If you want to achieve body composition, lowering body fat reserves whilst retaining or even building muscle mass, you will need a couple of things. Obviously, good genetics helps, though this needn’t make or break any of your plans or goal making. Rather, you will need a well-conceived diet and a solid, organised training plan.

Without these two essentials – good diet and training – you won’t succeed. It doesn’t matter what else you do. Get them both right and you will flourish, edging closer and closer to achieving your goals.

However, there is room here for some minutiae, some subtlety. Once you’ve got your training and diet in order, there are other places you can go to maximise your training efficiency. Supplementation plays a key role here.

If you’re looking to lose body fat and potentially unlock more energy reserves, thermogenic fat burners represent a great form of supplementation.

There is a lot of snake oil on the market – ‘diet pills’ that do nothing but waste money and shatter your hope. There are, however, some of the best thermogenic fat burners out there that really do work. They will only ever be the icing on the cake, of course. They won’t undo a bad plan. But they will make a good plan more efficient and help you to trim body fat.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourites below.

What is Thermogenesis and how it effects fat burning?

Thermogenic fat burners work by eliciting and ramping up a biological process called ‘thermogenesis’.

The word itself comes from the Greek word thermos, meaning heat, and the word genesis, meaning creation or beginning. This tells us all we need to know about the basics – thermogenesis is the creation of heat.

There is more to it than this, of course.

All metabolic processes that take place in animals produce heat. They do so as a reflection of thermodynamic inefficiency. We are all thermogenic creatures, therefore. However, thermogenesis specifically refers both to an adaptive process of heat generation – basically, where heat is the metabolism’s main product – and to the production of heat in response to nutrient intake. In fact there are three processes that count as thermogenesis:

1. Exercise-associated thermogenesis (EAT)
2. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), energy expended for everything that is not sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise
3. Diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT)

The supplements in this article, the ones useful for body recomposition, rely on number 3, DIT. They all increase the body’s metabolic rate, causing it to burn fat reserves more efficiently, but do so as a result of diet – in this case a thermogenic fat burning supplement.

Our Top Thermogenic Fat Burners

Let’s take a look at the best thermogenic fat burners that I found on the market that adhere to these qualities mentioned above.

PhenQ

PhenQ uses some fairly standard weight loss ingredients, making it a fantastic place to start. It is a prime example of a well-made, scientifically backed product that makes no outlandish claims. Though they call it the ultimate, all-in-one weight loss pill, they keep things surprisingly grounded and blend a fantastic list of high-quality compounds into their formula.

The main formula revolves around a blend of capsicum, piperine (black pepper), caffeine and niacin (vitamin B3), all of which have been proven to offer thermogenic and dietary benefits. In fact, some data has suggested that piperine may even have the ability to stop the formation of new fat cells (though this is far from assured at the moment).

You will see caffeine a lot on this list. It is a stimulant, allowing you to remain alert even as you go into a caloric deficit – which can often mean a drop in energy as lethargy takes hold. It reduces fatigue and improves focus, which is vital in a weight loss diet where willpower might be key. And, of course, it elicits a thermogenic effect whilst improving athletic ability.

PhenQ also contains chromium picolinate, an essential natural mineral found in meat, vegetables and whole grains. It helps to curb your sugar and carb cravings by stabilising blood sugar levels. Chromium helps the cells take in as much sugar as possible, meaning far fewer insulin spikes and hunger pangs.

PhenQ features nopal, another fairly regular ingredient in thermogenic fat burners. It is very high in fibre. This will both keep you regular even as you cut down the amount you are eating, and will also lead to greater feelings of satiation, causing you to eat less more naturally. It will also flush fluids into your bloodstream, meaning that you will lose any bloating causing you to retain weight.

The caffeine in PhenQ might cause energy levels to peak then dip again. This is where L-Carnitine comes into it. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in foods such as red meat, nuts and green vegetables. It enables your body to use fat as energy. This means that you will have a steadier source of energy for when the caffeine buzz dries up, and that you will be using up more fat reserves in the process.

It’s a standard, well-made, very clever formula that all thermogenic fat burners would do well to watch and I have no hesitation in recommending it as my no.1 choice that is suitable for both men and women.

Check Latest Deals On PhenQ

Instant Knockout Cut

Now we have another product I like a lot – if for no other reason than it comes in a transparent bottle shaped like a fist. Instant Knockout Cut has been going since 2014, in which time they have received and passed a lot of scientific scrutiny. Their 2.0 Cut Above Formula, newly developed, seeks to improve on the original.

It is obviously marketed in quite a hardcore way – they want their clientele to all be shredded bodybuilders. This needn’t be the case. Anybody looking to lose fat on a decent diet with a good amount of physical exercise in their lives can benefit from it.

The formula is made from high quality natural ingredients. It includes vitamins D3, B6, and B12, all of which are pretty common in these kinds of products. Vitamin D can lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. It has also been linked to lower body fat levels, hence its place in Cut.

B vitamins are always useful in metabolising food, helping you to turn it into energy. B6 can increase your dopamine and serotonin levels, keeping you alert, happy, and hitting that addictive spot for which food can often be used. B12 on the other hand is known for increasing energy, concentration, mental clarity, and for boosting your mood. Data has also linked it with lower weight levels.

Cut also uses caffeine and l-theanine for improved energy levels and heightened fat burning potential. This is furthered by green tea extract, which is known for its fat oxidation and energy expenditure properties. You also get plenty of polyphenols called catechins, which helps to break down stored energy and has been linked to lower levels of abdominal weight (belly fat!)

Cayenne pepper is also a regular candidate in thermogenic fat burners. Spice is always nice, after all, and Cut uses it to great effect. It is thermogenic, known for, and proven to, boost your metabolic rate. This is due to its main ingredient, capsaicin, which has been shown in studies to enhance fat oxidation and increase energy expenditure.

Cut also uses piperine (black pepper extract), another metabolic booster that also aids digestion, and glucomannan, a highly fibres root extract from the konjac plant that will work similarly to nopal.

Again, nothing ground breaking, here – just a list of trustworthy ingredients proven to work well in any weight loss diet.

 Check Latest Deals On Instant Knockout Cut

PrimeShred (Male Fat Burner)

Next up, we have PrimeShred. It’s apparently a ‘male fat burner’, though, as we will see, it’s good for most people. In fact, it is like most of the other items on this list – it’s a pretty hard working fat burner made from top ingredients, that will help you burn fat fast and effectively no matter your gender. As long as you pair it with a decent diet and active lifestyle, it will work for you (though, as with many supplements that include caffeine, it’s not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women).

There are no fillers in PrimeShred. Nor are there any secret ingredients or patented compounds. They are very open about what goes into their supplement. Each capsule is completely veggie friendly and comes packed with plenty of ingredients you would usually expect of a good thermogenic fat burner.

This includes an array of B vitamins – B3, B6, and B12 – alongside green tea, cayenne pepper, l-tyrosine, black pepper (BioPerine®) and green coffee.

Green coffee beans are just unroasted beans. The roasting process generally rids them of compounds like chlorogenic acid, which burn away. Keeping things raw preserves the bean’s chlorogenic acid. This is handy in a weight loss scenario, as chlorogenic acid is thought to reduce the amount of fat and glucose absorbed by your gut through digestion. Including it in your diet may help to lower insulin levels whilst boosting your metabolic rate. It is also thermogenic in its own right as it contains plenty of caffeine.

Simply take three pills per day, get some time in at the gym, and make sure you have an appropriate caloric deficit in your diet and you should see results in no time – no matter who you are!

Check Latest Deals On PrimeShred

TrimTone (For women)

Here we have another arbitrarily gendered, yet incredibly good, thermogenic fat burner. This time, it’s in the form of TrimTone (apparently just for women). Don’t be fooled – it is full of fantastic ingredients that work incredibly well together, so that anybody looking to boost thermogenesis will benefit from taking it regularly.

TrimTone markets itself as an incredibly convenient pill – perfect for those mums running around between the gym, the grocery store and all their domestic duties. I would argue that it’s also perfect for anyone with a full-time job, or who is in any other, perhaps less cliched situation.

I take their point. It is a convenient pill. You only need one capsule, once per day, at whatever time you want. Though their stereotyping of the modern woman is way off, their product isn’t.

The formula leans on caffeine, green tea, green coffee, and glucomannan – a solid offering. This will both speed up your metabolism and give you a greater feeling of satiation as all that fibre kicks in.

TrimTone also uses Grains of Paradise. This really very beautifully named herb arguably deserves its moniker – it really is quite special. It’s a herb from the ginger family proven to help metabolise brown adipose tissue (BAT). BAT is used to keep your body warm through energy burning – it is pretty much tailor made for thermogenesis. When activated, it burns up nicely, breaking down energy and ridding you of fat.

BAT activation may also have a stabilising effect on blood sugar, helping to keep cravings at bay and normalise energy levels.

It’s very easy and convenient, and well made with a great recipe. Just don’t fall for the hype or the cliches – the health and fitness industry doesn’t need these to be further reinforced.

Check Latest Deals On Trimtone

BrutalForce CCUT

BrutalForce make natural alternatives to SARMs and steroids. It’s all legal, all safe, all perfectly natural and above board, whilst giving you the same advantages of the heavy, unpleasant chemicals with which non-natural bodybuilders typically inject themselves. Their CCUT formula is designed specifically to mimic the effects of the popular weight loss SARM clenbuterol.

As such, it is perfect for those in a caloric deficit looking to cut their fat levels whilst retaining as much muscle as possible.

What makes it work, though? Is it as effective as clenbuterol?

It has several ingredients that seem to provide the answers, alongside a resounding ‘yes!’

For example, it uses garcinia, which blocks fat creation and suppresses appetite, guarana, a potent mix of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and antioxidants proven to boost your metabolism. It uses bitter orange which can increase blood pressure in order to speed up fat burning (handle with care, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure).

Finally, it uses Griffonia simplicifolia, a type of plant found in western parts of Africa.

Griffonia seeds are a stalwart of traditional alternative medicine. They contain a chemical called 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is helpful in treating common issues such as depression, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia, all of which can be common on a weight loss diet. It is also often used to speed up weight loss, with proven results.

CCUT is an innovative way to gain the benefits of a SARM without putting yourself at risk.

Check Latest Deals On Brutal Force CCUT

Hunter Burn

Who doesn’t want to take a supplement called ‘Hunter Burn’? It just sounds cool, right?

However, kudos aside, it needs to actually work as a decent thermogenic fat burner if we are to take it at all seriously.

Luckily, it does. Of course it does – it wouldn’t make this list, otherwise, would it?

In fact, Burn by Hunter Evolve, as it’s more properly called, uses six high-grade fat burning ingredients in perfect doses to perfect your fat loss. It is clinically dosed across a weighty 180 capsules per bottle to give you the best results possible.

It’s not for the undedicated. It takes some work. Hunter Evolve expect you to take it consistently through the day at regular intervals. However, they make up for this by giving us some of the best quality natural, fat burning ingredients from around the world that money can buy. It’s all free from artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, GMO, gluten, and soy. They also keep Burn caffeine free and low stimulant, for those who don’t want a pick-me-up, or those who are intolerant.

They base much of their efficacy around glucomannan from the root of the konjac plant, keeping you feeling fuller whilst helping to stabilise blood sugar levels. They also use white kidney beans, a proven carbohydrate blocker, and cayenne pepper, to make sure that your weight loss is being hit from all sides.

Though it is low stimulant, Burn uses green matcha tea, rich in metabolism boosting catechins.

Finally, Burn has l-theanine and vitamin D.

All in all, it’s a very potent formula, perfect for those looking for a caffeine free supplement.

Check Latest Deals On Hunter Burn

HourGlass Fit

Let’s round things off with another caffeine-free product – this time with HourGlass Fit. It won’t give you any of the artificial energy spikes on which many items on this list rely.

But what does it do?

For starters, HourGlass Fit claims to use a 2 in 1 approach to weight loss. It is made from nutrients and ingredients to help you burn fat and reduce hunger. As you’ll have seen from the other offerings on this list, that’s nothing too novel – as soon as you pair a metabolic booster, such as cayenne pepper, for instance, with something like glucomannan, this is exactly what you are doing.

And this is kind of what they do, though with no synthetic additives, no hidden blends, and no side effects pretty much guaranteed.

HourGlass Fit uses glucomannan alongside capsimax, B2, B6, B12, 5-HTP, zinc and chromium. They also use their special Bioperine® recipe, which I’ll go into below.

Zinc and chromium are great additions.

Zinc will boost your immune system. Though this isn’t helpful in weight loss in and of itself, those undergoing a strict, calorie restricted diet alongside an effective fitness program will often find their immune systems depleted. It’s hard to be happy and healthy, let alone to lose weight, if you’re laid up in bed with a cold every five minutes.

Chromium is a great appetite and craving suppressant, especially cravings for simple carbohydrates like white flour and sugar. It’s hard to go without these at the best of times. On a calorie restricted diet, it’s both harder and far more important to do so.

Capsimax uses OmniBead developments to extract and deliver just the bioactive capsaicinoids from cayenne peppers, giving you a very pure form without any of the heat it usually brings.

Bioperine® is essential to HourGlass Fit’s success. It is basically a highly bioavailable form of piperine. There’s nothing too ground breaking here, but we have seen that piperine is a very potent ingredient, and making it highly bioavailable simply improves efficacy and efficiency.

Again, we have a quite gendered, quite stereotyped style of branding. Don’t let it put you off. No matter your gender, or where you are in life, you will benefit from using HourGlass Fit as part of any decent weight loss program.

Check Latest Deals On Hourglass Fit

How to Choose a Good Thermogenic Fat Burner

All fat burners will claim to increase weight loss and fat oxidation. However, there is a large gulf between what products claim and what they can do. As above, there is a lot of snake oil on the market – unscrupulous companies selling poorly scientifically supported compounds claiming to be the miracle cure that all dieters would love to have.

You will obviously want to avoid these, especially as there are actually some really good products out there that really will help you to burn fat more efficiently.

The key is to look at the ingredients, especially the active ones. I’ve done this below, breaking down each supplement and showing the active ingredients that will make them useful to your dietary journey. You can choose between fat burners that are essentially just one active ingredient or go for more complex ones that cover more bases. Most of the items on the list below have several active ingredients, making them more potent and bringing about some good chemical synergy.

If you can, look for products that have clinically proven results based on data from third parties. These third parties should have no financial stake in the company, or any other conflict of interest – if somebody with nothing to gain green-lights a product, you’re onto a winner.

Expectation management will also be key in choosing a thermogenic fat burning supplement.

A good thermogenic fat burn will increase thermogenesis in your body and allow your body to use more fat as fuel, especially around exercise. Don’t expect it to chew through thousands of calories per day, allowing you to eat what you want, do nothing and become or remain lean. The product you choose shouldn’t claim to work miracles. It should simply contain a good list of ingredients to optimise the fat loss process.

FAQs:

Are there side effects to using thermogenic fat burners?

There generally won’t be any side effects to thermogenic fat burners unless you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients. For instance, it is common for people to be sensitive to ingredients such as cayenne pepper and caffeine.

Some people may find some unpleasant side effects to fat burners in general, however. Common effects can include nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, headaches, and a slight increase in blood pressure.

Is there a recommended dosage for fat burners?

Each product will have a recommended dose – always be sure to check the label. Make sure that it aligns with your own body mass, dietary needs, and health concerns. If in doubt, check with your medical provider before taking fat burners.

How do I get the most out of my thermogenic fat burner?

As above, thermogenic fat burners will do little in and of themselves. They are the icing, not the cake. Without a healthy, appropriate diet and an active lifestyle, they will be wasted. With these things in place, they will represent a jump in efficiency as you work towards your goals. To make the most of them, therefore, make sure that your diet and exercise plans are in order.

Also, remember to be kind to yourself as you reach for your goals. Aim at gradual improvements and overall health, not drastic weight loss or any other form of negativity.

The post Best Thermogenic Fat Burners appeared first on justhomegym.com.

Physical training breaks your body down. The adaptation – the progression – comes when you’re resting. It comes when you sleep, when you take down time, when your body gets a chance to rebuild itself. This is when muscle will grow, when your metabolism levels out, when your mind-muscle connections will be embedded.

There are a few different ways to approach this down time. There are different things you can do. Everyone’s rest will look different. However, there are some fundamentals that we should all bear in mind if we want to make the most of our physical fitness.

Rest Days: Why They Are Important

Rest days are incredibly important. You can use them to take a complete break from physical activity, or you can use them to take part in active recovery (more on this later.) Either way, common scientific consensus is that regular rest days will help to prevent overtraining syndrome.

Overtraining syndrome can cause fatigue, sleep loss, weight gain, depression, and a severe dip in performance. Even small amounts of overtraining can diminish performance and take a toll on mental health aspects such as energy and drive.

The Fundamentals

Before you think about any kind of protocol or snazzy technique for your recovery, you need to nail the basics. Do these and nothing else and you’ll recover well. Miss them out and it doesn’t matter what else you do; you won’t get the results you want.

To recover properly from physical activity:

• Sleep plenty, aiming for 7-9 hours per night. Your body recovers and builds muscle predominantly during sleep, so give it as much time to do so as possible. Consider taking a half hour nap in the middle of the day, in addition.
• Eat right, balancing your macronutrients and taking in enough protein and healthy fat. Protein will help to build new muscle whilst fat will help your joints to recover. Both will promote optimal hormonal balance for recovery.
• Hydrate, taking in plenty of water. We use up fluids when we train and when we recover, so anybody with an active lifestyle will need to drink more than those without one. Consider adding a scoop of electrolytes to one of your protein shakes to aid hydration.
• Actively recover, performing some kind of low intensity exercise (more on this below).
• Stretch and work mobility, practising foam rolling, yoga, or any other kind of relaxation and mobility.
• Take some down time, allowing yourself to slob about on the couch for a little while, balancing out the physical side of your active lifestyle. Use this time productively, if you want, to do something completely unathletic – focus on a non-physical hobby like painting or reading, giving your brain time to unwind from an athletic mindset.

There are some things to avoid, too. These will overly strain your central nervous system, will overuse your muscles, and will hamper recovery.

Avoid:

• Resistance training, at least for strength or hypertrophy. Resistance training of a different kind – like that elicited from yoga or Pilates, for example – can count as active recovery. Doing too much will be flogging a dead horse, and nobody wants to be a dead horse!
• Overeating, because your metabolism feels like it is in overdrive, or because you somehow think you’ve earned extra calories by training. If you’ve planned your diet right, with a proper caloric and macronutrient breakdown, you will be getting everything you need. Stick to it or adjust it properly where needed. Don’t binge.
• Try also to balance getting too into the gym and getting too comfortable on the couch. Rest for the day, knowing that you should still be moving about a bit, and knowing that you’ll be back into training tomorrow.

Active Recovery On Your Rest Days

In general, when we talk about ‘active recovery’, we’re talking about low-stress, low-intensity workout that follows on from a harder, more intense training session.

Active recovery is a way to stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy systems of the body, getting everything moving, without providing too much stress. It is more beneficial than inactivity or resting completely.

Active recovery will typically include things like walking and light swimming, that raise the heart rate and pump blood around the muscles without eliciting overload, and mobility work like yoga.

DOMS

It’s common for your muscles to ache a day or two after exercise, particularly if you’re using a new form of stimulation (a different style of training, a different discipline, or simply a more intense or high-volume session or two). This achiness is called Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

DOMS is often thought to be caused by microscopic damage to the muscle fibres, which results in soreness or stiffness.

The intensity, or even the presence, of DOMS symptoms can be greatly ameliorated with active recovery, though if you do everything right on a rest day you should also find them diminished.

The main thing we’re looking for in overcoming DOMS is a good blood pump. Active recovery can help to eliminate toxins and metabolic waste by improving blood flow.

During hard training, blood lactate may accumulate. This can lead to an increase in hydrogen ions present in the body. These are metabolic by-products that can lead to muscular fatigue and contraction. Increasing blood flow can decrease this accumulation, essentially washing them away (this is a very simplified description, but it does indeed work!)

Why Actively Recover?

Though complete rest can be beneficial to recovery, and we all need it from time to time, active recovery can give you so much more. The recovery process will rely in part on you maintain proper blood and lymph flow. As above, this can clear metabolic waste more efficiently. It will also provide vital nutrients to the muscles in greater quantities than rest.

It can also be an opportunity to open up more of a caloric deficit if this is needed for your goals. Though your primary training days and diet will be the main focus of any weight loss attempts, a decent walk every day can give you an extra few hundred calories for your deficit without being unduly stressful or fatiguing.

Active recovery can also be a great way to work on technique. It’s quite common for weightlifters and powerlifters to work on their lifting form on rest days, using lighter weights (around 20 – 40% of what they would usually lift). This way, they ca make sure that their mind-muscle connection and techniques are optimal for their heavier lifting days, so on those heavy days they can just focus on getting the work done.

They can also be good opportunities to plug the gaps in your training. For example, a weightlifter or powerlifter may be very strong, with great musculature, but if they are inflexible and have poor mobility then their quality of life will be impacted, as will their athletic performance, and they will be opening themselves up to injury over time. They may have poor cardiovascular fitness, inviting health problems over time.

Going for a couple of long walks each week and taking some time on their off-days to practice something like yoga, or even just running through some basic mobility routines, will plug these gaps.

Finally, the human body has a hormonal response to any and all physical activity. This is one of the main benefits of regular exercise – it cheers you up as adrenaline and dopamine are released. It also gives you more energy and helps you to overcome small amounts of pain and soreness.

Light exercise, therefore, can help you to overcome the feeling of fatigue often brought about in the wake of intense exercise. You will have more energy for moving more, even on your off-days, and your perception of soreness will be improved.

How Long Should You Devote to Recovery?

As above, at least one day per week should be given over to some form of rest day, whether this is active or passive/sedentary. However, to find what works best for you and your training regime, you will need to experiment. Take one day off and see how your energy levels, performance and results are. If you feel you need it, take another.

Try adding in some active recovery, too. For instance, a brisk walk could be a daily occurrence, lasting anything from half an hour to three hours (or maybe even more!) More intense forms of cardio, like swimming or jogging, shouldn’t be more than about half an hour. Ten to twenty minutes of stretching and mobility work on your rest days will suffice.

Other than this, work through the checklist above. Make sure that you’re eating and drinking the right amount. Make sure that you’re sleeping enough for proper recovery. Be kind to yourself – you’ve worked hard in the gym, now is the time to relax things a little and take a slower pace.

The post What To Do On Rest Days appeared first on justhomegym.com.

There is a lot to choose from.

I would always go with a functional trainer of some kind, however. They can be pricey, coming in at a couple of thousand dollars or more at times. There are, of course, cheaper versions, but you will generally lose a lot of utility as the budget shrinks.

But, for the money, you get basically everything. You can train everything with them, building muscle and strength with one single piece of kit.

However, just as it can be hard to choose the type of kit you’re going to go with, it can be hard to choose the model itself. There are plenty of good options out there.

Luckily, I’ve had the chance to play around with some of the best home-gym appropriate functional trainers going.

What Is A Functional Trainer?

Functional trainers are amongst the most versatile, effective pieces of training equipment that money can buy for a wide variety of exercises and exercise goals. They allow you to work pretty much every muscle group going, through broad ranges of motion, using both isolation and compound style training; they are safe and adaptable for pretty much everybody, no matter their health and training requirements; and the cables and weight stacks keep everything stable whilst allowing you to maintain constant tension through every movement.

Every gym should have a functional trainer of some sort. If you’re setting up your home gym and want to maintain a great range of options whilst eliciting fantastic levels of hypertrophy, a functional trainer will represent a very good investment.

They are, in essence, frames that make use of a series of weight stacks, pulleys, levers and handles to present you with a great many training options. Many will also have added components. It’s common to see them with pull up bars attached, landmine attachments built into them, or even sometimes bench options.

These are all great. However, it’s the base frame with pulleys and cables that you’re after – this is where the magic will really happen.

Our Top Functional Trainers

Each of the following functional trainers will give you all of the above benefits. You will be able to get a complete workout from each and every one of them, hitting all muscle groups with a decent amount of stimulus and time under tension.

Each model is worth its price and then some – though there is a range of price tags represented, they all earn their keep, delivering stellar quality for a fantastic training experience. Whether you end up splashing out nearly four thousand dollars, or go for a cheap and cheerful model at just a couple of hundred bucks, you will be well served by any of these items.

It’s a good idea to think about a couple of things outside of simply budget when choosing the right functional trainer for you. Space is a big deal. Do you have the room for a full-on power rack with integrated cables? Will your home gym, garage, studio or wherever else you’re thinking to set it up have the space for it? If so, great – you’ve got a good set of workouts ahead of you. If not, fine –there are functional trainers out there that can simply screw into the wall.

And what will you be using your functional trainer for? What skillset do you have, what is your experience level, and what are you looking for out of your training? Hypertrophy can be elicited from any of the items on this list, as can muscular endurance. However, for more power based training regimes, something with barbell capability might be best (see the Smith machine below).

Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered – there will be something below to suit you and your requirements.

Titan Functional Trainer

Let’s begin this list with a literal titan of the fitness equipment world in the form of Titan’s Functional Trainer.

It is a comprehensive machine, delivering everything a functional trainer should (i.e., it delivers pretty much everything!). It’s not exactly cheap, at a couple of thousand dollars or so. However, this is incredibly reasonable for this kind of machine, and Titan offer decent financing options that will set you back about what you might be expecting to pay for a monthly gym membership.

What do you get for your money?

Well, quite a bit, actually. There is a fantastic array of accessories and options included – it really is a piece of equipment worthy of even the fanciest of gyms. It comes with all of the essential attachments for functional training exercises, alongside all the different handles you could want. These include the rope handle, the single D and double D handles, the long bar and short bar handles and the dual short strap handles. It has a really good curved pull up bar and requires no extra components to begin using. Everything you need to get started comes in one (admittedly large) box.

The weight stack included delivers a range of 10 – 200 pounds on each side, which is very decent and will allow you to maintain progressive overload and increase intensity as you adapt to training.

I also really like the design. Though nothing outstanding, it looks like it belongs in a good quality gym. It looks like it means business, too. The black and silver design looks sleek in every setting, whether it’s your bricks and mortar garage, your garden, or your fitness studio.

The framework itself features tough, steel construction that will stay strong no matter how hard you push yourself. It really should last you for years without degrading in any way.

The handle heights are, of course, all adjustable, as you would expect from any functional trainer. In fact, there are 20 distinct vertical height positions, so that the pulley should always be perfectly aligned for whatever exercise you’re aiming at.

The mechanisms are all smooth and easy to manhandle, so that you can perform a quick turnaround between sets (this is important: you will likely want to perform super- or giant- sets at different heights, with minimal time wasted between each).

Titan’s Functional Trainer stands at 82 inches with a footprint of 64 inches by 44 inches. The long bar attachment measures at 49 inches in length, and the short bar handle measures 15.5 inches overall length. The dual pulley handles have a grip length of 4.5 inches.

Check Price And Payment Options On This Trainer

Rep FT-5000 Functional Trainer

We have another pricey option here that is nevertheless very reasonable for what you get, in the form of the REP FT-5000 Functional Trainer.

As with Titan’s offering on this list, you can expect to pay a little north of two thousand dollars for the FT-5000. Also as with the Titan, you get pretty much everything you could ever want for a full gym experience and full body workout. It can either form the main (or solo) component of your home gym or serve as a fantastic addition giving you some brilliant assistance training options.

The FT-5000 offers 16 selectable cable positions that will allow you to perform a wide variety of exercises, at as many different angles as you could ever need. The weight stacks also go heavy, with

both of them reaching all the way to 220lbs. This should be more than enough for pretty much all mid-rep assistance work, giving you a good range of progression options.

The frame is tough as anything. It is 11-gauge steel, meaning that it’s completely stable when you’re using it. I often get a bit of wobble when I’m performing pull ups (especially when my form breaks down, which it often does!). There was none of that with the FT-5000. It’s all laser cut and robot welded for an incredibly clean looking finish.

The weight selector pins are magnetic tipped, which is fairly standard yet still really nice to see in a home-gym option, and are all very quickly adjusted between sets. The cables themselves are incredibly smooth, with fiberglass reinforced pulleys. There is no jerking or catching here – everything flows very well.

It compares very well to Titan’s model. It gives you the same training capabilities, is slightly pricier, and slightly better put together. I personally think that you could go either way between them and be thoroughly satisfied with your purchase.

Check Latest Price Of The FT-5000

Life Fitness G7 Home Gym

Let’s go top end now, with the G7 Home Gym by Life Fitness. It comes in at the low-to mid three thousand dollar mark, though you can pay nearly four grand to buy it with an optional bench (I would absolutely do this if you have the budget for it).

The basic frame itself is great. It features dual-adjustable pulleys, as do the options we’ve already looked at, which give you all the versatility inherent to this kind of machine. You can choose from 20 incredibly smooth operating pulley adjustments on each side, allowing you to perform a virtually endless number of exercises.

The cables themselves have Quick Lock cable end attachments which make switching out attachments quick and easy. Inter set changes are smooth – it takes only a few seconds to adjust, then you can simply jump straight back in.

Life Fitness also include an exercise guide and video guidance, which I love. The guide is in the form of a mounted exercise book which shows you how to perform over 60 exercises, allows you to build your own workouts, and track your progress. The video is a DVD which enables you to take part in a follow-along session with a certified personal trainer who takes you through a couple of routines.

This makes it perfect for those just setting out. If you’re a beginner, you can hit the ground running, knowing that you are performing all the exercises that will work for you with proper technique and form.

Everything is ergonomically designed to be completely sympathetic to your body’s natural movements.

Then there is the bench itself, which I would always argue in favor of in a home gym.

It’s completely optional and adds around five or six hundred dollars. Put like this, it seems incredibly steep. However, it’s good quality, and at just shy of four thousand dollars, the final result with fully integrated bench seems decent enough.

The bench will allow you to hit a broader range of chest exercises – flyes, presses, and so on. Though you can perform all of these motions from standing, you will be able to go heavier (and thus elicit greater overload) with a bench.

You can also buy a couple of dumbbells or something similar for an added chest press option, which is always a good thing to see in any training regime.

Check Latest Price Of The G7 Home Gym

Marcy Smith Cage Functional Trainer

This had the potential to be my favorite item on this list. On first glance, it’s a good quality power cage with a functional trainer combined into the main frame. There is a good bench, barbell for chest and shoulder presses and squats, pull up bar, and cables.

It should be all you could ever need from a home gym set up. There are very few exercises you won’t be able to do, and no muscle groups left out of a decent, comprehensive routine performed with it.

However, the Marcy Smith Cage Functional Trainer is a little flawed in its DNA. It is a Smith machine, and there are some pros and cons to this.

Essentially, a Smith machine is a barbell that is fixed to sliders. This set up can be safer, as you won’t be able to wobble or drop the bar, and it simply hooks on before and after use. It essentially guides you through each lift and works as a spotter, which makes a great deal of sense for beginner lifters and those training alone, without a workout buddy to keep an eye on their form and catch the bar if something goes wrong.

The downside to this is that a Smith machine locks you into one specific bar path, which is rarely, if ever, the correct bar path for any given body through any given exercise. You won’t have a naturalistic lift at all. This can impair the quality and benefit of any exercise, and can actually do a lot of damage to the joints over time as they have to run through ranges of motion to which they are not naturally suited.

No serious-minded lifter would ever opt for a Smith machine. None would ever use one – I wouldn’t be seen dead training on one.

Does this make the whole thing useless?

Far from it. As above, if you’re a beginner and training solo, you might want to consider it. Only go light and don’t ever expect your form to improve. However, having even sub-par barbell utility mixed in with the cables and everything else – which is all fantastic, designed and built to a good standard – is always a good thing. You will be able to perform a wide variety of exercises, with all the benefits that that entails.

Check Latest Price Of The Marcy Smith Trainer

Lat And Lift Pulley System

Let’s end with something cheap and cheerful, in the form of the Elikliv Lat and Lift System Pulley. It is very well priced and kind of clever, if a little lacking in utility over some of the above items.

In fact, it will only set you back a hundred odd dollars, making it around 5% the cost of some of its competitors. It’s also wall-mounted, taking up very little room, yet it still manages to give you a decent set of cables for your training.

It features a main steel frame with a single fixed pulley, a fixed cable, and adjustable cable, a triceps rope for pushdowns and extensions, exercise handles, a straight bar, and a loading bin with carabiners. It comes with a heavy duty wall rack made from thick, high quality, durable steel.

In essence, the Elikliv Lat and Lift System Pulley is everything you need from a cable system, all neatly and cheaply packaged into one small, inexpensive machine.

I’m not going to pretend for a second that it’s as good as any of the other items on this list. It isn’t even close. It won’t give you anything like as good a workout. There will be far fewer training options for you to make use of, with far fewer available exercises for your arsenal. There is a max load of 220lbs with it, which is about half what its competitors offer. It’s not as heavy duty, not as tough, durable or secure as anything else on this list.

However, at 5% of the price, that’s fine. It’s also fine from such a compact model. Rather than having to devote an entire room to a piece of apparatus, as the other machines on this list demand, you can simply screw it into the wall and forget about it when not training. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and hang, and very easy to get your head around as you set out.

It’s the worst item on this list. It’s also my favorite, and it’s by far the best value for money. Please do consider investing in one.

Check Latest Price Of The Lat And Lift Gym

Why You Need A Functional Trainer In Your Home Gym

There are a few reasons I would give for including a functional trainer in your home gym.

Firstly, there is a serious safety component involved. If you’re training without a spotter, or if you’re new to lifting complex barbell and dumbbell patterns, with the motor co-ordination needed to keep them safe and stable, this can be a really bad idea. They will put you at risk.

Cables are much safer. There is far less need to self-support. There is less chance of slipping or coming out of position. There is, overall, far more stability, coupled with a much smoother action, which will obviously translate into a far lower risk of injury.

The variety is also great. With a couple of different handles, a couple of weight stacks, adjustable angles, and maybe any of the added extras mentioned above, you will be able to perform hundreds of exercises and hit every muscle group in your body.

No two training sessions need ever be the same.

This also limits the amount of equipment you need. Rather than having dozens of different pieces of specialized kit aimed at this or that body part, a single functional trainer will let you do everything, all at a single station.

Functional trainers are particularly well suited to a couple of different fitness goals.

Firstly, if you’re looking for hypertrophy (muscle growth), they are fantastic. They give you time under tension through the full range of every movement. Whereas free weights have an apex, after which the stimulation falls, cables keep constant tension. Every fiber in the muscles you are working will be stimulated for growth.

They are also good for physiotherapy. This is largely due to the safety benefits mentioned above. The adjustable weight (easily and quickly done) and the minutiae with which you can change angles and handles also plays into this, allowing you to fully adapt any exercise so that it’s the best possible version for your rehab.

They are not the best for strength or power work. They are geared towards higher rep work, with time under tension, rather than low rep work that uses great bursts of power. For this reason, functional trainers will often be used for assistance work.

For instance, you may begin your workout with heavy deadlifts or bent over barbell rows, in the 3-6 rep range. Then you might move onto the functional trainer for a combination of rows, pull throughs, face pulls and pull ups, moving up into the 8-12 rep plus range.

This is how I generally use functional trainers (and I use them often!)

The post Best Functional Trainers appeared first on justhomegym.com.

I personally favor cages, as they bring a great deal of functionality to any training space. However, they also tend to have massive footprints, and most of us simply don’t have that kind of space.

The answer? Folding wall racks. They require only a stretch of empty wall (load bearing wall space, obviously!) and will give you nearly as many training options as a normal power rack. You will be able to get good quality loaded barbell squats and overhead presses in without taking up much more than a couple of feet of floor space.

There are plenty of good options out there when it comes to finding the best folding squat racks. There are also plenty of rubbish ones. Whilst there are a fair few companies that offer quality racks at affordable rates, I’ll be focusing in on four offerings from rogue in this article. They each offer something different; each deliver on fantastic quality, each give you a lot for not much money, and are each incredibly potent training tools.

Why Use A Folding Squat Rack?

I would always recommend a rack of some description, to everyone. If you want to perform any barbell exercises from a front rack or back loaded position, you will need one. It is simply impractical, bordering on impossible, to get the bar into position without one.

By front rack or back loaded positions, I’m talking about things like low- and high- bar squats, front squats, overhead presses, push presses, good mornings, and so on. Even going with some conservative numbers, an experienced lifter will be able to shift 50-60kg through an overhead press for reps. They will be able to low-bar squat upwards of 150kg.

It really isn’t feasible to get the bar into position at this kind of weight, especially whilst wanting to create and maintain a proper brace.

So, that’s the case for the rack. But what about the folding wall squat rack?

Well, as above, space. A cage will be several feet square. Even a modest free-standing squat rack will have this kind of footprint. A folding wall squat rack will be a few feet long and will come out from the wall by a half a foot or so (sometimes more, sometimes less – we have options for you on this below). They fold conveniently away after use, meaning that you needn’t dedicate your whole garage or basement to housing one.

The only potential issue here is the walkout – it can be hard to get fully braced, comfortably, under a barbell when loading from a really slim rack. However, this shouldn’t be too much the case with the items below, and a load with your nose pressed to the wall is better than no load at all.

Price is also often a prohibitive factor for many people setting up their home gyms with squat racks. They can cost thousands. Cheap ones will cost hundreds, even second hand. The best folding squat racks are generally a lot more reasonably priced (the ones on our list are all well-worth their money and won’t make you wince as you get your wallet out).

Our Four Best Folding Squat Racks

As above, these are all from Rogue.

Rogue are one of the best, reasonably priced fitness equipment manufacturers and suppliers on the planet. They offer good guarantees, good warranties, and are generally known for good customer and professional service.

As they say on their site, in their own words:

‘Every weld at Rogue is inspected individually at each step of the process for integrity and appearance. Each laser cut is inspected. Every part is again individually inspected for finish after the powder coat process. The entire package receives a final comprehensive quality assurance check before it’s shipped.’

These folding wall squat racks are all well-priced (incredibly well, for the standard and quality you get) and will open up all loaded barbell exercises for your training.

Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack

The RML-3W Fold Back is something of a basic model, here. It does everything well, with nothing to separate it from its brothers other than the fact that it is a solid base option for anybody with no special requirements.

It uses pretty heavy duty 3×3”, 11-gauge steel uprights with 0.625” diameter SAE grade 5 bolt hardware. This hard build combined with laser cut holes and precision assembly give you an incredible amount of strength and durability. If you buy this once, you buy it once – it will last you for years without degrading.

Though you get the basics and little else with the RML-3W, it is compatible with most of Rogue’s add-ons. You can use the RML-3W as the centerpiece, then add bits and pieces over time as your training requirements and wonts dictate.

You get a couple of depth choices with the RML-3W. It comes in 21.5” and 41.5”.

The smaller version’s sides will position flush against the wall whether you swing them inward towards one other, or outward. The larger, 41.5” model’s sides can still fold in or out. However, if both are brought inwards, there will be some overlap. It’s no bother, but you need to be a bit clever if you want to minimize floor space take-up.

Despite the awkwardness, I would still go with the larger version if you have the space for it. You will have more space for larger movement patterns like push presses and so forth.

The detent pins you get with the RML-3 lock the rack into either open or closed position really well, with great solidity, and ensure that it takes up minimal wall space. Rogue also offer some decent wall storage options to make life a little easier.

Installation is pretty easy and straightforward, too, which is quite a major thing with a large scale piece of fitness equipment like a squat rack. Each one comes with a Quick-Attach Pull-Up Bar (really useful – I loved it), mounting brackets that are very well sized and executed, so they go up easily, a set of J-cups and the detent pins mentioned above. You can also add optional fold back rack stringers, each made from 11-gauge steel and bale to be mounted to a standard wood stud wall. I would personally go with these – for a little extra money, your life will be far more straightforward.

Check Latest Price Of The Rogue RML-3W

Monster RM-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack

Now we move on to the so called ‘Monster’ version of the RM-3W fold back squat rack. It is essentially a more space efficient, wall-mounted version of their standard Monster RM-3 Rack, which can be conveniently folded away when not in use.

The Monster series is designed to be tough as nails, for those looking to work with some serious weight. The fold back version features two 3×3”, 11-gauge steel uprights which are 90” tall, with 1” hardware, 2” hole spacing throughout, and keyholes on the outside of each upright. You can buy it once more in two depth options (41.5” and 21.25”). The deeper is better, as with the basic RM-3W, though, of course, the shallower option stays truer to the central goal of saving you space.

The Monster RM-3W has a really high-quality MG black finish, a quick-attach pull-up bar, Monster J-Cups, and optional stringers.

This all leads to the hardy strength and versatility of Rogue’s Monster series whilst using a fraction of the space of the regular version. In pursuit of this very worthy outcome, Rogue have developed a unique hinge-and-pin system that is both incredibly sturdy and very easy to install.

You get a pair of stringers with your order. Though these can be deselected in Rogue’s dropdown menu, I would suggest keeping them in there. They are very good, laser-cut, formed with the same hardcore 11-gauge steel and finished in the same MG black powder coat as the rest of the rack. They are 59” long x 10.125” high and extend 0.8125” when put together.

This is completely worth it. Your every training session will be far easier and more comfortable with the stringers involved.

Check Latest Price Of The Monster RM-3W

Monster Lite RML-390 FULLW Fold Back Wall Mount Power Rack

The Monster Lite version in Rogue’s range, the RML-3FULLW, is arguably the most admirable item on this list. Though far from offering the best utility, it fulfils a folding squat rack’s brief absolutely perfectly.

If you really are short on space and want something to work with that is completely unobtrusive, this is the one for you.

The Monster Lite boasts a 30” inside depth. Their new hinge and mini crossmember design also allows you to fold the rack’s moveable panels flush atop one another, which will save you a lot of space when you’re not using it. In fact, when both of these panels are folded, the Monster Lite will extend just 6.5” off the mounting surface.

Aside from being much smaller than the other items on this list, you can choose between over a dozen different colors, which is hardly ground-breaking, but is an option I really like on this model. If you’re trying to keep things subtle, you want a piece of kit that goes with your color scheme – it needs to tie into the space, rather than dominating it. This small touch goes a long way, for me.

There is a lot more to recommend the Monster Lite than simply its unobtrusiveness, however.

It’s made to the same standard as all of Rogue’s squat racks, using heavy duty, high gauge steel tubing for its structure. It also has protective UHMW feet, a set of Monster Lite J-Cups, and all required hardware for set-up. This all makes it tough as hell, able to withstand far more than most other folding squat racks of its size, and incredibly usable. The training experience is second to none for its scale.

You can also buy a ton of upgrades, including a single bar holder, single bar vertical hangar, and a plate storage post.

Check Latest Price Of The Monster Lite RML-390

Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack

Rogue’s 90” Slim Rack is another incredibly well-designed model, made specifically to offer maximum durability and stability without taking up too much space. To this end, Rogue make it using a very simple set up of two wall-mounted Monster Lite uprights, made from 3×3” 11-gauge steel.

It will look good in any garage gym, standing at 90.375” with a tiny footprint. The frontage extends just 15” from the wall (further than the Lite, but still not bad at all).

You get a texture black finish to the steel tubing, a pair of Monster Lite J-cups, and UHMW plastic feet to protect your flooring as standard, plus a few extra pieces to choose from, such as type of mount (bracket vs. crossmember) and whether to include Rogue Stringers and/or a 43” Single Pull-Up Bar.

The crossmember mount includes four 12” long steel crossmember attachments, designed to mount to the Monster Lite uprights on one side and a stringer on the other, giving you a good deal of versatility. From here, you can attach a lot of the Monster Lite range of accessories, including the single bar holder, single bar vertical hangar, and the plate storage post, all mentioned above.

You can include Rogue Stringers, the same 11-gauge, laser-cut steel models as you would use with any of the items on this list, and a pull up bar in the form of the 43” Single Monster Lite Pull-Up Bar.

If you’re a little more experienced and know exactly what you like and what you’re looking for, this is ideal. This is perhaps the option I would personally go with. Including a pull up bar and plate storage, with a slightly deeper footprint, it would give you a lot more versatility. You would be able to make the most out of your brace under the bar and walkout, and would be able to quickly sort your plates between sets.

Check Latest Price Of The RML-90 Slim Rack

The post Best Folding Squat Rack appeared first on justhomegym.com.

They will ruin your floor and they will likely snap after a little while.

This is when you need bumper plates. They are far more resilient than regular plates, and they give you a good amount more bounce. This is because they are made from rubber – or, at least, they are coated in a thick, thick layer of it.

Bumper plates can be pricier than regular plates. They also aren’t so great for lifts for which they aren’t strictly needed. As they are rubber, not iron or steel, they are bigger, which is far less efficient on the barbell and can throw your balance off.

However, as you can drop them on the ground with far less worry about damaging them, the floor, or the deadlift platform, they are perfect for more athletic, explosive movements that require floor to body to ceiling action. They are also a lot quieter than iron, as their rubber coating deadens the noise, making them perfect for use in home gyms where you may want to limit the noise.

There are some fantastic options out there, and some poor ones; there are some that are greatly overpriced, some that are expensive but worth it, and there are some great value options for those looking to make the most of their compounds without breaking the bank.

Types Of Bumper Plates

Bumper plates all fit a basic mold. They are large, rubber coated plates (often solid rubber) with a two-inch hole so that they can fit all conventional bars. They are durable and bouncy, designed to be thrown about a fair amount.

However, there is some variation within these parameters. Where you go with it will depend on your training requirements and budget.

Are you a big spender or looking to do this on a shoestring? (I always try to go for the latter!) There are options for all in my list below.

Are you looking to max out your deadlifts with a new one rep PR, are you an Oly lifter looking for speed and power, or are you looking for conditioning work at higher volumes (and thus lower weights)?

These will affect the weight you need, and therefore the size of plates you can look at (it’s easy to overcrowd a bar with bumper plates, making them highly unsuitable for advanced lifters looking to deadlift triple their bodyweight – a nice problem to have, but a problem nonetheless).

Materials will vary. Bumper plates are always at least predominantly rubber. However, this can be recycled rubber (my favorite, for purely environmental reasons) or, more expensively, virgin rubber (often denser, giving you slimmer plates better suited to heavier lifts). Recycled rubber will often have a bit more bounce.

If you’re looking to go heavy, or have money to burn, therefore, go with virgin. Deadlifters should look into it. If you can go lighter and want something cheaper, and/or with a bit more bounce (for example, if you want to be able to drop your power clean from the top), recycled rubber is the way to go.

Our Top Bumper Plates

All bumper plates are built to take a lot. They are designed to be thrown around, dropped, and generally mistreated for a long lifetime. We have cheaper options on this list (looking at you, CAP) that can take a certain amount of punishment. We have others that can take all the punishment, forever. We have a range of materials, a range of budgets catered to, and a range of different uses to which these items can be put.

Essentially, however, they are all good. They are all worth considering.

CAP Barbell Black Rubber Bumper Plates

You get a couple of decent quality CAP Black Rubber Bumper Plates with each purchase, here.

This means a couple of things. Firstly, it’s even (which is always helpful with a barbell!). Secondly, you’re going with CAP. They have around three decades of experience making decent quality, budget friendly strength training equipment.

These plates may not last you a lifetime. They can degrade and snap over time. However, you’ll get a good few years out of them, they will be weighed accurately, and they work tremendously well.

They are, in essence, a no frills, no nonsense range of plates that charge you a reasonable amount for a reasonable set of weights.

CAP use a good mixture of virgin and recycled rubber, here. This allows them to keep costs down whilst increasing the density and durability of their plates. It also allows you to rest easy, knowing that you have used some recycled materials, whilst giving you a good set of heavy plates.

The core of each CAP plate is cast iron, further allowing them to keep themselves slim and giving you a nice balance to the weight.

They use good quality steel inserts around the inner rims. This is always good to see – I really don’t like plates that don’t use them. Rubber is a great product for bouncing around and being heavy. However, it is sticky as hell – you get a lot of friction from it. That means that it is awkward to slide onto a barbell. You will spend ages juddering and coaxing your plates into place. Steel allows for a smooth, fast fit. It is also tougher, meaning that you won’t damage your plates around the inner rim.

There is little bounce. Add this to their density and durability and you have a recipe for deadlift success.

I read on CAP’s product description that their black rubber bumper plates are odor free. They aren’t. They come coated in oil, which is unfortunate. The rubber also has a bit of smell to it. However, nothing is too excessive, and it all fades with time, so it shouldn’t bother you too much.

They are a genuinely decent set of no frills, wallet-friendly plates.

Check Latest Price Of CAP Barbell Bumper Plates

AMGYM Color Olympic Bumper Plate

Now we’re going to move onto our first color coded Olympic bumper plates, with AMGYM’s offering to this list.

I really like color coded plates. It makes everything simpler (and, let’s be honest, a little bit more cheerful) when you’re mid-workout and needing to change weight. Rather than sorting through all the generic looking black plates, you can simply pick a couple of red ones, or a couple of green ones.

It’s a nicer process.

These are good quality plates, too. The new series of AMGYM Color Olympic Bumper Plates use advanced, precision machining for superior durability and chip prevention. They are 100% natural virgin rubber, which is high density and durable with little bounce going on, meaning that they can withstand repeated drops, session after session. They will also help to protect your floor as you drop them.

You get stainless steel inserts with AMGYM’s bumper plates, making them easy to load and de-load with little friction, and also adding to their durability, all at a standard two-inch diameter.

I’m also a little Eurocentric in my weights and measurements – I like kilograms. I measure all of my PRs in kilograms, scale my workouts using them, and weigh myself in them. Many bumper plates are labelled in both pounds and kilograms. Therefore, using some plates, like BalanceFrom’s Everyday Essentials bumper plates, is a joy.

It’s a stupid, simple little hack, yet it makes all the difference!

AMGYM don’t do this – everything is just in pounds. Again, a small difference, but I noticed it.

Nevertheless, these plates are wonderful, and are super well-priced. You might think that virgin rubber that has gone through this level of craftsmanship would be super expensive. However, this is far from the case – AMGYM’s bumper plates are incredibly well-priced, especially for what they offer.

I really, really like them, and would recommend them to any serious-minded lifter.

Check Latest Price Of AMGYM Bumper Plates

HulkFit Color Coded Olympic 2-Inch Rubber Bumper Plate

Again, we have a range of bumper plates that are constructed of high-density rubber, with solid stainless-steel inserts, that are very much able to withstand repeated drops, offering minimal bounce, and are beautifully color coded to Olympic standards. This time, it’s in the form of HulkFit’s Olympic Bumper Plates, a supremely lovely entry for this list.

Each plate has the usual – though greatly appreciated – inner ring with a 2-inch diameter, meaning that they will fit pretty much any Olympic barbell, regular barbell, dumbbell bar (or even sled, come to think of it!) with minimal fuss whilst racking. The color coding makes it all very easy to do, too.

You can buy them in singles or pairs, which is a nice range of versatility. Many manufacturers offer one or the other.

HulkFit also make a very good point with their sales spiel. They tell us that their 10lb plates can bend when dropped if they’re not racked with other plates.

This can indeed happen – though not with all brands, most will struggle to withstand that kind of impact at the low density required of a 10lb plate. They are not designed to be used alone in any kind of power or Olympic move, or anything with any kind of drop. They will bend or snap.

However, few lifters will need to drop a sixty-five-pound bar – which is what most bars plus two 10lb plates will weigh – so this is kind of a non-issue. It’s just good of them to point it out.

HulkFit’s other plates are tough and durable, made from high-quality, dense rubber that will leave the plates themselves intact, will leave your floor unscuffed, and will give you minimal bounce.

Check Latest Price Of HulkFit Color Coded Plates

Synergee Competition Bumper Plates

Synergee Competition Bumper Plates are designed to take a lot – they are tough as hell. This is in large part down to their steel cores, which allow them to be densely made and heavily weighted without taking up much space.

Their steel cores also negate a lot of the bounce usually associated with rubber coated plates. I actually found these to be amongst the easiest plates to control through heavy lifts. Deadlifts didn’t bounce much, which is pretty ideal. Less bounce means you can better lift from inertia – or from a ‘dead’ position – and that you can better control the bar, giving you a smoother, safer bar path.

This lack of bounce is exaggerated in hex or trap bar deadlifts, which are amongst my favorite movements. They are controlled, sharp, and stop dead when you want them to.

They are color coded Olympic plates, which of course makes for easy identification. This gives you an easier time of it in training, and also makes them a solid option for competition organizers. They have a 2-inch diameter sleeve, so will fit most bars.

Their steel cores are sheathed in high quality rubber polymer, which adds to their durability and also absorbs a lot of motion.

They are perhaps not quite so good for Olympic lifts – their hard contact with the ground may damage the floor and will likely erode the plates themselves over time (though, perhaps, a very long time). The lack of bounce also makes them quite awkward for springing up into higher rep cleans and snatches (though this may suit some lifters nicely – I always prefer a still bar).

I would, however, highly recommend these plates for anybody looking to get some serious deadlifts going.

Check Latest Price Of Synergee Bumper Plates

BalanceFrom Everyday Essentials Color Coded Olympic Bumper Plate Weight

It is very hard to beat the quality you get with BalanceFrom’s Everyday Essentials Bumper Plates for the money. They really are impressive. For just a few dollars, you get an incredibly durable set of bumper plates, ready for action, that can withstand a lot of punishment.

These bumper plates are made from high-quality, premium rubber, with solid steel inserts – hence their toughness. They will keep your floors, your bar, you, and themselves super safe no matter how hard you throw them around.

They also have a 2-inch inner steel ring, making them easy to slide on and off the bar in a hurry, and adding to their durability. They will fit on any commercial barbell or trap bar going.

The plates are all black, but the writing and numbers are color coded. This isn’t the most useful – it’s better than simple black and white, but is nowhere near as immediately useful as having the whole plates colored. However, for the price, and quality you get, this is a small price to pay.

BalanceForm also make a point of noting that their 10lb plates shouldn’t be dropped in isolation. Load up the bar with more than that, to ensure they don’t break. There are some items on this list that I would think can stand up to more punishment – that I think could have their 10lb plates dropped safely. I would have thought this of BalanceForm. Perhaps they are being overcautious, or perhaps their plates really do need a little more care than I first thought.

I didn’t test it, anyway. As above, who needs to drop a 65lb bar?

These are probably the best value for money option on this list – which is high praise, given how good some of the other cheap options are.

Check Latest Price Of BalanceFrom Bumper Plates

CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plates

I like grip plates. A lot.

Plates are all well and good. They are fantastic, in fact. I use barbells more than any other type of weighted implement, which is quite common, and you can get a full array of compound exercise going with them. If you had nothing but a bar and a good set of plates, you could work every muscle and energy system in your body.

However, I do like a little variety. Grip plates give you this. Not only are they easier to handle and rack onto the bar, but there are plenty of exercises you can perform with nothing but the plates. Get a set of 45lb plates and go for some longer distance farmers carries. Hold onto them for walking lunges or step ups. Use them for front raises. Get better purchase for your around-the-worlds, your weighted back extensions, your hanging crunches.

They are great. I was therefore very excited to get my hands on CAP’s second entry onto this list – their Olympic Grip Plates.

They are made from solid cast iron with a durable, black baked enamel finish (hence I can just about justify using them in a bumper plate list – they will give you a good drop and are chunkier than simple steel or iron would be). They have a 2-inch center hole to fit on Olympic bars and so on, which is also smooth enough for decent racking speed.

The baked enamel makes for a durable, reliable weight that will last through grueling workouts. I really do think these will last you a lifetime if you want them to.

That is, if you treat them nicely and don’t throw them around too much. The lack of rubber means that they will feel it if you regularly drop them from a great height or slam them down too hard, too often.

All this, and they are cheap as hell. I very much enjoyed training with them and would thoroughly recommend them to anybody.

Check Latest Price Of CAP Grip Plates

PINROYAL Bumper Plate

PINROYAL’s Bumper Plates are a good example of recycled, natural rubber done really well. I always like to see this – it’s more environmentally friendly and healthy than making plates from virgin rubber and can also be really nice to handle.

These bumper plates are also pretty thin, which will allow you to load more weight on bars and so forth.

Each plate has a strong stainless-steel hub insert, giving you a low bounce and plenty of durability. Force will be absorbed and disbursed more efficiently, meaning that you can focus more on good form than controlling an errant bar. It will also better protect your floor, which is, of course, always nice.

PINROYAL are also well known for their craftsmanship, which really shows through with these. There are no ragged edges, no scratches or bumps from the manufacturing process. The weight deviance is also low, so that you know a 20lb plate weighs 20lbs (which is not always a dead cert unfortunately).

Check Latest Price Of PINROYAL Bumper Plates

Iron Bull Strength’s HD Bumper Plates

I don’t like the design of Iron Bull Strength’s Bumper Plates. They are fully matt black, with little detailing, with no color highlights on the lettering and numbers.

This isn’t unique to them, of course. Plenty of plates do this. However, bumper plates can be so colorful and so usefully signposted that it’s a bit of a shame to see an opportunity wasted like this.

Nevertheless, they are very good plates. The coloring, and lack thereof, is insignificant once you’re actually handling a bar racked with these plates. At this point, you realize what a joy they are.

They are made from high quality rubber polymer to achieve a low bounce and high durability, all designed and made to IWF standards. They are regimental in crafting their plates with the regulated 450mm diameter and 50.4mm (1.98 inch) collars. They have measured their plates and achieved an average of 90 on the Shore A Durometer scale. Long story short, this represents the ideal hardness for delivering a consistent dead blow with very, very little bounce.

Deadlifters take note – these plates are for you. You will love them.

All this, and they are another very economical option – they cost way less than they should.

Hats off to Iron Bull Strength.

Check Latest Price Of Iron Bull Strength Plates

The post Best Bumper Plates appeared first on justhomegym.com.

Low-impact cardio, like walking, swimming, and stationary cycling, limits the amount of stress going into the joints. This means that you can do a lot more of it.

If you currently sprint three times per week and don’t feel you can add any more stress to your joints but want to increase the amount of cardio you are doing (and the number of calories you are burning), then low-impact cardio is the way to go. Walking for an extra half hour per day likely won’t hurt your joints, nor will it tire you out for your harder training.

Low-impact cardio is also available to people for whom harder impact exercise is inappropriate. For instance, those suffering with joint problems like osteoporosis or arthritis can often take part in low-impact cardio as their main form of exercise, giving them the option to live an active lifestyle without aggravating their condition.

Recumbent cycling is, quite simply, one of the best forms of low-impact cardio going, which is why I want to delve into some of the best recumbent exercise bikes on today’s market.

Why Use A Recumbent Exercise Bike?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of stationary exercise bike that you can buy.

The first is the more common – upright exercise bikes, which are more like standard road bikes and which most of us likely think of when we think of gym cycling. The pedals will be directly below your center of gravity, and you will be able to lean into the handlebars for added power.

Recumbent bikes are slightly less common. They generally do not give as good a workout as upright bikes, but they are perfect for the right people. They have a neutral seated position, more like a bucket seat than a bike saddle, and the peddles are out in front. It’s far more relaxed and far easier on the joints.

You cannot put as much power into the movements with recumbent bikes but will find the experience safer and more comfortable for at-risk joints. There will also be a lot less pressure in the back, meaning that those recovering from back injuries, or living with back pain, stand to benefit greatly from using them.

The movements are also more supported, as will an athlete’s body be more generally. This makes recumbent bikes perfect with degenerative conditions that affect motor control, proprioception, and balance. Things like Parkinson’s can floor somebody, robbing them of their physicality. Recumbent bikes can be invaluable tools in reclaiming health and physicality in this kind of case.

They may not always be appropriate for those with knee pain, however, as the recumbent position can place a small amount of shearing force through the knees.

Choosing The Right Recumbent Bike for You

The same rules apply to recumbent bikes as per the majority of cardio machines, especially to bikes in general. There will be some things you are looking for as a must and some as a benefit. There will also, of course, be some things that are unique to recumbent bikes.

You will need to know to look for a few things in order to ensure you get the product you need.

First up, flywheel weight is quite a big deal, as it is with upright bikes and rowers. The flywheel is the metal disc that spins as you pedal, and it can make or break your workout. If you’re looking for anything more than a simple, gentle workout, you will need to be quite choosy over the flywheel.

Flywheels are generally perimeter weighted. If you’re after a smooth pedal motion that can challenge you when you need it, heavier is generally better. The added weight builds momentum through each rotation. This, in turn, reduces the lag experienced between pedal strokes, giving a smoother experience.

Heavier flywheels will also usually give greater overall resistance, though this can depend as much on the magnetic resistance system as well.

Anything over around 20lb is a pretty heavy flywheel for a recumbent bike, though options exist for twice this weight.

Top user weight capacity can also be an issue, especially for larger athletes. This is for a couple of reasons. I generally like to go with machines that can take far in excess of my own body weight (not always easy!). This is because top user weight is something of an objective measure of a machine’s stability and durability. Then there is the more immediately practical reason – you need a machine that won’t collapse under you!

If you know you’re a heavier athlete, double check the top-user weight to ensure you buy an appropriate machine.

The seat will be a big deal with a recumbent bike, too. One of their main benefits is the comfort of the seat, and the support the seat offers. Obviously, you need to make sure that your recumbent bike’s seat is comfortable and supportive for you, especially if you do have any underlying joint concerns or injuries.

A recumbent bike’s seat should be slightly oversized. It should also be fully adjustable in multiple directions – forwards and back, up and down, and sometimes even with an adjustable angle.

Finally, if you’re into it, a machine’s technology can make or break a purchase decision. Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, a decent LCD screen with all the data you need instantly available, good media, user profiles and a good mix of pre-programmed and customizable workouts are all pretty standard. If you’re paying a standard amount of money on your bike, you should expect some or all of these, plus often more.

Then there is price. Is the bike worth the money?

All of the recumbent bikes on our list below should more than satisfy you – they are all fantastic options, well worth their prices, with everything you would want from a recumbent.

Recumbent Bikes: Our Top Picks

The following recumbent bikes all have something to offer. Whether it’s value for money, excellence at the right price, or simply standard design, benefits and build quality dialled up to eleven, each will give you something.

Schwinn 270

The Schwinn 270 is a good one for techies first getting into fitness, or those gadgetry types looking to train in a more relaxed fashion. It has excellent Bluetooth connectivity that syncs ably with the Schwinn Personal Trainer app (as well as a host of other fitness apps).

You also get DualTrack LCD displays, a media shelf, in-console speakers with MP3 input port, USB media charging point and an adjustable fan. It packs a lot in and aims at fantastic user comfort.

The Schwinn Personal Trainer is free to download and helps to deliver a full 29 fitness programs. You can choose between 12 profiles, 9 heart rate control settings, 4 custom built programs, 2 fitness tests and a quick start option, giving you fantastic range and variety – you really won’t get bored using the Schwinn 270. There are 25 levels of resistance, so that absolute beginners and hardcore fitness buffs alike will be able to find something to suit and challenge them.

In addition to all of this, the Schwinn 270 syncs with the freely downloadable RideSocial App, which can let you see the world as you virtually ride alongside friends, all in real time.

The drive system itself is well weighted and pretty smooth, though it uses friction rather than magnetism for resistance. It is nevertheless a well-made system, giving you a relatively quiet (though not silent) action with a subtle grade across each resistance level.

The frame is made from high-quality carbon steel, weighing in at 86.6 pounds, and standing at 64 x 27.7 x 49.9 inches. This allows for a respectable top user weight of 300lbs.

Check Latest Price Of The Schwinn 270

Sunny Health

The resistance is a funny one with Sunny Health’s recumbent bike. It’s sort of chalk and cheese to the Schwinn 270.

You only get eight levels of resistance. This isn’t an issue in itself – half the items on this list have 8 levels of resistance. However, it’s something to bear in mind – you can get more if you want to.

These eight levels are magnetic, however, meaning that they are incredibly smooth and near silent. Again, this will be a recurring theme in this list – half the items have 8 levels of magnetic resistance. I generally prefer a wider range and a bit of clunkiness, but plenty don’t. If you would like a slimmer range that is even as anything and very quiet, you should be looking at machines like this one.

It also has a little bit of techy goodness. You get a digital LCD monitor with pulse. The monitor displays your time, speed, distance, calories, odometer, and heart rate, so that you can track your workouts really easily and ensure that you’re always hitting the heart rate zone you want.

I really like the handles. They come with in-built pulse grip sensors which allows monitoring heart rate and workout intensity, which is pretty standard, just very well done in this case. You get front and side mounted handlebars for added flexibility and comfort – again, nothing too novel, they are just well-spaced, well-placed, and well thought out. The seat is also particularly comfortable and easily adjusted, with a simple flick of a handle. This can be done in-place so you can stay sitting down and still get yourself where you need to be. Finally, self-leveling pedals make it easy to place your feet in the straps.

The machine is also pretty light, at 58.7lbs, and pretty small, with a footprint of just 46 x 24.5 x 38 inches. I couldn’t get any information on top user weight, but it coped with me easily enough (I top 200lbs for reference!) and felt incredibly stable as I put it through its paces.

Check Latest Price Of The Sunny Health Bike

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

I would thoroughly recommend the Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike to anybody with sore joints. It’s one of the best cardio machines going for those with limited mobility and seems extra kind to bad knees.

This is in large part thanks to its clever ‘step-through design’. Long story short, this allows for maximum mobility during training for quick mounting and dismounting. It is kind on the knees and lower back, giving users a level of comfort and dignity often denied those with chronic mobility concerns.

The construction itself seems to be pretty heavy duty. As a personal trainer who has dealt with clients with poor joint health and obesity concerns, this is the kind of machine I like to see in any gym or home-space. It can take a lot, give you confidence, and keep you secure. The construction features 14-gauge steel tubing with a powder coated finish. It’s tough as nails, no matter what you throw at it.

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike is another offering with eight levels of magnetic resistance. Again, not the best going, but decent enough, well-executed, smooth and near silent. You could comfortably use this at home without worrying about waking up the neighbors or bothering any other members of your household!

The seat is padded incredibly well, to support sore joints whilst still being comfortable. Its weighted pedals are designed to provide the most foot support available whilst still offering a great deal of control.

The ultra-functional LCD computer screen is easy to use and shows you all the metrics you would generally want to see – time, speed, distance, and calories. They are all displayed in extra-large numbers for great readability. As joint concerns tend to go hand in hand with ageing, which also goes hand in hand with vision loss, I love this element.

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike really is intelligently designed to open up access to health and fitness for those who might otherwise be denied it.

The machine sits at a relatively modest 55.5 x 25 x 37.5 inches, and weighs a mere 60lbs.

Check Latest Price Of The Marcy Recumbent Bike

Harison Recumbent Bike

The Harison Recumbent Bike acts as a nice middle ground, for me, between magnetic resistance smoothness and variability in resistance levels.

It uses a magnetic flywheel, as the above couple of offerings, but gives a full 14 different resistance levels. This really is fantastic.

The bike itself is small and mid-weight, weighing in at 77lbs of good-quality stainless steel. This looks very attractive whilst still focusing every attention on good performance.

This is all good. I like it. However, this all combines with ‘step through technology’ to rival anything else on this list. If you have mobility issues but don’t want to scrimp on training effort level, this is the one for you. You can get into position easily enough. The seat itself is well-padded with high-density foam and, along with the backrest, will very ably support your hips and back to ensure correct posture and proper comfort. Then dial yourself through those 14 resistance levels to find something to fit your needs.

It really is a well-made machine. I love it.

The resistance levels themselves are very smooth and evenly spaced. There is no great leap between them, so that your joints won’t have to deal with any jarring changes as you change levels, and the smooth torque cranking system provides a smooth and consistent pedaling motion.

The LCD display is easy to navigate and read and will give you all the usual suspects – time, speed, distance, calories, RPM, scan, odometer and heart rate. You get an iPad holder, making up a little for the lack of tech involved with the Harison Recumbent Bike’s design.

I would thoroughly recommend this for anybody looking to make the most of their physicality whilst caring for sore joints and postural concerns.

Check Latest Price Of The Harison Bike

PooBoo Recumbent Bike

The heavy-duty steel frame that PooBoo have used with their recumbent bike feels fantastic. Though it can only take about the same top user weight as every other model on this list – a respectable 330lbs, which should be more than enough to cope with all but the largest of athletes – it feels more solid, like it could take more.

It barely shifted at all as I trained with it, no matter how hard I pushed myself (and I pushed myself pretty hard!).

The seat went some way to explaining this. It is fully adjustable, and I managed to get it into the absolute perfect position, and the foot straps were stable and fully able to keep me secure as I ploughed on through my workout. The padding on the seat and backrest is all high-density foam designed to keep your posture correctly aligned throughout your training.

The resistance is all magnetic, with the almost obligatory 8 levels, so that you can retain a little variability whilst keeping everything as quiet and comfortable as possible.

The LCD computer screen clearly displays time, speed, distance, calories and so forth, all with great readability, allowing you to keep tabs on your workout in real time. Pulse sensors on the hands help to monitor your target heart rate.

Again, a well thought out step through design built ergonomically into the frame’s heavy-duty steel tubing makes getting into and out of position very easy, pain and stress free, even for those with more serious joint concerns.

Check Latest Price Of The PooBoo Bike

Exerpeutic 400XL

The 400XL by Exerpeutic is one of the smallest recumbent bikes I’ve come across, making it perfect for home use. It’s only 33” x 19” x 46”, and can still take a reasonably impressive max user weight of 300lbs.

It uses a semi-recumbent design, making it easier to get in and out of, and can be used as a desk bike with height adjustable desks. This unlocks a perhaps hidden use for the recumbent bike – they aren’t just for gym sessions themselves, but can be fantastic, low-impact ways to keep moving as you work.

I really do respect this feature – it’s fantastic.

The resistance itself is magnetic, with an unsurprising 8 level range, so you can find the right resistance for your training goals whilst keeping everything smooth, quiet and comfortable. This comfort is reinforced by the large, well-padded seats and backrest, and the three-piece, high-torque crank system that provides a smooth, consistent pedaling motion. Large pedals with good quality safety straps round it off, giving you a great degree of stability.

The easy-to-read LCD display allows you to track your distance, calories burned, time, speed, scan, and heart rate, is easy to use and navigate, and is pretty readable even for more myopic athletes.

All this, and it only weighs 43lbs.

Check Latest Price Of The Exerpeutic 400XL

Recumbent Exercise Bike FAQs

Can a recumbent bike burn as many calories as an upright bike?

Let’s split hairs before answering this properly. No cardio machine can burn calories. You burn calories using them (and even this is a simplification!). The machine doesn’t determine how many calories you burn – the effort you put into training does. If you put in the effort on a recumbent bike, you should be able to achieve good results.

This being said, it is harder to put in as high a level of effort with a recumbent bike as you can manage with an upright bike. It is designed to be gentle, after all. The peddles being in front stops you from being able to fully utilize the meaty muscles in your legs. There is little core engagement, as your full torso is supported throughout.

If you are concerned with burning calories, with this as your prime goal, an upright bike or spin cycle will likely be far more relevant to you.

How big is a recumbent bike?

All bikes will have a different footprint. All are different, with different designs and frames, so you will always need to check the actual dimensions of your chosen bike before buying. You will need to check how much space you have in your home or studio for it.

However, there are some averages we can work with. Few bikes will diverge wildly, so unless you’re aiming at a supremely snug fit, you should be able to manage with the same set of figures for all models.

Generally, a recumbent bike will be about 70 inches long and 28 inches wide.

Weight can vary a lot more, with an average range of about 90 – 200lbs. This will depend on the material used, the design, and the weight of the flywheel. Higher quality machines are typically heavier. This is a good thing – it will mean the bike will likely be more robust, and that it will shake and wiggle less during use.

Mobility will be an issue, particularly if you have any joint concerns. Most recumbent bikes will have wheels for ease of movement, but it will still likely be a good idea to bring in some outside help when setting it up.

What kind of power does a recumbent bike need?

Some recumbent bikes don’t need any power at all, though most do – especially if they have a monitor. There are three main power sources that most bikes will use.

Generally, lower cost recumbent bikes will have a monitor that runs off a few AA batteries. This is completely adequate. Slightly more expensive bikes may need and use AC adaptors, so you need to find a spot in your home or studio where you can plug them in.

Higher-end, more advanced recumbents may be self-powered. This can be more convenient, greener, and cheaper in the long run, as you don’t need to pay for power from the grid. You will have to continuously pedal, however, if you want to keep the console working.

What heights can a recumbent bike accommodate?

This is another question that depends entirely on the model. However, common sense can go a long way to answering it. Generally speaking, larger bikes can accommodate taller athletes. Smaller ones will be more appropriate for smaller individuals.

Shorter athletes may also find larger, longer recumbent bikes uncomfortable, as they have to over-extend their legs and put their knees and hips into awkward positions.

Always double check. Read reviews, like mine above, or contact the seller directly. However, most recumbent bikes will comfortably accommodate most heights. If you are somewhere between 5’2” and 6’4” you shouldn’t run into any difficulties. Outside of this range, you may need to shop a bit smarter.

Are recumbent bikes quiet?

They should be. In fact, most recumbent bikes will be near silent – if they aren’t, something will either have gone wrong with the model, or the model itself will be an inferior product.

Most recumbent bikes use magnetic resistance – as do many items on my list above. This will give very little noise as there is no friction at all needed to produce the resistance. Instead, magnets are brought closer or moved farther away from the flywheel’s metal surface to increase or decrease resistance. It is a near silent process.

The only noise you should get is from your own movement and huffing and puffing, and the pedals themselves squeaking. A little oil can fix the latter issue (there’s not much that can be done about the former!).

Will all heart rate monitors work with my recumbent bike?

Not unless advertised, no.

Most wireless heart rate monitors use either Bluetooth or ANT+ to sync with the recumbent bike. The vast majority of recumbent bikes (and cardio machines in general) use Bluetooth. I would generally advise buying a Bluetooth operated monitor in the first place – then you can generally be confident that you can use it with most commercial and at-home cardio machines, recumbent bikes included.

However, obviously, if your bike uses ANT+, you will need a monitor that can be used with it.

It’s always good to check before purchasing either a recumbent bike or a heart rate monitor.

Summary

I would advise anybody with any kind of joint concerns – injuries, or chronic conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis – to invest in a recumbent bike. If this is you, or if you have any kind of degenerative condition like Parkinson’s, a recumbent bike can be a lifeline.

A recumbent bike will represent a healthy, low-impact way to build and/or maintain your physical fitness, whilst maintaining healthy body composition and lower body musculature, even in the face of a lack of mobility or control in your day-to-day life.

Most of the benefits of living an active lifestyle can be garnered from 20-30 minutes per day on a recumbent bike, keeping you healthier and happier, for longer.

They are also great for your downtime, too. If you train hard several times per week, want a way to perform active recovery, and want to rest your joints between training sessions, a recumbent bike could be just the tool you need.

All the items on this list represent worthy purchasing decisions. Any one of them can give you the benefits you need from a recumbent bike.

The post Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes appeared first on justhomegym.com.

Firstly, they are designed to give you a pre-workout boost, as are all pre-workout supplements. You take them 15-30 minutes before you train and they give you increased energy, usually through a caffeine shot or something similar, as well as improved focus, through something like taurine. They can also improve performance in other ways, such as fueling the muscles with creatine or improving vascularity, and thus the flow of oxygen and nutrients around the body, with something like l-carnitine.

This is what all pre-workouts should do.

Then there are thermogenic pre-supplements’ second job.

They are designed to raise your body temperature and increase fat deposits used for energy during a workout, thus boosting your metabolism.

I’ve gathered together some of the best thermogenic pre-workouts below. Everything on the list is a high-quality, highly effective, very useful tool for boosting your metabolism and giving you the energy and focus you need for a perfect workout.

What Is Thermogenesis?

Thermogenesis literally means the creation of heat, from the Greek ‘Therma’ and ‘Genesis’, meaning heat and beginning respectively.

It is essential for life. You wouldn’t last five minutes without it!

The human body can cope with a raise in temperature of up to 5 degrees, and a drop of up to 10 degrees. Outside of these limits, the hypothalamus kicks in to stabilize your body temperature. This means shivering when it is cold, which creates heat through the muscles, and sweating when it’s too hot, which cools you down.

This is thermoregulation, and it is vital for all of us. The human body will typically use between 800-1000 calories daily to maintain a safe and comfortable body temperature in this way.

Slightly raising your body temperature can boost this amount, burning through more calories and, as a result, boosting weight loss. Thermogenic supplements are designed to elicit this thermogenic effect within the human body. They cause you to burn additional calories, on top of the 800-1000 standard calories above.

It should be noted early on that thermogenic supplements alone will not help you to lose weight. However, when combined with a moderate caloric deficit (500 or so below your maintenance calories every day will lead to a 1 lb. / 0.5 kg loss per week) and an active lifestyle, they can serve as the icing on the cake, making everything else a little bit more efficient.

Nor should you take thermogenic pre-workout supplements daily, or even before every workout. They should be reserved for the big ones – your heavy lift of the week, a particularly tough sprint session, that kind of thing.

However, within the bounds of these caveats, thermogenic pre-workout supplements can be a very potent tool in your weight loss arsenal.

What To Look For In Thermogenic Pre-Workout Supplements

The main things to look out for in pre-workout fat burning supplements are their ingredients lists, their ingredients quality, and the doses of each ingredient in each serving.

There are a few usual suspects that you will see in a lot of pre-workout supplements. If they have decent servings of the following, then there will be some merit to them.

Firstly, creatine is often a given. This is common to many pre-workout formulas. Even when I don’t take pre-workouts, I include a 5g scoop of creatine in my pre-or-intra-workout whey protein shake. It has been proven to improve athletic performance and lead to increased gains in muscle mass and strength.

L-carnitine often goes hand in hand with creatine. It’s an amino acid that aids muscular endurance and brings about an improved pump during training. It helps to transport fat that increases fat oxidation, creating muscle fuel and mental focus.

Caffeine also generally makes an appearance, for obvious reasons. It can increase your performance and decrease fatigue. For this reason, green tea extract will often be used: it contains caffeine. It also contains polyphenol antioxidants, which will allow the body to fight against antioxidant stress, whilst simultaneously promoting thermogenesis, weight loss, recovery, and brain, heart and skin health.

Capsaicin, or cayenne, is also quite common in thermogenic supplements. It’s found in most all hot chili peppers and has been shown to reduce appetite, increase body temperature, and improve fat oxidation.

These are just some of the more common ingredients. There are plenty of other worthy contenders. However, most thermogenic pre-workout supplements should include one or some of them in useable doses.

Thermogenic Pre-Workouts Vs Standard Pre-Workouts

The difference between thermogenic and standard pre-workouts is in the second job mentioned above – standard pre-workouts are there to give you a boost during training, with no thermogenic effect elicited.

In a nutshell, thermogenic supplements are designed to boost your metabolic rate and increase calories burned. They will generally rely less on, and contain lower quantities of, the active ingredients we will usually see in pre-workouts. They will have less caffeine, for example. They will have fewer ingredients like BCAAs that are geared towards muscle gains. Rather, they will focus on increasing energy burn.

Thermogenic supplements will also generally decrease your appetite.

This all makes them great for training for weight loss. However, it makes them pretty poor for gaining muscle or strength. Hypertrophy and strength gains generally take an increase in caloric intake, which means you need to have a healthy appetite, and you won’t want to waste calories in extra thermogenesis. You will also benefit from lifting more, with greater energy (hence caffeine) and better fueling your muscles (hence BCAAs).

Training for hypertrophy and strength, therefore, is best done with regular pre-workouts. You will have more fuel, more energy, and will recover faster from hard training with them.

Are Thermogenic Pre-Workouts Safe?

Thermogenic pre-workout supplements are largely safe, especially when bought from trusted vendors and used in recommended doses.

I would personally recommend using any pre-workout supplement once a week or less. Using them more often will build up your tolerance to their active ingredients, thus diminishing their efficacy.

There are, however, some common side effects and potential safety concerns surrounding thermogenic pre-workouts.

Most people will be fine with thermogenic supplements. However, some people may experience side effects. Common effects include nausea, digestive issues, abdominal pains, and headaches. Thermogenic supplements can also lead to an increase in blood pressure.

Furthermore, supplements that contain more than 400mg of caffeine may cause heart palpitations, anxiety, headache, restlessness, and dizziness. I personally never use supplements that go above 200mg, which I find to be perfectly safe and productive.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, any heart problems, or experience any of these side effects, it may be worth stopping taking thermogenic supplements. It is always also a good idea to consult your medical provider before beginning on them.

There are also some more serious complications that have been linked to thermogenic supplements. These include severe inflammation of the intestinal tract, which may need surgery to rectify. Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), liver damage and even liver failure in otherwise healthy individuals has also been reported.

This is very, very rare. However, as above, it’s always worth discussing any changes to your supplement regime with your healthcare provider.

Other than these issues, my main concern with any supplements is the lack of good-quality regulation. They are nowhere near as stringently regulated as food and medicine. They are not widely tested before hitting the market.

Always check ingredients lists, always read customer reviews, and go with trusted brands, like those in our list below, wherever possible.

Our Favorite Thermogenic Pre-Workouts 

Let’s take a look at our top 5 thermogenic pre-workouts.

USN 3XT Pump 3-in-1 Pre-Workout Thermogenic Fat Burning Energy Powder

USN’s 3XT Pump is one of my favorite pre-workouts going, thermogenic or not. It gives you an incredible energy boost, an incredible pump, and is a first-class thermogenic enhancer. Handle with care!

Aside from the effects themselves, I really like USN and their way of doing business. They are completely transparent, giving you rubbish about patented formulas to hide what they’re putting in their products. You see the lot.

And it’s a lot. Each serving gives you:

– 400mg of Caffeine

– 60mg Teacrine

– Tri-Yohimbe complex

– 1400mg Betaine Anhydrous

– 2.5g L-Citrulline

The Tri-Yohimbe (consisting of Yohimbine HCl, 11-Hydroxy Yohimbine & Alpha Yohimbine) complex is responsible for a lot of the 3XT’s fat burning potential. It blocks the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors located in fat cells, which can help lead to increased weight loss from fat.

It’s creatine free, which can be a good thing. Many people, myself included, take creatine already. I don’t need extra dosing from my pre-workouts. Many people want to leave it alone entirely, but still want the buzz and focus you get with something like the 3XT. I’m personally happy either way, but it is something to bear in mind when working out your own regimen.

3XT also feels fantastic. Lots of pre-workout supplements can make you feel a little sketchy, a little shaky. There is quite a mellow energy boost, here. It’s consistent and smooth. You get the intense focus, energy, strength, and power you need to make the most of your workouts, but without any of the jittery side effects.

This is surprising, given how much caffeine you get in one go. 400mg isn’t unusually high for a pre-workout, but it’s still quite a hefty dose.

There is no sugar in 3XT. I personally like a little extra glucose when I train, so I would mix a teaspoon of sugar in with it. However, plenty of people don’t like the sugar hit, especially when they’re trying to lose weight, so this flexibility is great. It also helps to curb any post-workout crash by keeping insulin levels more stable.

You can get 3XT in a range of lovely, fruity flavors. They are all refreshing and crisp, which is exactly what you want before you hit the gym.

Check Latest Price Of USN 3XT Pre-Workout

Gat Sport NITRAFLEX Burn, Pre-Workout Thermogenic Powder

Gat Sport’s NITRAFLEX Burn is another potent thermogenic pre-workout. It’s got quite a unique formulation, or so the manufacturer’s boast.

In actuality, it’s a pretty standard thermogenic pre-workout, with everything that entails. It’s just done really, really well.

The ingredients are fantastic. First up, you have a slew of cognitive enhancers. These include unique ratios of scientifically validated ingredients and compounds such as L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, and Rauwolfia Vomitoria Root Extract. These are all designed to bring about pure focus and to help elicit an unrivalled mind-muscle connection as you train.

I felt this; it worked. I was completely in the moment after taking NITRAFLEX, every movement purposeful and incredibly controlled.

Then there is their patented CaloriBURN, which is what they call their thermogenic formula. It has been clinically proven this ingredient helps to increase energy expenditure and activate brown adipose tissue, thus helping to improve body composition.

Though they keep ratios close to their chest, Gat Sport are open about what goes into NITRAFLEX. There are no artificial colors anymore – they heard their customers’ pleas to get rid of them and acted upon them. Good for them, truly. They also include nitrosigine, a patented ingredient shown to aid in increasing blood, to enhance muscle volume and pump, boost energy levels, improve mental focus, and reduce muscle damage caused by intense workouts.

It all comes together incredibly well, giving you an incredibly focused, disciplined workout with less fatigue and far more concentration.

Their full ingredients list is available on every packet, and is as follows:

NitraBurn Thermogenic, Acute Energy, Focus, Intensity, Neuromodulating, and Endurance Matrix Beta-Alanine, L-Tyrosine, Caffeine Anhydrous, Cocoa Extract (std. min. 20% Theobromine) (sees), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Green Tea Leaf Extract (std. min 50% EGCG), L-Theanine, Grains of Paradise Extract Powder (std. min 12.5% 6-Paradol_ (seed) (as CaloriBurn GP), Rauwolfia vomitoria extract (whole herb) Arginine Silicate Inositol (as Nitrosigine), Resveratrol, Pterostilbene, Boron Citrate, Malic Acid, Silica, Calcium Silicate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Natural Flavor, Sucralose, Xanthan Gum, Acesulfame Potassium. Natural Sweetener Blend (Erythritol, Oligosaccharides, Natural Flavors).

NITRAFLEX comes in a range of crisp, refreshing, fruity flavors, as do most of the items on this list.

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NitroSurge Shred Pre-Workout Supplement 

Nitrosurge Shred is a fantastic pre-workout for improving energy and strength, even during a calorie deficit. Its advanced thermogenic formula is designed to bring the best out of every athlete even as they work on cutting down their physiques.

The energy boost I felt on this was pretty clean, much like NITRAFLEX’s. Again, there was no jitteriness, no janky high or crippling comedown. It was a simple boost, an elevation, with enhanced nitric oxide (NO) and blood flow, and a commensurate increase in stamina and focus. It led to one of the best pumps I’ve ever got (not an amazing priority for me, though I’m in the minority and can fully appreciate the importance to training of a good one) and an incredibly directed mindset during a full hour’s training.

It achieves this with a relatively mild caffeine hit (180mg of Caffeine Anhydrous), alongside L-Citrulline (2g), Beta Alanine (1.6g), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (as Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl) (1g), L-Theanine (90mg), Theobromine (50mg), and BioPerine Black Pepper Fruit Extract (2.5mg).

It’s a laundry list of thermogenic pre-workout excellence.

Again, you get a nice array of fruity flavors for this, which add their own peppy feeling to your pre-workout ritual.

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Evlution Nutrition ENGN Shred Pre-Workout Thermogenic Fat Burner Powder

Evlution Nutrition’s offering to this list is amongst the best for fat burning potential. ENGN Shred includes a wide array of ingredients known for their thermogenic and fat burning properties, many of which are lab tested and approved.

These include ingredients from CLA and L-Carnitine, to Capisimax, Green Coffee, and Coleus, all transparently labelled so that the user knows exactly what they’re getting. If anything can elicit thermogenesis and give you that last 10% push you need to shed fat, it’s ENGN Shred.

It will keep your metabolism lifted during and after your workout, again without any of the crash and burn that simple caffeine products and lesser pre-workouts generally offer. The high will be steady and even, and there will be no cliff edge afterwards.

The mental focus you get from this is quite phenomenal. It’s less focused than some pre-workouts – though this is, of course, highly subjective, and individualistic – but is still strong. It also seems to offer greater clarity even as the intensity dials down.

I would recommend it for regular straight-and super-sets, as opposed to intense work like HIIT or going for any kind of PR. It will keep you in the zone without becoming a crutch, and without making you flog yourself to bits!

ENGN Shred makes use of 18 active ingredients, including the ones mentioned above. In full, these are the ENGN Shred Matrix of CLA, L-Carnitine, Coleus Extract, Yohimbe Bark Extract and Capsimax; a Mind-to-Muscle Matrix made from Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzine A), Alpha GPC, Choline Bitartrate, and L-Tyrosine; and finally, strength and endurance support in the form of Beta Alanine, Agmatine Sulfate, Betaine and Caffeine from Green Tea. There is also a B Vitamin Complex of Niacin, B6, Folic Acid and B12 to support healthy energy supply and recovery.

The obligatory fruity flavors are also tasty and refreshing, which is always nice.

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APESH#T Cutz Thermogenic Pre-Workout Powder

Ape Sh*t Cutz is a fairly standard thermogenic pre-workout: scientifically formulated to support increased athletic performance, endurance, and calorie burning, it does exactly what you want it to do. No more, no less.

However, it does set itself apart by sheer quality (and efficacy – it’s potent as hell!).

To make it, they took their base high energy pre-workout formula, the original Ape Sh*t, and added in a few good weight loss support agents. In doing so, they have made a fantastic fat-burning pre-workout supplement.

The main difference between the original and the thermogenic is in the substitution of nitric oxide support ingredients for weight loss support agents. They have swapped out things like L-Citrulline, Agmatine, and Taurine, which are all great for raw energy and focus, and gone instead with compounds that help support fat metabolism and increased thermogenesis.

This doesn’t detract too much from its efficacy as a pre-workout. As above, there is always a trade off, and thermogenic and regular pre-workouts both have their individual roles to play. If you need to prioritize fat loss over performance, this is all to the good. If not, go with Ape Sh*t original. However, their Cutz formula still supports high energy levels and fantastic focus and mental clarity – you will still get one hell of a workout using it.

Their labelling is transparent, with nothing hidden and no proprietary blends. Everything is 3^rd party tested for purity and so forth. Despite their wild branding, Ape Sh*t are a diligent, stand up company who you can truly trust.

Active ingredients include Choline, Gamma-butyrobetaine (GBB), Beta alanine, Choline Bitartrate, natural caffeine from green tea, garcinia extract, and dandelion extract.

The flavors are all… what do you think? They’re fruity and refreshing. Win.

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Our Top Choice Overall

For my money, I would go with USN.

These are all strong options – they will all give you great workouts that will chew through fat when combined with a good-quality diet, incorporating an appropriate calorie deficit. You should see results very quickly using any of them.

However, 3XT gives a powerful kick. I know I said I like to go lower on the caffeine – and this is generally true. However, once in a while, it’s nice to open the taps. 3XT allows you to do this. It supercharges you like a true pre-workout. The Tri-Yohimbe complex is also one of the most potent fat burners I’ve come across. It’s hard to assess this too clearly, as realistically you need to live with a fat burner in isolation for a long time, rather than cycling through half a dozen over a couple of months (the reviewer’s conundrum), but it’s a feeling that seems to chime with plenty of customer experience.

Basically, every item on this list is a great thermogenic and a good pre-workout. USN’s 3XT is a great thermogenic and a great pre-workout.

And the fruity flavors are nice, too.

The post Best Thermogenic Pre Workout appeared first on justhomegym.com.

Glute machines are some of the best training tools you can find for doing so. It’s no easy task asked of them, either – the glutes are amongst the largest, strongest muscle groups in the human body and so finding the best glute machines has not been easy.

The gluteals (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus) and the hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) do a lot of the donkey work of everyday movement, working in concert to extend, rotate and abduct the hips. They also play a major role in pelvic stabilization, as part of which they normalize and facilitate movements as you walk and run.

A good glute machine, or training apparatus, will stimulate these muscles and these actions. It will have a great deal to offer your training programme. From large glute machines themselves, to training bands, to implements that help you to better emphasis the glutes through large, compound movements, there should be something for all comers, all occasions.

The implements in this list are varied. There are large, expensive machines and small, inexpensive bands. All do their job well; all earn their place on this list. Essentially, all of them will help you to build stronger, fuller glutes.

Why Train Your Glutes?

You should train your glutes for the same reasons you would train any other muscle group – to improve functionality and aesthetics. However, there are some specifics that are worth considering when talking about them.

The first of these is posture. As the gluteals and hamstrings extend, rotate, and abduct the hips, and keep your pelvis stable, keeping them strong and healthy is key to building and maintaining good posture.

This is very important, especially in today’s sedentary world. Many of us spend far too much time sitting than standing and moving. I’m a fitness nut and I spend a good 70% of my day on my backside, typing away on my laptop!

This leads to tight, shortened hip flexors, weak, over-stretched hip extensors, and glutes without the muscle memory and mobility needed to activate properly. In turn, this leads to swayback and kyphosis-lordosis, two of the most common postural issues.

The forward tilt from the hips associated with weak glutes can also give you the appearance of a large gut by pushing the abdomen out.

Including glute and hamstring strengthening exercises into your weekly routines will counter this. Squats, lunges, deadlifts, step ups (see bottom of article) and, of course, use some of the items on our list below, and you should overcome these postural issues.

This will also lead to pain reduction, injury prevention, and will halt the development of muscular imbalances. Strong glutes will keep you stable, meaning that the muscles around them needn’t, and meaning that you are far less likely to hurt your hips, or to experience pain and compression in the lumbar spine, hips, and knees.

Then there is the improved athletic performance and full body strength that stronger glutes will give you. They are the body’s powerhouse, generating a lot of power. This power will be used in pretty much every large movement your body can perform, translating into sports-specific speed, acceleration, vertical distance, and endurance, and in lifting power through the legs and back.

Finally, of course, we have the aesthetic element. The glutes are the main component of your bum. If you want a big, rounded, well-developed booty (as I’ve been assured many people do), you really do need to train them.

Some Of Today’s Leading Glute Products

There aren’t all ‘glute machines’ as many of us, me included, would generally term them. The best glute machines tend to isolate the glutes against a moveable, loadable barrier. There are elements of this below. However, there are many ways to build your glutes, and I wanted to represent as many of them as possible.

We therefore have resistance bands designed specifically to work your glutes. We have apparatus, like our first offering, designed to facilitate plenty of different compound exercises that will help to build them. There are plenty. All of them have their place. They work well and you will benefit from trying a few out.

The Best Glute Machines Reviewed

So, without further delay, let’s run through what I’ve been checking out recently (and what has got me filling my jeans out a little more than usual!) with my best glute machine roundup.

Leiki Fitness Multi-Function Sissy Squat Bench

Let’s begin with a multi-function gym station from Leiki, suitable either for use at home or in a studio.

It’s incredibly versatile. There are a whole host of exercises you can perform using it, most of which are perfect for targeting the legs in general and the glutes more specifically. You can perform deep sissy squats (which put a lot of tension through the glutes and posterior chain, and are thus perfect for training hypertrophy), as well as exercises like the band squat, back extension and hyper-extension, side extension, and forward lunge, all of which will also train the glutes, legs, and posterior chain.

You can also use Leiki’s multi-function station to train your torso, with options for push-ups and high-tension sit ups.

In terms of utility, then, it’s a bit of a beast.

It isn’t strictly necessary in all instances. You can perform push-ups, lunges and sit ups with no equipment, saving a lot of money. However, you can’t perform exercises like back extensions and sissy squats without some form of apparatus. These are so beneficial to training your glutes and posterior chain that, to me, this kind of equipment pays for itself.

Leiki have also designed and built it very well, including a duty steel main frame, foam foot holder, comfortable rear cushion, and a large steel non-slip footplate. Everything is robust, everything is comfortable, and everything is very much built to last. It’s all fully adjustable, so that different sizes and body shapes can all be catered for – the foot holder can be adjusted for different foot sizes, the rear cushion can be raised or lowered, and its angle can be changed.

It’s also foldable, making it great for home use. When you’re not training, simply pack it up and put it away in a cupboard.

Check Latest Price Of The Leiki Fitness Squat Bench

CoBa Glute Trainer

CoBa make a great deal about the unique counterbalance design of their glute trainer. They should do.

It has a 7% incline, which is scientifically proven to put the body in the perfect biomechanical position to increase glute muscle activation while minimizing use of quadriceps and knees. It has been proven to increase glute muscle activation with greater speed, safety, and efficiency than many similar machines and exercises.

If you’re looking for something that will really let you zero in on your glutes and posterior chain, this could be the machine for you.

Of course, making an apparatus with a 7% incline is hardly rocket science. Any company could do it, and many have. But CoBa have done it in spectacular fashion in this case.

Their glute trainer is of commercial build and design quality, made to last no matter how hard you train. It is also very convenient. At just 12lbs (about 5 and a half kilograms, give or take), it is easy to move around and store. In fact, CoBa’s claim that it’s the only portable piece of equipment in the marketplace with functionality to work the full range of glutes sounds very plausible.

They also have a free app to show you how to train using the CoBa glute trainer.

Check Latest Price Of The CoBa Glute Trainer

INNSTAR Booty Bands

Cable machine and banded exercises can bring a lot to your glute workout. Movements like walking side steps, hip abduction and adduction, kick backs and lunges will all target the muscles of and around your glutes with a great deal of intensity.

INNSTAR’s Booty Bands are amongst the top forms of at-home band workouts and can be used for a great many beneficial exercises. They are easy to use, can be used both from a seated position and standing, and make use of a door anchor for stability through each rep. It will be like having a cable machine in your living room.

The door anchor is simple and effective. It involves a nylon connection strap and a door anchor attachment so you can use anywhere at home. You can also take it outdoors to use on trees, fences, columns, or anything you can think of.

Ankle straps keep them secure as you train and are incredibly comfortable.

These bands are best used for high rep work. Only the most inexperienced beginners will get enough resistance from them for strength work. However, if you’re looking to train in the 12-14 range, they work very nicely. As the resistance increases, you can simply increase your distance from the anchor, increasing tension.

The thing I like most about these bands is the 20-page workout guide that INNSTAR include. This is vital for any beginners (and for many more advanced athletes, too). It will show you how to use the bands, which exercises are best for achieving which results, and will give you a full demo routine to try.

It really does manage to be an all-in-one.

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BFR Booty Occlusion Bands

I’m not generally a fan of occlusion bands. The science behind them kind of checks out, but occlusion is no substitute for hard lifting and full ranges of motion (ROM) – the skill and mobility transfer simply aren’t there.

I’m also not generally a fan of anything with the word ‘booty’ in the title.

I was therefore surprised by how much I liked BFR Booty Occlusion Bands. I wouldn’t personally use them – they don’t fit in with any of my current goals – but I can absolutely see a use for them in stimulating and growing your glutes.

First off, occlusion training is its own thing, and it takes a little specialist knowledge to get started with. It works by temporarily restricting blood flow to your muscles. This may sound like a bizarre thing to do (and I’m not fully convinced it isn’t…), but tentative data suggests that around ten minutes of forced restriction can speed up growth.

This is because restricting blood builds up lactic acid and HGH (human growth hormone), which in turn gives you a ‘pump’.

Now, a pump isn’t growth. It is a build-up of fluid. You will look bigger immediately, but there are few long-term benefits to achieving a pump in terms of hypertrophy, certainly in terms of strength training. Full ROM and adequate time under tension are the way to go for this.

However, BFR provide a full 8-week guide to using these bands, including video tutorials. The exercises they give you to perform (with full ROM and adequate time under tension) whilst wearing these bands work incredibly well. It’s impressive.

The bands themselves are also very well made and comfortable to use. They are simple and easy, and they seem to work well. The improved HGH won’t lead to muscle growth in itself; it will aid recovery after hard training, leading to improved muscular growth.

Paired with their guide, with the appropriate exercises, these occlusion bands really begin to make sense. I like them a lot.

Check Latest Price Of The BFR Bands

BBooster Squat Belt

The BBooster Squat Belt is a bit of a clever take on the traditional exercise band. If you’re looking for a good way to build high rep work into your daily routines, at home or in the gym, it’s a really solid option.

It targets the glutes perfectly when used correctly, and will also be decent for your thighs, giving you the stimulation that you need, where you need it. It’s also incredibly easy to use correctly, thanks to what BBooster call their ‘Ultimate Butt Lift Package’.

Dodgy names aside, this thing is great. Basically, it means that every purchase includes the band itself, alongside a printed ‘Buttocks Bands Workout Guidebook’ (a good list of exercises, clearly laid out so that even beginners can make the most of them), and a training schedule (scheduling is everything in a training programme, so I was really happy to see this!).

In total, you get a list of 10 specialized exercises for glute training, 5 stretches perfect for warming up and cooling down, and a month-long training schedule with 3-5 sessions per week.

The bands themselves are comfortable and easy to work out. They make use of a figure of eight pattern and have extra grippy bits on the footholds, making them very durable and smooth to use. As a small exercise band, it’s incredibly portable (and cheap – you won’t spend much more than ten bucks!) and easy to store, making it super convenient compared to some of the other offerings on this list.

Simply pack it in your bag and take a few minutes out of your day to build the glutes you’ve always dreamed of.

Check Latest Price Of The BBooster Squat Belt

Allstar Innovations Squat Magic Home Gym Workout

I’ve included this item in our list because I think some people may find it genuinely useful. I personally don’t like and don’t see the point in it for most athletes.

There’s no doubt that it will help you to train your glutes. It will give you some great stimulation through your full lower body, incorporating your quads, thighs, and hips.

Essentially, it is a tilted seat that works a bit like a pump – it struck me as an oversized bicycle pump – with a kind of concertina motion. You sit on it, at what they call the ‘perfect angle’ due to its specially engineered tilt. It then guides and supports you on the way down into a squat, using Squat Assistive Technology (S.A.T.)

Now, I don’t like this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, how on earth do Allstar Innovations think they know what the perfect angle is? It’s different for everybody. I’m 5 foot 8. The angle at which I squat (and the height from which I begin, obviously) will be far different to a 6-foot-tall athlete. Then there are variations in hip, knee and ankle flexibility and angle. There simply is no such thing as a one size fits all ‘perfect angle’ – our perfect angles are all very personal and unique.

Secondly, there are other options if you need squat assistance. Use TRX bands, which are cheaper and offer far more utility, as they can be used for a whole range of movements. Hold onto a chair or a wall. Save yourself some money and get a similar result.

That’s my moaning done with.

So, why have I included it in this list?

I can see a market for this kind of S.A.T., and Allstar have made a very good job here – for the right person, their product is well-designed, well-made, and will be incredibly useful. Those with joint concerns may like the added support – if you have a bad back, hips, knees, or ankles, it’s worth considering. If you have motor control problems, such as Parkinson’s or vertigo, having a guided squat that allows you freedom of movement whilst keeping you in position will be a godsend.

Check Latest Price Of Allstar Squat Magic

EcoZen

Let’s finish this list with another band-style training system, in the form of EcoZen’s booty bands.

This is a product for people who like to use their kit hard but still expect it to last a lifetime, as it should. EcoZen’s build quality is superb. The materials they use – durable non-Snap Latex, super strong carabiners, load bearing boxed stitched connection points – mean that their bands are tough as hell.

In a world stocked full of breakable, short-term buys, this is refreshing. These bands are built to last.

One of my main issues with resistance bands is their lack of ability to scale. You can plateau quickly, as it’s hard to increase resistance and tension, thus stimulation. Progressive overload stutters to a halt.

EcoZen get around this to a point. Their booty fitness bands can be adjusted to three different levels of resistance. You can tailor it to your own level, then increase the resistance as you develop. There will still be a cut-off point, but at least there is a degree of more flexibility here.

You can also adjust for height and waistline, so everybody should be comfortable using these bands.

Their ‘Sauna stimulus technology’ helps you to retain body heat and bring about greater perspiration. Now, this isn’t always a good thing and should be approached with care, as dehydration and high blood pressure are very real risks. However, there will be a thermogenic effect, making it easier to burn through calories.

These kinds of resistance exercises aren’t really aimed at burning calories in real time. They are more geared towards building muscle that will raise your overall metabolic rate, so I don’t really see the point in this. It’s clever, though.

They have a very good set of exercises laid out in a booklet that comes included, alongside links to high-quality training videos. You will never be short of things to do with these bands.

Silly ‘sauna tech’ aside, these are very good resistance bands. I thoroughly recommend them.

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How To Train Glutes Without A Machine

I like the various styles of equipment represented above. I use some of them in my regular training regimes and would be very happy including the rest. However, they do form the minority of my work – they are best used as assistance movements.

This means that they are specialized and isolated.

Here’s how I would typically train my glutes, as part of a broader lower body day.

• Begin with a compound movement
• Move onto a couple of assistance movements
• Finish with conditioning

Many of the above items would work best in the middle portion. For example, I might start with low bar back squats, for five sets of five. Then I might move onto an assistance superset. Here, I may go for sissy squats and cable kickbacks, for three sets of twelve. Then I might do another assistance move for good measure, bringing my hamstrings into play alongside my glutes with some back extensions.

Then conditioning would generally be high rep bodyweight work, like burpees, box jumps and walking lunges.

You will get the most utility out of the first – the compound movements. Here is where pretty much all of the strength training comes from. You can also use them in higher rep ranges (8-14) for hypertrophy (muscle growth).

Glute compound movements that won’t use a machine include squat variations, large, explosive movements like box jumps and squat jumps, as well as single leg work, like walking lunges, reverse lunges, single-leg step-ups, and Bulgarian split squats. Sprinting and running will also work them, though through a lesser range of motion.

You can perform all of these with nothing but your bodyweight (and a box or wall to jump onto where necessary), or with weight, as your needs and programming dictate.

If you’re looking to programme a full glute workout for muscle growth, without any equipment, it may look something like this:

1. Box jumps (5), superset with air squats (15)
   1. Rest 90 seconds after each pair
   2. Complete five sets in total
2. Walking lunges (10 steps each side), giant set with wall sits (30 seconds) and laying back extensions (15)
   1. Rest 60 seconds after each giant set
   2. Complete three sets in total
3. Step ups on a low wall, to failure on either side
   1. Complete one set either side

The post Best Glute Machine appeared first on justhomegym.com.

Spin bikes have long been one of the go to cardio choices for many people and for home based workouts they would rank as one of our top choices for increasing your heart rate and getting a sweat on. Alongside rowing, they are one of the most efficient forms of exercise when it comes to calorie burn and they place very little strain on the joints. What’s more, spin bikes (or upright cycles as they are sometimes known) are one of the most accessible home cardio options – both in ease of use and affordability.

Like anything, there is a huge range of options to choose from and knowing which spin bike to choose that best suits your budget is a tough conundrum to crack. We aim to take the guesswork out of this particular equation with our full and in-depth ‘best spin bikes’ review.

So… let’s take a look at the best spin bikes that made our list.

Our Top 8 Spin Bikes

When choosing the top spin bikes to add to this list we wanted to include something to suit all budgets. For that reason, you will find a complete range of different levels of upright cycle on this page, however on the whole they are all suited to most levels of proficiency and fitness.

Those models that cost more generally come with more interactive features, automated programs, live coaching and better build quality – but all of the bikes on this list have been deemed decent and should provide years of challenge for their users.

510Ic Indoor Cycle Trainer

Riders who enjoy a challenge but are also looking for a nice piece of equipment will be impressed by the Diamondback Fitness 510lc. It has been designed with a heavy-duty frame that can handle up to 300 pounds. It also features a 32-pound flywheel that re-creates the experience of being on the open road. When it comes to technology, this machine does not disappoint. It features tech that’s reminiscent of some of the most high-end spinning bikes on the market today. This includes state of the art computers that relay your heart rate, cadence, elapsed time, workout speed, distance traveled, and more.

The 510lc is perfect for anyone who wants to be challenged in their workouts, as it comes with 14 routines already integrated within it. These can challenge riders with the simulation of different terrains, so boredom with the same program is never experienced. Where other machines are noisy, the 510lc is incredibly quiet thanks to the chain drive and heavy duty 32lb flywheel. Not many other bikes have the same electronics or programs that this does at this mid-range price point, making it an excellent choice for those who love to cycle.

There are 16 levels of magnetic resistance and the range of challenge provided means that both complete beginners and advanced athletes will find this bike suitable. The frame absolutely rock solid so you really push yourself on this model without fear of coming off or losing stability and the ride quality is also super smooth.

What’s even better is the fact that it was given the Best Buy Award 7 years in a row by Consumer Magazine, making it a reputable option and it is firmly one of our favorites. The display is pretty basic but provides all the key data you could ask for and Diamondback Fitness have instead focused their efforts and budget in to creating a really high quality spin bike rather than focusing on gimmicks or the display. If you can live with working out without the need for being plugged in to a personal trainer then the 510Ic is a top option.

NordicTrack S15i Commercial Bike

Next up we have one of the top end spin bikes which gives the likes of Peloton a run for their money but comes in at a much affordable price. NordicTrack features two spin bikes in their commercial range, the S15i and the more expensive S22i. There’s not much to split the two bikes so we have plumped for the cheaper option as the major difference between the two is that the for $400 less, you get a 14 inch screen instead of 22 inch screen. That’s quite a big difference just for a screen!

Don’t be fooled by the name, the S15i Commercial spin bike is not aimed at commercial gyms, but rather it promises a commercial quality experience in the comfort of your own home. If the lack of having a spin instructor shouting at you and playing loud music has put you off buying a spin bike for home use then the NordicTrack offerings look to put that right. Along with the bike, you get access to 12 months of iFit – which gives you access to live coaching, pre-recorded workouts and a load of progress tracking features and competitions to help keep you motivated. We are a big fan of i-Fit and you get a family membership worth $396 which means everyone in the home can benefit from it.

The S15i itself is a beast of a machine and even without the iFit software it makes for excellent value for money – even at its lofty price point. At around twice the price of the Diamondback Fitness model, the NordicTrack cycle is easy to dismiss as expensive – but we would argue you are getting a lot more than double your money’s worth with this.

First up, it’s worth noting that the 2021 model is all improved – so you are getting an improvement on what was already a top machine. There is a maximum user capacity of 350lbs and the bike itself measures up at 60″(l) x 22″(w) x 58″(h). The flywheel is heavy duty and inertia enhanced, meaning it will provide a true sense of riding whilst spinning in your living room. What really sets this bike apart from the competition though is the motorized incline and decline options. There are a few bikes out there that have incline options but not many at all (in fact none that we are aware of) that offer a decline setting. With the S15i you get a 20% incline and 10% decline with the digital magnetic resistance also helping to provide additional challenge.

Everything is tracked and synced in with iFit and the live trainers can control your inclines, declines and resistance levels so you can focus on putting the work in whilst the bike takes care of the rest. When you are following pre-set programs or pre-recorded sessions the bike is also controlled by the program – and this is a real joy to behold and makes such a difference to your workout.

The 2021 model features a faster processor and increased memory so there is a graphical improvement and the HD touch screen works just as well as the old model – with virtually no lag between a button press and the action being processed.

This bike is suitable for all levels of ability and it even comes with two light dumbbells should you wish to take on some additional upper body work too. The iFit also has lots of other workouts that can be undertaken without equipment so if you are away from your bike you can still work out with iFit.

The S15i is a serious investment but it is one that will last for years and years to come. It has some of the best connectivity and interactive features we have seen on any spin bike and the added ability to use bluetooth headphones takes this in to the big league. The 14 inch rotating HD screen is ideally located and it is impossible to not achieve the perfect viewing angle.

There is a 10 year frame warranty and two year parts warranty included and if your budget allows we would suggest this is one of the top options when it comes to spin bikes.

YOSUDA Indoor Stationary Bike

From one of our most expensive options to one of the cheapest, we now turn our attention to the YOSUDA spin bike which is priced at an entry level price point and means it is highly accessible in terms of budget. It’s not just those with a lower budget that this bike appeals to though, with a maximum user weigh of 270lbs this bike is also accessible to those who are looking to lose a few pounds.

The YOSUDA display is about as basic as they could get away with, featuring a green and black LCD that shows the baseline data that is needed – such as time, distance, speed and calories burned. There is a tablet/phone holder included with this spin bike though which does allow you to add more functionality or at least be entertained whilst using it. The reality is, this bike is not about the display and to keep the price low YOSUDA have focused all their attention on the main elements of the actual bike – such as ensuring it has a hefty but well balanced flywheel (this one measuring up at an impressive 35lbs) and comfortable parts such as the adjustable seat and adjustable handlebars – both of which are comfortable to the touch and adjustable enough to offer a good quality of ride for all but the tallest of users.

There is infinite adjustable resistance that is controlled using the knob which doubles up as a safety brake – and the level of challenge as you might imagine from something with infinite resistance really can get quite challenging.

This bike is going to require you to be incredibly self-motivated to use (especially when compared to something like the S15i) but for those who have the mental strength and who are just looking for a good quality bike to really work on their cardio game then the YOSUDA is a great investment.

Check Latest Price Of The YOSUDA Spin Bike

The MYX Indoor Bike

We move back towards some of the pricier options now with The MYX which is brought to us by MYX Fitness. Some big names have reviewed The MYX and some have even hailed it as the best alternative to Peloton there is. We would say it is between this and the NordicTrack model and with this model coming in a little cheaper than the aforementioned bike, this could be a great option for those who want to balance features with affordability.

The nuts and bolts of it are that this is a great bike. It is also one of the only bikes that we have reviewed that is suitable for taller than average users with a recommended height range of 4’11” – 6’8″ – pretty impressive stuff! It also carries a maximum user weight of 350lbs and as such it is a great option for beginners and advanced users. The dimensions of The MYX stand at 55″ (l) x 21″ (w) x 47″ (h) and it also includes handy transport wheels so it can be moved around from position to position fairly easily.

Unlike most spin bikes that have 3 way adjustments, The MYX has 4 levels of adjustment with the usual seat distance, seat height and handlebar height added to by handlebar distance with an additional slider – a nice touch that we like and that does make a difference.

It’s also fair to say that The MYX is a great looking bike. It is available in charcoal or white and we much prefer the former – but both are operationally identical. The 21.5 inch touch screen dominates the proceedings and it impossible to miss it. With quick access volume controls, a USB port, built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, this bike has all the connectivity you could wish for.

MYX Fitness run their own membership program which costs $29 per month so you should factor this in to your budget if you decide to buy it. For this, you get access to live world class coaches, pre-recorded content and tracking of your progress. The software works really well although there number of workouts is limited compared to the likes of iFit – but the library of workouts is growing all the time and it does include full body workouts too.

You get a Polar heart rate monitor included with this bike which is a nice touch and allows you to really focus on heart rate training to get the most out of each and every workout – especially for those looking to improve cardiovascular fitness and/or reduce body fat.

All in all this is a great bike with great software. The monthly price is a little higher than we would like considering the cost of the bike but it is worth it for the workouts alone – with the added tracking features an added bonus.

CAROL Bike

The CAROL Bike is another premium priced option that matches high end hardware with cutting edge software. Rather than providing access to live coaching and pre-recorded coaching sessions like the other high-end options listed on this page, it uses artificial intelligence and a scientifically backed approach to working out.

The CAROL bike is aimed at those who want to get maximum results from the minimum amount of time spent working out. The concept is similar to high intensity interval training but is instead REHIT (which stands for Reduced Exertion High Intensity Training) – sounds too good to be true? Well the principle behind it is sound enough in as much as it aims to deplete the glycogen stores with as little as two 10 second bursts of maximum exertion as part of a 10 minute workout.

Studies by the likes of the BBC and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) have confirmed the CAROL bike works to reproduce the REHIT effect that is so difficult to achieve outside of laboratory conditions.

Sold on the concept? If so, you will be glad to hear that the bike itself is incredible. It is almost wasted on something that you are not going to be sweating buckets for hours on end each week – but then, it should last for years upon years – if not decades!

This CAROL is a heavy piece of kit. It weighs 130lbs once assembled and measures up at 45.5″ (l) x 22″ (w) and has a 14kg flywheel. It does have transport wheels but it isn’t the easiest to move due to its weight – so you won’t want to be moving it far for each workout, especially as you will only be on it for 10 minutes.

Each user has their own login and everything is tracked and automatically controlled. The AI takes care of the resistance levels and tells you how hard to push with everything tracked in real time and fed back to you via the included tablet based display. CAROL have recently added the ability to use third party apps for live streaming and they promise live racing to soon be an option too. It seems the software is only going to get better and more functionality added.

Everything is adjustable and the seat and handles are incredibly comfortable. The pedals are dual sided so can be used with the toe cages or with SPD clips.

The only point against the CAROL is the upfront cost. It’s more than the NordicTrack models and a smidge under Peloton. However, where it does come up trumps is with the membership which is priced at just $12 per month – less than a third of the price of the competitor packages – and you get the first 3 months for free.

All in all, the CAROL is perhaps the most advanced bike of all those we tested – and if you can stomach the price tag and are looking for maximum results with minimum time and effort spent working out then this is the bike for you.

Stryde Spin Bike

Another Peloton alternative is the Stryde Bike. This is in the same price band as the NordicTrack S15i and stacks up really well against all its competitors. Featuring an impressive 21.5″ HD display and with built in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a headphone port, this bike has some really good connectivity and it uses Stryde’s own membership and software. Membership is not compulsory but it does take the functionality to the elite levels and it is also $10 per month less than the iFit and Peloton memberships.

The bike features dual sided pedals like the CAROL bike so you can use it with your cycling shoes or standard sneakers and everything is fully adjustable for great comfort levels. This really is a beautifully designed bike that both looks and feels great to use.

There are no less than 100 levels of micro-resistance levels to choose from and although the overall range of challenge is similar to the other bikes listed, it is good to have that level of control over the difficulty level you want.

There are hundreds of options to choose from for your workouts and you can compete against others on leaderboards. You can choose from a range of different instructors and many have different styles of teaching from studio to on-the-road content. You can sync the bike up with other apps if you prefer but the Stryde app does give you a wide range of workouts (some of which are live) and you can have up to 4 profiles set up so multiple users can access the same bike in the same home.

The Stryde is a high quality bike that competes well with the likes of NordicTrack and The Myx Bike – and it blows Peloton out of the water.

Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle

With a price tag of over $1,000, a bike better be impressive, right? The developers at Keiser agree, which is why they spent over ten years researching and designing the Keiser M3i. While it is priced high, the features and qualities it encompasses have earned it the reputation as one of the highest quality indoor cycling bikes on the market today – and it still comes in less than many of those other bikes featured on this list. For those who purchase this, the first thing they notice is that the structure is very sturdy thanks to high quality materials and magnetic resistance technology. Both of these also contribute to a smooth ride as well as the eventual longevity of the bike.

Due to the 24 levels of magnetic resistance, those who own this bike can enjoy a lightweight workout as well as one that is far more physically challenging. This is excellent for anyone who is trying to lose weight or just get into better shape, as the resistance can be tailored to specific goals as they change over time. For those who aren’t familiar with magnetic resistance systems, they significantly extend the life of the bike because no parts touch one another. This means no wear and tear like traditional bikes would experience.

As for the rest of the features of the Keiser M3i, they include handlebar adjustments, a backlit computer display, a quiet drive belt, and sleek design. In fact, when one looks at the Keiser M3i, they might think that it doesn’t include anything special because the design is so stripped down. However, buyers can rest easy knowing they will get incredible technology with their purchase; it’s just in a sleek and modern design without all the bulk. Fortunately, this makes it look great in any home interior, so there’s no need to put it away for company.

As one of the most high-end indoor cycling bikes in existence today, the Keiser M3i is a great investment. From the incredibly quiet design to the variety of workout programs designed for all skill levels, it’s perfect for someone who wants to excel at indoor cycling. Thanks to the magnetic resistance, it can be purchased as a lifetime investment that will easily pay for itself for someone who uses it often.

SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike by Sunny Health and Fitness

For buyers who don’t have a huge budget but still want a well-made bike, the SF-B901 is a great option to consider. Although it’s not equipped with the luxuries and electronic features that more expensive bikes have, it is built to last. Aside from the solid construction, it features a 40lb flywheel that can help increase efficiency while working out. To make comfort possible, the seat is fully adjustable, as are the handlebars. Users can also adjust the level of resistance based on what they are most comfortable with. All of this is wrapped into a stylish design that won’t create an eye sore in a home’s interior.

Designed by Sunny Health and Fitness, the SF-B901 will not disappoint budget shoppers who want something simple yet durable. It even comes with a warranty and the great customer service that this company is known for. It’s perfect for those who just want to jump on their bike at home and get a workout in without all the bells and whistles. Due to the quality of this machine, it offers the most bang for your buck, so you don’t miss going to those cycling classes during the week.

Benefits Of Owning Your Own Spin Bike

By investing in an indoor exercise bike to use at home, a class is no longer necessary to get the burn that this exercise has to offer. While this can save time traveling, it can also mean working out more often and avoiding classes that charge a premium. With the bike planted in your home, you’ll never have an excuse for not jumping on and doing a 10, 20, or 30-minute session. This incredible convenience is made better by the fact that it’s so easy to buy a bike. There are many retailers who will send one straight to your door, most not even charging shipping to do so.

What are you looking forward to most about having an indoor cycling bike in your home? While being able to work towards improved health is important, you might also be excited about the added privacy you’ll have. After all, sometimes you’d just rather not drip puddles of sweat in front of 30 or 40 other people. What’s even better is the fact that when you’re at home, you can watch television, set up a movie, watch an exercise video through your computer, or even call a friend on the phone without worrying about distracting other people. With a bike in your home, it’s up to you when you cycle and for how long.

Something to Keep in Mind Before You Shop

Indoor cycling is commonly referred to as Spinning by almost everyone today (especially with the increase in popularity of this exercise). However, the words “Spin”, “Spinning”, and “Spinner” are actually copyrighted by Mad Dogg Athletics. They were clever enough to market these terms like mad, and as a result, most people say them more than they say “indoor cycling” (think of Band-Aids being the common term for bandages or Kleenex being the common term for a tissue).

While this is a fun fact to know, it’s also important in terms of shopping. The terms “Spinning bikes”, “Spin bikes”, and “Spinning”, can only be used by bikes that are licensed by Mad Dogg Athletics and Starr Trac (which is the distributor of the bikes). When looking at the bikes that are listed by price below, it’s important to keep this information in mind. The majority of bikes will simply be referred to as indoor cycling bikes if they are not related to Mad Dogg Athletics. However, if they are licensed by Mad Dogg Athletics, then the term Spin can certainly be used.

What’s Your Budget?

Due to the fact that indoor cycling has grown in popularity, more brands than ever have made bikes for consumers to buy and use at home. Fortunately, this means it’s much easier to find one that is rich in features while still being within your budget. However, with the prevalence of cycling bikes have come a rush of options, making it difficult to separate quality from gimmick. To make it easier to search between high quality options, use the list above. It features different cycling bikes with a range of prices so you can determine which fits your needs the best.

Buying a Spin Bike or Indoor Cycling Bike

Whether you purchase an official Spin bike or go for an indoor cycling bike, it’s important to read through the features you’ll get in the machine. The descriptions that accompany product pages are full of excellent information, from the size to the technology and all the features you need to know about. By doing this research, you’ll be sure to find a bike that’s high quality and offers comfort, resistance, and the technology that’s ideal for you. The information above has hopefully helped give you insight into what you can expect for different budgets. While these bikes are excellent choices, keep in mind there are many others that may be better suited for you.

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Choosing Your Ideal Upright Bike

When it comes to making your purchase, some details you should think about include:

– Cost
– Warranty
– Display
– Frame Design
– Console (telling how many calories burned, distance traveled, etc.)
– Learning Materials
– Support
– Exercise Programs (more resistance, incline, etc.)

To help make the process of choosing an upright bike to purchase a little bit more simple, some excellent options for all budgets are listed below. With so many choices, anyone should be able to find a bike that fits their needs!

Upright Bikes for Different Budgets

Price Range: Under $200

Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse
Marcy Upright Magnetic Exercise Cycle

Price Range: $200-$499

Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
Exerpeutic GOLD 500 XLS Foldable Upright Bike
Nautilus U616 Upright Bike

Price Range: $500-$1000

Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright Exercise Bike
Nautilus 618 Upright Exercise Bike

Price Range: Over $1,000

Sole Fitness LCB Light Commercial Upright Bike
Schwinn M717 170 Upright Exercise Bike
Sole Fitness B94 Upright Bike

Best Upright Bike Under $200 – Folding Magnetic Bike with Pulse by Exerpeutic

When it comes to saving on space, the Folding Magnetic Bike by Exerpeutic is a fantastic option. Like the name states, it can be folded, so it takes up very little space when it’s not in use. It can also be stowed quite easily once it’s folded, which is ideal for those with limited space to work with. Another advantage of this bike is the fact that it has pulse sensors built into the handlebars to make tracking heart rate while exercising easy.

The Exerpeutic Folding Magnetic Bike comes equipped with a clear LCD screen that displays speed, time spent working out, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. For those who are looking for a challenge, this bike also comes equipped with 8 resistance settings that can enhance intensity on demand. With a price tag under $200, this upright bike is a true gem. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is a 300lb weight limit and the structure isn’t as strong as more expensive alternatives.

Best Upright Bike Under $400 – 170 Upright Bike by Schwinn

This bike designed by Schwinn is comparable to more expensive bikes despite the more affordable price tag. The features begin with forearm rests, adjustable angled handlebars, and an adjustable seat that is nicely padded for added comfort. They continue with a speaker that’s built into the console so users can listen to MP3 players and even charge them via USB at the same time. The Schwinn 170 has also been designed with features that you’d normally find in more expensive units, such as oversized pedals and a 3-piece crank system.

For those who would like to watch a movie or read a magazine, there’s a media shelf built into the bike that can hold your tablet or magazine. The Schwinn 170 is also equipped with 25 levels of magnetic resistance to help ensure every user can challenge themselves based on their individual fitness level. Making this bike stand out from the crowd, even more, are the 29 workouts pre-programmed into it, which include 9 for heart rate tracking. This model can also connect with fitness app to help users keep track of their progress over time. With one of the best warranties in the industry as well, this upright bike is a solid option.

Best Upright Bike Under $600 – AD6 Airdyne Upright Exercise Bike by Schwinn

Unique from other upright bikes, this Schwinn AD6 Airdyne features air resistance that enhances intensity during workouts as you pedal faster. This gives each individual the ultimate control over how hard they go and the option to slow down or ramp things up easily. Another feature most buyers appreciate are the pivoting handlebars that help get the arms moving rather than keeping them stationary. It also allows users to track their heart rate, although the chest strap needed to do so is not originally included with the unit.

Fortunately for those using this bike, it offers great comfort thanks to the larger seat that’s generously padded more than most other bikes. There are also foot straps that keep feet secure, balanced, and less likely to slip while pedaling. To get more out of this, there are some useful accessories available, including a wind screen and reading rack. Otherwise, this bike doesn’t come with a lot of extras (besides a warranty) already included.

Best Upright Bike Over $1,000 – SOLE Fitness LCB Light Commercial Upright Bike

This SOLE Fitness LCB Light Commercial Upright Bike is the model in Sole’s lineup that stands out in particular for those who are looking for a high-end upright bike. The design begins with 132lbs of steel tubing that can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. With the 30lb flywheel, you can use this on the highest intensity level without worrying about the machine budging. This security will come in handy with the 10 workout programs that come pre-programmed on the bike. With program choices that range from easy to challenging, every individual can find which is best suited to the intensity level they’re after.

The eddy current brake resistance features 40 levels, and the seat is fully adjustable to accommodate all shapes and sizes of bodies. For those who want to track their progress as they go, the grips on the front of the machine and the included chest strap monitor heart rate throughout every workout. To enhance entertainment, this bike is also compatible with MP3 players. For added convenience, a water bottle holder is built right in. Adding to the impressive list of qualities, this bike also has a cooling fan and ergonomic handlebars for comfort.

Although the LCB Light Commercial Upright Bike by Sole is packed full of unique features and qualities, it could benefit from offering more than 10 basic workout programs. However, for most individuals, these are enough to give them a good workout for the day. It’s certainly a great option for anyone who doesn’t have a strict budget and wants the best gym-quality bike out there.

A Lasting Investment

The upright bikes listed above are some of the best with the features they offer for the price. However, the best bike for you is one that you will use based on all that it offers. For this reason, do your research to make sure the unit you purchase is suitable for your individual needs.

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