Reviews

Best Organic Protein Powders of 2023 for Muscle Gain, Weight Loss, and More Although most people get enough protein through their diet, some turn to protein powder as a convenient way to add this building block of the body to their diet. However, not all protein powder is created and regulated the same, which is where the question of organic and non-organic protein powder comes into play.  Anyone can produce a non-organic protein powder and sell it to consumers. Such is not the case with organic options. Those labeled as USDA organic cannot contain certain ingredients and must be grown and processed in a way that meets federal guidelines. As a result, you’re much more likely to receive a better quality product that’s free of certain chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, and more.  For many, this benefit is worth the more expensive price, but even in the organic protein powder market, there are several options to choose from. So, how are you supposed to pick the one that’s best for you?  We’ve made it easy for you. Keep reading to discover nine of the best organic protein powder. From the best whey protein to the best egg white protein, we’ve got your back.  Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. How We Chose the Best Organic Protein Powders In the fitness industry, people aren’t shy about saying what they do and don’t like, especially when it comes to protein supplements. Therefore, to come up with our list, we did a mix of asking those in our network and browsing the internet. We’ve also tested over 70 protein powders and relied on our first-hand experience to find the best organic products. As we made our list, we wanted to remember people’s different preferences and goals. Some folks use protein powders as meal replacements to help lose weight, while others are bodybuilders trying to bulk up. We also considered dietary factors such as veganism, as we wanted anyone reading this to find a protein powder with ingredients that align with their diet.  In addition to fitness goals and dietary preferences, we contemplated things like cost, flavors, texture, and third-party testing. Before we knew it, we were able to take a list that included dozens and narrow it down to nine of the best organic protein powders on the market.  Our Top Picks for the Best Organic Protein Powders Best Organic Protein Powder Overall: Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Best Organic Whey Protein Powder: Raw Organic Whey Best Organic Vegan Protein Powder: Vega Plant-Based Protein Powder Best Tasting Organic Protein Powder: KOS Vegan Protein Powder Best Organic Protein Powder for Weight Loss: Ritual Essential Protein Powder Best Organic Protein Powder for Muscle Gain: Naked Nutrition Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder Best Organic Protein Powder for Women: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Best Organic Egg White Protein Powder: Naked Nutrition Egg White Protein Powder Best Organic Pea Protein Powder: NorCal Organic Premium Pea Protein Best Organic Protein Powder Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein Protein type: Pea protein isolate, rice protein Number of servings: 30 Cost: $1.67 per serving Calories per serving: 130 to 150 Protein per serving: 24 grams Flavors: Chocolate, French Vanilla  Third-party tested: Yes, by independent labs Check Price Pros Informed Choice Certified Has all nine essential amino acids Low carb Cons Only two flavors Very few vitamins and minerals Made on equipment that processes nuts As a popular brand in the supplements market, Transparent Labs is known for being straightforward about its formulation. It steers clear of artificial sweeteners and aims to create products with clean ingredients backed by science. So, it’s no surprise that its Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein landed on our list as the best organic protein powder.  There is a lot to love about this product. It’s USDA Organic, contains minimal ingredients, has no allergens, soy, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and it tastes good. Compared to other options that cost less than $40 per tub, this protein powder is pricier at around $50 per container, but most would say this vegan option is worth it. Many plant-based eaters have a hard time getting enough protein in their diet, but rice- and pea-based protein powders like this one can help. However, there’s been some debate that dairy-free options don’t compare to ingredients like whey protein isolate. Researchers tested this theory, though, and the results showed that organic rice protein can potentially decrease fat mass, increase lean body mass, and boost exercise performance in a way that’s comparable to whey protein. (1) RELATED: Plant-Based Protein Versus Whey for Athletes Similarly, pea protein isolate can help promote muscle growth and strength. (2) Pea protein also has a considerable amount of isoflavones, which are protective antioxidants with possible health benefits like improved cardiovascular health. (3) Transparent Labs Organic Vegan Rice & Pea Protein only comes in two flavors — French Vanilla and Chocolate — which can be limiting to some. When a member of our reviews staff tried the French vanilla flavor, she noted that it tasted artificial, foamed a lot when mixed in a shaker bottle, and had a slightly gritty texture. However, other customers report that the protein powder tastes good and mixes well in cold water, so your experience may be different than ours. One container provides a total of 30 servings. Each serving contains 24 grams of protein and between 130 and 150 calories, depending on the flavor.  Best Organic Whey Protein Powder: Raw Organic Whey Raw Organic Whey Protein type: Whey Number of servings: 90 Cost per serving: $1.26 Calories per serving: 97.5 Protein per serving: 21 grams Flavors: Unflavored Third-party tested: Yes, by Midwest Laboratories Check Price Pros Only one ingredient High-quality whey  No sweeteners or fillers  Cons Difficult to mix Poor taste  Cheap packaging If you’re looking for

Best Probiotic Supplements to Maximize Your Health in 2023 Probiotics are live microorganisms in the form of bacterial strains that are beneficial to human health and wellness. Researchers have discovered that supplementing with these biotics can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve gastrointestinal health, and even boost your immune health. (1) However, it is important to pick the best probiotic that will support your unique needs and goals. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I am often asked for recommendations on the best probiotic supplements. In my experience, I have found that those who start taking probiotics report less gastrointestinal discomfort in the form of gassiness, abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. I have counseled hundreds of people and have found that routine use of probiotics can help with food digestion and absorption.  In this review, we will dive deep into our top 10 picks and answer all of your questions as they relate to formula, bacterial strains, colony-forming units (CFU, or the number of viable bacterial cells in a probiotic), cost, serving size, and product form. Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. How We Chose the Best Probiotic To save you time and money, we have researched and determined our top 10 favorite probiotic supplements. We carefully considered each probiotic’s dose, cost, CFU ability, form (powder versus capsule versus beverage), type of bacterial strain, and added beneficial ingredients.  Making a well-informed decision about dietary supplements is important. Not every probiotic supplement is made the same. Most have different strains in varying amounts and many have different supporting ingredients that boost your health and promote healthy bacteria growth. Whether you prefer supplements in powder, gummy, capsule, or beverage form — we have you covered. Whether you are looking to support your weight loss journey, decrease IBS symptom flare-ups, desire a product that is vegetarian-friendly, or need a finance-friendly probiotic, this review is sure to have a product that will meet your needs. Our Top Picks for the Best Probiotic Supplements Best Probiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic+ Best Probiotic for Women: Garden of Life Daily Dr. Formulated Probiotics for Women Best Probiotic for Men: Transparent Labs Probiotic Best Probiotic for Gut Health: Legion Biome Best Probiotic Yogurt: Activia Probiotic Dailies Low Fat Yogurt Drink Best Probiotic for IBS: YourBiology Gut+ Best Probiotic for Weight Loss: Naked Nutrition Naked Gut Best Prebiotic and Probiotic: Onnit Total GUT HEALTH Best Probiotic for Bloating: Culturelle Pro Strength Daily Probiotic Best Probiotic Gummies: Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummy Best Probiotic Overall: Ritual Synbiotic+ Ritual Synbiotic+ Number of servings: 30 Cost per serving: $1.80 Form: Delayed-release capsule Strains: Two CFU count: 11 billion Check Price Pros You get an automatic 25 percent off of your order for the first month  Manufactured without genetically modified organisms (non-GMO) Vegan and gluten-free (not all probiotics are gluten-free) Third-party tested and verified for purity Cons Requires a monthly subscription Unlike any other probiotic supplement we have researched, Ritual Synbiotic+ packages its bacterial strains in a vegan, time-delayed release, minty-flavored capsule. A time-delayed release capsule is beneficial, as it gives the supplement time to pass through the stomach without prematurely being broken down (I discuss this more under the “When Is the Best Time to Take a Probiotic?” heading below). To further put your mind at ease, this product is delivered to you in a moisture-controlled bottle. The packaging prevents it from being exposed to contamination and degradation.  Ritual Synbiotic+ is aptly named because it includes both probiotics and prebiotics. When a probiotic and prebiotic are consumed in combination, they are grouped into what we call synbiotics. Synbiotics have been found to regulate the immune system and prevent chronic disease. They are also responsible for potentially alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, treating infection, and helping manage symptoms caused by cancer therapy. (2) Ritual Synbiotic+ has only two strains of probiotics. It provides 11 billion CFU of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis. This CFU count is on the lower end compared to other products. However, these two strands are highly researched and have been found to potentially enhance digestion, increase immunity, and even improve mental health. (3) Each capsule also contains 15 milligrams of PreforPro prebiotic and 300 milligrams of tributyrin, both of which have been studied in clinical trials at those specific doses.  Tributyrin is a short-chain fatty acid (the type of fatty acid that is considered beneficial and protective of your health) that has been connected to decreasing gut inflammation. Tributyrin supplementation has been strongly recommended by researchers as a potential way to treat metabolism disorders such as obesity. (4) Ritual discloses where it obtains its specific strains from and the strains’ final location of manufacturing. Its prebiotic is supplied by Deerland and manufactured in Kennesaw, GA. Its probiotic blend is supplied by Chr. Hansen and manufactured in Hvidovre, Denmark. Ritual sources its tributyrin from Compound Solutions, and it is manufactured in Sevilla, Spain. This level of transparency is unique, as not all probiotic companies disclose where they get their probiotic and prebiotic strands and other ingredients from. Many probiotics use an animal-based coating for their capsules or manufacture their product with dairy-based protein. But to keep Synbiotic+ open to everyone, Ritual uses only plant-based ingredients — from the capsule to its formulation. Ritual Synbiotic+ is also third-party verified and tested for quality and safety to make sure it complies with regulations for heavy metals, major allergens, and microbes.  A member of the Breaking Muscle reviews team used this probiotic for several weeks and had a positive experience with it. She found the mint-flavored capsules refreshing, but while she didn’t experience many side effects, she did notice some gassiness after taking it. Keep in mind, though, that your experience may vary, and we still recommend Ritual Synbiotic+ for anyone who wants to add a safe, vegan, and gluten-free probiotic to their regimen.  RELATED:

Best Multivitamin for Men Over 50, Male Bodybuilders, and More (2023) Vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) are crucial for strong bones, energy metabolism, immune health, and cell function and development. Ideally, we consume all the micronutrients we need from food. However, those with potential nutrient gaps in their diet, such as picky eaters, older adults, anyone following a restrictive diet, and those with medical conditions, may benefit from taking a multivitamin. Fatigue, brittle nails, muscle weakness, and mouth ulcers are just a few of the many signs you may have a vitamin deficiency. If you’re concerned that you’re not meeting your micronutrient needs, diversify your diet and add nutrient-rich foods. Also, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin. In this review, we share the best multivitamins for men to help you narrow it down.  Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. How We Chose the Best Multivitamin for Men We chose the best multivitamins for men based on dosage, variety, and cost. We made sure that the dietary supplements on our list included moderate to high amounts of the nutrients they contained. It was also important to us to provide you with supplement options with a variety of micronutrients tailored just for men. We understand everyone has different vitamin and nutrient needs depending on their age, lifestyle, and diet quality. That’s why we intentionally chose multivitamins for men with varying formulations. Lastly, we made it a point to find quality supplements with a range of price points to offer something for every budget.  Our Top Picks for the Best Multivitamins for Men Best Multivitamin for Young Men: Onnit Total Human Best Multivitamin for Men Over 50: Lifeforce Peak Healthspan Best Multivitamin for Male Bodybuilders: Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi for Men Best Gummy Multivitamin for Men: Nature Made Multivitamin + Omega-3 Best Organic Multivitamin for Men: Garden of Life mykind Organic Men’s Once Daily Multivitamin Best Multivitamin for Active Men: Transparent Labs Multivitamin Best Affordable Multivitamin for Men: Nature Made Multivitamin for Him Best Multivitamin With Iron for Men: Kaged Multivitamin Best Vegan Multivitamin for Men: Ritual Multivitamin 18+ Best Multivitamin for Young Men: Onnit Total Human Onnit Total Human Form: Capsule packs Daily dose: One pack during the day and one at night Cost per serving: $4.50 Key vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc Certifications: N/A Check Price Pros Day pack and night pack  High doses of vitamins and minerals Contains herbs and amino acids  Combines Onnit’s patented supplements  Cons Multiple pills per pack More expensive than other options  Onnit Total Human breaks away from the usual single-pill multivitamin product. Instead, this product offers vitamin packs with multiple pills intended to optimize key areas of men’s health. The regimen includes a day pack and a night pack that each contains eight capsules. The day pack is full of nutrients, including vitamin E, copper, and manganese, for bone, cognitive, heart, metabolic, and immune health. Zinc and selenium are a couple of the many micronutrients in the night pack that support relaxation, healing, and recovery.  Total Human packs are filled with Onnit’s patented supplements like Alpha BRAIN, Stron BONE, and VIRU Tech. A double-blind study on Alpha BRAIN showed that participants who took the supplement for six weeks experienced memory improvements compared to the control. (1) A few of the many other micronutrients in Onnit Total Human include B vitamins to support energy production, calcium for strong bones, magnesium for muscle recovery, and vitamin C for immune health. (2)(3) The capsules also contain superfoods like spirulina and krill oil. Spirulina is packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may help protect against cancer. (4) Krill oil contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which could help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and improve “good” HDL cholesterol. (5) A male member of our reviews team tried this multivitamin for several weeks and had this to say about his experience: I have been taking these for 20 days pretty consistently. Every night that I have taken them, I have slept all the way through the night – sometimes with intense dreams, but they don’t wake me up. Also, I’ve noticed I wake up a little easier than normal. The daytime pills have had an even more significant effect; I feel a lot clearer with noticeably less brain fog. I truly feel very good when I take these, and if I miss a day, I notice that I don’t feel as good. On the downside, you are swallowing sixteen pills per day, which is obviously a lot. Also, Onnit Total Human is more costly than other multivitamins on our list, but you’re getting substantially more nutrients, so it might be worth it if your diet lacks variety and nutrients.  RELATED: Best BCAA Supplements Best Multivitamin for Men Over 50: Lifeforce Peak Healthspan Lifeforce Peak Healthspan Form: Capsule  Daily dose: Three capsules Cost per serving: $3.83 Key vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, niacin, vitamin B12, copper  Certifications: N/A Check Price Pros Excellent source of vitamin D to protect against osteoporosis  Includes NAD3 to protect against age-related health issues Includes omega-3s for brain and heart health Cons Three capsules per day  Lacks certain micronutrients that older adults are more likely to be deficient in Lifeforce Peak Healthspan is formulated to address several significant aspects of aging, so you can enhance your body’s performance today and for the long haul. Peak Healthspan is packed with micronutrients that support cell, liver, metabolic, and heart health. Key vitamins include vitamin D to support calcium absorption and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, niacin for protein and fat metabolism, and vitamin B12 for blood and nerve cell health. (6)(7)(8) It’s common for older men to have B12 and vitamin D deficiencies, but Peak Healthspan has these covered.  One of the main ingredients is NAD3, a proprietary blend of wasabi extract, theacrine, copper, and niacin. Nicotinamide adenine

Best Treadmills for Home for Running, Walking, and More (2023) A treadmill can be an invaluable piece of home gym equipment. The best treadmill for home gyms provides an opportunity to train cardiovascular health, and research has proven that cardio training comes with endless benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, weight management, and eliminating the onset of diabetes. (1) Although many might argue using a treadmill isn’t as effective as running or walking outdoors, an at-home treadmill provides year-long opportunities to train with various inclines that emulate different types of terrain.  With the recent surge in technological advancements, finding the right treadmill might require more effort than you think. Purchasing the wrong treadmill might lead to frustrating or ineffective workouts, or it might not fit your space. In this article, we will discuss our top picks for at-home treadmills, highlighting key features that will help you find the right one for you. How We Chose the Best Treadmill for Home Several of the treadmills we review below are ones that we’ve tried in our testing facility in Springfield, MO. Out of the nearly four dozen treadmills we have available, we narrowed it down to what we feel are the eight best machines. When making our selections, we aimed to cater to a diverse range of users, including both elite athletes and casual exercisers. We included treadmills that had a justifiable price point while being able to accommodate high- and low-intensity workouts. Some of our treadmills came with a heavy price tag, but they also have top-of-the-line features and characteristics, such as interactive programming and auto-fold technology. Because these treadmills are intended for a home gym, they need to be compatible with most spaces. To that end, some of the machines on the list below fold up for storage and have a condensed footprint. Another factor we considered was durability, so you can maximize the value of your investment while minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Our Top Picks for the Best Treadmills for Home Best Treadmill for Home Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Best Home Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro Best Home Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad A1 Pro Foldable Under Desk Treadmill Best Incline Treadmill for Home: ProForm Pro 9000 Best Small Treadmill for Home: Echelon Stride Best Folding Treadmill for Home: Horizon T101 Best Treadmill for Home Under $500: XTERRA TR Folding Treadmill Best Portable Treadmill for Home: NordicTrack EXP 7i Best Treadmill for Home Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Overall dimensions: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H Deck size: 60” L x 20” W Max speed: 12 miles per hour Max incline: 12 percent Decline: -3 percent Programming: iFit (free for 30 days, then $39 per month) Motor: 3.5 CHP motor Weight capacity: 300 pounds Check Price Pros Powerful motor 14-inch tilted interactive touchscreen Inclines and declines SpeedSaver foldable design Trainer-led iFIT workouts Auto-adjust technology Cons Difficult assembly iFIT membership expires after 30 days unless you decide to renew The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 wins the award for the best home gym treadmill. Its reputation stems from its stellar list of high-end features for high- or low-intensity workouts. This smart treadmill provides a powerful 3.5 CHP (continuous horsepower) motor, allowing you to run at a top speed of 12 miles per hour. It also has an impressive decline and incline range, going down to a negative three-percent decline or up to a 12-percent incline to emulate different terrain, such as road running at different elevations.  Its 14-inch tilted interactive HD touchscreen allows you to perform trainer-led workouts through iFIT, an expansive on-demand library of more than 1,000 workouts. iFIT includes a variety of programs from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to yoga practices. It’s like having your own personal trainer. However, it costs around $39 per month after a 30-day free trial period. When exercising, the 1750 uses SmartAdjust technology to smartly adapt to your performance, making each session personalized and efficient. SmartAdjust is a special technology that keeps track of changes you make to your NordicTrack machine while working out. It remembers these changes and uses them later to help your machine adapt to your training level for future workouts. Furthermore, if you don’t have a lot of space in your home gym, you’ll likely appreciate that the 1750 folds up and has wheels, allowing you to easily move it out of the way when you’re not using it.  These intuitive features come with an expensive price tag — the 1750 starts at around $2499. Plus, you’ll have to pay for iFIT if you decide to keep the subscription after your trial ends. Difficult assembly is another potential drawback. I personally owned a NordicTrack treadmill, and it took about two days to put it together. This is also due to my busy work schedule, which I am sure could resonate with others who purchase this treadmill. But with this being one of the more advanced models, I would highly recommend researching and putting time aside in order to effectively set up your treadmill without any issues. It does come with a paper manual, and you can also access a virtual manual that shows you how to perform each step. RELATED: Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss, Low-Impact Workouts, and More Best Home Treadmill for Running: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro Overall dimensions: 69.9” L x 31” W x 64.4” H  Deck size: 17” W by 62” L Max speed: As fast as you can run Max incline: N/A  Decline: N/A Programming: Compatible with the Assault Fitness App Motor: Non-electric Weight capacity: 350 pounds Check Price Pros Non-motorized treadmill Athlete-friendly Low-impact design for injury prevention On-board programs that target time, calories, distance, speed, heart rate, and more  Bluetooth connectivity   Compatible with the Assault Fitness App and Zwift Cons High price   Might not be suitable for non-runners Not foldable   The AssaultRunner Pro is a versatile, non-motorized, easy-to-use treadmill. Driven by your own stride, the AssaultRunner Pro matches your

Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss, Low-Impact Workouts, and More Cardio exercise is the way to go if you want to burn calories, get your heart pumping, and break a sweat. But it can feel monotonous, so finding the best cardio machine for your home gym that keeps you engaged and coming back for more is essential. Fortunately, you can choose cardio exercise equipment that lets you run, walk, bike, or stride, depending on your fitness level, injury history, and goals. Even though lifting weights is my favorite way to train, I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from finishing a long endurance workout. I’ve used various cardio exercise machines in both commercial and home gym settings, so I know which ones deliver the most effective workouts. In this roundup review, I’ll share my top recommendations for cardio machines so you can find the right one for your needs. Our Top Picks for the Best Cardio Machines Best Overall Cardio Machine: Concept2 SkiErg Best Cardio Machine for Weight Loss: Rogue Echo Bike Best Low-Impact Cardio Machine: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X Best Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Best Exercise Bike: Diamondback 1260sc Best Elliptical: Sole E25 Best Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowErg Best Treadmill Under $1,000: Horizon 7.0 AT Best Elliptical Under $1,000: Sole E20 Best Value Cardio Machine: ProForm City L6 Best Overall Cardio Machine: Concept2 SkiErg Concept2 SkiErg Overall dimensions: 50” L x 23.5” W x 85” H on the floor stand; 16” L x 19.5” to 20” W x 85” H when mounted to a wall Weight: 46 pounds (81 pounds with the floor stand) Weight capacity: N/A Display: LCD monitor Check Price Pros Comes with a smartphone cradle Handle hooks allow you to place the handles lower if needed Can leave it freestanding or mount it to a wall Battery powered Sweat-proof covering on the handles Cons Floor stand is sold separately The Concept2 SkiErg may not be the first machine you think of when you imagine a cardio machine. You may not have seen or heard of it unless you’re a CrossFitter or a cross-country skier, but this machine will really get your heart rate up. It provides a full-body workout since it works the upper and lower body muscles, including the triceps, lats, abdominals, lower back, quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and hip flexors. I used the SkiErg a lot when I used to belong to a CrossFit box, and I hated and loved it at the same time for this reason. In the SkiErg, you’ll also find the durability and construction quality that Concept2 is known for. It has a sturdy aluminum frame and a powder coat finish for corrosion resistance. The PM5 monitor tracks stats such as calories burned, distance, and speed, and it saves your workout data so you can monitor your progress over time. Those with limited space will appreciate the compact footprint and the various placement options the SkiErg offers. You can leave it freestanding on a floor stand (sold separately) or mount it to a wall for enhanced stability. On the floor stand, the SkiErg is 50 inches long, 23.5 inches wide, and 85 inches high. When mounted to a wall, it’s just 16 inches deep and about 20 inches wide. It only requires two D-cell batteries, so you don’t have to place it near an outlet. I also love that the SkiErg is accessible for wheelchair users or anyone who can’t stand for long periods. It comes with handle hooks that attach lower on the machine, allowing you to reach the handles from a seated position. Best Cardio Machine for Weight Loss: Rogue Echo Bike Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 Overall dimensions: 55” L x 29.5” W x 55.25” H Weight: 123 pounds Weight capacity: 330 pounds Display: LCD console Check Price Pros Can also use it to train your upper body only Not a lot of maintenance required Battery-powered and Bluetooth-enabled monitor Cons Expensive Basic monitor The Rogue Echo Bike is another machine I loved to hate at my old CrossFit box. Whenever the coaches programmed a workout with it, I knew it would hurt. Even if you’re not a CrossFitter, it’s a good cardio machine to have in your home gym. It can burn a lot of calories in a short time, and it works nearly your entire body, making it a solid choice for those trying to lose weight. You’ll often find people using the Echo Bike for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), but you can also use it for warm-ups and cooldowns for resistance training workouts. The foot pedals consist of metal, and there are also knurled pegs for your feet if you want to use the handlebars only for upper-body training. The 1.5-inch diameter handles have a rubber coating, so your hands won’t slip if they get sweaty.  The Echo Bike is a beefy machine with a heavy-duty steel frame and a black powder coat finish. Aside from offering protection against corrosion, the powder coat gives the machine a sleek appearance. The bike uses a belt-drive system, which makes it quieter than other air bikes that use a chain-drive system. You’ll be less likely to disturb the people you live with during your workout.  The LCD monitor is fairly basic, but it’s easy to read, and you can track stats like time, distance, and calories burned. You’ll need four AA batteries, but you don’t have to worry about plugging the bike into an outlet. The monitor is also Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to create workouts in a cycling app and sync them to the machine. RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells Best Low-Impact Cardio Machine: Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X Assault Fitness AssaultBike Pro X Overall dimensions: 51.73” L x 24.52” W x 52.51” H Weight: 125 pounds Weight capacity: 330 pounds Display: High-contrast LCD screen Check Price Pros Automatically increases resistance as you increase speed Wide padded seat for comfort Powder-coated for corrosion resistance Bluetooth-enabled monitor Very little rocking Cons Expensive For low-impact, total-body training, the Assault

Best Weight Benches for Beginners, Small Spaces, With Racks, and More A weight bench is a valuable piece of gym equipment to have if strength training is a priority in your fitness life. You don’t have to just use it for the bench press, either. Weight benches can be used for a variety of exercises including sit-ups, crunches, leg lifts, and other movements that you would use your favorite barbells and dumbbells for. Flat utility benches may have one long back pad for you to lie on, while adjustable benches allow you to adjust the back pad (and sometimes the seat pad) to multiple angles. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely looking for recommendations on the best weight benches to buy, and we’ve got you covered. We’ve found what we feel are the best of the best, and cover why they would be such great choices to add to your personal weight room. We cover the good and bad with all the options shared here so you have the best knowledge possible when making the final selection. Our Top Picks for the Best Weight Benches Best Weight Bench for Home Gym Overall: REP Fitness AB-5200 Best Foldable Weight Bench: PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench Best Adjustable Weight Bench: Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 Best Weight Bench With Leg Extension: Force USA MyBench Best Cheap Weight Bench: GRIND Fitness Flat Bench Best Weight Bench on Amazon: FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench Best Weight Bench for Small Spaces: Ironmaster Super Bench PRO Best Weight Bench for Beginners: Titan Fitness Single Post Adjustable FID Bench Best Weight Bench With Rack: Rogue Combo Rack Best Weight Bench for Home Gym Overall: REP Fitness AB-5200 REP Fitness AB-5200 Dimensions: 17.5” H x 57.6” L x 25.8” W Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds Materials: 11-gauge steel Warranty: 10-year frame warranty Check Price Pros Multiple colors available Optional wide pad Three decline angles and nine incline angles Easy to adjust Can stand for vertical storage Cons Does not go up to 90 degrees Narrow seat Handle has no knurling or padding We consider the REP Fitness AB-5200 the best weight bench overall for several reasons, but the main one is that you can personalize the bench in multiple ways. For example, you can customize the color of the frame and rails (blue, metallic black, and Army green, among others) and the width of the pad you want to use. The ladder-style adjustment system makes changing positions of the angle from incline to decline very simple and fast, and the degree of each position is laser cut into the frame. You can adjust it to various angles from negative eight to 85 degrees.  The bench is built to withstand a lot of weight and last a long time. It also meets International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards, so competitors can mimic benching in a meet with it. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trainee, if you buy this bench, it will be the only one you buy for quite some time. RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment Best Foldable Weight Bench: PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench Dimensions: 19” H x 45” L x 12” W Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds Materials: Alloy steel, vinyl Warranty: Unknown Check Price Pros Folds for convenient storage Mounts to a wall Simple pull-out and fold-up method All mounting hardware included Cons No adjustable incline Sharp edges Not the most durable vinyl Many home gym owners have limited space, and fitness equipment that folds up and is stowable can save valuable space. The PRx Profile Flat Folding Bench is able to be mounted to a wall and folds up so it’s out of the way, giving you ample space for other exercises. When it’s unfolded, it won’t wobble as you use it. This bench doesn’t adjust to different angles, but you can still use it for a full-body workout. For example, you can use it for flat bench presses and rest your rear leg on it during Bulgarian split squats. It has a 1,000-pound weight capacity, but the vinyl isn’t very durable. However, if you’re not trying to set world records when you train, you can feel comfortable using this bench for all of your heavy sets. Best Adjustable Weight Bench: Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 Dimensions: 17.5” H x 52” L x 11” W Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds Materials: 11-gauge steel, vinyl cover, rubber feet Warranty: Limited lifetime on the frame Check Price Pros 11 pad colors available Upgraded version available Minimal pad gap between back and seat Stands vertically Cons No decline position May be awkward to move Not all tools for assembly included The 125-pound Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 can adjust up to nine different incline positions ranging from 0 to 85 degrees with three seat positions. It’s wide and sturdy, so you can max out on it or train for high reps with comfort. You can personalize it by choosing one of the 11 different colors for the pad and frame, such as red, burnt orange, or white. The medium gloss finish gives it a commercial gym look, but it isn’t so beefy that you can’t use it in your home gym. Beginners and smaller lifters may be challenged to move it, but the wheels and pull handle make it easier to transport it around your gym when needed. RELATED: Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Home Gyms Best Weight Bench With Leg Extension: Force USA MyBench Force USA MyBench Dimensions: 17.5” H x 61” L x 26.5” W Weight capacity: 705 pounds Materials: Steel, high-density foam padding, vinyl Warranty: Lifetime structure Check Price Pros Leg attachment and preacher curl attachment included Environment-friendly coated frame Long bench is great for taller users Cons Low weight capacity Top backrest position is 80 degrees Narrow bench width The obvious benefit of the Force USA MyBench is the leg attachment that allows you to perform both leg extensions and leg curls. The extra exercises that you can do make