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Jocko Greens Review (2024): Personally Tested by a Nutrition Coach

Fitness enthusiasts know that nutrition goes hand-in-hand with training, but after you’ve counted all your protein, creatine, and macros for the day — did you remember your veggies? Jocko Greens is a dietary supplement that gives you a greens blend of natural fruits, veggies, antioxidants, adaptogens, and probiotics. Even though there’s not a lot of research supporting the efficacy of even the best greens powders, they can certainly provide a solid supplement on those days and weekends when you just aren’t getting an apple a day.

As a certified nutrition coach, I like greens powders for busy clients whose micronutrient intake is lacking (as a stopgap, of course, not a long-term solution). For this Jocko Greens review, the team at BarBend put the powder through our supplement testing methodology to deliver our honest review. Our testers are torn about the taste of Jocko Greens (we have like, and we have dislike), but we agree that this powder has great solubility and love that it lacks artificial sweeteners. I’ll give you all the details below.

Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

Jocko Greens

Jocko Greens

This greens powder offers both a vegetable blend and a fruit blend. Plus, you’ll find ashwagandha and a blend of probiotics. 

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Main Takeaways

Jocko Greens, by Jocko Fuel, offers a greens supplement packed with organic greens, fruits, superfoods, adaptogens (ashwagandha, anyone?), and probiotics.

There are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, but our testers are majorly split on the Peach flavor, so it might be a bit of a toss-up as to whether you’ll enjoy it or not.

Though the product is made in a cGMP-compliant facility, there’s not third-party testing information readily available, which our product tester (also a certified nutrition coach) doesn’t love.

Jocko Greens Specs

As a certified nutrition coach, I’ve got to get this part out of the way: greens powders do not replace eating real, whole foods, which have more and varied nutrients than you can get in a powder. So eat some actual fruits and veggies, OK? OK.

That said, Jocko Greens by Jocko Fuel does pack quite a punch. It’s not quite as long of an ingredients list as others — say, AG1 — but it’s got both greens and red blends along with probiotics and even adaptogens. 

A scoop of Jocko Greens with the container

What adaptogens, you ask? Jocko Greens contains ashwagandha, milk thistle, and rhodiola. These are advertised to increase your energy, and ashwagandha is often taken to promote relaxation. Adaptogens are essentially substances that help your body return to homeostasis from what you’re lacking — so if you’re tired, they could help you feel more alert. If stress levels are too high, they may help bring them down. (1)

Jocko Greens has 11 billion CFU of probiotics, which help balance gut bacteria and can boost digestive health. They’re a good addition to this product, where you’re ingesting many raw ingredients at once. (2)

[Related: Best Probiotic Supplements]

Overall, registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois likes the relative transparency of the product’s ingredients list: “While I’m usually wary of greens powders, I appreciate that Jocko is transparent with their ingredient blends. They include the amount of each ingredient in their blends, giving customers a clear picture of what they’re buying. I also appreciate that it’s free from added sugars.”

This greens supplement has two flavors and (as Bourgeois points out) no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Each serving has 30 calories, 6 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber. It doesn’t have as many micronutrients as it could — more on that soon.

Jocko Fuel states that they produce their supps in cGMP-compliant facilities with FDA-licensed manufacturers (though, of course, supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA). However, there isn’t concrete testing info on their website.

Pros

Organic ingredients to boost fruit and veggie intake

Contains probiotics for gut health

Contains adaptogens for energy levels

No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
Cons

Only comes in 2 flavors (and the taste is divisive)

Contains probiotics only, no digestive enzymes

Low in fiber — add high-fiber foods to your diet for more

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Jocko Greens

Plenty of greens powders are on the market, but each individual has different preferences for what they look for in a supplement. Here are two camps of folks who may or may not enjoy Jocko Greens — check to see where you fall.

Recommended for:

Those who want clear ingredients from whole foods instead of proprietary blends

People who don’t mind a sweet taste

People who want adaptogens and probiotics in their greens supplement

Not Recommended for:

People who want more gut health benefits from prebiotics and digestive enzymes

Those who can reach their fruits and veggies intake through whole foods alone

People who prefer a more earthy or unflavored taste

Our Experience Using Jocko Greens

Whether you’re a busy parent or work long hours that leave you limited time to chop veggies, greens powders can come in clutch. Our expert testers (one of whom is a certified nutrition coach, like me) tried it to let us know how it tastes and mixes, and they’ve got ratings for you on a scale of 1 (meh) to 5 (hooray). I’ll also rate the ingredients and formulation against their research, price, and safety. 

Ingredients and Formulation

Let’s go through the ingredients and highlight some of the standouts. But first, an acknowledgment of something that doesn’t stand out all that much — the depth of the ingredients list. We appreciate that it’s all organic and that the amounts of what’s in the blend are listed clearly. But registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois isn’t terribly impressed with the overall formula:

“Jocko Greens Powder seems pretty standard when it comes to greens powders. It includes a few impressive ingredients in small amounts, but the nutrition facts are a little underwhelming. Other than its macronutrients, Jocko Greens Powder only provides the nutrition facts for potassium, sodium, iron, and calcium provided in the product. Each serving provides 18 percent of the Daily Value for iron and just 2-4% for the remaining nutrients. There are many other more cost-effective and enjoyable ways to get these nutrients (and in higher amounts) through whole foods.” Overall, Bourgeois rates the formula a 2.5 out of 5.

Supplement Facts label on a container of Jocko Greens

Now to what it does have:

Jocko Greens contains 5,400 milligrams of an organic vegetable blend made up of (all organic) organic spirulina, wheat grass, kale, spinach, beets, sweet potato, broccoli sprout, chlorella, oat grass, cabbage, and carrots.

Spirulina (blue-green algae) is a superfood that has strong antioxidant properties. Wheatgrass is a grass that also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chlorella is another type of antioxidant-rich algae high in iron. The rest are recognizable vegetables, some of them “superfoods” with high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. (3)(4)(5)

Next, they have 3,600 milligrams of an organic fruit blend of (all organic) banana powder, pineapple, apple powder, grape, goji, pomegranate, açaí powder, wild blueberry, and cranberry fruit extract.

It’s also got adaptogens like ashwagandha and milk thistle extract, as well as a blend of 11 strains of probiotics. Among all this, there are no extra additives — just fermented cane sugar and natural sweetener monk fruit extract. 

[Related: Athletic Greens Alternatives]

Taste

The taste of Jocko Greens Peach flavor is divisive among customers generally and even between our testers (no bad blood to report here, though). 

Taste is a personal opinion, and one of our expert testers holds nothing back. They say: “I feel so bad saying this, but the Peach flavor is just not something I can drink all the way through. I hate wasting food — or supplements, as it were — but I always have to dump this out halfway through drinking it. It’s just too overpowering. You can tell that they’re trying to mask the earthy, leafy flavors— but it’s way too much overcompensation for me.”

Rating-wise, they say, “Unfortunately, it gets a 2 out of 5 in taste for me.”

On the other hand, certified nutrition coach, personal trainer, and BarBend editorial team member Alex Polish likes the Peach flavor. “I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, but for me, the flavor’s pretty good,” they say. “I think I’m sensitive to artificial sweeteners (they’re usually way too strong for me), so this one tastes a lot more mild than most greens powders for me. And, I do get the Peach flavor, which is also unusual (for me, most powders taste generically sweet rather than like whatever they’re advertising). So, an impressive 4 out of 5 for me.”

Solubility

Fortunately, there’s one thing that’s not controversial about this powder — the mixability. Both of our testers agree that it mixes well. One of our experts explains: “The good thing here is that it mixes right up with a shaker, or even through stirring it in a glass. It does settle a bit at the bottom if you leave it out, but a quick shake or stir before each drink should take care of that easily.” 

Polish agrees, saying: “This mixes like many other greens powders I’ve tried — pretty well. I use a shaker cup and it just takes a few strong shakes. If you’re taking your time drinking it and letting it sit instead of just downing it, I’d recommend giving it an extra shake before each sip. It gets a 4 out of 5 for solubility for me.”

[Related: Greens Powders Vs. Multivitamins]

Price Per Serving

How doable is it to drink the stuff every day? Let’s look at the price per serving. One tub of Jocko Greens costs $49.99 and contains 30 servings, costing $1.66 per serving. They also offer a subscription for $44.99, making each serving $1.50.

Side label on a container of Jocko Greens

It is a moderate price, especially compared to some of its competitors. I like the subscription option, too, making it even more affordable for daily use. I’ll go with a 3 out of 5, docking an extra point considering that RD Bourgeois points out that the micronutrient levels granted by this powder might be cheaper to get from whole foods.

Third-Party Testing

The FDA does not regulate or approve dietary supplements for them to be sold. That’s why we like products that have a third-party lab test and verify that what you see on the label is what you get. For supplements like the best pre-workout supplements, it is important to check for banned ingredients. For something like a greens powder, it would be helpful to know they’re clear from lead or other contaminants.

Here’s where things get confusing. The Jocko Fuel website states they do third-party testing, but no information is available on where or what lab has verified their statements. They say their products and ingredients come from from cGMP and FDA-licensed manufacturers, which is great. 

They also state that a third-party lab verified each of these ingredients before making their supplements, which is great. Knowing the lab’s name and the report results would be better since it’s something other companies do. I’ll give it a 3 out of 5 for the facilities used in production. 

What to Consider Before Buying Jocko Greens

The best fruit and vegetable supplements have one thing in common — real, clear ingredients, which is somewhat comparable to eating whole foods. Jocko Greens is one of these, but you’ll want to consider a few other factors beyond ingredients. 

Jocko Greens with a shaker cup

Side effects are also something to look out for and are a risk with any supplement. Consuming so many raw vegetables in powder form can also cause bloating. Our expert tester cautions, “I wouldn’t advise taking this on an empty stomach. It’s not bad, but I’ve gotten a bit of a stomachache when I had this and nothing else in my system.” We’ve tested over 40 greens powders; here’s our scoop on Jocko Greens.

Proprietary Blends: Jocko Greens does not use proprietary blends; instead, they list each organic ingredient in their fruits and veggies blend.

Controversial Taste: Jock Greens comes in two flavors and uses the natural sweetener monk fruit. One of our testers enjoys the peachiness of the Peach flavor, while our other tester can’t stand it. Oof.

Digestive Health: Jocko Greens contains 9 billion CFUs of probiotics, spanning 11 strains. That’s great in the long run, but in the short-term, it may not agree with your stomach — one of our testers got a bit of a stomach ache when having this on an empty stomach.

Price: One tub of Jocko Greens costs $49.99; for 30 servings, it is $1.66 per serving. They also offer a subscription for $44.99, making each serving $1.50.

Jocko Greens Vs. Competitors

We know you’re waiting for more information on the most popular greens supplement, Athletic Greens, so we’re stacking Jocko Greens right next to it, along with a third company so that you can get a side-by-side view of high-level specs.

Read our full Athletic Greens Review.

We had to choose Athletic Greens because it is so popular, and for good reason. It is NSF-certified for sport, and clinical research has even been done on it. We’re also including Vibrant Greens because although it’s less popular, it’s also a solid brand with good reviews and has a similar cost to Jocko Greens.

Both Athletic Greens and Vibrant Greens offer more ingredients than Jocko Greens. They both have digestive enzymes and generally more greens and superfoods. Of these three, only AG1 is NSF Certified for sport. The most significant difference is the price — Athletic Greens is the highest (coming in at an 11 on a 1 to 10 scale of expensiveness, to be honest), and our other two are more comparable. 

Places to Buy Jocko Greens

Jockofuel.com

Amazon

GNC

Vitamin Shoppe

Walmart

Customer Experience and Brand Reputation

If you’re ready to try Jocko Greens, here’s what to expect from your customer experience. 

Shipping and Delivery:

Time: After processing, orders ship within 1 to 2 business days and take an additional 3 to 4 days for shipping.

Price: Orders that total $99 or more come with free shipping. Subscription orders also have free shipping. For anything under $99, shipping is calculated based on weight and distance at checkout, but it can get close to $10.

Trial Period: The return policy is strict — all Jocko products are final sale. There are no returns or refunds unless your product arrives defective or damaged.

Customer Reviews:

Jocko Site: There are 839 reviews on the Jocko website, averaging a 4.9 out of 5-star rating.

Amazon: There are 2,525 ratings on Amazon and an average of a 4.4 out of 5-star rating.

Customer Thoughts: Customers say they can feel some of the Jocko Greens health benefits — including digestive health, better sleep, and higher energy levels. They say it is high-quality and mixes well. They also appreciate the transparent nutrition label and ingredient list. Reviews are mixed on the flavor; some say it is too sweet, and others say it has a great taste. Others are mixed on whether it is worth the cost.

Our Final Verdict on Jocko Greens

Even when you eat a healthy diet and take the best multivitamins, sometimes a greens supplement helps you take things to the next level. Jocko Greens is a more budget-friendly option than Athletic Greens, giving you a clear list of organic fruits and veggies. 

The fact that our tester could not even finish their sample because of the taste is a huge red flag for sensitive folks. If you can chug it down, you’ll reap the health benefits from the antioxidants, adaptogens, and probiotics.

Jocko Greens FAQs

How much does Jocko Greens cost?

One tub of Jocko Greens costs $49.99; 30 servings cost $1.66 per serving. They also offer a subscription for $44.99, making each serving $1.50.

How do Jocko Greens compare to AG1?

Athletic Greens is twice the price of Jocko Greens. However, it contains prebiotics and digestive enzymes (versus Jocko Greens, which is probiotics only), is NSF Certified for Sport, and comes in convenient travel sizes. So, you pay more (much more), but you also get more. 

Who owns Jocko Greens?

Jocko Willink owns Jocko Fuel, the company that makes Jocko Greens. Willink is a retired U.S. Navy Seal. 

References

Todorova V, Ivanov K, Delattre C, Nalbantova V, Karcheva-Bahchevanska D, Ivanova S. Plant Adaptogens-History and Future Perspectives. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 20;13(8):2861. doi: 10.3390/nu13082861. PMID: 34445021; PMCID: PMC8398443.

Williams NT. Probiotics. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2010 Mar 15;67(6):449-58. doi: 10.2146/ajhp090168. PMID: 20208051.

Ku CS, Yang Y, Park Y, Lee J. Health benefits of blue-green algae: prevention of cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Med Food. 2013 Feb;16(2):103-11. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2468. PMID: 23402636; PMCID: PMC3576896.

Gunjal M, Kaur J, Rasane P, Singh J, Kaur S, Bakshi M, Choudhary R, Alina Marc R, Ercisli S. Nutritional Significance of Wheatgrass: Cultivation Practices and Opportunities for its Processing and Preservation. Recent Adv Food Nutr Agric. 2024 Jan 28. doi: 10.2174/012772574X275920231214053122. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38305314.

Bito T, Okumura E, Fujishima M, Watanabe F. Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement to Promote Human Health. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 20;12(9):2524. doi: 10.3390/nu12092524. PMID: 32825362; PMCID: PMC7551956.

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Freak Athlete Discount Code (2024): The Top Ways to Save On Expert-Approved Strength Equipment

The best home gym equipment tends to have one thing in common — it eats up floor space. Freak Athlete stands out amongst the competition by combining multiple machines into one, helping to maximize your square footage while also saving you some cash. 

Compared to many of its competitors, Freak Athlete’s gear is pretty budget-friendly, but they also offer year-round discounts and holiday sales. If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, we’ve rounded up the best Freak Athlete discount codes that can help you stretch your dollar that much more. Check out the top ways to save on some of our experts’ favorite versatile machines.

Freak Athlete Discount Codes

Freak Athlete Discount Codes

Cash in on big savings from Freak Athlete with periodic sales and year-round discounts.

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How to Find Freak Athlete Discount Codes (2024)

Freak Athlete’s unique designs combine the functionality of several machines into one, opening up many of the best lower-body exercises, like leg curls and hyperextensions. Not only can they save space in your garage gym, but also in your budget. If those savings aren’t enough on their own, here are some more ways to save on Freak Athlete essentials.

1. Freak Athlete Bundle & Save

Freak Athlete’s flagship product, the Hyper Pro, starts at $999.99, but to get the most out of this versatile machine, you’ll want to add the Leg Developer ($350), GHD ($220), and Upper Body ($30) attachments. Purchasing everything separately would cost you roughly $1,599.99, but if you go all in and bundle these four products, Freak Athlete knocks off $300.

With just the base Hyper Pro, you can perform movements like back extensions, decline sit-ups, or hip thrusts. You’ll need to supply the weight plates, but adding on the Leg Developer allows for leg extensions and hamstring curls. When you get the Upper Body Kit, you can use the weight sleeve on Leg Developer to take on six movements, including biceps curls and seated rows. The GHD attachment opens up even more lower body and back exercises, like GHD sit-ups, glute ham raises, and reverse hypers.

2. Freak Athlete 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Whether you invest in the Hyper Pro, Wheelbarrow Sled, or an attachment, you’ll have 30 days to request a return — no questions asked. To initiate a return, you just have to reach out to suppot@freakathlete.com and they’ll take it from there.

3. Freak Athlete Email Newsletter

When you sign up for Freak Athlete’s email newsletter, you can save up to $300 on the Hyper Pro. And you can unsubscribe to those emails at any time.

When Do Freak Athlete Products Go On Sale?

While you can bundle and save or get your email newsletter discount year-round, Freak Athlete usually offers big savings around the holidays. Keep an eye out for BarBend’s holiday sales pages to take advantage of these big markdowns.

New Year’s fitness sales

Presidents Day fitness sales

Memorial Day fitness sales

Fourth of July fitness sales

Labor Day fitness sales

Black Friday/Cyber Monday fitness sales

Our Favorite Freak Athlete Products

From the Hyper Pro and Nordic Mini Pro to the Freak Athlete leg developer, the brand’s lineup of machines and attachments can help you perform a full range of movements. Here are just a few of our favorite products from Freak Athlete.

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

This versatile machine combines the functionality of up to nine separate machines in one compact package.

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Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

Freak Athlete’s marquee product, the Hyper Pro, combines multiple strength machines into one versatile piece of equipment. The base model can handle movements like Nordic curls, back extensions, hip thrusts, and more, but you can extend its capability even further with a few attachments. Here’s what each of the three add-ons can provide.

Leg Developer: Leg extension, hamstring curl, upper body exercise

GHD: Glute ham raise, reverse hyper, GHD sit-up

Upper Body Kit: Seated row, face pull, skullcrusher, biceps curl, woodchop, standing row

While we haven’t had the chance to test the Hyper Pro, we do have experience with its predecessor, the Nordic Hyper GHD. You’d need to squint to see much difference between the two, but Freak Athlete says the Hyper Pro’s base is redesigned for improved stability — plus, the GHD attachment is larger. “For all it can do, I thought it was surprisingly lightweight,” our tester said after sweating on the Nordic Hyper GHD. “It’s super easy to just lift and store vertically.”

Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled

Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled

Perform sled pushes and sled pulls before taking advantage of this versatile profile’s wheelbarrow functionality, which can help strengthen your core and forearms. Also cool? It can fold up vertically when not in use. 

Shop Freak Athlete

Freak Athlete Wheelbarrow Sled

The unique build of Freak Athlete’s Wheelbarrow Sled helps you target specific muscle groups, like your quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Whether you choose to fold the wheel down to roll the sled or slide it on the plastic-bottom skis, this two-in-one piece of equipment can handle up to 500 pounds of plates. Its $400 price tag is a bit high, but it’s easily one of the best weight sleds out there.

Why Choose Freak Athlete

Freak Athlete was founded in 2022 and by the time they launched the Nordic Hyper GHD machine, they were on their way to becoming one of the fitness world’s hottest new brands. They have since released expansions like the leg developer attachment and partnered with athletes fitness experts to grow even further. 

Unlike traditional barbells or dumbbells, their products work to combine the functionality of multiple strength machines. For those who can’t devote a ton of floor space to their at-home training, the adjustable and versatile design of their flagship machine can help make the most of their space and budgets. Rogue, Shogun, and Tib Bar Guy also offer Nordic benches, but the utility of Freak Athlete’s Nordic Hyper GHD and Hyper Pro make them standouts in this space.

FAQs About Freak Athlete Discount Codes

How do I find a legit Freak Athlete promo code?

While Freak Athlete seldom publishes coupon codes, you can sign up for their email newsletter to instantly save up to $300 on the Hyper Pro. With multiple modes of training, this versatile machine reduces the cost of multiple pieces of equipment. But with year-round discounts and holiday sales, you can bring home some of the best compact exercise equipment we’ve tested for even less.

Does Freak Athlete offer a military discount?

Freak Athlete does not currently offer a military discount, but you can save by bundling products at checkout or registering for their email newsletter.

How can I get a Freak Athlete discount code?

Freak Athlete does not generally send out specific coupon codes. We’ve found that the best ways to save on their versatile products are to bundle at checkout or sign up for their email list. 

The post Freak Athlete Discount Code (2024): The Top Ways to Save On Expert-Approved Strength Equipment appeared first on BarBend.

Unscripted: Eight Sleep’s Alexandra Zatarain on The Rise of Sleep Fitness

Eight Sleep’s tech is already changing the way people around the world sleep. But the brand may just be scratching the surface of what’s possible

In the latest episode of Athletech News’ Unscripted podcast, Alexandra Zatarain, co-founder and vice president of brand marketing at Eight Sleep, joins co-hosts Edward Hertzman and Eric Malzone to discuss the brand’s revolutionary approach to the science of sleep. 

Zatarain, Hertzman and Malzone discuss the origins of Eight Sleep, how the brand is working to change the way people sleep through innovative products like its Pod system, and the concept of “sleep fitness,” or the idea that we can improve our sleep quality through deliberate practice and technological innovation. Watch this episode of Unscripted for unfiltered takes on the following:

Why many Americans struggle to get quality sleep, and how tech can help

Disrupting the tired market for sleep solutions 

Why beds could become the ultimate preventive health devices 

Key Talking Points:

(0:00-1:14) Introductions

(1:14-4:42) Advancements in sleep tech

(4:42-9:17) Bringing sleep tech to the market

(9:17-12:34) Investing in better sleep quality

(12:34-18:07) Sleep fitness and the journey to better sleep

(18:07-24:22) New features in the Eight Sleep Pod 4

(24:22-26:38) Educating the market about sleep

(26:38-31:50) Commercial opportunities in the hospitality industry

(31:50-37:01) The power of data and AI in personalizing sleep

(37:01-42:38) Changing your behavior for better sleep

(42:38-49:39) Managing competition and building a strong brand

The post Unscripted: Eight Sleep’s Alexandra Zatarain on The Rise of Sleep Fitness appeared first on Athletech News.

Tempo Teams with Flex to Accept HSA/FSA

The smart home gym company joins F45, Hyperice, BODi and SoulCycle to broaden access to consumers with pre-tax dollar savings accounts

Better health, better wallet — that’s Tempo’s take on its new partnership with Flex, a Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flex Savings Accounts (FSA) solutions provider. The collaboration makes it easier for members of the AI virtual personal training program to use their HSA and FSA dollars, making fitness more accessible.

The fitness company, co-founded in 2015 and led by Moawia Eldeeb, raised $220 million in a Series C in 2021 for its Tempo system. The at-home gym includes smart weights featuring AI-powered sensors that deliver real-time form feedback and use AI and biometric data to create personalized daily workouts.

Tempo’s marketing VP, Raechelle Hoki, said the partnership with Flex has provided a streamlined path for the personal training platform to accept HSA/FSA payments, reducing friction in Tempo’s sales funnel.

Tapping Into a Larger Consumer Base

“Initial tests have shown encouraging improvement to our conversion rate after implementing the Flex payment option,” Hoki said. “We believe this comes not only from being able to offer more payment flexibility to our customers but also from the added credibility that comes from being eligible for these tax-advantaged payment types.”

Flex currently works with over 100 brands, offering two pathways for merchants: Product Verification, which identifies and processes items that are eligible for all (over-the-counter medications, menstrual products and first aid supplies) and Health Check, which is for brands selling dual-use items where items are eligible if they are deemed medically necessary. Flex’s Health Check uses telehealth and healthcare providers to determine if consumers qualify to make purchases that would be covered as medical expenses.

Tempo is a great example of a wellness brand that can easily tap into a bigger market by expanding its payment options,” Flex CEO and co-founder Sam O’Keefe said. “With the wellness and fitness market booming right now, this is the perfect time for brands like Tempo to win and retain customers who have set money aside for these kinds of services.” 

Democratizing Fitness

It’s the last consumer-friendly move from the smart home gym company, which launched a unique ‘Fitness Refund’ in April (a nod to tax time). During the limited-time promotion, Tempo offered to cover gym cancellation fees in exchange for users signing up for its Tempo Training program. The deal encouraged fitness enthusiasts to look at the bright side of at-home training programs, such as the elimination of a commute to the gym or the need to plan a workout.

Tempo’s partnership with Flex underscores the at-home gym brand’s commitment to accessibility, which Eldeeb noted in an exclusive interview with Athletech News last fall. A former personal trainer, Eldeeb co-founded Tempo while attending Columbia as a computer science major.

“Our mission at Tempo has always been to make personal training and fitness more accessible, and the impact personal training had on my life when I was younger is a big inspiration for that,” he said. “I was born in Egypt and moved to New York City when I was in third grade. My family became homeless when I was in middle school, and the trainers at my local YMCA agreed to train me if I focused on school. It was with their help that I excelled academically and fully understood the impact fitness could have on someone.”

The experience left a significant impression on the Tempo CEO.

credit: Tempo

“I realized that one-on-one, personalized training and guidance was unattainable for most people, and sought to fill that gap by combining AI and weightlifting to create the only at-home fitness solution with a built-in personal trainer,” Eldeeb continued.

Other Brands Tap HSA/FSA Dollars 

As fitness, wellness and healthcare continue to converge, other leading names in fitness have begun offering HSA/FSA options to find new consumers and make fitness and related areas (like recovery) affordable.

Last fall, recovery technology brand Hyperice teamed with Sika Health, so its suite of wellness brands (such as Hypervolt, Normatec, Venom, Hyperice X and more) can be purchased using HSA/FSA funds.

This year, Mark Wahlberg-backed F45 Training teamed with New York-based telehealth platform Dr. B so F45 members could pay for their functional fitness classes. Dr. B also partnered with Xplor Mariana Tek, BODi and SoulCycle for similar pre-tax dollar coverage to make paying for memberships and classes easier and more accessible.

Better Health for All

Proponents of using pre-tax health savings and spending accounts to pay for fitness and wellness expenses, such as Adam Zeitsiff, chair of the National Health and Fitness Alliance, say it’s a game-changer for Americans.

“We all intuitively know that regular exercise is a vital pillar of a healthy life, and the science backs it up,” Zeitsiff wrote. “Yet, access to fitness facilities, programs, and equipment remains out of reach for many Americans.”

The post Tempo Teams with Flex to Accept HSA/FSA appeared first on Athletech News.

INVI MindHealth Announces Annual Partnership with Exos for National Suicide Prevention Month

The science-driven performance company will assist INVI MindHealth in training volunteers for an annual fitness challenge

September 1 marked the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, and numerous organizations have launched initiatives to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness. INVI MindHealth, known for its annual fitness challenge “Monster Mash,” has announced a new partnership to support its suicide awareness campaign.

Founded by CEO and United States Navy SEAL veteran Jonathan Wilson, INVI MindHealth was inspired by Wilson’s 16 years of military service and the growing need for mental health support among veterans. According to the company’s website, one in five veterans experiences a mental health issue annually, with over 50% of those at clinical risk not seeking help.

As preparations for this year’s Monster Mash—a grueling marathon that includes a 50-mile run and a five-mile swim—get underway, INVI MindHealth has partnered with Exos, a company specializing in workforce wellness solutions. Exos, which trains professional athletes and manages wellness programs for 25% of Fortune 100 companies, will lead participants through a week-long training program. This program includes two daily workouts, recovery sessions, and nutrition education.

Participants will also use INVI MindHealth’s wearable technology and biometric tracking, which provides users with a “real-time snapshot” of their mental health based on a personalized baseline. INVI MindHealth implements its 4 Levels of Support through its Mindscore app, offering individual monitoring for irregularities, personalized digital check-ins, personal “swim buddy” check-ins, and professional support.

Wilson shared that this collaboration with Exos is intended to be an annual partnership.

Credit: INVI MindHealth

“The goal is to partner with Exos every year for these ‘Monster Mash’ events so that a core group of us—athletes, veterans, former SEALs, and Special Forces operators—can properly prepare, not just physically, but holistically, incorporating nutrition and injury prevention,” Wilson told Athletech News. “Exos’ capabilities uniquely complement what INVI brings to the table in this process.”

To prepare participants for the challenge, they will undergo multiple daily sessions with professionals.

“We’ll have daily consultations with the on-site physical therapist, nutritionist, and athletic trainers to ensure we’re ready for this extreme event,” Wilson said. “All participants will have access to recovery equipment such as ice baths, saunas, TheraGuns, and compression boots to manage the lactic acid buildup from intense running workouts.”

Wilson emphasized that INVI MindHealth’s tech-driven community support extends beyond veterans.

“We started with the veteran community because of my background, but our goal is to provide INVI solutions to other communities as well. Mental health challenges aren’t limited to veterans—they affect everyone,” Wilson explained. “We aim to revolutionize mental health care using predictive analytics to detect decreases in well-being, create support teams for those in need, and offer personalized solutions for people in high-stress professions—all through a smartphone app.”

INVI MindHealth’s technology fosters community support and accountability. Its “swim buddy system” connects users with teammates or coworkers, allowing them to share their MindScores and monitor each other’s mental health. If a member “goes dark” or shows a downward trend in well-being, the app alerts their teammates to provide support.

“Everyone faces mental challenges at some point,” Wilson said. “The purpose of our technology is to track these ups and downs, alert teammates when someone is struggling, and offer personalized solutions to get back to baseline. We aim to demonstrate the biometric data from this training and show how different solutions work in various scenarios.”

Credit: INVI MindHealth

The Exos-led training began on September 9 and runs through September 13. The Monster Mash event is scheduled for November.

Both the training week and the event itself will raise awareness for National Suicide Prevention Month while encouraging broader participation, Wilson noted.

“We want to show not just the veteran and first responder communities, but the public as a whole, the positive impact of tackling extreme challenges with friends and teammates for a great cause,” he said.

The post INVI MindHealth Announces Annual Partnership with Exos for National Suicide Prevention Month appeared first on Athletech News.

Total War Pre-Workout Review (2024): All Energy, No Focus? Insights from Nutrition Coaches

When you need a massive energy boost for the gym beyond your cup of coffee, you want a pre-workout supplement with research-backed ingredients for performance — plus caffeine. Total War Pre-Workout fits the bill, though it’s a steep place to start for newbies. Then again, many of the best pre-workout supplements are. 

Our expert tester for this, BarBend fitness writer Ben Emminger, has got a whole lot of experience with pre-workouts. He’s used many a supplement over his training career, and our overall team has tested a combined 110-plus pre-workouts using our supplement testing methodology to rate each product. In this Total War Pre-Workout review, we’ll give you all the details — all told, combining Emminger’s experience with my own as a certified nutrition coach, we think Total War is a fabulous energy boost with no crash (if you’re used to caffeine), but you may have to contend with scattered focus and a whole lot of tingles. Here’s what you need to know.

Medical disclaimer: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

Featuring 320 milligrams of caffeine powder with 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout promises to roll over any exhaustion. It’s also got 150mg of juniper extract to boost blood flow for a solid pump.

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Main Takeaways

According to our expert tester, Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout’s 320 milligrams of caffeine will give you a big kick of energy, but may scatter your focus — it’s best suited for experienced pre-workout users and caffeine lovers.  

The 3.2 grams of beta-alanine is within the clinical dosing recommendations and left our tester with a sustained burst of the tingles.  

Total War Pre-Workout comes in 25 creative, fruity flavors and uses artificial sweeteners.

Redcon1 products are third-party tested and manufactured in a GMP-certified factory.

Total War Pre-Workout Specs

Total War Pre-Workout comes from supplement company Redcon1. They state that they were the first company to pioneer listing out ingredients and moving away from proprietary blends. It is a great move that helps consumers know exactly what they’re getting, as proprietary blends obscure how much of which ingredients you’re getting. There’s no such ambiguity here, which is great.

In this case, you’re getting 320 milligrams of caffeine — 250 milligrams from caffeine anhydrous and 70 milligrams from di-caffeine malate. Di-caffeine malate may have a slower release, so it doesn’t all hit at once (which could trigger side effects), it may last longer, and you may not have a hard crash. 

A single scoop of REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

According to registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, one of our expert reviewers, that amount of caffeine can be a blessing or a curse for you: “Each serving contains around the same amount of caffeine as three cups of coffee — a less-than-ideal dose for those sensitive to caffeine jitters or the dreaded caffeine crash.” But if you’re used to a lot of caffeine, you might experience no crash at all. This is a very know-thine-own-body type of situation.

Beyond caffeine, Total War Pre-Workout also contains hefty dosages of nitric oxide boosters (L-citrulline or citrulline malate, green tea extract, and juniper berry for blood flow and pumps), beta-alanine (for less fatigue and more muscular endurance), and taurine (which has mixed research on cognitive enhancement). (1)(2)(3) It also contains theobromine from cacao, which may work with caffeine for energy. (4)

Total War Pre-Workout comes in 25 flavors and uses the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium. It costs $1.43 per serving, which is a moderate price. They state that they do third-party testing, but they are not NSF-Certified for Sport. With 0 calories, this supp could also work as one of the best pre-workouts for weight loss.

How does all that come together? According to our expert tester and BarBend fitness writer Ben Emminger, very well. He explains: “Overall, I’d rate this pre-workout at 4 out of 5. The flavor is enjoyable, the energy is very-much present, and I appreciate that there isn’t a heavy crash post-training. The beta-alanine-induced tingles may be overwhelming for some, but I don’t believe they’re overwhelming enough to forgo this formulation.”

Pros

Ingredients that may boost blood flow, endurance, and performance

High caffeine content with some slow-release

No other non-caffeine stimulants

Comes in 25 flavors
Cons

320 milligrams of caffeine is high for beginners

Not a stim-free pre-workout

Contains artificial sweeteners

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Total War Pre-Workout

At 320 milligrams of caffeine per scoop of Total War Pre-Workout, this is a high-stim supplement. Those who prefer to skip the stims can check out some of the best non-stim pre-workouts. For everyone else, here’s which side you may find yourself on.

Recommended for:

People who want caffeine as the only stimulant

Experienced pre-workout users seeking a big energy boost

People who don’t mind a slight artificial sweetener taste

Not Recommended for:

Pre-workout newbies or people with a low caffeine tolerance

Competitive athletes who want an NSF-Certified for Sport supplement

Creatine users who want an all-in-one pre-workout supplement

Our Experience Using Total War Pre-Workout

Part of our rating process at BarBend is having our expert testers sample the products before their workouts. Our expert tester here, Ben Emminger, took Total War Pre-Workout out for several spins and rated his experiences out of a scale of 1 (womp womp) to 5 (fabulous). As a certified nutrition coach, I’ll also weigh in alongside registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois on important factors like ingredients and formulation, dosages, price, and safety.

Ingredients and Formulation

Total War Pre-Workout has a solid mix of standard pre-workout ingredients — caffeine, nitric oxide boosters, beta-alanine, taurine, and other amino acids and substances like theobromine. Here’s how RD Bourgeois breaks it down: “Total War Pre-Workout hits all the essentials with its ingredients list. Together the ingredients can support energy, focus, muscle pump, and endurance.”

Supplement Facts label on a tub of REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

There are 320 milligrams of caffeine, and research suggests 3 to 6 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. (5) You’ll also get 6 grams of L-citrulline, which is under where Bourgeois would like it to be, but she says “the hefty dose of BioPerine has been linked to enhanced metabolism and increased bioavailability of several nutrients.” (6) You get 3.2 grams of beta-alanine; the recommended range is 4 to 6. (7) For taurine, you get 1 gram, which is the minimum recommendation. (8)

[Related: Ultimate Guide to Pre-Workouts]

You also get some extra “natural” ingredients like the fruits juniper berry and naringin, BioPerine (black pepper extract) for citrulline absorption, and green tea extract, which goes with the nitric oxide boosters. There is also 1 gram of agmatine sulfate, a form of arginine, which goes toward nitric oxide boosting, as well. (9)

Overall, Bourgeois gives the formula a 4 out of 5, a pretty solid standard.

Taste

You’ve got 25 flavors to choose from — but how do they really taste? Emminger, who’s taken this pre-workout for a spin several strength training sessions and a weekend run, puts it this way: “I sampled the ‘Vice City’ formulation, which is a Strawberry Piña Colada flavor. It was definitely true to flavor, although I feel the Piña Colada came through more than the Strawberry.”

Emminger rates the taste a 4 out of 5, saying: “It’s definitely sweet and enjoyable. It gave me images of lounging around the pool on a hot summer day. While Piña Colada isn’t my favorite flavor of choice, I wouldn’t mind having this on a regular basis.”

Solubility

In the quest to avoid clumpy pre-workout or a mouth full of chalk at the bottom of your drink, we had Emminger, weigh in on solubility. He reports that you’ll find typical pre-workout “behavior” from this powder: “This blended easily with water. I didn’t experience any unwanted clumps. However, there is some residue at the bottom of your cup, so I’d recommend a quick wash-out and sip to ensure you’re getting the full dose before training.”

Is it annoying to have to do a rinse to get the full dose? Sure, but if you’ve used pre-workout even half as much as we have, you’ll know it’s not unusual. “Yes, a wash-out is necessary, but this isn’t a unique experience for me — at least, from what I’ve experienced with pre-workout supplements.”

At the end of the day (erm…workout?), Emminger rates solubility a 4 out of 5.

Effects

Even if you have a high caffeine tolerance, you may want to strap in for this one. “This was more of an energy-boosting formulation than a focus booster,” Emminger says. “In all honesty, I feel like the present tingles left me somewhat scatter-brained. I’d recommend this pre-workout for evening sessions where you’re more energy-depleted yet aren’t particularly focused on future tasks or chores. You can come home and immediately relax or head to bed.”

Getting ready to make a serving of REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

At 320 milligrams of caffeine per serving, we admit that not everyone will be able to drop to sleep after this formula. While Emminger recommends this as a nighttime pre-workout for those with a high tolerance, we might also suggest it as a morning workout if this is going to be the strongest pre-workout you’ve taken in your journey so far.

But if you’ve got a good caffeine tolerance, Emminger reports that more good news is on the way: “Surprisingly, I didn’t experience a harsh crash post-training. I was able to smoothly come down without that dragging sensation I’ve had with other high-stim pre-workouts.”

He also notes a unique element in the beta-alanine presence. “The tingles do come, but they’re more of a slow, sustained burn than a quick hit post-consumption. I began to feel them a few minutes after downing my final sip. From there, I could feel the beta-alanine moving down my body, beginning at my lips and ears, then moving into my fingers, calves, and finally toes.”

Emminger admits to generally enjoying the classic pre-workout tingles — one of the most well-known side effects of pre-workout — but if even he was noticing them consistently, this might not be your top choice if you’d prefer to stay away from the itchies. Instead, you might want to look into one of the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine.

Price Per Serving

One tub of Total War Pre-Workout costs $42.99, and you get 30 servings, so it’s $1.43 per serving. On Amazon, the prices vary per flavor, ranging from $27 to $33, so you could get one for under $1 per serving. The brand’s price is not bad, and the Amazon option makes it even better. I’ll rate it a 4 out of 5.

Third-Party Testing

The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, including pre-workouts, which means there is no guarantee that all ingredients are listed (including banned substances). 

We like brands with third-party testing and verification that the label is accurate and the ingredients are safe. 

Redcon1 states that they manufacture their products in GMP-certified factories, which means manufacturing is done “utilizing industry best practices.” (10) They also say that their products are “third-party tested with ABC for ingredient level verification, heavy metals, prop 65 compliance.” However, they don’t post a report from ABC, and it is not NSF Certified for Sport.

They do provide information and have the GMP stamp, so I’ll go with a 4.5 out of 5.

What To Consider Before Buying Total War Pre-Workout

Before buying Redcon1 Total War Pre-Workout, consider some top-level specs. If you’re into stim pre-workouts, what kind and how much is in it? The same goes for creatine. Then, you’ll want to consider price, other ingredients, and types of sweeteners, plus safety. Let’s not forget potential pre-workout side effects — the caffeine and beta-alanine may trigger jitters and tingles.

Blending REDCON1 Total War Pre-Workout

Stimulants: There are 320 milligrams of caffeine, 250 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, and 70 milligrams of slow-release caffeine from di-caffeine malate. That is not a small amount. And while beta-alanine isn’t a stimulant, it can have a big (itchy) impact on your body. According to registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, “If you tend to get itchy with beta-alanine supplements, you could be uncomfortable from multiple angles with this pre-workout.”

Price: One tub of Total War Pre-Workout costs $42.99; you get 30 servings, so it’s $1.43 per serving.

Sweeteners: Total War Pre-Workout contains the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Sucralose might not agree with your stomach.

Third-Party Testing: Redcon1 is third-party tested, though the results are not readily available online.

Total War Pre-Workout Vs. Competitors

If you’re a nerd for fitness products, you may have found yourself here because you are not only considered Total War Pre-Workout but several other options, too. In the following table, we’ll make it a bit easier for you to compare the high-level considerations between Total War Pre-Workout and two of its competitors.

We chose Jacked Factory Nitrosurge and Legion Pulse because they are reputable brands and offer similar ingredients (and thus, effects) as Total War Pre-Workout. 

The price varies — Legion Pulse is significantly more expensive than both, while Jacked Factory Nitrosurge is drastically cheaper. Jacked Factory also has the least caffeine, while the other two are similar. Sweetener-wise, Legion uses the natural sweetener Stevia and sugar alcohol erythritol, while the other two use artificial sweeteners.

Read our full Legion Pulse Pre-Workout review.

Places to Buy Total War Pre-Workout

Redcon1.com

Amazon

Academy Sports Outdoors

CVS

Dick’s Sporting Goods

GNC

Meijer

The Vitamin Shoppe

Walgreens

Walmart

Customer Experience and Brand Reputation

Here is what to expect if you purchase Total War Pre-Workout based on previous customers’ experiences. 

Shipping and Delivery:

Time: After placing your order, processing takes 2 to 4 business days. UPS orders take 5 to 7 days for shipping. USPS expedited shipping takes 1 to 3 days. 

Price: There is free shipping for orders over $95; anything under will be calculated at checkout.

Trial Period: Returns and exchanges are allowed within 30 days of receiving your order. 

Customer Reviews:

Redcon1 Site: There are 8,567 reviews on the Redcon1 site with an average 4.8 out of 5-star rating.

Amazon: There are 21,309 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Customer Thoughts: Customers generally like this pre-workout and the energy boost from the caffeine. Others disagree on the level of intensity. Everyone has a different take on taste, texture, and solubility. They generally approve of the value for the money.

[Related: Best Pre-Workout With Creatine]

Our Final Verdict on Total War Pre-Workout

Overall, Total War Pre-Workout is an effective high-stim pre-workout to help power up your exercise performance (though you might, like our tester, get a bit of the tingles and attention-scattering jitters). You get 25 flavors to choose from, though they’re artificially sweetened, and customers are mixed on the taste (our tester liked it).

What’s great about Redcon1 is that you can get single-serving samples of Total War Pre-Workout for $2.99 each if you’re in the mood to try it out before committing.

Total War Pre-Workout FAQs

Is Total War a safe pre-workout?

There is no guarantee that Total War Pre-Workout is safe since supplements are not FDA-regulated, but Redcon1 does say it has third-party testing on its products. That doesn’t necessarily make it unsafe; there is just no concrete answer. The caffeine content is under the daily recommended limit of caffeine (400 milligrams), but be mindful of how much you get if you drink coffee throughout the say. (11)

What does Total War Pre-Workout do for you?

The ingredients in Total War Pre-Workout may well give you an energy boost, increase endurance, and help improve exercise performance. Though our tester didn’t experience a huge pump or enhanced focus (in fact, his focus was a bit scattered), you might experience those things based on the included ingredients.

How long does it take Total War Pre-Workout to kick in? 

Redcon1 recommends taking Total War Pre-Workout 30 minutes before training to give it time to kick in.

References

Gonzalez, Adam M.1; Trexler, Eric T.2. Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on Exercise Performance in Humans: A Review of the Current Literature. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 34(5):p 1480-1495, May 2020. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003426

Hoffman JR, Emerson NS, Stout JR. β-Alanine supplementation. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2012 Jul-Aug;11(4):189-95. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e3182604983. PMID: 22777329.

Chen Q, Li Z, Pinho RA, Gupta RC, Ugbolue UC, Thirupathi A, Gu Y. The Dose Response of Taurine on Aerobic and Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review. Front Physiol. 2021 Aug 18;12:700352. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.700352. PMID: 34497536; PMCID: PMC8419774.

IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Coffee, Tea, Mate, Methylxanthines and Methylglyoxal. Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 1991. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No. 51.) Theobromine. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507032/

Pickering C, Grgic J. Caffeine and Exercise: What Next? Sports Med. 2019 Jul;49(7):1007-1030. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01101-0. PMID: 30977054; PMCID: PMC6548757.

Kim, J., Lee, K. P., Lee, D. W., & Lim, K. (2017). Piperine enhances carbohydrate/fat metabolism in skeletal muscle during acute exercise in mice. Nutrition & metabolism, 14, 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-017-0194-2

Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, Hoffman JR, Wilborn CD, Sale C, Kreider RB, Jäger R, Earnest CP, Bannock L, Campbell B, Kalman D, Ziegenfuss TN, Antonio J. International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Jul 15;12:30. doi: 10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y. PMID: 26175657; PMCID: PMC4501114.

Chen, Q., Li, Z., Pinho, R. A., Gupta, R. C., Ugbolue, U. C., Thirupathi, A., & Gu, Y. (2021). The Dose Response of Taurine on Aerobic and Strength Exercises: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 700352. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.700352

Lowery RP, Joy JM, Dudeck JE, Oliveira de Souza E, McCleary SA, Wells S, Wildman R, Wilson JM. Effects of 8 weeks of Xpand® 2X pre workout supplementation on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, lean body mass, and strength in resistance trained males. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013 Oct 9;10(1):44. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-10-44. PMID: 24107586; PMCID: PMC3851572.

GMP Certification. NSF.org. https://www.nsf.org/nutrition-personal-care/gmp-certification

Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much? U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much

The post Total War Pre-Workout Review (2024): All Energy, No Focus? Insights from Nutrition Coaches appeared first on BarBend.

ClubReady Emphasizes Back-Office Excellence for Enterprise Growth

Clubessential Holdings brands wrings order from the chaos of multi-source data so fitness brands can expand

For every first gym in Dubai, wellness studio in Toronto, or location number 100 for a domestic fitness franchisor, there’s likely an efficient system of back-office operations that helped get it there. 

When brands expand, especially across the globe, that connection between the management software at the core of their business and whatever landmark site they’ve grown to launch is often difficult to see — but not for ClubReady. The fitness management platform, along with its affiliate brands within Clubessential Holdings, knows back-office operations are key to enterprise growth.  

“Back-office technology enables businesses to define the past and create a vision for the future,” said Randy Eckels, President of Clubessential Holdings, provider of ClubReady and Exerp platforms. “Having the data for financial results, trends, and forecasts accessible from one source of truth, from HQ down to store level operatives, is imperative.”

Solving the Staffing Crisis

In an increasingly saturated market with countless revenue streams for fitness professionals, building and maintaining an effective staff has never been harder. It’s one of the tallest, most difficult hurdles brands have to clear while looking to expand their reach. 

“The fitness industry is getting hit from every side regarding staffing issues,” said Eckels. “Good people are hard to find, harder to keep, and cost more than ever. They have choices.”

credit: ClubReady

Adept back-office operations, however, bring that hurdle down a few notches. Clubessential Holdings’ brands set clients up with one integrated solution that streamlines processes like bookings, MMS services, billings and more. 

By taking on this load, the software frees up any staff to concentrate less on tick-tack operations and more on face-to-face ones. 

“Back office technology plays a vital role by empowering staff to focus on their key responsibilities, not the software,” said Eckels. “The best solutions are intuitive and accessible. Technology should work for you to where your staff spends less time learning and using it, more time focusing on member experience and retention.”

“One area where we’re seeing tremendous advancements is in blended communications, where AI and smart business automation works with the CRM to communicate with leads and members using an authentic human touch,” added Eckels. “This greatly increases efficiency, ensures no communication is missed, and promotes appropriate engagement while not draining staff resources.”

Fast & Easy Payments

All of the management solutions features provided by ClubReady and Clubessential Holdings collectively drive expansion. However, ClubReady’s billing solution, which accelerates the payment process and improves franchisee relations, is the main fuel source. 

There’s no way around it: growth depends on revenue,” said Eckels. “Managing the money is critical — and the fewer touchpoints involved, the better. By far the biggest issue is that it’s not all one cohesive system and process. Multiple touchpoints and systems result in delays and introduce opportunities for error. You don’t want hundreds of store operators handling chargebacks or running remittance reports.”

ClubReady accomplishes this with automated royalty management. The process is more secure and simplified than traditional billing methods, making it easy to communicate with franchisees and requiring less manpower.

credit: ClubReady

“Having royalties, payments, and billing managed all in one platform greatly streamlines the entire process,” said Eckels. “When there is a question or issue, there’s one call to a team that supports the entire process and understands the system backward and forwards. This results in a quicker resolution.” 

Aside from the operational efficiency this feature provides, it also helps foster a successful franchisee and franchisor relationship. 

“An automated royalty management and billing system and clear audit trail, where the back office can see what is due, what is forecasted, and how sites are performing at the click of a button – rather than weeks after month end — is a game changer, “ Eckels added. “That consistency garners the trust of your operators and eliminates any hiccups going forward.”

New Data in a New Age

You’ll never get a software solution provider to say there’s such a thing as “too much data,” but collecting and presenting it optimally for brands has become quite the challenge, especially in today’s day and age. 

“The last couple of years have brought fitness companies a crush of data that was unimaginable before, and it’s coming from everywhere,” said Eckels. “The question now is, where should that information go to deliver the most value, and what does it mean?”

ClubReady, Exerp and other brands under the Clubessential Holdings hood lean on their advanced APIs to answer that question. Within these systems, clients can see multiple layers of their brand’s finances from a singular viewpoint, giving them all the data they need in an easily digestible format.

credit: ClubReady

“It ensures that the corporate team has reports customized to the business based on data collected by their member management and payments provider to understand and identify revenue streams,” said Eckels. “At the next level down, it delivers role-based dashboards and reporting to ensure that the appropriate data is pushed to the entire team. KPIs for the brand can be measured and benchmarked, from region to region or store to store.”

Efforts to keep improving these APIs as brands grow and the industry evolves never cease. Exerp is one of Clubessential Holdings’ latest beneficiaries of that mindset. 

“With Exerp, we overhauled the tech stack to provide a rock-solid, scalable solution able to power the biggest global brands in the world,” Eckels explained. “It offers an open rest API that allows our customers to utilize the technology that best fits their business while also taking payments all over the world with a localized and fully translatable system.”

“To say the least, we’re excited about what we’re bringing to our customers and our customers’ customers,” Eckels added. “Our already best-in-class technology has been a solid foundation for moving forward. Now we’re using insights from leading brands we’re proud to have as customers and partners to enhance usability and the user experience at every touchpoint. But it all starts with getting the back-office processes right.”

The post ClubReady Emphasizes Back-Office Excellence for Enterprise Growth appeared first on Athletech News.

How “The Progrm” Became an Official HYROX Programming Partner 

CrossFit athletes train for the unknown and unknowable. 

HYROX athletes, on the other hand, know exactly what’s coming. 

When John Singleton, founder of The Progrm, was approached to lead an official HYROX training program, he saw it as a welcome change of pace from traditional CrossFit training modalities. 

The two sports can be looked at like sisters, but they’re certainly not twins

Each has unique characteristics and differs greatly in terms of training methods and the areas of fitness they center around. 

[Related: Best Cross-Training Shoes]

HYROX vs. CrossFit: What’s the Difference?

HYROX, a sport that originated in Europe, is a set workout event that involves a mix of running (a lot of it) and cross-training station work. It’s an endurance event that, on average, takes athletes a little over an hour to complete. 

Its growth in the United States is notable, and the crossover from CrossFit to HYROX is also becoming increasingly common. 

What sets HYROX apart from other fitness races is that it has developed an elite tier of competition on top of the community divisions in each event.

“[HYROX] has been quite clear in their specifics. They focus on one specific event. You know the course, you know the stations you’re going to be doing, and although there are similarities [with CrossFit], the fundamental difference is quite big,” Singleton says.

Singleton says the approach to HYROX programming differs quite a bit from CrossFit training. 

In part, that’s because CrossFit athletes who start running every day to train for the HYROX race are much more susceptible to overuse injuries. Instead, athletes need to increase that volume sensibly. 

“With CrossFit athletes, there’s a lot of luck when it comes to the programming [and] where they’re going to place on the leaderboard,” Singleton says. “Whereas what we’ll start to find in HYROX is you can have a very good prediction of where your athlete is going to finish because you know their times, and so that helps to lead in the taper. Everything gets a bit more clear with what you’re going to do [and] what you’re prescribing for them.”

Additionally, since the HYROX format race is set and repeated, there is more data available for each athlete and coach to analyze. The athlete can break down each station and understand where they did well and where they can improve. 

“It’s been exciting for us as coaches to be able to have that data and that information because in CrossFit, you can get really random workouts,” Singleton says. 

Using The Progrm for HYROX

The HYROX program offered by The Progrm has three adaptable training levels, focusing on running, strength and conditioning, and recovery. The programming includes warm-up routines, technique videos, and built-in taper weeks. 

Another way Singleton has ingrained The Progrm into HYROX is by providing support to CrossFit gym owners looking to bring HYROX-style programming into their gyms. 

“No doubt, now, gym owners have some members who are interested in doing HYROX. However, the programming ends up being quite specific relative to just normal CrossFit conditioning classes, and that’s one thing that we’ve really tried to implement as well as we can,” Singleton says. 

Some gyms have even started to add a specific HYROX class to the daily class schedule, Singleton says. 

Gyms should see the integration of HYROX as a win-win since athletes can feel the same sense of community that they would get from the traditional CrossFit class. 

“I think for the gyms that are embracing it, they’ve really got nothing to lose,” he added. 

Those looking for more information on HYROX can find the full season breakdown here

More About HYROX

So, I Did HYROX: An Honest Review by a Diehard CrossFitter

HYROX Announces New Major Races Structure for the 2024/25 Season

HYROX Is on the Rise: Get to Know 2024 World Champions Megan Jacoby and Alexander Roncevic

Featured image: @hyroxworld / Instagram

The post How “The Progrm” Became an Official HYROX Programming Partner  appeared first on BarBend.

Inside the Professional Athletes’ Association: 6 Key Takeaways From the TEF Interview With Brent Fikowski and Pat Vellner

On Monday, Talking Elite Fitness shared an interview with Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) president Brent Fikowski and PFAA board member Pat Vellner. 

The interview dug into the inner workings of the PFAA and their recent demands to CrossFit, one of which included asking for the removal of Dave Castro from CrossFit’s Sports Team in the aftermath of Lazar Đukić’s death at the 2024 CrossFit Games. The interview also touched on CrossFit’s response to the demands and more. 

Remind me: The PFAA was formed in July 2020 amid uncertainty surrounding the sport due to the global pandemic and CrossFit’s very public ownership change. The group has since been officially incorporated as a Washington-based nonprofit. 

Here are six key takeaways from the podcast with interviewers Sean Woodland and Tommy Marquez.

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1. Why Make Demands Before the Investigation Into Lazar Đukić’s Death Is Finished?

Vellner’s response: “I think it’s important for people to know that the demands that were made are not exclusive to what has happened this year at the 2024 CrossFit Games. It’s not decided in singular to one incident. It’s not just about the death of Lazar.”

Vellner went on to reiterate that CrossFit’s “willful disengagement” from listening to athletes’ concerns, largely regarding athlete safety, led to the demands.

As a result, this year’s events were the final “breach of trust.” The PFAA argues that athletes are fed up with CrossFit’s culture, which has too often silenced their concerns.  

“There’s still a culture of fear that exists amongst the athletes to speak up,” Vellner said.

The PFAA ultimately feels that breaking away from this culture will be “nearly impossible,” Vellner explained, without removing Castro, CrossFit’s current Director of Sport, from the helm.

“It’s not just about the results of the investigation. It’s about this long-term systematic behavior…Our demands won’t change based on the results of the investigation…This just goes a lot deeper than that. And I think it was important for us to take fast and firm action to just show the seriousness of the PFAA and the athletes in general,” he concluded.

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2. If Not Castro, Who Should Be in Charge?

“I don’t think anyone needs to [replace Dave], in our opinion. That’s not really a job title. I don’t know who invented hockey or who directed the first Super Bowl,” Vellner said. “In most major sports examples that we have, those positions aren’t really known or necessary. One major part of Dave’s role in the Sport Team is he programs workouts…and I think a team of people working together could achieve what he does at least at the same level.”

He added: “Change is hard. People are unfamiliar with what the Games would look like without Dave…CrossFit started as this challenger brand in the fitness space…and I think that it needed a persona like [Dave] in its infancy to grow to what it was. And Dave was integral in making that happen, and I think he did a lot of great things for the company and for the sport. [But] I think that it’s a different time now.”

3.  What Has CrossFit’s Response Been to the PFAA’s demands?

CrossFit acknowledged the PFAA’s demands, according to a statement given to Men’s Health:

From a CrossFit spokesperson via email to Men’s Health:

“We acknowledge the demands made today by the PFAA, and appreciate their desire for action. We initiated a third-party investigation within 48 hours of the tragic accident that is actively underway. As the facts are gathered in the coming weeks, we are prepared to take all appropriate actions based on the findings. In the meantime, CrossFit’s CEO, Don Faul, will continue to speak directly with the broader athlete population, including the PFAA, as well as coaches and other members of the community to ensure we understand their perspectives and how we can work together to build greater trust and safety for the future of our sport.”

During the TEF interview, Fikowski said the PFAA spoke to CrossFit, and the company spokespeople have said any decisions they make moving forward will be announced publicly.

“We’re not privy to anything [more than the public],” Fikowski said.

4. What Happens if CrossFit Ignores the Demands?

Vellner’s response: “We have a plan.”

“If they say no, it’s a pretty clear signal that athletes are not factored into their priorities around the sport, and so, there is a plan but we’re not going to disclose it just yet,” he added.

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5. Who Is Eligible To Be Part of the PFAA, and How Is the Board of Directors Determined?

Fikowski explained that the top individual male and female athletes in the world, based on their competition results, are eligible to be members of the PFAA.

“There’s a rolling 24-month calendar, where each month, the oldest month gets kicked out,” Fikowski explained. 

Right now, there are 143 eligible men or women, and 63 percent of them are confirmed voting members. Fikowski explained that this will trend up in the upcoming weeks as the recent Games rookies are added as eligible members and voters.

Once an athlete is a member, they can attend meetings and become eligible to vote on who becomes a member of the PFAA board. (To become a PFAA board member, you also need to be an eligible member based on your performance results).

One big thing: Seven-time CrossFit Games champion Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr posted a statement on Instagram this week, explaining her position with the PFAA.

“In 2020, I helped start the PFAA with Brent Fikowski and Adam Neiffer because we wanted to elevate our sport and create a safer and more stable future for anyone striving to compete. While I have stepped back from being directly involved in the association, my belief in this mission remains the same,” she wrote.

She added: “There are many questions that have to be answered before we can move forward, but I’m ready to do my part. I just hope CrossFit is prepared to do the same, to step up and work together to improve the sport, protect its athletes, and create a better future for all of us.”

6. Why Do We Need the PFAA?

Vellner’s response: “For one thing, it’s a model that you see in other sports.”

“Changes, particularly around safety or rule changes, like you see rules around head injuries…that’s stuff that is pushed by athletes primarily. They’re trying to protect themselves and their interests and they want the sport and the game that they play to reflect that,” he continued.

CrossFit’s unwillingness to engage in “meaningful conversations” with the athletes aside, having an organization like the PFAA is common practice in sports these days. Vellner explained that it is a way to ensure athletes’ voices are heard.

The Big Picture

Until CrossFit’s third-party investigation is complete and/or the company responds more directly to the PFAA’s demands, the sport seems to be in a holding pattern. 

With more questions than answers, what the 2025 season will look like at this point is anyone’s guess.

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Featured image: @thepfaa / Instagram

The post Inside the Professional Athletes’ Association: 6 Key Takeaways From the TEF Interview With Brent Fikowski and Pat Vellner appeared first on BarBend.

Demitri Ayala (105KG) Scores IPF Sub-Junior Equipped World Record Deadlift and Total

The 2024 IPF World Equipped Sub-Junior Championships from Aug. 28 through Sept. 8, 2024, in Valletta, Malta, could fill a spreadsheet with world-record-breaking lifts. In the Men’s 105KG Sub-Junior class, all four IPF equipped world records fell.

Jakub Golianek knocked down the squat and bench press records, which was only sufficient for a silver medal. Demitri Ayala out-lifted the field, achieving an IPF equipped Sub-Junior deadlift record of 322 kilograms en route to his gold medal-winning 892-kilogram total.

Ayala’s record deadlift can be seen in the video below, courtesy of the IPF’s Instagram page:

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While chalked to the nines, Ayala stepped up to the barbell in a sumo stance while wearing his lifting suit and lifting belt. He assumed an overhand grip and ascended slowly to lockout with his head tilted all the way back at the top of the lift.

2024 IPF World Equipped Sub-Junior Championships Results — Demitri Ayala, Sub-Junior 105KG

Ayala went seven for nine in attempts in Malta, missing his second squat and first bench press.

Squat

317.5 kilograms

327.5 kilograms

327.5 kilograms

Bench Press

230 kilograms

230 kilograms

242.5 kilograms

Deadlift

275 kilograms

292.5 kilograms

322 kilograms — IPF Sub-Junior Record

Total — 892 kilograms — IPF Sub-Junior Record

[Related: Done Murali Krishna (59KG) Scores IPF Equipped World Junior Deadlift Record]

Demitri Ayala

According to Open Powerlifting, Ayala’s record on the competitive lifting platform has been flawless. Nothing but gold medals in his nine most recent contests:

2023 USAPL Texas Strength Classic — First Place

2023 USAPL South Texas Showdown — First Place

2023 USAPL Texas Open — First Place

2024 THSPA Rio Grande City Powerlifting Meet — First Place

2024 THSPA Region 5 Division 1 Championships — First Place

2024 THSPA Boys State Meet — First Place

2024 AMP Emerald Cup — First Place

2024 AMP Equipped National Championships — First Place

2024 IPF World Equipped Sub-Junior Championships — First Place

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

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