thetelegraph--2019-01-11--The best fitness trackers

The best fitness trackers

In a world increasingly obsessed with health, the fitness technology market is booming. Whether you’re a gym nut or just enjoy a casual run around your local park on a Saturday morning, everyone wants a fitness tracker on their arm, logging their data.  For the uninitiated, a fitness tracker is a device that looks like a watch or bracelet. It measures your steps, your heart rate, and your general levels of activity, and uses this information to calculate and track a range of other things, like how many calories you’ve burned.  Similar devices such as pedometers and heart rate monitors have existed for years, but the all-in-one nature of fitness trackers makes them a compelling piece of tech for health enthusiasts. According to market research firm Mintel, in 2017, around four million fitness trackers had been sold in the UK alone – 18pc more than in 2016.  The good news for potential buyers is that the products are solid in general. Over the course of my testing for this article, I didn't encounter any absolute stinkers, even at the cheaper end of the market. As long as you're getting something from a reputable brand, you should be fine. (Beware, however, devices from Jawbone. It used to be a major brand but entered liquidation in 2017 and none of the accompanying apps for Jawbone products now work.)


eveningstandard--2019-01-02--Best home multi gyms The best gym equipment and multi gym machines for the home

Best home multi gyms: The best gym equipment and multi gym machines for the home

What better way to kick start a new year than by creating your own personalised hub of fitness, tailored to your preferred way of training.  Racking up loads of equipment is one thing, but as a personal trainer what I have come to realise is to reach your goals, whether it be cardiovascular, muscular or mental, you really don’t need much to create a fun and challenging workout using your own bodyweight or calisthenics training. For this reason multi-gym structures are by far my favourite way to exercise and the ones I would really recommend if you are looking to create a solid, interesting and efficient structure to take your training to the next level.  Basically a multi gym is a combination of a variety of different pieces of equipment creatively merged together to create a functional training facility that can cater to a variety of different training disciplines.  Not only are they very space efficient and cost-effective compared to buying a load of different machines and equipment, but they are also incredibly long lasting. Manufactured to be sturdy and withstand years of use, the simplicity of most designs means there is little room for design fault and error.  Depending on your fitness goals there are a huge variety of multi gyms in the industry to explore. If you’re into more functional a Crossfit style training rig would be your best bet; however, if strength training is your thing and you want to build more muscle, you would steer towards the designs that include cable machines and lifting benches.  Most brands will create a pamphlet with a number of different exercises you can carry out on your new piece of equipment, so if you do not currently have a training programme or trainer to show you the ropes, worry not.  Here we look at eight machines across a wide range of budgets all perfectly suited to the home.  I would recommend buying a TRX kit as a staple item in anyone’s home-gym, not to mention they are great for travelling too. For home use, just attach the padded wedge to the end of the straps and place across the top of a door and close - the wedge will hold the resistance and allows for a huge range of exercise for both the upper and lower body. The whole thing bundles up to the size of a loaf of bread and can be used in other settings like the park or even a hotel room - a blessing for both frequent and occasional travellers that want to maintain their routine.  The TRX is also fantastic for building strength, power and increasing mobility for both new and advanced training. Once you have the basics down it's great to play around with different movements; whether you want to work on explosive power training, challenge yourself with single leg work or even create some mini HIIT workouts, you have so many options to keep things interesting and fun with a TRX. If you own or are looking to invest in a multi-gym structure these can easily be added and removed as you fancy.  Marcy creates a great range of products that combine a lot of elements into one machine. This is exactly what the RS5000 Power Rack does. It includes all the essentials for free-weight training, cable training and bodyweight training to equip the everyday fitness fanatic for whatever they might need.  Mixing all of these types of training together can create inventive and challenging workouts that will really help you take your routine to the next level.  Another favourite for more functional training but still with a few savvy resistance-training additions. The rig is incredibly space-efficient and allows you to perform an array of different movements. You can cover all your compound strength training; squats, overhead press, deadlifts - as well as working on smaller muscle groups with the Lat Pull Down and bodyweight training on the dip and pull up bars.  Note that weights are sold separately so remember to factor this into your spending budget. This multi gym comes with thirteen height adjustable positions for bars and attachments, a lat pull down bar, straight bar, dual foam padded hand grips and ankle strap. Six weight plate storage bars with Olympic plate attachments and spring collars and an integrated crossbar for bodyweight training, including pull ups and suspension training. A fantastic all around buy at a very budget friendly price.  If powerlifting is your thing the simplicity of this ensemble might be just what you need to cover all your basics. Perfect for building total body strength and developing muscles in both the lower and upper body as well as having the option to also perform exercises with specific core activation, the rack would be a wise addition for someone with a specific goal and training programme to follow.  Again with the addition of the pull up bar there is also the option to perform isometric holds and clip on a TRX for more targeted suspension training. For the affordable price I would say its definitely worth the investment and will cater to most of your foundation training.  See all multi gyms from Argos  Slightly more on the larger side, the Marcy Multi Gym was built with the idea to equip a very large range of different movements and skills and even allows two people to train at the same time, which is great on the motivation front.  This multi gym is perfect for heavy compound training and lighter isolation movements, the addition of the rower in the bundle is a huge bonus too with regards to keeping up one’s cardiovascular system and mixing a different type of exercise into your routine.  Easy to assemble and transport this multi-functional rig is great for more Crossfit / Strongman style of training. The more hardcore gym-goers will love playing around with the various bodyweight exercises here, such as pull-ups and dips, but also leaving room for the addition of ropes and Kettlebells to really change things up.  You could also add in a TRX station and play around with super setting more high intensity movements and isometric holds.  Another innovative Technogym product, the multifunctional UNICA bench is the perfect option for those looking to build some serious strength in a small space. Compact in size and able to fit into tight spaces it's great if you are looking to target and isolate specific muscle groups.  Created with an interesting biomechanical design the UNICA comes equipped with resistance bands which is a great addition for warming up selected muscle groups pre-training and helping to stretch them out post session. A beautiful and well built piece of equipment for the high-end home gym.  Technogym equipment is renowned for its efficiency and class which is why this product has a higher price tag compared to the other multi gyms; however, if you are looking to redefine your wellness and work on your strength with more controlled movements, flexibility, posture and breathing, it’s a great option. The Kinesis comes equipped with a wellness ball and ankle weights too so there are hundreds of exercises you could do, basic and more advanced. A stunning multi gym in terms of both aesthetics and function when money isn't a factor.  The takes our top pick based on size, budget and function. The TRX offerers a sincere workout that beginners and more advanced athletes will enjoy and is also a great addition to other multi gym rigs. The is also a great option that offers a wide range of training in a sturdy but compact size. At just under £300 the Weider multi gym is a solid investment for 2019 and beyond.  ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter


eveningstandard--2019-11-30--Black Friday yoga clothing deals: leggings, bras and equipment from Sweaty Betty, Lululemon and more

If you’re using Black Friday as an opportunity to bag some new fitness kit and equipment, the timing couldn’t be more opportune.  From at-home gyms to running shoes, there are thousands of deals out there to help you hit your exercise goals.  Big yoga brands have got in on the seasonal sale too, and are offering reductions on everything from leggings to mats. We’ve rounded up some of the best bargains for your shopping convenience.  Yoga bunnies, this one’s for you.  The cult fitness apparel brand is offering 25 per cent off selected items, including sports bras, vests and leggings, using code: CHEERS. Our pick? The bum-sculpting, sweat-wicking Power Mesh Gym Leggings are as stylish as they are comfy.  With Black Friday offers for men and women, you can shop a whole new yoga wardrobe at Lululemon without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a lot of chest support, we like the Free to be Serene high neck sports bra, down from £48 to £34. Add the Anew Strap Tank to your basket too - it's just been included in the brand's Black Friday offering but at just £29 (down from £45) we're sure it won't be around for long.  If you're going to invest in a yoga mat of your own, you could do worst than Liforme's mats, which have been designed to be ethical and environmentally conscious.  They're also biodegradable, non-toxic and PVC-free. The website currently has a 20 per cent off everything deal, including yoga mats, travel mats and yoga pads.  No nonsense leggings at prices so low they’re practically giving them away? Yes please. GymShark’s Black Friday bonanza has dropped the price of hundreds of fitnesswear pieces, from bright leggings to seamless sports bras. Sale items start from just £3!  The department store is cutting the price of hundreds of products online and in-store today, including the kind of haul that would make any self-respecting yogi weep with joy. Treasures to be unearthed on the site include a 20 per cent saving on M Life Eco Beginner's 4mm Yoga Mat, Sage and M Life 65cm Eco Anti-Burst Fitness Ball in a very fetching shade of metallic green.  ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.  Black Friday 2019 is finally here. See our selection of the best Black Friday deals.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter


newyorkpost--2019-09-29--At-home fitness services and equipment for people who hate the gym

Discover the highlights of our New York Post Store , brought to you by our partner StackCommerce. The New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.  Hate the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn to surround yourself by other sweaty people, grunting lifters, and glaring eyes at the gym? Same. Fortunately, with all the gadgets and tech around today, you can cancel your gym membership once and for all and get fit from the comfort of your own home.  Working out at home saves you a ton of time and money. Plus, there’s a much shorter line at the shower. Heck, it may even help you stick to a regular exercise routine, depending on your personality type. You won’t have the same access to all that fancy gym equipment, sure, but here’s the thing: fancy equipment isn’t necessary to get a good sweat on.  We’ve rounded up 10 at-home fitness services and equipment that will help you get a killer workout within the privacy and comfort of your humble abode. Whether you’re short on space, a total beginner, crunched for time, or ready to rock, there’s an option for you. And the best part is everything is on sale.  If you’re the kind of person who needs a little push in the right direction, this Fitterclub Personal Training membership will help motivate you. It’s like having a personal trainer and nutrition coach who lives within your devices and keeps you moving forward. From shedding pounds and transforming your body to getting healthier and stronger, this resource will shape the programs to suit you. Just fill out the simple questionnaire and start getting recipes and videos tailored to you.  A five-year membership would usually cost you $600, but you can sign up for just $39 right now.  Featured on Good Morning America, USA Today, and more, a subscription to Live Streaming Fitness could very well be all you need to get in shape. Similar to Fitterclub, you’ll have access to both videos and meal plan inspiration. However, with Live Streaming Fitness, fitness classes are on-demand and available 24/7, plus there are even on-demand cooking classes to help you turn healthy eating into a lifestyle.  A lifetime subscription usually goes for $499, but you can sign up now for just $99.99.  While regular old scales just label you with a single number, this innovative scale allows you to monitor much more than just your weight. It gives you the ability to analyze your overall health by connecting to your smartphone via Bluetooth. There, it will evaluate 13 different body indexes: weight, body fat, muscle, visceral fat, protein, bone, body water, body type, body age, BMI, and BMR+. Not only will these scores help you keep track of your goals and growth, but they’ll help you make better lifestyle choices as well.  Pick up the Picooc Mini Pro Smart Scale for just $50 now – 15% off retail value.  An excellent space-saving workout tool, the OYO Personal Gym weighs in at just two pounds. But don’t let its size fool you. This sucker can produce up to 15 pounds of smooth, balanced resistance, giving you the fat-burning benefits of weightlifting without you having to lift an actual weight. Keep it at your desk, by your TV, or anywhere else in your home for quick, easy, yet effective workouts throughout the day.  Usually retailing for $100, you can pick up the OYO Personal Gym SE for just $73 — a 26% savings.  Aren’t the best workouts the ones that don’t feel like workouts? Take cycling for example. You ride around leisurely, taking in the scenery, and still end up burning mad calories. Sadly, outdoor cycling isn’t always an option, since the weather is often unpredictable. But that’s where this Bike Lane Trainer comes in handy. If you have a quick-release rear axle bike, you can easily set it up on this trainer and ride just like you would outdoors – except in front of the TV.  Typically $182, you can slash over 50% off and pick up the Bike Lane Trainer for just $77.  If you miss the hustle and bustle of the gym, this BodyBoss 2.0 Portable Home Gym will bring back some of those vibes. It features two resistance bands, a collapsible workout bar, handles, wrist straps, and a door anchor. Plus, you’ll get a workout guide in case you’re confused as to what everything does. It’s like having your own mini gym you can take anywhere and use anytime.  Pick up the BodyBoss 2.0 for $179 now and get started on your workout almost immediately.  Getting your body used to your new workout gear can be quite the adjustment. Translation: muscles you didn’t know you had will be sore. Fortunately, this BFGun X300 helps you target super-specific body areas for pain relief and quicker recovery. It comes with five massager attachments: a small dampening ball for large muscle groups, large dampening ball for targeted areas, fork attachment for trapezius muscle, flat attachment for all parts of the body, and a cone for trigger points and small muscle areas. Remember, no pain, no gain.  The Heroproof BFGun X300 HyperDrive Percussive Therapy Muscle Massager usually costs $300, but you can pick one up on sale for $260.  With all your new workout subscriptions and equipment, you’ll need a way to track their effectiveness. This SmartFit PAL Trainer Watch can show you how well you’re doing by monitoring your activity and your progress, whether you’re jogging, walking, bicycling, swimming, or practicing yoga. Even better, it’s only a fraction of the price of popular options like Apple, Garmin, or FitBit.  The SmartFit PAL Trainer Watch is on sale for just $30 — 84% off the retail value.  If you want to take your usual at-home workouts to the next level, this Aduro Sport Balance Board will do the trick. Simply use it as a foundation for squats, lunges, planks, push-ups, or any other balance-based exercise, and you’ll feel a major difference in your core.  The Aduro Sport Balance Board is on sale for just $20 — that’s 50% off the usual price.  Designed specifically for people with active lifestyles, the CRESUER TOUCHWAVE earbuds fit securely in your ears and won’t fall out no matter how intense your workout. They’re dust-, rain-, and sweat-proof, provide three hours of non-stop playtime, plus an additional 12 hours with the wireless charging case, and give you full control over your audio with intuitive touch controls.  Originally $60, you can pick up a pair for just $40 on sale.


eveningstandard--2019-05-29--Best maternity fitness clothes 2019

Best maternity fitness clothes 2019

Say goodbye to sloppy t-shirts and awkwardly fitting tank tops —  pregnancy gym clothes are officially cute.  Whether you prefer yoga, swimming, spinning, or just a good'ol run round the block, the health benefits linked to exercising while you are pregnant are innumerable.  London Gynaecology’s fitness ambassador, Ellie Baker recommends exercise while pregnant to “improve posture and massively reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling to make your pregnancy feel a lot more comfortable.” Sounds about right.  But which exercises should you be focusing on? Simone De La Rue, celebrity trainer and founder of the Body By Simone studios in California, New York and London advises to, “definitely do kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. I did these whilst sitting down (on a chair or exercise ball), holding your pelvic floor in contraction for up to 10 seconds, and releasing, and repeating. This will help you when it comes to labour.  Similarly, the upper body will need a lot of strength once your child is born as holding the baby and breast feeding will affect your posture after birth. Find workouts which will strengthen your back, lats, rhomboids and shoulders." If you have any worries, consult your GP or obstetrician.  While it was once near impossible to find stylish fitness wear that is both attractive and supportive, there are now more brands than ever providing designated maternity clothing with a focus on high performance fitness wear with optimum comfort.  We have gathered our favourite labels that will take you from bump to baby and beyond.  ASOS offer one of the most diverse fitness wear ranges out there and their maternity iterations have been given the trés cool treatment — just check out these soft stretch leggings in bright chartreuse from in-house label 4505. Expect to find fan favourites like Mamalicious and some seriously cute maternity swimwear by Wolf & Whistle.  We love the high rise leggings that feature a stretch waistband and mesh panels for breathability to keep you cool throughout your workout, the chic jersey yoga trousers and for when the warmer weather hits, the roomy booty shorts.  The Ultimate Maternity Sportswear Top is technically designed to lift and hold your bump in place with an elastic strap that sits under your bump to take the weight off – think a sports bra but for your growing tummy.  Get the full look with the Ultimate Pregnancy Fitness Leggings made from a luxe stretch fabric with an easily adjustable waist panel that can be stretched over or under your bump. The pieces are also fully opaque so rest assure there's no see-through bum thing happening here.  Available to shop exclusively online, GapFit is the designated gym wear line for the American brand. Offering everything you could possibly hope for in your fitness-related arsenal, the Maternity Pure Body Leggings are cosy, stretchy and sit perfectly under your bump — they'll become your go-to whether you are training, shopping or going to the cinema in your activewear.  The Maternity GapFit Half-Zip Pullover Sweatshirt is composed of a performance fabric that will keep you comfortable and dry – even during times of extreme sweating – and is notably soft. It even has ruching at the sides for extra belly space.  You may already know about Mothercare for its extensive range of baby clothing, nursery furniture, pushchairs, toys and more, but do not underestimate its maternity collection.  The retailer excels in its offering of maternity sports bras like the Royce impact free sports bra that is available in black or pink. The must-have bras have a supportive crop top-like construction that works with the underband and padded straps to keep everything in place throughout your workout.  Activewear extraordinaire Sweaty Betty provides easy-to-wear and comfortable pieces with sweat-wicking fabrics and stylish cuts.  Our highlights include the stretch yoga pants with handy fitted cuffs and the easy to throw on jumpers in a lightweight cotton that will become your go-to throughout your pregnancy and beyond.  This brand specialises in pregnancy activewear to make sure that you have no excuse not to get up and go. Mamalicious uses super comfortable materials with an emphasis on fit so you can wear the same pieces throughout your pregnancy that will highlight your bump in the best possible way.  Pair the two-toned maternity top with the matching tights for pregnancy dressing made easy. The stylish look offers both comfort and support with elasticated and supportive rib details.  Asquith offers activewear that is specifically designed for yoga and pilates and uses only eco-friendly, bamboo and organic cotton. The products are responsibly made and will mould to your body with an impressive stretch.  The range includes harem pants with an emphasis on support, loose-fitted and longer length tops as well as our personal favourite, the Asquith classic wraparound cardigan that can be adapted to create three versatile looks.  The celebrity favourite label is best-known for its luxury maternity clothing and is already a firm favourite with the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Doutzen Kroes.  The innovative, adaptable soft fleece-lined maternity hoodie can transform with an extra panel into a baby carrier or sling, making it an ideal piece for walks or outdoor adventures. For a stylish gym to brunch piece, the maternity and nursing sweater makes feeding easy and comfortable.  London-based label Isabella Oliver has effortlessly chic maternity wear that uses only sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics  — composed of biodegradable natural fibres. We think the covetable fleece-lined sweatshirt will help you nail both your on and off-duty look, while adapting alongside your growing bump with cleverly placed side zips.  The Maternity yoga top provides a loose fitted, soft jersey piece with a stylish keyhole cut out at the back and versatile tie sides that can adjust to your changing body.  If you are looking for support from your workout wear, the athleisure pieces at Leo & I are definitely worth a browse. The modern designs have a sophisticated technical construction with high performance fabrics and a super soft silk-like feel.  The ultra soft Nine Military Green leggings will become your workout essential with a high waist, flattering ruching and internal Brazilian cut underwear. The Racerback Sports Bra is available in a rich purple hue and is designed for mid to high intensity workouts. The piece is ideal for when you are sweating a lot or breastfeeding as it is lightweight with in-built ventilation and provides a discreet nursing option.  ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter


eveningstandard--2019-12-30--Best gym deals 2020: from Pure Gym to the latest London fitness studios, the best gym membership dea

Best gym deals 2020: from Pure Gym to the latest London fitness studios, the best gym membership deals and offers on now

Whether it’s to start eating better, going to the gym more regularly or finally investing in a membership, New Year’s resolutions tend to lean towards fitness goals where budding gym bunnies everywhere use the start of a brand new year to kick-start a healthier lifestyle.  No matter your preferred method of exercise – be it yoga, Pilates, HIIT, boxing or circuits – or your goals – to lose weight, build muscle or train for a particular event – opting for gym package allows you to mix and match routines to keep your workout fresh and exciting. Many of these gyms also have some of the best instructors in the business, state-of-the-art equipment and very Instagrammable décor.  Some of the best boutique gyms around London are giving you a helping hand with discounted packages and exclusive deals that make it more cost effective than ever to get into an effective gym routine, while also giving you the chance to trial and error and find your perfect workout.  Start 2020 as you mean to go on.  Pure gym are known for low cost, no contract memberships across the UK boasts over 250 locations. Depending on the gym, Pure Gym offer women only classes, personal training, and a six week weight loss course among dozens of other classes and training programs.  Offering both contract free as well as fixed term memberships, you can save up to 10 per cent off six, nine and 12 month memberships when you pay in full.   You can also get a free three day pass to use at selected gyms anytime until January 8 by downloading the PureGym app. Students can get up to 30 per cent off fixed-term six, nine and 12 month memberships.  If you are looking for results, The Foundry should be one of your first ports of call. The gym – who now have studios in Old Street, Bank and Vauxhall – is known for its challenging workouts with a variety of classes on offer likes Sweat or Lift as well as private and semi-private training.  For January 2020, they are offering three classes for £30 (that’s half price) or a discounted rate off the 30 day trial of the aforementioned semi-private training. This consists of eight PT sessions and unlimited classes for only £150 (instead of the £225). The offer is available exclusively for ES readers when you email join@foundryfit.com and quote ‘ES Jan Offer’.  This Aldgate-based studio specialises in yoga, Pilates and barre set to the transportative backdrop of scenic beaches or calming candle light.  For the New Year, commit to a new routine at an even better price where from January 1-31 2020, you can get 20 per cent off all class packages with the code FLYES20.  Dubbed one of the most challenging but effective gym classes in London, TwelveThree was founded by former England boxing captain Ryan Pickard, and former IBF champion Darren Barker and offers box-fit classes in its boutique Aldgate and Paddington-based studios.  For the New Year, you can get two weeks unlimited membership – including a PT session – for just £69!  If you are a spinning enthusiast, you have no doubt heard of Psycle but there’s no better time to try out the motivational workout that now extends to barre, strength, yoga as well as ride. The chain has recently opened its doors in Westbourne Grove and has studios in Mortimer Street, Shoreditch and Clapham.  To get you in to the swing, Psycle is offering an intro offer of three classes and buddy credit for £30.  There are also discounted credit bundles; 10 for £165 with one buddy (down from £190), 20 for £320 with two buddy (down from £350) and 50 for £775 with three buddy (down from £825). The discounted energy project gives you eight weeks for £635 (reduced from £695) and 12 weeks for £935 (from £995).  Heartcore, the boutique gym chain that specialises in reformer Pilates has a cult following and it is clear why. The classes are small, while the workouts are challenging but incredibly effective.  From December 26 to 29, you can get up to 30 per cent off special packages for all classes like Dynamic Pilates, Strength + Conditioning, Yoga, Barre + Ritual, and Ride. The credits will expire by January 31.  With six sites across London and in Oxford, Digme has become a cult studio for spinning lovers but also for its yoga and HIIT classes.  From December 26-31, they will be offering 10 credits for the price of 12 (£175 in London and £125 in Oxford) but from January, you will also be able to invest in three credits for £20 instead of £59.  For subscription packages, get into shape with 50 per cent off your first month and a reduction in the price of 8, 12 and unlimited packages. Can’t keep your love for Digme a secret? Recruit your friends and be up for the chance of winning an unlimited subscription if you refer the most in each studio.  Get put through your paces at fitness studio chain UN1T who boast gyms in London Bridge, Munich, Qatar City and Kuwait City. Focusing on strength and conditioning, the classes are ideal for those looking to build muscle with a mix of cardio, endurance and weight-based exercises.  Looking for something new? The 14 day trial – which includes 8 sessions in a two week time period – is just £39. This gives people a great chance to try a mix of our classes from strength to cardio endurance and team conditioning.  It has been quite the year for Core Collective. In 2019, the chain has expanded opening new studios with locations now in St John’s Wood, Knightsbridge and Kensington. There are also new classes coming January - TRX Sculpt and TRX Burn – designed for build strength and muscle and improve posture and mobility. The class offering also includes Cycle, Circuit, ROW, Power Yoga and Mat Pilates.  The classes work in a tiered format and can be cancelled at any point.  There is a reason Sweat It has become one of the most popular gyms in London. Quite frankly, the classes are hard but they are very effective. Each day, the classes focus on a particular area like lower or upper body with full body on the weekend in a HIIT running machine then mat work format.  For the New Year, they will be offering a deal across their monthly packs with three months for the price of two.  Aussie-import F45 boasts an extensive number of studios across London and the world. The newest opening? In the heart of Soho – Dufours Place, just off Carnaby Street to be precise.  To celebrate the launch, the franchise are offering discounted foundation memberships for only £20 available from January.  ESBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter


theindependent--2019-01-02--13 best fitness apps and online training programmes

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or in a remote village with zero wifi, you’ll have noticed the explosion of the fitness industry in recent years. And not only has it grown in popularity, it’s also had a bit of a facelift.  Unlike the dark days of long-winded, cardio-focused workouts, today’s favoured exercises take the form of quick HIIT (high intensity interval training) sessions, weight training and circuits, many of which can be completed in well under an hour – some as short as 10 minutes,  No longer are we limited to forking out for costly gym memberships, as not only are there more affordable and pay-as-you-go options around, there’s also a wealth of information out there – including fitness plans, nutritional insight and expert advice – which means you needn’t even leave the house for a workout.  Thanks to social media we have direct access to top trainers and nutritionists who regularly spurt little nuggets of health-related wisdom, so we’re not only more educated on exercise and eating well, we’re also inspired to take part. But, with so many plans, guides and programmes on the market, how’s a fitness-enthusiast supposed to know which is best to invest in?  That in mind, we squatted and sweated our way through workouts from some of the best guides around, taking into consideration the duration and difficulty, the fitness level required for the exercises involved, the guidance and support provided, plus the functionality of the source (how easy the website, etc, is to navigate). Our favourites, listed below, include sessions from top trainers around the world. Some are based in the US, therefore the price is listed in dollars. This means that, although there are no additional charges for purchasing the programme, the cost may vary depending on the exchange rate at the time. It’s also worth asking what your bank charges for foreign purchases, as it may cost you a small percentage of the fee.  Think Netflix, but for fitness. Fiit provides access to many of the best trainers in the country – including Adrienne Herbert, Alex Crockford and Richie Norton – for video-led workouts that can be completed in your bedroom and beyond. There are three categories to choose from – cardio, strength and rebalance, which includes yoga, pilates, mobility and breath work – and all feature sessions comprised of body weight moves, so they’re accessible to everybody.  There are hundreds of videos already available – either 25 or 40 minutes in length and varying in difficulty – and new ones drop frequently. Upgrading to a premium membership (which costs from £10 per month) provides you with a Fiit device, which allows you to live track your heart rate and calories burnt during a workout, and also provides access to unlimited classes and exclusive content. Plus, if you have more specific goals you can try out one of the new personalised training plans, which recommends specific videos along with nutritional advice to help you hit your goals.  With a firm focus on nourishing not just the body, but the mind and soul also, The Sculpt Guide is more than a run-of-the-mill fat loss plan. Created by Zanna Van Dijk, personal trainer, blogger, social star and Adidas Global Ambassador, it aims to improve health from all angles. The 12-week fitness programme provides weighted and bodyweight workouts – which increase in complexity and difficulty as the weeks progress – and recommends that you complete four (with an optional fifth) per week of your choice depending on your circumstances.  So if, for example, you’re travelling one week, you might favour the bodyweight workouts for ease. Warmups and finishers (for the non-faint hearted among us) are also included, and rest days are compulsory. There’s advice on recovery, stress management and the importance of sleep and self-care, and an emphasis on good form. There’s no meal plan included as nutrition is outside of Zanna’s expertise, however there are recipes aplenty on her website. Available in PDF form only, it’s practical for use when working out on the go, however links are dotted throughout that direct you to video demos of the exercises on Youtube.  A virtual take on the fitness class, GymCube is an online database of more than 600 do-at-home workout videos, plus regular sessions you can stream live (imagine, all the buzz of a group class with none of the faff beforehand). Workouts can be filtered by duration, target area, difficulty, equipment available, preferred trainer and the amount of calories you could burn, and there’s an option to follow a plan (all of which are listed under the Programmes tab) – such as the 30 day challenge – if you prefer a little guidance.  The exercise library illustrates how best to execute each move (which is handy, as some videos are fast-paced with little time for the instructor to demonstrate beforehand, so it’s worth consulting this prior to starting a workout), and there’s a wealth of information to aid in improving your diet, including weekly meal plans and healthy recipes.  It’s recommended that you follow the seven-day Kick Start programme upon signing up to determine your goals and establish your current fitness level. Upgrading to a premium membership costs as little as £5.83 per month, and allows access to additional videos plus member-only support groups.  Unlike the one-size-fits-all programmes on our list, this one is a completely bespoke option. Much like hiring a personal trainer in your local gym, top fitness coach Scott Laidler and his team will devise a plan to help you achieve your goals. There are three options available, a six-week, 12-week or 24-week plan, and each includes both a tailored fitness programme and a customised meal plan created by a nutritionist.  Once you’ve filled out a few forms, you’ll have your personal plan pop up in your inbox in a week or so. It’s up to you whether workouts include equipment or not, and you can also note any allergies, intolerances or dislikes too. The recipes provided are delicious (particularly the peanut quinoa bowl and the orange and blueberry bircher muesli). Support (via email) is available should you need a little encouragement.  Ideal for those who favour a fitness DVD but like a little bit of variety, FitFusion is an online subscription service that allows access to a catalogue of exercise videos, ranging from cardio and strength training, yoga, boxing and pre/postnatal-focussed workouts, too. The sessions vary in length (the 10-minute Body Transformation may sound like a breeze, but it’s brutal), and while many are led by an enthusiastic – yet merciless – Jillian, others see the presence of a range of equally encouraging top trainers.  There’s no knowing how punishing a workout will be before you begin (though watch out for words such as “killer” and “extreme”, code for really, really blimmin’ hard), however modifications are often provided to increase or decrease the level of difficulty. Plans and series’ are available for those looking for more structure, such as the one-week Shred and Ripped in 30, which provide a number of workouts to perform over a certain period of time in order to alter your body composition.  If you’re new to fitness, start with the Beginner Shred. It’s low intensity, yet still sweat-inducing, and will help build strength for the more challenging workouts. Subscribe for 12 months to reduce the overall payment or purchase just one video, if you prefer. You can also download the videos for offline use.  Providing everything from power flows and pilates, to tips for great posture and assistance in progressing poses, the Doyouyoga site has a little something for every yogi there is. Videos can be filtered by style, focus, teacher, level of ability and duration, and modules – such as the Men’s 30 Day Yoga Challenge – are available for those seeking to improve their practice.  With both sweaty and soothing sessions on the menu, it’s easy to find a video to target your mood and goals. Plus, regular reminders via email and virtual badges upon completing certain challenges encourage your persistence. The speedy sub-15-minute flows are perfect for integrating into a busy life, as are the short meditation videos, which guide you through breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety.  Some programmes  – such as The 28 Day Yoga for Beginners – are free to access, though a full subscription allows access to the entire collection, and lets you track your progress and time spent practicing, which is ideal if you have hopes of becoming a yoga teacher yourself.  Joe Wicks, founder of the Lean in 15 franchise – famed for his toned bod and recurring use of the words “midget tree” – has released a second fitness DVD. It features nine HIIT workouts that start at beginner level, and gradually increase in intensity as you complete them. The first eight are short 15-minute sessions, while the additional ninth – or “winner’s” – workout is a 30-minute killer, though with lots of cardio and full-body moves included, even the easier workouts will leave you puffing for breath.  Exercises are mostly bodyweight moves, but dumbbells are required for workouts seven and eight. There’s no weekly plan regarding when and how often you should complete a workout, however if you own the first in the series of the Lean in 15 books (and if you don’t, you should!) you’ll find a recommended schedule in there along with quick and delicious recipes.  Set in scenic Italy, the video emphasises the versatility of the workouts, and the fact they can be completed anywhere in the world with minimal equipment. However, if you intend to train on the go, it might be wise to invest in the digital version. The DVD is ideal for those looking to increase general fitness levels, but if you’re looking for a more substantial, tailored plan, Wicks’ 90 Day Shift, Shape and Sustain plan might be more up your street.  With a following of over 300,000 and an endorsement by none other than David Beckham, the success of Shona Vertue’s training method speaks for itself. She promotes the equal importance of strength, flexibility and nourishment, and her new video-based programme makes her method accessible to everyone. The 12-week plan, intended to increase all-round health and improve nutrition, is detailed on her website, where – behind a pay wall – you’ll find workouts and wellbeing advice aplenty.  There are three videos for each fortnight of the programme; two that take you through workouts – 30-38 minutes in length – which should be repeated twice per week, and one yoga video that remains constant throughout the plan, but provides progressions for when needed. Exercises involve the use of simple equipment, such as kettlebells and resistance bands, but can be completed without.  A drawback is that internet is required to access the workouts, but there’s an explanation. “I didn’t make a PDF fitness guide because I wanted to be as close as I could to you while you were training,” Shona wrote recently on her Instagram profile. “The cues I give you on your form are in real time so it’s much easier to apply them rather than having to memorise them or go to the back of the PDF to read the exercise descriptions again, mid-way through your workout.”  The plan is bursting with info on improving mindset and proper form to maximise your workouts, and there’s an emphasis on moving at your own pace (Shona even advises repeating any weeks you find particularly challenging until you’re ready to proceed). Recipes are provided, along with nutrition advice, and there’s no such word as cheat, as nothing is off limits.  Recognisable for its ballet-style moves that appear deceivingly easy at first glance, Barrecore offers punishing, full-body workouts that’ll have you squealing (in pain, not excitement) through each rep. By signing up to the online subscription service you’ll gain access to 66 videos, which can be filtered by duration, equipment used (such as weights, a rolled towel or a barre/chair), ability and target area.  There’s also the option to follow a two, four or six-week programme – complete with a timetable and recommended videos – to help you achieve your goals. Workouts are led by enthusiastic trainers. Moves (and their benefits) are explained thoroughly, and include squat and push-up variations with lots of little pulses that’ll have your body parts burning, however modifications are available to reduce or increase intensity. Stretches are also incorporated at the end and throughout to release tension and increase flexibility.  If heavy weightlifting is your thing, then Barrecore probably isn’t for you. However, if you’re looking for something to make your muscles sizzle, this is it.  Even if you’re unfamiliar with the fitness industry, it’s likely you’ve at least heard murmurs of Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide; world-famous for toning the physiques of its loyal “army” of fans. The 12-week plan consists of three weekly 30-minute HIIT workouts, each including two seven-minute circuits that are to be repeated twice. The goal is to see how many moves you can squeeze into each seven-minute slot.  It’s also recommended that you complete one extra cardio session per week (such as power walking or sprint training) and include some stretching, too. Basic equipment – including dumbbells, a bench, a medicine ball and a skipping rope – is required to perform a number of the moves, however most can be bought cheaply online.  There workouts will leave you feeling depleted (there’s a reason that so many participants look lean and sculpture-like in their “after shots), but if a change in body composition is what you’re looking for, this could be your golden ticket. The repetition of exercises over the weeks can begin to feel a tad monotonous, however they’re over so quickly you’ll hardly notice.  What in the world is PIIT? Well, think HIIT, but with the addition of pilates-inspired moves. The 28-day programme – originally created by award-winning fitness instructor, Cassey Ho, to keep herself moving while travelling – comprises of 11 workouts that are to be performed over six days per week. Each workout is, rather precisely, 28 minutes and 40 seconds long, and features seven simple but sweaty bodyweight moves – many including a springy element, like bunny hop variations.  The rule is 45 seconds of all-out exercise, then 15 seconds of rest, repeated four times (but not before you’ve completed the warm up, of course), and followed by a cool-down. The eBook provides diagrams of each of the moves (great if you’re on the go and your data is dwindling), plus a 28-day calendar and an Instagram challenge, where you’re encouraged to upload a photo everyday to connect with others participating.  Videos and gifs are accessible behind the membership wall on the website if you’d rather consult a screen, and the free Blogilates app will give you access to a timer. Once you’ve completed the programme, there are two others you can tackle.  Founded by trainer-to-the-stars Christina Howells and activewear designer, Charli Cohen, the That Girl Method is described as being “the beginning of a lifestyle change”. The eight-week challenge is broken down into four two-week blocks, each comprising of a workout that you’ll repeat six times over the fortnight, plus two steady-state cardio sessions (walking, jogging and cycling are recommended) and two HIIT workouts, depending on your ability (HIIT isn’t introduced until week five for beginners).  The four workouts at the core (excuse the pun) of the programme are comprised of 10-12 moves using bodyweight or basic equipment (such as a resistance band or chair) that target the whole body, and increase in difficulty as the weeks go on. Gifs and short explanations demonstrate how to best execute the moves, though nowhere does it mention that – performed in a row – they’re way tougher than the girls in the gifs let on, so consider this your official warning.  While fun and relatively quick to complete, if you’re someone who likes an ever-changing exercise schedule, then – due to the workout repetition – this might not be the programme for you. But if you’re looking to bust your butt to kick-start a lifestyle switch-up, then this is the door to knock on. Nutrition advice with meal suggestions and a handful of recipes are also available, plus a couple of extra workouts for the advanced and the masochists.  Insta-famous for her enviable abs and positive demeanour, it’s no wonder Carly Rowena gets lots of questions regarding her fitness routine. Lucky for us, her 12-week plan provides everything we need – including workouts and advice on nutrition and managing stress – to improve our health, and perhaps even reveal abs of our own. Ideal for fitness newbies and the advanced alike, the eBook (also available in hard copy) allows you to choose your own level of intensity.  It encloses three different circuit workouts per week, all comprising of five to six uncomplicated moves (such as jump squats and press-ups) which can be performed with or without basic equipment, and are clearly illustrated. The workouts are relatively quick to complete, but don’t let their simplicity trick you into believing it’ll be a walk in the park. Pick the correct intensity level and you’re in for a challenge.  Participants can access the private Get Gorgeous Facebook group, where subscribers can encourage, motivate and inspire one another. Once you’ve downloaded the eBook to your laptop or phone (you can download it a total of three times), you needn’t be interrupted by any poor internet connections, so it’s ideal for travelling.  Choosing a fitness programme is very personal – what might be one person’s ideal workout will be another’s worst nightmare – so above all, it’s important that you opt for an exercise that you’ll enjoy, and that suits your lifestyle. That being said, if fun, trainer-led sessions are your thing, then – with no equipment required and a broad range of classes available – Fiit has our vote.  The Sculpt Guide scores points for its focus on all-round health and the option of personalising your own workout week depending on your schedule (plus its affordablility!), though if you have a particular goal in mind, consider online coaching with Scott Laidler for a bespoke plan to help you achieve it.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


theindependent--2019-01-03--6 best fitness balls

6 best fitness balls

If home is where you’re choosing to get fit, fitness balls (also known as Swiss/exercise/stability balls) are a great piece of kit to add to your arsenal. They can be used as part of rehab from injury, for pilates exercises and, according to personal trainer, Julia Buckley, “simply sitting on the ball in place of a chair is enough to activate the core muscles around your mid-section and is a good way to improve your posture and balance.”  “Almost any exercise can be intensified by using a fitness ball, such as sit-ups or advanced options such as press-ups with feet elevated on the ball, because you’re constantly stabilising yourself while doing it," she says. "Or you can do virtually any exercise you'd normally do on a weights bench to fire up the core (ensuring that you stay within the weight limit of the ball)."  We inflated, sat on and did core exercises on each ball. We tested some with a very strong odour that failed to make the cut, along with those that didn’t hold their shape well. All are burst-resistant, meaning that that they deflate slowly if they puncture, rather than popping like a balloon. Look at the size guidelines for each brand, which are based on height.  Swap it in for short periods, rather than using it for the whole day, to prevent fatiguing your postural muscles.  Don’t forget to check the weight limits of a ball and read inflation and safety instructions carefully. If you’re pregnant, always check that a ball specifies whether it’s suitable for pregnancy.  TheraBand is a big name in the world of fitness and rehab equipment and this ball confirms their good reputation. It’s ridged to give it good grip, held firm during exercises, feels extremely durable and has no odour out of the box. Available in 45cm, 55cm, 65cm, 75cm and 85cm sizes, and pump adapters are included.  A beautiful green ball that reflects its green credentials: the M-Life Heritage Eco Fitness Ball is made from an eco PVC that doesn’t contain latex or phthalates (a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic). Ridged all the way around, it had good friction during exercises and feels durable. Upon removal from the box, there was a (not unpleasant) odour, but it eventually wore off. It comes in 65cm size and a pump and pump adapters are included.  This value-for-money ball has a weighted bottom so it rights itself after each use and doesn’t disappear off to the other side of the room. It has subtle bumps on the surface for grip with a pleasingly soft, almost squidgy feel. There was a very slight odour upon removal the box, although not unpleasant, and it gradually wore off. It’s made from PVC, is phthalate free and it comes in small, medium and large. Pump adapters are included.  This ball is translucent and filled with what look like little white stones which are, in fact, made of “a specially formulated mixture of dynamic material” to provide 2.5lb of multi-dimensional load (MDL). This means that it not only stays in place when you’re exercising, but you can also pick it up and use the ballast as part of your workout. The tough, sturdy ball has six sets of concentric circles that indicate when it’s in neutral position then, as you lift and twist it in your hands, the MDL tilts to provide resistance when the ball is off-centre. It’s made from a latex-free material and comes with a manual and DVD of BOSU exercises, plus a pump.  Yes - it’s a lot of money, but this is a ball designed to be sat on as a postural aid and a stylish addition to your home or office. This well-made ball comes with a super-soft, zip-on cover with a beautiful print by British artist and illustrator, Mike Lemanski. It’s synthetic, so you can wash it when it gets dirty, and the seams are double stitched so it feels as though it will survive without wear and tear when it’s rolled around.  he ball rights itself when you stand up, so doesn’t roll around the room. If sitting on a ball is your purpose for buying one, this beats having a plastic ball in the room hands down. Ethically produced in Italy and the Czech Republic, it comes with a valve to connect to your pump and it’s available in 65cm or 75cm sizes.  If a globe-shaped ball is too unstable for you because of injury, pregnancy or having poor balance, this peanut-shaped ball is a great compromise. Along with the usual core exercises, we knelt on it lengthways and widthways, as suggested in the online video and, while it’s more stable than a ball, it still provides the perfect amount of wobbly resistance. It’s made from PVC, is phthalate free and pump adapters are included.  The TheraBand ball comes top, combining a friendly price with a sturdy, durable ball that performs well and comes in a good range of sizes. The Domyos Pilates Peanut Ball also offers excellent value for money.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


theindependent--2019-04-08--Peloton Bike review The best way to work out at home and perhaps the future of fitness

Peloton Bike review: The best way to work out at home and perhaps the future of fitness

In my house, people are yelling at me; more accurately, maybe, they're yelling with me. I have invited them here. I don't know if it's because I'm so tired and sweaty – lord, am I tired and sweaty – but the things they're yelling seem as inspirational and profound as scripture. "You are genuine, you are real," one says, before posing a challenge that I'm bound to commit to: "Yes or yes?"  These people are here, in a tablet attached to a stationary bike in my living room, because they are Peloton instructors. And I am a Peloton convert. So, it's said, are some of the most forward-thinking people in Silicon Valley. And so soon might be the rest of the world.  Peloton is a bike with a tablet that lets you join fitness classes from wherever you are. It's also the company that makes it, which has ridden the success of this bike to be worth $4 billion and be hailed as the future not just of fitness but of media and tech too.  As well as being an impressive and inspirational piece of kit, the Peloton bike and everything that comes with it represent a new way of working out. It is not exercising at home, with all of the lack of inspiration or peer-pressure that entails; nor is it trudging to the gym to take part in a class. It's somewhere between the two, with all the convenience of working out at home and on your time but the same social spirit of going to the gym.  The name "Peloton" at first appears as something of a trick. A peloton usually refers to a group of people cycling outdoors; the Peloton is both indoors and solitary. But it's the first of many pleasurable tricks the bike is going to play on you, and one that hints at the cleverness that makes it more than just a stationary bike, much more than someone shouting at you from inside a tablet. As you get to use it, you realise that the bike is perfectly named. It's stationary and individual, yes, but you're going places and you're doing with other people.  The Peloton bike is a little complicated to explain, though perfectly simple to use. As you hop on, you choose a class from thousands of possible options, picking whatever length, musical genre, class type and instructor you want. Then you'll tap to begin, and a video screen will pop up, showing the instructor in perfect quality and filmed as if in a TV studio, taking you through the class. Your bike will tell you what resistance you're on and how fast you're pedalling – the instructor reads out the targets for these numbers throughout, and you try and follow along – and at the end of the class that is all summarised in a variety of data that will tell you how well you've done and whether you're improving.  It's not really those mechanics that make the bike such a roaring success or worthwhile buy, however. It's the engaging nature of the instructors, the precisely calibrated classes, the quality of the bike, the rewards of the statistics and the thrill of it all being in your house.  The fun and effectiveness of the bike is the result of a whole series of connected moments of genius. First are the classes, which are like having a whole gym's worth of the world's best personal trainers at your service. Second is the bike, which makes those classes work so effectively: its big screen and pristinely engineered design means you are inspired and precise in your workout. Third is the whole service that lives on top of that, a vast health and fitness solution that gives you statistics, social features and workouts wherever you want them.  Taken together, it is a service that will remove every excuse you have for not going to the gym, and replace it with pure enthusiasm. There are no boring classes, because every single one of them is carefully produced to be as engaging and interesting as possible; no embarrassment about your performance because you can be as anonymous and solitary as you'd like; no stress about whether you're really getting fitter, because the bike is constantly telling you precisely how you are doing; most obviously, there's no sad trudge to the gym, because the gym is now in your house.  Comparisons between home workout equipment and the gym often suggest that both are a form of compromise: do you want the social nature of the group classes, or would you rather not leave the house? Is it worth making a long trip to the gym on a day you're not going to do all that much? But what Peloton makes clear is that there is no trade-off to be made: it isn't just infinitely more convenient than heading to the gym – no travelling, no getting changed – it's also much better. The bike isn't a way of getting gym classes at your home; it's much more than that.  More than that partly because it is so social and connected. During every class – live or pre-recorded – the bike's screen shows a leaderboard, precisely showing your output and how that compares with the usually thousands of other people who have taken the same class. The data can be minutely tweaked, letting you see only people who belong to your demographic, for instance. All of those people in the leaderboard serve as just enough competition to keep you going, and if you need an extra little bit of motivation there is even the ability to virtually high-five other people who are riding at the same time.  There's a danger that all of this becomes yet another way of turning real connections into internet connections; that, like social networks before it, it stops people hanging out in real life and tempts them online instead, with all the lack of real socialising that implies. But have you ever really felt that kind of deep connection at the gym, stuck in a small room sweating with a group of strangers? What's more, for freelancers or stay-at-home parents who would otherwise spend much of their day alone, the bike can represent a real and meaningful kind of social engagement that they would be unlikely to find otherwise, even at the other end of a chat.  But the social features aren't everything anyway. Maybe the bike's strongest feature is that its fiercest competition is against yourself. In every class, you race against your personal record for that time, which is shown on the leaderboard alongside the performance of everyone else who has taken the ride. It means that you are in effect racing the past version of you.  The difference it makes it staggering. The work you do shoots up as soon as that goal is revealed, in large part because the fact you're racing yourself makes it entirely attainable. But it also serves as a real and required reminder that this bike really does make you better, and fast. In recent use I've found myself beating my personal best in every ride, the vast array of statistics and graphs that the bike gives you about every ride gradually improving in a way that is thoroughly rewarding.  It all comes with a similarly stark improvement in the real world. The health benefits of indoor cycling are well documented, and fairly obvious: you burn plenty of calories with little impact. The health benefits of spinning regularly in your own house might not be quite so obvious, but are just as profound: once you can push yourself this hard every day, without even the excuse or dullness of commute to the gym, you get a lot better a lot more quickly.  There is the chance for this to become yet another metric you are forced to track in your life; yet another way to measure your own performance and if you are working hard enough, as if you don't have enough of those in your life. The first response is that, well, yes – it's rewarding in a way that counting your steps or calories isn't. But the second and most important response is that it is just such an incredible amount of fun.  If it does all get too much, the bike allows for a whole host of less competitive, more relaxed exercises. Chief among them is what Peloton calls scenic routes – unlike the classes, they simply let you ride as you wish, as you glide through an array of beautiful scenes from around the world. The only downside is that the journeys are pre-programmed and don't change speed even if you cycle faster, but the vistas as viewed on that vast tablet are more than engaging enough to make up for it.  Much is made of the fact that the bike hosts live rides, during which you can tune in and compete against other people in real time. There are 14 live shows per day, though the timings are not as convenient for people in the UK: many of them happen when people are waking up in the US, and so while you're at work, or they take place when everyone in America is getting home and you're probably tucked up in bed.  None of that really matters, though, because there are thousands of those classes recorded and ready to be taken on-demand. Yes, you won't get the shoutouts that instructors give to members who are celebrating milestones like their birthday or their 100th ride. But you get just about everything else, since those classes were once live. And you avoid having to find rides and make sure you get on the bike in time to take part.  When it does come time to choose your class, the vast number of them means that there will be something for you, no matter how choosy you're feeling. Want to take a 90-minute climb that will feel like cycling up an imposing mountain and give you a calorie burn that will set your fitness tracker alight? It's there. Or how about just a quick, low-impact jog to some 00s metal bangers? That's there too.  Nearly every possible musical genre is catered for, and every possible genre of spinning, too. And with an army of instructors – all chosen for being inspiring speakers and all-round great people, as well as impressive trainers – there'll be someone ready to lead a class for whatever mood you're in, too.  As you get ready to use the bike, it's the big screen that catches your eye, and it looks a little unnecessary. When you do use it, though, the reasoning immediately becomes clear: the display is so big that you disappear into it, and combined with some decent speakers or headphones it truly does feel like you're in the front row of a spinning class. The view is actually bigger and brighter than it would be inside of a real gym, and the classes and their instructors are more engaging.  The third strangest thing about the tablet is that the sound isn't great: the speakers fire out of the back, meaning that the people on the screen sound as if they are strangely far away, and the exquisitely chosen playlists can lack the punch needed to get you through a tough ride. Thankfully, that's easily fixed, either by plugging in some speakers to the port in the side of the screen or – more obviously – pairing any Bluetooth headphones with the tablet.  The second most strange thing about the tablet, though probably the unavoidable one, is that its display is more than a little reflective, and if it's light then you'll be able to see yourself glaring back in the screen. It can interrupt the otherwise very engaging classes sometimes when you catch sight of yourself sweating. But it is ignorable, of course, or you can take your classes in the dark to ensure it doesn't happen.  The strangest thing is that the tablet has a camera and microphone in the top that is looking at you all through your ride. Peloton says this is intended to allow riders to video chat with each other as they go, though this seems to be taking the social aspect a little too far.  It raises the concern of what exactly Peloton is doing with the vast trove of data it must be generating as it logs the stats of how you cycle. But the bike is actually very limited in what it collects, at least relative to other technology companies, allowing you to set a pseudonym and give the bike only slim amounts of information about yourself. Your information is public in one sense – anyone following your profile can see what you've been up to – but since you can make yourself nearly impossible to find, and the information is relatively limited in scope, there are ways of getting around most of the more obvious privacy concerns.  In the US at least, Peloton has picked up something of a reputation as being a very tech-y obsession, and it does of course rely on plenty of technology to do its thing. A tweet I read about a Silicon Valley executive having a van setup to allow him to ride his bike while travelling around the Bay Area seemed more than possible, and a recent thread showing the sorts of beautiful, empty houses that are home to the bike in its marketing. It's tempting to think that it might be the latest trend to hit the millionaires of Silicon Valley, somewhere between injecting yourself with children's blood to stay young and disappearing on a silent retreat while running your scandal-hit company.  But in actual fact the bike is nothing if not down to Earth, even if it's prices might not be. The bike shows the location of the people you're riding with, and it's just as likely to be a midwestern town as it is San Francisco. While the competitive aspects of the bike are a central part, it will not make you feel bad for dropping down the leaderboard, so long as you are trying your best. It has sessions from professional cyclists in case you are training for something ridiculously impressive like an Ironman Triathlon, but there are also plenty of beginner sessions that request only that you clip in and don't sell yourself short. (Someone currently training for an Ironman Triathlon did try out our bike and loved it; between her and me, our Peloton has seen the highest and lowest of human athletic achievement, and we both love it dearly.)  The bikes have gained their reputation in part because of their celebrity cachet: professional athletes are said to compete under pseudonyms on their leaderboards, and Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham and the Obamas are all known to own them. But the same anonymity that presumably makes the bike so appealing to people who could hardly pop down to the gym for a spin class is what can make this so useful to nobodies like me, too.  The bike is as private as it is social, giving you the energy and peer-pressure of a class, but with none of the embarrassment, interruptions or hurdles.  As you might expect from that roll call of celebrities, none of this comes cheap: in the UK, the bike costs £1,990, and you'll need to buy some cycling shoes on top of that. (In 2015, it was reported that the bike is sold at a cost, and while it's certainly expensive it's also an incredibly premium piece of kit: it feels exactly as robust and precisely made as you'd expect for that price tag.) What's more, to actually get any value out of the bike you need to buy a membership, with adds up to £39 per month.  That price gets slightly less eye-watering if you take advantage of Peloton's financing options (or just budget it that way in your head). You can get the bike for £56 per month over 36 months, meaning that all-in the setup will cost you £100 per month, roughly in line with a premium gym membership. The advantage is that at the end of that financing period you'll of course have the bike outright, and that you can split that cost with anyone else in your house.  It is still expensive, of course. Truthfully, the only real drawback of Peloton is the price: you're only about halfway into this long article, and you are not going to find another truly negative thing in here. It costs a lot, and there is little point in pretending otherwise.  But here's another unequivocal statement: if you can afford it, it is undeniably worth it. The cost is a lot. But this bike is a lot, too. It's this expensive because it's this good.  If you wish, you don't have to pay the subscription; the bike will still be there, and will still work as normal. But you'll lose access to nearly everything the bike can actually do  That's not just a financial concern. There are a whole host of tech products that seemed thrilling at their launch but as interest died so did the products themselves; if something went wrong in the future and there were no classes, the bike too would all but grind to a halt.  There's no suggestion this will happen anytime soon – Peloton keeps growing, both in terms of people using it and the cash that investors are lining up to give it. But it is worth thinking about in exactly the same way as you might any other internet-enabled, services-dependent piece of kit: it is only as good and dependable as the company making it.  Thankfully, so far, Peloton has proven itself both very good and very dependable. And, given the fact the company appears to make most of its money from the video service, it's very much in Peloton's interests to keep that online and engaging.  A far bigger danger is the obvious fear that you won't ride it. There is almost certainly much more home workout gear that is acting as clothes hangers than there is kit with people actually working out on it. It's not only wasteful to spend this much money on something you never use, but you're left with a constant reminder of all that waste: a monument in your house to your own failures.  Thankfully, this isn't going to happen with the Peloton bike. Somewhere between the energy of the instructors and the obsessiveness of the statistics that it churns out, you are nearly guaranteed to find the commitment you need. More than anything else, riding the Peloton is just plain, productive fun; you're as likely to find yourself needing to limit the time you spend on it as you are forcing yourself to get on.  As well as the cost, you are also going to need space. The bike isn't vast, and given the fact that it is a TV as well as a cycling machine, it manages to keep everything relatively trim. But this is not something you can put away: it is very heavy indeed, and can't fold up much smaller than it is when you're actually using it, which is probably for the best given that putting it together requires specialist deliverers. The size is such that you're probably going to find space for it, but you're probably going to need to make space for it too.  But Peloton isn't only the bike. The company also offers an iOS app that comes free with the subscription. (You only need to pay one subscription per bike, so everyone in your household can access this app and even use it simultaneously, which does help to mitigate the price somewhat.)  This app offers a whole variety of different activities, and taken together with the bike could easily offer a comprehensive workout plan to replace the gym entirely. You have access to the cycling classes, of course – though if you do them on another bike your metrics won't be registered – but you've also got stretches for before and after cycling, yoga classes, bootcamps and meditation, all of which can be done using the bike's screen or your tablet. There are even running workouts, which can be listened to through headphones as you run. (In the US, Peloton also offers the Tread, a treadmill that works in much the same way as the bike.)  Peloton steers clear of the kind of religiosity that marks out some spinning classes such as Soulcycle, but it certainly offers a sort of psychic nourishment that borders on spirituality. Some reviewers have complained that the instructors vary a little out of fitness and into therapy, but I consider myself fairly cynical, and the profound pep-talks that the instructors give work.  For the most part, it keeps to a particular kind of NYC hustle: energetic and life-affirming, sure, but certainly not woo-woo or afraid to speak their mind. It seems perfect for appealing to both spiritual Californians and sceptical Brits. The word "cult" is often attached to Peloton, but I don't think that's right – and, anyway, if it is, then it's a perfectly pleasant cult.  At one point, for instance, instructor Ally Love says to me: "You are genuine, you are real." Written down, it seems a little New Age, bordering on meaningless self-help. But you will just have to take my word for it that in the thrill and sweat of the class, as part of class in which Love inhabits the role of preacher as well as trainer, it is exactly what I need to hear.  If it is something like a religion, then its prophet is Robin Arzon. She is the company's vice president of fitness and programming and – just as importantly – my favourite instructor. (Everyone who's used the bike has one.)  Like her colleagues, Arzon has the ability to be a live TV host and DJ at the same time as leading a workout, and is at the top of her game at all of them. Despite this apparently superhuman ability, she does all of it with absolutely no arrogance or aggression, and it is pure support and swagger. You leave the class and go back into the rest of your house feeling truly good about yourself: a mixture of endorphin high and post-therapy euphoria that means the workouts are at least as good for your mind as they are your body.  Each of the Peloton instructors have this kind of story. Reviewers note how beautiful they all are, how energetic, how apparently perfect each of them is. But that's the same for any spinning class. What is actually notable about them is how real they all are: you can follow each of them on whatever social network you like, and get small slices of their life through the things they shout during classes. If you wish, you can even meet them – the instructors are said to hang out after the classes in the New York studio, available to chat and pose for photos with fans who often travel hundreds of miles to see them in the sweaty flesh.  Those real classes appear to be as exciting as the bike itself for those that are able to go to them. Pictures of the room show a sprawling, shiny space with a horde of bikes, an impressive hybrid of spinning studio and television studio.  Over the last few weeks, that space 3,500 miles away has become one of my favourite places in the world, despite the fact I've never been. Somewhere between there and here, I found what might just be the future of fitness. Little did I know it would be waiting in my living room.


theindependent--2019-07-26--10 best fitness armbands

10 best fitness armbands

The advent of smartphones quickly led to personal devices becoming indispensable parts of the fitness tool box. In fact, entire industries quickly popped up with a focus on incorporating smartphones into workouts with as little hassle, inconvenience, and discomfort as possible. The result was the introduction of the modern fitness armband in the early 2000s.  From the first models, which were made of clunky plastic and thick nylon and elastic that soaked up and held moisture, to today’s lightweight, wicking products that are barely noticeable when worn, fitness armbands have come a long way. We tested products with a focus on strength, functionality, durability, comfort, and price. We picked bands that fit most smartphones and most budgets, so there’s a product for everyone on our list, from the weekend warriors training for a 5K run to athletes who compete at the highest levels.  The Armtrek Pro made this list—and became our Indy Best pick—the hard way. It consistently performed as advertised, enabling us to use the touch screen even under poor conditions, like running in the rain, and showed a heavy-duty durability that far outweighed its lightweight price. It was also remarkably comfortable, even during intense exercise, and stayed snugly in place throughout. The built-in key compartment was a nice feature that we found convenient and helped make this such an appealing piece of equipment.  The Armtrek fits iPhone 6, 6s, 7 Plus, 8, 8x; Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+, S8 Plus; S7 Edge; Note 5, 8 or 9; and even some of their protective cases. But be warned: the one drawback we found with the Armtrek was the inability to use the fingerprint button while your phone is in the case.  This armband is among the most versatile we reviewed. It comes with two strap sizes, so the band fits snugly on bare arms or over clothes, and is made of tough neoprene and nylon that we found durable and rugged. What makes this band stand out though is the comfort. We found it easy to forget we were wearing it, even during strenuous exercise. It also has huge storage space, with extra pockets to hold cash, credit cards, and small personal items.  The V8 fits all protective & battery pack cases of phones up to 165 x 90 x 16 mm.  This classic armband provides standard protection for your smartphone while combining the durability and comfort Nike is famous for. We found this band easy to wear, lightweight, and wicked moisture well. The small pocket was convenient, and could fit more than just a key and a few credit cards. The band material is standard neoprene and wicks moisture well. This band is a bit expensive, but you’re paying for the Nike name, and all the durability and style that comes with it.  This band delivers more than we expected based on price, but inexpensive equipment like this has its limitations. It advertises “full touch screen functionality” while the phone is in the case, but we found that to be true only some of the time—sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. The “no slip design” was, however, as advertised, and we found that the TRIBE band stayed snugly in place, even in heat and damp conditions.  The TRIBE band is water resistant, but remember that it’s not water proof. In heavy rain conditions, your phone will get wet in the case. The TRIBE band fits iPhone X, Xs, 8, 7, 6, and 6S; and Samsung Galaxy S9, S8, S7, S6, and A8.  The Run Tie is sleek, light, and flexible. But what this product gives you in portability it takes away in protection for your device. The Run Tie is basically an armband with a board that has four strong, heavy duty elastic bands attached which hold your phone in place when wrapped around the four corners. The bands hold on the phone is surprisingly solid, and we had no problem with our iPhone staying in place. But the phone is completely exposed with no protection and other than the durability of the bands, there really aren’t any other special features. The Run Tie is great if protecting your device isn’t a priority and you’re seeking a minimal profile for your armband.  This band is more like a pocket worn on the arm. It’s advertised as sweat-proof, but the neoprene does a below-average job of keeping the arm dry during use. Functionally, it’s good for prolonged activity like distance running, because your phone is secured inside a pocket, inaccessible. It has decent storage, stayed relatively tight during an extended workout, and the earphone hole is a nice, convenient feature.  But it’s not very durable, and we noticed some wear and tear after just a few uses. If you’re looking for an armband to strap on and forget about for a few hours, this is it. But if you need to interact with your device during activity, look for another model.  This band fits iPhone 5, 6 and 7 models, Samsung 8, S7, S6, S5, S4, S3, S2 and HTC, as well as any phone with a screen up to 5.8"  Armpocket’s i-35 is filled with little features that make it worth the high cost. The built-in, multi-mode LED lights are helpful in a pinch, especially during early-morning runs, and the memory foam, no-slip fit is comfortable and reassuring. There are storage compartments for cash, credit cards, keys and other personal items, including interior storage pockets for high-value items and the wicking material helps keep arms dry even during intense workouts.  The i-35 product will fit most smartphone models.  Tune Belt’s sweat resistant design really delivers: This was the most moisture-minimizing armband that we tested. Featuring moisture wicking fabric, the design of this band provides protection from sweat but also from the elements. It’s comfortable and stays put, a huge plus during strenuous exercise. It’s washable, and the touchscreen is easy to use when the phone is in the case.  The Tune Belt is compatible with iPhone 6, 6S, 7, 8, X, XS, and Galaxy S9, S8, S7, S6.  If you’re looking for an armband on a budget, this band is about as low-cost as you can get without completely sacrificing quality. The Jemache band has a few features—earphone cable storage, a pocket to hold one key, and the material of the band wicks sweat from the arm fairly effectively. But it’s the ability to use the touchscreen reliably and the option to use the fingerprint scanner that makes this band worth using. It does lack durability, though, and we noticed significant wear after only a few uses.  This band is compatible with all iPhone 6, 6S Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and 8, 8 Plus.  This armband’s touch-sensitive screen cover delivers—it was the most sensitive cover we tested. Using our iPhone through the cover was simple, so much so that we barely noticed it. The sweat-proof protection was good, and our phone stayed dry throughout an hour-long workout. Active Armband also adjusts to fit a broad range of arm sizes and stayed in place with little adjustment needed. The Active band fits all iPhone 7 and 8 models.  We loved Sporteer’s Velocity V8, and discovering its durability after we already discovered its other attributes, including huge storage capacity and a comfortable fit, was a bonus. It is a bit pricy for a fitness accessory but we feel it’s worth the cost. However, if you’re looking for something for more of a budget we recommend Tribe’s water-resistant band or Trianium’s Armtrek. Both are durable and have some nice features and both are priced under 10 dollars.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


dailybeast--2019-10-16--Scouted: You Deserve a Supportive Sports Bra. Here Are the Best Ones on Amazon.

Not all sports bras are created equally. Finding a sports bra that supports you in pushing yourself beyond your personal limits—without sacrificing comfort or breathability—is perhaps a more difficult feat than achieving your gym goal. That’s why we’ve done the digging for you. Here are seven of the most supportive sports bras you can easily get on Amazon.  Lululemon ENLITE Bra, $98: Lululemon’s ENLITE bra was strategically designed with runners in mind. Made with super soft Ultralu fabric and added Lycra® Fibre for stretch and shape retention, the bra boasts unparalleled movement management. The ultra-breathable, built-in cups are engineered to soften bounce, and the bonded underband won't constrict you, dig into your skin, or ride up during your run. The flat hook-and-eye back closure also keeps you comfortable and secure.  Panache Underwire Sports Bra, $40-$76: Featuring ventilating mesh panels at the shoulders and bust, this sports bra from Panache was carefully crafted so you can break a sweat. And you won’t have any trouble doing it, thanks to the molded, seam-free inner cups that encapsulate each breast with complete control. The underwire and adjustable, cushioned and convertible shoulder straps also offer additional stability even during the most high-impact exercise.  Glamorise Full-Figure, No-Bounce Sports Bra, $24: Two words: bounce control. That’s what Glamorise’s full-figure sports bra is all about. Glamorise has a century of experience mindfully designing bras for full-figured women. This one features a mesh front panel that provides ventilation while securely containing your upper bust. Meanwhile, two-way back stretch allows for a totally free range of movement. And the wide, adjustable and padded straps help to disperse the weight of your breasts, alleviating shoulder pressure and back pain during your workout.  adidas by Stella McCartney Stronger Soft, $77: Stella McCartney’s Stronger Soft bra for adidas is packed with support features like the wide-set, adjustable and padded straps that form a racerback. An additional thick back band offers another layer of back support. And the perforated detail that hugs each lightly padded, wireless cup allows your bust to breathe while you comfortably trek up a mountain or dangle upside down in aerial yoga.  Champion Spot Comfort Full-Support Sport Bra, $15-$80: Champion’s moisture-wicking spot comfort sports bra provides mesh panels for targeted ventilation during your workout—your workout that should feel great, thanks to the molded cups for natural shape and support. Gel-infused adjustable straps keep everything in place without digging into your skin, and the hook-and-eye closure allows for a custom fit, too.  Nike Alpha Dri-FIT Sports Bra, $17-$124: Nike’s Dri-FIT maximum-support sports bra is for high-impact exercise aficionados. The Dri-FIT technology wicks sweat to keep you dry and comfortable—even while pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Plus, perforations between the molded cups keep you cool, while the adjustable back closure will hold everything in place no matter how intense your workout gets.  Under Armour Warp Knit High Impact Bra, $26-$67: Tailored for high-intensity sports, Under Armour’s Warp Knit sports bra delivers strategic support. Fixed performance foam pads provide ultimate coverage without sacrificing breathability, and the gel-coated underwire adds extra security. Beyond that, the mesh lining and insets, as well as the back keyhole details, offer much-needed ventilation.  Scouted is internet shopping with a pulse. Follow us on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter for even more recommendations and exclusive content. Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find great deals from your favorite brands. Please note that if you buy something featured in one of our posts, The Daily Beast may collect a share of sales.


Best sports watches

Exercising has never been smarter. Professional athletes have been logging and analysing their performance for decades but now anyone who can wear a watch can track your fitness feats from heart rate, pace, time, distance and more.  The digital watch world has burgeoned at an incredible rate over the past 5 years. Whilst the functionality of a watch used to be simple, we are now able to practically run our lives off them. Emails? Yes. Phone calls? Yes. Music? Yes. Smart watches have become the new smart phones.  Similarly, the health & fitness sector has grown to an estimated £5 billion in the UK alone, with an ever-increasing number of people focussing on wellbeing.  What this combination means is that people care about their bodies, and are eager to track, record and display their results.  Whilst smartwatches from the likes of Apple may be able to do practically everything, including phone calls and emails, a sportswatch is a very specialised watch intended for sportsmen and women. They are generally tougher and include features like waterproofing and specialised apps targeted towards a specific type of exercise. In many cases a sports watch can perform like a smartwatch and vice versa and it's down to personal preference regarding style and your specific needs.  In this buying guide, we aim to shed light on some of the best on the market this year. From the entry level to the professional, there’s something for everybody.  The Garmin Forerunner 645 Music truly is one of the best all round sports watches on the market. Featuring GPS and excellent running modes, heart-rate monitor, contactless payment, up to 500 songs (which connect to any Bluetooth headphones), and a host of telemetry features, there is a lot packed into this watch, and a great purchase for those looking for everyday usability, whether in the gym or out on the move.  A cross between a smart-looking men's watch and a sportier model, Huawei's Watch 2 can take you from work to play with a trip to the gym in-between. Plus, you can do all that without your phone nearby thanks to 4G connectivity, Bluetooth, Android Wear 2.0 and Android Pay. The ceramic bezel is extremely tough and adds the look of luxury, while the customisable face and straps let you attempt personalisation. Protected against water and dust yet still lightweight, it can be worn while swimming without you having to worry about it.  The sports and fitness sensors are excellent; they can provide guidance on your training routine, your sedentary periods and the quality of your sleep. A built-in barometer, compass and altitude meter let you track exploration outside of your normal environment. It can last two days on one charge, longer if you turn off GPS.  The running scene in the London is at the highest it has ever been. An easy way to get outside whilst improving health, it is by far the most popular sporting pastime at the moment. As such, running watches have become a new trend in themselves, with countless models available to suit your needs.  The Polar M430 GPS comes in highly recommended; great battery life, reliable, accurate, and smartphone compatible, this is a great tool to help improve your running this summer.  Widely considered one of the best adventure sports watches on the market, the Garmin Fenix 5 is everything you need to head out into the wilderness. Whilst its sport-specific functionality is superb, where it excels is in its GPX and route-finding usability, which means that hikes and outdoor routes can be uploaded directly to your wrist, so you never get lost. Though expensive, it’s one of the most advanced sports watches on the market.  Another Garmin to feature is the Forerunner 735XT – a wonderful piece of kit for the avid cyclist. Whilst it too performs across a multitude of sports, users find it the best for tracking cycling. From GPS routeing, heart-rate monitoring and live-performance tracking, it is a must have for the keen cyclist.  As the entry level sports watch on this list, the Polar M200 is far from simple. Great for runners, its GPS function tracks your pace, distance and altitude. It's also smartphone compatible and features general health monitoring (heart rate, calories, activity, movement) too. A great beginner watch, for a very reasonable price.  £129.50 | Polar | But it now  Suunto has become one of the top high-end sports watch brands. All of their models are incredibly hard wearing and intelligent, and the Suunto 9 is the cream of the crop. GPS combined with motion sensors allow for the most accurate possible trackable readings, it has a vast battery life of up to 120 hours, numerous in-depth functions and was originally built for professional athletes. If it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for you.  £549.00 (with heart rate belt) | Suunto | But it now  Whilst there is a smart watch for every need, a number of factors must be considered: Price, Usability, Battery Life and Functionality. With the average keen amateur sportsman and woman in mind, the Forerunner 645 Music takes the top spot on this list. It does everything, and all for a reasonable price.  Hugh Francis Anderson is a freelance writer specialising in adventure, motoring and luxury lifestyle. Follow him on Instagram @hughfrancisanderson and visit his website, hughfrancisanderson.com  ES Best product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter