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The 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards: The Best New Home Gym Equipment, Trackers, Sneakers, and More

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The 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards: The Best New Home Gym Equipment, Trackers, Sneakers, and More

ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER round of new fitness gear. We know you’re hitting the new year, new you hard, and whatever your fitness devotion—deadlifter, gym rat, hiker, trail runner, cyclist—there’s a seemingly endless stream of gear that’s purpose-built just for you. But which of that gear do you actually need? And what’s worth buying?

Every year, our in-house fitness experts, certified trainers, and gear testers research (and test) all of the best new product releases so you don’t have to. We torture-test the best-reviewed home gym equipment, log hundreds of miles in state-of-the-art running shoes, put down hundreds of lifts in the latest cross-training shoes, and spend dozens of hours steaming in the newest saunas—all in the name of science and recovery, and to narrow down our selection of the year’s best of the best.

In total, we are adding our seal of approval to more than 90 products across five different categories (plus a grouping of Editors’ Picks). We hope this helps inform your own fitness pursuits for this month and beyond. This is the 2025 Men’s Health Fitness Awards.

Jump to:

Cardio Training
Strength Training
Outdoor/On-The Go Training
Recovery
Apparel
Editor’s Picks


Most Gamified Exercise Bike

Fit Bike
Aviron Fit Bike

Now 20% Off

Play head-to-head games, watch Netflix, cycle with a coach, or just take a virtual ride—this ultra-gamified bike offers nearly a dozen ways to get more motivated to pedal. Translation: Month after month, you’ll never be bored with your daily cardio with this exercise bike. If you’re looking for the top in tech, this is it.

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Best Budget Treadmill

7.0 Advanced Training Smart Treadmill
Horizon Fitness 7.0 Advanced Training Smart Treadmill

Now 52% Off

Horizon proves you don’t have to spend north of $2K for a solid treadmill. The 7.0 AT checks all our must-have boxes, including a quiet motor and fast speed/incline changes. Plus, it plays nice with Apple GymKit, Peloton, and a wide range of apps via Bluetooth. And the 60-inch-long running deck is long enough for just about anyone to run without issues.

Best Overall Value Treadmill

Commercial 2450 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

Fast and durable with next-level features, NordicTrack’s 2450 is a gym-quality, commercial-grade treadmill for your home. It’s incredibly stable for a folding treadmill, too, and built to last. The 24-inch pivoting touchscreen delivers trainer-led workouts and interactive iFIT streaming to mix up your daily training seshes. What we love most is that the speed and incline auto-adjust, making it easy for a hands-free gym-like run at home.

Best Rowing Machine

Wave Rower
Hydrow Wave Rower

Now 9% Off

With a sleek, curved silhouette (almost like a “wave”—get it?) and a smaller, lighter design now available in multiple colorways, the Wave Rower is purpose-built for modern apartment dwellers since it folds and stores well. This rower seriously transports us, mimicking the experience of rowing on water thanks to the 16-inch HD screen—but also because the electromagnetic resistance is supersmooth. Despite its compact size, we can still do hard sprints or longer intervals. Simply put, this rower can do it all.

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Best Overall Cardio Equipment

RowErg

When it comes to cardio machines, the rower reigns supreme. That’s because rowers not only allow you to push your heart rate to the max but also duplicate two key motions you need for life: hinging at your hips and rowing with your midback muscles. And the RowErg is built for purists, setting the standard for rowing machines: It lets you row with power and push the tempo with a variable resistance profile that works whether you’re sprinting all-out for 500 meters or taking on a 10K.

Best Spin Bike

Echo Bike V3.0
Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

Now 6% Off

For athletes who go hard, Echo Bike V3.0 is Rogue’s latest and engineered to be the strongest, most durable fan bike of 2024. We’ve used all versions of the Echo Bike for the past seven years, and we swear by its solid-as-a-rock construction and the punishing workouts it doles out. It requires serious power to move this bike. Once you do get it going, though, it pedals smooth as can be.

Best Curved Treadmill

AssaultRunner Pro
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro

Curved treadmills are great for reducing impact and can be placed anywhere because they’re non-motorized. That essentially means the user’s movement is what powers it, which can ensure it works your hamstrings in ways standard treadmills may not. This budget-friendly version of AssaultRunner’s TrueForm has appeared multiple times in the CrossFit Games, and for good reason: The thick rubber belt is ultra-comfy and heavier-duty, allowing you to run much, much faster. Considering that other good curved treadmills go for much higher, we think this one is a tremendous value.

Most Splurge Treadmill

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Skillmill

If you’re in search of a curved treadmill and only the best will do, then Technogym delivers with the Batman-worthy Skillmill. It sports next-gen Multidrive Technology that makes it unlike any other curved treadmill we’ve tried, letting you add or subtract resistance. That means you can sprint on it and also use it for sled pushes.

Best Connected Bike

Bike+

When you buy a Peloton, you’re really buying the community. Its Bike+ is fairly straightforward outside of the eye-popping 24-inch rotating touchscreen. And that’s what plugs you into a deep library of live and on-demand cardio, strength training, and yoga classes led by charismatic trainers. While it’s our best overall exercise bike, do keep in mind that it requires a monthly membership and clip-in pedal shoes—which enhances the class experience by accommodating the resistance changes.

Best Boxing Workout

6-Foot Freestanding Heavy Bag
Hayabusa 6-Foot Freestanding Heavy Bag

This freestanding piece’s deceptively simple design combines a traditional heavy bag with a high-traction base that can hang with your most intense striking sessions. For anyone who’d rather not drill a hanging chain into their home gym’s ceiling, this is the pick for you. We’re especially excited about the new quick-swap system, which allows the base to be used with other boxing components such as reflex bags, making the most of your fighting area.

Best Boxing Gloves

Shadow S1
Shadow Fight Goods Shadow S1

Now 30% Off

Protect those hands like a professional during your next boxing workout with this elite pair designed by striking coach Owen Roddy and Raf Montes, an engineer who worked on gear for the Navy SEALs. The highlight of these boxing gloves is the strap, which gives you the security of a hand-laced model without requiring a coach to tie them on.


strength training

Best-Looking Adjustable Dumbbells

Nüobell 80LB Tactical
SMRTFT Nüobell 80LB Tactical

Our go-to adjustable dumbbell set here at Men’s Health, SMRTFT’s Nüobell, is an impressive piece of strength equipment, elegant enough to sit anywhere in your home or gym. Switching weights is as simple as a click to the left or the right. The bulletproof all-in-one steel design provides endless versatility for lifts up to 80 pounds.

Best Weight Sled

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Competition Power Sled
Centr x HYROX Competition Power Sled

Strong, versatile, and dead simple to use, this collab-created power sled is our fave for 2024. The four prongs set you up to push and pull with ease, and you can stack up to 330 pounds on the center pole. The Centr sled slides easily on turf and feels ultra-sturdy.

Best Pilates Workout

AeroPilates Premier Studio 700
Stamina AeroPilates Premier Studio 700

Now 24% Off

The AeroPilates 700 offers multiple resistance levels so you can dial in the perfect setting for your at-home Pilates workout. It’s also more affordable than more premium alternatives.

Most Versatile Cable Machine

Voltra I

Most home gyms have to rely on resistance bands to simulate gym cable crossover machines. The Voltra 1 seeks to change that, offering a bevy of resistance profiles and up to 200 pounds of resistance in a tiny machine that clips easily onto any power rack. Expect to do cable flies, curls, and Pallof presses with this bad boy—and train power, too.

Best Explosive Training Tool

Pro

Originally designed specifically for pro athletes, this machine is great for slow, high-resistance reps, but where it really shines is in those explosive movements that truly build athleticism. The compact design makes it portable enough to take anywhere, yet it’s rugged enough to last for years.

Best Connected Home Gym

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Tonal

This unique cable machine solution sets you up to do everything from cable biceps curls to flies to Romanian deadlifts, thanks to a unique (and challenging) form of magnetic resistance. It boasts a few other impressive features, too, including a music player and a variety of resistance profiles that simulate things like resistance bands and chains. The best part: Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, discovered it lives up to the hype.

Ultimate Space-Saving Home Gym

Home Gym

The clever, space-saving Pivot packs the flexibility and versatility to transform any spare room in your house (or even your garage) into your own fully equipped gym. For the same price as any quality rack, it saves you a ton of floor space while helping you get in all those fundamental lifts we love. Upgrade to the Ultimate or Full Monty package for even more options.

Best Lightweight Vest

G-Vest Sport

Elevate your training with this lightweight, streamlined vest that’s purpose-built for agility and speed drills, as well as those go-to bodyweight moves. We find the Omorpho G-Vest Sport easy to strap into (not the case with all weighted vests), and the six-pound design hits the sweet spot to make it versatile enough for a wide range of workouts.

Best Weight Carrier Vest

TacTec Plate Carrier
5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier

Our favorite tactical brand also delivers our favorite plate carrier vest. This isn’t your typical weighted vest; this is for the most hardcore users, the ones who love crushing WODs at the gym or at home. The TacTec Plate Carrier is streamlined for maximum comfort and range of motion, with the durability to carry serious weight for your hardest strength-training seshes.

Best Adjustable Bench

Adjustable Bench
Prime Fitness Adjustable Bench

No home gym is complete without a great bench, and it never pays to skimp on the essentials. Sure, you could find a flimsy option for less, but who wants a bench that’s going to rock back and forth when you’re holding the big dumbbells? Prime’s adjustable model is our go-to of the year, with a comfortable, versatile, easy-to-use design and durability.

Best Overall Weight Rack

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Hammer Strength HD Elite ID Half Rack
Life Fitness Hammer Strength HD Elite ID Half Rack

The Men’s Health team likes this rack so much, it’s the one we have in our own gym! For those who want to save a little space without sacrificing versatility and functionality, this half rack delivers in a big way. It pairs twin training uprights with twin storage uprights for maximum efficiency in the tightest possible spaces, giving you all the room you need for those big squats or deadlifts.

Best Dumbbell Set

Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Living Fit Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Now 44% Off

Dumbbells are one of the first fitness buys for most homes—no gym is complete without a solid set. These rubber-encased pieces from Living Fit are just that, with a wide range of weight options, from 5 to 100 pounds. We like the simple design with the no-roll ends and knurled handles for better grip.

Best Kettlebell

Kettlebells

Trade your boring, old-school kettlebells for this hardworking set from the badass brand and perennial MH favorite Onnit. Its primate-inspired Primal kettlebells are forged from cast iron, and the fierce primate faces may help you unlock the beast within. They aren’t just designed to look cool, either; they’re also workout workhorses, with wide handles that make it easier to find the best grip for swings and squats.

Best Trap Bar

Open Trap Bar
REP Fitness Open Trap Bar

This open trap bar from REP offers a wide array of movements, as opposed to a standard trap bar, which limits you to a few. With a perfectly balanced counterweighted design and an integrated deadlift jack, this is one of the smoothest-lifting trap bars we’ve ever used. Powder coating and hard-chromed steel add grip, durability, and a handsome finish. It works especially well when paired with REP’s Black Bumper Plates.

Best Wall-Mounted Pullup Bar

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Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar

Deceptively simple and ridiculously strong, this is one pull-up bar to rule them all. Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, recommends this design to friends and training clients alike. Properly installed, it supports up to 400 pounds. Bonus: The dirt-cheap price tag makes this an easy buy for any home gym.

Best Freestanding Pullup Bar

MIL Pull-Up Station
Rogue Fitness MIL Pull-Up Station

Rogue’s MIL Pull-Up Station is the pinnacle when it comes to freestanding pullup bars. Not everybody wants to buy a whole rack for pullups or drill holes into their wall, and we like the ability to easily move your bodyweight training outdoors whenever you want. This particular piece of equipment is trusted by the U.S. Army for its latest Combat Fitness Test, so you can rest assured it can hang with the toughest of workouts.

Best Barbell

Colorado Bar

For a gym piece as simple yet essential as a barbell, you almost always get what you pay for. And let’s be frank: When you’re lifting the heavy weight, the last thing you want is to be concerned about the reliability of your bar. We are big fans of REP’s flagship barbell, from the Cerakote shaft to the knurled grips.

Best Weight Plates

Bumper Plates (160 LB Combo)
Living Fit Bumper Plates (160 LB Combo)

When it comes to plates, your home gym can never have too many. If you are serious about training, you probably have a few different pieces of equipment that require plates to fulfill their purpose, from barbells to trap bars. We’re big fans of this colorful set from Living Fit, which gives you 160 total pounds to play with (pairs of 5 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, and 35 lbs). Since these are encased in rubber, unlike traditional iron plates, they won’t wake up the household every time you throw one on the floor.

Best Adjustable Dumbbells

Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells
Life Fitness Hammer Strength PRO 100 Adjustable Dumbbells

No home gym is complete without dumbbells, but buying multiple sets can cost a lot of money and a lot of room. This well-built adjustable pair from Hammer Strength goes from 5 to 100 pounds while only taking up a few feet of floor space. And thanks to the quick-switch system, you can change the weight with ease during your set.


outdoor on the go training

Best Overall Bike

Rockhopper

Specialized earns its name with the consistent quality of the road bikes it produces. We are big fans of this model’s lightweight aluminum frame, crisp-shifting Shimano drivetrain, and design for every rider size, shape, and skill level. The Rockhopper is the one do-it-all two-wheeler when your budget allows for just one.

Best Ruck Pack

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Rucker 4.0

Rucking, an incredible workout, requires a special kind of backpack to carry the weight. GoRuck’s flagship Rucker 4.0 is made for exactly that, with reinforced construction, extra padded straps, and plenty of handles. But what we really love is the pack’s versatility. Not only can it carry real weight, but thanks to its sleek and stylish design, it can seamlessly transition to commuter or work bag.

Best Hiking Pack

AllTrail X 25L

Thule is one of the most trusted names in outdoor gear, and when you put on this pack, you’ll know why. With a durable waxed canvas shell and a 25-liter capacity, the AllTrail is perfect for day hikes and impromptu trail exploring. The two low-key colorways ensure it’s well suited for urban exploration, too.

Best Splurge Bike

Áspero GRX RX610
Cervelo Áspero GRX RX610

Riding a Cervelo down well-paved roads is the closest we’ve come to flying while still on the ground. When you’re ready for a premium upgrade, the Áspero delivers. It’s purpose-built for speed and aerodynamics, and it has a long list of upgrades over the previous generation to help maximize your on-road performance.

Best Looped Resistance Bands

Resistance Bands Set
REP Fitness Resistance Bands Set

A simple set of looped resistance bands can help make any bodyweight workout more challenging, intensifying pushups and squats and letting you do moves like biceps curls, too. REP Fitness’s multi-weight set is perfect for travelers or anyone who needs an affordable “anytime” workout option.

Best Trail Running Shoes

Agility Peak 5 Trail Runner
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Trail Runner

Merrell’s new Agility Peak 5 delivers everything trail runners need, including a comfy yet supportive midsole, a protective rock plate, and a rugged Vibram MegaGrip outsole for maximum traction in even the nastiest conditions.

Best Suspension Trainer

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Pro4 Camo Suspension Trainer
TRX Pro4 Camo Suspension Trainer

Bored with the pushups and lunges of bodyweight training? A suspension trainer helps you mix things up, offering a blend of instability and novelty that can challenge your muscles (particularly your core!) in new ways. TRX’s flagship Pro4 offers military-inspired, pro-grade construction with an all-new signature camo-woven design that looks great, too.

Best Minibands

Exercise Mini Band
Perform Better Exercise Mini Band

Oft-forgotten in training are stabilizing muscles like your rotator cuffs and hip external rotators. And sure, you can train those with bodyweight, but Perform Better’s mini bands open up new and fun moves you can do anywhere.

Most Fun

Trainer Kit
BlazePod Trainer Kit

Now 25% Off

Paired with a clever mobile app, BlazePod’s small, light-up pods are built to improve your reaction time with clever games, tests, and analytics. Not only that, but when paired with bodyweight exercise or speed drills, the kit can truly elevate your fitness. And it delivers something underrated to any workout experience: fun.


recovery

Best Travel Massage Gun

Theragun Mini
Therabody Theragun Mini

Now 25% Off

If you’re always on the go (like our editors), then the Theragun Mini should be in your gym bag. Weighing less than 1.5 pounds, this thing is light. While it doesn’t deliver as deep a massage as the Theragun Pro, it still offers plenty for nearly all situations. We like it for loosening our IT bands and chest.

Best Overall Massage Gun

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Hypervolt 2

For a full-size (yet still incredibly lightweight at less than 2.5 pounds) massage gun, the Hypervolt 2 is our go-to. It’s everything we love about Hyperice’s OG model, but lighter, more powerful, and more comfortable to hold. It’s a very accessible massage gun, perfect for just about anyone.

Best Recovery Shoe

OOahh Slide

The OG slide from Oofos gets a new look and a more comfortable footbed while still offering the same supportive foam technology that’s made it a perennial MH must-have. After a rough training session, it’s so much easier not having to pull anything over sore feet. These are favorites among our runners when it comes to recovery shoes.

Best Ice Bath

All-In Tub

Plunge’s aptly named All-In tub is the model for anyone who’s dying for an ice bath. It looks great on any deck or in any room, pairs with its own smartphone app, and chills down to a bone-chattering 37°F. It’s also huge and can fit humans up to 6’9″ (including Aaron Judge). Yes, it’s very expensive. But if you want the Rolls-Royce of ice baths, look no further.

Best Space-Saving Ice Bath

Ice Pod
The Pod Company Ice Pod

Now 25% Off

If space and, more importantly, your budget are limited, the Ice Pod boasts next-gen ice bath tech at a fraction of the cost of most alternatives. It’s insulated and sturdy enough for both indoor and outdoor use. While it won’t give you the experience of lying down, the price and minimal footprint make it a wise choice.

Best Mattress Cover

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Pod 4
Eight Sleep Pod 4

Now 4% Off

Temperature can play a vital role in sleep quality each night. And the new Eight Sleep Pod 4 mattress cover provides quieter cooling and heating, plus sleep tracking, without the need to replace your mattress. All are legitimate upgrades over the Pod 3. It’s truly the Cadillac of sleep tracking and temperature regulation.

Best Red-Light Sauna

mPulse Aspire Red Light Sauna
Sunlighten mPulse Aspire Red Light Sauna

Sunlighten proves you don’t need a ton of space in your home for a personal sauna. The compact mPulse Aspire provides just enough room for one individual, with all the infrared health benefits of premium alternatives.

Best Outdoor Sauna

Cabin Sauna
Redwood Outdoors Cabin Sauna

This roomier, two-level sauna accommodates up to four adults comfortably. It’s delivered standard with a Finnish-built Harvia heater, and the cedar exterior makes it a handsome addition to any backyard space. If getting steams in is something you aspire to do regularly, give this one a look.

Best Vibration Therapy Device

Venom Go

With a combination of recovery-focused tech, the Venom Go is like a wearable heating pad and mini massage gun in one. It offers nine total treatment combos and three levels of heat, allowing you to dial in the exact degree of aahhhhh you’re looking for.

Best On-the-Go Red Light Therapy

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Move+ Pro LED & Laser
Kineon Move+ Pro LED & Laser

Now 38% Off

The Move+ proves that legit red-light therapy really can be portable. The unit is easy to carry around, and it’s just as easy to set up, allowing you to stay relaxed as you focus the lights on sore joints and muscles. It’s a safe, go-anywhere package that’s surprisingly affordable.

Best Foam Roller

Double Roller

Lululemon’s next-level recovery solutions go well beyond apparel. This simple two-in-one device has an exterior roller to massage your arms and legs and an interior one for relieving back tension. The inner roller, with its deep ridges, is our go-to for rolling out our backs and thighs.

Best Vibration Foam Roller

Vyper 3
Hyperice Vyper 3

Now 15% Off

Hyperice’s vibrating foam roller is our favorite one out there. We’ve been using it for years and love the three speeds, which let us dial in the perfect level of massage needed. The medium-firm density hits the sweet spot for most people, and at 13 inches, it’s perfect for rolling out your rhomboids and paraspinals.

Best Compression Boots

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Normatec Elite
Hyperice Normatec Elite

Now 10% Off

If compression boots are part of your recovery, Hyperice’s Normatec Elites have seven compression levels, four hours of battery life, and a weight of only 3.2 pounds per boot. The new seamless design makes them ultra-easy to set up, and everything charges via USB-C, keeping things simple. Once you go wireless, you’ll never go back.

Best Cupping Therapy Device

TheraCup

The makers of the Theragun bring cupping therapy into the new age with this three-in-one device, which also offers heat and vibration. No, the extra features are hardly essential (and often you’re better off skipping them). But the ease with which you can cup a muscle with this is worth it.

Best Sauna Blanket

Infrared Sauna Blanket
HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

When it comes to infrared sauna blankets, HigherDose’s model is top-notch. We’ve used it for over three years, and it’s great for intense, sweaty sessions, typically between 20 and 25 minutes. The convenient side zipper helps you secure yourself in (and get out) without assistance, and the bamboo insert (sold separately) lets you take it on in just your birthday suit (if that’s your thing).

Best Training Sticks

Training Stick Bundles
Stick Mobility Training Stick Bundles

Now 20% Off

Simple to use yet challenging to master, these training sticks help create leverage, build stability, and improve body awareness. This can result in better range of motion and improved muscle activation across every other workout. They’re a workout in themselves, but you’re slyly doing recovery work in the process.

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recovery

Best Running Shorts

Session Shorts
Tracksmith Session Shorts

Men’s Health favorite Tracksmith nails the classic running short. This update makes them even better. More pockets, less bounce, and a softer (silky Italian) liner. So good. With a 5-inch inseam that hits the sweet spot plus a comfy waistband, this is the closest thing to wearing nothing at all on your daily runs.

Best Training Shorts

Interval Short
Ten Thousand Interval Short

We don’t ask for much from a training short. It just needs to be quick-wicking, non-bunching, ultra-stretchy, comfy, and anti-odor. Oh, and with pockets. The versatile Interval Short is all of the above. We’ve used them for everything from lifting sessions and runs to conditioning work and even ice baths. Our editors love them for every activity and they’ve held up throughout it all.

Best Joggers

Sunday Performance Jogger
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger

Ditch that stack of season-specific joggers for this all-purpose option that’s the best pair of joggers we’ve found to date. The mid-weight is right for almost any time of year, the tapered fit hits that Goldilocks vibe, and the technical knit fabric has kept our legs cool and dry. Honestly, it’s a damn near perfect pant that we love for training sessions of all kinds, but also for days lounging at home or running errands.

Best Short Sleeve Shirt

Reign Tee

Rhone’s Reign Tee stands up to our hardest training sessions and wicks away all that sweat better than most. It fits like your favorite T-shirt, provides the ideal amount of stretch, and looks just as good outside the gym. And it holds up whether you’re running or getting some strength training in.

Best Hoodie

Accolade Hoodie

A good hoodie is a staple of every man’s wardrobe. The Accolade Hoodie is destined to be your go-to with a relaxed, squared-off cut, buttery-soft fabric, and a perfectly oversized hood. It’s not as slim-fitting as some other options out there, but that just allows for a bit more room and movement. Trust us, it’s a great training hoodie.

Best-Looking Hoodie

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Heritage Midweight Hoodie
Rhone Heritage Midweight Hoodie

If you like your hoodies with a sharper, more fitted cut, the Heritage Midweight is it. All the essential features are here, including a soft cotton blend, raglan sleeves, and Rhone’s signature mesh media pocket. Despite the slim fit, it’s still hardwearing and can take on anything you throw at it.

Best Weightlifting Shoes

Legacy Lifter III Weightlifting Shoe
Reebok Legacy Lifter III Weightlifting Shoe

Stability is key when you’re racking serious weight. The Legacy Lifter III was born to keep you locked in during heavy lifts. Inflatable pump technology and a mid-foot strap for maximum security really help make this a snug, comfortable lifting shoe.

Most Versatile T-Shirt

ThinkFast Jersey Shortsleeve
Outdoor Voices ThinkFast Jersey Shortsleeve

Lightweight, cooling, and deceptively simple, the ThinkFast features performance fabrics and an extra soft design that really just looks like a normal tee. This makes it super versatile, as it can go from the gym to relaxing on the couch to traveling weekend warrior-style.

Best Compression Socks

Marathon Socks
Pro Compression Marathon Socks

Whether for recovery, travel, or at your doctor’s orders, the right compression socks can sometimes make a legit difference. Pro Compression’s Marathon knee-high socks are breathable and cozy and feature just the right amount of compression to get your blood pumping.

Best Everyday T-Shirt

Flex Tee

One tee to rule them all—that’s the Flex Tee’s mantra. Our best workout shirt, it’s built with lightweight CoolMax fabric that dries fast and won’t slow you down. During our testing from indoors to outdoors (and in all weather conditions), we also confirmed that the durability, flexibility, and fit are unmatched.

Best Sleeveless Muscle Tee

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Apex Seamless Tank
Gymshark Apex Seamless Tank

Your hardest gym sessions deserve a hard-working tank top—like the Apex. Seamless and lightweight, its breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics are designed to keep up with you. That also means it doesn’t snag, operating like a well-fitting piece of fabric that’s resting on your shoulders. We find ourselves constantly reaching for this one during warm sessions.

Best Compression Muscle Tee

HeatGear Sleeveless
Under Armour HeatGear Sleeveless

The perfect base layer keeps you cool, dries fast, and, most important, wicks away moisture like a champ. UA’s HeatGear Sleeveless is that base layer, ventilating your body and regulating your temperature in any weather. It’s great as a standalone when it’s hot out and the ideal first layer when it’s not.

Best Long-Sleeve Workout Tee

Triumph Long-Sleeve Tee
Alo Triumph Long-Sleeve Tee

For a little extra “boost” during your warmups, there’s Alo’s Triumph. This long-sleeve tee features a relaxed, easy-fit cut from a soft, tri-blend jersey that’s ridiculously comfy and maximizes movement. It really doesn’t restrict in any way and has that nice lived-in feel on the first wear.

Best Fitness Smartwatch

Fēnix 8

For Android users chasing that Apple Watch-esque experience, it hardly gets better than Garmin’s flagship Fenix lineup. It boasts serious multi-activity capabilities from running to swimming to gym work, thanks to advanced workout tracking and route mapping features. A handsome, bulletproof design, beautiful AMOLED screen, and endless features make this the year’s best fitness smartwatch.

Most Minimalist

4.0 Band

If you like your fitness trackers on the simpler side, Whoop takes things back to basics with the 4.0 Band. It’s comfortable enough for all-day wear and intuitively tracks every metric that matters with zero input from you. It doesn’t have a screen, which we see as a plus in terms of “unplugging,” in theory. It does require a monthly subscription, but if you want to strictly track fitness metrics and not get distracted by anything else, Whoop gets the job done.

Best Smart Ring

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Ring 4

Oura elevates the smart ring to high fashion with its latest generation Ring 4. It boasts an eight-day battery life, a sleek, handsome design, and strong overall accuracy. What’s great about the Oura Ring is that you don’t need a subscription to get most health data, and wearing a ring can be a lot less intrusive than a tracker or watch. Our editors think no brand does the smart ring better than Oura.

Best Gym Lifestyle Shoe

Project Rock 7 Luxe Training Shoe
Under Armour Project Rock 7 Luxe Training Shoe

The right lifestyle shoe takes you from the streets to the gym and back again without missing a step. This luxe trainer from UA has the looks and the technical chops to be your new everyday footwear fav and is a utilitarian option that can tackle recreational training, HIIT workouts, and athletic-focused activities.

Best Barefoot Trainer

Primus Lite III Barefoot Trainer
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Barefoot Trainer

When it comes to barefoot trainers, Vivobarefoot is at the top of the list. The Primus Lite III is versatile enough to do it all. It’s lightweight and naturally fitting to support everything from squats and deadlifts to broad jumps. It offers superb ground feel and balance while still providing enough sole protection over the toe for running.

Best Overall Trainer

Outwork Training Shoe
Nobull Outwork Training Shoe

For our money, Nobull’s OG training shoe is still its best. The Outwork’s low-profile anatomical design keeps you stable and locked in during any situation. They’re perfect for high-intensity workouts, and the one-piece upper SuperFabric is comfortable and durable as all heck. We wear ’em for everything from plyometrics to heavy lifts.

Best Group Fitness Shoe

Free Metcon 6
Nike Free Metcon 6

Now 29% Off

Nike’s latest-generation Metcon 6 is purpose-built for all-terrain workouts. That means maximum stability for dynamic movements on grass, turf, tracks, sand, gym floors—you name it. Padded enough to comfortably run, jump, and skip without feeling overly cushy and unstable.

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Best Training Short

Flex Rep

True to its name, the Flex Rep trainer short is built for movements of all kinds. It’s flexible, unlined, and reinforced for maximum durability. Plus, a relaxed fit and breathable fabrics keep you cool, calm, and collected. This short can handle everything from squats and sprints to yoga.

Best Workout Jacket

Winter Warm Pro Jacket
The North Face Winter Warm Pro Jacket

Ditch the bulk, keep the warmth with TNF’s Winter Warm Pro. It’s windproof and toasty enough for all but the chilliest winter days, and it packs down ridiculously small. It’s a solid jacket for winter runs or outdoor training sessions. We like the side sleeve for storing gloves, too. Bonus: It’s made almost entirely of recycled materials.

Best Compression Tight

Vintage 247 Half Tight
Represent Vintage 247 Half Tight

Now 50% Off

These compression tights feel and look great, and they bring a hint of visual attitude to your style, too. They’re also functional: The synthetic performance fabric is paired with a comfy waistband, inner drawcords, and a rear zip pocket for stashing valuables.

Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users

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Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 10

Now 18% Off

Apple continues to bring the awesome with its next-gen Apple Watch Series 10 that was released this past fall. The water-resistant smartwatch boasts a beautiful always-on Retina display, ECG app, and more features than just about any smartwatch ever created. Essentially, it’s slimmer (the thinnest Apple Watch to date), better-looking, and smarter. If you have smaller wrists or prefer a less weighty watch, then this is the Apple Watch for you.

Best for Runners

PACE 3 Sport Watch GPS
Coros PACE 3 Sport Watch GPS

Now 8% Off

For runners who like to keep tabs on their most critical metrics, the Pace 3 is near-perfect. We love the featherweight design (just 30 grams!), crisp, always-on touchscreen, and up to 17 days of continuous battery life (38 hours continuous GPS use). It also boasts accurate tracking of recovery and GPS location.

Best Running Shoes

Velocity NITRO 3

Puma’s Velocity Nitro 3 is built for speed and stability. The lightweight design and aerodynamic silhouette won’t weigh you down, and the TPU heel spoiler provides maximum sure footedness with every stride. This neutral running shoe has a comfortable and breathable mesh upper, and the outsole provides grip in all conditions.

Best Basketball Shoes

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TWO WXY V5

Built for maximum support and freedom of movement, NB’s TWO WXY V5 basketball shoe uses proprietary next-gen materials all around to add comfort and impact protection for your hardest rounds on the court. The same FuelCell foam that powers some of the brand’s top running shoes also provides superior cushioning to these basketball sneaks.


editors picks
OpenRun Pro 2

“The next-gen open-ear headphones bring full-bodied sound, faster charging, and a better fit, so I can hit the road for longer runs without closing myself off from the outside world.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

Adizero Adios Pro 4
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

“I ran my strongest marathon ever wearing Adidas’s latest super shoe. The Pro 4 is a super-light, super-responsive pair of kicks designed to get you to your goal pace with less effort on a long run, then bust out of it when you need a burst of speed to finish a race.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

Glycerin Max

“I’ve taken to calling the Glycerin Max my ‘thicc bois’ with affection, since the hyper-cushioned super trainers have become one of my favorite running shoes of all time. The secret sauce (along with the massive foam stack) is the marriage of two types of nitrogen-infused cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which makes my strides feel light.” – Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, senior fitness editor

PR Deadlift Bar
Kabuki Power PR Deadlift Bar

“If you really want to deadlift your best, then you want an extra-bendy bar. Kabuki’s PR Deadlift Bar fills that slot, and it has a perfect knurling to set you up for your very best deadlift.” – Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, fitness director

Cambered Swiss Bar
REP Fitness Cambered Swiss Bar

“The best neutral-grip bar you’ll ever use, with super-wrist-friendly angles for bench presses, rows, and JM presses.” – Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, fitness director

SkiErg

“My new favorite form of cardio—the Ski Erg lights up the body in ways a bike or treadmill can’t. Plus, the pulling mechanism is smooth and durable.” – Cori Ritchey, CSCS, associate health and fitness editor

Buddy Classic

“If you live alone and carry a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders, this gadget is a must-have. I get a lot of knots in my shoulder blades after a heavy back day, and this hits the spots I can’t get to with a massage gun. Lifesaver!” – Cori Ritchey, CSCS, associate health and fitness editor

3-Stick Training Bundle
Stick Mobility 3-Stick Training Bundle

“Stretching is a game changer, and it doesn’t need to be relegated to before or after a gym session. I am a big fan of Stick Mobility sticks, because in addition to being a great practical tool for workouts, they bring a little fun to the equation. I keep one by my desk at all times, and whenever I’m feeling a little tight in the shoulders or back, it helps open everything up.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor

Weighted Workout Vest
Aion Weighted Workout Vest

Now 23% Off

“I’m a big fan of using weighted vests to intensify my bodyweight workouts in the garage gym and outdoors. There are benefits to carrying this additional weight on more mundane activities, like walks and errands, but rocking a tactical plate carrier in the grocery store isn’t really appropriate. This sleek product from Aion brings function and form to the category, with a design that you can wear anywhere.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor

Wayfinder Jogging Stroller
BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller

“I used to prefer biking over running, but that all changed when we welcomed our little girl to the family and she was cleared to ride in a jogging stroller. Now it’s my favorite form of cardio. This model from BOB Gear earns its name with extra-large 16-inch back tires, dual suspension, and a swiveling front wheel, giving you peace of mind while logging miles with your little one.” – Charles Thorp, NASM-CPT, fitness and commerce editor


Design: Leanne Mattern and Jason Speakman
Editors: Ryan Brower; Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S; and Charles Throp, NASM
Grooming: Hector Simancas/Art Department
Photography: Justin Steele
Styling:
Ted Stafford
Writing: Mike Richard; Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S.; Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S.; Charles Thorp, NASM; and Brett Williams, NASM


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Fitness

Build Full-Body Strength Anywhere With These Trainer-Approved Bodyweight Exercises

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Build Full-Body Strength Anywhere With These Trainer-Approved Bodyweight Exercises

Women’s Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

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1

Hollow Body Hold

Image no longer available

Movement pattern: Core

Why it rocks: The hollow body hold is even more challenging than a plank (trust us), and requires full-body activation. Pro tip: Press your back into the floor and squeeze your core while doing this move. If you feel your lower back is rising off the floor, bend your knees to 90 degrees, says Sariya.

How to:

  1. Start lying on back with with arms extended overhead on floor and legs straight resting on mat.
  2. At the same time, and with control, lift arms, head, shoulder blades, and legs a few inches off the floor.
  3. Hold the elevated position, ensuring your low back is still glued to the ground.
2

Plank

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Movement pattern: Core

Why it rocks: Planks are a great way to build total body strength. They’re a type of isometric hold, which takes a lot of effort and builds both stamina and endurance. Plus, they can easily be modified by planking on your knees or elevating your hands until you can do them all-out.

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How to:

  1. Start on all fours with shins and palms flat on mat.
  2. Step back onto the on balls of your feet, creating a straight line from heels through the top of your head. Keep your gaze to the floor.
  3. Squeeze your glutes and abs to keep hips inline with your shoulders. Hold here as long as you can.

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3

Bird Dog

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Movement pattern: Core

Why it rocks: This is a great move to practice coordination, and builds core stability and balance.

How to:

  1. Start on all fours with wrists directly under shoulders and knees under hips. Keep back flat, core engaged, and a slight bend in elbows.
  2. Extend left arm out in front at shoulder height and right leg straight behind at hip height.
  3. Bend leg and arm and bring to midline under torso until elbow and knee touch. That’s 1 rep. Alternate sides.
    4

    Reverse Crunch

    Image no longer available

    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: This move builds strength and control through your core abs. Make sure you’re using your lower abs—and not momentum—to perform this movement. If you’re struggling, imagine you’re pushing your heels to the ceiling, Sariya says.

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    How to:

    1. Start lying on back with arms by sides and feet lifted off the ground, legs extended, and toes pointed.
    2. Squeeze your core to pull your hips off the ground. Do your best to push your toes up towards the ceiling instead of back towards your head.
    3. Slowly return to start. That’s 1 rep.

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    5

    Russian Twist

    Image no longer available

    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: This move builds rotational strength. Make sure you have the proper form when doing this oblique-working move: Puff out your chest and keep a long line from your tailbone to your shoulder.

    How to:

    1. Start seated with upper body leaned back until abs are engaged, legs lifted and bent, arms bent, hands clasped, and elbows wide. For an extra challenge, lift heels up off the floor.
    2. Rotate torso to right side so that right elbow is hovering off mat.
    3. Keeping lower body still throughout, rotate the upper body to the left side. That’s 1 rep.
    6

    Inchworm Shoulder Tap

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    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: This exercise strengthens your shoulders, and works your core.

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    How to:

    1. Start standing with feet hip-width apart.
    2. Reach down to ground and crawl out into a high plank position, with your wrists just under your shoulders.
    3. Keeping hips square to ground, lift right hand to tap left shoulder.
    4. Return right hand to ground.
    5. Lift left hand to tap right shoulder.
    6. Return left hand to ground.
    7. Walk hands back to feet and return to standing. That’s 1 rep.

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    7

    Plank Up Down

    Image no longer available

    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: This move builds strength in your chest and shoulders. To make it harder, come up onto your toes.

    How to:

    1. Start in a high plank position (on knees or toes).
    2. Lower down, one arm at a time, into a forearm plank, keeping elbows under shoulders.
    3. Reverse the movement press hands one at a time into floor to return to high plank. That’s 1 rep.
    8

    Downward Dog Toe Tap

    Image no longer available

    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: This move fires up the core and hamstrings, all while strengthening your shoulders. Pro tip: If you can’t reach your toes, aim for knees or shins.

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    How to:

    1. Start in a high plank position with a straight line from head to heels and shoulders over wrists.
    2. Press torso back toward legs so heels lower to the ground, while reaching left arm to right toes. Maintain a long spine.
    3. Return to high plank.
    4. Repeat movement, bringing right arm to left toes.
    5. Return to high plank. That’s 1 rep. Continue alternating.

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    9

    Scissor Kick

    Image no longer available

    Movement pattern: Core

    Why it rocks: Scissor kicks strengthen your lower abs and hip flexors.

    How to:

    1. Lie on back with arms down by sides, palms down, and elbows and lower back touching the floor.
    2. Engage core by pressing lower back into the floor, tuck pelvis, and lift both legs about six inches off the ground.
    3. Raise one leg to 60-degrees, while maintaining the other leg at the 45-degree angle.
    4. Continue alternating legs up and down keeping knees as straight as possible.
      10

      Inchworm

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: This move fires up both your core and upper body, making it a great warmup move for your upper body days.

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      How to:

      1. Start standing with feet hips-width apart.
      2. Hinge at hips and lower down until hands reach the ground, focusing on core activation and spine alignment, keeping legs as straight as possible.
      3. Crawl forward lifting one hand at a time with legs straight and hips lifted until in a high plank. Try to keep hips as square to the ground as you can throughout the move.
      4. Walk hands one by one back to feet.
      5. Reverse motion to return to standing tall. That’s 1 rep.

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      11

      Plank Jack Shoulder Tap

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: There’s a lot going on in this intermediate-to-advanced move. It targets lower abs and shoulders and gets your heart rate up. Pro tip: If your wrists start to get tired, you can do this on your fists.

      How to:

      1. Start in a high plank position, with hands stacked directly under shoulders and head to heels in a straight line.
      2. Keeping core engaged, tap right shoulder with left hand as you jump feet outward.
      3. Return to high plank.
      4. Immediately repeat on the opposite side. That’s 1 rep.
      12

      Plank Knee To Nose

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: This is a good core move that improves your spinal stability.

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      How to:

      1. Start in a high plank position with right foot lifted slightly up off the floor.
      2. Exhale and pull the right knee toward the chest while rounding the spine to bring nose toward knee.
      3. With control, reverse movement to return to plank position with right foot lifted. That’s 1 rep.

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      13

      Leg Lower

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: This move is great for core stability.

      How to:

      1. Start lying on back with arms on mat and hands under butt, palms down, legs raised at a 90-degree angle from the floor, feet flexed.
      2. Slowly lower one leg as far down as possible without allowing your lower back to lift off the ground.
      3. Return to start.
      4. Repeat with the other leg. That’s 1 rep.
      14

      Forearm Side Plank

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: This move works the shoulders, obliques, and the rectus abdominis.

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      How to:

      1. Lay on side with right forearm flat on the floor, elbow under shoulder, and both legs extended so body forms a straight line from head to feet. Feet can either be staggered for extra stability or stacked for more of a challenge.
      2. Engage core and lift hips off the floor.
      3. Pause and hold.
      4. Repeat on the other side.

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      15

      Side Plank Thread The Needle

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Core

      Why it rocks: Level up your side planks with a little extra movement. Pro tip: If you’re struggling to stack your feet, split your stance for better balance.

      How to:

      1. Start on left side with left forearm on mat and knees bent.
      2. Raise right arm toward ceiling and lift hips up and away from the floor until body forms a straight line from head to heels.
      3. Keeping hips lifted, rotate left arm down and underneath torso and allow gaze to shift toward the floor.
      4. Reverse the movement to return to start. That’s 1 rep. Complete on the opposite side.
      16

      Pushup To Plank Row

      Image no longer available

      Movement Pattern: Upper Body

      Why it rocks: This exercise targets your chest and back at the same time. Once you get comfortable with the move, add a resistance band around your hands for a little more back challenge. Or, you can also pop into a high plank position for a full pushup.

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      How to:

      1. Start in a modified plank position, knees on ground, wrists under shoulders. Maintain a long spine with knees to head aligned.
      2. Lower into a pushup so chest hovers just above the floor, and elbows are close to sides.
      3. Push up from ground to return to modified plank position, then drive right elbow toward sky, performing a row.
      4. Return right hand to ground.
      5. Repeat row with left arm.
      6. Return left hand to ground. That’s 1 rep.

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      17

      Superman Arm Extension

      Image no longer available

      Movement pattern: Upper Body

      Why it rocks: This is a great move for people who want to strengthen their posterior chain (or all the muscles on the back side of your body!). It can even help improve posture, says Sariya.

      How to:

      1. Start lying facedown on a mat, legs extended, elbows tucked at sides.
      2. Squeeze glutes to lift legs and extend arms overhead simultaneously, pulling thighs and chest off the floor.
      3. Pause, then lower legs and bend arms to sides to return to starting position. That’s 1 rep.
        18

        Triceps Dip

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        Movement Pattern: Upper Body

        Why it rocks: This move isolates the triceps. Pro tip: Make sure your hands are right outside your hips and your elbows are pointing behind you in order to really target the back of your arms. To make it more challenging, straighten out your legs.

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        How to:

        1. Sit in a chair (or on a box/step) and grip the front edges with hands.
        2. Scoot butt forward until it’s hovering just off the seat and legs form a 90-degree angle and straighten arms.
        3. Lower body down until biceps are parallel to floor.
        4. Engage triceps to press back to start. That’s 1 rep.

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        19

        Superwoman Isometric Hold

        Image no longer available

        Movement Pattern: Upper Body

        Why it rocks: This move works the back muscles that stabilize and support your spine, making everyday movement easier, says Sariya.

        How to:

        1. Lie facedown on the mat, with arms and legs stretched out.
        2. Squeeze glutes and lift torso and legs up as far as you can. Imagine reaching out with arms and legs.
        3. Pause at the top and hold.
          20

          Incline Pushup

          Image no longer available

          Movement Pattern: Upper Body

          Why it rocks: This is a great move for people working their way up to a flat pushup.

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          How to:

          1. Start in an incline plank position with hands on a chair, bench, or step and feet on floor with head to heels aligned.
          2. Lower down, with elbows pointing 45-degrees away from body, until arms bend to 90-degrees.
          3. Press back up keeping body in a straight line. That’s 1 rep.
          Headshot of Andi Breitowich

          Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.  

          Headshot of Olivia Luppino

          Olivia Luppino is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. She spends most of her time interviewing expert sources about the latest fitness trends, nutrition tips, and practical advice for living a healthier life. Olivia previously wrote for New York Magazine’s The Cut, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), and Salon, where she also did on-camera interviews with celebrity guests. She recently ran the New York City Marathon.

          Headshot of Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S.

          Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S., is the fitness editor at Women’s Health, as well as a certified strength and condition coach and group fitness instructor. She’s reported on topics regarding health, nutrition, mental health, fitness, sex, and relationships for several years. You can find more of her work in Men’s Health, HealthCentral, Livestrong, Self, and others.

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          Fitness

          Air Force revises physical fitness program, score charts to boost airmen health

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          Air Force revises physical fitness program, score charts to boost airmen health

          The U.S. Air Force updated its physical fitness program and score charts for the fitness tests to boost the long-term health of airmen.

          The modernized program utilizes a more thorough assessment model to strengthen warfighter readiness by motivating airmen to build more sustainable fitness habits for the duration of their careers, according to a Feb. 27 release.

          “This update is not just about increasing the physical fitness test standards; it’s about ensuring our warfighters are fit, ready, and prioritizing their long-term health,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in the memo.

          The updated score charts will have increased minimums for each scored component and separate charts are now available for Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments as well.

          A baseline window for airmen to take the diagnostic tests will begin March 1, but scoring won’t become official until July 1, per the statement.

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          This gives the airmen time to adjust their training focus as needed before the official scoring date. The baseline period is also meant to produce data to ensure that the new program is implemented in a fair, accurate and effective manner across the Air Force.

          “The baseline period will also provide the data required to assess and refine score charts in advance of full implementation of the new standards,” the statement says.

          Airmen who complete the Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment during the baseline period can use that diagnostic score as their official fitness test score, according to the release.

          Body composition will return as a scored component in the assessment, but airmen can elect to take it out of the test up to five days before testing the remaining components.

          The release states that resources are made available to support the force through the transition, like trained experts that will instruct airmen through safe conditioning and a playbook that gives guidance on workouts, recovery and nutrition.

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          Earlier this year, the force announced that airmen can choose between a 2-mile run or the 20-meter High-Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run for their fitness tests every six months, following the “Culture of Fitness” initiative last September to encourage airmen and Space Force guardians to improve their physical fitness.

          The statement says that the certification of the 2-mile run is in progress to ensure that all Air Force tracks meet official standards, and final measurement specifications will be published in the fitness program guide.

          As announced in January, an airmen’s fitness assessment scores will become part of their annual evaluation to “incorporate a full picture of an individual’s performance and contributions.”

          Cristina Stassis is a reporter covering stories surrounding the defense industry, national security, military/veteran affairs and more. She previously worked as an editorial fellow for Defense News in 2024 where she assisted the newsroom in breaking news across Sightline Media Group.

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          Fitness

          Study finds 5 more minutes of exercise could reduce your risk of death by 10%

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          Study finds 5 more minutes of exercise could reduce your risk of death by 10%

          The universal quest for immortality continues, and new research has hinted at a small lifestyle change that could reduce overall death rates in countries if we start taking our movement more seriously. 

          Conducted by a global research team, the study named ‘Deaths potentially averted by small changes in physical activity and sedentary time: an individual participant data meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies’ was published in The Lancet and suggested that adding five more minutes of physical exercise a day to your life could reduce death rates by 6 per cent. 

          Conducted on cohorts wearing on-person devices from Norway, Sweden and the USA, scientists analysed activity and sedentary levels to deduce what was causing higher death rates and found that a little change could go a long way.

          With the help of the study’s author and additional experts from the field, we delved into the details and uncovered exactly what we need to do to make sure we are maximising our health before it’s too late. 

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          A little change makes all the difference 

          We already know that we should all be getting out and exercising to ensure everything in our bodies is running smoothly, but just how important is that daily movement and could it be contributing to national mortality rates? 

          Professor Ulf Ekelund works in the Physical Activity and Health department at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and was one of the authors of the study. He broke down the data for HELLO!

          The professor explained: “We estimated the number of deaths potentially prevented by five and ten-minute increases in moderate intensity physical activity if all individuals in the population adhered to this increase. 

          “We analysed the data using two different approaches: 

          1. ‘High-risk approach’ comprising the least active 20 per cent of the population 
          2. ‘Population approach’ comprising 80 per cent of the population (excluding the most active 20 per cent).

          He continued: “We found that six per cent and ten per cent of all deaths might be prevented in the two different scenarios, respectively, if all individuals made these changes. 

          “If an individual is completely inactive, every little move counts. For example, the least active 20 per cent in our study sample were only active for an average of about two minutes per day of moderate intensity. If all these individuals increased their activity by five minutes per day, it might reduce the number of deaths by six per cent annually.”

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          Dr Darren Player, a professor in Musculoskeletal Bioengineering at University College London, who was not involved in the study, shared his interpretation of the data with us and added: “The key finding was that an increase in Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) by only five minutes per day for the least active individuals prevented 6 per cent of all deaths. This effect could extend to as much as 10 per cent in all individuals, except for those who are already very active.” 

          © Getty Images
          Adding five minutes of exercise on to your day could have massive results

          Exercise versus moderate intensity 

          In terms of how to achieve the correct level of activity and movement, we have to understand the difference between physical activity and moderately intense movement. They are different and will yield different results. 

          Professor Ulf explained: “There is a clear distinction between moderate intensity activity and exercise. Brisk walking is an excellent type of moderate intensity, whereas exercise is defined as something people do with the purpose to enhance fitness and/or health. It is structured and repetitive. Exercise is only a small proportion of all the physical activity people do. 

          “Physical activity [PA] is any bodily movement that increases energy expenditure above resting levels. It can be conducted with different intensities from very low to very strenuous. Exercise is a subset of PA which is planned, structured and done with a specific purpose.” 

          Woman and her dog running towards the sunset on a country road© Getty Images
          It matters what kind of exercise you do, so we need to understand the difference between physical exercise and intense movement

          Could any of this add years onto our lives? 

          While this study was specifically about reducing death rates through exercise and movement, it made us wonder how it would affect the number of years we could all expect to live. Would incorporating an extra five minutes of movement add any time to the general life expectancy? 

          Dr Darren referred to data from the UK Biobank to share his estimations. He said: “This is quite a difficult question to answer, but there is some evidence. The following paper suggests that there could be an increase in life expectancy of 0.9 years for inactive women and up to 1.4 years for inactive men. 

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          “The increases are dependent on the nature of physical activity, with higher intensity and greater volume (total amount of exercise) being the key factors. This is a large UK Biobank study, which does have some strengths for the analyses.” 

          He continued: “However, the factors that contribute to life expectancy and mortality are complex and varied, with further studies required to understand the picture fully. Particularly, the effect of resistance training combined with other forms of physical activity is likely to have a greater effect than one type of activity alone. Further research is required in this area to provide suitable evidence.” 

          What type of exercises can I do during my five extra minutes a day? 

          According to the NHS, there are a variety of movements that you can incorporate into your routine to make sure you are hitting the target of five extra minutes of exercise per day to increase your longevity. 

          These range from simple activities like making a cup of tea to pushing a lawnmower and dancing around your living room for fitness, depending on the intensity you are able for. While the study suggested five minutes of moderate intensity exercise, the health service broke down its recommendations into sections based on vigour:

          Light activity: 

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          • Getting up to make a cup of tea
          • Moving around your home
          • Walking at a slow pace
          • Cleaning and dusting
          • Vacuuming

          Moderate activity:

          • Walking for health
          • Water aerobics
          • Riding a bike
          • Dance for fitness
          • Pushing a lawnmower
          • Hiking

          Intense activity: 

          • Running
          • Swimming
          • Football
          • Hiking uphill
          • Martial arts

          It also suggested some easy-to-do strength exercises that involve using a kitchen chair or filled bottles of water as props:

          • Sit-to-stand 
          • Mini squats 
          • Calf raises 
          • Standing sideways leg lift 
          • Standing leg extension 
          • Wall press-up 
          • Bicep curls 
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