Fitness
A Look at 8-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman’s Back Workout | BarBend
“Gentle weight, child!” cries bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman, proper earlier than he picks up a few of the most jaw-droppingly heavy lifts you possibly can think about from a physique athlete. When you’ve ever seen any of iconic coaching footage, precisely what that phrase means.
Throughout his eight-year reign on the high of aggressive bodybuilding, Coleman’s strategy to physique improvement was fairly completely different from “gentle weight” — heavy, barbell-based compound lifting is how he constructed a posterior chain that bagged him so many wins on the Mr. Olympia competitors.
[Related: The Best Bodybuilding Chest and Back Workouts for Building Your Torso]
If you wish to get particular (or attempt Coleman’s again exercise on for dimension), you may give this twice-a-week routine a shot. The exercises, sourced from Muscle & Health, are as centered and ferocious as the person that invented them.
The Ronnie Coleman Again Exercise(s)
Editor’s Be aware: The content material on BarBend is supposed to be informative in nature, however it shouldn’t be taken as medical recommendation. When beginning a brand new coaching routine and/or food regimen, it’s at all times a good suggestion to seek the advice of with a trusted medical skilled. We’re not a medical useful resource.
A Phrase of Recommendation
Pursuing an enormous again is one factor, however you must take care to not rely too closely on the methods and coaching kinds of anyone bodybuilder — even these employed by an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner.
Following the exercises that Coleman utilized in his prime received’t essentially grant you a similar outcomes he loved. A bodybuilder’s physique is the results of genetics, years of onerous work, and varied different components that transcend their workout routines of alternative within the gymnasium.
As such, you must mood your expectations. Coleman’s strategy to again coaching is efficient (and has a lot of anecdotal help), however it in all probability received’t flip you into him in a single day.
The Ronnie Coleman Again Exercise(s)
Very similar to the person himself, Coleman’s strategy to again coaching is gentle on fluff and heavy on metal. If you wish to develop rippling lumbar erectors, offensively extensive lats, and an higher again that Everest mountaineers would flinch at climbing, you must put together to get down and soiled.
The Exercises
Coleman opted to coach his again greater than as soon as per week — every session prioritizing a unique aspect of his muscularity. Under, you’ll discover two of his cornerstone again days. One centered on creating width, and the latter tailor-made towards thickness.
Ronnie Coleman Again Exercise for Width
Ronnie Coleman Again Exercise for Thickness
Methods to Modify the Ronnie Coleman Again Exercise(s)
Maybe surprisingly, Coleman’s strategy to again coaching isn’t primarily based on using too many workout routines or extravagant set-rep schemes. As such, you possibly can in all probability carry out some iteration of his again exercise irrespective of your expertise degree.
As a Newbie
When you’re model new to the gymnasium, you’re in luck. A lot of Coleman’s favourite again workout routines additionally occur to be incredible foundational actions for a newcomer.
Nevertheless, you must contemplate lowering a few of the higher-rep units, particularly on workout routines just like the deadlift. There’s nothing fallacious essentially with performing greater than 10 reps in an enormous barbell train, however it might be overly fatiguing in the event you don’t have a excessive tolerance to lifting but.
- Deadlift: 3 x 5
- Barbell Row: 2 x 8
- T-Bar Row or Vast-Grip Lat Pulldown: 2 x 10-12
This modification to the thickness exercise maintains the final stream of Coleman’s routine, however must be greater than sufficient quantity and depth for a neophyte lifter to kickstart their coaching with.
As a beginner, you don’t actually need to distinguish your again coaching between width and thickness. You’ll develop each simply wonderful in your first few years.
As an Intermediate
An intermediate physique athlete with a couple of stable years of coaching behind them is the proper candidate to profit from specialty again coaching.
Coleman nonetheless trains his complete again on every day, however his train choice permits him — and by extension, you — to zone in on sure features every time, as an alternative of stretching your self too skinny by attempting to develop your complete bottom on the identical day.
Again Exercise for Width
- Barbell Row: 3 x 6-8
- Seated Cable Row: 3 x 6-8
- T-Bar Row: 3 x 10-12
- Straight-Arm Pulldown: 2 x 12-15
Again Exercise for Thickness
- Deadlift: 4 x 6-8
- Barbell Row: 4 x 6-8
- T-Bar Row: 3 x 12
- Dumbbell Shrug: 3 x 12
Intermediate bodybuilders are nicely inside their rights to specialize every of their again days. Nevertheless, you may not be capable of stand as much as as a lot high-rep barbell work as Coleman most popular.
In that case, your greatest transfer is to maintain many of the actions the identical, however swap out one train for a single-joint isolation finisher as an alternative. This can forestall you from accumulating an excessive amount of neural fatigue or overly taxing your joints.
As an Superior Athlete
You may be aspiring on your Worldwide Federation of Bodybuilding & Health (IFBB) professional card. Or, you’ll have already stepped on a bodybuilding stage or two. Regardless, superior bodybuilders are prime candidates to choose up Coleman’s coaching as-written.
Take heed of your individual capabilities within the gymnasium and don’t push your self too onerous. Replicating a written exercise is one factor, however even a seasoned gymgoer may be unable to deal with Coleman’s well-known in-the-gym depth. Work onerous, however be lifelike about your limits.
How Ronnie Coleman Trains His Again for Bodybuilding
Powerbuilding could also be having fun with prominence on this planet of power coaching, however bodybuilders like Coleman employed many comparable methods lengthy earlier than there was a buzzword for it.
Whereas there’s (approach) a couple of approach to successfully prepare bodybuilding, Coleman’s strategy — particularly for his again — mixes the proper elements in the proper quantities after which coats all of it in excessive effort.
[Related: Brandon Curry and Nick Walker Train Shoulders Together]
Listed below are a few of the driving rules behind Coleman’s again coaching, and why they’ll be just right for you too.
Excessive Reps
Bodybuilders definitely aren’t afraid of high-rep coaching, however it’s considerably much less widespread to see a physique athlete pump their rep rely up on an train just like the deadlift.
Regardless, a high-rep strategy to the largest compound actions clearly contributed to his stunning again improvement.
Fashionable analysis principally agrees that you possibly can develop muscle in a wide range of rep ranges, irrespective of the train. (1) Coleman could have most popular high-rep deadlifting as a consequence of how shortly it generates muscle fatigue from head to toe.
Excessive Depth
Coleman’s famend depth and shouting within the gymnasium have been good for extra than simply being a quasi-pre-workout. Excessive-intensity coaching isn’t necessary for muscle development, however Coleman clearly knew the significance of (and the outcomes that accompany) lifting onerous and heavy as a bodybuilder.
There’s a robust synergistic relationship between muscle dimension and power. An even bigger muscle is a stronger muscle, and a stronger muscle will let you create extra muscular harm for hypertrophic functions. (2)
Tactical Dishonest
Method issues within the gymnasium. It’s as essential for first-time lifters as it’s for an eight-time Mr. Olympia.
That stated, Coleman and different bodybuilders know the way helpful it may be to loosen the reins sometimes. When you solely work inside inflexible technical parameters, you would possibly discover it tough to essentially hit the depth ranges you’ll want to facilitate development.
Furthermore, analysis has documented that superior lifting methods like dishonest your type (inside motive) will be useful in restricted doses. (3)
Compound Actions
A bodybuilder must be open to utilizing any and each instrument at their disposal to construct muscle. Hypertrophy is a private course of, and the identical workout routines Coleman prefers could not be just right for you.
That stated, his strategy to again coaching is very environment friendly. Compound lifting recruits great amount of skeletal muscle and might prevent time within the gymnasium as nicely. (4)
Whereas an extended exercise with extra single-joint workout routines would work as nicely (supplied you roughly equate your coaching quantity), Coleman clearly thrived with a bare-bones strategy to his again days.
Who Is Ronnie Coleman?
Born in 1964, Ronnie Coleman clawed his approach to the highest of the game of bodybuilding since his skilled debut on the 1992 IFBB World Novice Championships.
Standing at 5’11 as a competitor, Coleman was famend for his harrowing stage presence as one of many largest — however well-proportioned — bodybuilders of the period. Coleman was identified to compete round a body weight of practically 300 kilos, presenting slabs of tightly-carved muscle and successful title after title.
Starting in 1998, Coleman received the celebrated Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competitors again and again in a sequential run that is still undefeated practically 20 years later.
Coleman can also be considered one of many strongest physique opponents to ever stay. Proof of which will be seen throughout his varied coaching footage, which options extraordinary lifts like an 800-pound deadlift for a number of reps just some weeks out from taking the stage on the Olympia.
Nothin’ However a Peanut
It’s essential be a particular type of particular to win the Olympia greater than as soon as. To bag eight Sandow trophies in a row? That makes Ronnie Coleman greater than particular on this planet of bodybuilding — it makes him the debatable G.O.A.T.
A big portion of that basically-unassailable pedigree is owed to Coleman’s unbelievable again improvement. Following his coaching strategies could not grant you his eye-popping physique, however it definitely received’t do you any hurt.
At worst, you’ll get stronger, add some muscle, and revel in following within the footsteps of among the best to ever do it.
References
- Krzysztofik, M., Wilk, M., Wojdała, G., & Gołaś, A. (2019). Maximizing Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Assessment of Superior Resistance Coaching Strategies and Strategies. Worldwide journal of environmental analysis and public well being, 16(24), 4897.
- Casolo, A., Del Vecchio, A., Balshaw, T. G., Maeo, S., Lanza, M. B., Felici, F., Folland, J. P., & Farina, D. (2021). Conduct of motor items throughout submaximal isometric contractions in chronically strength-trained people. Journal of utilized physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 131(5), 1584–1598.
- Counts, B. R., Buckner, S. L., Mouser, J. G., Dankel, S. J., Jessee, M. B., Mattocks, Ok. T., & Loenneke, J. P. (2017). Muscle development: To infinity and past?. Muscle & nerve, 56(6), 1022–1030. https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.25696
- Iversen, V. M., Norum, M., Schoenfeld, B. J., & Fimland, M. S. (2021). No Time to Elevate? Designing Time-Environment friendly Coaching Applications for Energy and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Assessment. Sports activities drugs (Auckland, N.Z.), 51(10), 2079–2095.
Featured Picture: @ronniecoleman8 on Instagram
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) – A new year means new resolutions, and one of the more common resolutions is getting fit and going to the gym.
Losing weight and getting fit sounds easy, but both are difficult tasks to complete.
That’s why many people end up not following through with their resolutions just weeks after making them.
A local personal trainer says going to the gym is not the only thing you should do.
He says that watching what you eat is a good step on top of regular physical exercise.
“The main thing is thinking about your health being more healthy is a big thing around in. Just trying to come in try to work on being healthy and trying to get back into it. Get back to the groove. The main thing is being consistent. Consistency is key. As long as you’re coming to the gym and just doing what you need to do to try to reach your goals consistently will get you there,” said Personal Trainer Manager at Club4 Fitness Tevin Roberts.
Roberts also says to have smaller goals put in place so you can see gradual changes in your health and fitness journey.
“Never be embarrassed. You know what you’re trying to do when you come to the gym. Make sure you keep your goal in mind. Make sure you are know what you’re doing when you come to the gym. So keep that in mind and focus on what you’re trying to accomplish. Worry about no one around you,” said Roberts.
Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter!
Copyright 2025 WTOK. All rights reserved.
TOWSON, Md. — Any of you thinking about heading to the gym? Did you make a resolution to do so?
According to one National Institute of Health study, by the time next year rolls around, only 58% of us will have kept at it.
Photojournalist Kristi Harper looked into why that may be.
A lot of us are guilty of letting those New Year’s resolutions to get healthy slide away. So how do you keep at it?
Ali True Smith, who owns True Balance Studios in Towson, Maryland has some ideas on how to set yourself up to be fit and active in the long term.
“I realized this was the only thing that was going to hold me accountable to take care of myself.”
Ali has been in the fitness world since she was 15. She played lacrosse and studied exercise physiology and kinesiology in college. Afterward, she got certified in massage therapy and personal training. She knows bodies. She well knows the struggles that happen with trying to keep a good exercise routine.
“Maybe you took the month of December off because you were sick or injured or something. And then you jump in on January, and you’re trying to lift all the same weights that you were doing before. And then you get sore, too sore, so you don’t want to go back to the gym the next few days. And then you might even get injured, and then you get really discouraged.”
She says the key is taking the gym time to learn what your body needs to get it in its best form.
“There is an all-or-nothing mentality with working out. And people go too hard too fast, and then they can’t keep up with it… If you find guidance on how to properly strength train, you are really slow and controlled and mindful about what you’re doing, what your body is doing, being, you know, very aware of how your joints are moving and making that you’re training your muscles in a balanced way.”
To help, she made a flip book that shows you what to look out for.
It’s available from Amazon or at her studio. She says you need to figure out the right balance of strength, flexibility, and cardio work. It might sound like a lot, but if you craft your workout, you can fit it into a busy life.
She says, “It really depends on what your personality is and and figuring out, listening to what could work for you and managing your expectations. And setting goals that are attainable and not being too hard on yourself. Not trying too much too fast.”
Remember, you don’t have to jump in and go all out on day one. Spend a few weeks establishing the habit, and you’ll have a better chance of taking that resolution well into the year ahead.
Fitness
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
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.
Best Budget 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
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
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.
Best Overall Cardio Equipment
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
Best-Looking Adjustable Dumbbells
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Best Overall Bike
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Best Travel Massage Gun
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Best Running 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Best Training Short
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
“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
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
“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
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
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
“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
“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
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
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
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
More of the Best Fitness Gear
Best Dumbbells | Best Weight Benches | Best Kettlebells | Best Power Rack | Best Adjustable Dumbbells | Best Home Gym Equipment | Best Rowing Machines | Best Treadmills | Best Exercise Bikes | Best Folding Squat Racks | Best Folding Treadmills| Best Incline Treadmills | Best Cardio Machines | Best Curved Treads | Best Medicine Balls
Family searching for at-risk 51-year-old man missing in Southern California
Charlotte visits Detroit on 4-game road slide
San Francisco Jewish community marks final night of Hanukkah in Union Square
Cleveland takes road win streak into matchup with Dallas
SW Miami-Dade woman celebrates 100th birthday with family – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Video: Deadly New Year’s Day Attack in New Orleans
The Speaker’s Lobby: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Electing a House Speaker
At least 10 killed in mass shooting in Montenegro, suspect kills himself
Rizzi: All members of Saints safe following attack
Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts issues warning on 'judicial independence' weeks before Trump inauguration
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25672934/Metaphor_Key_Art_Horizontal.png "There’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does")
Technology1 week agoThere’s a reason Metaphor: ReFantanzio’s battle music sounds as cool as it does
-
News1 week agoFrance’s new premier selects Eric Lombard as finance minister
-
Business1 week agoOn a quest for global domination, Chinese EV makers are upending Thailand's auto industry
-
Health4 days agoNew Year life lessons from country star: 'Never forget where you came from'
-
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24982514/Quest_3_dock.jpg "Meta’s ‘software update issue’ has been breaking Quest headsets for weeks")
Technology4 days agoMeta’s ‘software update issue’ has been breaking Quest headsets for weeks
-
World1 week agoPassenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan: Emergencies ministry
-
Politics1 week agoIt's official: Biden signs new law, designates bald eagle as 'national bird'
-
Politics6 days ago'Politics is bad for business.' Why Disney's Bob Iger is trying to avoid hot buttons