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SOCOTEC Offers Quality Assurance for the Safety of Aging Infrastructure through Fitness-for-Service Evaluations – Morningstar
SOCOTEC Offers Quality Assurance for the Safety of Aging Infrastructure through Fitness-for-Service Evaluations
PR Newswire
NEW YORK, March 29, 2024
NEW YORK, March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --SOCOTEC USA, a leading provider of TIC (Testing, Inspection, and Certification), consulting, and advisory services with a strategic focus on buildings and infrastructure, announces its collaboration with Bisnow to discuss the critical importance of fitness-for-service evaluations in safeguarding lives and ensuring the longevity of vital infrastructure assets.
Recent tragedies, including the collapse of a parking garage in Lower Manhattan and the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, underscore the dire importance for proactive maintenance and evaluation of aging infrastructure. With an estimated over 45,000 bridges and 20% of roads deemed to be in poor condition, the need for thorough assessments has never been more pressing.
To protect lives, it is imperative to prioritize the maintenance and regular inspection of any built asset with the potential to cause harm. Recognizing the significance of assessing asset integrity and determining the asset's remaining lifespan, owners increasingly rely on SOCOTEC.
Evan Schickel, Director of Advanced Analysis at SOCOTEC, stated, "Fitness-for-service evaluations revolve around structural integrity, which boils down to life safety. As our infrastructure grows older, it becomes more susceptible to failures. It's always better to preemptively assess your structure and prepare for potential outcomes than to be surprised by a more serious issue."
SOCOTEC specializes in assessing both the strength and fatigue of structures, utilizing advanced methodologies and state-of-the-art technology to identify potential vulnerabilities. From brittle fractures to fatigue-induced cracks, SOCOTEC's multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each asset's condition.
With a team comprised of civil, structural, mechanical, and metallurgical/materials engineers, SOCOTEC offers a one-stop solution for all aspects of structural integrity assessment, including having a facility dedicated to testing and inspection, which allows for detailed analysis of damaged or failed components, enabling clients to make informed decisions regarding repairs and replacements.
"It's very rewarding and exciting to always have a different problem, a different asset and a different project type to work on," Schickel said. "It is most rewarding, however, to know that we are actively helping to prevent failures, prevent loss of life and limb, while helping our clients to either save money by extending the life of their structures or helping them plan for replacements at a time of their choosing."
As the nation grapples with the challenges of aging infrastructure, SOCOTEC remains at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in the field of structural engineering. By leveraging its expertise and resources, SOCOTEC is helping to build a safer and more resilient and sustainable world for generations to come.
To read the full article, go toBisnow.com.
The full article was produced in collaboration between SOCOTEC, Bisnow, and Studio B staff. Studio B is Bisnow's in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com. Contact Studio B Writer Emily DeNardo at emily.denardo@bisnow.com.
About SOCOTEC
The SOCOTEC Group, headed by Herv Montjotin, has built its reputation as an independent, trusted partner assisting companies in the areas of quality, sustainability and safety, and the environment.
Today a leading $1.3 billion EUR company that more than doubled in size in 6 years, SOCOTEC's mission is to ensure the integrity and performance of building and infrastructure assets and people's safety. Through its inspection and measurement, assistance and consultancy, training, and certification services, SOCOTEC helps to optimize the performance of companies in every sector by managing the risks inherent in their activities. Drawing on its expertise and positioning itself as a long-term partner, SOCOTEC supports its clients throughout their project's lifecycle.
As a major player in TIC for the building and infrastructure sectors, the SOCOTEC Group has 200,000 clients with operations in 26 countries, 11,500 employees and over 250 external recognitions.
SOCOTEC, an industry leader in the building and infrastructure sectors, offers the combined highly technical expertise of an expansive and holistic network of experts across six service lines: (i) Building Envelope; (ii) Energy & Sustainability; (iii) Code & Planning; (iv) Life Safety; (v) Project Advisory; (vi) Dispute Resolution; and (vii) Specialty Engineering. In the USA, SOCOTEC employs approximately 550 professionals in more than 25 offices.
Visit http://www.socotec.us for more information.
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SOCOTEC Offers Quality Assurance for the Safety of Aging Infrastructure through Fitness-for-Service Evaluations - Morningstar
Clinicians questioning Trump’s mental fitness reveal their bias – Baltimore Sun
How old is too old to be president of the United States?
This singular question is on the minds of millions of likely voters as Americans brace themselves for another matchup between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. It is frequently stated that it is ageist to discuss a persons age, but I would beg to differ.
The reality is that as we progress in age, it is not merely a conceptual fabrication that some age poorly with noticeable mental and physical decline, it is a harsh reality of life. It is a reality that has tangible consequences on a persons ability to perform complex tasks, particularly in the realm of employment, and it becomes more acute the more demanding those tasks are such as being president of the United States.
At 81, Biden is an octogenarian, and Trump, being only four years younger at age 77, is a septuagenarian, and it is within this context that its fair to question the natural decline of typical faculties such as memory, agility, physical vigor and even openness to new ideas. Consequently, we all would be derelict in our duties as responsible citizens not to partake in this examination as both men seek the most demanding job in the world.
However, some have chosen to partake in this discussion with blatant political bias and partisanship because of their clear dislike of Donald Trump.
A group that is humorously calling themselves Duty to Warn, organized by Baltimore-based psychologist John Gartner, has garnered more than 400 signatures from licensed medical professionals in an online petition on change.org. The signers cite what they deem are their expert observations of Trumps memory and language use, along with his motor skills and overall behavior.
One of their cited experts is one Dr. Lance Dodes, a former psychiatry professor at Harvard Medical School, who claims the evidence for dementia in Donald Trump has become overwhelming. Upon researching Dodes, youll quickly discover he has long held a bias against Donald Trump. Dodes appeared on MSNBC, known for its liberal bent, in 2017, saying Trump has sociopathic tendencies and a loose grip on reality. John Gartner appeared on the same show,comparing Trump to a Frankenstein monster, and saying Trump is paranoid, psychopathic and divorced from reality.
Now, seven years later, these two men are still letting their blatant bias cloud their judgment, despite their accolades and pedigree. Not once do they analyze Biden with the same vigor they give Trump.
The health professionals under the banner Duty to Warn only mention Biden in their online statement by writing that forgetting names and dates is normal for people who are aging (like Joe Biden). The blatant bias is contemptible, and it is beyond me as to why any objective and methodical person would take their statements and warnings seriously. Anyone who approaches this type of analysis and assessment with this level of obvious partisanship is worthy of only one thing: harsh skepticism.
Regardless of their obvious dislike of Trump, and favoritism of Biden, it is Biden whom voters believe is too old. It is Biden whose job approval ratings on important issues such as the economy, immigration and the Middle East are low. Meanwhile, voters give Trump an advantage on the economy and his ability to resolve the current immigration crisis.
According to a New York Times/Siena College poll released this month, 73% of registered voters harbor a predilection toward the belief that President Biden is too old to be an effective president, compared with only 42% for former President Trump. Voters have seen videos of Biden falling on stage, falling on Air Force One. Bidens aides were so worried about his age, he now takes shorter stairs to get on the plane. Bidens memory issues have garnered far more attention than Trumps casual slip-ups at rowdy campaign rallies because they have been so persistent, such as when Biden mistakenly called the Egyptian leader president of Mexico.
In his recorded interview with special counsel Robert Hur, President Biden exhibited serious lapses in memory regarding critical junctures in his political career, illuminating a serious decline in memory and mental agility. But the Duty to Warn experts didnt critique nor offer their expert analysis about this the way they did for former President Trump, further displaying their blatant bias and partisan bend. Biden couldnt remember when he announced he was running for president, asking, When did I announce for president? He couldnt remember when he stopped being vice president: If it was 2013 when did I stop being vice president? He asked, in 2009, am I still vice president? He couldnt remember when Trump was president, asking Trump gets elected in November in 2017? before someone noted it was 2016.
Despite these examples, which are but a fraction of numerous examples concerning President Bidens cognitive faculties that invite a profound inquiry into his ability to lead the country for another four years, those associated with Duty to Warn are eerily quiet. Their inability to constrain their personal biases and partisan interests undermines any trust anyone should have in them and the validity of their declarations about Trump.
The data paints a clear picture of whose mental fitness voters question, coupled with his inability to address important issues, and thats President Joe Biden regardless of what the licensed medical and mental health professionals may wish upon them.
Shermichael Singleton (X: @MrShermichael) is a Republican political consultant, CNN commentator and the host of The Shermichael Singleton Show on SiriusXM Radio.
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Clinicians questioning Trump's mental fitness reveal their bias - Baltimore Sun
Planet Fitness Loses $400M After Revoking Membership of Woman Worried About Man in Locker Room – CBN.com
A major national fitness chain's stock value plummeted after Americans took issue with how it handled its transgender locker room policy.
Planet Fitness saw a $400 million dive in valuation from $5.3 billion to $4.9 billion just days after a Fairbanks, Alaska branch revoked a woman's membership for taking photo evidence of a male using the women's locker room.
Patricia Silva posted a video on Facebook to "bring awareness to her community" because she was shocked to find a man in the women's bathroom at Planet Fitness.
"I just came out of Planet Fitness. There is a man shaving in the women's bathroom," Silva shares in the video.
She contends in the video that there was "a little girl sitting in the corner. She could have been [12 years old] in a towel kind of freaked out."
"I felt intimidated," Silva shared in an interview with Libs of TikTok on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Silva did confront the man who said he was "queer" and took a picture of him.
"I love him in Christ," she makes clear in the video. "He is a spiritual being having a human experience. He doesn't like his gender so he wants to be a woman, but I'm not comfortable with him shaving in my bathroom. I just thought I'd say it out loud."
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Silvia told management about the incident and 24 hours later she learned her membership was revoked for violating the rules against photographing other gym users.
"They have chosen to cancel my membership rather than protect girls and women that enter the women's locker room from men with a penis. Despicable," she expressed.
Planet Fitness chief corporate affairs officer McCall Gosselin told Fox News members can use the locker room that corresponds with their gender identity.
"As the home of the Judgement Free Zone, Planet Fitness is committed to creating an inclusive environment," he said in the statement.
"Our gender identity non-discrimination policy, states that members and guests may use the gym facilities that best align with their sincere, self-reported gender identity. The member who posted on social media violated our mobile device policy that prohibits taking photos of individuals in the locker room, which resulted in their membership being terminated," Gosselin added.
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Prominent individuals have criticized Planet Fitness on social media for how they handled the situation.
Elon Musk called the chain out for caring more about transgender ideology than keeping women safe.
"Planet Fitness sounds like a creepy place," he wrote on X.
Robby Starbuck, a producer and political commentator wrote, "It looks like letting men into the women's locker room where they can spy on them while they change (including underage girls) is NOT super popular!"
"This pain will continue until you stop letting men into women's spaces," Starbuck added. "#BoycottPlanetFitness."
Meanwhile, a Planet Fitness employee sent an internal email to Libs of TikTok revealing that the company's bathroom policy does not "require any form of ID for men to enter the women's bathroom and anyone can use whichever bathroom they wish."
According to Newsweek, a man allegedly exposed himself in 2023 to a 15-year-old in a women's locker room at Planet Fitness in Monroe, Georgia.
He was later arrested and faced "multiple warrants for public indecency by exposing himself in the female locker room," the local police department stated.
In another incident, a woman in New Jersey claims she was banned from Planet Fitness in 2022 for refusing to call a trans-identifying woman by the correct pronoun.
RELATED - 'Go Woke, Go Broke': Target's LGBT Agenda Leads to Sales Drop; Execs Pivot but Say, 'We'll Continue to Celebrate Pride'
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Planet Fitness Loses $400M After Revoking Membership of Woman Worried About Man in Locker Room - CBN.com
Why naked running (without a smartwatch) is actually good for you – TechRadar
You get home from a run and automatically press save on your best smartwatch or best running watch. Before jumping in the shower you check the run has uploaded to Strava and pool over the stats. What was my average pace? Have I bagged a segment course record? What was my maximum cadence and heart rate? How much did I slow down on the hill?
The performance self-analysis begins in earnest and before you know it, youve forgotten to stretch, eat something, or reflect on how you actually feel. Instead, you are busy planning how to better your stats on your next run.
Whilst fitness watches are a great way to track your progress and stay motivated, there are also lots of benefits to running naked. Leaving your watch at home can have mental health advantages and enable you to tap into how your body is coping with the physical stress of running.
Running to feel is a very important skill, and it can mean you don't overtrain when you are tired or in need of a recovery run, says James Rodgers, an expert coach and competitive runner for 20 years. Usually, if your body is tired, easing off and listening to it is the best way to go. Pushing through and trying to hit a certain pace when feeling that way puts you at risk of overtraining and picking up an injury.
And yet we are increasingly slaves to our smart watches, heart rate monitors and fitness trackers. According to global data published by ACSM Health & Fitness Journal, wearable technology is the top 2024 fitness trend. Smartwatches (and other wearables such as running pods and the best smart rings) can record movement, speed, distance, and heart rate.
Wearables can estimate calories burned, advise us when to ease off and recover, and monitor the quality of our sleep. Premium models are also capable of navigating via GPS technology, storing music, and receiving calls and texts: not a distraction you always want on runs.
But as with all technology there is also a darker side, with studies suggesting that people with predispositions to eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive exercise may be more drawn to fitness trackers which could potentially fuel or exacerbate their disordered behavior.
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There is also a wealth of evidence that technology anxiety is continuing to rise in younger people. When were not glued to our phones, our watches and wearables are pinging us with notifications instead.
With so much connection in our lives, perhaps there is a time and a place to uncouple and try some naked running. Doing at least some runs without a watch can lead to a more social experience to run at a conversational pace and catch up with friends. It also alleviates the social pressure of having to publicly perform on platforms like Strava, or having to round up a run to the nearest mile or kilometre.
Taking the pressure off can also help to increase enjoyment in running, says endurance coach Stephanie Holbrook. It can be a rewarding challenge to set aside your ego and embrace device-free running. It allows you to focus on enjoying running without being distracted by technology. It also alleviates the need to consistently meet precise performance goals, fostering a more laid-back and pleasurable running session.
Simon James is the founder of Run the Wild, an organization with the mantra exploring places not running races. He believes running without tech leads to a more meditative state.
It helps you to really escape from whats going on in other parts of your world, and stresses, and brings you into the present moment. Tech detracts us from the moment and takes us away.
He advocates running on the trails without a smartwatch, headphones, or phone (or phone switched off, if you have to take it) to immerse yourself in your surroundings.
Literally be silent and put everything away, turn everything off, and just have that moment of being in nature. We just don't do that in our society anymore. We live in a society where every moment has to be filled with either music or a podcast or something on your phone. Something to distract you. But studies show immersion in green spaces is beneficial for our mental health, he adds.
Its not just about the mental and social benefits. Completely relying on data to tell you how you feel when you wake up and how hard you need to train, takes away the human component of knowing how you feel. Your watch might say you had a poor nights sleep and need to rest, but you might actually feel strong. Similarly, there are days when recovery is required but your watch is telling you to push yourself because it doesnt know your legs are aching or that you just received some bad news.
And lets face it, tech can sometimes fail so its important not to be over reliant on it. If it stops working during a race you need to have an idea of how a certain pace feels. This allows you to continue running without becoming stressed or running too fast, even if the GPS is not working properly, says Rodgers.
So how can you run naked? Lewis Moses, former GB international athlete and founder of New Levels Coaching says it means running by rate of perceived effort (RPE). Maximum effort like sprinting is 10/10 whilst an easy effort is more like 4/10, with resting 0/10.
When running an easy effort you should be able to hold down a conversation and your breathing rate wouldn't be too high, simply because you are running easy. Sometimes simple things like this are much better than always looking at your watch and looking for reassurance.
It not onlygives you a mental break from the splits, it also enhances your ability to run to feel, which can be quite liberating for some runners.
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Why naked running (without a smartwatch) is actually good for you - TechRadar
The best personal training apps of 2024 to help you achieve your fitness goals – Fortune
How we test
We put over 30 apps to the test to analyze the quality of their coaches, intuitiveness, accountability features, and more.
Learn more
We consulted with certified personal trainers, Ph.D.s in exercise physiology and health and human sciences, and certified strength and conditioning coaches.
Modern technology has enabled personal trainers and clients to work together without needing to be in the same room, let alone the same time zone. In-person training still has its advantages. But the ability to train virtually makes it easier for more people to build strength, burn fat, and develop better habits while balancing their daily responsibilities. ( 1 )
Personal training apps make it possible for health-conscious folks to have a defined plan to follow. Many platforms offer in-depth progress tracking, customized workouts, and messaging capabilities. How much individualized support you need will determine what type of app and level of investment you should make. To help you find the ideal fit, we researched and tested more than 30 apps on key characteristics such as value, interactive features, ease of use, instruction, and more.
If you want a fitness program tailor-made for you, look no further than Future . Our top overall personal training app offers an incredible level of customization and continuous support from a certified coach. Though expensive, its worth the cost if you need accountability and motivationalong with a dynamic workout routine specifically geared to your goals.
If youre looking for a customizable personal training experience, Future has the tools to help you crush your fitness goals.
Accountability Direct message
Form feedback Video review
Future will match you with a certified personal trainer who will create personalized workout programs and hold you accountable with frequent check-ins.
Pros
No extra equipment needed
Cons
Must log workouts yourself
Price is notably higher than our other picks ($199 per month)
From its intuitive interface to its unparalleled level of personalization, Future checks all the boxes we look for in the best personal training apps. A few of our team members have utilized it for several years to help hold them accountable during their respective fitness journeys. That speaks volumes about the high-quality programming and support you receive from the certified coaches on the platform.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Future customizes your experience every step of the way. The app starts with a short questionnaire about your current workout habits and fitness goals. From there, you can select a coach who you will be able to access via in-app messaging and video calls.
The setup process proved painless for our product tester, who rated it 5 out of 5 stars. That high score can also be attributed to the initial FaceTime call with her coachsomething that added another layer of personalization.
Your coach will utilize all the information you provide to construct a weekly workout plan that includes strength training, cardio sessions, and scheduled rest days. Rest days are important in any well-rounded fitness program because you need time to repair and build muscle tissue, replenish glycogen stores, and recover sufficiently to optimize your performance. ( 2 ) ( 3 ) Plus, your coach will also plan each workout based on what equipment you have.
All three of our reviewers rated the app 4.5 out of 5 stars for ease of use. One particularly enjoyed having audio and visual cues for each exercise. The cues helped keep the workout flowing smoothly. Another user-friendly feature our team enjoyed was the ability to rate and provide feedback about each workout. This information allowed their coaches to make adjustments to their programs.
Most importantly, Future earned 5 out of 5 stars for accountability from two of our reviewers.
My coach is fantastic. She would check in with me almost every day to see how I was feeling, how the workout went, or to ask why I hadnt done the workout yet. This was a big motivator for me.
Kate Meier, Team Product Tester
Exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, adds, Accountability is a big part of the success of any program. It makes sense, as its nice to have someoneor othersto check in with you on your success and progress and to help with any challenges. The success of a social network, or a coach, has also been shown in research to improve outcomes. ( 4 )
In addition, pairing Future with your Apple Watch will allow you to monitor your activity rings and workouts consistently and effortlessly. This is a form of a gamifying app, which has been shown to enhance outcomes and simply make things stick. ( 5 ) For data-driven individuals, the integration with smartwatchesincluding the Google Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and 5 modelswill certainly be a big plus.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are known to significantly increase physical activity and improve health, notes Dr. Jen Roper, Ph.D., CSCS, Associate Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University. ( 6 )
Perhaps the only significant drawback about Future is its $199 per month price tag. While that may seem expensive, hiring an in-person trainer could cost well over $300 per month, depending on how many sessions you book. And given the level of customization, accountability, and instruction you receive from a certified coach, we believe $199 still represents great value.
Users on the App Store appreciate that their coaches adjust their workout routines based on their travel and work schedules, as well as the equipment they have available. In addition, many enjoy the level of individualized attention and accountability.
This isnt just a generic workout app. My coach, Laura-Lynn, creates new workouts for me every week that target my specific needs. We have video check-ins, and we message every week and after every workout to make sure my goals are being met. I have some injuries and some changes to my body after pregnancy, but shes able to work around them and help me get my strength back.
Mashka Lubov, App Store reviewer
While some people dont mind paying $199 per month for the app, others consider the price a drawback. One of the only other consistent criticisms of Future is the lack of nutrition coaching and meal plans, which is a large part of well-being and a healthy lifestyle.
Between meal planning and customized workouts, your CoPilot coach can help you lose weight, build muscle, and develop healthy habits.
Live feedback Pacing and form
Training plan Personalized
CoPilot offers a well-rounded approach to weight loss by combining personal training with nutrition coaching. Live feedback on your form and regular check-ins with your coach are other standout features.
Pros
Ample communication with coach
Can switch coaches at any time
Cons
Interface issues on Android
Rep tracking may not be accurate with Apple Watch
No built-in app on Garmin or Fitbit smartwatches
An all-in-one app that supports your weight loss journey, CoPilot allows you to choose a certified personal trainer who aligns with your fitness goals and preferred training style. Besides getting expert-driven workouts that include live feedback on your form, you also receive assistance with creating meal plans that will help you trim extra pounds, if thats your goal.
To get started, you must take a brief assessment that will allow you to find a trainer who suits your needs. Once you select a coach, you can look forward to consistent communication through messaging and video calls. That helps you stay accountable, which is one of the biggest keys to achieving a specific weight-loss goal. ( 7 )
One of the best interactive features of CoPilot includes live feedback on your pacing and form. This is especially useful for beginners who may not be familiar with more technical exercises. One of our product testers who used CoPilot on his iPhone and Apple Watch also enjoyed that the workouts included videos to follow along with.
I was very impressed with the overall design and simplicity of the app and integration of the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Team Product Tester
However, he was disappointed by the lack of an online community for additional support and accountability outside of his coach. Still, at $99 per month, CoPilot is a cost-effective option if youre looking for an online training platform that offers more than just new workouts every week.
Coaches who are also certified nutritionists can help you put together macro-friendly meal plans. Because they arent registered dietitians, though, they legally cant tell you exactly what to eat, tell you to take specific supplements, or treat medical conditions.
Still, these plans will allow you to stay on track with your fitness and weight goals. In addition, the app allows you to work on four daily routines (or habits) at a time, which can help you build a well-rounded lifestyle that focuses on your physical and mental health.
This is a very unique offering and a great feature, says exercise physiologist Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD. Many apps focus simply on fitness and/or nutrition.
Users on the Apple App Store consistently praise the ability to have workouts tailored to their needs.
On the other end of this appis an actual human being, who can work around my schedule and equipment to develop a plan, wrote a reviewer with the screen name brchaplin. I can do the workouts any time. I think this system would work for anyone, ranging from the not-so-fit like me to people who already do gym workouts.
I can do the workouts any time. I think this system would work for anyone, ranging from the not-so-fit like me to people who already do gym workouts.
brchaplin, Apple App Store reviewer
In addition, CoPilots seamless integration with Apple Watches has helped many users stay accountable.
Several negative reviews pointed out issues with the app not functioning properly. Besides technical glitches, a few customers found their CoPilot experience disappointing due to trainers who did not deliver high-quality programming.
Available in three tiers, Caliber is a fitness coaching program that delivers science-backed strength training and nutrition plans.
Food tracking Cronometer app
Accountability Weekly review
In addition to customized workout programming, Caliber also offers nutrition guidance from certified nutrition coaches. Your personal trainer will also provide regular feedback and update your plan as you progress.
Pros
Nutrition coaching available
Multiple communication channels
In-app performance metrics tracking
Cons
Personalized macros only available with paid versions
Limited fitness tracker integration
Has more of an emphasis on strength training and less of a focus on cardio
As one of the top-rated personal training platforms weve tested, Caliber stands out for its personalized workout plans and excellent nutrition programming. Available in three tiers, the platform uses scientific principles and data-driven programming to help you achieve your fitness goals.
The free-forever version allows you to create your own workout plan, but you dont get access to a coach. Our product tester selected the Caliber Premium Coaching package, which starts at $200 a month. After an easy setup process that earned 5 out of 5 stars, she connected with a coach who created a customized training plan. All paid versions of the Caliber app include coaching across nutrition and healthy habits in addition to strength and conditioning.
Although the price tag may seem high, our reviewer found Caliber to be worth the cost for several reasons. Primarily, she appreciated the excellent level of accountability, rating it 5 out of 5 stars.
It doesnt get better than this except for being with a trainer in person. This style of personal training kind of forces you to be held accountable because the trainer can really see what youre doing all the time.
Team Product Tester
Our reviewer also appreciated her trainers routine check-ins that included video reviews of the previous weeks workouts. Her coach also outlined incremental goals for the coming week. Plus, the app has a feature that lets you record right from within so you can send videos directly to your trainer for feedback.
Besides having a customized weightlifting and cardio routine to follow, Caliber also helps guide your nutrition. Our tester said her coach provided sound advice and helped her improve her relationship with food.
Note, however, that Calibers nutrition coaches arent registered dietitians. They can provide general nutrition advice about tracking macros, shopping for healthy meals, and the pros and cons of various diets. They cant tell you to follow a specific diet, tell you exactly which foods to eat, or help treat medical conditions.
Caliber is one of the top personal training apps on the App Store. Customers consistently praise the level of individualized attention they receive from their coaches.
My coach listens to me but doesnt allow me to slack off, wrote one reviewer with the screen name FelinatheFox. She educated me as we went through each workout as to which muscles are being worked and the anticipated outcome.
Another user who admitted to previously struggling with consistency has found investing in the Caliber app to be worthwhile, especially when trainers in her area cost about $80 per session. Her trainer has adjusted her workouts based on her busy schedule and conducts multiple weekly check-ins.
While there arent many negative reviews, one customer wrote that her trainer didnt maintain consistent communication or change up the workouts. Another customer pointed out that the app doesnt integrate with many fitness trackers. This makes it more challenging to monitor your health data and performance metrics.
Joggo is a personalized running app that offers customized workouts and meal plans to help you get fit and improve your performance.
Plan update Every two weeks
With Joggo, youll get a personalized plan tailored to your goals, fitness level, and lifestyle. The option to add a strength training plan allows you to follow a more well-rounded workout routine.
Pros
Sturdy and high-quality mattress
Nice option for stomach sleepers
Good option for back sleepers
I also like this for heavier sleepers
Cons
Pretty high motion transfer
Luxury Firm is too firm for side sleepers
Customer service was longer than average
Founded by a former Ironman competitor, Joggo aims to help people reach their running and weight loss goals by providing personalized running and nutritional plans. The app features several tools to support your journey, including GPS locating tracking, distance and speed monitoring, and audio guidance for workouts.
If youre trying to drop a few pounds, theres also a weight tracker to record your progress. Even if you dont need this feature, Joggos other tools can help you get more out of your cardio workouts and improve your speed and endurance.
Our product reviewer found the setup process straightforward, giving Joggo 4 out of 5 stars in this category. Once you answer questions about your current fitness level, diet, health issues, and other relevant information, Joggo presents different running plan options with estimates of how long itll take you to achieve your goal.
While our tester gave Joggo 3 out of 5 stars for instruction, she didnt feel it was necessary to force users to look at or go through a short warm-up before starting their run. That feature may benefit beginners who need ideas on how to prepare for a run. But more experienced runners may find themselves tapping ahead to get to the actual workout.
Our tester also found the voice guidance feature that provides cues like remember to breathe too basic for advanced runners.
Joggo wont cost you nearly as much as some of the other online personal training apps on this list. While the company doesnt publish pricing on its website, you can get a general idea of the prices based on the results of completing an online quiz.
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The best personal training apps of 2024 to help you achieve your fitness goals - Fortune
Fans Lambast Fitness Influencer Over Resurfaced Animal Abuse Video – EssentiallySports
While one might think that their old posts on the internet really dont matter, sometimes it is those that come back to haunt us. Now, a similar incident has occurred with YoungLA-sponsored bodybuilder, Daddy Aioli, with an earlier video of his taking over the internet.
A video from 2022 when the fitness influencer abused his cat, has now gone viral. After it caught the eye of the bodybuilding great Lee Priest, this whole situation escalated. While Priest pressured YoungLA to take action, even fans of Aioli bashed him for what he did. Lets delve deeper into what Priest had to say about the video.
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In the resurfaced video, the bodybuilding enthusiast was seen grabbing his cat by its neck and throwing it to the side. While doing this he even punched and kicked the animal while recording everything. Through their recent post, the official Instagram page of Generation Iron Fitness Network confirmed that YoungLA has suspended Aioli.
Earlier, after coming across the fact that YoungLA was investigating the issue, Lee Priest had much to say. Priest wrote, Lets give @youngla credit for looking into this. Not much to investigate he abused a cat even if a year ago he filmed it. God knows what else he done without filming.
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He further added that guys like these were no role models for our young generation, and he should know the consequences of abusing animals. Priest himself has six cats and two dogs and is very considerate when it comes to pets. Ive never abused an animal. Ive sold off my trophies giving all $ to shelter animals etc. so this behavior is beyond disgusting, he wrote.
Fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts across the globe criticized the YoungLA athletes behavior and bashed him in the comments section of the Generation Iron post.
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Kai Greene, a renowned bodybuilder, commented with a cat gif on the post, showcasing his support for the animal. While another fan had some more detail to add and wrote, Not just YoungLA. Other sponsors have dropped him. Another warned the fitness influencer and commented, Sometimes,internet does NOT forget. A follower highlighted how difficult it is to get sponsored by such a brand, and how the influencer had lost an opportunity because of his actions, commenting, So many people would kill for such opportunities, and then you have folks like this disqualifying themselves. SMH.
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One of the followers advised Aioli to not mess with cats and wrote, Remember the first internet rule Dont F*ck with the cats. An Instagram user thanked Priest for his help in the matter and commented, Great job @leepriestofficial72 for staying on this and keeping the pressure on these sponsors to drop this sc*mbag! A follower simply indicated the never-forgetting nature of the Internet and said, The internet is forever.
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As Aioli faces the consequences of his terrible, albeit past actions, the resurfaced video is a reminder of the immortality of the internet. What are your views on this whole scenario? Let us know in the comments.
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Fans Lambast Fitness Influencer Over Resurfaced Animal Abuse Video - EssentiallySports
9 Best Kettlebells of 2024, According to Experts and Trainers – Men’s Health
Before you get started, understanding the basics and laying out your goals are important. Martinez says, "You want to make sure that you can get into each position safely, so before you add speed, you want a bell that you can control in all positions." For most people, one light- and one moderate-weight kettlebell should provide everything they need for a full-body workout. If you can only pick one, opt for a lighter 'bell, then just add in heavier dumbbells to the mix for movements that aren't kettlebell-specific (e.g., squats, rows, and presses).
Martinez breaks down his specifics. For his female clients, he recommends a lighter kettlebell of around 8 to 26.5 pounds (4 kg to 12 kg) and 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) for their heavier 'bell. The lighter is great for more technical exercises, while the heavier bell is for deadlifts and, eventually, two-hand swings. For his male clients, one lighter 'bell weighing 26.5 to 45 pounds (12 kg to 20 kg) and one heavier, about 45 to 70 pounds (20 kg to 32 kg), is usually perfect.
For brand-new kettlebell users, opting for the lighter bell in each category is the way to go. Stronger and well-trained users should go with a heavier bell. "Even my moderately strong athletes were able to use the heavier bell for explosive deadlifts and two-hand swings pretty quickly," says Martinez.
He also offers this piece of advice for newbies: "If you can only pick one, then stay in the lighter range. When you're new to kettlebells, the speed of the movement and position of the bell as it sits on your forearm will throw you off compared to dumbbells."
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9 Best Kettlebells of 2024, According to Experts and Trainers - Men's Health
She’s Obese, He’s A Fitness Instructor, They’re In Love And Responding To Their Critics – WECB
In a world where online anonymity often emboldens the cruel, Brittany Jacques and her husband, Matt, stand as a beacon of love and resilience. Brittany, a Canadian nursing assistant, has faced her share of challenges, not the least of which is the constant online ridicule due to her weight. At 114 kilograms (about 251 pounds), shes been the target of unkind words and harsh judgments. But in Matt, she has found not just a partner, but a steadfast defender against the negativity thrown their way.
Brittanys journey with weight has been a lifelong battle, one thats often left her vulnerable to the worst of social media. However, Matt, a fitness instructor by profession, has been unwavering in his support. Their love story, which began on the internet in 2020 and led to marriage in August 2021, is a testament to the power of love over prejudice. By March 2022, their joy was doubled with the arrival of a son, proving that happiness can flourish even in the face of adversity.
This couples narrative is not just a love story but a bold statement against the backdrop of a society quick to judge based on physical appearance. Matts support of Brittany, especially against the backdrop of his profession in fitness, offers a refreshing perspective on love and acceptance.
For Brittany, finding love seemed daunting, almost a fantasy. She had accepted her body but feared she might never find someone who would love her just as she was. Meeting Matt changed everything. I wasnt sure Id ever find someone who would truly love me for who I am, but after meeting Matt, I couldnt be happier, Brittany shared with a local media outlet. Matt was drawn to Brittanys confidence and acceptance of her body, qualities he admires and supports wholeheartedly.
Their shared love for food has become a cherished aspect of their relationship, allowing them to indulge in their mutual guilty pleasures without restraint. Matts approach to fitness, focusing on happiness rather than calorie counting, is a refreshing deviation from the norm.
Despite the challenges, including unsolicited comments on social media suggesting Matt isnt man enough for Brittany, the couple remains undeterred. Matt, in particular, has been vocal about his love for Brittany, often confronting online trolls head-on to defend their relationship.
Brittany and Matts story is more than a personal victory; its a powerful narrative that challenges societal norms and expectations about love, body image, and relationships. It reminds us that at the heart of every relationship should be love, respect, and acceptance, unmarred by the superficial judgments of outsiders.
As they navigate lifes ups and downs together, Brittany and Matt demonstrate that the most robust defense against criticism is a united front of love and mutual respect. Their story is not just about combating online negativity; its a celebration of loves ability to transcend physical appearances and societal expectations. In their love story, they offer a powerful message: true love sees beyond the surface, finding beauty in the depth of connection and the strength of unwavering support.
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She's Obese, He's A Fitness Instructor, They're In Love And Responding To Their Critics - WECB
Jennifer Lopez Showcases Her Body-Sculpting Fitness Routine – E! NEWS
Jennifer Lopez'sworkoutwill leave your jaw on the floor.
The Hustlers actress recently shared a video of her outdoor fitness routine, which included everything from weight-training to yogato core-sculpting.Andin trueJ.Lofashion, her sweat session wasn'tcomplete without a stylishbright pink athleisure setfromAim'n andcustom dumbbellsthat featured her name engraved.
In the beginning of her March 24 Instagram, she warmed up her body with lunge stretches and thenkicked her movements into high gear, usingher dumbbells to doshoulder raises, squats, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks and more.
Afterward, shelaid on her mat and started working out her core, implementing reverse crunches and roll overs.
"Daily dose of wellness," the 54-year-old captioned the post. "Happy Sunday everyone."
It's no secret theJLO Beautyfounder's dedication to fitness is unmatched. In fact, herlong-time trainerTracy Andersonpreviouslyjust howin tunethe superstar is with her figure.
"Ifsomebody could graduate summa cum laude of physical literacy, it's her," Tracytold E! News last May."She knows her body so well and she knows what she needs for the many, many projects she does."
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Jennifer Lopez Showcases Her Body-Sculpting Fitness Routine - E! NEWS
How USMNT’s Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna shrugged off fitness doubts to win Nations League – The Athletic
When Tyler Adams lined up a shot from nearly 30 yards out, both United States center backs, up for a corner kick, had the same thought: Time to run back and defend.
Usually, when Tyler shoots, you go ahead and get back into your position, Chris Richards said.
Row Z, added Tim Ream. I thought, OK, theres a goal kick coming.
Instead, the center backs runs were towards Adams, celebrating a goal unlike any he had scored before in a mob with a full group of jubilant teammates. The midfielder made his first start for the U.S. since the 2022 World Cup in Sundays 2-0 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final following almost a whole year out through injury, as the USMNT captured the competitions title for the third time in a row.
Adams had never scored a goal from outside the box in his professional career and rarely even shoots from distance, but felt the time was right to change that.
When the ball came to me and I felt like I had time on the ball, it was a no-brainer, Adams said.
Adams came off at halftime due to a minutes restriction agreed between the USMNT and Bournemouth, the Premier League club that was surely hoping Adams would return to England following this international break a bit fitter and much more confident.
Now I feel like I can shoot whenever I feel like, Adams said, sporting his medal after the match. Ive been practicing that in my rehab recently. It was a good feeling scoring that one.
Adams and Gio Reyna both came into the game with rust: Adams having played 20 league minutes this season and Reyna 309 between Borussia Dortmund and Nottingham Forest. They were the two core pieces of the U.S. team that had the most question marks around their match fitness. Coach Gregg Berhalter opted to start both on Sunday and enjoyed the rewards, with Reyna adding the second goal.
Once Ream got over the shock of seeing Adams long-range effort beat goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, he was able to reflect more deeply on Adams return to the field, coming back from a pair of hamstring injuries that required surgery and putting in a solid shift in the first half of a final.
To see him rewarded after the amount of work hes had to put in to get back to where he is, I think thats the most impressive part, the defender said.
That Adams and Reyna scored the goals and had a huge influence on proceedings may be a return to normal instead of a big shock for the U.S. side. The 25-year-old Adams and 21-year-old Reyna have long been seen as some of the brightest stars of a promising generation of U.S. players who have raised expectations around this squad.
The surprise may be just how much they contributed and that they did so from the opening whistle.
Mexico coach Jaime Lozano said after the match he and his coaching staff expected to see Reyna from the beginning but perhaps not Adams after the midfielders long night against Jamaica, in which he was brought on in the second half of Thursdays semifinal, only to be taken off again in extra time due to that minutes restriction.
Still, he said, theyve watched Adams since he was a young player and are well aware of his skills.
Today, he had a great goal, which I think changed the course of the game, Lozano said. We know, despite the fact that they came in (out of rhythm), that theyre totally international-quality players.
Reyna, meanwhile, was named player of the tournament after assisting two goals in extra time in the semifinal to go with Sunday nights insurance score. His performances merited it, but after the drama that surrounded Reyna, his family and Berhalter following the 2022 World Cup, seeing the coach run down the touchline to celebrate the title-clinching goal with Reyna last night wasnt what many might have imagined in the aftermath of that fiasco.
Other national teams might have frozen Reyna out, but since returning as U.S. manager in June 2023 after a brief hiatus following that World Cup, Berhalter has worked slowly to reintegrate Reyna into the team.
I think when I took over the team again, I talked about needing time, Berhalter said. The more that we worked together and the more that he believed that intentions were true and our whole staff has his best interest in mind, I think we started to gain trust.
If we didnt put it in the past, it wouldve been affecting the team, and I think that was most important for both of us: to put it in the past and focus on the team, Reyna said. I think the last few camps since weve been back together, theyve been pretty successful camps.
Increasingly, it feels that when its a successful camp for Reyna, its a successful camp for the U.S. and vice versa. After a stingy Jamaica nearly denied the U.S. any scoring opportunities in 95 minutes of the semifinal, Reyna unlocked the Reggae Boyz and lifted the U.S. into the final.
On Sunday, Reyna was there to finish a move just after the hour mark, surging into the box to apply a strong finish to an attempted clearance. His hit on the half-volley beat Ochoa to the near post and doubled the lead Adams had given the U.S.
I think both of us came in ready to perform, Reyna said. I dont think the outside noise of maybe not getting enough minutes really affects us. The body of work weve shown in the first few days of training here, and the preparation, really shows what weve done and Im just super-happy for him and also pumped up for me, to be honest.
The hope for the U.S. now is that both players not only excel upon their return to their clubs in England but that they stay healthy and gather strength. While Berhalter was thrilled to have 45 minutes from Adams and 78 from Reyna last night, hell hope to soon have 90 from both.
That will be especially important in the Copa America on home turf this summer, which the U.S. begins June 23 against Bolivia.
The matches only get more difficult from there and Berhalter must have Reyna creating and Adams patrolling the midfield and maybe, just maybe, firing off a few of those long-range rockets.
GO DEEPER
How the USMNT's win over Mexico supports big Copa America expectations
(Top photo: Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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How USMNT's Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna shrugged off fitness doubts to win Nations League - The Athletic