Key Takeaways: We know, we know, you might not like running. We didn’t either, but that was before we delved deeper into the many benefits of running and how running burns fat, builds muscle, and ... 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
What Does It Take To Get Into Trail Running? An Ultrarunner Shares His Secrets
Feeling invulnerable after completing your first half marathon, you’ve hopped online and begun searching for a new challenge that’s worthy of your improved aerobic conditioning. Or maybe you’ve been ... Continue Reading
How to Measure a Jump Rope: 5 Easy Steps To Find The Right Length
Jumping rope is more than a kid’s game or a fancy way for nimble-footed athletes to show off. In fact, jumping rope can be a reliable way to improve your overall health, no matter your skill level. “Jump ... Continue Reading
How to Break in Running Shoes: A Running Coach Explains How To Do it Properly
The good news about your brand-new running shoes is that they’re sleek, cushioned just right, and — if you do say so yourself — just a little bit sexy. The bad news is, the newer the shoe, the tougher it ... Continue Reading
Treadmill Parts Explained: Clarifying the Components of America’s Favorite Cardio Machine
Treadmill parts explained, from early human-powered designs to today's mechanical models with energy, computer tech, and electrical components, have seen significant change. Amanda Capritto, a BarBend ... Continue Reading
How to Sell a Used Treadmill: Tips on Preparing Your Treadmill, Knowing Its Value, and Where to List
During the pandemic, more people found themselves confined to their homes, where many turned to home exercise equipment to stay fit. Among the sought-after items were the best ellipticals, exercise bikes, ... Continue Reading
What Is the Average Running Speed? Plus Tips for Running Faster
You’ve been hard at work with your first 5K training plan, and it's clearly paying off. It used to take every ounce of your effort simply to make it through the 3.1-mile run without stopping, but now ... Continue Reading
Running in the Rain Can Be a Great Way to Train — A Running Coach Helps You Make it Even Safer
You were just about to head outside for a late afternoon run when the skies opened up and the rain began to fall. The daily forecast leaves you with no reason to suspect the rain will let up anytime soon, ... Continue Reading
Pilates for Beginners — Tips From a Personal Trainer, Plus a Workout to Get You Started
You can toss a barbell around like nobody’s business, sure. But how long can you last in a Pilates class? Pilates is a completely different challenge for most weight room warriors out there. When ... Continue Reading
How Long Is a Marathon? Plus, How to Train for Your First Marathon
The marathon is a legendary test of human endurance and resilience, and it may seem like everyone on your social feed is itching to complete one lately. If you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon and see what ... Continue Reading