Weird burning smells, error codes, strange noises, and workout interruptions aren’t something you want to deal with in the middle of your cardio. But let’s be real, fitness equipment is not immune to ... Continue Reading
Are Hemp Seeds Worth the Hype? Here Are 3 Science-Backed Benefits of Hemp Seeds
Nutrient-dense seeds, like flax seeds and chia seeds, aren’t just the latest hype in the “superfood” aisle. While they’re certainly not a cure-all, they are a great addition to a healthy diet—particularly ... Continue Reading
An Elite Ultra-Marathoner & Powerlifter Explains How To Stay Fit While Traveling
Do you struggle to stay on top of your workout routine or diet while you travel? Don’t fret — you’re in good company. Even elite athletes need to make accommodations when they're on the move, including ... Continue Reading
How to Move an Elliptical: 7 Easy Steps To Moving Your Machine
Moving an elliptical can be tricky because, as BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC notes, many of the best ellipticals are heavy and hard to move by yourself: “Ellipticals ... Continue Reading
Tips for Treadmill Maintenance: Keep Your Running Machine in Good Shape
Treadmill maintenance has roots dating back to the 1800s. Legend says that William Cubitt invented one of the earliest machines, setting the template for the best treadmills of today. Back then, however, ... Continue Reading
Treadmill Size Guide: Finding the Best Machine for Your Stride, Height, and Space
You’ve heard the rumors (shhh, don’t tell anybody that I told you, but they’re true) about the benefits of cardio — lifted moods, managed weight, and strengthened hearts, to name a few — and you’re looking ... Continue Reading
How to Clean a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Rower: Keeping Your Peloton So Fresh, So Clean
Even if you had never heard of Peloton pre-pandemic, there’s little chance that you don’t currently know of — or own — a piece of exercise equipment from the oh-so-vogue fitness brand. Peloton’s high-tech ... Continue Reading
In a Rush to Get Ripped? Here’s How to Build Muscle Fast
The good news about hypertrophy is that it’s kind of simple for a lot of athletes: train hard, eat in a slight caloric surplus, and get enough sleep. Here’s the bad news about building muscle: it doesn’t ... Continue Reading
Should You Run Slower to Get Faster? Yes. Your Guide to 80/20 Running
It’s not that you mindlessly follow whatever fitness trend pops up on your feed. But when an intriguing idea comes along, you’ve got to take a look, right? So what’s the deal with 80/20 running? Can ... Continue Reading
The Top Benefits of Running, Plus Tips on How To Start
Key Takeaways: We know, we know, you might not like running. Let's be honest: it can be a tough slog. Sprinting is very high-intensity, and Here are our expert-explained benefits of running, plus some ... Continue Reading
How Long Do Running Shoes Last? Plus Tips From a Coach to Help Shoes Last Longer
Key Takeaways When you purchased your pair of Nike Pegasus kicks and loaded up your Strava app to hit the trails, you fell in love with them the instant you tightened the laces and went out for a run. ... Continue Reading
Your Guide to Post-Run Nutrition From a Certified Nutrition Coach
Key Takeaways You take your last few strides, wipe the sweat from your forehead, and hit the mat for some post-run stretches. After your cool down, it’s time to refuel and rehydrate with a quick ... Continue Reading
Is It Okay to Put a Treadmill in a Garage?: Pros and Cons of Sprinting in a Garage Gym
Purchasing a new treadmill for your home is a great way to reach your fitness goals. In fact, BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, believes that the convenience of having a ... Continue Reading
The Best Jump Rope Workout for Beginners, Catered to Your Goals
Rocky. Ali. Creed. These boxing classics have a lot of throughlines. Grit, loyalty, devotion, family, intense training montages…and jump ropes. Lots of jump ropes. But your name doesn’t have to be ... Continue Reading
Why Does Pre-Workout Make You Itch? (And How to Make it Stop)
It’s deadlift day, and your shaker bottles are ready with pre and post-workout nutrition — pre-workout on the way to the gym and a protein shake to kickstart recovery. You’re fired up and halfway through ... Continue Reading
Supercharge Your Cardio With This Hill Running Workout From a Running Coach
If you’re only doing track or treadmill runs, you’re leaving gains on the table. Sure, you might throw some speed work in there. But when all your runs are on flat ground, there’s still more proverbial ... Continue Reading
The 5 Best Calf Stretches for Runners, Provided by a Personal Trainer
As a runner, you take excellent care of your feet. You’ve got the newest foot massager, the fanciest socks, and the best running shoes money can buy. But how much attention are you paying to the real ... Continue Reading
Running Fuel: How, What, and When to Eat For Optimal Performance, According to RDs
Some runners swear by fasted cardio. Others refuse to run without having a meal prior. Still others rely on energy gels to maintain performance. The truth, though, is that everyone is right and no one is ... Continue Reading
Here’s the Deal With Probiotics for Weight Loss, According to a PhD
Key Takeaways If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you’ve probably heard people stress the importance of probiotics for gut health. These “good bacteria” that contribute to your gut bacteria overall have ... Continue Reading
Should You Do Cardio or Weights First? Here’s What a CPT Says
No, running — even slow long-distance running — is not going to automatically eat away at your strength and ability to build muscle. The fears just aren’t backed up by science. Because yes, indeed, you can ... Continue Reading
Does Walking Help You Lose Weight? Here’s What You Need To Know
Key Takeaways: Weight loss is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. At its core, any form of exercise will help you lose weight because movement burns calories. This applies to strength ... Continue Reading
Why Does My Weight Fluctuate So Much? Dietitians Answer
Key Takeaways Weight fluctuation is frustrating, whether you’re trying to lose weight or not. It can make you feel as though your exercise and nutrition protocols aren’t doing what you want them to, ... Continue Reading
Best Time to Buy a Treadmill: Strategies for Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
They say timing is everything, and when it comes to buying a treadmill, the saying holds true if you’re looking for the best value for your hard-earned money. If you’re a savvy consumer (and if ... Continue Reading
Muscles Worked by the Rowing Machine, Plus How to Row Properly
So you’re trying to figure out which cardio machine fits best into your training plan. If you’re itching for a truly full-body cardio workout that will put pretty much all your muscles to use, might I ... Continue Reading