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What exactly is the big deal with NMN? It all starts with NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). Think of NAD as cellular currency in your body. It’s required for things like energy production, DNA repair, and regulating gene expression. All of these processes sustain cell life and resist aging.

As we age, our NAD levels drop, leading to a decline in these functions. Not surprisingly, this contributes to the aging process. This is why people are trying to maintain or boost their NAD levels. Experts believe maintaining higher levels of NAD can potentially slow down aging and promote longevity. (18)

One of the ways to increase NAD levels is with NMN supplements. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to NAD, meaning it’s a substance that the body can convert into NAD. It’s like a raw material that cells can use to create more of the NAD ‘currency’ they need to function optimally.

With two decades of experience as a personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist, I’ve witnessed a shift in client inquiries from how to get six-pack abs to a desire for longevity and improved quality of life. People don’t just want to live longer; they want to feel better too. While exercise and diet are important, NMN supplements offer a promising way to naturally boost NAD levels. For my review, I tested several options to help you find the best NMN supplement.

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

How We Chose the Best NMN Supplements

I’d argue that choosing the best NMN supplement is more difficult than most other supplements because it hasn’t been on the market for very long. With limited time for rigorous scrutiny, finding products that truly align with the science can be a challenge.

Here at Breaking Muscle, there are several factors that we consider to ensure you get the best NMN supplements for your budget and lifestyle.

Science-Based Formulas

We give priority to products featuring ingredients backed by proven scientific evidence. 

Ingredients such as NMN, resveratrol, and vitamin D have consistently demonstrated anti-aging benefits in studies. (5)(8) (14)

What’s more, we evaluate the dosage of each ingredient, aiming to closely align it with the quantities shown in these studies for maximum effectiveness.

Third-Party Verification

Let’s face it: Supplements that undergo third-party testing instill greater confidence. 

We’ve favored products that have been through legitimate testing by independent laboratories, assuring purity and potency.

Real-World User Feedback

Real-life experiences offer invaluable insights. We’ve conducted a thorough review of user feedback, meticulously examining reports of effectiveness, benefits, and any potential drawbacks to provide you with a comprehensive assessment.

Company Reputation

The track record of a brand matters. We’ve chosen companies with a reputation for integrity, transparency, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Balancing Value

Our aim is to recommend supplements that strike the right balance between cost and effectiveness, ensuring you receive the best value for your investment.

Safety

Above all, your well-being is our top concern. We’ve focused on supplements that incorporate proven, safe ingredients without unnecessary additives or fillers. 

Naturally, products associated with a long history of adverse effects have been excluded from our list.

Our Top Picks for the Best NMN Supplement

• Best NMN Supplement Overall: Lifeforce Peak NMN
• Best NMN and Resveratrol Supplement: Omre NMN + Resveratrol
• Best Budget NMN Supplement: GenF20 Liposomal NMN+
• Best Pure NMN Supplement: partiQlar Pure NMN
• Best Anti-Aging NMN Supplement: Wonderfeel Youngr NMN

Best NMN Supplement Overall: Lifeforce Peak NMN

Lifeforce Peak NMN

4.5

• Daily dose: Three capsules
• Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $3.00 per serving / Monthly subscription: $2.33 per serving
• NMN per serving: 375 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, berberine HCl, white mulberry extract, spermidine, lithium
• Third-party testing: No

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I’ve been a big fan of Lifeforce since I tried the brand in my search for the best testosterone booster. Once again, they didn’t disappoint. In fact, the team and I were so impressed with Peak NMN that we assigned it as our best NMN supplement overall.

What clinched it for us? 

A combination of science-backed ingredients at doses that work, all without breaking the bank. Plus, Peak NMN targets something special: it not only supports long-term cellular health but also takes on blood sugar — a key factor in aging. Consistently elevated blood sugar can damage mitochondria or cellular ‘powerhouses’ and contribute to age-related diseases. (1)

Lifeforce tackles this with two key ingredients: Berberine HCl (660 milligrams) and White Mulberry Extract (200 milligrams), both proven to support healthy blood sugar levels. It also includes spermidine, which helps with cellular growth and renewal. It’s known for aiding in autophagy, the body’s way of cleaning out old cellular junk to make way for new, healthier cells. (2)(3)(4)

Naturally, Lifeforce’s star ingredient is NMN, which has been shown to boost NAD levels, helping to keep your cells strong. NAD plays a significant role in all cellular processes, most notably, energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of cellular aging. (5)

For me, one of the features of Peak NMN that stands out from other NMN supplements is its quality and stability. It contains HPLC-tested NMN boasting 99 percent purity and a 24-month shelf life. 

Not only are you getting the highest quality form of NMN but it’s also going to last much longer than most other NMN supplements. For context, most brands of NMN have a three-month shelf life when stored at room temperature. To get around this, simply put your NMN supplement in the refrigerator.

Finally, one of my favorite features of Lifeforce supplements is the option to add a specialized home blood test that evaluates dozens of biomarkers focusing on aging and longevity. This test, supported by telehealth consultations and individualized guidance from a healthcare professional, aims to provide insights into biological age, cellular health, and factors influencing lifespan. Taking these tests before and several months after consistently using the supplement (and following the advice of the telehealth experts) can showcase how your cellular health is improving.

One of the team members at Breaking Muscle went through this Lifeforce Diagnostics test, and he was amazed at the professionalism of the team as well as the preciseness and quality of the information he received from it. He especially liked the convenience factor of having a phlebotomist come to the location of his choice. It’s very easy to schedule and the whole process takes less than 10 minutes from the comfort of your home.

Why didn’t Peak NMN get a perfect score? My only gripe with the supplement is the dosage of NMN. Sure, it provides 375 milligrams per serving, which may be enough if you’re new to NMN and want to avoid potential side effects like digestive issues and skin irritation. But what happens when your body adjusts, and you want to take a dosage closer to 1,000 milligrams (the higher end of the recommended daily dose)? 

Compare the 375 milligrams of NMN in Peak NMN to the 900 milligram serving in Wonderfeel Youngr NMN – A huge difference. If you want to get close to this when taking Peak NMN, you’ll have to either double the dose or take a separate NMN supplement. If you choose the latter, I’d recommend going with our choice for the best budget NMN supplement, GenF20 Liposomal NMN+, to save some cash.

Best NMN and Resveratrol Supplement: Omre NMN + Resveratrol

Omre NMN + Resveratrol

4.5

• Daily dose: Two capsules
• Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $1.99 per serving / Monthly subscription: $1.89 per serving
• NMN per serving: 500 milligrams
• Key ingredients: NMN powder, resveratrol, BioPerine 
• Third-party testing: Yes

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When the longevity trend started, the abbreviations “NMN” and “NAD” were virtually unheard of. Instead, everyone was talking about resveratrol. Just because NMN is now taking center stage within the cellular health and longevity movement doesn’t mean resveratrol is obsolete. In fact, we recommend taking them both together. And that’s why our pick for the best NMN and resveratrol supplement is Omre NMN + Resveratrol.

What exactly is resveratrol?

A type of antioxidant known as a polyphenol, resveratrol is found in the skin of red grapes and berries as well as cocoa. Antioxidants fight against oxidative stress in your body, which is caused by an excess of free radicals. These are molecules that can damage cells and they are linked to several chronic diseases along with aging.

And this is where resveratrol comes in as an all-around longevity supplement. 

From a cardiovascular standpoint, resveratrol has been shown to support heart health by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Some research even suggests it can support healthy blood sugar levels. (Remember what we said above about blood sugar levels and aging?) (6)(7)

For our purposes, the most important benefits of resveratrol are its anti-aging properties, which include:

• DNA repair: Activates proteins called sirtuins, aiding in DNA repair and cellular health. (8)
• Antioxidant properties: Protects cells against oxidative stress, which contributes to aging. (9)
• Cognitive protection: Offers neuroprotective effects that may slow neurodegenerative diseases. (10)
• Cellular health: Improves mitochondrial function, leading to increased energy production and cellular vitality. (11)

Combining resveratrol with NMN may offer synergistic benefits. Most notably, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol complements the role of NMN in supporting mitochondrial (cellular) function.

I love the idea of combining two longevity heavy hitters. This is something you don’t see in many NMN supplements. And the fact that Omre uses trans-resveratrol earns it extra points. Why? Trans-resveratrol is the more bioavailable form of resveratrol meaning your body can properly ingest and assimilate the ingredient.

What’s more, both ingredients are dosed at 500 milligrams per serving, well within the same range used in studies and research. If you are interested in gradually building up to a higher dose, you can simply double your dose and you’ll be within the same range as longevity expert, David Sinclair.

Best Budget NMN Supplement: GenF20 Liposomal NMN+

GenF20 Liposomal NMN+

3.5

• Daily dose: One capsule
• Cost per serving: Annual: $0.49 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.55 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.17 per serving
• NMN per serving: 250 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide
• Third-party testing: No

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If there’s one thing that you’ll quickly notice about NMN supplements, it’s the price tag. The sticker shock is going to naturally lead to the question of whether the best budget NMN supplement exists and if it’s worth buying. Thankfully, that can be answered with a double “yes.”

Introducing GenF20 Liposomal NMN+.

There are three major differences between GenF20 NMN and the rest of the options on this list: price, dosage, and bioavailability.

Let’s start with the obvious one: price. Even if you purchase a single bottle of GenF20, you’re only paying $1.17 per serving, which is half of what some of the other brands are charging. If you want an insanely good deal for inexpensive supplements, you can’t beat buying one year’s worth upfront.

But there’s a reason for the lower price point and it has to do with ingredients and dosage. The only ingredient you’ll find in GenF20 is NMN. So, if you want those other ingredients that support longevity and cellular health, you’ll have to buy them separately and build your own stack. This is something I highly recommend. Not only can it be more cost-effective, but you’re guaranteed to get the proper dosage.

Speaking of dosages, you’ll see that it’s on the lower end of what the major studies used. Most of the studies mentioned above used anywhere from 250 milligrams to 1,250 milligrams. GenF20 provides 250 milligrams of NMN, which is among the lowest on our list. It isn’t bad if you’re just starting out and you want to see how your body responds to NMN, but for the long term, you’ll need to double or triple the dosage. 

Here’s the thing about that: At this price point, that’s still a good deal! If you buy a year upfront, you can easily triple your dosage and it’ll still end up being cheaper than most of the other NMN supplements out there.

Finally, let’s talk about bioavailability, which might be a double-edged sword for GenF20. On one hand, it uses liposomal delivery technology, which can significantly enhance the absorption of NMN into the bloodstream. Liposomal delivery means that the NMN is encased in a sort of protective bubble made from lipids (fats). As a result, the NMN can bypass the harsh acids in the digestive system and get delivered directly into the cells where it’s needed most. (12)

On the other hand, not all liposomal products are created equal. The quality and size of the liposomes, as well as the stability of the liposomal structure, can greatly affect the uptake of NMN. Luckily, GenF20 claims to use high-quality liposomal encapsulation to ensure that you’re getting the most out of each serving.

One final point about bioavailability involves the shelf stability of the product. NMN supplements are notorious for having a poor shelf life. Yes, brands do spend the extra cash to ensure a longer shelf life like Lifeforce: Peak NMN. However, GenF20 doesn’t mention anything about an extended shelf life. As I mentioned above, if your aim is to take double or triple the serving size, shelf life isn’t something you’ll need to worry about.

Best Pure NMN Supplement: partiQlar Pure NMN

partiQlar Pure NMN

4.0

• Daily dose: One capsule
• Cost per serving: Annual: $0.71 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.90 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.20 per serving
• NMN per serving: 500 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide
• Third-party testing: Yes

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It should come as no surprise that the quality of supplements can range drastically. Take protein supplements as an example. If you buy whey protein concentrate, you might be getting a product that’s only 60% protein. If you buy whey protein isolate, you’ll get a hyper-filtered product that can deliver over 99% protein per serving. Both are protein supplements, but one is vastly superior to the other in terms of purity.

And the same goes for NMN supplements.

Purity or how much NMN you’re getting in every serving can vary wildly depending on the brand. On our list, we made sure to find products that had no less than 96% purity, which is the minimum you should always look for when shopping for an NMN supplement. With a product that pure, does it really matter which one you choose? 

Absolutely. Those last few purity points can really make a difference especially if it’s paired with a bioavailability delivery system ensuring optimal uptake.

When it comes to the best pure NMN supplement, partiQlar Pure NMN gets our vote for three reasons: a pure product, a knack for transparency, and an awesome team.

partiQlar’s NMN boasts an industry-leading purity that exceeds 99% and that’s a huge deal. This isn’t just some marketing ploy, it’s a claim that’s backed up by independent third-party laboratory testing. If you visit the official website, you’ll see that all the test results are right there on the homepage. (13)

Aside from the absurdly high purity of partiQlar’s NMN, one of the factors that I noticed is how transparent they are about the team behind the product. Not only is this pretty uncommon for NMN supplements, but you’d be hard-pressed to find this transparency with any supplement.

Knowing who is making your product means you can become a Google investigator and do your research for your own peace of mind (and to appease your supplement OCD). Very long story short: partiQlar sources their NMN from Effepharm. According to the official website, they are supposedly renowned for their research and development team of U.S. specialists along with their rigorous testing process.

Continuing with the idea of transparency and testing, partiQlar upholds rigorous standards to align with USP (United States Pharmacopeia) quality benchmarks. Also, the production facilities responsible for crafting partiQlar’s NMN are recognized by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), reflecting adherence to the stringent Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.

Now, with that said, adhering to GMP guidelines is commonplace even if a supplement doesn’t specifically mention it on their website. Supplement manufacturers in the United States must adhere to GMP standards in order to operate. So, while it’s not exactly unique, it is nice to know that your supplements are in good hands.

In short, with an elite team, production facilities, and third-party testing, partiQlar is serious about the purity and effectiveness of its NMN.

Best Anti-Aging NMN Supplement: Wonderfeel Youngr NMN

Wonderfeel Youngr NMN

4.5

• Daily dose: Two capsules
• Cost per serving: Introductory monthly subscription: $2.43 per serving / Regular monthly subscription: $2.76 per serving / One-time purchase: $2.93 per serving
• NMN per serving: 900 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, vitamin D3, trans-resveratrol, olive fruit extract, ergothioneine
• Third-party testing: Yes

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On a list of NMN supplements all claiming to reduce the impacts of aging, how does one stand above the rest as the best anti-aging NMN supplement?

For us, it’s all about a multi-targeted approach to fight the signs of aging. In other words, we want to see a supplement with multiple ingredients known for longevity benefits. And that’s what sets Wonderfeel Youngr NMN apart from the rest.

NMN is one of several anti-aging ingredients in Wonderfeel Youngr NMN. Let’s break down the ingredient list, starting from the top with vitamin D3. This is one of my favorite vitamins and one that I believe most people are lacking in.

Vitamin D3 is often associated with bone health, but it does so much more than that. When it comes to anti-aging benefits, vitamin D3 enhances immune function, supports cardiovascular health, and staves off cognitive decline. (14)

For men, vitamin D3 is especially important for hormonal health as it acts as a building block for testosterone. Low levels of testosterone are associated with weight gain, muscle loss, mood swings, and fatigue – All things that are pro-aging. (15)

Most importantly for our purposes, vitamin D3 is particularly useful because it seems to help stop the build-up of certain proteins that are commonly found in older people. Also, taking extra vitamin D3 may help reduce signs of aging at the cellular level, which suggests it might help to slow down how quickly we age biologically. (14)

There is one issue with the inclusion of vitamin D3 and it’s the exclusion of vitamin K2. When you take supplements, you want to try to pair or group ingredients that have a synergistic effect. In this case, vitamin K2 improves the bioavailability of vitamin D3. I’m not saying your body won’t see any benefit from the vitamin D3 in Wonderfeel Youngr NMN, but some level of bioavailability and potential benefit could be lacking thanks to the absence of vitamin K2.

NMN is the next ingredient on the list. What I love about Wonderfeel Youngr NMN is that it provides a dosage level that’s on the higher side at 900 milligrams per serving. As mentioned above, this is close to what David Sinclair takes on a daily basis.

Next up, we have trans-resveratrol. Again, this is another homerun ingredient. Trans-resveratrol is better than traditional resveratrol because it is the more bioavailable and biologically active form of the compound. While it is the preferred form of resveratrol, it is lacking in dosage at only 100 milligrams per serving. For reference, the standard dosage starts at 250 milligrams.

The next ingredient is olive fruit extract, which contains hydroxytyrosol, a powerful antioxidant that supports cardiovascular health by promoting healthy cholesterol levels and blood flow (circulation). It also has a lot of polyphenols and these compounds offer protective effects against oxidative stress—a key factor in aging—and inflammation, contributing to overall longevity. (16)

Finally, the ingredient list caps off with a super antioxidant known as ergothioneine, offering benefits for anti-aging, vascular health, and neuroprotection. It combats oxidative stress and inflammation, which reduces age-related cellular damage. It’s also thought to preserve telomeres, the chromosome endcaps that typically shorten with age. (17)

Cementing its place as the best anti-aging NMN supplement, is there anything that could make this supplement better? 

You bet! It is the first supplement on our list that focuses on earth-friendly packaging. Your first order will arrive in a durable and refillable glass bottle. After that, you’ll receive your supplement in completely recyclable and biodegradable pouches. Simply refill the glass bottle and recycle the pouch. Even if the pouch winds up in the garbage, it will break down within six to 42 months, leaving behind no trace of microplastics.

Do something positive for yourself while doing something productive for the environment.

What Is NMN?

Aside from being almost impossible to pronounce correctly on the first try, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has an essential role in all cellular functions. 

The catch is that NAD levels naturally decline as you get older. This can lead to a variety of age-related health issues like slowing metabolism and cellular dysfunction. In a vicious cycle, the less NAD you have, the worse these issues get and the faster you age.

Enter nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NMN, a precursor to NAD. 

Put simply, NMN is what your body uses to make more NAD. Recent studies and praise from longevity experts like David Sinclair have sparked interest in NMN supplements to naturally boost NAD levels. 

The goal? To fight back against age-related decline in cellular health while improving overall longevity.

Benefits of Taking NMN

As a precursor to NAD, research suggests several potential health benefits associated with NMN supplementation:

Anti-Aging and Longevity 

NMN has exhibited numerous potential benefits against aging in different animal studies, including better metabolism and protection against diseases that come with age. Research suggests it may boost energy management within the body and enhance the body’s response to insulin as well as overall blood fat levels. (19)

Increased Energy Metabolism and Physical Activity

Supplementation with NMN has been suggested to improve energy expenditure and physical activity. A study indicated that NMN supplementation enhances neuronal function and physical activity, suggesting it may prevent the decline in energy metabolism associated with aging​​. (20)

Enhanced Physical Endurance and Metabolism

Continuing with the point above, research has found that NMN supplementation can improve endurance capacity, particularly in amateur runners, by enhancing oxygen delivery to muscle tissue and bringing energy to cells that are depleted during exercise​​. (20)

Cognitive and Cardiovascular Health

NMN supplementation has been linked to improved neuronal function in the brain and is suggested to have preventive and therapeutic potential in vascular cognitive impairment. (21)

How Long Does It Take for NMN to Start Working?

The one thing that I can’t stress enough is that NMN supplements are not like your favorite pre-workout supplements. You’re not going to feel them kick in with a bang after 20 minutes.

While several prominent biohackers suggest that you can use NMN as a nootropic (cognitive focus) supplement, I don’t agree with this. I believe the idea with NMN supplements is to promote improved cognitive function over the long term.

Besides, most nootropic-focused NMN supplements also contain other fast-acting ingredients that you’ll feel right away like caffeine and theobromine. Be sure not to confuse longevity supplements with nootropics.

It’s important to keep in mind that NMN is a long-term investment in your cellular health and overall longevity. So, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Stay consistent with your NMN supplement. The best way to determine if NMN is working for you is to take a biological age test once every several months and compare the differences. As mentioned above, we highly recommend Lifeforce Diagnostic, which measures more than 40 biomarkers and includes a personalized plan to optimize your health.

What Is the Best Way to Take NMN?

Hands down, the gold standard of absorption is intravenous. If you have the money and the time, you can find NAD drips at your local health spa. The results are immediate with many people citing a difference in how they feel the same day and throughout the week. The catch? NAD drips are notorious for making you nauseous. They are also extremely pricey. 

The simpler and more affordable way is with the NMN supplement.

NMN can be a bit finicky when it comes to how it’s best absorbed. The consensus is that sublingual (under the tongue) absorption is the way to go. This method allows NMN to bypass your digestive system and head straight into your bloodstream for faster results.

How Much NMN Should I Take Per Day?

This really depends on how comfortable you are with taking a “David Sinclair dose.” Some people jump right into taking 1,000 milligrams per day. 

But if you want to play it safe, many beginners start with around 250 milligrams to 500 milligrams per day. This is a good baseline to see how your body responds. As you continue to take the NMN supplement, you can gradually increase the dosage, but only if it makes sense for your goals and budget. 

What To Consider When Looking for an NMN Supplement

When shopping for an NMN supplement, here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:

Your Goals

When looking for an NMN supplement, I suggest asking yourself, “What do I want to accomplish by taking this?” 

• Do you want to support long-term longevity in your body and brain? 
• Are you looking to lower your biological (cellular) age?
• Or are you looking for something fast-acting that can help you focus?

If the first two goals sound like what you’re after, then an NMN supplement can be a great complement to a healthy diet and exercise program.

If you’re more interested in that third goal, an NMN supplement isn’t going to give you what you’re after. As I mentioned above, although NMN is sometimes marketed as a nootropic, it’s not going to give you a feeling comparable to caffeine. Only stimulants will do that and NMN is not a stimulant.

So, before you buy an NMN supplement, make sure it aligns with what you’re trying to accomplish in your health journey.

Recommended Dosage

The typical dosage for NMN supplements ranges between 250 milligrams and 1,250 milligrams. 

Should you start with a lower dosage? That really depends on your comfort level. 

Plenty of people jump right into taking 1,000 milligrams per day without any issues. If you’re someone who is new to NMN or supplements in general, consider starting out with 250 milligrams. If your body responds well to this dosage for a few weeks, gradually increase it. You can do that by simply doubling the serving that you’re currently taking.

With all that said, always consider speaking with a healthcare provider to help tailor your choice of the proper dosage based on your medical history and goals.

Ingredients and Ingredient Quality

You know you want to take an NMN supplement and you’re confident about the dosage. Now it’s time to make sure you’re getting quality ingredients. 

Here are several factors to look for when buying an NMN supplement:

• Purity: Buy an NMN supplement that contains at least 96 percent purity.
• Third-party testing: Look for products that have been third-party tested for quality assurance.
• Certifications: Certifications such as GMP or NSF signify a product’s high-quality manufacturing.
• Complementary ingredients: Check that added ingredients enhance efficacy and offer additional health benefits.
• Additives and fillers: Avoid supplements with unnecessary additives, fillers, or any low-quality ingredients.
• Product reviews and company reputation: Research the manufacturer’s reputation and read customer reviews to gauge the effectiveness and reliability of the product.

Safety

NMN supplements shouldn’t be a gamble. You should be able to confidently take your choice of supplement without worrying about your safety. 

Here are some tips to keep yourself safe when shopping for NMN supplements:

• Check for interactions with medications. If you are currently taking medication, it’s crucial to understand how NMN might interact with those medications. Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential negative interactions.
• Ensure the supplement is backed by clinical research. Look for supplements that have been supported by clinical research. While research on NMN is still emerging, some products may have more scientific backing than others.
• Ensure the brand adheres to safe manufacturing standards. Check to see if the supplement is produced in facilities that follow high safety standards, such as GMP-certified facilities. This ensures that the product is made with a high degree of consistency and control.

Potential Side Effects

NMN supplements are usually very safe and easy to handle. Still, some side effects have been reported, including the following:

• Digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and indigestion
• Skin irritation and allergic reactions
• Flushing and headaches

If you experience any of these, reducing the dosage or discontinuing use may be necessary. Either way, I’d recommend speaking with your doctor. Also, be sure to check the ingredient label to ensure the side effects are coming from the NMN and not another ingredient.

If you’re concerned about the potential side effects of NMN supplements, start with a lower dosage like 250 milligrams, and gradually increase it to gauge your body’s tolerance. Keep a close watch on your body’s reactions after starting NMN supplementation. Any new or unexpected symptoms should be taken seriously and discussed with a healthcare provider.

How To Get the Best Results from an NMN Supplement

There’s more to throwing a supplement capsule in your mouth and going about your day. If you want to get the most from your NMN supplement, here are several tips to consider:

Be Consistent

Above all, if you want to see results, you need to be consistent with taking your supplement. When taken at the same time each day, NMN supplements can help maintain stable levels of NAD in the body. 

In addition to consistency, the timing of your NMN dose might play a role in its efficacy. (And I stress the word “might.”)

There’s some evidence to suggest that taking NMN in the morning could align with your body’s natural rhythms for producing NAD. 

On the other hand, I’ve read that some experts recommend taking NMN at night to help with sleep. 

Does it matter? Overall, I’d recommend finding a time that works best for you and sticking with it. Better to be consistent with taking the supplement than trying to time it perfectly amidst a chaotic schedule and missing doses.

Remember That Diet and Exercise Come First 

Don’t forget, supplements are just part of the equation. As I always say to my clients, “Supplements are supplemental.” They should never be the star of the show – That privilege belongs to diet and exercise.

Eating right and staying active are essential if you want to see the best results. Before considering supplements, I’d suggest reviewing your current fitness and meal plan. Could they use some work? If so, then focus your time, energy, and money on those first.

Once your foundations with food and fitness are solid, then you can bring supplements into the mix.

Consider Synergistic Supplements

Assuming your diet and exercise program are all taken care of, you can look at longevity supplements beyond NMN.

While incredible on its own, NMN can be part of a broader supplement strategy. For example, combining NMN with resveratrol, a compound that also supports cellular health, may enhance the effects of NMN.

This isn’t a requirement but something to consider if your goal is to optimize anti-aging benefits and longevity.

Monitoring Progress and Adjust

Finally, I’d recommend keeping track of how you feel before and after starting the NMN supplement. Use the notepad on your phone and track any changes in energy levels, cognitive function, and overall wellness to gauge the supplement’s effectiveness.

Outside of noting how you feel, if you’re serious about tracking your results, I’d suggest a biomarkers panel test like the one Lifeforce offers. Doing this every quarter or every six months will give you the best idea of how you’re progressing and the changes you might need to make, especially if you’re chatting with a longevity expert.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad that longevity is finally a big focus in the industry. I’m ecstatic when clients ask me questions about living a longer life AND feeling better during those extended years.

Most importantly, I believe that NMN supplements have the potential to play an important role in achieving those anti-aging goals.

However, I’m still a big believer in the basics. 

There’s no “magic pill” that’s going to keep you young forever — at least, not yet there isn’t. Until that day arrives, I can’t stress this enough: Focus on mastering your nutritional choices, get consistent with an exercise program, and consider mental health exercises like meditation so you can live a well-balanced, healthy life. Once these are in order, you can complement your lifestyle with NMN supplements.

Best NMN Supplement: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best NMN Supplement Overall	Best NMN and Resveratrol Supplement	Best Budget NMN Supplement	Best Pure NMN Supplement	Best Anti-Aging NMN Supplement
Lifeforce Peak NMN	Omre NMN + Resveratrol	GenF20 Liposomal NMN+	partiQlar Pure NMN	Wonderfeel Youngr NMN
4.5	4.5	3.5	4.0	4.5
Description: Daily dose: Three capsules Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $3.00 per serving / Monthly subscription: $2.33 per serving NMN per serving: 375 milligrams Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, berberine HCl, white mulberry extract, spermidine, lithium Third-party testing: No	Description: Daily dose: Two capsules Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $1.99 per serving / Monthly subscription: $1.89 per serving NMN per serving: 500 milligrams Key ingredients: NMN powder, resveratrol, BioPerine  Third-party testing: Yes	Description: Daily dose: One capsule Cost per serving: Annual: $0.49 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.55 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.17 per serving NMN per serving: 250 milligrams Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide Third-party testing: No	Description: Daily dose: One capsule Cost per serving: Annual: $0.71 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.90 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.20 per serving NMN per serving: 500 milligrams Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide Third-party testing: Yes	Description: Daily dose: Two capsules Cost per serving: Introductory monthly subscription: $2.43 per serving / Regular monthly subscription: $2.76 per serving / One-time purchase: $2.93 per serving NMN per serving: 900 milligrams Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, vitamin D3, trans-resveratrol, olive fruit extract, ergothioneine Third-party testing: Yes
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Best NMN Supplement Overall

Lifeforce Peak NMN

4.5

Description:

• Daily dose: Three capsules
• Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $3.00 per serving / Monthly subscription: $2.33 per serving
• NMN per serving: 375 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, berberine HCl, white mulberry extract, spermidine, lithium
• Third-party testing: No

Check Price

Best NMN and Resveratrol Supplement

Omre NMN + Resveratrol

4.5

Description:

• Daily dose: Two capsules
• Cost per serving: One-time purchase: $1.99 per serving / Monthly subscription: $1.89 per serving
• NMN per serving: 500 milligrams
• Key ingredients: NMN powder, resveratrol, BioPerine 
• Third-party testing: Yes

Check Price

Best Budget NMN Supplement

GenF20 Liposomal NMN+

3.5

Description:

• Daily dose: One capsule
• Cost per serving: Annual: $0.49 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.55 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.17 per serving
• NMN per serving: 250 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide
• Third-party testing: No

Check Price

Best Pure NMN Supplement

partiQlar Pure NMN

4.0

Description:

• Daily dose: One capsule
• Cost per serving: Annual: $0.71 per serving / Semi-annual: $0.90 per serving / One-time purchase: $1.20 per serving
• NMN per serving: 500 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide
• Third-party testing: Yes

Check Price

Best Anti-Aging NMN Supplement

Wonderfeel Youngr NMN

4.5

Description:

• Daily dose: Two capsules
• Cost per serving: Introductory monthly subscription: $2.43 per serving / Regular monthly subscription: $2.76 per serving / One-time purchase: $2.93 per serving
• NMN per serving: 900 milligrams
• Key ingredients: Nicotinamide mononucleotide, vitamin D3, trans-resveratrol, olive fruit extract, ergothioneine
• Third-party testing: Yes

Check Price

FAQs

Research

1. Rungratanawanich, W., Qu, Y., Wang, X. et al. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and other adducts in aging-related diseases and alcohol-mediated tissue injury. Exp Mol Med 53, 168–188 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-021-00561-7.
2. Liang Y, Xu X, Yin M, Zhang Y, Huang L, Chen R, Ni J. Effects of berberine on blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Endocr J. 2019 Jan 28;66(1):51-63. doi: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ18-0109. Epub 2018 Nov 3. PMID: 30393248.
3. Thondre, P.S., Lightowler, H., Ahlstrom, L. et al. Mulberry leaf extract improves glycaemic response and insulaemic response to sucrose in healthy subjects: results of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutr Metab (Lond) 18, 41 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-021-00571-2.
4. Kiechl S, Pechlaner R, Willeit P, Notdurfter M, Paulweber B, Willeit K, Werner P, Ruckenstuhl C, Iglseder B, Weger S, Mairhofer B, Gartner M, Kedenko L, Chmelikova M, Stekovic S, Stuppner H, Oberhollenzer F, Kroemer G, Mayr M, Eisenberg T, Tilg H, Madeo F, Willeit J. Higher spermidine intake is linked to lower mortality: a prospective population-based study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Aug 1;108(2):371-380. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy102. PMID: 29955838.
5. Igarashi, M., Nakagawa-Nagahama, Y., Miura, M. et al. Chronic nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation elevates blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and alters muscle function in healthy older men. npj Aging 8, 5 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-022-00084-z.
6. Tomé-Carneiro J, Gonzálvez M, Larrosa M, Yáñez-Gascón MJ, García-Almagro FJ, Ruiz-Ros JA, García-Conesa MT, Tomás-Barberán FA, Espín JC. One-year consumption of a grape nutraceutical containing resveratrol improves the inflammatory and fibrinolytic status of patients in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Am J Cardiol. 2012 Aug 1;110(3):356-63. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.03.030. Epub 2012 Apr 19. PMID: 22520621.
7. Zhu X, Wu C, Qiu S, Yuan X, Li L. Effects of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2017 Sep 22;14:60. doi: 10.1186/s12986-017-0217-z. PMID: 29018489; PMCID: PMC5610395.
8. Baur JA, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of resveratrol: the in vivo evidence. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2006 Jun;5(6):493-506. doi: 10.1038/nrd2060. Epub 2006 May 26. PMID: 16732220.
9. Leonard SS, Xia C, Jiang BH, Stinefelt B, Klandorf H, Harris GK, Shi X. Resveratrol scavenges reactive oxygen species and effects radical-induced cellular responses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2003 Oct 3;309(4):1017-26. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.08.105. PMID: 13679076.
10. Jang JH, Surh YJ. Protective effect of resveratrol on beta-amyloid-induced oxidative PC12 cell death. Free Radic Biol Med. 2003 Apr 15;34(8):1100-10. doi: 10.1016/s0891-5849(03)00062-5. PMID: 12684095.
11. Lagouge M, Argmann C, Gerhart-Hines Z, Meziane H, Lerin C, Daussin F, Messadeq N, Milne J, Lambert P, Elliott P, Geny B, Laakso M, Puigserver P, Auwerx J. Resveratrol improves mitochondrial function and protects against metabolic disease by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha. Cell. 2006 Dec 15;127(6):1109-22. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.11.013. Epub 2006 Nov 16. PMID: 17112576.
12. Gopi S, Balakrishnan P. Evaluation and clinical comparison studies on liposomal and non-liposomal ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and their enhanced bioavailability. J Liposome Res. 2021 Dec;31(4):356-364. doi: 10.1080/08982104.2020.1820521. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 32901526.
13. “Quality.” partiQlar, 6 Jan. 2023, partiqlar.com/quality/.
14. Fantini C, Corinaldesi C, Lenzi A, Migliaccio S, Crescioli C. Vitamin D as a Shield against Aging. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 25;24(5):4546. doi: 10.3390/ijms24054546. PMID: 36901976; PMCID: PMC10002864.
15. Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854. Epub 2010 Dec 10. PMID: 21154195.
16. D’Angelo C, Franceschelli S, Quiles JL, Speranza L. Wide Biological Role of Hydroxytyrosol: Possible Therapeutic and Preventive Properties in Cardiovascular Diseases. Cells. 2020 Aug 21;9(9):1932. doi: 10.3390/cells9091932. PMID: 32825589; PMCID: PMC7565717.
17. Paul BD. Ergothioneine: A Stress Vitamin with Antiaging, Vascular, and Neuroprotective Roles? Antioxid Redox Signal. 2022 Jun;36(16-18):1306-1317. doi: 10.1089/ars.2021.0043. Epub 2021 Dec 7. PMID: 34619979; PMCID: PMC9221166.
18. Shade C. The Science Behind NMN-A Stable, Reliable NAD+Activator and Anti-Aging Molecule. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2020 Feb;19(1):12-14. PMID: 32549859; PMCID: PMC7238909.
19. Mills KF, Yoshida S, Stein LR, Grozio A, Kubota S, Sasaki Y, Redpath P, Migaud ME, Apte RS, Uchida K, Yoshino J, Imai SI. Long-Term Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice. Cell Metab. 2016 Dec 13;24(6):795-806. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.013. Epub 2016 Oct 27. PMID: 28068222; PMCID: PMC5668137.
20. Liao B, Zhao Y, Wang D, Zhang X, Hao X, Hu M. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 Jul 8;18(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12970-021-00442-4. PMID: 34238308; PMCID: PMC8265078.
21. Tarantini S, Valcarcel-Ares MN, Toth P, Yabluchanskiy A, Tucsek Z, Kiss T, Hertelendy P, Kinter M, Ballabh P, Süle Z, Farkas E, Baur JA, Sinclair DA, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation rescues cerebromicrovascular endothelial function and neurovascular coupling responses and improves cognitive function in aged mice. Redox Biol. 2019 Jun;24:101192. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101192. Epub 2019 Apr 10. PMID: 31015147; PMCID: PMC6477631.

The post Best NMN Supplement: Fountain of Youth in a Bottle? (2023) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Originally posted at: http://www.nerdfitness.com/

So you’re interested in nutrition coaching?

Great! It’s a smart move for the right person. 

I’ve seen the power of it firsthand in our Online Coaching Program, with folks making small nutrition adjustments with big results.

But before you go and hire a nutrition coach, read this guide!

You see, in many places “nutritionist” is an unregulated term, so not all nutrition coaches you find will be equally qualified.

So let’s tell you what to look out for and whether you even need a nutrition coach to get started.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• What does a nutrition coach do?
• How can a nutrition coach help me?
• What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?
• What certifications should a nutrition coach have?
• Signs of a good nutrition coach (and signs of a bad one).
• How much does a nutrition coach cost?
• Do we even need a coach? (How to simplify nutrition).
• Is a nutrition coach worth it? 
• Hiring a nutrition coach (Next steps).

Let’s do this thang.

What Does a Nutrition Coach Do?

Nutrition coaches guide people’s dietary habits to improve their health, body composition, or athletic performance.

To do this correctly, a nutrition coach will need to know the science behind:

• How different macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs) affect the human body.
• Calories, metabolism, and energy balance.
• The vitamins and minerals found in our food.

In a nutshell, a good nutrition coach will know how to properly nourish the human body.

They can probably also tell you a little bit about nuts and their shells!

But being an expert in nutrition science is only half of it. The other half is people.

Yep, a nutrition coach also needs to be an expert on folks like us. Otherwise, it’s hard to help people develop new habits.

Because sure, a chicken salad for dinner could be a smart move.

But how do you make that realistic for someone like Mason, who’s constantly working and studying?

That’s where a coach comes in.

To be done well, nutrition coaching needs to include “behavior change,” which enters the realm of psychology.

So a nutrition coach needs to be an expert on two things:

• Nutrition science
• People

Without the second bullet, you’re just handing out good advice that no one will ever use. 

Before we go on, I will mention that through NF Coaching, we not only work on nutrition. But we also help build sustainable workout programs too! The goal is really to come at fitness from every angle, including exercise, nutrition, and mindset. We’ve learned this is the key to making changes that LAST.

If you’d like to learn more about it, you can scope out our program right here:

Click here to learn how we help folks master nutrition!

Okay, let’s talk a little more about how a nutrition coach can help.

How Can a Nutrition Coach Help Me?

There are all sorts of things a nutrition coach can help us with. 

For example, a good nutrition coach will provide:

#1) ACCOUNTABILITY

This is one of the top reasons people hire a coach in the first place. When we survey those who join NF Coaching, it’s often the number one reason folks join the program.

That’s because knowing what to do is one thing. Doing it is quite another.

When we’re accountable to someone else, whether it’s a coach or even a friend who’s on a similar mission, we’re more likely to follow through.

Heck, it’s one of the reasons Rebel Leader Steve has a strength coach, despite running a fitness company.

Here’s what Steve says about it:

I know when my coach asks me about my workout, I don’t want to let him down. So I just do the workout.

The same accountability can happen with nutrition.

For example, if we make a plan for meal prep on Sunday afternoon, we’re more likely to do it if we know our coach will ask about it on Monday.

Accountability can often be the missing piece for starting long-lasting change. 

#2) A PERSONALIZED APPROACH

It’s really easy to go online and find a bunch of free recipes for healthy meals.

For example, here are 26 such recipes.

While these recipes can be a great starting point, they often won’t help with individual challenges:

• What if we don’t have any time to cook?
• What if we have to deal with food allergies?
• What if we want to eat the same dinner as our family?

That’s where the help of a coach can be a game-changer.

They can offer specific recommendations around our unique challenges (and we all have unique challenges). Plus, they can check in with us to make sure their solutions are working.

If those solutions aren’t working for us – nbd. They’ll brainstorm new strategies we can implement.

This personalized solution can be very helpful if we haven’t had much success with a “right out of the box” approach.

#3) EXPERTISE

I mentioned earlier that a nutrition coach needs to be an expert on human nutrition.

This is helpful, so we don’t have to worry about:

• Is Keto the best strategy for weight loss?
• Why have so many people had success with Paleo?
• How does OMAD fit into this?

While it’s good to be curious about different diets, a nutrition coach can help separate fact from fiction when it comes to healthy eating. 

Otherwise, we might get tricked into following some terrible “crash diet” or some social media “fad diet.”

#4) GUIDANCE AROUND “HOW TO EAT”

Most people approach proper nutrition around “what to eat.” Just as important, however, can be “how to eat.”

For example, a nutrition coach can help us develop skills around:

• Eating mindfully and slowly. Our bodies take a while to recognize it’s full. That’s why slowing down and concentrating on our meals can help with portion control. Some skills that might help include using a meal timer, putting the fork down between bites, and eating without the TV or our phone (i.e., no distractions). 
• Recognizing hunger and fullness cues. Sometimes, we eat just to eat. Maybe we’re more bored than hungry. Maybe we’re stressed and find ourselves emotionally eating. To help fight this, we can keep a “Hunger and Fullness Journal.” With our journal, we rate our hunger from 1 to 10 before eating anything. If it’s less than 6 or 7, maybe we pause for 30 minutes or so and check back in later. It’s the same idea for our fullness. We’ll pause during the meal so we can ask “How hungry am I still?” If our hunger has subsided, maybe we save the rest of our food for later. The goal is to get to know our body’s hunger signals again.
• Creating a schedule for meals. Most people do best with eating on some type of routine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at roughly the same time. Our body will pick up on this and naturally get hungry at the times we normally eat. 

In our Online Coaching Program, we’ll often assign missions to work on a “how to eat” skill for the week:

• “This week, how about we put down our fork between bites?”
• “What if our next mission is to eat without the TV on?”
• “How do you feel about having dinner at the same time this week?”

These missions are discussed and built between the coach and client, so we can custom-make the best plan for you! After a few months of this, it can be surprising just how different our eating habits look.

#5) TOOLS FOR BUILDING HEALTHY HABITS

One of our head coaches is fond of saying “The secret to our program is we build long-term healthy habits together.”

Sure, it’s great if someone can work out 2x a week and eat healthy lunches every day for a month.

But it’s even BETTER if they can do it for the foreseeable future.

The difference between the two? 

Making them long-term habits.

A habit is something we do all the time, without much thought. Like bruising our teeth in the morning or showering at night.

We want our healthy eating behaviors to join this mix.

If a year from now, we’re still practicing the actions our nutrition coach recommended, then we’ll call that a major win.

Hiring a nutrition coach can absolutely be worth the investment if we continue our healthy habits after our time together is over. 

Next, let’s talk about what separates a dietitian from a nutritionist. 

What Is the Difference Between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The big difference between a “dietitian” and a “nutritionist” is the formal education required and the regulations that govern the use of the title. 

While they both have their time and place, it’s important to understand the difference between the two:

• Dietitians treat disease through nutrition and will often work within hospitals. For example, they might prescribe a diet to a patient with diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. They’ll likely hold the title of Registered Dietitian (RD).
• Nutritionists work with the general population to develop healthy eating behavior, often to meet a client’s personal goal. You might hear them referred to as a “Nutrition Coach.”

Throughout most of the world, the title of “dietitian” is regulated by a governing body, like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States.^[1]

While some states and countries do regulate the title of “nutritionist,” the requirements are often far less rigorous. 

Here’s another way to think of it: all “Dietitians” can likely call themselves “Nutritionists” but not all “Nutritionists” can call themselves “Dietitians.”

To become a dietitian in the US you need to:

• Earn an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Complete an internship
• Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam
• Obtain the appropriate state license
• Maintain said state license

What does it take to become a nutritionist?

Well, depending on where you live, it could be nothing.

Yep, you could print a business card with “nutritionist” on it and get to work.

Now, obviously, there’s a big difference between calling yourself a nutritionist and actually helping people.

Yeah…

However, that doesn’t mean a nutrition coach can’t be beneficial. 

Since the barrier to entry is lower, it’s often more affordable to hire a nutritionist or nutrition coach.

Plus, a nutrition coach will often work alongside a dietitian, helping to facilitate their prescription.

Much the same way an orthopedist might work with a physical therapist.

Next, let’s chat about some certifications we can look out for if we want to hunt down a well-trained nutrition coach. 

What Certifications Should a Nutrition Coach Have?

There are quite a few certification programs out there for nutrition.

Some are great!

Some are…not so great.

Let’s chat about some of the legit ones.

Here are some certifications to look for if we’re going to hire a nutrition coach:

#1) PRECISION NUTRITION CERTIFICATION LEVEL 1 (PN1)

One of the most well-respected certifications for nutrition comes from Precision Nutrition. 

In fact, when we hire coaches, it’s one of the qualifications we look out for!

PN states there’s “no best diet for everyone” and instead believes coaches should help their clients find the individualized nutrition plan that works best for them.

They’re one of the best in the business, and their curriculum has had a big impact on Nerd Fitness Coaching. 

#2) INTERNATIONAL SPORTS SCIENCES ASSOCIATION’S (ISSA) NUTRITIONIST CERTIFICATION

ISSA is an education company that does certifications for personal training and strength coaching.

They also offer a Nutrition Certification that is pretty well done. 

#3) THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SPORTS MEDICINE (NASM) NUTRITION CERTIFICATION

NASM is another name well-respected in the fitness industry. 

While they mainly certify personal trainers, they also offer a comprehensive nutrition certification.

Now, these three companies aren’t the only organizations that do good work with nutrition certifications. But this can start to give us an idea of things to look out for when seeking out a nutrition coach.

Signs of a Good Nutrition Coach (and Signs of a Bad One)

Not all nutrition coaches will be created equal:

• A good coach will work with us to develop a healthier relationship with food, focusing on habits that will help us reach our goals.
• A bad coach will just tell us to eat more broccoli (thanks Coach, super helpful).

Outside of the credentials we discussed in the last section, here are some other signs to look out for:

#1) They ask us a lot of questions

A good nutrition coach will want to learn about us before they recommend anything.

They’ll ask us questions like:

• What are your goals?
• What’s been your previous experience with weight loss or gain?
• How do you normally eat today?
• What’s your schedule like?
• What other priorities do you have?

Without this information, it’s very difficult to help someone.

If a nutrition coach doesn’t ask us a bunch of questions, that’s a huge giant red flag.

#2) They’ll work with us to create an action plan

The name of the game here is “long-lasting change.”

To do that, habits need to be created TOGETHER.

If our coach just tells us what to do, without any input from us, it might fall flat.

For example:

• If a coach tells us to batch cook on Sunday, but we don’t know how to work an oven, this won’t fly (here’s how to cook some easy meals btw).
• Let’s say we want to eat dinner with our family. Well, our coach’s advice to eat the same thing over and over might cause our kids to revolt (“Chicken AGAIN…gag”).

If a coach creates a plan that never addresses what we can do or what we want to do, it’s destined to fail.

#3) They’ll monitor our progress

Any halfway-decent coach is going to check in frequently for a status update.

As they say, that which gets measured gets managed, so a good nutrition coach will gather data on things like:

• Body Measurements. How much we weigh, waist circumference, etc.
• Strength. If we’re trying to grow strong, our coach might check to see if we’re increasing in weight with our resistance training. 
• Lab test results. Maybe we have some health metrics, like cholesterol levels, we’re trying to change.
• Compliance. Let’s say we have a goal of eating a vegetable with every dinner. Are we actually doing it?
• Confidence. Our confidence levels can often be a good indicator of how we’re doing in a program.

If a nutrition coach doesn’t check in on how you’re doing, consider that another big red flag!

#4) They’ll base their recommendations on outcomes

A good nutrition coach is like a scientist.

Their recommendations are almost like experiments. They’ll ask themselves questions like:

• Did my clients perform their assigned tasks?
• Is it helping them with their goals?
• Are they enjoying themselves?

Like any good scientist, they won’t judge the outcome. 

If under certain conditions an experiment catches fire…well…we now know what will set the experiment ablaze.

“Day 9…still catching fire.”

So a good nutrition coach will constantly reflect on what our feedback means:

• Scenario – “After working on it all week, my client still doesn’t have enough time to make breakfast.” 
• Possible Solution – “Perhaps we should propose making a protein smoothie the night before?”
• Scenario – “Despite the changes we’ve made, my client hasn’t been losing weight.” 
• Possible Solution – “Maybe it’s time for a food journal, so we can both see how many calories they’re eating?”
• Scenario – “My client easily obtained protein with every meal last week.”
• Possible Solution – “Maybe we should scale this up, and include a vegetable with every meal now too?”

That’s why a good nutrition coach is constantly changing their action plan, based on the outcomes they see and record.

#5) They know when to refer out

There are some things a nutrition coach can’t help us with.

That would be any kind of medical intervention. 

If we need someone to “prescribe” a diet to treat any kind of disease (Crohn’s, Hashimoto’s, etc.), we’ll need an actual Registered Dietitian or other medical professionals to do so.

While a nutrition coach can help with the implementation of that treatment (“Here are some ways to get more iron in your diet”), the actual treatment needs to come from someone properly qualified.

Plus, a good nutrition coach will understand this. They’ll recognize their own lane and know when it’s time to refer out (and might even have some recommendations if you don’t know who to talk to).

How Much Does a Nutrition Coach Cost?

The cost of a nutritionist is really going to be variable.

But you can expect to pay $50 to $150 for a one-hour session with a nutrition coach.^[2] 

Note: Insurance will generally not cover a nutrition coach or nutritionist unless they are a registered dietitian.

This leads to another question…

How much does a registered dietitian cost?

Again, it’s variable, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $100 to $200 for a one-hour session with a dietitian.^[3]

This might be covered by insurance, but usually only when there’s a diagnosis that requires nutrition counseling. 

If the cost of a nutritionist seems too high, it might be worth considering…

Do We Even Need a Nutrition Coach? (or How to Simplify Nutrition)

Before we go out and hire a nutrition coach, it might be worth asking ourselves a couple of questions: 

Am I making this harder than it needs to be?

Could I benefit from making nutrition super simple?

As Coach Staci explains in the video above, overcomplicating nutrition could look like this:

• Weighing all our food.
• Calculating the correct macronutrient split.
• Daily fasts.

Now, there’s a time and place for all this. But there’s also a time and place to ignore it.

Coach Staci has had clients absolutely convinced they had to weigh their food to lose weight. 

They’ll start out good, weighing everything they eat. This generally only lasts for a week or so, because they quickly grow annoyed at the overwhelming amount of work involved! 

So they quit. 

Instead of this, maybe we start off smaller and simpler.

To improve nutrition, try these three things:

1. Have a glass of water with every meal.
2. Have a lean source of protein at every meal.
3. Have a vegetable with every meal.

That’s it! Let’s just do those three things.

Don’t worry about Keto, Paleo, or Plant-Based. 

Just make sure to drink enough water, get plenty of protein, and eat lots of veggies.

Then we can worry about all sorts of complicated nutrition stuff.

Is a Nutrition Coach Worth It?

Ultimately, the question of whether or not a nutrition coach is worth it will come down to a few things:

• Our goals
• What we need help with
• What kind of coach is available to us

If it can be done on our own, great!

I’ve seen all sorts of Rebels grab a map and make their way to Mordor.

But, I’ve also seen lots of Rebels who’ve benefited from their very own Gandalf.

Someone who knows the way, and has helped people achieve similar goals. 

A good nutrition coach can 100% be this…if we find the right one.

Remember, “nutritionist” isn’t always a regulated term, so do a little research before jumping in.

Here’s something else to consider: some personal trainers ALSO offer nutrition coaching.

Many coaches are combining traditional personal training services like programming workouts alongside nutrition counseling, since the two can often be dependent on one another.

That’s more or less the basis of NF Coaching. Our coaches customize exercise routines, plus help our clients build healthy habits around nutritious eating (done all online).

We’ve found that lasting success often combines BOTH diet and exercise, so we don’t ignore either.

Plus, it’s often a better value to bundle both services together.

If you’re interested in seeing if one of our coaches can help you adjust your nutrition ( while also growing stronger), you can see if we’re a good fit for each other right here:

See how a Nerd Fitness Coach can help you develop healthy eating habits.

How to Hire a Nutrition Coach (Next Steps)

So you’ve decided you want to hire a nutrition coach?

Sweet!

Here’s what to do:

• Determine goals. We don’t want to start this process blindly. Figure out some goals and write them down. Any good coach is going to ask us about them right away.
• Formulate the scope. Do we need a medical professional for a prescribed way of eating? Or can a more generalized approach work? Do we want to meet someone in person or online?
• Compare qualifications. Anyone can throw the word “nutrition coach” on their resume. So look at their qualifications. Are they certified? Do they have a track record for helping people? Don’t hire the first nutrition coach found. Do some research!
• Determine what “success” looks like. How will we know if we’re on the right track? Is it eating more vegetables? Losing 10 pounds? Ask what a successful result will look like.
• Get started. Write out some goals, do your research, and then act! Hiring a nutrition coach isn’t like getting married – we can always leave our coach after a month or two. Don’t let the search for the “perfect coach” prevent us from getting started.

That should help with hiring a nutrition coach.

Alright, I want to hear from you now:

Are you considering hiring a nutrition coach?

What behaviors do you need help with?

Any tips for hiring a good coach I’m missing?

Let me know in the comments!

-Paul Aguilar

PS: Make sure you check out The Nerd’s Guide to Healthy Eating for tips on how to make small tips on how to improve your nutrition. 

###

Photo source: In 2015, the first woman coach was hired by a Major League Baseball team., ©Ekaterina Minaeva/123RF.COM, Four Bricks Tall, Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Mr. Bundit Chailaipanich/123RF.COM, ©rosinka79/123RF.COM, ©Lightfieldstudios/123RF.COM, bicycle 

The post What Can I Expect From Nutrition Coaching? (5 Benefits) first appeared on Nerd Fitness.

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Research of the Week

The biggest explosion in intelligence occurred after the Gorilla line split from the Hominid line.

Less testosterone, more arthritis.

Obesity and sarcopenia are a lethal combo for fall risk in older adults.

Physical activity reduces depressive symptoms in long-term caregivers of ill family members.

Older heart disease patients are probably low in CoQ10.

New Primal Kitchen Podcasts

Primal Kitchen Podcast: The Benefits of Medical Marijuana and Psychedelics

Primal Health Coach Radio: Dr. Kirk Parsley

Primal Health Coach Radio: Mark England

Media, Schmedia

Penguins are constantly napping, awakening, and napping again.

Interesting Blog Posts

How to be more lucky.

Social Notes

Get outside.

Everything Else

Heavy sled drags improve sprint performance.

HIIT reduces visceral fat.

Things I’m Up to and Interested In

Reminder: Your cat might be willing to eat you.

Of course: Collagen improves recovery from resistance training.

Not surprised: Swapping out non-caloric beverages for milk increases nutrient intake for children.

Interesting: Google Bard outperforms ChatGPT in mass casualty incident triage.

We’ll see: New drug to extend dog lifespan approved.

Question I’m Asking

Are you getting outside despite the cold?

Recipe Corner

• If you’re going to make cookies, try these gluten-free snickerdoodles.
• Butternut squash soup.

Time Capsule

One year ago (Nov 18 – Dec 1)

• What is Chrononutrition?—What is it?
• What to Eat Before a Workout—What to eat.

Comment of the Week

“Maybe the LDL gene editing study will finally put the cholesterol-heart-disease theory to death?”

-It’ll certainly tell us something.

The post New and Noteworthy: What I Read This Week—Edition 247 appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

Originally Posted At: https://breakingmuscle.com/feed/rss

Getting in shape and eating healthier tops many people’s New Year resolution lists. Even if you already work out consistently and follow a solid nutrition plan, the new year can be an excellent time to set new fitness goals or try a new program. To help you kickstart your health and wellness journey for 2024, we’ve compiled a list of the best New Year’s fitness sales.

We’ll update this page frequently as we gather more information about New Year’s sales, so be sure to bookmark it and keep checking back so you don’t miss any deals.

• Featured New Year’s Fitness Sales of 2024
• Best New Year’s Sales on Cardio Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Strength Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Smart Home Gym Equipment
• Best New Year’s Sales on Supplements and Nutrition
• Best New Year’s Sales on Apparel

Featured New Year’s Fitness Sales of 2024

REP Fitness

Last year, REP offered discounts throughout their site on select products

Get Deal

NordicTrack

Last year, NordicTrack offered discounts of up to $500 off on cardio equipment

Get Deal

Tonal

Last year, Tonal offered a 90-day free trial with all purchases made through the end of January. If you didn’t like it, you could return it for a full refund.

Get Deal

Best New Year’s Sales on Cardio Equipment

The new year is a popular time to buy the best cardio machines, as many people are eager to start or re-establish healthy habits. Fortunately, cardio equipment brands make it easier on your wallet by offering significant savings on rowers, ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bikes, and more.

• Aviron: Last year, Aviron offered $300 off the Impact and Strong Series rowers for subscribers
• CAROL Bike: The CAROL Bike was $250 off for New Year’s last year
• Echelon: Last year, Echelon offered up to 20% off all connected and strength training equipment plus free shipping
• Horizon Fitness: For New Year’s 2023, Horizon offered massive savings of up to $1,000 off cardio equipment
• Hydrow: Through January 9, 2023, rowers and rower packages were up to $300 off, and Hydrow offered free standard delivery
• Life Fitness: Strength and cardio equipment were up to 50% off last year
• NordicTrack: Last year’s deal was up to $500 off cardio equipment
• Schwinn: Last year, buyers could save up to $200 and get free shipping on all exercise bikes
• Sole: Select treadmills were discounted last year

Best New Year’s Sales on Strength Equipment

Excited to lift some heavy weights and set PRs in the new year? Check out the deals below from some of our favorite strength equipment brands.

• Bells of Steel: Last year, select items on Bells of Steel’s website were up to 40% off
• Force USA: Last year, shoppers could get a free barbell on X-Series models or a free dip handle attachment with any MyRack purchase
• Fringe Sport: In 2023, Fringe Sport offered 5% off all purchases from December 26 through January 2 and 10% off all gym packages starting January 2
• PRx Performance: The brand offered 10% off orders of $1,750 or more last year
• REP Fitness: Last year, REP offered deals on select items, and we’re hoping to see the same this year. Plus, you can always check out our REP Fitness discount code page for additional ways to save.
• Rogue Fitness: To ring in 2023, Rogue offered daily deals, HUNDO pricing, free shipping, and more
• Titan Fitness: Last year, we saw multiple flash deals, including up to $200 off strength training equipment

Best New Year’s Sales on Smart Home Gym Equipment

Smart home gym equipment can be a great solution for those with limited space, as it gives you access to features like auto-adjusting weights in one compact unit. But it can be even more expensive than a top-notch barbell and squat rack combined, so waiting for a good holiday sale is usually worth it.

• Tonal: Last year, through January 31, you could try Tonal for free for 90 days. If you weren’t satisfied, you could return it within 90 days of installation and get a full refund.

Best New Year’s Sales on Supplements and Nutrition

A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just require consistent exercise. A proper diet is also essential, whether you want to lose weight or build muscle. Products like protein powder can help with either goal, and we’ve compiled the best New Year’s deals on supplements from the brands we trust the most.

• Kaged: Last year, this brand that makes my favorite pre-workout offered 20% off through January 31 with the code NEWME20
• Myprotein: Last year, Myprotein offered 50% off hundreds of items and 30% off all others with the code SAVE30

Best New Year’s Sales on Fitness Apparel

I pretty much live in leggings and workout apparel, so I’m always on the hunt for discounts on gym clothes. We’re still waiting for sales for 2024 to come in, but here are the deals we saw last year on some popular apparel brands.

• Adidas: Adidas offered up to 60% off apparel, shoes, and accessories last year
• Columbia: Select items were up to 60% off last year
• Fabletics: Last year, new VIP members could get 70% off everything
• lululemon: This popular men’s and women’s fitness and lifestyle apparel brand offered discounts on shorts, leggings, and much more last year
• Nike: Last year, with the code CHEERS, shoppers could get an additional 20% off select sale styles
• Reebok: Reebok ran an end-of-year sale last year where you could get an extra 50% off with the code EOSS

How to Find the Best New Year’s Fitness Sales

Consider Your Must-Have Features and Set a Budget

I know from personal experience how easy it is to blow a huge chunk of money on workout equipment. I’d argue that investing in items that can improve your health and wellness is worth it, but I also recognize the importance of saving money.

By doing some research in the weeks leading up to New Year’s Day, you’ll get a good idea of how much various exercise equipment costs and what you get for the price. For example, you can buy a rowing machine with a touchscreen monitor and the ability to stream classes for over $2,000. Or, for less than $500, you can buy a model with a simple screen that tracks a few basic performance metrics.

Once you identify the features that are most important to you, you can decide how much you’re willing to spend to get everything you want in your desired piece of equipment — just make sure you stick to your budget! And if you’re struggling to find equipment in your price range, check out our guide on the best budget home gym equipment.

Check the Pricing History

As someone who loves shopping, I’ve become familiar with the (sometimes shady) selling tactics of various retailers. They’ll jack up the prices of their items right before the holiday season, then offer discounts on the increased price. Unknowing shoppers may not even realize this happens and think they’re getting a good deal. In reality, they’re essentially paying the original price.

I recommend using tools like Karma to look up the pricing history of your desired gym equipment. For products sold on Amazon, Camelcamelcamel is a good resource.

Read Customer Reviews

In addition to checking the pricing history of the equipment you want, I recommend reading reviews — from multiple places, if possible. Some companies hide negative reviews on their websites, so you won’t learn the common complaints about a particular item unless you check various sources.

At Breaking Muscle, it’s our job to review fitness products, and we don’t shy away from pointing out the benefits and drawbacks of the items we test. To help guide you toward making the right decision for your needs, we’ve compiled several guides on the best home gym equipment:

• Best treadmills
• Best rowing machines
• Best squat racks
• Best barbells
• Best weight benches
• Best adjustable dumbbells
• Best kettlebells
• Best resistance bands
• Best massage guns
• Best CrossFit shoes

Read the Fine Print

When dropping potentially thousands of dollars on a large piece of gym equipment, you’ll want to ensure your money won’t be wasted if something is wrong with it or you don’t like it. Read up on things like:

• The company’s return policy
• Whether or not there’s a free trial
• How long the warranty lasts and what it covers
• Whether or not you can finance the item

FAQs

The post New Year’s Fitness Sales (2024) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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As a home gym owner with a keen eye for budget-friendly strength equipment, getting great value is one of the most important factors when deciding whether to pull the trigger on a potential purchase. However, when it comes to the uber-competitive adjustable bench market, it’s tough to contend against Rogue and REP Fitness — companies known for producing highly-rated options like the Adjustable Bench 3.0 and the AB-5200. Yet despite being better known for their power racks than their weight benches, Titan raised their standards and finally delivered a fully adjustable version that can more than hold its own against the giants of the industry.

In this Titan Series Adjustable Bench review, we’ll dive deep into what makes this newly released model arguably the best value in the industry. From its attractive price point to its sleek appearance to its wide range of adjustable positions, this well-designed Titan bench can handle all your heavy bench presses and other lifts without taking a huge bite out of your garage gym budget.

Key Takeaways

• The Titan Series Adjustable Bench costs $449.99, making it one of the best budget-friendly options if you’re looking for a high-quality adjustable bench that won’t break the bank.
• This newly released bench features nine back pad positions and three seat pad positions, giving you 27 custom configurations to perform a variety of free-weight exercises.
• Tipping the scales at 120 pounds, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench has a 1,000-pound weight capacity for the flat position and a 600-pound max for the incline position.

Titan Series Adjustable Bench

4.3

• Dimensions: 17” H x 56.5” L x 24.75” W
• Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds (flat), 600 pounds (incline)
• Materials: 11-gauge steel frame, HeftyGrip Vinyl
• Warranty: One-year warranty

Check Price

Titan Series Adjustable Bench Pros

• Made with 11-gauge steel, this heavy-duty adjustable bench is incredibly sturdy. Titan took the stability factor to the max by welding the entire frame together (other than the back foot), leaving essentially zero wriggle room and creating ultra-tight tolerances.
• Titan’s HeftyGrip Vinyl compares favorably to the material used on more expensive weight benches like the REP Fitness BlackWing. Thick and durable, it provides an extra grippy surface for you to perform your lifts so you don’t have to worry about sliding around or feeling unsafe.
• With a $450 price tag that includes free shipping, this Titan bench provides excellent bang for your buck. You can use those extra savings to invest in better bumper plates, an Olympic barbell for CrossFit-style workouts, or other strength equipment to round out your home gym.

Titan Series Adjustable Bench Cons

• Despite a solid overall design, this adjustable weight bench isn’t quite as comfortable as some of its competitors when used in a flat position due to the 1.5-inch gap between the seat pad and back pad. The hinge that moves both pads can dig into your back if you’re positioned lower on the bench.
• Unlike the BlackWing model from REP Fitness, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench does not accommodate attachments like a leg roller. This limits your ability to use the bench to perform accessory exercises such as sit-ups, crunches, and Nordic curls.
• Titan only offers a one-year warranty period for all products. On the other end of the spectrum, Rogue includes a limited lifetime warranty on all frames and a three-year warranty on sewn items.

Titan Series Adjustable Bench Rating

From price to padding to portability, our Breaking Muscle Team assesses weight benches using a propriety scoring system we developed from testing dozens of different benches to perform a variety of free-weight exercises. We look for critical factors that lead to a positive purchasing experience, including how well the bench is made, how easy it is to use, and how many adjustable positions you have at your disposal.

Here’s how the Titan Series Adjustable Bench fared across each category:

Titan Series Adjustable Bench In-Depth Review

It’s never too late to change your reputation. While Titan hasn’t earned a ton of praise for their benches before, that will surely change once more lifters get a chance to try out their newest creation. Safe, sturdy, and supportive, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench seems more than capable of serving as the only bench in your home gym for years to come.

Not only does it give you the versatility to adjust the seat pad and back pad, but it’s also designed to store vertically — a neat feature that cuts down on the bench’s footprint. Most importantly, though, Titan’s latest release comes in at a price point that makes it the best value, even in a crowded market full of high-quality adjustable bench options. 

Price and Value

It almost seems too good to be true for an adjustable bench built to International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards to be available for well under $500. Yet thanks to Titan, you can enjoy the benefits of having a flat, upright, and incline bench all in one for the tidy price of $449.99. Plus, you don’t have to leave any room in your budget for freight costs, as Titan offers free shipping on all orders.

Compared to other similar adjustable benches, the Titan Series comes at a more affordable price point. For example, although REP marked its popular AB-5200 model down to $449.99 as part of a Black Friday sale, it typically costs about $500. Meanwhile, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 normally costs $50 more than its current sale price of $545.

Considering you get two more back pad adjustment choices with the Titan Series for less money, it’s hard to put the AB-5200 above its competitor from a value standpoint. Plus, Titan offers two- and three-year protection plans for $54.99 and $64.99, respectively, along with flexible payment options.

Overall, Titan deserves a tip of the cap for pricing their top-end bench at a budget-friendly rate. We rated it 5 out of 5 stars for price and value.

Construction Quality

The aptly named Titan Series certainly meets the mark from a quality standpoint. Despite being priced rather aggressively, Titan didn’t go the cheap route with the materials on what should become their signature bench.

Built with 11-gauge steel that’s known for holding up well over time, it epitomizes the word “sturdy.” Actually, our team found the Titan Series Adjustable Bench to outrank the Rogue AB 3.0 from that perspective, highlighting that the bench did not budge an inch during testing. That type of stability speaks volumes about Titan’s innovative engineering, as the decision to weld the base into one solid piece contributes to the bench’s sturdiness.

Titan also went the extra mile in other areas. A knurled handle in a powder-coated black finish on the front post plate feels rock-solid and makes maneuvering the bench much easier. Meanwhile, a plate with UHMD plastic on the top of the back pad allows you to store the bench upright securely.

Finally, the HeftyGrip vinyl that covers the durable padding made our team feel right at home. With ample support from the steel frame, thick padding, and extra-grippy vinyl, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench scored 5 out of 5 stars for construction quality.

Delivery and Assembly

Titan takes some of the financial burden off your shoulders by offering free shipping on all orders. Eager to try out the brand’s newest foray into the adjustable bench world, our team did not encounter any issues during the delivery process. Sent to our Springfield, MO, headquarters via UPS/FedEx in one box that was sturdy but still easily movable, it didn’t take long for our testers to have the Titan Series Adjustable Bench up and running.

In fact, the assembly process proved far easier (and quicker) than past experiences with other benches that require multiple tools and a ton of patience. Because the base is all in one piece, you only need to attach the pads and wheels on the back. 

That smart design choice by Titan — which also likely reduced the manufacturing and shipping costs — helped this bench score 5 out of 5 stars for delivery and assembly.

Dimensions

At 17 inches tall, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench meets the IPF standard for height. A 40-inch-long back pad and a 12-inch long seat pad make it one of the longer benches in its category. With a total length of 56.5 inches, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench measures 4.5 inches longer than the REP AB-5200. However, it actually weighs five pounds less (120) than one of REP’s most popular models.

Unfortunately, one dimension-related flaw stood out for our testing team: the 1.5-inch pad gap. Having that space between the back and seat pads can cause discomfort, especially because the hinge that moves both pads sits fairly high and digs into your back. If you don’t want to deal with a seat gap at all, the REP BlackWing or the AB-5000 are excellent options that still give you plenty of adjustable positions.

All in all, this bench scored 4 out of 5 stars for dimensions, as the potential discomfort from the hinge inside the pad gap knocks the rating down a notch.

Padding

If sturdiness matters most in a bench, then comfortability doesn’t fall far behind. While budget-friendly benches on Amazon often come with cheaper, thinner padding, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench features the exact opposite.

Measuring 2.5 inches thick, both the seat pad and the back pad provided plenty of support for our testers as they performed rows and the flat bench press. Plus, lifters with broader frames won’t have to worry about pad width problems, as the back pad is a great size at 12 inches. As someone with a wide upper body, I can appreciate Titan’s decision to use a wide enough back pad that allows you to bench without having your shoulders roll off.

Part of that also has to do with the extra-grippy HeftyGrip Vinyl that envelops the thick padding. Our testers said it felt similar to the vinyl REP uses on their benches, which shows Titan is serious about contending with the big-time bench manufacturers. From a padding perspective, we gave the Titan Series Adjustable Bench 5 out of 5 stars.

Footprint and Portability

Based on its dimensions, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench has a footprint of 9.71 feet. As one of the longer adjustable benches on the market, it has a more sizable footprint than the REP AB-5200, which checks in at just 8.25 square feet. On the other hand, the REP BlackWing has a far larger footprint than the Titan Bench at 10.7 square feet.

Tipping the scales at 120 pounds, this well-built bench surprisingly wasn’t too difficult to maneuver. Our testing team took advantage of the knurled handle in the front and the oversized rear wheels in the back to move the bench around and store it upright using the rubber stopper on the back. Titan’s space-saving design allows you to reduce the overall footprint from 9.71 to just 2.92 square feet, making it a great fit if you have a smaller home gym. 

Despite being a longer bench, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench should still fit well into your space, and having the ability to store it vertically can save you valuable room. Plus, Titan smartly used an enclosed ladder system to prevent the adjustment arm from sliding out of place when the bench is stored upright. We scored it 4 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.

Performance and Ease of Use

Although our team has been left disappointed in the past by some Titan benches, this model made them reconsider their stance. They were already impressed by its rugged look before using it for a single lift. The Titan Series Adjustable Bench backed up its impressive appearance with a flawless performance.

Utilized for both single-arm dumbbell rows and dumbbell bench presses, our testers had no trouble using the ladder-style adjustment system to go from a flat position to an upright angle. The inclusion of red anodized knobs also made it simple to go from one position to the next. Our team also enjoyed being able to anchor their feet securely thanks to the inclusion of a single front post plate that’s fairly narrow. Meanwhile, the bench’s rubber feet keep it firmly anchored to the floor.

However, Titan did drop the ball a bit by using a metal joint between the back and seat pads that comes up a little too high. If you are too low on the bench, the hinge can cause discomfort in your back and create an unnecessary distraction that could affect your performance.

Overall, though, this straightforward, no-nonsense bench was easy to use and seems more than capable of being the only bench in your home gym. The Titan Series Adjustable Bench received 4.5 out of 5 stars for its impressive performance and ease of use.

Incline Levels

Because it’s not an FID bench, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench does have some limitations. Still, it’s tough to complain about a sub-$500 bench that gives you nine back pad positions (0, 15, 30, 38, 45, 55, 60, 70, and 85 degrees) from which to choose. Plus, seat angles of 0, 15, and 30 degrees open the door to 27 configurations for your home workouts.

The ladder-style adjustment system on this bench will look familiar if you’ve ever used a Rogue bench. Nearly identical in design, it features a bolt wrapped in heavy-duty UHMW plastic that made a pleasing clicking sound when our testers changed the position of the bench. The laser-cut numbers on the seat and back pads also made it simple for our team to identify the angle they wanted to set the bench.

By comparison, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 provides slightly more flexibility with your angle options, as it has 10 back pad positions. Meanwhile, the REP Fitness AB-5200 only offers seven, along with the same three seat pad angles.

Overall, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench has enough options to get the job done and utilizes a user-friendly ladder system that feels secure. Although it would be great to have decline position options, we still gave this bench 4 out of 5 stars for incline levels.

Warranty

Titan Fitness falls short of the competition with their warranty policy. The company only offers a one-year limited warranty with all of their products, including the Titan Series Adjustable Bench. According to Titan’s website, the warranty coverage only includes defects in material or workmanship and excludes accidents, damage, negligence, improper assembly and maintenance, abnormal operating conditions, and alterations.

On the other hand, REP Fitness includes a 10-year warranty on bench frames, plus a one-year warranty on sewn items. Rogue takes customer service even further with a limited lifetime warranty on frames that voids if a product has been damaged due to negligent or faulty use, alteration, maintenance, storage, or handling by the user. In addition, Rogue covers sewn items for up to three years.

Finally, Force USA backs up its benches with a lifetime warranty for frames, a 10-year warranty on moving parts, and one year of coverage for upholstery and attachments. This applies to equipment used exclusively in private indoor home settings, such as basements and garages.

Ultimately, Titan doesn’t come close to other bench manufacturers from a coverage perspective. Since you only get a one-year warranty protecting your $450 investment, we scored the Titan Series Adjustable Bench 2 out of 5 stars in this category.

RELATED: Titan X-3 Power Rack Review

Titan Series Adjustable Bench Specs

Not only did Titan produce a bench that meets International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards, but they did so at an excellent price point. Built to handle all your lifts without busting your home gym budget, this adjustable bench looks, feels, and performs like one that should be more expensive. From its pad dimensions to its weight capacity, here are the full specs for the Titan Series Adjustable Bench.

Dimensions

The Titan Series Adjustable Bench measures 56.5 inches long, 24.75 inches wide, and 17 inches tall for a total footprint of 9.71 square feet. This 120-pound heavy-duty bench has a back pad that’s 40 inches long and 12 inches wide.

Meanwhile, the seat pad measures 12 inches long and 12 inches wide. There’s also a 1.5-inch gap between the back and seat pads.

Materials

Titan built its newest adjustable bench with high-quality materials, including 11-gauge steel for the frame — the same material used in REP’s AB-5200 and BlackWing models and the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0. This helps give the bench its sturdy feel and 1,000-pound weight capacity, with the powder-coated black finish providing a badass overall look.

For the padding, Titan used their HeftyGrip polyurethane vinyl, which our testers found to be extra grippy and comfortable. Red anodized knobs add a nice visual and tactile touch to the design. Plus, a knurled stainless steel handle makes transporting the bench a breeze.

Pad Thickness

Titan Fitness didn’t skimp on the padding, as both the back pad and seat pad measure 2.5 inches thick. This makes for a comfortable lifting experience, as you feel fully supported from end to end.

Weight Capacity

The Titan Series Adjustable Bench has a max weight capacity of 1,000 pounds in the flat position. This puts it right on par with the BlackWing and the AB-5200 models from REP Fitness. In addition, the Titan Series has an angled weight capacity of 600 pounds, which is just 100 pounds shy of how much the REP AB-4100 can support in a flat position.

Titan Series Adjustable Bench vs. Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0

Ironically, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 seems to be one of the sources of inspiration behind the design of Titan’s newest adjustable bench. Built to nearly the same specifications using almost the same exact materials, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench compares favorably to one of Rogue’s most popular models.

Still, there are some important differences to note between the two models. First, the Titan Series costs significantly less, checking in at $450. On the other hand, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 requires a more substantial investment of $595. Plus, upgrading to a stainless steel frame increases the total cost to nearly $700.

Second, the Titan Series doesn’t offer the same flexibility when it comes to adjustments and finish options. While having 27 configurations should be enough for most home gym owners, Rogue’s model provides 30 thanks to 10 incline positions ranging from 0 to 85 degrees and three seat positions (0, 15, and 30 degrees). In addition, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench only comes in a powder-coated black finish, whereas the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is available in 10 colors: black, gun metal, blue, bright green, red, white, dark red, burnt orange, dark blue, and satin clear.

Finally, consider where your bench comes from. If you prefer USA-made fitness products, Rogue is the way to go. If you’re comfortable investing in a bench that’s made overseas, there’s certainly nothing wrong with opting for the more affordable Titan Series Adjustable Bench.

Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0

4.5

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 52” L x 11” W
• Weight capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Materials: 11-gauge steel, vinyl cover, rubber feet
• Warranty: Limited lifetime on the frame

Check Price

Titan Series Adjustable Bench Customer Reviews

Because it’s a new release, there are currently no reviews available for the Titan Series Adjustable Bench. However, given its impressive spec list, high-quality build materials, and ability to be used in 27 configurable positions, we expect it to earn high marks from customers who get a chance to explore all of its capabilities. 

Final Verdict: Is the Titan Series Adjustable Bench Worth It?

Even though Titan benches typically fall short of expectations, that’s simply not the case with their newest model. The design team deserves major props for putting together a true FID weight bench that provides 27 possible configurations in a well-priced package. Built from high-quality materials that should prove durable over time, this bench packs a serious punch, especially considering how cheap it is compared to similar offerings from REP and Rogue.

While the seat gap issue shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s difficult to find any other obvious flaws with what should become the company’s flagship bench. If you’re looking to preserve some of your home gym budget, the Titan Series Adjustable Bench is an ideal solution that will allow you to still have the financial flexibility to purchase other fitness products and strength equipment accessories.

FAQs

The post Titan Series Adjustable Bench Review (2023) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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As if attempting to match Ronnie Coleman’s best lifts wasn’t challenging enough, Mitchell Hooper also tried to keep pace with another all-time great’s signature workout. Although the reigning World’s Strongest Man typically doesn’t focus on getting a pump during his training, he had no choice but to embrace that satisfying feeling Arnold Schwarzenegger strived for during his legendary gym sessions.

In a video posted on his YouTube page on Nov. 13, 2023, Hooper tried the seven-time Mr. Olympia winner’s iconic back and biceps workout. Needless to say, the high-volume style of training gave the Canadian strongman an even deeper appreciation for Schwarzenegger’s accomplishments.

Always up for a challenge, Hooper tested his upper-body strength and stamina via a series of back and biceps exercises that left his muscles thoroughly taxed. Paying homage to arguably the most popular bodybuilder ever to live, it didn’t take long for the talented strongman to understand the differences between how athletes from each sport benefit from their specific training modalities.

Hooper kicked off the session with four back exercises before finishing up with several curl variations. The workout begins about 40 seconds into the video.

Wide-Grip Pull-Up

Tipping the scales at about 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Hooper recruited his lats to lift his sizable frame to the top of the assisted pull-up machine. Going with a wide grip led to enhanced lat engagement and allowed the Ontario native to better utilize his rhomboids and trapezius muscles.

After completing his second set, Hooper took a look at some of Schwarzenegger’s best lifts, which included a 498-pound (226-kilogram) bench press and a 709.9-pound (322-kilogram) deadlift. Despite not being overly impressed by those numbers, Hooper acknowledged that bodybuilders have a distinct advantage in one key area.

“Upper body strength is disproportionally good in bodybuilders because their muscle mass is so high up there,” he explained. “I don’t know what that is. Maybe strongmen should do a lot more upper body accessory work than we do because bodybuilders are so strong comparatively.

Following that brief rest period, Hooper wrapped up the first portion of the workout by completing three more sets of wide-grip pull-ups.

T-Bar Row

Next, Hooper went with a variation of one of Schwarzenegger’s favorite exercises: the T-bar row. Starting with three 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) plates, the big man explosively pulled and squeezed each rep, noting that his upper-body strength isn’t on the same level as his lower body.

“Like 80 percent of everything we do is quad, hamstring, glute,” Hooper said about strongmen. “Leg drive, if you’ve got that, you’re going to do very well.”

Subsequent sets of T-bar rows included heavier loads, which forced the Canadian athlete to use his core and legs to maintain stability throughout the movement.

Single-Arm Dumbbell Row

Hooper then went over to the dumbbell section to perform single-arm rows. A classic back exercise that’s great for building thickness, he made quick work of 130-pound (59-kilogram) dumbbells for his first two sets. However, just because it looked easy doesn’t mean Hooper enjoyed this part of the workout.

“I think this might be my least favorite exercise,” he explained. “The difficulty is a lot in your core, not a lot in the actual pulling. So it’s like a core workout with an arbitrary dumbbell movement.”

Still, Hooper pushed (or in this case, pulled) on to finish two more sets with the same weight, making sure to maintain a neutral spine as he completed the heavy dumbbell rows.

Close-Grip Lat Pulldown

The final back exercise of the workout put Hooper’s lats to the ultimate test. Having already accepted the reality that he would be “sore as hell” the next day, he mustered up the energy to complete four sets of close-grip lat pulldowns. Hooper leaned back slightly during the movement, pulling the handle down to just above chest level.

Once he finished on the cable machine, he moved on to the second half of his session.

[Related: The Best Arm Workouts for Beginners, With Dumbbells, and More]

Biceps Circuit

With about 20 minutes left to train, Hooper wrapped his biceps in blood restriction cuffs, which have been shown to help increase hypertrophy. (1) Although he performed fewer working sets than Schwarzenegger’s protocol, Hooper still achieved an excellent muscle-building stimulus.

Aiming to hit his biceps from multiple angles, the reigning WSM completed four rounds of a four-part circuit that included the following exercises:

• Standing Barbell Curl — Used a 70-pound (31.8-kilogram) curl bar
• Barbell Preacher Curl — Used the same 70-pound (31.8-kilogram) curl bar
• Alternating Dumbbell Curl — Used 50-pound (22.7-kilogram) dumbbells
• Concentration Curl — Used 45-pound (20.4-kilogram) dumbbells

By the time he cranked out his final rep, an exasperated and vascular version of Hooper seemed happy with the pump he achieved during the expedited biceps session.

Schwarzenegger-Style Back and Biceps Workout

Here’s a complete breakdown of the Arnold Schwarzenegger-inspired back and biceps workout Hooper performed.

• Wide-Grip Pull-Up — 5 x 8-12
• T-Bar Row — 5 x 8-12
• Single-Arm Dumbbell Row — 4 x 8-12
• Close-Grip Lat Pulldown — 4 x 8-12
• Standing Barbell Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Barbell Preacher Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Alternating Dumbbell Curl — 4 x 8-12
• Concentration Curl — 4 x 8-12

While you shouldn’t expect to see Mitchell Hooper enter a bodybuilding show anytime soon, the fact he’s willing to try different styles of training and share his honest feedback shows why he’s one of the more well-respected and popular strength athletes today. Already a world-class strongman, anything he does to improve in other areas will only make him a more fierce competitor moving forward.

Featured Image: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube

References

1. Wortman RJ, Brown SM, Savage-Elliott I, Finley ZJ, Mulcahey MK. Blood Flow Restriction Training for Athletes: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Jun;49(7):1938-1944. doi: 10.1177/0363546520964454. Epub 2020 Nov 16. PMID: 33196300.

The post Mitchell Hooper Tackles Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Brutal Back and Biceps Workout appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Thanks to a titanic effort from Evan “T-Rex” Singleton, Team USA took down Team UK in a tightly contested battle for the title of 2023 World’s Strongest Nation.

The showdown between an American squad led by 2019 World’s Strongest Man Martins Licis and a British side headlined by legendary English strongman Eddie Hall featured seven events during a single-day competition that took place on Nov. 18, 2023, at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. After watching their home team claim the crown in 2022, UK fans witnessed Team USA put together a winning effort that included a record-setting performance by Kevin Faires in the latest show from the Giants Live World’s Strongest Man Arena Tour.

Both teams had a mix of female and male athletes squaring off in a series of challenges that tested their strength, power, and conditioning. Teams earned three points for an event win, with a bonus point given to the team that had the top overall performer in each of the first six events. Despite a furious comeback attempt by Hall’s squad, Singleton — winner of both the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic and the 2023 Giants Live World Open — sealed the victory for the Americans by hoisting a 551-pound (250-kilogram) weight onto the final step of the “Power Stairs.”

Here are the full results from the seven events, along with an overview of what each entailed.

Event 1: Sandbag Steeplechase

Each competitor had to pick up a sandbag and move quickly to drop it over a hurdle set at the 10-meter point. After retrieving it from the other side, the athlete had to go another 10 meters before heaving it onto a table placed at the 20-meter mark. Men worked with 330.7 pounds (150 kilograms), with women using 220.5-pound (100-kilogram) sandbags.

Team USA won the Sandbag Steeplechase by a sizable margin of nearly 35 seconds for a total of four points.

Team USA (Total Time — 2:39.39 seconds)

• Inez Carrasquillo — 18.20 seconds
• Rob Kearney — 21.39 seconds
• Nadia Stowers — 22.69 seconds
• Kevin Faires — 20.44 seconds
• Erin Murray — 19.59 seconds
• Spenser Remick — 21.39 seconds
• Inez Carrasquillo — 18.19 seconds
• Evan Singleton — 17.56 seconds (bonus point)

Team UK (Total Time — 3:13.87 seconds)

• Andrea Thompson — 33.57 seconds
• Gavin Bilton — 17.66 seconds
• Lucy Underdown — 32.47 seconds
• Mark Felix — 29.63 seconds
• Donna Moore — 24.43 seconds
• Luke Stoltman — 18.00 seconds
• Rebecca Roberts — 19.99 seconds
• Tom Stoltman — 18.12 seconds

[Related: The Best HIIT Workouts With Bodyweight, With Kettlebells, and More]

Event 2: Farmer’s Walk

A classic strongman event, the Farmer’s Walk featured 40 meters of a grueling test of grip strength and endurance. The female athletes worked with 198.4 pounds (90 kilograms) in each hand, with the males carrying 308.6 pounds (140 kilograms) on each side.

Team USA defeated Team UK in the second event thanks to another top performance by Singleton that gave his squad a second bonus point.

Team USA (Total Time — 3:04.90 seconds)

• Inez Carrasquillo — 21.68 seconds
• Spenser Remick — 23.26 seconds
• Nadia Stowers — 34.25 seconds
• Martins Licis — 21.12 seconds
• Erin Murray — 24.65 seconds
• Kevin Faires — 20.36 seconds
• Gabi Dixson — 21.48 seconds
• Evan Singleton — 18.10 seconds (bonus point)

Team UK (Total Time — 3:13.65 seconds)

• Andrea Thompson — 21.87 seconds
• Gavin Bilton — 25.17 seconds
• Lucy Underdown — 26.55 seconds
• Luke Stoltman — 20.11 seconds
• Donna Moore — 32.53 seconds
• Tom Stoltman — 19.94 seconds
• Rebecca Roberts — 20.87 seconds
• Mark Felix — 26.61 seconds

[Related: 11 Loaded Carry Variations Worth Trying]

Event 3: Axle Deadlift

A test of deadlift proficiency had the men use 793.7-pound (360-kilogram) axles — a weight that proved incredibly challenging. Meanwhile, the women put together some impressive totals utilizing 485-pound (220-kilogram) axles.

Team UK secured the win over Team USA by five total reps on the back of a bonus point-earning showing by Lucy Underdown.

Team USA (Total Reps — 23 reps)

• Gabi Dixson — 10 reps
• Nadia Stowers — Six reps
• Rob Kearney — Four reps
• Evan Singleton — Three reps

Team UK (Total Reps — 28 reps)

• Lucy Underdown — 13 reps (bonus point)
• Andrea Thompson — Eight reps
• Gavin Bilton — Four reps
• Tom Stoltman — Three reps

[Related: 7 Tips to Perfect Your Deadlift Form]

Event 4: Circus Dumbbell

Arguably the most technically difficult event on the schedule, the Circus Dumbbell tested the athletes’ explosive power and coordination with an overhead press. Licis smartly used his joker card to maximize the potential point haul for his squad — and the move paid off.

Team USA won by three total reps, with Singleton earning his third bonus point by topping all competitors with seven reps. The joker card allowed the Americans to earn double the points.

Team USA (Total Reps — 22 reps)

• Nadia Stowers — Four reps
• Inez Carrasquillo — Five reps
• Rob Kearney — Six reps
• Evan Singleton — Seven reps (bonus point)

Team UK (Total Reps — 19 reps)

• Donna Moore — Four reps
• Andrea Thompson — Six reps
• Luke Stoltman — Six reps
• Gavin Bilton — Three reps

[Related: 8 Overhead Press Variations for Stronger Shoulders]

Event 5: Wrecking Ball Hold

First held at the Giants Live Strongman Open earlier this year, this event tested the athletes’ grip power and willpower. Kevin Faires, who placed ninth at the 2023 Giants Live Strongman Classic, cemented his place in strongman history books by setting a World Record by keeping the wrecking ball in place for nearly two minutes.

However, Team UK still emerged victorious thanks to 18-time WSM competitor Mark Felix recording a highly impressive time of his own that gave his squad the decisive edge.

Team USA (Total Time — 4:01.84 seconds)

• Gabi Dixson — 6.84 seconds
• Nadia Stowers — 46.01 seconds
• Kevin Faires — 1:53.00 seconds (World Record)
• Evan Singleton — 1:15.99 seconds

Team UK (Total Time — 4:23.30 seconds)

• Lucy Underdown — 46.43 seconds
• Rebecca Roberts — 57.47 seconds
• Gavin Bilton — 1:02.02 seconds
• Mark Felix — 1:37.38 seconds

[Related: The 10 Best Medicine Ball Exercises for Power, Conditioning, and More]

Event 6: Tug of War

Eddie Hall confidently used his joker card in an old-fashioned tug-of-war contest. The three-part battle started with separate showdowns between four-person male and female teams and concluded with an eight-a-side mixed-gender dual.

Unfortunately for Team USA, all three rounds went to Team UK, who closed the gap to just three points heading into the last event.

Pull 1: Women

Team UK (Moore, Roberts, Thompson, and Underdown) defeats Team USA (Carrasquillo, Dixson, Murray, and Stowers)

Pull 2: Men

Team UK (Bilton, Felix, L. Stoltman, and T. Stoltman) defeats Team USA (Kearney, Licis, Remick, Singleton)

Pull 3: Mixed

Team UK (Moore, Roberts, Thompson, Underdown, Bilton, Hall, L. Stoltman, and T. Stoltman) defeats Team USA (Carrasquillo, Dixson, Murray, Stowers, Faires, Kearney, Licis, and Remick)

[Related: Australian Strongman Smashes World Record by Pulling 44,753-Pound Crane]

Event 7: Power Stairs

The last event had three men and two women alternate carrying a weight each to the top of a set of stairs. While the men worked with 496-pound (225-kilogram) and 551.2-pound (250-kilogram) weights, the women used 275.6-pound (125-kilogram) and 286.6-pound (130-kilogram) weights.

Between having a 1.5-second head start due to their three-point lead and executing the challenge with excellent technique, Team USA stormed to the top of the stairs and secured the World’s Strongest Nation title.

[Related: The 8 Best Upper Body Pulling Exercises]

Ultimately, all the athletes showcased tremendous class and respect for one another while putting their bodies on the line for the sake of national pride. With the teams splitting the first two matchups, the third iteration of the World’s Strongest Nation should be even more competitive. Only time will tell whether Team USA can become the first back-to-back winners in the contest’s brief history.

Featured Image: Giants Live Strongman / Instagram

The post Team USA Topples Team UK for 2023 World’s Strongest Nation Title appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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If you’re short on space, lifting weights at home can seem practically out of the question. And I know this from experience. I remember living in a one-bedroom apartment and just knowing that a set of traditional dumbbells and its accompanying rack wouldn’t fit anywhere. Fortunately, one day, I discovered adjustable weights, and they’ve been an essential part of my strength training routine ever since. So if you’re in a similar situation, you might be looking for a suitable solution too. 

The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells are a space-saving and cost-effective option for adjustable weights. However, like all fitness equipment, they aren’t going to check the box for everyone. Therefore, to help you decide if it’s a practical choice for you, the Breaking Muscle team has put them to the test. Plus, as a health and fitness writer who loves sharing my honest home gym workout experiences, I’ll also be spilling the tea. So, let’s jump right into this NordicTrack adjustable dumbbell review!

Key Takeaways

• These can replace 15 individual dumbbells, so you can really maximize your home gym space. They range in weight from 10 to 55 pounds (4.53 to 24.94 kilograms).
• The handle diameter is fixed, which may not be ideal if you prefer a more ergonomic handle.
• The sliding pins weight selection system is easy to use, but adjusting the weight may take longer than it does on other adjustable dumbbells. 

NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbell

4.1

• Weight range: 10 to 55 pounds
• Weight increments: 2.5 to five pounds
• Adjustment type: Sliding pins
• Dimensions: 19.4” L x 11.4” W x 8.5” H with storage tray 
• Materials: Steel, plastic
• Warranty: 90 days

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NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Pros

• NordicTrack’s adjustable dumbbells are some of the more affordable adjustable dumbbell choices.
• They can be adjusted in 2.5-pound increments, which is ideal for those who prefer to make smaller jumps in weight.
• The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight dumbbells are compact and take up less room than a full set of high-quality dumbbells. They can fit into most small gym spaces with ease.

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Cons

• The plastic parts may cause durability issues.
• During our testing, we noticed that the weight plates can shake and rattle when in use.
• The NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells can’t be dropped, so they may not be suitable for CrossFitters or lifters who like to train to failure.

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Rating

The Breaking Muscle team has tried out A LOT of adjustable dumbbells, so we know what a real high-quality one looks like. We use our proprietary factor methodology system to rank everything from price for value to the variety of weight increments.

Here’s how the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells score. 

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Overview

The NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells come as a pair and provide a combined 110 pounds (49.89 kilograms) of weight. With a handy-dandy weight selection system and 15 different weight assortments, you can do a variety of home workouts from squats and lunges to bicep curls and overhead presses. Plus, if combined with an iFit membership (for around $39 per month), beginners and intermediate trainees can access hundreds of weightlifting workouts. 

In this second iteration of the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells, you get a less bulky product that feels a little more like a fixed weight. The original version, which had blue weight selector tabs, featured more plastic and felt less sturdy. Some consumers even questioned its safety and reliability. But in NordicTrack’s new and improved version of this set of adjustable dumbbells, it seems to be a lot better. 

Who Should Buy the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells

• New and intermediate trainees who are looking for dumbbells they can progress with. 
• Individuals who don’t have a spacious home gym and need a compact solution. 
• Home gym lovers who enjoy interactive training — these dumbbells are an excellent choice for strength training workouts through iFIT (which requires a subscription of about $39 per month)

Who Should Not Buy the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells

• Those who prefer the feel and functionality of traditional dumbbells 
• Advanced weightlifters who need more than 55 pounds 
• Trainees who’d prefer longer warranty coverage. NordicTrack only offers a 90-day warranty.

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Review

Before you even think about swiping your card to order this product, there are a few things you should know. While this set of adjustable dumbbells will check the box for some people, it may be completely underwhelming for others. To give you some perspective, we’ll jump into the price, construction quality, warranty, and more. 

Price and Value

As of this writing, the 55-pound (24.94 kilograms) NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell costs $399, but is that reasonable? The short answer is yes, and here’s why we ranked these 4 out of 5. 

When compared to similar options, their price actually seems to fall in the middle. For instance, when we compared options, the Bowflex SelectTech 552 was $429, The Core Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set was $359, and the Nuobell Classic Adjustable Dumbbell Set was $595.

They’re all compact and have comparable weight options and increments, but the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight set is the only one that goes up to 55 pounds. On top of that, you’d get free shipping and a 30-day iFIT trial. Financing may be an option, too, if you’re not ready to pay it all upfront. There are 12 and 39-month 0 percent APR payment options, meaning you could end up paying a little over $10 or $33 per month.  

So, if you’re comparing those and trying to determine which one would provide the most value, I’d recommend NordicTrack. For the quality, price, and functionality, these are one of the best adjustable dumbbells. However, if you want a set of dumbbells with a greater weight range or higher quality, expect to pay more. 

Also, let’s not forget that traditional dumbbells cost about $1 to $4 per pound. A set of five to 50-pound (22.67 kilograms) rubber hex dumbbells could easily cost you $800, and these are practically half the price. In short, these just might be worth replacing a whole rack of dumbbells. 

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Construction Quality

The first iteration of the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells had plastic handles and, according to some consumers, cheaply made weight selector tabs that would occasionally break. If those broke, the product became virtually useless, as you couldn’t select a different weight. 

While it’s unclear if they improved this in the newer version, which now has orange adjustment pins, I can say that I haven’t seen nearly as many negative reviews about them breaking. I did come across one poor review on Amazon where the buyer stated that they dropped the adjustable 2.5/5 pound (1.13/2.26 kilograms) section on a horse mat. Afterward, they were no longer able to adjust the five-pound setting and had trouble getting a replacement. 

You should also be aware that the inside of the weight plates are made of plastic as well. In terms of durability, they should work fine for a while but will likely wear down over time. This could cause the plates to stick and not lock into place correctly. My advice is just to be careful. If you’re aggressive when using them or set the weight plates or tabs down too hard, they’ll probably break down much sooner. 

What I really like about the new NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells is the metal handle with moderate knurling. This upgrade means you’ll be able to maintain a better grip when completing different exercises. It’s very uncommon to see metal handles on adjustable dumbbells at this price point, so this is truly a standout feature.  

Overall, the construction is pretty good for the price, and that’s why we made it a 4 out of 5. It’s clear that NordicTrack has made some efforts to improve this set of dumbbells so buyers can get more use out of them. Although it’s a bummer when gym equipment like this breaks, we must remember that these aren’t traditional dumbbells. Many lifters have a habit of dropping their weights down after an intense set of reps, but you shouldn’t do that with adjustable dumbbells with plastic parts. 

Ergonomics

These aren’t the most comfortable pair of dumbbells in the world, but they’re by far not the worst, either, so we gave these a 4 out of 5. 

To start, the handles don’t have a thick center that tapers down at each end, which is considered “ergonomic.” Many people find ergonomic handles more user-friendly as they are better at distributing the weight in your hands. This is especially noticeable when using heavier weights. 

However, while those may feel better to hold, a fixed-diameter handle, like the one here, offers more contact and a firmer grip. The moderate knurling assists with maintaining your grip as well and does so without hurting you. More aggressive knurling is sharper and makes it challenging to do high-rep training. 

Although NordicTrack hasn’t disclosed the exact diameter of these 10-pound handles, the Breaking Muscle team assumes they’re about 30 millimeters. This isn’t terrible, but it’s on the thicker side for a smaller dumbbell and possibly not wide enough for a heavier one. To give you some perspective, Rogue’s Rubber Hex Dumbbells that are 12.5 pounds (5.66 kilograms) or heavier sport a 35-millimeter diameter handle. For any less than that, the handle is 25 millimeters thick.

“Fat gripz” on heavier dumbbells are more common because large dumbbells require you to utilize more muscles. Muscle growth is stimulated with thicker grips because they make the forearm, bicep, and hand muscles work harder. Over time, this may make you more effective at handling heavier weights. 

Unfortunately, the diameter of NordicTrack’s Adjustable Dumbbells doesn’t change when you make a weight adjustment, but this is common among adjustable dumbbells. Therefore, we can’t completely zonk it. The brand likely picked 30 millimeters because it’s in the middle and should work for those with small and large hands. 

Now, let’s consider the weight plates from a comfort perspective. When the Breaking Muscle team tried these out, they noted that the round weight plates slightly shook and made a click-clacking noise. While that won’t physically interfere with your workout, it could be problematic if you’re sensitive to such noises and sensations. Once again, this is the sort of thing that just comes with the adjustable dumbbell territory. 

For the most part, these are shaped and perform a lot like traditional dumbbells, but you shouldn’t use them for push-ups. The plate’s rounded design just doesn’t support that, so stick to lifting instead. 

Ease of Use

A lot of people are intimidated by adjustable dumbbells, but these are pretty easy to use. The storage tray has clear weight markings, so you can move the four adjustment pins to select the amount of weight you want. Then you have to do the other dumbbell, so it’s not the quickest process and could take some getting used to.

I personally prefer the twist-lock technology found on the Core Fitness dumbbells that I own. With those, I just set my dumbbells in the cradle and twist the handle until I reach my desired weight. 

Weight Options

What makes the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Dumbbells really attractive are the 2.5 and five-pound increments. If you’re anything like me, making a five-pound (2.26-kilogram) leap is challenging, especially when it comes to doing bicep curls. I’d much rather progress in 2.5-pound increments because it allows me to maintain a better form and reduces my risk of injury. 

However, do note that 2.5-pound increments are not available across the board, so if you’re hoping for 7.5 (3.40 kilogram) or 17.5 (7.93 kilogram) weight options, it’s not possible. In some cases, you’ll just have to be okay with a five-pound increment, such as when you go from 15 (6.80) to 20 pounds (9.07 kilograms). 

RELATED: Best Kettlebells for CrossFit, Beginners, and More

Adjustment Mechanism

When you’re ready to adjust the weight of these dumbbells, all you have to do is pull out the orange weight pin selector and slide it to your preferred weight. The markers on the storage tray are set up in 10-pound (4.53 kilogram) increments (e.g., 10, 20, 30 pounds/4.53, 9.07, 13.6 kilograms), etc.), so you know where to place them. 

However, here’s where it gets tricky. There’s a slider inside of each dumbbell for the smaller 2.5 and five-pound increment options, but it’s not exactly clear which way you’re supposed to slide those to select the one you want. Over time, you’d probably figure it out; however, it’s annoying to be doing this in the middle of a workout. 

Also, adjustments can probably be done in five to ten seconds with these, but this is annoying when you’re doing supersets. The dial method is more attractive in terms of speed, which is why this adjustment mechanism gets a 3.5 out of 5 rating. 

Warranty

One area that NordicTrack could’ve done better is the warranty. Compared to other companies that provide two and five-year warranty coverage on parts and labor, they only offer 90 days. 

Such short coverage will make some consumers raise their eyebrows and question the product’s durability. This is especially concerning because the plastic weight-changing pin is susceptible to breakage. Therefore, don’t be forceful when making weight changes because if you break it, it’s not covered under warranty, and finding a replacement may be incredibly challenging. 

In addition, there is a 30-day return policy, but here’s the kicker. You’ll be charged a $250 non-refundable return shipping fee and a 10% processing fee.

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Specs

When looking for a pair of adjustable dumbbells, it helps to look at certain factors and be aware of your own preferences. For example, you’ll want to know about a dumbbell’s dimensions and materials so you can assess if the size and feel will work for you. Also, knowing its weight range and whether or not it has mobile app capabilities is crucial, especially for beginners. Below, we’ll dive into what you can expect from the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight dumbbells.  

Dimensions

The newest version of these NordicTrack dumbbells is much more compact. The older one was 26.59 inches long, 21.25 inches wide, and 10.53 inches high when the dumbbells were set inside the plastic tray. This one is 19.40 inches long, 11.40 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. Length-wise, it’s a whole seven inches shorter. Therefore, if you don’t have a dedicated home gym space, these are small enough to hide under the bed or in the closet. 

RELATED: Best Budget Barbells

Materials

This iteration of the NordicTrack Adjustable dumbbells has steel handles and weight plates, which is a considerable improvement. It gives them a more premium feel. There is some plastic in the top middle of the plates where the weight selector tabs are meant to be placed. However, compared to the hardened plastic-coated weights on the blue ones, this isn’t so bad. The fitted storage trays are still made of plastic, so you must be careful with those. If you slam the weights down too hard, it may break.  

Weight Range

Each dumbbell is between 10 and 55 pounds (4.53 and 24.94 kilograms). There are 15 weight adjustments, which are as follows: 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 22.5, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 40, 42.5, 45, 50, 52.5, and 55 pounds (4.53, 5.66, 6.80, 9.07, 10.20, 11.33, 13.60, 14.74, 15.87, 18.14, 19.27, 20.41, 22.67, 23.81, and 24.94 kilograms). 

Mobile App Compatibility

If you like having access to live and on-demand video workouts from iFIT personal trainers, you’re in luck. There are multiple strength exercises on there. This is helpful for beginners who might not know what to do and even more experienced persons who are looking to switch it up. 

When you purchase this adjustable dumbbell set, you’ll get a 30-day iFIT family membership that includes up to five profiles. There’s even a leaderboard to log your workouts and track your progress. As long as you have WiFi and a compatible TV screen, tablet, and/or phone, you should be good to go. Once the trial ends, it’ll be around $39/month plus tax.  

NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells vs. BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

The BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are very popular, and this is partially because BowFlex is a name people trust in the fitness space. Seriously, when I think of my childhood, 1990s BowFlex commercials come to mind. 

There are areas where the BowFlex dumbbells outshine the NordicTrack dumbbells, such as with their simple and quick dial system and two-year warranty. In addition, they’re quieter since the metal plates are encased in a molding. 

I personally like that it starts at five pounds (2.26 kilograms) and has 2.5-pound (1.13 kilogram) increments up to 25 pounds (11.33 kilograms). This may be important for those new to training, who might appreciate 7.5 and 17.5-pound (3.40 and 7.93-kilogram) weight options. NordicTrack has more adjustable increments between 20 and 50 pounds, though, so it really depends on your preference and fitness goals. 

Here’s where BowFlex lacks in comparison, though. Their max weight caps at 52.5 pounds (23.81 kilograms), the handles lack knurling and have a subpar rubber grip, and it’s made with a lot of plastic. In fact, several of their customers have complained about the plastic breaking. At around $429, they’re still considered a relatively affordable option, but you have to ask yourself if you may get more value out of the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight dumbbells.  

Neither of these options comes with an expansion kit, which may be a deal-breaker for anyone looking for much heavier weights.

BowFlex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

4.5

• Weight range: Five to 52.5 pounds
• Weight increments: 2.5 to five pounds
• Adjustment type: Sliding pins
• Dimensions: 16.9″ L x 8.3″ W x 9″ H 
• Materials: Steel, nylon, ABS, thermoplastic rubber
• Warranty: Two-year parts warranty

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NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Customer Reviews

NordicTrack doesn’t feature any reviews on their website, but Amazon has over 1500. At the time of this writing, almost 80% are 5-star ratings, and only four percent are 1-star. 

One customer stated, “Best adjustable dumbbells in this price range! Top features are that they are dumbbell shaped with flat weight ends, and the handles are very well done.” Another said, “Best investment I’ve made in my own gym, and I’m happy I went with these…not sure if anything above this is really worth it unless you need 80lbs dumbbells and have a large budget or just want to super nice dumbbells that are $700 to $800.”

Among the negative reviews, some stated that the product arrived broken. One customer said, “The weights arrived broken, with one of the disks having noticeable cracks that prevented the selector switch from moving past it, making it impossible to adjust the weight properly; a critical feature for this product.” One other customer mentioned, “Item arrived in a beat-up box with no styrofoam packing or insulation really of any kind. Weights inside were banged up and scratched though not damaged nearly as badly as other people seem to have gotten.” 

Final Verdict: Are NordicTrack Dumbbells Worth It?

NordicTrack is mainly known for its high-end treadmills and ellipticals, so when I found out they sold dumbbells as well, I was slightly taken aback. I mean, could they really be a leader in the adjustable dumbbell space, too? As it turns out, they’re making a name for themselves as being one the most valuable options out there for its price range.    

The NordicTrack dumbbells are winning in a few areas. They’re cost-effective, space-saving, and feel a lot like regular dumbbells. While they cannot utilize Alexa to respond to voice commands that change the weights like the NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells, it offers other notable features. It’s certainly not every day that you’ll see 2.5 (1.1 kilogram) and 5-pound (2.26 kilogram) weight increments or a dumbbell set that goes up to 55 pounds (24.94 kilograms). Plus, adding iFIT could take your workout game to an entirely different level. 

So, are they worth it? For someone who doesn’t mind the quirks that come with adjustable dumbbells and is short on space, yes. There are definitely options with greater durability and more than 110 pounds (49.89 kilograms), but given the price tag here, the NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbells are winning. 

FAQs

The post NordicTrack Adjustable Dumbbell Review (2023): Are These Value Dumbbells Worth It? appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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As a home gym owner and someone who reviews fitness equipment for a living, I’ve become a huge fan of REP Fitness over the years. I have a sandbag, a plyo box, and a weight bench that I love from REP. Many of my colleagues praise the brand’s squat racks, barbells, and weight plates. What’s more, REP’s equipment frequently tops our holiday gift guides for men and women because it’s top-notch without costing an arm and a leg.

We know that most shoppers enjoy a good deal, and using a REP Fitness discount code can help you save even more money. Below, we’ve compiled all the ways you can score special discounts on the equipment you need to build the ultimate home gym.

REP Fitness Discount Codes

Because their products are already reasonably priced, you won’t find too many REP Fitness promo codes. That said, there are ways you can still get the best discount possible on their equipment. Here are all the ways you can save money when shopping on REP Fitness’s website:

• Rewards points: Get points for spending money, leaving reviews, following REP Fitness on social media, or signing up for texts. You also receive points each year on your birthday. For every 100 points you earn, you’ll receive a $5 reward.
• Local pickup discounts: If you live near REP’s showrooms in Moreno Valley, California, or Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and can pick up your items yourself, you may get up to 15% off your order.
• Customer referrals: Refer a friend and offer them $10 off their purchase of $100 or more. Earn $10 in points for every successful referral.
• Free shipping: There’s no need to enter any promotional code for free shipping. As of this writing, REP offers free shipping on all orders made within the lower 48 states.
• Financing: If you prefer to pay for your purchase in smaller installments, choose PayPal or Shop Pay as your payment method at checkout. Financing through Affirm is also available for purchases over $650.

How to Apply REP Fitness Coupon Codes

1. Visit repfitness.com.
2. Sign up for rewards on REP’s Loyalty Program page with your name and email address. You’ll get points just for creating an account (don’t worry — it’s free) and then earn points for each dollar you spend on the REP Fitness website. Other ways to earn points include following REP’s social media accounts, leaving reviews, and signing up for text alerts. You’ll also receive points on your birthday. One hundred points equals $5 in rewards.
3. Redeem your eligible points when completing your order on REP’s checkout page.
4. At checkout, selecting PayPal or Shop Pay as your payment method will allow you to pay for your purchase in installments. REP also offers financing through Affirm on orders over $650.
5. Save money by picking up your items from one of REP’s showroom locations, if possible. Their showrooms are located in Moreno Valley, California, and Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Discounts start at 10% off purchases up to $2,500 and go up to 15% off purchases of $7,500 or more.

REP Fitness

REP Fitness offers commercial-quality yet affordable gym equipment for home gym owners. From barbells to weight benches to adjustable dumbbells, you can find almost everything you need to get stronger and fitter at home.

Get REP Fitness Discounts

When Are REP Fitness Products on Sale?

Like most major fitness equipment brands, REP Fitness offers sales around major shopping holidays, such as Cyber Monday. They don’t always offer sitewide sales, but they do usually have daily and weekly deals on select items.

Signing up for REP Fitness’ email newsletter is the best way to get notified when their products go on sale. It’s also an excellent way to get alerts about new products. Alternatively, you can learn about REP Fitness coupons and special discounts by following their social media pages.

For information on fitness equipment deals from all of our favorite brands, keep checking our holiday sales guides below.

• Labor Day Fitness Sales
• Black Friday Fitness Deals

Why We Love REP Fitness

I’ve owned several items from REP for nearly four years, and our Breaking Muscle product testers have tried dozens of REP Fitness barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight benches, functional trainers, and power racks. Almost everything we’ve tested has received high marks for quality, durability, and performance.

Some of our favorite REP Fitness products are listed below:

• Colorado Bar
• Double Black Diamond Bar
• BlackWing Adjustable Bench
• The FT-5000, which topped our list of the best functional trainers
• The AB-3100 Adjustable Weight Bench, which we consider a high-quality piece of budget-friendly home gym equipment

Why Shop at REP Fitness?

As mentioned, the Breaking Muscle staff is frequently impressed with the quality of REP Fitness’s products, especially considering how reasonably priced much of it is. We also appreciate that REP Fitness offers the following perks:

• A loyalty program with rewards points for completing certain actions on the REP Fitness website or their social media pages
• Free shipping on all orders within the lower 48 United States (as of this writing)
• The ability to finance purchases over $650 through Affirm
• The ability to pay in installments with PayPal or Shop Pay
• Local pickup discounts
• Discounts for successful customer referrals

FAQs: REP Fitness Discount Code

The post REP Fitness Discount Code (2023): Ways to Save and Earn Rewards appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Although he came up short in his quest to win the 2023 Mr. Olympia, it’s taken less than 10 days for Samson Dauda to add two more titles to his blossoming bodybuilding resume.

Coming off a first-place finish at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, the Nigerian Lion looked fantastic in yet another dominant performance from across the pond. After capturing top honors in the Men’s Open division in Romania on Nov. 12, 2023, Dauda stood atop the podium again at the 2023 EVLS Prague Pro, securing an IFBB Pro League show victory and a $10,000 check for the second straight weekend.

2023 EVLS Prague Pro Division-by-Division Results

The 2023 EVLS Prague Pro featured athletes from six divisions competing for a coveted championship, first-place prize money, and automatic qualification for the 2024 Olympia. Here are the final results based on the official scorecards made available by the IFBB Pro League.

• Men’s Open
• Men’s 212
• Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Figure
• Bikini

Men’s Open

Between placing third at the 2023 Olympia and beating out defending Romania Muscle Fest Pro champion Behrooz Tabanai Abarghani for the 2023 title, Samson Dauda had all the momentum heading into the EVLS Prague Pro. However, he faced some stiff competition in the form of Michal “Krizo” Krizanek, who took home top honors at the 2022 show.

Ultimately, though, Dauda’s muscular frame and tighter look helped him fend off an impressive field that also included Rubiel Mosquera and Nathan De Asha, who finished third and fourth, respectively, behind the Columbian native.

1. Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
2. Michal Krizanek (Slovakia)
3. Rubiel Mosquera (Columbia)
4. Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
5. Jan Turek (Czech Republic)
6. Liang Yan (China)
7. Roman Fritz (Germany)
8. Rob Cannon (United Kingdom)
9. Hameed Juma (Bahrain)
10. Pavel Beran (Czech Republic)

212 Bodybuilding

Just like Dauda, Ahmad Ali Ashkanani followed up a solid showing at the Olympia with a win in Romania. And just like the Nigerian Lion, the Kuwait native finished first in his division for the second consecutive weekend.

Once again, Ashkanani earned the nod over Italy’s Giuseppe Zagarella, who also settled for second at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro.

1. Ahmad Ali Ashkanani (Kuwait)
2. Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy)
3. Lucas Goncalez (Brazil)
4. Dawid Cnota (Poland)
5. Giorgi Adikashvili (Georgia)
6. Daniel Vasilica (Romania)
7. Damian Kryszpin (Poland)
8. Vincent Alliot (France)

[Related: Iain Valliere Believes the 212 Division Should No Longer Exist in Bodybuilding]

Classic Physique

The clash for the Classic Physique division title in Prague came down to two competitors who performed well at the 2023 Olympia. Urs Kalecinski, who finished third at the Olympia before winning the 2023 Texas State Pro on Nov. 11, 2023, went toe-to-toe with Michael Daboul, who placed sixth at the Olympia.

Despite a strong showing from Daboul, “The Miracle Bear” emerged victorious, further cementing his status as one of the best Classic Physique competitors in the world.

1. Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
2. Michael Daboul (United Kingdom)
3. Alexander Westermeier (Germany)
4. Sebastien Theurel (France)
5. Karol Rogaczewski (Poland)
6. Jordi Romero Marsal (Spain)
7. Ruben Lopez Reyes (Spain)
8. German Pastor (Spain)
9. George Acheampong (Denmark)
10. Matthias Hollweck (Germany)
11. Manuel Moisel (Germany)
12. Karar Aljalabi (Belgium)
13. Tunde Chris Taylor (Germany)
14. Sebastian Guncik (Czech Republic)
15. Ali Khan (Afghanistan)
16. Alberto Milani (Italy)
17. Fernando Gornals Margol (Spain)

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Men’s Physique

In another example of why momentum matters, Miroslav Juricek joined Samson Dauda and Ahmad Ali Ashkanani in winning the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and the EVLS Prague Pro. Both he and fellow Czech Republic native Ondrej Kmostake represented their country well by claiming the top two spots in the Men’s Physique Division.

1. Miroslav Juricek (Czech Republic)
2. Ondrej Kmostak (Czech Republic)
3. Furkan Er (Turkey)
4. Adeyemi Awoyani (United Kingdom)
5. Andrea Amato (Italy)
6. Dawid Wachelka (Poland)
7. Dylan Crane (France)
8. Jeffrey Darko (United Kingdom)
9. Viachaslau Tarasevich (Belarus)
10. Mohammad Almutawah (Kuwait)
11. Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
12. Panek Alexandru (Romania)
13. Ramzi Boubaker (Germany)
14. Oskar Tchorzewski (Poland)
15. Aryan Ali (Germany)

[Related: The Ultimate Chest and Back Workout for Upper Body Muscle]

Figure

It was another rinse-and-repeat situation with the Figure division, as Romania Muscle Fest Pro winner Tereza Linhartova locked up her second title in as many weeks. While Spain’s Rejoice Godwin claimed third in her second straight show, Romania’s Stefana Sandu went from finishing in second to falling to fourth, as USA’s Maria Luisa Diaz earned the No. 2 spot in Prague.

1. Tereza Linhartova (Czech Republic)
2. Maria Luisa Diaz (USA)
3. Rejoice Godwin (Spain)
4. Stefana Sandu (Romania)
5. Behnaz Nasrollahi Azar (Germany)
6. Zulfya Bitiyeva (Kazakhstan)
7. Kamara Graham (United Kingdom)
8. Karine Hajjar (Qatar)
9. Tamires Silva (Brazil)
10. Sonja Ivanov (Germany)
11. Anna Kohckar (Ukraine)
12. Natalia Sharapova (Russia)
13. Gabriela Linhartova (Czech Republic)
14. Vanessa Happle (Germany)
15. Gabriela Hejna (Czech Republic)
16. Alina Yaman (UKR)

[Related: Superset-Style Upper Body Resistance Band Workout for Muscle Gains]

Bikini

The battle for the Bikini division title turned out differently in Prague than it did in Romania. After earning the title the weekend prior, Italy’s Alice Marchisio fell to third, as Romania Muscle Fest Pro runner-up Valerya Fedorenko stormed ahead to claim the win and a $10,000 prize.

Fellow Ukrainian Violeta Palamarchuk also enjoyed a successful showing, vaulting up from eighth at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro to second at the EVLS Prague Pro.

1. Valerya Fedorenko (Ukraine)
2. Violeta Palamarchuk (Ukraine)
3. Alice Marchisio (Italy)
4. Dorottya Zoe Toth (Hungary)
5. Renata Nowak (Poland)
6. Sara Punzetti (Italy)
7. Lisa Reith (Germany)
8. Sara Lujza Rogacsi (Hungary)
9. Olivia Pohankova Kovac (Slovakia)
10. Petra Voldanova (United Kingdom)
11. Andrina Scharli (Switzerland)
12. Mara Carro
13. Ka’Tai Luca (Hungary)
14. Johanna Durr (Germany)
15. Irene Iravedra Cunarro (Spain)

[Related: Everything You Need to Know About How to Burn Fat]

Overall, Samson Dauda deserves major credit for continuing to compete after putting everything on the line at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. While he could have easily rested on his laurels and been satisfied with a third-place finish at the biggest bodybuilding show of the year, he’s done the exact opposite.

So, even though the Nigerian Lion didn’t leave Orlando, FL, with a $400,000 prize and the most coveted title in the sport, he’s certainly made the most of his trip to Europe by taking home titles in back-to-back contests.

Featured Image: Samson Dauda / Instagram

The post  2023 EVLS Prague Pro Results: Samson Dauda Dominates Second Straight European Show  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.