Fitness

Health Coach Market

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Report Overview

The Health Coach Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 32.3 billion by 2033 from US$ 16.1 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period 2024 to 2033.

Increasing awareness of the importance of proactive health management is driving the growth of the health coach market. Health coaches play a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve long-term wellness goals by providing personalized guidance on areas such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, and chronic disease prevention.

The growing prevalence of lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is fueling demand for health coaches who can offer tailored solutions to improve overall well-being. In July 2024, the Health Coach Institute introduced a virtual health coaching platform designed to expand the reach of health coaches by enabling remote services. This platform includes features such as video conferencing, progress tracking, and personalized coaching plans, making health coaching more accessible and scalable for clients across the globe.

The increasing adoption of digital health tools and telemedicine also presents significant opportunities for the health coach market, as more individuals seek online support to manage their health outside of traditional clinical settings. Additionally, corporate wellness programs and insurance companies are increasingly incorporating health coaching services to reduce healthcare costs and improve employee health outcomes.

As the demand for holistic health services rises, health coaches are evolving from being fitness experts to providing comprehensive wellness support, including mental health and lifestyle counseling. Recent trends indicate a growing focus on behavior change, with coaches using evidence-based techniques to promote sustainable lifestyle modifications. With these advancements, the health coach market is set to expand, driven by innovations in digital platforms, an increasing emphasis on preventative care, and the growing recognition of the value of personalized health guidance.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the market for health coach generated a revenue of US$ 16.1 billion, with a CAGR of 7.2%, and is expected to reach US$ 32.3 billion by the year 2033.
The service type segment is divided into exercise & fitness coaching, nutrition coaching, lifestyle coaching, chronic condition coaching, weight management coaching, stress management coaching, and others, with nutrition coaching taking the lead in 2023 with a market share of 32.4%.
Considering mode, the market is divided into online and offline. Among these, online held a significant share of 63.7%.
Furthermore, concerning the payment model segment, the market is segregated into employer-sponsored, monthly membership, and others. The monthly membership sector stands out as the dominant player, holding the largest revenue share of 54.2% in the health coach market.
The end-users segment is segregated into hospitals & clinics, corporate organizations, fitness Centre, and individuals, with the fitness Centre segment leading the market, holding a revenue share of 45.8%.
North America led the market by securing a market share of 41.5% in 2023.

Service Type Analysis

The nutrition coaching segment led in 2023, claiming a market share of 32.4% as consumers increasingly prioritize holistic health and wellness. Rising awareness of the importance of proper nutrition in preventing and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, is likely to drive demand for expert guidance in dietary habits.

Additionally, as individuals focus on maintaining healthy lifestyles, nutrition coaching is anticipated to become an essential service for people seeking personalized, science-backed dietary plans. This segment’s growth is further fueled by a growing desire for weight management solutions, increased awareness about food allergies and intolerances, and the desire for healthier eating habits, especially among millennials and the aging population.

Mode Analysis

The online held a significant share of 63.7% as more people seek convenient, accessible coaching services through digital platforms. The growing adoption of smartphones, video conferencing tools, and health apps has made it easier for consumers to access coaching services remotely, contributing to the surge in online health coaching.

Consumers, particularly those with busy schedules, prefer online coaching due to its flexibility and ability to integrate health advice into their daily routines. Additionally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for virtual health services, creating a long-term shift toward digital wellness solutions. The online segment is expected to continue expanding as technology advances and the desire for virtual healthcare remains strong.

Payment Model Analysis

The monthly membership segment had a tremendous growth rate, with a revenue share of 54.2% as more organizations and individuals seek affordable and consistent access to health coaching services. Monthly memberships offer a predictable pricing model that appeals to both employers and consumers looking for ongoing support in achieving wellness goals.

Employers are increasingly investing in health coaching programs as part of their employee wellness initiatives, recognizing the potential for reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity. On the consumer side, a subscription-based model is attractive due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness, allowing individuals to access regular coaching sessions and personalized plans without large upfront costs. This model is projected to expand significantly, particularly within the corporate wellness sector.

End-users Analysis

The fitness Centre segment grew at a substantial rate, generating a revenue portion of 45.8% as more fitness centers integrate health coaching services into their offerings. As gyms and wellness centers aim to provide comprehensive solutions for physical and mental well-being, health coaching is becoming a key component of their service portfolios.

Fitness centers are increasingly partnering with health coaches to provide clients with personalized fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle advice, enhancing member engagement and retention. Additionally, the rise of boutique fitness centers focusing on specialized training and wellness programs is likely to further drive demand for integrated coaching services. As consumers seek more personalized fitness experiences, the fitness center segment is projected to see strong growth within the broader health coach market.

Health Coach Market Share

Key Market Segments

By Service Type

Exercise & Fitness Coaching
Nutrition Coaching
Lifestyle Coaching
Chronic Condition Coaching
Weight Management Coaching
Stress Management Coaching
Others

By Mode

By Payment Model

Employer-sponsored
Monthly Membership
Others

By End-users

Hospitals & Clinics
Corporate Organizations
Fitness Centre
Individuals

Drivers

Growing Popularity of Telehealth Services Driving the Health Coach Market

The growing popularity of telehealth services is driving substantial growth in the health coach market. As more people turn to virtual healthcare options for convenience and accessibility, the demand for remote health coaching has significantly increased. Telehealth services allow individuals to access health professionals from anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for those in remote or underserved areas.

In March 2024, Wellness Coaches USA expanded its corporate wellness services by integrating telehealth into its health coaching offerings. This expansion provides employees with more comprehensive support, regardless of their location, and helps improve overall corporate health and productivity.

The growing adoption of telehealth is expected to increase the need for health coaches who can deliver personalized guidance on nutrition, fitness, and wellness remotely. As organizations and individuals alike seek flexible and accessible healthcare solutions, the integration of health coaching into telehealth platforms will continue to drive market growth.

Restraints

Regulatory Challenges Restraining the Health Coach Market

Rising regulatory challenges impede the growth of the health coach market. Health coaching is still a relatively unregulated industry in many regions, which creates significant hurdles for providers looking to expand their services. Many countries and states have strict guidelines on what can and cannot be offered by health coaches, particularly when it comes to giving medical advice or offering services that overlap with those of licensed healthcare professionals.

These regulations can limit the scope of services health coaches can provide, hampering market expansion. Additionally, the lack of clear standards for certification and professional qualifications in health coaching has led to inconsistent service quality, further contributing to the market’s regulatory complexities.

As the demand for health coaching increases, policymakers will likely introduce more comprehensive regulations that could slow growth in the short term, as businesses adapt to new compliance requirements. Health coaches will need to navigate these legal barriers to ensure their services align with regional healthcare regulations, limiting their flexibility in certain markets.

Opportunities

Integration of AI Creating Opportunities for the Health Coach Market

The integration of AI into health coaching services presents a significant opportunity for market expansion. AI-driven technologies have the potential to revolutionize how health coaches engage with clients, offering highly personalized and scalable support. In January 2024, Noom Inc. introduced an AI-powered health coaching platform that provides customized interventions for both mental and physical health.

This platform uses advanced AI technology to boost user engagement and improve health outcomes by delivering tailored recommendations based on individual data. As AI continues to evolve, health coaches will be able to leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data and offer more effective, data-driven advice to clients.

The growing interest in personalized health and wellness solutions is likely to drive further innovation in the space, with AI playing an increasingly central role in health coaching platforms. As the adoption of AI technology in the healthcare sector grows, the health coach market is expected to benefit from more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible coaching solutions that improve health outcomes for a broader audience.

Impact of Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Factors

Macroeconomic and geopolitical factors significantly influence the growth and accessibility of the health coach market. Economic downturns often lead to reduced consumer spending on non-essential services, which can result in slower adoption of health coaching services. However, as economies recover, disposable income rises, encouraging individuals to invest in personal wellness and preventative healthcare.

Geopolitical factors, such as regulatory changes, international trade policies, and healthcare reforms, can either hinder or enhance the availability of health coaching services across borders. For example, in regions with less stringent regulations, market growth may be accelerated. Conversely, political instability or regulatory barriers in some markets can limit expansion. On a positive note, increasing global awareness of the importance of mental and physical health, along with the growing trend towards preventative healthcare, is likely to fuel the demand for health coaching services, contributing to long-term market growth.

Trends

Rising Surge in Partnerships and Collaborations Driving the Health Coach Market

Rising collaborations and partnerships are driving significant growth in the health coach market, as organizations seek to expand their service offerings and reach a broader audience. High demand for personalized wellness programs has led to the establishment of strategic alliances that combine expertise in coaching, health technology, and behavioral science.

In February 2023, BetterUp formed a strategic partnership with the International Coaching Federation to advance coaching practices. This collaboration focuses on integrating research and developing an evidence-based framework to enhance coaching techniques, ultimately improving service quality and impact. As such partnerships increase, health coaching services are projected to become more effective and widely accessible, further boosting market adoption. This trend is expected to expand the reach of health coaches, providing consumers with more tailored and professional services across various industries.

Regional Analysis

North America is leading the Health Coach Market

North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 41.5% owing to increasing consumer awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare and the rising demand for personalized wellness solutions. As more individuals seek to improve their overall health, manage chronic conditions, or achieve specific fitness goals, health coaching has emerged as a viable option.

The pandemic further amplified this trend, with many people realizing the need for better lifestyle management, especially in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental health. In September 2022, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) acquired the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, expanding its influence in the health coaching market. This strategic acquisition allowed ACE to enhance its capabilities and reach a broader audience, reflecting the growing interest in professional guidance to achieve sustainable health outcomes.

Additionally, an increasing number of corporations have incorporated health coaches into their employee wellness programs, contributing to the market’s growth. The integration of digital health tools and platforms has also played a significant role, enabling coaches to reach clients remotely and offer more flexible, scalable solutions.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR owing to a combination of rising health concerns, greater health literacy, and increasing disposable income. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia have witnessed a growing emphasis on wellness and preventive healthcare, with many individuals seeking professional support to manage weight, reduce stress, and improve overall health.

The growing middle class in nations like China and India is likely to accelerate demand for personalized health coaching services as disposable income rises and more people focus on fitness and well-being. Additionally, digital health technologies and mobile apps are anticipated to play a key role in expanding the reach of health coaches, making it easier for individuals to access services remotely.

Increasing awareness of lifestyle-related diseases and the shift toward self-care are projected to further drive demand for health coaches in the region. As a result, the health coach market in Asia Pacific is likely to grow steadily as more people embrace holistic, guided approaches to wellness.

Health Coach Market Regions

Key Regions and Countries

North America
Europe
- Germany
- France
- The UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Russia
- Netherland
- Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Rest of APAC
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

The major players in the health coach market are actively engaged in the development and introduction of innovative products, as well as implementing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing their competitive positioning. Key players in the health coach market focus on strategies such as expanding service offerings, leveraging digital platforms, and personalizing health coaching programs to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Companies are integrating technology, such as mobile apps and wearable devices, to track client progress and provide real-time feedback, enhancing engagement and results. Strategic partnerships with wellness organizations, healthcare providers, and corporations help increase reach and credibility. They also focus on increasing brand visibility through targeted marketing campaigns and offering specialized services for niche markets, such as chronic disease management or weight loss.

Furthermore, some players emphasize training and certifying coaches to maintain high-quality standards and ensure a positive client experience. One of the leading companies in the market is Noom, a prominent health and wellness platform that combines digital health coaching with behavioral science. Noom’s growth strategy revolves around offering personalized weight loss and wellness programs through its mobile app, utilizing AI and data analytics to tailor coaching and recommendations.

The company partners with healthcare providers and insurance companies to enhance access to its services, while focusing on creating a supportive community to improve user retention and long-term success. Noom also invests heavily in marketing to reach a broader audience and continues to innovate its offerings to stay ahead of emerging trends in health and wellness.

Top Key Players in the Health Coach Market

Weljii
YourCoach Health
The American Council on Exercise
Firstbeat Life
Happify Health
Health Coach Institute
FMCA
ExpertRating
BrainMD Health
AFPA

Industrial Advantages and Opportunities For Market Players

Health coaches offer substantial business advantages for market players by enhancing customer retention. Their personalized approach fosters stronger client relationships, boosts satisfaction, and increases loyalty. This engagement is vital for maintaining a stable customer base and encourages ongoing participation in health programs.

Incorporating health coaching into service offerings enriches a company’s value proposition. It attracts a broader client base seeking comprehensive wellness solutions, which enhances the market player’s reputation. Improved health outcomes through personalized guidance motivate clients to adopt healthier lifestyles, contributing to better overall health metrics.

Health coaches aid in data collection and personalization, gathering valuable insights into client behaviors and preferences. This information enables companies to deploy more targeted and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, the holistic approach of health coaching can help reduce healthcare costs by managing chronic conditions and reducing medical claims, thus offering significant cost savings.

Offering health coaching can differentiate companies in competitive markets, providing a unique selling proposition that focuses on long-term health and wellness. This strategic positioning helps companies expand into new markets, such as corporate wellness, where there is a high demand for improving employee productivity and reducing absenteeism. The approach aligns well with healthcare regulations favoring preventive care, enhancing compliance and eligibility for potential government incentives.

Recent Developments

In December 2022: YourCoach Health teamed up with Happify Health to offer live coaching services through Happify’s digital platform. This partnership is intended to support individuals in making long-term improvements to their well-being by providing personalized coaching interventions.
In December 2022: Firstbeat Life collaborated with the UK & International Health Coaching Association to deliver health coaching services focused on preventing chronic, lifestyle-related conditions. This initiative targets a broad range of sectors and aims to alleviate the burden of preventable health issues.

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Fitness

Functional Fitness Because Gravity Always Wins

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Functional Fitness Because Gravity Always Wins

[This is the latest installment of “Cobb Cuisine, Culture and Community” by Brian Benefield. Photo above by Brian Benefield]

Staying fit is essential for many reasons, but let’s be honest: the most compelling one is that gravity is undefeated, and it is coming for all of us. Every squat, push-up, and awkward plank is essentially a strongly worded letter to the universe saying, “Not today.” Fitness is less about vanity and more about delaying the moment when you make a noise just standing up, and your family asks if they should call someone.

First, staying fit helps you perform basic daily activities without turning them into dramatic events. A fit person bends down to tie their shoe and pops right back up. Another person bends down, pauses to reflect on life choices, and considers whether this shoe really needs to be tied. Fitness allows you to carry groceries in one trip, which is the truest measure of human success. Nothing humbles the soul like standing in a parking lot, staring at five bags of groceries, knowing that multiple trips are the sensible choice but refusing, because of pride.

It is also crucial for long-term health, which sounds boring until you realize it’s really about avoiding awkward conversations with doctors. Doctors have an unsettling ability to look at you over their glasses and say things like, “We need to talk about your numbers.” Staying fit helps keep those numbers from becoming characters in a horror movie. No one wants cholesterol levels that could be used as a zip code. Exercise is basically bribing your heart to keep working properly by promising it a steady supply of oxygen and good intentions.

My wife, Cecilie, and I do some form of exercise almost every day. A bike ride in the often bipolar Atlanta weather, lifting weights at home, or a yoga session are all ways we stay functionally fit. I will be turning the big 6-0 in a few years, and have found that strength training and yoga are increasingly important as I age and strive to stay strong and be more flexible.

Cecilie has recently joined a new gym named LuLu Belle, an all-women’s boutique studio that offers small-group classes. And it doesn’t hurt that it is located directly behind our house. The owner, Shelly Thomas, believes that movement is a gift and not everyone has that privilege, so you must take advantage of it every single day.

Then there’s mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are tiny chemical messengers that whisper, “Everything is fine,” even when your inbox says otherwise. Staying fit turns mild inconveniences into manageable annoyances. Without exercise, spilling coffee can ruin your entire week. With exercise, you spill coffee and think, “This is a test, and I am emotionally strong.” Fitness doesn’t solve your problems, but it makes you less likely to scream at a toaster for burning your bread.

Being in good shape also prepares you for unexpected moments of heroism, like chasing a runaway shopping cart before it dents a luxury SUV, or running to catch a flight when the gate agent says your name in that tone. Fit people hear the “Final boarding call” and jog calmly. Others may hear it and immediately start negotiating with destiny. Fitness gives you options like stairs. Fit people take the stairs for exercise. Some folks take the stairs because the elevator is broken and then file a formal complaint with the building.

Being fit is about future you. Future you wants to travel, dance at weddings, and get out of a chair without a sound effect. Present you can make that happen by occasionally lifting something heavy or moving quickly for no reason. Fitness is a gift you give yourself that keeps on giving, mostly in the form of not needing help opening jars.

So yes, staying fit is important. Not because you want six-pack abs or Facebook likes, but because life is easier, funnier, and far less creaky when your body cooperates. And because one day, you’ll bend down, stand up effortlessly, and realize you’ve won a small but meaningful victory over gravity.

Fitness

‘Best’ five-minute exercise that can help you live longer and healthier

Published

16 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

‘Best’ five-minute exercise that can help you live longer and healthier

You can weave these quick exercises into any part of your day

Recent research suggests that minor increases in daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity could lower the risk of death.

The study, published in The Lancet, analysed data from nearly 95,000 middle-aged and older adults in the UK, alongside 40,000 people from Norway, Sweden, and the US.

Researchers, headed by academics from the Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, discovered that just five minutes of additional exercise per day could cut deaths by 6% amongst the least active individuals, and amongst the general population, it could decrease the risk of death by 10%.

Data from the UK portion of the study, based on the UK Biobank research, also reveals that cutting sedentary time by 30 minutes a day could reduce 4.5% of deaths among all adults taking part in the study, excluding those who were already highly active.

This significant research shows that even just a few minutes of daily movement can deliver substantial health benefits, reports the Mirror.

With this in mind, Tara Riley, a Pilates, barre, and strength trainer, has shared five short-burst exercises that can be readily incorporated into even the most hectic schedules.

1. Squats

“Squats are fantastic, especially if you’ve done lots of sitting during the day. They are a really great way to reactivate those glutes and use those legs,” says Riley. “For a standard squat, just put your legs about hip-width apart and send your bottom backwards and shift your weight into your heels.

“You could even do some squats hovering over a chair as that can help give you a good sense of where your body should be. If you want to make them harder, you could also do little pulses to really fire up your legs so your glutes feel really warm by the end of it.”

2. Planks

“I would also recommend some sort of variation of a plank,” suggests Riley. “A plank is a really good way to build strength and stability as you are stabilising through your shoulders, your hips and through your core.”

However, she acknowledges that maintaining planks for an extended period can be tough, so she has proposed some alternatives for beginners aiming to progress.

“You can always start on your hands and knees and do knee taps,” recommends Riley. “For this, hover your knees off the ground and then tap them back down. Then as you get stronger, hover them off and hold for 20 seconds. Also, if your wrists aren’t super happy in this position, you can always go onto your elbows.”

3. Hip mobility exercises

“I am also a big fan of hip mobility, because I know it’s an area that a lot of people really struggle with. Many people have got tight hips or painful hips, and sometimes that comes from doing a lot of sitting,” explains Riley.

“Everyone walks and goes up and down stairs, but that’s actually only moving that joint in two directions, forwards and backwards, and really that joint wants to move side to side and in a circle to keep it healthy and happy.”

She emphasises that movements such as hip and leg circles can be performed virtually anywhere and at any moment, offering genuine benefits for flexibility. “Stand up and place your hand on a surface, then lift one leg straight forwards and return to standing 15-20 times, followed by lifting it backwards for the same number of repetitions,” Riley explains.

“You’re going to start to feel those glutes going, and then you can also lift it out to the side again for the same amount of reps.

“Then bring the knee forwards, and then circle it out to the side, and the round to the back so you’re doing a big hip or leg circle. This is a really good strengthening but also mobilising hip exercise.”

4. Tabletop toe taps

“If you sit at a desk all day long, you might have a tendency to start to hunch forward to look at your work screen,” Riley acknowledges. “Doing core exercises like tabletop toe taps is really good for strengthening the core to help you sit and stand up straight.”

To perform tabletop toe taps, begin on the floor. “Lie on your back and take your legs into a tabletop position, so your knees are bent,” Riley directs.

“Make sure your knees are above your hips and your shins are parallel to the floor, and then just tap one toe down at a time and bring them back up to table top position.

“Try to do that while breathing, but also without your back moving. So, make sure that you aren’t arching your back and are really working into that core. If you’re feeling really strong, you could curl forwards and keep your head off the floor while you tap your toes.”

5. Shoulder glides

“I think your shoulder mobility and the ability to move your arms is really important for your back and for how your shoulders feel, so an exercise like shoulder glides can be really great,” Riley suggests. “Start by standing upright against the wall, so the back of your head and shoulder blades are both touching the wall.

“Reach both your arms all the way up overhead, so the backs of your hands are also against that wall, and then draw those elbows down towards your waist and up again. Try to keep the back of your hands and your arms against the wall as you do that.”

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Fitness

Mike Sommerfeld Reveals His Simple 4-Exercise Leg Day Ahead of the 2026 Arnold Classic – Muscle & Fitness

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

Mike Sommerfeld Reveals His Simple 4-Exercise Leg Day Ahead of the 2026 Arnold Classic – Muscle & Fitness

Mike “The Bad Ass” Sommerfeld is on a mission to defend his Arnold Men’s Classic Physique title and is taking a no-nonsense approach to outperforming the likes of Wesley Vissers and a debuting Sam Sulek. To illustrate this, the gigantic German used a recent Instagram post to share one of his go-to leg days for total domination, and you can try it too.

Sommerfeld brought the complete package to the stage during the 2025 Arnold Classic, impressing the judges with his muscle mass, definition, symmetry, and conditioning, but with a stacked field ahead of him in March, the big man shares that one of the workouts he’s forged follows a back-to-basics approach. Apparently, The Bad Ass’s leg day is about quality over quantity and requires just four exercises in total. “Two for hams, and two for quads,” he explained.

Mike Sommerfeld’s 4-Exercise Leg Day Workout Ahead of the 2026 Arnold Classic

Warmup

Hamstrings

Quads

Mike Sommerfeld’s Leg Day Strategy Explained

Joining the likes of other bodybuilding great, Martin Fitzwater, Sommerfeld shared that he begins leg workouts with adductors to warm up his upper legs and get the blood circulation stimulated. “I always start with adductors to warm up my hips and get me going,” explained Sommerfeld. “Especially mentally, and physically, to lift heavier weights for the upcoming exercises.” He noted that while on the machine, he pushes his back to the pad as far as possible, to increase both the stretch and the contraction while executing his reps.

Homing in on his hamstrings, Sommerfeld’s first exercise is the seated leg curl. “The reason for that is, you get an amazing pre-stretch position by just sitting down (and getting set up) on the machine” said the man-mountain. Next up is the deadlift. “Why? Because we already contracted hamstrings pretty hard, and they are pumped as hell,” confirmed Sommerfeld. “Now we can stretch the s**t out of our hamstrings.”

Moving on to quads, the 2025 Arnold Men’s Classic Physique champion shared that his new favorite quad exercise is the hack squat (also referred to as the hack press). “The reason for that is, it feels so much more natural to my knees.” Sommerfeld explained that he feels almost zero pressure or pain on his knees with this squat variation. “And I can go really deep into the stretch, and I can focus entirely on my way up, to contract my quads as hard as possible.” The Bad Ass also shared that he likes to use rest-pause sets on the hack squat, performing his reps towards failure, taking a short break, and then going again to towards failure. “So, after hitting 10 to 12 reps, I like to pause for a few seconds, and then go again for three to four more reps.”

Last but not least for his legs, Sommerfeld rounds out his workout with the belt squat. “The reason for that is, it’s actually so much smarter to use a belt squat because it loads your hips, not your shoulders,” coached the champ. “In regular (back) squats you have all the load on your shoulders, and your body needs to stabilize it all the way. That creates a lot of fatigue and we wanna train legs not our full body. This is why I chose the belt squat, an amazing piece of equipment. You can hold yourself and stabilize yourself (on the platform). You can go really deep, wait a second in the stretched position, and then go up again, and squeeze it out.”

In terms of sets and rep, Sommerfeld explained that he does “multiple, multiple, sets,” but for us mere mortals, 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps will bring mass building results. By focusing on the quality of his stretch and contractions and isolating his quads and hamstrings rather than fatiguing the rest of his body, Mike Sommerfeld could present his best physique yet come March.

To follow Mike Sommerfeld on Instagram, click here.