Tag: Reviews
REP Fitness BlackWing Weight Bench Review
An adjustable weight bench is a no-brainer for home gyms, as it allows for an array of exercises like dumbbell shoulder presses, chest-supported lateral raises, and incline bench presses. FID benches (flat, incline, decline) like the REP Fitness BlackWing open … Read more
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Inergize Cold Plunge Review
If you’re new to the idea of cold plunging, it’s exactly what it sounds like — plunging into frigid water (sub-50 degrees) to take advantage of potential benefits, like speeding up muscle recovery and boosting immunity. … Read more
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REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review
A high-caliber barbell is a staple of any home gym, and the REP Fitness Colorado Bar could be the only one you need. Since it’s a multi-use bar, the Colorado has traits you’ll find … Read more
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Redwood Outdoors Extra-Wide Thermowood Barrel Sauna Review
Hopping into a sauna for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a week offers many potential benefits, such as stress relief, reducing inflammation, flushing toxins, and improving your circulation. While it can be expensive, … Read more
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The 16 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of August 2023 — Reviewed by a Dietitian
One of the most popular supplements on the market, people often turn to pre-workouts for help increasing energy, blood flow, endurance, power, and sometimes hydration. As such, you can find different combinations of … Read more
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The Best Ab Rollers For Beginners, Non-Slip, And More
Ab rollers can be key in targeting ab muscles, as well as lesser-used core muscles. At the most basic level, the ab roller motion requires you to roll out on the roller from a quadruped position into a knee plank, and then roll back using your core to power through it all. Some athletes love ab rollers because they provide an awesome workout and target multiple muscles all at once. But since they require practice and stability to use properly, many people shy away from them and opt for more basic sit-ups or planks instead. Once you overcome the intimidation factor though, these devices can help you work deep muscles you may not be able to reach with just your bodyweight.
The core is a lot more complex than what many give it credit for. For example, a lot of beginners think the core is just the rectus abdominis (abs), but it’s actually the whole musculature of the torso. Ab rollers force you to move through a range of motion that requires multiple core muscles to engage, promoting a strong, neutral torso. They may appear simple in design, but not every ab roller is created equal. We’ve tested and reviewed some of the best ab rollers on the market for multiple purposes, and put them right here on this list for you to use on your own personal hunt.
Best Ab Rollers
Best Ab Roller Overall
Sometimes all you need to make a solid ab roller is quality manufacturing. Simple but effective, this pick’s durability goes beyond what you would typically find in a basic sporting goods store ab roller.
Rogue Ab Wheel
The Rogue Ab Wheel has a nickel-plated steel shaft and durable rubber tire tread that aid with stability and grip on most surfaces. The wheel’s edges are slightly rounded, which challenges you to hold steady on rollouts and avoid turns to better engage your core. While more durable than basic plastic rollers, this pick is still compact, lightweight, and portable.
Rogue Ab Wheel
The Rogue Ab Wheel is compact, lightweight and portable, and has a nickel-plated steel shaft and rubber tire tread that provides solid stability and grip.
Its 1.25” diameter and rubber handles provide texture for a steady grip, allowing you to focus on working your core, hip flexors, back, shoulders, thighs, and more.
Who Should Buy The Rogue Ab Wheel
Athletes looking to level up from a more basic plastic ab roller.
Users who want a sturdy nickel-plated steel shaft and rubber wheel.
Anyone who wants a durable ab roller that can stand the test of time.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Rogue Ab Wheel
Customers looking for a cost-effective ab roller — this one is more expensive than most.
Anyone looking for a large ab wheel may want to check out other options on this list.
While a little pricier than your average ab roller, the Rogue Ab Wheel is made of high-quality steel and rubber that is built to challenge your core and last throughout years of usage.
Best Ab Roller for Beginners
When you’re just starting out, you’re going to want a roller that’s simple, stable, and easy to use — and it wouldn’t hurt if it came with an instruction manual. This pick nails it with all of these aspects and also dishes out durability that doesn’t usually come with rollers in this price range.
Fitnessery Ab Roller
The Fitnessery Ab Roller is not only a high-quality roller at a low price point, but it also comes with an e-book of workouts you can do with your ab roller, so newbies aren’t left wondering how to use the device.
Fitnessery Ab Roller
This is a high-quality roller at a low price point, and also comes with an e-book of workouts you can do with your ab roller. It’s made of durable stainless steel and non-slip rubber and PVC, and comes with a lifetime money back guarantee.
It’s also space efficient with a maximal width of 11 inches, which is small in comparison to the average 15-inch rollers on the market — but its wheel is thicker than most, which is great for first-time users. It’s made of a durable stainless steel and non-slip rubber and PVC, and comes with a lifetime money back guarantee, which is a great fallback perk for those just starting out.
Who Should Buy The Fitnessery Ab Roller
Beginners who prefer an ab roller that comes with an exercise guide e-book.
Anyone who wants a roller with a steel shaft and textured wheel for stability and grip.
Those who want a compact wheel they can store easily when it’s not in use.
Folks who are looking for a reasonably priced ab roller.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Fitnessery Ab Roller
Anyone looking for a seamless rollout — the rollout does not feel as smooth on this roller as it does on some other rollers.
Those who want more of a challenge will want to look for a thinner wheel for more side-to-side difficulty.
The Fitnessery Ab Roller is a solid choice for novices who need the extra guidance of an e-book, as well as anyone who just wants a solid roller at a low price point.
Best Ab Roller Pair
The benefit of using a pair of ab rollers is that having a roller in each hand allows your arms to be spread wider, which in turn, activates more of your core. This lightweight pick can help advance your core exercise routine.
Amazon Basics Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers
Though straightforward, this pair of Amazon Basic Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers can challenge your stability even more than a single ab roller can. Simply roll your arms wider as you roll out for more of a challenge, and once your strength improves even more, you can advance your rollouts further to just using one arm at a time.
Amazon Basics Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers
Amazon Basic Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers will challenge your stability more than a single ab roller — just roll your arms wider as you roll out for more of a boost.
Each roller measures 7.9” x 15.8” x 5.7” inches and weighs 2.6 pounds, so you can bring them with you in a gym bag or just throw them in an equipment closet in your home gym when your workout ends. This pair is fairly inexpensive, and its black and blue polypropylene and nitrile butadiene rubber build will look great and last for a long time to come.
Who Should Buy The Amazon Basics Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers
Athletes who want to progress their ab roller workouts to a more challenging level.
Anyone who wants to try working one arm at a time.
Users who are looking for a cost-effective roller option.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Amazon Basics Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers
Beginners who just want to try their hand at using one ab roller without advancing to two just yet.
Anyone who wants an ab roller with treaded grip on the wheel will want to look at other options on this list.
While an ab roller pair may not be for everyone, it’s a great option for users who want to advance their routine or try using one arm at a time — plus, this particular pair looks sleek, too, with its bright blue and transparent rubber wheels.
Best Ab Roller Kit
While ab rollers are great for core work, they can also be used for other resistance training if you have the right tools. This particular ab roller pick comes with six different tools you can use with or without your ab roller.
EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel
The EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel is a great standalone tool you can use to work your core, but pair it with resistance bands or push-ups and you can get a full-body workout, as well. Luckily, this ab roller comes with two resistance bands, two push-up handlebars, and a knee pad to elevate your session.
EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel
This ab roller comes with two resistance bands, two push-up handlebars, and a knee pad that you can use with or without your ab roller to elevate any workout session.
While all of these tools can be used to advance the core work you are already doing with your roller, if you hook the resistance band under your feet and around the ab roller, and hold the roller by the handles, you can also work your upper body with curls or lower body with resistance band squats. This all comes at an extremely reasonable price for all six products — if you’re looking to build out your home gym with a bunch of equipment in one go, this is a great pick for you.
Who Should Buy The EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel
Anyone who is looking for more than just an ab roller to build out their home gym.
Athletes who want to advance their ab roller workouts with resistance bands or push-up handlebars.
Customers looking for a good bit of equipment at a reasonable price.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The EnterSports Ab Roller Wheel
Users who just want to buy a straightforward ab roller without any extra frills.
Anyone who already have resistance bands may not need the ones that come with this wheel
For a reasonable cost, you can get an ab roller, two resistance bands, push-up handlebars, and a knee pad all in one — if you’re working toward having a full set of gym equipment at home, this is a great way to check multiple boxes at once.
Best Non-Slip Ab Roller
If you’re the type who’s concerned about catching the tile the wrong way and slipping mid-rollout while you’re using your ab roller, this pick is for you. With a wider wheel and additional resistance and assistance during movement, this roller provides optimal stability while in motion.
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
Unlike normal ab rollers, the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller has a couple of unique construction traits that help with stability. There’s an internal spring that provides additional resistance as you roll out, and assistance as you roll back, making slipping virtually impossible.
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
This ab roller has an internal spring that provides additional resistance as you roll out, and assistance as you roll back, and it comes with a wide wheel for extra stability.
Additionally, the wheel is designed with ergonomic friendly handles and a wide wheel so you have more coverage on the ground as you roll, increasing stability. Plus, this pick comes with a knee pad and a downloadable 21-day workout plan for guidance.
Who Should Buy The Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
Anyone who wants a wider wheel for more stability on the ground.
Athletes who want an internal spring that provides more resistance and assistance during motion.
Those who want a roller that comes with a knee pad and/or workout plan.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
Customers looking for a cost effective ab roller option.
Folks who want a compact roller they can bring on the go with them.
Though larger than some other ab rollers, the wide wheel on this roller allows for more stability, and the internal spring adds resistance on the rollout and assistance on the roll back for a thorough and safe workout.
Benefits of Ab Rollers
These deceptively simple but brutally effective pieces of equipment have fairly straightforward benefits. They’re used to enhance the strength and stability of abdominal muscles which is their main focus, but ab rollers may also help develop the upper body muscles of the chest, shoulder, triceps, and even back from stabilizing yourself throughout the range of motion.
Image via Shutterstock / Olena Yakobchuk
Improving your abdominal stability can possibly aid in athletic performance, heavy lifting, and everyday life making these very useful yet affordable pieces of equipment. Progressing the difficulty is rather easy with just a weight plate or weighted vest. You can also make the movement easier by using bands for assistance or rolling on your knees instead of planked.
How We Chose the Best Ab Rollers
Though there are many similar ab rollers on the market, there are small nuances that help differentiate between rollers. For this reason, we carefully curate our top picks by assessing two characteristics: construction and performance.
Construction
The first characteristic we assess with ab rollers is their overall construction. More specifically, we look at three components that all need to be high quality to ensure durability and functionality in a roller: the wheel, the handles, and the shaft.
The summation of these three construction components can separate a great ab roller from one that will break down quickly. For example, you want a shaft that is made of steel, and designed to withstand continual stress to ensure there’s no bending. Also, wheels should have a sturdy construction and outer texture for grip. All of these details factor into our construction assessment, and therefore, no roller on this list comes poorly constructed.
Performance
The performance assessment of the ab roller helps us decide which groups of athletes would benefit most from each pick. From a macro view, all ab rollers will perform similarly, but tiny details make them better for certain types of athletes. For example, resistance wheels are ideal for advanced fitness enthusiasts who need a little extra resistance to work their core. These athletes can also benefit from kits that come with more equipment to incorporate into their workouts.
Image via Shutterstock / George Rudy
Larger wheels are best for beginners who are learning the movement, and easing into the full range of motion. But textured wheels are great for pretty much anyone because there is less slippage, and you can use them on virtually any surface. These are only a few ways we assess the performance of every ab roller, but you’ll find a variety of these characteristics on this list to ensure we have something for each type of athlete.
How Much Do Ab Rollers Cost?
Ab rollers are rather inexpensive pieces of equipment that provide a great benefit for anyone looking to improve their abdominal stability and strength. Compared to ab machines and other larger or more expensive ab devices, ab rollers may seem simple. That helps to keep the price down compared to other ab training tools.
Best Ab Roller Overall
Rogue Ab Wheel
$75.00
Best Ab Roller for Beginners
Fitnessery Ab Roller
$30.99
Best Ab Roller Pair
Amazon Basics Exercise Fitness Ab Rollers
$29.99
Best Ab Roller Kit
Entersports Ab Roller Wheel
$39.99
Best Non-Slip Ab Roller
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro Roller
$39.99
You can snag ab rollers for pretty cheap — as little as about $30 though they do go on sale sometimes so you may be able to pick one up for even less. Some other more expensive ab rollers have upgraded features like textured wheels for better grip, padded handles for comfort, and bearings for smoother rolling. They can cost up to around $75 though most are in the range of $40 to $50.
What to Consider Before Buying Ab Rollers
While ab rollers may seem fairly straightforward, you’ll still want to consider things like your personal workout routine and fitness level before deciding which ab roller to get. To understand what we mean, read on.
Workout Styles
Everyone’s fitness routine varies to some degree. Whether you love pilates and low impact work, or you are sprinting on the treadmill and hitting those heavier weights, incorporating an ab roller into your routine can be beneficial. However, if you’re using your roller daily or on rough surfaces, you’ll obviously want one that is more durable. On the other hand, if you are using your ab roller only on occasion and on smooth surfaces, you can get away with a less expensive option that’s a little less durable.
Image via Shutterstock / Beauty Stock
You should also consider if you want accessories to come with your ab roller or not. Many ab rollers come with a knee pad at the very least, and some even come with resistance training equipment. If your workout style will benefit from a kit, you’ll want to opt for that instead, as you will most definitely get more bang for your buck in that case.
Level
If you’re a beginner, you are going to want to hunt down a different ab roller than someone with more advanced technique. Beginners will want a larger wheel with good grip that helps with stabilization, while more advanced athletes may want something more narrow that challenges their core significantly. Before you just grab the best looking roller or the cheapest option, toss your fitness level into consideration and grab the roller that will help you progress the most.
Final Word
Ab rollers can be a great tool for building a strong and resilient core. From ab rollers that come in full kits, to ab roller pairs, there are plenty of functionalities to choose from on today’s market. What’s great about ab rollers is that truly every level athlete can find one that will work for them.
Like every piece of equipment though, it’s always wise to assess what you want and need most in your roller and compare from there. And overall, let this list be your guide as you get rolling.
FAQs
I’m a beginner, what type of ab roller should I buy?We’d advise looking for a roller with cushioned handles, a wheel with rubber tread, a wheel that is slightly larger, and maybe even an option that comes with an exercise guide to help learn the movements. All of these components can be useful to help ease you into using ab rollers more fluidly.
How much do ab rollers cost?Ab rollers are fairly inexpensive, especially for how effective and difficult they can be. You can pick a cost-effective roller up for around $30 though sometimes they’re even less than that. On the high end, ones with bearings, padded handles, or treaded wheels can cost anywhere from about $50 to $75.
Is an ab roller bad for the back?Every exercise when done incorrectly can come with inherent risk, and the ab roller is no different. We suggest performing rolls at your own pace, judging your range of motion on your personal strength abilities. If you cannot achieve a full roll out right away, then start small and work toward it.
Can an ab roller get me a six-pack?An ab roller, a balanced diet, and a consistent workout plan can all help you achieve more definition. Instead of thinking about one piece of equipment, think about the bigger picture and how a roller can be a tool to help you get there.
Best Dip Belts for Comfort, Value, and More
The dip, sometimes called the upper-body squat, is a favorite among lifters across many different disciplines — and for good reason. This ever-reliable exercise works your chest, shoulders, and triceps hard. For those who don’t know the exercise, it is usually done by holding yourself upright on dip bars, arms aligned with the body, and hands on the bars. The motion involves lowering until elbows just about break ninety degrees before pressing back up to the starting position; that’s one rep. Once body weight alone is easy to lift, you may be in the market for a dip belt.
Dip belts wrap around your lower torso, resting against your lower back, and have a chain or strap around the front that attaches to various weights like plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, or a willing partner. The array of dip belts available on the market is pretty expansive (with leather, nylon, neoprene, and other options), so let’s slowly lower ourselves into the best dip belts on the market and rise up with the right one for you.
Best Dip Belts
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Dip Belt Overall
Dip belts are a great tool for adding extra resistance to — you guessed it — dips. They can be used for more than that with the right design, and some are definitely more functional and comfortable than others. This one hits all the right notes, making it our top overall pick. Meet the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
Not only is this dip belt tough, but it’s comfortable to wear too. Instead of pinching leather that most dip belts are made from, this belt is made from contoured neoprene with padding in the back for extra support under heavy weights. To hold the weight, Gymreapers has an adjustable, heavy-duty, 30-inch steel chain with an enlarged carabiner for easy clipping.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
Pick out your favorite color — Black, Red, or Ranger Green — and elevate your dip, pull-up, and chin-up game for about $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who want their dip belt to last a long time. A steel chain and high-quality neoprene ensure this belt can stand up to heavy use.
Athletes who want an adjustable dip belt to accommodate those of different heights.
People who are keeping their budgets tight. This dip belt is reasonably priced, especially for its high-quality build.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who prefer a leather dip belt will want to look elsewhere.
Anyone who doesn’t want the noise of a steel chain may want to opt for a fabric or leather-only option with no chain.
People who are very large or very small may not fit comfortably in this as it is a one-size-fits-most belt.
Reasonably priced and extra-padded for comfort, this dip belt features a heavy-duty chain for supporting max weight. Plus, it comes in an easily washable neoprene material. What’s not to like about this dip belt? If you’re in the market for one, we think it’s definitely worth your consideration.
Most Comfortable Dip Belt
Comfort is important when it comes to lifting gear, especially with dip belts. Nobody wants to feel their skin being scraped or pinched every set. This belt excels in comfort thanks to the placement of its dual carabiners and extra padding.
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
On top of being a well-padded dip belt to achieve a level of comfort that could sway the decisions of athletes who intend to lift rather heavy, this dip belt is versatile. Hypeletics features two carabiners, one on either side of the hips, for added comfort and stability when weight is on the belt. This tough belt can hold up to 270 pounds of weight which is way more than most people will need. It has the capacity to double as a squat belt by using a carabiner to cinch the waist clips together.
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
A reinforced high-grade neoprene belt with a 40-inch strap capable of supporting six Olympic sized plates. The soft padding is positioned intentionally to prevent the belt from digging into your sides.
In addition to being a comfortable piece of gear, it has quite the waist range it can fit. Anyone with a waist over approaching 38 inches is still within range of what this belt can safely accommodate. Pick up your favorite of six different color options with options like Pink Camo and Desert Digital for about $34.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
Athletes with larger waists.
Those who want the versatility of a dip belt that can double as a squat belt.
Anyone who needs to emphasize comfort during their workouts.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
Athletes who have smaller waists and need a snug fit.
Those who want a leather dip belt.
Taller folks may want a dip belt with a shorter chain. This one is 40 inches long.
As is a pattern for a lot of the better dip belts on the market, this belt might struggle to comfortably sit on an athlete who has a smaller waist. If your waist is over 30 inches and you find a need to ease the pressure loaded from equipping weight plates to a dip belt, then this option should be in consideration for you.
[Related: Could Baking Soda Be The Best Workout Supplement You’ve Never Tried?]
Best Dip Belt With Chain
There’s something old-school and satisfying about the rattling of chains and clanging of plates in a gym that feels cool. With this dip belt, you’ll have exactly that with a solid 30-inch chain to support heavy dips and pull-ups.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
The chain on this dip belt is made from steel and is 30 inches long — though you can adjust it with the oversized carabiner to nearly any length that suits your needs. Doing belt squats? Maybe you need it shorter for a better range of motion. Dips or pull-ups? Longer might be better to stabilize the plate with your feet more easily.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
Gymreapers made their dip belt comfortable too with padded and contoured neoprene around the back, which can help when you start adding a lot of weight. Choose from your favorite of three colors — Black, Red, and Ranger Green — for around $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Athletes who want an adjustable chain on their dip belt will like this pick.
Those who need to keep their fitness equipment on the more affordable side. This dip belt is priced well for its high quality.
People who are looking for different color options for their dip belt. You can pick from three here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Athletes who are looking for a versatile dip belt. This one is decently versatile, but there are others with more versatility on the market.
Those who are on a strict budget may want to look for some more bargain options or see if their gym has one they can provide for free to use.
Anyone who wants a listed weight capacity. We suspect this belt can hold a solid amount of weight, but there isn’t a limit listed, so test at your own risk.
This dip belt combines the old-school feel of a steel chained dip belt with the modern comforts of contoured, neoprene padding for an all-around superior product. Add some extra intensity to your bodyweight movements with the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Best Value Dip Belt
When it comes to accessory equipment for the gym, you don’t want to spend a ton of money on specialty pieces like a dip belt. Purchasing a solid one that fulfills its purpose is usually sufficient. Sometimes that same economic choice is also a top-tier piece of equipment, like in the case of the Gymreapers Dip Belt.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
This dip belt is a premium-quality product at budget-level pricing. Whether you’re new to weighted bodyweight movements or an experienced pro, this belt can accommodate your needs. The heavy-duty, adjustable steel chain is 30 inches long and makes for a top-notch product.
Gymreapers Dip Belt
If you want both comfort and heavy-duty support in your dip belt, look no further than the Gymreapers Dip Belt. Available in three colors, Black, Red, and Ranger Green, this belt is made to last with contoured neoprene and back padding for comfort.
To further improve upon the classic dip belt design, Gymreapers includes padding and a contoured design around the back and sides of the belt for added comfort — especially during higher-rep sets or when the weights get heavy. Pick up your favorite color (Black, Red, or Ranger Green) for around $39.99 before tax with free Prime shipping, and you can get to making those gains.
Who Should Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Those who want to ball on a budget. This dip belt was seemingly made for it.
People who want premium features, but don’t want to pay a premium price. Padding, an adjustable chain, and a contoured fit are features we’d expect on belts double this price.
Those who are just beginning to dabble in weighted bodyweight exercises and want to start off with a relatively inexpensive dip belt.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Gymreapers Dip Belt
Folks who might not yet be advanced or strong enough for adding extra resistance to bodyweight movements.
Anyone who is very tall may find the 30-inch chain to be too short for them to comfortably use.
Those who prefer to use leather or nylon dip belts.
The steel chain here is strong and thick, like most of our favorite lifters, and the belt itself is padded and ergonomically shaped for maximum comfort when pushing yourself with those heavy dips. For a belt that’s more on the budget side of the price spectrum, this dip belt has a ton of premium features.
[Related: The Lifter’s Guide To Magnesium: What This Nutrient Does For Strength]
Most Durable Dip Belt
When you buy a piece of equipment for the gym, you want it to last a while, so you can get your money’s worth out of it. No one wants to replace their dip belt every year, and this belt has the ability to stand the test of time. Enter the Rogue Dip Belt.
Rogue Dip Belt
You may have seen this dip belt in competition use before at the CrossFit Games. It features a 30-inch, steel chain-link system and D-shaped carabiners, which allow for a higher load capacity, easier adjustments on the fly, and a tougher overall makeup. The belt itself is made from heavy-duty and durable nylon that’s three inches in the front and four inches in the back for better load disbursement.
Rogue Dip Belt
The Hulk himself couldn’t break this dip belt with a massive 29,400-pound weight rating. That’s thanks to heavy-duty nylon and a 30-inch steel chain which attaches to two steel D-shaped carabiners.
The weight rating on this dip belt is comically high at 29,400 pounds (you read that right). So it’s safe to say it can hold your extra weight for dips or pull-ups. It comes in Black and Yellow, and is priced right around $55 before tax and shipping.
Who Should Buy the Rogue Dip Belt
Athletes who need help with weight distribution for better comfort and balance. The four-inch width across the back helps in this department.
Folks who want supreme confidence in their dip belt. Not only was this dip belt used in the CrossFit Games, but its weight capacity is off the charts.
Those who like to be seen. The high-vis yellow option ensures no one will miss you crushing your reps.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Rogue Dip Belt
People who don’t like the rougher feel of nylon compared to neoprene.
Athletes who want color choices other than Batman and Construction Worker.
Those who are on a budget can find cheaper alternatives on this list.
This belt is built for one purpose — function — and it achieves that tremendously. It does this through high-quality and very durable materials, like nylon and steel, as well as expert construction. Anything from Rogue is expected to be of top-tier quality as that’s what the brand is known for. We don’t think you’ll find a more durable dip belt than this one from Rogue.
Benefits of Dip Belts
Dip belts can be a great addition to your training regimen. You can up the difficulty and resistance of many bodyweight exercises — not only dips, but pull-ups and any type of exercise you can creatively think up. The additional weight you’re able to afix to the belt and your body may aid in driving your strength and muscle growth further than you could with your bodyweight alone. Some people use dip belts for an entirely different purpose — decompressing their spine — by strapping the belt to their ankles or lower spine and hanging on a pull-up bar.
How We Chose the Best Dip Belts
The differences between dip belts and their attributes can influence their durability and comfort while lifting. Ultimately, the best dip belt should relieve any strain on your back while supporting the increase in weight. Here are some of the key features to look for when investing in your next dip belt.
Material
There are many different materials that can make a good dip belt. Neoprene is breathable, which can be more comfortable depending on what you workout in. Leather is likely not to tear and withstand the test of time, but doesn’t breathe. Nylon is durable and may be more flexible under pressure.
[Related: Leather Vs. Nylon Lifting Belts: What Are The Differences?]
Chains vs. Straps
Most dip belts will be sold with either a chain or a strap, although there are other options like rope, bungees, or bands. Both chains and straps are serviceable and can bear similarly large amounts of weight. The main differences between the two is how they feel while lifting, which comes down to personal taste, and their length in regard to the dip belts they accompany. The length is important for maintaining proper weight distribution during a lift to ensure you feel comfortable and can maintain proper form.
How Much Do Dip Belts Cost?
Dip belts aren’t as expensive as some other types of workout gear. Some people may not be able to justify the cost for a piece of equipment that is essentially single-use without some creativity on behalf of the user. If you want to push up your pull-up game then a dip belt is invaluable and you can easily rationalize the modest price.
Best Dip Belt Overall
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Most Comfortable Dip Belt
Hypeletics Weighted Dip Belt
$39.97
Best Dip Belt with Chain
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Best Value Dip Belt
Gymreapers Dip Belt
$39.99
Most Durable Dip Belt
Rogue Dip Belt
$55.00
People in the market for a top-notch dip belt can find one for as cheap as about $40 though the price can increase a bit from there. Generally reinforced and padded dip belts or those with very high weight capacities can range up to and over $60.
What To Consider Before Buying Dip Belts
While it may seem straightforward, there are actually quite a few considerations to make before choosing your dip belt, including your form and the amount of weight you will consistently be using.
How’s Your Form?
Ensure you are completing dips with proper form using supported weight or bodyweight before adding weight with a dip belt. If your form is failing without any additional weight, attaching plates to a dip belt and performing the movement could lead to injury. Make sure you are strong enough and are close to form-perfect before investing in a dip belt.
Get a Feel For It
Once you have your dip belt, don’t rush right into the weight you think you can move. Try out different lighter amounts of weight on your dip belt before you perform the exercise to get a feel for how each weight amount stresses the dip belt and the pressure it exerts on your back, which should not be painful. If you experience pain with the dip belt on, remove the weight immediately and reassess.
[Related: Intermittent Fasting 101: A Guide To Benefits, Muscle Gain, And More]
Be Mindful Of Weight Distribution
Dip belts are made to support additional weight, but the form of that weight is something you can change depending on the dip belt and your preferences. For example, if the weight distribution of a weight plate is less than desirable, you could try using a kettlebell or dumbbell instead. Just be sure that any weight is safely harnessed to the chain or strap before performing any exercises.
Final Word
Dip belts offer a way to overload exercises that would otherwise be limited by your bodyweight. They can be extremely useful, especially if you want to keep the intensity higher or the same as your body weight decreases when dieting. Adding some extra resistance can mimic dips at a heavier weight to keep the intensity high. They come in lots of different materials from leather to nylon and neoprene, but they all serve the same purpose. Some have better versatility than others with adjustable chains and multiple connection points. Think through some of the ways you envision using this piece of equipment before making a final decision — it may save you from having to buy again shortly.
At the end of the day, dips are an exceptional exercise for building the triceps, shoulders, and chest. They should be a mainstay of your upper body training if your shoulders are healthy enough for it. A dip belt can help you add more weight to your lifts to further your gains and continue your progression toward a stronger upper body.
FAQs
What is the best dip belt?There are a lot of options for dip belts on the market but they’re not all made equal. We’re big fans of the Gymreapers dip belt since it’s cost-effective despite being very high in quality. It features padding and reinforced stitching making it not only comfortable but sturdy for heavy weights and repeated use.
When should I use a dip belt?Dip belts are used to add increased resistance, and thus increased intensity, to your workouts. They should be included in the beginning of your working sets and generally for lower reps to focus more on strength and hypertrophy. Ditch the belt and focus on bodyweight only for more endurance-based training in the higher rep ranges.
How much do dip belts cost?Dip belts are relatively inexpensive compared to other gym equipment though some folks may not find them worth it. For people who are focused on improving their bodyweight training and kicking it up another notch then you can find dip belts for as little as about $40. Ones that are reinforced or padded may cost more — up to around $60 or more.
My gym already has a dip belt. Should I still buy my own?That’s up to you. We can tell you that there are a ton more advantages than disadvantages to owning your own. You’ll never have to wait for someone to finish using it or wonder if the person before you wiped it down. It’ll also be the right size for you since you can measure your waist before ordering one. The only real downside is having to transport it to and from the gym.
I’m not strong enough yet to use a dip belt. What can I do to get there?We have a guide to progressive overload, which can potentially help you make progress in pretty much any lift when done correctly. Bench dips are a great alternative to bodyweight dips until you can perform three to five repetitions with good form in a controlled manner. Just be sure to keep in mind that it takes time to progress and you’ll get there if you keep at it and work hard.
The Best Battle Ropes for Taking Your Conditioning To the Next Level
Battle ropes are awesome. They’re dynamic in nature and can be a godsend for improving conditioning, general strength, and overall work economy. If you’ve never trained with battle ropes, then you’re seriously missing out on some killer benefits. Outside of being a great tool to achieve nearly every training adaptation, they’re a breeze to set up just about anywhere and are a space-saving addition to any home gym.
Being avid fitness and battle rope enthusiasts, we’ve been capping, shaking, and slamming some of the best battle ropes on the market to provide you with an in-depth battle ropes round-up. The ropes below have been broken into multiple sections to match a variety of needs, so whether you’re a battle rope newbie or a weathered vet, we’ve got you covered.
Best Battle Ropes
Best Battle Rope Overall
Training is a repetitive process. Many of the smaller details that separate the best equipment from the rest come down to attention to detail, and removing small annoyances that add up over time. This is why we think the Living.Fit Battle Rope — which offers six different options based on size and material— is the best choice for most people.
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Living.Fit Battle Rope
Living.Fit offers a variety of options to choose from for their battle ropes, including different thicknesses from 1.5 inches, two inches, and three inches. Once you figure out the diameter you’re interested in, then you can decide between a braided rope or a canvas-covered one. At their base, these battle ropes are made from 100-percent braided dacron — the same material they use to catch sharks — so you know these ropes are tough. All of the ropes are also 50 feet long, which makes them great for indoor use.
The different diameters correspond to different weights of rope — these weights range from 28 pounds to 88 pounds for the smallest to largest diameter, respectively. For this high-quality rope though, you will end up paying more than some other battle ropes with the cheapest option costing around $70 and the most expensive rope coming in at about $115 before taxes and possible shipping charges.
Living.Fit Battle Ropes
These battle ropes are 50 feet long, and feature two different builds. The canvas-covered rope is ideal for outdoor usage, while the braided rope is best suited for indoors.
Who Should Buy the Living.Fit Battle Rope
Lifters who want battle ropes that will last them for years even with heavy use. These are built to last thanks to the high-quality braided dacron used to manufacture them.
Trainees looking for options with different diameters, weights, and sheathing. You can select between six choices here.
Customers who want to add variety to their workouts. The 50 feet of length allows you to move up and down the rope to moderate the level of difficulty.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Living.Fit Battle Rope
Anyone with limited space to train as this rope is 50 feet long.
Buyers with a tighter budget. These aren’t the cheapest battle ropes available, but they’re top-notch in terms of quality.
Those who are newer to battle rope training may want to start even lighter than the lightest (28-pound) option.
The durable build of these Living.Fit Battle Ropes ensures they can stand up to daily, heavy use. With 50 feet of length, you’ll have more variety for your workouts than shorter ropes can provide. These aren’t the cheapest option out there, but they’re built to last you many years.
Stroops 77lb Son of the Beast Pro Kit
While most ropes limit you to movements where you simply hold the ends, the Son of the Beast comes with a kit that enables you to really broaden your training horizons. Sprints, jumps, resisted lateral movements and more are all well within the realms of possibility for this versatile elasticated rope.
Stroops 77lb Son of the Beast Pro Kit
This set features two ropes, anchor points, a pulling belt, and more. The unique elastic design makes it easy to use these ropes as traditional battle ropes or to connect them to the belt for resisted sprints and other plyometric work.
Who Should Buy the Stroops 77lb Son of the Beast Pro Kit
Athletes who need a heavier rope to increase the intensity of their training.
Consumers who want a rope that comes fully stacked with a kit for indoor or outdoor use.
Gymgoers looking for a rope that has attachments allowing for more versatility.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Stroops 77lb Son of the Beast Pro Kit
Trainees with a tighter budget.
Those looking for a thicker rope to work grip more intensively.
Buyers who prefer a simple, traditional rope without elasticity.
More expensive than some other options, but with a lot more bang for your buck, the versatility that the Stroops Son of the Best Pro Kit can bring to a person’s workout is the best battle rope we’ve seen for elasticity and all-around training.
Best Battle Rope with Exercise Guides
If you’re looking for a high-quality battle rope but don’t know where to start, then these Living.Fit Battle Ropes are the way to go because they offer in-depth exercise guides that can help you use them effectively.
Living.Fit Battle Rope
Living.Fit has made two great battle ropes out of poly dacron braided fiber, which is a super-durable and tough material that they offer by itself or covered in a tough canvas. Both types are available in 1.5-inch, two-inch, and three-inch diameters, which correspond to how heavy the rope itself is (ranging from 28 pounds to 88 pounds). The prices of these range from around $70 at the cheapest to about $115 at the highest before tax and shipping.
In addition to making some top-notch battle ropes, Living.Fit has 10 exercise guides available for purchase with in-depth instructions, costing around $19.99 each. The instructor-led guides are also available with the Living.Fit Full Access Membership, which costs around $7.99 per month. These programs are pretty awesome too featuring different focuses, like Building Bigger Arms, Burning Fat, Six-Pack + Muscle Pump, and the Basics Course. You can use these courses to make sure you’re not standing there with your battle rope in your hand without any guidance on what to do with it.
Living.Fit Battle Ropes
These battle ropes are 50 feet long, and feature two different builds. The canvas-covered rope is ideal for outdoor usage, while the braided rope is best suited for indoors.
Who Should Buy the Living.Fit Battle Rope
Those who are new to battle rope training, but still have a decent strength base and want some extra guidance with performing battle rope workouts. These folks will appreciate the exercise guides that Living.Fit offers.
Athletes who are in the market for a high-quality battle rope that can stand up to heavy, daily use and last for many years.
People who like options when it comes to purchasing equipment. There are six different choices here compared to many battle rope brands that only offer one or two.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Living.Fit Battle Rope
Those who are looking for a lightweight battle rope. These are generally pretty heavy with the lightest one starting at 28 pounds.
People on a tight budget. These aren’t the cheapest battle ropes on the market and you may be able to find more cost-effective options on this list.
If you’re only beginning to dabble in battle rope training and are unsure if you’ll like it, then starting off with a cheaper rope may be a good idea to make sure you like this particular style of training first.
Not only does Living.Fit make a high-quality and durable battle rope with a variety of diameters and two materials to choose from, but they have some helpful programming available too. With 10 different workouts of varying difficulty and focus available in their exercise guides, you can likely make some solid progress with these.
Best Manila Battle Rope
The choice of sailors for generations, Manila ropes have been found as far back as the ancient Egyptians. If you want a product that has truly stood the test of time, look no further. Aside from general durability, the other appeal of a manila rope is the grip. Even when you’re sweating, sol long as your grip doesn’t give out, you should find the fibrous texture of the rope to offer plenty of grip to hold onto.
Manila Conditioning Rope
We love this Manila rope by Rogue. Strong, and very durable as we already noted, it is also great value for money. At 50 foot long and with a standard 1.5 inch diameter, it is the ideal option for those who need a cost effective, tried and true option.
Manila Conditioning Rope
A traditional manila rope with the weight, feel, and resistance users expect. This classic design features rubberized handles to improve grip and durability.
Who Should Buy a Manila Conditioning Rope
Lifters looking for a tried and tested battle rope.
Trainees who want a great value for money rope.
Customers looking for a rope made from natural fibers.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Manila Conditioning Rope
Buyers who need a rope that comes with more attachments to enable training indoors or outdoors
Gymgoers with a smaller space to train in.
Anyone who needs a rope that won’t shed fibers.
Cost-effective and well-tested, this Manila rope may not be the fanciest option but it gets the job done just as well.
Best Battle Rope for Small Spaces
Contrary to dumbbells and kettlebells, which require little space to use, battle ropes can require a lot of space to be able to train, since you’re moving the length of the rope to workout. As more people have started to use battle ropes in their training, designs have been produced that could be used in much smaller areas. Our favorite option for this is the Hyper Rope.
Hyper Rope Battle Rope
A flexible metal core surrounded by a braided polyester exterior that keeps quiet when in use, the Hyper Rope is able to compact a normal 40 to 50 foot rope into a product half the size. When you consider that you’re typically using it holding both ends, this means you only need 10 foot to get in a great workout.
Hyper Rope Battle Rope
Available in two size options, this patent-pending design from Hyperwear can actually be used without an anchor, meaning users can get a traditional battle rope workout in far smaller spaces.
Who Should Buy the Hyper Rope Battle Rope
Athletes who have a limited, compact space to train in.
Lifters looking for a rope that doesn’t shed fibers when used.
Consumers looking for a rope with multiple weight options to select from.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Hyper Rope Battle Rope
Gymgoers who want a rope that can also be used for climbing.
Athletes who prefer a rope with a thicker diameter.
Buyers with a tighter budget.
High tech, small space requirements. This rope is awesome for anyone who wants to hit their conditioning hard at home.
Best Value Battle Rope
For the home gym user where equipment is unlikely to see the usage volume that occurs in large scale facilities, a simple option that is well priced is the often best choice. Yes, it may not come with all the bells and whistles you see on the mid to upper range products, but it does allow for quality training sessions, so long as you’re willing to break a sweat.
Amazon Basics Battle Exercise Training Rope
Amazon’s Basics hits the bullseye with this rope. You can choose different lengths and diameters, it’s made from a polyester blend with high tensile strength that should alleviate issues with fraying and has rubberized handles for excellent grip. At this price you can’t go wrong.
Amazon Basics Battle Exercise Training Rope
Amazon’s rope features a 3-strand design with a polyester blend, which will resist fraying and breaking over time. This rope is easy to roll for storage and features a one-year limited warranty.
Who Should Buy the Amazon Basics Battle Exercise Training Rope
People with a limited budget who want a simple, cost-effective rope.
Trainees who want an affordable, but durable battle rope.
Customers looking for a rope with different diameters, lengths and more.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Amazon Basics Battle Exercise Training Rope
Athletes who have limited space in which to train and need a smaller option.
Buyers looking for a rope with a protective sheath for extra longevity.
Lifters who prefer other forms of conditioning.
Not as fancy as many of the other options on the list, this rope is nonetheless a solid performer and shouldn’t be written off as a cheap pretender.
How We Chose Our Picks
Battle ropes are just ropes, right? Yes and no. Sure, they are just ropes by definition, but these ropes have unique characteristics to them that make them great for certain training goals. We selected all of the ropes in this article based on performance, durability, and price.
Performance
Ropes should perform similarly during workout, however, tiny details can go a long way when it comes to achieving killer workouts. For example, a lot of a rope’s performance has to do with its construction. What the rope is made out of, the size of the rope, if it has an anchor, and the handles should all be considered when assessing a rope’s performance.
Quality Materials
When it comes to material, generally, ropes will be made out of 100% Dacron, or a poly-Dacron blend. Both of these options are durable, but the 100% Dacron will be heavier in nature. This makes this type of rope great for advanced fitness enthusiasts who might want to add more weight to their battle rope workouts.
Rope Size
Generally, ropes will come in different sizes and this should be a big consideration when shopping around. Thicker ropes will air on the side of 2″, while slimmer ropes will be around 1.5″. The rope’s dimensions should reflect your hand size and grip strength, so choose based on what you’re comfortable with.
Anchors
An anchor is a great component to consider for battle ropes because it can help dictate how workouts will be performed. If you don’t have a squat rack, or implement to anchor your rope down with, then it might be worth ranking this performance characteristic slightly higher when considering a battle rope.
Handles
Handles can be another huge performance characteristic because they can dictate how well and long you can grip a rope. If you’re worried about calluses or losing grip, then consider a rope with rubber handle finishes.
Durability
A battle rope’s durability is huge for home gym owners because the last thing you want is a rope breaking down, fraying, and causing a major mess. This is why it’s always a good idea to ensure you’re buying a rope made out of a 100% Dacron finish or poly-Dacron finish. Dacron is a thermoplastic polymer that is known for its durability.
Handle construction is another important durability trait to consider because unfinished handles can fray slightly easier than handles with finishes. If you’re concerned about handle breakdown, then look for battle ropes with rubber finishes that are closed at the end.
Of Course, Price
When it comes to price, this review characteristic are pretty straight forward: How much are you willing to spend on a solid battle rope? There are great ropes out there around $50.00 USD, then there are higher-quality, more performance focused ropes around $90.00+ USD. Price will always come down to what you want to spend and how much you’ll use the battle rope.
What to Consider Before Buying a Battle Rope
With the plethora of new designs available, there are a few things worth thinking about before you make your battle rope purchase. From your training space to fitness goals, consider some of these factors and then make your decision.
How Much Space Do You Have?
If you want to purchase a traditional rope, you’re going to need some decent space or access to the outdoors in order to train properly. If you do, you have a variety of great value options available. On the flipside, those with minimal space are going to have to choose a more innovative option that could cost more.
What Materials Are Used?
The big choice here is natural or man made fibers. Polyester is your main man made choice and is hard wearing, but less grip friendly. Manila is the usual natural choice and is easier to hold, but can shed fibers, so if you’re training in the house or in a garage gym, be prepared to whip out the broom from time to time.
Don’t forget about elastic options as well. With some ropes now made of elastic materials, you may find that you get more benefit — both in training and space saving — from an elastic option.
How Durable Do You Need?
None of these ropes should have issues with durability under normal usage. As we mentioned in the previous passage on materials, you may see shedding depending on your choice, but this isn’t going to lead to a breakage unless you’re really abusing the equipment.
Indoor or Outdoor Training
Those of you lucky enough to live in climates that allow for training outdoors may want to factor that in with your rope choice. Whilst all the ropes on our list are more than durable enough to handle outdoor training, some of them are going to be easier to clean than others.
If you can train outdoors, you’ll certainly have more space for a larger rope. Don’t let that be the end of your thinking though. You’ll still have to store the rope post-workout. So make sure you’ve got a space to put it away when you’re through with your session.
Design Preferences
Usually not a huge priority with battle ropes, there are nonetheless certain ropes that have really put some thought into their designs. From sheaths to rubber handles, the details can make some products more appealing than others. As per usual, more details tend to mean higher price tags, so if the bells and whistles are important to you, expect to pay more.
Tips
New to battle ropes or are you trying to up your battle rope game? We have a few suggestions below to help you make your best decision.
Do you have a home gym or piece of equipment that could be used as an anchor? If not, then it might be worth considering battle rope options with anchors included.
Do you lack general grip strength? If you do, then you might want to go for a smaller rope and option with rubber handles to support grip.
Do you want a heavier rope? Look for options made out of 100% Dacron, typically, these options will be much heavier in nature.
Want your rope to last? Try to avoid using battle ropes, even those with sleeves, on unfinished concrete. They’re okay to use on smooth garage floors, but rough surfaces can tear ropes up quicker.
What’s a fair price? That comes down to how often you plan on using your rope. If you’re an avid enthusiast, then it might be worth paying a little more for a high-quality durable rope.
Battle Ropes are not only an effective training option, they can also be really good fun. They offer up a great way to channel any excess aggression whilst simultaneously being awesome for full body conditioning. It’s true that in the past the length of the rope ruled them out as a choice for many people, but with the development of shorter ropes that have the same functionality, most people can now enjoy the benefits. If you struggle to motivate yourself to train, they are well worth investigating as an unusual and invigorating modality.
FAQs
What’s the best battle rope to buy?We think the best battle rope on the market right now is the Rogue 45′ sheathed conditioning rope. It’s a quality battle rope that has a protective sheath around it to keep the rope lasting a long time to come.
What are battle ropes useful for?Surprisingly versatile, you can train core, rotational movements, coordination, balance and more. Of course the primary utility of battle ropes is for conditioning, but we wanted to emphasize that you can broaden your view of this tool. Battle ropes aren’t just a one trick pony.
Do battle ropes require high intensity?Like any training modality, all the advertisements you see marketed demonstrate the coolest, most intense version of the product. That doesn’t mean you have to use it that way. Battle ropes are great for high intensity training, but they can be used just as productively at lower intensities that are more accessible.
Myprotein THE Thermo-X Review
Everything you need to know about Myprotein THE Thermo-X
Product Overview
If you’re struggling to lose body fat and are eating healthy and exercising, you may want to look into a quality fat burner. Reaching a weight loss plateau and struggling to lose stubborn body fat is a nuisance but typical.
Combining an effective strength training program with moderate cardio and a proper nutrition plan is the best way to burn fat. But sometimes, you need an edge to burn additional body fat if you have reached a plateau, can’t get rid of stubborn belly fat, or want to speed up the process. That’s where fat burners come in. Fat burners aren’t a magic pill for weight loss, but a quality one that will help you burn fat.
The right fat burner has caffeine to boost workout performance and speed up your metabolism, along with other beneficial ingredients that support weight management and increase focus and energy for better workouts. This article will dive deep into the premium fat burner Myprotein THE Thermo-X to see if it’s worth taking.
Myprotein THE Thermo-X has everything a quality fat burner should have with additional benefits. This supplement has caffeine to speed up your metabolism and boost workout performance.
Main Takeaways
A quality fat burner will help you burn stubborn body fat and speed up the fat-burning process.
Myprotein THE Thermo-X has the potent combination of caffeine and theacrine to increase your energy for explosive workouts and to speed up your metabolism.
This supplement has additional beneficial ingredients for weight loss, such as CapsiMax, which contains the herb capsicum from red hot peppers, which research supports boosts your metabolism.
What’s a Fat Burner?
Fat burners, as the name implies, are supplements that contain ingredients to help you burn fat. These products contain natural or artificial ingredients to increase your resting metabolic rate. Since you’ll burn more calories at rest, you’ll slim down and lose weight. Of course, assuming the fat burner has quality ingredients.
Components of a Good Fat Burner
Caffeine is a must in fat burners. That’s because caffeine stimulates your nervous system and puts you in a thermogenic state–generating more heat and energy from food digestion–to help you burn calories. Caffeine also blunts your appetite, so naturally, you’ll consume fewer calories. Plus, caffeine will also give you a boost in energy and mental focus to increase your workout performance.
A quality fat burner will also contain other beneficial fat-burner ingredients, such as capsicum and Bioperine. CapsiMax is a form of capsicum from hot red peppers that supports weight loss. And Bioperine, a black pepper extract that increases nutrient absorption.
Fat burners must also have other components that increase your physical performance, cognitive ability, and energy, so you can crush your workouts to burn more calories. So other beneficial ingredients a good fat burner would contain include theacrine and Rhodiola.
THE Thermo-X Highlights
THE Thermo-X is produced by Myprotein, which only puts on the market premium supplements, such as Myprotein Impact Whey Protein. This supplement is formulated with the proper dosage of caffeine. And it contains CapsiMax to support weight management, thermogenesis, and lipolysis (breakdown of fats).
THE Thermo-X separates itself from other fat burners because it’s blended with ingredients that also increase your focus and energy, which are critical to getting an effective workout to burn body fat. Furthermore, it contains the active ingredient theacrine, which works synergistically with caffeine to boost energy levels without the side effects of too much caffeine, such as anxiety and jitteriness.
Ingredients to Burn Fat and Increase Focus
THE Thermo-X contains many ingredients that control your weight and increase your mental alertness.
Caffeine: Caffeine speeds up your metabolism and increases workout performance (1).
Theacrine: A patented form of theacrine that works synergistically with caffeine. And it may boost cognitive and physical performance since it affects adenosine signaling (2).
Alpha-GPC: This is a cholinergic compound that increases levels of acetylcholine in your brain to boost cognitive ability and explosive performance (3).
Rhodiola: Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that may prevent fatigue (4).
CapsiMax: A patented form of capsicum, a derivative of hot red peppers that help you lose weight (5).
5-HTP: This is from a West African shrub seed that boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your appetite and mood (6).
Theobromine: This ingredient in cocoa is similar to caffeine and increases your focus and alertness (7).
Bioperine: BioPerine is a patented form of black pepper extract which increases nutrient absorption. Of course, the more nutrients you absorb, the more effective they are. So this ingredient can help the other components work better (8).
Featured Fat Burner: Myprotein THE Thermo-X
Many fat burners are out there, but we recommend Myprotein THE Thermo-X. This supplement has the proper dosage of caffeine and other cognitive and physical performance ingredients like theacrine to ensure you get the most effective workout possible to boost fat loss. Plus, caffeine boosts your metabolism, so it makes weight loss effortless. But because caffeine and theacrine work synergistically, this fat burner gives you all the benefits of caffeine without the negative side effect that a supplement with too much caffeine may have. Also, it contains other beneficial ingredients specific to weight management, such as CapsiMax.
THE Thermo-X Nutrition (Per Serving)
Caffeine: 100mg
Theobromine: 200mg
Theacrine: 125mg
Alpha-GPC: 100mg
Rhodiola: 65mg
CapsiMax: 50mg
5-HTP: 50mg
Bioperine: 2.5mg
How to Best Use Myprotein THE Thermo-X
Myprotein recommends taking one capsule of THE Thermo-X daily with 8oz of water for the first week to see your tolerance level. And if your body is tolerable, increase the dosage to two capsules daily. They also recommend not to exceed four tablets in 24 hours.
Myprotein THE Thermo-X has everything a quality fat burner should have with additional benefits. This supplement has caffeine to speed up your metabolism and boost workout performance.
Overall Value
Myprotein THE Thermo-X has everything a quality fat burner should have with additional benefits. This supplement has caffeine to speed up your metabolism and boost workout performance. But it has theacrine, which acts similarly to caffeine to offset the potential side effects of consuming too much caffeine. And it also has the potent herb from red hot pepper, capsicum, to support weight loss. Overall, it’s a premium fat burner that will help you lose weight and boost physical performance and cognitive ability.
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References
Doherty, M., & Smith, P. M. (2005). Effects of caffeine ingestion on rating of perceived exertion during and after exercise: a meta-analysis. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 15(2), 69–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2005.00445.x
Kuhman, D. J., Joyner, K. J., & Bloomer, R. J. (2015). Cognitive Performance and Mood Following Ingestion of a Theacrine-Containing Dietary Supplement, Caffeine, or Placebo by Young Men and Women. Nutrients, 7(11), 9618–9632. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7115484
Bellar, D., LeBlanc, N. R., & Campbell, B. (2015). The effect of 6 days of alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine on isometric strength. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0103-x
Ishaque, S., Shamseer, L., Bukutu, C., & Vohra, S. (2012). Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 12, 70. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-70
Rogers, J., Urbina, S. L., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Purpura, M., Jäger, R., & Juturu, V. (2018). Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis. BMC obesity, 5, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40608-018-0197-1
Halford, J. C., Harrold, J. A., Boyland, E. J., Lawton, C. L., & Blundell, J. E. (2007). Serotonergic drugs : effects on appetite expression and use for the treatment of obesity. Drugs, 67(1), 27–55. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200767010-00004
Martínez-Pinilla, E., Oñatibia-Astibia, A., & Franco, R. (2015). The relevance of theobromine for the beneficial effects of cocoa consumption. Frontiers in pharmacology, 6, 30. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00030
Fernández-Lázaro, D., Mielgo-Ayuso, J., Córdova Martínez, A., & Seco-Calvo, J. (2020). Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications. Nutrients, 12(6), 1886. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061886
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement Review
Everything you need to know about Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement
Product Overview
Losing weight is challenging. Eating healthy foods can be expensive and hard to sustain. Plus, it’s time-consuming. But quality meal replacement shakes make losing weight effortless, quick, and convenient to consume. They won’t be as expensive or a nuisance as buying a plethora of healthy food to make your waist slimmer. Premium meal replacement shakes give you everything you need in a couple of scoops, such as Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement.
Not all meal replacement shakes are adequate, though. Quality meal replacements have essential vitamins and minerals for your overall health that whole foods have. Plus, they’re high in protein and other fat-loss ingredients. A meal replacement with ample protein is essential because protein helps you build muscle to make your metabolism faster. Moreover, protein makes you feel satiated, so you won’t need as many calories to feel satisfied. Fiber is also an essential component of meal replacements since it curbs your hunger levels too.
And, of course, low sugar and calories are a must in an adequate meal replacement for weight loss. Since, well, eating fewer calories is critical to shedding pounds. Well, Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement has everything you need in a quilty meal replacement shake to make weight loss easy. It’s high in protein and fiber, packed with essential nutrients, and low in calories and sugar. In addition, it’s made of whey protein, meaning you’ll consume the essential amino acids your body needs. And it comes in mouth-watering fruity flavors.
Main Takeaways
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
This supplement is high in protein and fiber but low in calories and sugar, making it practical for weight loss.
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement comes in various fruity flavors to satisfy anyone’s taste buds.
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement is an excellent meal replacement shake to help you lose weight. It contains essential qualities for weight loss, including few calories, sugar, and high protein and fiber. It also has the essential amino acids necessary for repairing and preserving muscle tissue.
What Are Meal Replacements?
As the name suggests, meal replacements are an alternative to food for meals, e.g., meal replacement shakes. These meal substitutes are designed to be a quick and convenient way to consume calories and nutrients. Also, a quality meal replacement will help you lose weight. A meal replacement that’s good for losing weight will be low in calories, high in protein, and will contain vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of Protein
Protein is vital for losing weight. That’s because protein helps you stay satiated, meaning you can get fuller off fewer calories. Also, protein is essential for muscle growth. And the more muscle you have, the faster your basal metabolic rate will be–the calories you burn at rest.
Why Whey Protein
Whey is a form of protein derived from dairy. Whey protein is better than other proteins because it contains all the essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Your body needs 20 different amino acids to grow and repair tissue. Still, only nine are essential, meaning these nine essential amino acids are critical for tasks that require growing tissue, such as muscle growth.
Moreover, your body produces nonessential amino acids, but you can only get essential amino acids from your diet. You can get these essential amino acids from animal proteins, including meat, eggs, and poultry. Or you can get them in a quality meal replacement to make things easier.
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement Highlights
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement is a mouth-watering shake with various fruity flavors: Peach Mango, Apple Pear, Cranberry Pomegranate, and Grapefruit. This meal replacement shake is high in protein and fiber but low in sugar and calories. Its ample protein and low calories make it perfect for people in a caloric deficit for weight loss that want to build or preserve muscle. Moreover, it’s gut-friendly since it doesn’t contain much sugar and has prebiotic insulin. In addition, it contains vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C and D, for optimal health.
Properties to Lose Weight and Improve Body Composition
The ingredient and properties of Clear Whey Meal Replacement make it an ideal meal replacement shake to lose weight and improve your body composition (build muscle, lose fat). This supplement has low calories and high protein—moreover, essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, D, and B12.
Low Calories
Studies conclude that you need to consume fewer calories than you burn to lose weight (1). Therefore, foods that are filling yet low in calories are optimal for losing weight. For example, Clear Whey Meal Replacement only contains 200 calories per serving.
High Protein
Of course, consuming enough protein is imperative for building muscle, but it also helps to curb your hunger levels (2). This protein supplement contains 23g of protein per serving.
Vitamin C, D, and B12
C boosts antioxidants to fight disease and helps your cardiovascular health by increasing blood flow. Vitamin D protects your muscles and bones from muscle atrophy and osteoporosis. B12 is essential for the brain and nervous system and helps create red blood cells, which provide oxygen to your muscles.
Fiber
Fiber is essential for digestion and controlling your bowel movements. A healthy digestive system aids weight loss.
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement Features
Meal replacement shakes can be an adequate substitute for whole foods for a quick and convenient way to lose weight. Plus, quality ones are healthy since they contain vitamins and minerals. And other ingredients such as fiber and protein are also critical in a meal replacement for fat loss. Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement shake is a premium meal replacement that tastes delicious and has the protein, vitamins and minerals, and ingredients essential for weight loss and overall health.
Features (Per Serving)
200 calories
23g of protein
8.2 g of fiber
27 vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C, D, and B12)
8g prebiotic insulin
Less than 2.3g of sugar
Fruity flavors
How to Best Use Clear Whey Meal Replacement
Myprotein recommends adding two Clear Whey Meal Replacement scoops in 500ml water into a shake bottle. In addition, they suggest you substitute two of your main meals daily with their meal replacement to aid with weight loss. For optimal results, MyProtein says you should consume Clear Whey Meal Replacement with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle and consume plenty of fluids.
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement is an excellent meal replacement shake to help you lose weight. It contains essential qualities for weight loss, including few calories, sugar, and high protein and fiber. It also has the essential amino acids necessary for repairing and preserving muscle tissue.
Overall Value
Myprotein Clear Whey Meal Replacement is an excellent meal replacement shake to help you lose weight. It contains essential qualities for an adequate meal replacement for weight loss, including few calories, sugar, and high protein and fiber. Moreover, it’s made of whey protein and has the essential amino acids necessary for repairing and preserving muscle tissue. In addition, it’s excellent for your health since it contains vital vitamins and minerals.
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References
Strasser, B., Spreitzer, A., & Haber, P. (2007). Fat loss depends on energy deficit only, independently of the method for weight loss. Annals of nutrition & metabolism, 51(5), 428–432. https://doi.org/10.1159/000111162
Douglas Paddon-Jones, Eric Westman, Richard D Mattes, Robert R Wolfe, Arne Astrup, Margriet Westerterp-Plantenga, Protein, weight management, and satiety, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 87, Issue 5, May 2008, Pages 1558S–1561S, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/87.5.1558S