Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat review

The Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat massager delivers two speed settings to help with relaxation and deeper muscle massages.

Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat Massager review
(Image: © Prospera)

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The Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Heat Massager is popular with people who want to include heat therapy into their self-massage routine, and who want to enjoy the relaxing benefits of massage as much as the more therapeutic benefits. It provides a similar percussive massage feel to the top performing devices in our best handheld massagers round-up, but also costs a lot less than the high-end massagers.

With two speed settings to choose from, you won't go far wrong here in terms of using the massage. The lowest setting is for a more relaxing massage, while the highest setting should be use for when you want a deeper muscle massage. How does it compare to similar models from big-name wellness brands such as TheraGun and Wahl? Well, that's what we're here to find out.

Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat Massager review: design

The massager comes with a lower speed setting, too. This one handles relaxation and lighter surface stimulation. It can work on your arms and legs as well as your neck and back. This adds to the massager's overall versatility. You can change out two small head attachments as well.

The attachment heads cover the impact point of the massager. They come directly in contact with your skin, so their shape and texture greatly affect your experience. One of the two heads features a smooth surface. This impacts the body with more precise beats, and it can work well for specific pains. When you use this head, you can focus on a target area without losing any power.

The second head offers small bumps across the surface and provides a unique sensation for lighter massages. This second head helps with both speed settings. The attachments twist on and off of the head of the massager so that they do not fall off during the massage.

Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat review: the massager shown with various included accessories

(Image credit: Prospera)

Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat Massager review: performance

You can adjust the speed based on the type of massage you need at the moment. On the fast speed setting, this massager delivers up to 3,000 pulses per minute. This stimulates blood flow in larger muscle groups, and it gives you the ability to perform deep massages. When you add pressure, the massager can work through tense muscles on the back and shoulders. This makes it an adequate tool for many aches and pains.

This Penguin massager includes infrared heating elements that help with muscle relaxation. Heated massages warm the skin slowly, and they use both heat and pressure to relieve tension. The body of the massager measures 18 inches from top to bottom, so you can extend your reach as needed. For an alternative percussive massage that also uses heat, we'd recommend the HoMedics Percussion Pro With Heat Massager.

The massager should remain in motion during use. Why? Because if it is left in a single position, it can bruise the target area with its intense percussive action. In general, you can use this massager for up to three minutes in any given area before needing to take a break. The device also needs to rest after 15 minutes of use. According to Prospera, extended use may cause the massager to overheat, which can shorten its lifespan.

Should I buy the Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Body Heat Massager?

The Prospera PL008 Penguin Percussion Heat Massager features powerful speed settings that massage deeper muscle groups. It relies on a corded connection for power, but must shut off when used for longer periods to prevent overheating.

If you want a powerful percussive massager, we would also recommend the Therabody Theragun Mini. Looking for ultra-targeted back or foot treatment? Then check out our guides to the best back massagers and the best foot massagers.

Jennifer Christensen

Jennifer Christensen has written for many newspapers and magazines and has broadcast experience in television and radio. She has earned journalism awards from the Utah Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists and enjoys being a writer for Top Ten Reviews. Jennifer has five amazing children and loves to hike, play the piano, kick a soccer ball and eat ice cream.