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Learning about exercise can be overwhelming. One YouTube channel tells you what to do, and you think, OK, Ive got that. Then you see an Instagram post that tells you something else entirely. Stop by the gym and ask a trainer, and theyll let you know that both of your sources are overthinking it and instead you should do things their way. Why is it all so complicated? I have some thoughts on that, and some tips for navigating the confusion.

One of the biggest reasons is that there are many good answers for each of your fitness questions. So you dont have to find the one true correct answer before doing your workout, any more than youd need to identify the unquestionably best restaurant in town before going out to eat. Lets dig in to some of the types of confusion that youre probably running across, and what to do about each.

First Id like to address the biggest reason we see conflicting advice in any subject: Different experts are talking to different audiences. You, the reader or viewer, are not in all of those audiences at once.

For example, if you search for how to squat, youll find a variety of answers to the question. One expert might have advice for bodybuilders to build as much leg muscle as possible. Another might be telling powerlifters how to get strong and move the most weight in competition. Yet another might be introducing beginners to the idea of exercising at all. It makes sense that they would all say different things, right?

How to navigate this: Decide on a type of advice to follow. If you want to learn the basics of powerlifting, for example, there are books and videos and real life human coaches who will teach it to you. And if youre a beginner, dont seek out advice for advanced lifters; it wont be helpful to you yet.

If you cant decide what direction youre doing, its fine to check out different sources and see what they each say. But dont expect them to all agree with each other.

The basics of training are pretty simple, even if it may not seem that way when youre a beginner. You get better at running by putting in time on your feet, and not trying to turn every training run into a race. (See our beginners guide here.) You get stronger by lifting heavier weights over time, although that doesnt have to mean lifting more every single weekbest to follow a program that guides you through a sensible path for progress. And if youre brand new to everything, all you really need is to build a routine and not give up; literally all of the details can wait.

But we like to learn more, and if were confused or anxious, we often think the cure is more information. So we visit YouTube (or the information firehose of our choice) and see what it has to say. But here is where the algorithm stands in our way: YouTubers dont have much of a career if they just put out a few videos with basic information and then sit back and relax.

So we get in-depth debates on things like: Which running shoe might be marginally better than another? Should you do your morning workout before or after breakfast? Should you do dumbbell lateral raises with your hands in a neutral position or with your pinkies pointing slightly upward? (You might think Im joking with that last one, but it has become a hugely controversial subject.)

Creators also get more engagement if they react to other creators, cultivate rivalries, say that everyone else has it wrong, debate creators with the opposing viewpoint, etc. The algorithm rewards confusion, because it makes people watch more videos. In reality, the direction of your pinkies on lateral raises is going to make, at most, 0.0000001% of the difference in how your shoulders look a year from now. Even if you could get a solid answer on which way is best, it wouldnt actually matter.

How to navigate this: One day I was typing the word optimal, and my phone auto-corrected it to optional. Thats a life lesson right there. Optimal is optional. If youre doing things basically good enough, optimizing the details is going to make very, very little difference. When you are an Olympic athlete and tiny differences in your performance could make or break your chances for a gold medal, you can revisit these questions. For now, just remember that there are many paths toward fitness, and you can take whichever you find simplest or most enjoyable.

Lets step out of the social media algorithm for a moment, and talk about the very reasonable things you might hear from a trainer.

As a trainer is trying to guide your movement, theyll give you cues. These are not meant to be objective descriptions of exactly what happens in a lift, but rather nudges in a particular direction. For example, if your heels pull off the ground as you are squatting, you might be told to drive through the heels.

This can lead to confusion if you hear another trainer say to keep even pressure on all parts of your foot. That would be a better cue for somebody who is tipping back onto their heels, but it could work for the person who is getting up on their toes as well. The truth is that both trainers are trying to do the same thing: keep you from rocking too far forward or backward.

Since cues are nudges, they can't really be right or wrong; they can just be helpful or unhelpful. The cue that works for someone else may not be the right cue for you.

How to navigate this: Ask for clarification if youre getting the advice in person. If not, try both of the conflicting cues, and see if one of them helps you to feel stronger or do the movement better. You may also want to read our explanations of the cues that tend to confuse people most.

Go here to see the original:
Why Fitness Advice Is So Confusing (and What to Do About It) - Lifehacker

Artificial intelligence is giving the fitness category a workout.

Ranging from personalized workout routines to dedicated app-based workouts and even one-on-one virtual training sessions, the pattern recognition and predictive analytics capabilities of the technology are proving to be a good match for consumers of different demographics. In a litmus test for exactly how big a factor AI will be in this market, it is even being integrated into the trendiest workout of all: pickleball.

Thats right. A news source, training site and pickleball community called PB Vision AI is encouraging its audience to employ AI when recording their games, analyzing their swing and even selecting a racket.

The backbone of PB Vision is its algorithm, which employs machine learning and computer vision to analyze videos of pickleball matches. It assesses various aspects of player performance, including shot accuracy, types of shots, player movement and error rates.

This analysis is then transformed into data models, offering what the company says is unprecedented insight into a players performance, including heatmaps showing shot placements and analysis of player movement patterns.

While it may seem to be a novelty at this point especially when considered next to such a fitness fad as pickleball AI-driven fitness is a serious business. It has had the biggest impact on the fitness app market. According to a forecast from Allied Market Research, the market is set to reach $120.37 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 24.3%. Exactly what percentage of that will be driven by AI is hard to tell at this point. But any app that wants to compete for consumer attention and dollars will need to have a strong AI component.

One of the main benefits of AI in fitness app development is its adaptability, Aman Mishra, CEO of app development company TechGropse, said in a blog post. Machine learning algorithms can continuously analyze your progress and adjust your training program accordingly. If a user notices a plateau or shows signs of improvement, the AI can change the intensity, duration, or type of workout to optimize results.

AI-powered fitness apps provide real-time feedback while you exercise, acting as a virtual personal trainer, he added in the post. AI monitors your form through sensors and wearables, tracks performance metrics, and provides instant guidance to optimize your workouts.

Among the companies competing in the AI fitness app space are Aaptiv, Fitness AI, Fitbod and Freeletics. Aaptiv is a product of PEAR Health Labs, a digital fitness company focused on building AI-driven health and wellness coaching solutions. It built a SmartCoach, into the latest version of the app. SmartCoach is an AI-driven personal trainer that creates personalized, adaptable workout plans, tracks progress and captures insights within the app. Aaptiv claims more than 13 million downloads since its launch in February 2023.

The most recent startup news in the space comes from Miri, a generative AI wellness platform started by Boris Korsunsky, the former chief technology officer of Lyft.

Last week, Miri announced its Shannon AI beta platform. Named after wellness expert Shannon Morse of coaching site The Green Door Life, Shannon AI also provides users with a dedicated one-on-one coach at their fingertips. Users of Shannon AI, which is powered by Miri technology, can consult a virtual Shannon at their convenience, expediting personalized health education and removing any lag time usually involved when working with a practitioner.

Miris technology allows users to ask a variety of questions of Shannon and receive guidance based on the collective knowledge of its team of experts. The AI retains a memory of past interactions, allowing users to have continuous engagement with the AI interface. More specifically, it provides users with meal plans, customized shopping lists, and personalized macronutrient suggestions based on their lifestyles and goals.

AI has also impacted the personal training and gym industry with a dedicated franchise. Limited to one very high-tech location in Las Colinas, Texas, Lumin Fitness creates an immersive experience akin to a Van Gogh digital exhibit, featuring high walls of LED panels that rotate every six to eight weeks, Entrepreneur reported.

Theres also a set of sensors placed throughout the studio that monitor each users movement, per the report. Those sensors monitor and track everything from a users posture and position to the number of reps and the weight of their dumbbells. This information is fed into Lumins software, which analyzes it and makes recommendations directly into the participants ears.

The more customers who come to the gym, the better the feedback loop becomes, the report said. The system constantly gets more data on, for instance, how accurate a user is counting reps and what a squat looks like on a male or a female depending on the placement of their joints.

We know how youre performing your squat, and will give you feedback on whether or not youve done a proper rep, as well as your technique and your range of motion, said Brandon Bean, co-founder of Mixed Partners, Lumins parent company, in the report.

In the future, the technology will continue to become more engaging and more accessible, according to Mishra.

Imagine a fitness app that turns your living room into a virtual gym or takes you on an immersive outdoor run through augmented reality, he said in his blog post. The future of AI fitness apps will likely incorporate AR to increase user engagement and create dynamic, interactive workout environments. Users can follow AI-generated trainers in real time while receiving visual cues and feedback, making the training experience more engaging and enjoyable.

For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe to the daily AI Newsletter.

Original post:
Fitness Industry Looks to AI to Bring in Consumers, Profits - PYMNTS.com

Megan Thee Stallion often reveals her fitness journey in her latest Instagram posts. The Grammy winner shares her intense workout regime, demonstrating what it means to be dedicated and consistent.

Grammy award-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion is known for her energy. Just like the hit song "Savage", her workout routine is indeed savage. You can easily find that out through her TikTok profile, where she shares hilarious videos about her intense gym sessions.

Before this, Megan Thee Stallion focused on cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) because losing weight was her target. As she is getting closer to her goal weight, she's putting the effort into toning up her thighs and bottom.

Here's how Megan does her squat routine: Hold the squat position for five seconds. It's not easy, but it's very effective. But no single squat routine will do the trick to get the best results.

Megan's routine also includes Romanian deadlifts, hip thrusts, and weighted walking lunges. In each of these, resistance is your friend.

Megan showcases her workouts in collaboration with Nike Training Club on YouTube. These workouts include a booty building routine that doesnt require any equipment and improves glute strength and stability.

Megan likes to try different workout variations. She cuts back on her cardio sessions at times while also keeping herself active outside the gym. You can see her sprints and boxing sessions on the sand dunes at the beach, a huge switch from the usual gym environment.

Megan's ability to maintain physical fitness through her heavy schedule of up to 12-hour studio sessions and regular performances demonstrates her discipline.

Megan Thee Stallion is outspoken about the need for consistency. Just like many of us, finding time for workouts can be difficult. She is transparent about this, often acknowledging when she needs to take breaks from gym workouts - and thats okay. She also admits that when she finds certain moves tough - thats normal too.

Key to her successful workout, Megan Thee Stallion has fun. She enjoys herself while she exercises, knowing that physical activity can offer both fun and health benefits.

Megan Thee Stallion's diet plan follows her workout regimen, focusing on balanced meals that are packed with protein. She eats other tasty foods like fried salmon, salad, and rice. Eating a lot of protein can help build muscles and bounce back after exercise, which makes it a hit for people who are into fitness.

And no fitness diet is complete without an energizing smoothie! Megan Thee Stallion enjoys a berry smoothie before every workout, blending together strawberries, bananas, blackberries, kale, almond milk, organic peanut butter, and ice. It's what she calls her "Hot Girl smoothie".

Megan Thee Stallion's journey isnt just about weight loss. Its about being healthy - body and mind. It shows that the approach should be tailored to individual needs and preferences. So, whether it's a gentle hike or a grueling gym session, your exercise or diet routine should make you feel good about yourself.

Read more:
What does Megan Thee Stallion's intense workout routine look like? Here's a detailed look - Sportskeeda

Opportunities abound for fitness companies and personal trainers in the red-hot virtual fitness arena

The burgeoning global virtual and online fitness market is anticipated to reach a staggering $256.97 billion by 2032, a substantial increase from its 2022 valuation of $15.82 billion, according to recent findings by The Brainy Insights, a market research firm. Even better the market is fertile ground for fitness companies and personal training experts.

Fueling the rapid growth is the demand for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) fitness, perhaps accelerated by the pandemic, when consumers leaned even more on technology as a means of connection and to maintain fitness and wellness. The active aging demographic is also contributing significantly to the markets predicted upward trajectory, as older fitness enthusiasts show interest in online fitness.

Fitness Brands Embrace VR

Several industry leaders are noted in the report for their contributions to the growing virtual/online fitness market, such as Mindbody/ClassPass, Fitbit, Les Mills and Wexer.

Les Mills recently launched Les Mills XR dance as a virtual fitness game that transports holographic professional dancers right into the personal space of Meta Quest 3 users.

Virtual fitness platform FitXR is also banking on the mixed reality (MR) and VR sector, with CEO and founder Sam Cole predicting the technology will soon be found in gyms and fitness facilities. The virtual fitness platform just unveiled Slam, an immersive and gamified MR experience with passthrough capabilities.

The gamification aspect of Slam has allowed us to reach an entirely new group of users who are anxious about exercise, and young people who are addicted to sedentary gaming, Cole told Athletech News.

Even activewear brand Puma is highlighting the entertaining experience of virtual and mixed-reality fitness, collaborating with Meta Quest at store locations in Germany to promote the worlds smallest gym. The pop-up events prompt guests to explore the workouts offered by Meta Quest 3 within a 2m x 2m pod.

Demand for Online Fitness is High

The advantages of virtual fitness are numerous for consumers, benefiting from the convenience and flexibility of a workout on their own schedule and current location. Plus, as the report acknowledges, virtual fitness platforms are often less expensive when compared to conventional gym or studio memberships, with many needing little or no equipment.

With just a few clicks, fitness enthusiasts can access a seemingly unlimited range of workout modalities, including boxing, yoga, dance cardio, Pilates, HIIT, ballet and more. Many fitness providers also offer the option to tailor a workout based on skill level and health goal, further personalizing the online fitness experience.

Can Virtual Fitness Become the New Rx?

As the report demonstrates, virtual fitness can break down barriers that in-person brands may experience, such as meeting the needs of consumers in geographically remote areas. There are also vast opportunities for fitness platforms to target content and classes based on regional preferences and cultural differences, expanding market penetration.

Corporate wellness programs and health care providers can consider partnering with virtual fitness companies to promote better health of employees and patients, even prescribing virtual fitness as part of a care plan. While still in the early stages of study, preliminary research suggests that VR exercise can positively impact physiological, psychological and rehabilitative outcomes compared with traditional exercise.

In alignment with the report, demand for virtual trainers and well-being coaches has also increased 44% year-over-year, according to corporate wellness company Gympass, which published its own findings after analyzing over 250 million check-ins on its platform over the past 24 months.

Courtney Rehfeldt has worked in the broadcasting media industry since 2007 and has freelanced since 2012. Her work has been featured in Age of Awareness, Times Beacon Record, The New York Times, and she has an upcoming piece in Slate. She studied yoga & meditation under Beryl Bender Birch at The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and is an avid reader. Courtney has a BA in Media & Communications studies.

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Virtual & Online Fitness Market To Top $250B as Demand Rises - Athletech News

Summary

90 Day Fianc star Jasmine Pineda's fitness regime has led to a noticeable transformation in her physique. Jasmine became one of the most talked about reality TV stars when she made her debut in 90 Day Fianc: Before the 90 Days season 5. Jasmine had met Gino Palazzolo on a sugar baby website, during which the pair started a relationship that fans witnessed on 90 Day Fianc.

Nonetheless, Jasmine became a controversial character on the show due to how she treated Gino by encouraging him to spend money while she contributed nothing. Still, Jasmine and Gino married in June 2023, and the couple are reportedly together. However, Jasmine has won some hearts off the show as well due to her dedication to health and fitness.

Since Jasmine's appearance in 90 Day Fianc: Before the 90 Days season 5, she has been paying more attention to her diet and overall fitness. Since then, Jasmine has used her Instagram page to update fans about her fitness journey by sharing workout videos and diet choices. However, Jasmine has also taken a keen interest in helping others reach their fitness levels. Jasmine spoke of her love for coaching people to achieve their body goals, which is one of her favorite hobbies since she doesn't charge them any money.

Speaking of her 2023 fitness goals, the 90 Day Fianc season 10 star wanted to create a free online fitness plan that helps people work out from home and have a healthy lifestyle. Jasmine, who was coaching her younger sister, also showed off before-and-after pictures, which revealed noticeable differences in her sister. Seeing the positive effects of her coaching, Jasmine wanted to help more people get similar results.

Due to the constraints during the pandemic period, Jasmine struggled with her fitness regime and diet, making her gain some weight. In some of the pictures Jasmine uploaded on social media at the time, Jasmine looked a little curvier; however, still as gorgeous as ever. Although she claimed she didn't care much about her appearance, Jasmine was concerned about putting weight on.

While most people had turkey and pot roast on their minds during the holiday period, Jasmine, who's a vegan anyway, was spending her time in the gym. In one of her posts in December 2023, Jasmine uploaded a clip of herself lifting weights in the gym with the caption, "Summer bodies are made in the winter." Jasmine has her summer body locked in, looking slim and a little muscular. Fans also rushed to the comment section to praise Jasmine's fantastic figure.

90 Day Fianc airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on TLC.

Source: Jasmine Pineda/Instagram

90 Day Fiance is a reality TV series that follows the trials and tribulations of Non-U.S. citizens who travel from abroad each season to meet their potential spouses utilizing a K-1 visa. This three-month visa gives the pair 90 days to determine whether or not their romantic and life goals are aligned before they're forced to return home unmarried. Drama and tension unfold as the couples navigate the tricky dynamics of international marriage.

The rest is here:
90 Day Fianc: Jasmine Pineda's Fitness Journey (Before & After) In Photos - Screen Rant

CoreAbility which offers adapted group fitness classes for individuals with intellectual disabilities in a safe, social, and motivational environment is celebrating two years at its Paoli location, Purenergy.

Twice a week, CoreAbility athletes improve their flexibility, balance and coordination, muscular strength, aerobic conditioning, and physical endurance. The group fitness model also provides a social outlet for CoreAbility athletes in a motivating environment, where they get the exercise they need with friends and peers.

Starting around seventh grade, we noticed a need for regularly scheduled, intense physical fitness opportunities, said co-founder Chris Murray, whose daughter Bridget is a program participant. When given the opportunity and challenged, everyone has what it takes to improve their physical fitness.

CoreAbility is staffed by professionally certified trainers from Fitness Trainers Incorporated, home of the Fighting Back Program, located in Malvern.

Making a difference in peoples lives its why we do what we do, said co-founder Scott Dillman, owner of Fitness Trainers Inc. Our trainers use a combination of education, motivation, and accountability, giving our athletes that sense of accomplishment and confidence they can carry with them outside of the gym.

Scotts trainers are truly invested in our athletes and have a passion for helping people, said Murray. From the beginning, we felt it critical that CoreAbility be led by trained, certified professionals in a first-class environment like Purenergy.

Learn more about CoreAbility, follow the program on Instagram, or e-mail chris@coreability.fit.

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CoreAbility Celebrates Two Years Offering Adapted Group Fitness Classes for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities - VISTA.Today

While innovating ahead of trends, KickHouse's success lies primarily in its ability to deliver to both its members and its franchiseesoffering a total body workout in a simple studio setup, meaning more results-focused programming for its members, and a lower-cost business model for its franchisees. Recognizing that first time visitors seek encouragement, support and a clear plan to achieve their personal fitness goals, the brand's unique transformative challenges offer new members a kickstart to their fitness journey in a community-focused environment where they can finally achieve results.

In a strategic move to redefine the fitness landscape, Mayweather Fitness Holdings announced acquisition of KickHouse in Q4 of 2022, taking greater command of the boxing fitness space with two brands delivering results-driven workouts to the front of the pack. KickHouse offers a tried-and-true workout that has kept members at the top of their game, incorporating programming that makes classes challenging but fun for all levels. For franchisees, it presents a low total investment of $242,000 with top studios generating $1M+ in revenue.

While bullish about adding KickHouse to the portfolio, CEO James Williams and his team waited a year to offer new KickHouse franchises for sale, instead working closely with franchisees in the system to understand what drives their success and what additional resources could be added to further propel growth.

"With the Mayweather acquisition, KickHouse is poised to become the top kickboxing franchise in the US, solidifying its position as an attractive investment opportunity, backed by a powerhouse brand synonymous with excellence. Its appeal lies in its accessibilityoffering a low barrier to entry for franchisees, coupled with prime available territories and compelling unit-level economics," shares Williams.

The brand's appeal to consumers stems from its high-energy kickboxing workouts and community while delivering remarkable results, while its appeal to franchisees is the untapped potential for growth across the U.S.

KickHouse is a fitness franchise offering kickboxing workouts that appeal to all levels and deliver results. Visit https://kickhousefranchise.com.

SOURCE KickHouse

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What KickHouse Knows About Maintaining a Thriving Fitness Brand in a Competitive Market - PR Newswire

Get The App

Price: Free, $12.99 per month, or $24 per month

Even if you dont have the famous stationary bike, treadmill, or rower, you can still tap into Pelotons wildly popular exercise programs, which include free weight strength sessions, yoga flows, and marathon training. Expect the same charismatic, high-energy instructors that teach from the bike, with mood-boosting playlists and fast-paced, non-boring workouts to boot.

All the classes are available to stream on your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV apps. You'll also be able to track your activity outside of what your Peloton workouts for a more in-depth analysis of your progress. With the paid version, you can expect unlimited access to workouts, real-time metrics with a cadence monitor, and special classes with themes and special guests.

Pros:

Cons:

Editor review: "I love it for HIIT and strength workouts when I'm wanting to switch up my workout or have someone guide me and am not sure what the heck to do," says WH associate news editor Currie Engel. "I tried the marathon training program and loved that the Peloton app builds in warm ups, cooldowns, and runner's strength training. I knew I would be getting the best of the best."

Available on Android and iOS

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13 Best Workout Apps Of 2024 Fitness Apps Trainers Use - Women's Health

Starting in January, the gyms are set to scale back their open hours for senior members, a move that is causing concern and frustration among elderly gym-goers. According toFOX 26 Houston, seniors such as Paul Hughes, who frequented the gym six days a week, were informed via email about the new restricted hours. Mondays through Fridays, Medicare members are boxed into slots between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., while Saturdays are off-limits until after 2 p.m., although they retain full access on Sundays.

Avid gym-goer and a beneficiary of the Silver Sneakers Program, Paul Hughes, and his wife can no longer maintain their routine workout schedule. "Saturday's, for example, I can't go until 2 p.m.," he told FOX 26 Houston. Alba Hughes, laments the change, stating, "Normally, we can go together in one car. But now he cannot go with me, because he can't get in until 9:30." To regain unfettered access, Medicare members must cough up an additional $100 a month.

The Star Tribune detailed the financial crunch that is placing pressure on Life Time's business model. The fitness chain explained that the adjustments came after negotiations with Medicare program administrators on rates, which are "significantly discounted" compared to their standard rates as high as $299 a month.

The company's move reflects a broader trend where fitness facilities grapple with Medicare fitness programs like SilverSneakers. Insurance companies routinely dole out these gym benefits to seniors who see them as vital for their health and routine. "The amount of revenue that comes in from SilverSneakers is so small, it's hard to justify having the program," said John Atwood, founder of Atwood Consulting, to the Star Tribune. Gymgoers like Bob Margolis, a long-time member, view the new policy as a push towards extracting more dollars, either from insurance companies or members' own pockets.

Complaints have been raised with over 50 signing a petition against Life Time's new policy, according to Medicare members like Alba who argues, "I feel it's some kind of discrimination for the elderly," Life Time management has yet to publicly respond to the concerns of its senior members.

Read the rest here:
Life Time Fitness Clubs Impose New Time Restrictions for Seniors on Medicare, Drawing Criticism - Hoodline

I DONT USUALLY spend much time thinking about the

I wasnt expecting a major improvement to my strength training practice when I received my Life Fitness Multi-Adjustable Bench review unit to test, thinking that my experience would remain largely unchanged. The bench didnt push me to change my routineI've used it now for the better part of two months, for everything from flat and incline bench presses to Bulgarian split squats and barbell hip thrustsbut it has helped me to realize just how much better a top-tier piece of equipment can make a workout.

The first thing that struck me about the Multi-Adjustable Bench is just how big it is. When you're planning out your home gym, you might be looking for something that's compact. If you're working with a limited floor plan, this might not be your best bet. But if you don't have to worry about space, this type of heft will only be helpful for your training. Officially, the measurements are 58 x 29 x 17 (147 x 73 x 43 cm), making it more than long enough at almost five feet for even the tallest lifters to get in position for prone pressing. I did notice that the Multi-Adjustable Bench was a bit shorter than the one I had been using when I put it inside a rack for bench presses, but this wasn't a major problem. I just readjusted the height of my bar catches and went about my workout.

The weight of the unit itself is noticeable compared to other benches. The Multi-Adjustable Bench weighs 110 pounds, so it's not something you'll be able to heft without effort when you need to move it off the floor. I had to help the delivery guy carry the unit through my narrow railroad apartment into my yard out back, and it was a challenge to navigate the space. Once you've got it on the ground, however, the wheels on the back end allow for smooth maneuvering. I haven't had any problems pulling it around my yard, even though it's an uneven, rocky surface. There's a pair of pegs on the front you can grab to make this easier.

Controlling the bench angle is simple, with a pair of tabs beneath the seat and back pad that lock in and out with a firm pull. I've had moments using other benches where shifting between settings is a pain, either too easy (and therefore at risk of flipping out of the desired setting once you put your back onto the pad) or possessing a mechanism that takes multiple steps to shift between settings. That was never the case here. There are seven angles for the back pad (one decline at -10, then flat 0, and inclines of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 70) and three for the seat (0, 15, 30).

I did most of my work at either flat or the 45-60 inclines, and was pleased with how stable the bench was as I was pumping through reps, whether I had my back on the pad for presses or flipped onto my chest for rows. There was no shakiness whatsoever, which has also been a problem I've had with less premium benches. This thing is built like a tank.

The bench's leather-like pads aren't too stiff, but they don't have too much give, either. That would be a major issue if there were too much cushion when it comes time to lock in my shoulder blades for a press, for instance. This is also good for leg-focused movements, like Bulgarian split squats and stepups. I've done both exercises a few times using the bench and had no issues with the pads being unstable. They also stayed surprisingly clean, even though the bench is not intended (or designed) for outdoor use. This was even with my sweating and outdoor use and storage too (I keep the bench under a tarp, but it stays outside). I've had it for two months, and I wouldn't be shocked if it looks exactly the same five years from now.

Lots of workouts don't absolutely require the stability that the Multi-Adjustable Bench providesutilitarian flat benches that you'll find in CrossFit gyms can do the job for most of your movements, and a basic adjustable bench will let you add the incline component to your trainingbut I did run into one exercise that made the heft of my test unit really shine: the barbell hip thrust. I was doing a workout in my yard and set up to do the move with a basic Rogue flat bench. The moment that I set my shoulders against the pad, the bench shifted backwards. It was much too light to handle this type of movement. That wasn't going to work, unless I took more time and energy to set up counterweights.

Once I pulled the Multi-Adjustable Bench from its spot in my rack and got into position, there was no such issue. The bench is stable enough that I could load plenty of weight onto the bar (225 pounds, in this case) and thrust away without the platform budging. This demonstrates that it's a much more complete piece of equipment, since I can depend on it for the whole range of exercises for which I'd use a bench.

I have no doubt that I'm able to do more with this premium bench than I would with a more basic unit. That's how you should look at it if you're interested in using it, too. This is a commercial-grade, high-level piece of gear for upscale fitness clubs and the most lavishly kitted-out home training setups. There's not a price currently listed on the Life Fitness site (you'll have to request a consultation if you're interested in getting one yourself), but reps told me it runs for $1549. That's much more expensive than many standard benchesbut this isn't a piece of equipment that's standard. If you're getting this type of thing, you're looking for an elevated experience. From my testing, that's exactly what you'll get.

Brett Williams, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a NASM-CPT certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.

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Life Fitness Multi-Adjustable Bench Review and Home Workout Test - Men's Health

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