blood always flows back towards the heart, and the Normatec’s aid this process by working with your body’s natural blood flow.
By increasing blood flow to specific parts of your body you deliver more oxygen and nutrients to those working muscles. Therefore, speeding up your recovery between training sessions and competitions.
The benefits of the Normatec hip attachments
The most activated muscles when you run are the hamstrings, glutes, and hip flexors.
As a sprinter I know mine take a real pounding on the track. Whether it’s a 100m sprint or a 10k run these muscles need plenty of TLC and recovery.
I’ve been using the hip attachment most days for the past month now and I’ve found that my legs feel a lot fresher post-track session.
Other benefits found in the research include:
Reduced muscle soreness, which can help to speed up muscle recovery (1)
Helps to clear lactic acid out of the blood, which can help to improve subsequent training session performances or competitions (2)
Improved flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and joints (3)
Getting set up with the Normatec hip attachments
Start by stepping into them like you would a pair of trousers with the Normatec logo facing forward
Then connect the 2 buckles and tighten. You can retighten the buckles once the Normatec’s are inflated
I’ve found putting the hip attachment on the side of your hip bone, rather than further up on your back means you won’t experience a kidney massage which can be a little uncomfortable
When you’re sat down and comfortable attach the hose and start your session
You’ll need to select 2 zones rather than 5 on the device or the app – you can set up your favourite sessions on the app which makes things easier when you are switching between the Normatec Hips and Leg attachments.
Select the time (recommended 20-60 minutes), press the play button and you’re good to go!
Pros from our experience
My legs feel a lot fresher after going on these for 40-55 minutes per session which backs up the research.
Nick gets a nice release on his lower back when the compression starts too. So, if you have a locked-up back right now, these can help you free off the joint and get a nice release.
I’ve found it gets deep into the glute muscles which can be hard with other treatments. This is especially good if you’re a sprinter or runner, as these are one of the most active muscles
These are far better than a foam roller and a lot less effort. You can still work while you have these on too which you cannot when foam rolling
The app you can download on your phone is great too. You can control everything from your phone
You can save money on massage therapy bills too. We have a lot fewer physio and osteo treatments which is down to using the Normatecs daily
Cons from our experience
If you place the hip attachment too high these can be uncomfortable and compress your kidneys. We’ve found that placing the Normatec on the top of your hip bones avoids this
You can’t move while these are working, so get comfortable and make sure you don’t need to go to the toilet or answer the doorbell (we know from experience!)
If you’re a male wearing these, make sure you get yourself sorted ‘down there’ before the compression starts. Moving everything up and forward as the compression starts to make sure everything stays out of the way
The hose that feeds the compressed air can get in the way when you’re trying to work
The Normatec unit doesn’t tell you when they’re finished. It could do with a beep sound to let you know when they’re done
They’re expensive. However, if by using these you need fewer manual therapy sessions (£40-£80 per session), and you can use these every day, we feel you are getting a good return on investment
Our verdict on the Normatec hip attachments. Should you get them?
Are the NormaTec hip attachments worth it? Yes, we think so.
If these speed up your recovery post exercise or competition, help you to reduce your risk of injury, and save the cost of treatments we believe this is a worthwhile investment.
Research on the benefits Normatec offer is limited and more research is needed. There’s limited research there is suggests that these can reduce muscle soreness, improve range of motion, and speed up muscle recovery.
If you consider yourself a serious athlete these are worth considering. We win by fine margins in sport. If you’re looking to gain a competitive edge over your competition, get the Normatec hip attachments.
