On March 1, 2024, Reebok announced the launch of their FloatZig 1 Running Shoes. The FloatZig 1 combines Floatride Energy Foam and Zig Tech technology in the midsole shape to create an all-new running model intended to feel “lightweight and springy,” per Reebok’s press release.

The FloatZig 1 running shoes aim to offer energy return suited for elite runners, well-seasoned runners, and everyday runners. According to Reebok, “FloatZig 1 combines one of Reebok’s most well-known geometric design silhouettes, the Zig Tech technology, with…Floatride Energy Foam, cutting down on excess weight and stiffness to create optimal energy return designed for the everyday runner.”

Image courtesy of Reebok

[Related: How Much Cardio Is Too Much? Running Coaches Weigh In]

Reebok FloatZig1 Features

Floatride Energy Foam and Zig Tech technology’s geometric shape provides lightweight and responsive energy return.

Engineered Mesh Vamp Upper with reflective overlays and Reinforced Midfoot Panels offers extra support.

Targeted Foam Panels at the tongue and collar offer additional comfort and secure fit.

Drop | Weight: 6mm Drop | 9.8 ounces (Unisex size 9)

[Related: 12 Best Cross-Training Shoes of 2024 (Personally Tested)]

Image courtesy of Reebok.

On April 4, 2024, the Reebok FloatZig 1 will be available for $130 USD MSRP on Reebok.com, Amazon, and select retailers worldwide. The model will be offered in a variety of unisex and women’s launch colorways, with additional pack drops throughout the season. Product availability and launch timing to vary per market.

FloatZig 1 is the first to launch within the new FloatZig product family. The brand’s new running icon will be offered in multiple iterations.

Also available on 4/1, 2024, is the FloatZig Symmetros — a dual-density offering built for a supportive ride on longer miles — for $150 USD. In FW24, the product range will expand further to include a carbon-fiber plate model, FloatZig X1, and a trail iteration built for outdoor exploration, FloatZig Adventure. Learn more at www.reebok.com/content/running.

Featured image courtesy of Reebok.

The post Reebok Announces Launch of FloatZig 1 Running Shoes appeared first on BarBend.

Good news, ladies! If you’ve been putting in the work at the gym and wondering if it’s paying off, a new study has a resounding answer: YES.

Researchers from the United States looked at data from a large survey of adults and found that women who exercised regularly had a 24% lower risk of death from any cause compared to inactive women. This benefit was larger than the 15% reduction in mortality seen for men who were active compared to inactive men.

In other words, women seem to reap greater health benefits from exercise than men. This is exciting news for women’s health, and it highlights the importance of getting regular physical activity for everyone.

The Main Findings

The beauty of this study is learning that women can get more out of each minute of moderate to vigorous activity than men do. It’s an incentivizing notion that we hope women will take to heart.

Martha Gulati, MD, director of Preventive Cardiology in the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, involved over 500 adults. Participants were followed for a year and their exercise habits and heart health were monitored.

The researchers found that women who exercised for 2.5 hours per week achieved the same cardiovascular benefits as men who exercised for 5 hours per week.

This was true for both moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or biking, and muscle-strengthening activities, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises.

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re a woman who’s been feeling discouraged by the amount of exercise you need to do to stay healthy, this study is good news. It suggests that you may be able to cut back on your workout routine without sacrificing your heart health.

This is a game-changer for women who are short on time or simply don’t enjoy traditional exercise routines.

Why do women benefit more from exercise than men?

The study doesn’t say exactly why women seem to benefit more from exercise than men, but there are a few possible explanations.

Women tend to have higher body fat percentages than men, and exercise can help them lose weight and improve their body composition. This can lead to a number of health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Women’s bodies are more sensitive to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, which can help to prevent type 2 diabetes.

Exercise can also improve mental health, and women are more likely than men to experience depression and anxiety. Regular physical activity can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve overall mood.

How much exercise do you need?

The study looked at the benefits of regular leisure-time physical activity, which means any activity that gets you moving and makes you sweat. This could include things like walking, running, biking, swimming, dancing, or playing sports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week. They also recommend that adults do strength-training exercises that work all major muscle groups at least twice a week.

Getting started with exercise

If you’re not currently active, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. This will help to prevent injuries and make it more likely that you’ll stick with an exercise routine in the long term.

Here are a few tips for getting started:

Find an activity you enjoy. This will make it more likely that you’ll stick with it.

Start slowly. Don’t try to do too much too soon.

Find a workout buddy. Having someone to exercise with can help you stay motivated.

Set realistic goals. Don’t try to lose too much weight or get too fit too quickly.

Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program. This is especially important if you have any health conditions.

Additional tips for women

While the study suggests that women may be able to get away with exercising less than men, it’s still important to get regular exercise for overall health and well-being. Here are a few additional tips for women:

Focus on strength training. Strength training is important for building muscle, which can help you burn more calories at rest and improve your overall fitness.

Don’t be afraid to lift heavy weights. Many women are afraid of bulking up, but this is a common misconception. Strength training will help you tone your muscles, not bulk them up.

Find an exercise program that you can stick with. The best exercise program is the one that you’ll actually do. So find something that you enjoy and that fits into your lifestyle.

Conclusion

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone, but according to this new study, women may seem to reap greater health benefits from exercise than men. If you’re not currently active, there are many benefits to getting started. Find an activity you enjoy, start slowly, and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. Your body will thank you for it!

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723083134

Diogo Montenegro and Lauralie Chapados won the Men’s Physique and Bikini division titles at the 2024 Arnold Classic but were not the only winners in those divisions on the weekend.

The 2024 China DMS Pro show took place on Friday, March 1, 2024, in Shanghai, China, featuring Men’s Physique and Bikini competition. Carlos Asiedu Ocran (Men’s Physique) and Jiaqi Wei (Bikini) left the stage with gold and 2024 Olympia qualifications.

[Related: Hadi Choopan Wins the 2024 Arnold Classic]

[Related: Wesley Vissers Wins 2024 Arnold Classic Physique]

2024 China DMS Pro Results

The full results of both contests are below.

Men’s Physique

Carlos Asiedu Ocran (China)

Krishna Purnama Putra (Indonesia)

Yiming Wei (China)

Abdullah Al Salem (Kuwait)

Xingwang Yang (China)

Rin Yi Xie (China)

Han Yang (China)

Ilya Kvashnin (Russia)

*Yiming Wei (China) was on the roster to compete, but he was not in the show.

Bikini

Jiaqi Wei (China)

Heather Hei Man Kam (China)

Xinyi Chen (China)

Hongmei Zhou (China)

[Related: Francielle Mattos Wins 2024 Wellness International]

Men’s Physique Winner — Carlos Asiedu Ocran

Ocran won the competition with a perfect score from the judges in the pre-judging round, the only round scored on this day. This is his first IFBB Pro League win in only his second career pro show. He previously ranked 13th in the 2023 Tokyo Pro.

Ocran is qualified alongside Montenegro to compete on the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia stage in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024. It will be Ocran’s Olympia debut should he compete. Krishna Purnama Putra of Indonesia and Yiming Wei of the host country took second and third place, respectively.

Bikini Division Winner — Jiaqi Wei

Wei had competed in the 2024 Musclecontest Japan Pro to a fifth-place finish behind champion Nittaya Kongthun before this event. Wei clearly made adjustments that served her well because, like Ocran, she is also a first-time winner in the pro ranks.

Wei also had all first-place votes on the scorecards and will be an Olympia debutant in October if she travels to Las Vegas. Heather Hei Man Kim was the runner-up, and bronze went to Xinyi Chen.

[Related: Ariel Khadr Wins 2024 Fitness International]

Other Notes

Men’s Physique and Bikini divisions will be featured at the 2024 Arnold Classic UK in Birmingham, England, on March 15-17, 2024. There is also a Bikini division show at the 2024 Musclecontest Campinas Pro in Campinas, Brazil. The 2024 IFBB schedule is currently available for every Olympia-qualifying contest during the 2024 season.

Featured Image: @calebcarlos33 on Instagram

The post 2024 China DMS Pro Bodybuilding Show Results appeared first on BarBend.

If you’ve been consistent with your strength training and want to show off your might in an athletic setting, cardio can condition you to dominate in any sport — yes, including powerlifting and weightlifting. Improving your cardio capacity can go a long way toward making you a better strongman athlete, too. And that’s not to mention the boosts to your overall health.

That’s all well and good, but when are you giving yourself too much of a good thing? Unfortunately, cardio is one of those good things that can quickly turn against you if you indulge in too much of it. In this case, your success hinges on identifying when your cardio crosses the line into doing your body more harm than good. Here’s how to know how much cardio is too much for you, straight from the mouths of the experts.

Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.

What Is Cardio?

The word “cardio” is an abbreviated way to refer to “cardiovascular exercise,” which is sustained exercise that raises your heart rate and keeps it elevated for an extended period. Cardio exercise often involves your largest muscle groups, since working them consistently can maintain your heart rate at an elevated level.

Cardio workouts are usually of low or moderate intensity, but they can include sprinting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and other workout styles that build muscle mass and require all-out effort. 

[Read More: Elliptical vs. Treadmill: Which Cardio Machine Is Best for You?]

Popular types of cardio include walking, running, swimming, rowing, cycling, and using elliptical machines. Cardio can also serve as a warm-up before weight training, a standalone workout routine, or a post-exercise cooldown.

How Much Cardio Is Too Much?

The definition of excessive cardio varies sharply from one person to the next. This is because several factors contribute to your cardiovascular endurance. This includes the amount of aerobic exercise you are accustomed to, the amount of resilient lean muscle tissue you have, and the ability of your joints to withstand the rigors of training.

As an example, well-conditioned marathoners may train by running as many as 140 miles per week. (1) Conversely, even running five miles per week can prove to be challenging to you even if you are a trained athlete. Even if your heart is otherwise healthy, the rest of your body may need time to physically adapt to new challenges posed to your joints and muscle tissue.

Signs You’re Doing Too Much Cardio

If “too much cardio” is so wildly relative, then how do you know when your body’s had enough?

[Read More: The Best Tried and Tested Treadmills for Beginners]

If you’re wondering whether or not you may be doing too much cardio, fear not. There are a few consistent, telltale signs that you may be putting your body through too much cardiovascular training. For the most part, it comes down to your ability to properly assess your own discomfort.

Excessive Pain

Discomfort is a natural feature of exercise that causes your body to make positive adaptations to physical challenges. The form of cardio you select to engage in will determine the degree of discomfort you feel, and also the location of that discomfort. With that being said, there are types of pain that fall well outside of the boundary of being a positive response to training.

“Watch out for signs like fatigue that makes you feel like you’ve aged a century overnight, or aches and pains that linger longer than a bad breakup.” — Paul Duncan. 

[Read More: Best High-End Treadmills on the Market]

“If the pain is excessive and hinders your workout, you should definitely take it down a notch, rest, and maybe have a doctor take a look at you,” Duncan advises.

Mental Burnout

It’s one thing for your body to feel fatigued after an intense round of cardio, but what if your exercise is punctuated by feelings of mental exhaustion that never go away? When you’re dreading each and every session, it might be in your best interest to scale back the volume or intensity of your cardio training for the sake of your mental and psychological health.

The dead giveaway is that you should mentally feel better after running most of the time, not worse.

— Paul Duncan

“You can feel burnout coming, but it’s always different for everyone,” Duncan explains. “Your symptoms may not match someone else’s…If you were feeling down to begin with, and your workout leaves you feeling even worse, it’s time for a break.”

Lack of Sleep

At its best, sleep is a natural post-workout opportunity to recharge your batteries and prepare yourself for a fresh round of training. Ideally, you would be able to lie down and enjoy hours of sleep that are both stable and predictable. However, indulging in too many minutes of cardio and other exercise can have the surprising side effect of disrupting your sleep. (2)

One of the biggest red flags that I look for in the athletes I coach is their sleeping patterns.

— Lee Whitaker

[Read More: The Best Cushioned Treadmills]

“People who are overtraining tend to not sleep well, and it’s usually one of the earliest signs,” Whitaker explains. “At least with the runners that I coach, if I start seeing sleeping patterns disturbed, then we back off.”

How Should You Respond to Overtraining?

If you suspect that your workout has wandered into overtraining territory, here are some sound strategies you can adopt to bring your workout back into healthy territory.

Recognize the Need For Recovery

It’s a natural tendency to want to stretch the boundaries of your physical capabilities during your training. Overcoming a performance plateau can be downright thrilling. All the same, your progress is largely determined by how efficiently you can recover from your all-out training efforts.

It’s not the work that we do per se that gets us the gains; it’s the recovery period.

— Lee Whitaker

[Read More: The Best Treadmills with Screens]

“We work, we break down, and then our body recovers in that period of super compensation and comes back stronger,” Whitaker explains. “Without that recovery period, we don’t get any gains…[I]f you’re continually breaking the body down and not giving it the recovery it needs, regardless of your volume and regardless of your mindset, you’re not going to get to your goals.”

Learn to Differentiate Between Types of Pain

The oft-repeated adage of “no pain; no gain” should come with a disclaimer. If the gradual wear and tear of cardio is harming your anatomy, you’ll want to quickly diagnose the problem, perhaps with the help of a health professional. Pressing onward through an injury might earn you praise for displaying mental toughness, but it can also do serious damage to your body. 

Is there pain in the muscle, or does it feel like it’s more in a tendon or ligament or a bone?

— Lee Whitaker

[Read More: The Best Compact Treadmills]

“If it’s in the muscle specifically, it’s probably just some soreness,” Whitaker says. “That’s a pretty regular occurrence when we’re training. See if it subsides in a day or two. If it doesn’t, then reassess things. If it feels like it’s in a joint or a ligament or a tendon, most of the time it’s probably some inflammation. If that sort of pain doesn’t subside you have to stop and rest for at least a day or two.” Seeing a doctor is often a good next step, too.

Change Up Your Training Volume

Sometimes less truly is more for aerobic exercise. Scaling back your cardio volume or doing lower-intensity cardio for a few days may allow you to feel more energized and motivated in the long run. Doing so may leave your body and mind more prepared for the moments that truly matter, like when it’s actually time to run, bike, or swim at your race pace.

Ease off the gas pedal and dial back the mileage.

— Paul Duncan 

[Read More: The Best Commercial Treadmills]

“Throw in some rest days, and maybe even indulge in a Netflix binge or two,” Duncan advises. “Your body will thank you. You should also make sure you are incorporating some truly easy runs into your training and not going all out on every run. A run doesn’t have to leave you feeling like your legs are going to fall off or your heart is going to explode in order to help you achieve your goals.”

Benefits of Cardio 

Improved Heart Health: Your heart is the driving force of cardiovascular exercise, and engaging in cardio can dramatically improve the health and function of your heart. Relying on cardio as a regular form of exercise can protect your heart against heart disease, and lower both your blood pressure and resting heart rate. (3)

Enhanced Physical Conditioning: Cardiovascular exercise can condition your body for the rigors of extended physical exertion. This is essential to maintaining your competitiveness in sports necessitating long periods of movement, like basketball, hockey, lacrosse, and football. It is also critical for racing sports built on sustained endurance, like running, swimming, cycling, and rowing. (4)

Increased Insulin Sensitivity: If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and experience insulin resistance, cardiovascular exercise has been shown to raise insulin sensitivity for up to 16 hours after exercise, even in individuals with type 2 diabetes. (5) Therefore, cardio can be a valuable tool for warding off blood sugar spikes that can be destructive to your body.

Key Takeaways

To wrap things up, here are some key takeaways to help you know if you’ve been taking things too far in the pursuit of cardiovascular health — and how you can make some quick adjustments.

If your body is experiencing excessive pain as a result of cardio training, it may be the result of an injury.

Overdoing things during cardio training can result in mental fatigue and depressive symptoms that extend beyond the training itself.

Overtraining with cardio can cause you to experience an increased number of sleep interruptions.

Extending your recovery time may improve cardiovascular output in future training sessions.

Reducing the volume and/or intensity of your cardio sessions may let you continue to reap the benefits of cardio while alleviating symptoms of overtraining.

Backing Down Can Be a Winning Strategy

So how much cardio is too much? However much your body and mind say is too much — listen to your body for signs of excessive physical and mental fatigue.

Increasing your cardio training output isn’t always a recipe for fitness success, so you should be prepared to tone it down when necessary. Always remember that the moments of rest in between your cardio workouts are every bit as important as the workouts themselves. 

FAQs

If you still have questions about whether or not your cardio output is simply too high, we have some answers for you below.

References

Haugen T, Sandbakk Ø, Seiler S, Tønnessen E. The Training Characteristics of World-Class Distance Runners: An Integration of Scientific Literature and Results-Proven Practice. Sports Med Open. 2022 Apr 1;8(1):46. 

Dubinina E, Korostovtseva LS, Rotar O, Amelina V, Boyarinova M, Bochkarev M, Shashkova T, Baranova E, Libis R, Duplyakov D, Sviryaev Y, Konradi A, Shlyakhto E. Physical Activity Is Associated With Sleep Quality: Results of the ESSE-RF Epidemiological Study. Front Psychol. 2021 Aug 5;12:705212. 

Pinckard K, Baskin KK, Stanford KI. Effects of Exercise to Improve Cardiovascular Health. Front Cardiovasc Med. 2019 Jun 4;6:69.

Franklin BA, Eijsvogels TMH, Pandey A, Quindry J, Toth PP. Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular health: A clinical practice statement of the ASPC Part I: Bioenergetics, contemporary physical activity recommendations, benefits, risks, extreme exercise regimens, potential maladaptations. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2022 Oct 13;12:100424. 

Venkatasamy VV, Pericherla S, Manthuruthil S, Mishra S, Hanno R. Effect of Physical activity on Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Aug;7(8):1764-6. 

The post How Much Cardio Is Too Much? Running Coaches Weigh In appeared first on BarBend.

In the journey towards a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle, we often focus on the visible benefits of exercise: a leaner figure, improved endurance, and a stronger heart.

However, there’s an often-overlooked benefit that could rekindle your enthusiasm for regular workouts: a thriving love life.

Yes, you read that right. Engaging in consistent cardiovascular exercise isn’t just good for your physical health; it could also boost your bedroom game.

Let’s explore a compelling study that connects the dots between your fitness routine and your romantic wellbeing.

Addressing a Common Concern

Sexual dysfunction is a topic that many shy away from, yet it’s surprisingly prevalent across genders worldwide. A 1994 study found that 52 percent of men will experience some form of ED in his lifetime.

Imagine if a simple, accessible solution lay within our reach—regular cardiovascular exercise.

The Research That Sheds Light

Led by researchers Kirkpatrick B. Fergus and Thomas W. Gaither, a global study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of cardiovascular fitness in protecting against sexual dysfunction.

The study involved thousands of participants from different countries, who provided insights into their exercise habits and sexual health.

Methodology and Discoveries

Participants’ levels of physical activity were meticulously recorded and analyzed against their experiences with sexual function. The research accounted for various factors that could influence the outcomes, such as age, lifestyle, and existing health conditions.

The findings were both clear and encouraging: men who engaged in regular cardiovascular exercise reported a significant decrease in the likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED), while women noted improved sexual function, including enhanced arousal and satisfaction. This research suggests that an active lifestyle could be a key component in fostering a more satisfying intimate life.

What It Means for You

A study suggests that people who did only 90 weekly minutes of cardiovascular exercise saw a 20 percent improvement in dysfunction.

For those already enjoying an active lifestyle, as well as anyone contemplating a more fitness-oriented path, this study presents an additional, compelling reason to embrace physical activity.

The benefits of cardiovascular exercise extend beyond the physical realm, offering improvements in sexual health for both men and women. It’s a holistic approach to wellbeing, ensuring you not only look your best but feel your best—in every aspect of life.

Key Takeaways

Before you consider skipping your next workout, remember the broader spectrum of benefits that regular physical activity offers.

Cardiovascular fitness is not only a cornerstone of physical health but also a gateway to a more vibrant, satisfying love life.

This insight serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of our health, where enhancing one aspect can lead to positive changes in other areas, sometimes in ways we least expect.

In Summary

This groundbreaking research underscores the significant impact of cardiovascular exercise on sexual function and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re a swimmer, cyclist, runner, or someone looking to enrich your health, embracing cardio can do wonders. Your heart, and potentially your love life, will thank you. Here’s to a healthier, happier you—both physically and romantically.

References:

Feldman, H A et al. “Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.” The Journal of urology vol. 151,1 (1994): 54-61. doi:10.1016/s0022-5347(17)34871-1

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609519311646

Bacon, Constance G et al. “A prospective study of risk factors for erectile dysfunction.” The Journal of urology vol. 176,1 (2006): 217-21. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(06)00589-1

For cardio enthusiasts, indoor cycling can be a great discipline thanks to its low-impact nature and beneficial influence on aerobic capacity and training performance. (1) However, the best recumbent bikes — like the Schwinn 230 — take this low-impact aesthetic further by placing athletes in a reclined position as opposed to the saddled setup you’d experience with other silhouettes.

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike can be a fruitful option for cardio-minded athletes, especially those that find discomfort and joint pain when training atop other indoor cycling setups. In testing this budget-minded profile, we appreciated how adjustable the seat was, and found the workouts to be a nice blend of challenge and comfort. This isn’t the most tech-riddled home gym machine — you’re still dealing with a non-backlit LCD display with no streaming capabilities — but for less than $600, it can be a positive addition to your training space nonetheless.

Main Takeaways

The Schwinn 230 weighs 80 pounds and takes up 12.31 square feet of space, which can be great for athletes training in tight quarters or those who need to regularly rearrange their home gym setups.

While this recumbent bike can be integrated with workout apps like Zwift or Explore the World via Bluetooth, you cannot stream on-demand or live workouts through the 5.5-inch segmented LCD display.

The profile itself uses a lot of plastic, which can be a cause for concern in relation to this recumbent exercise bike’s durability.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Highlights

Price: $599

Resistance Levels: 16

Weight Capacity: 300lbs

Product Dimensions: 64″ L x 27.7″ W x 44″ H

Display: 5.5” Segmented LCD

Warranty: 10-Year Frame, 2-Year Mechanical Parts, 1-Year Electronics, 90-Day Labor

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent features a footprint of 12.31 square feet, which equates to less space required for your average loveseat. (2) Additionally, despite the elongated shape, this piece of home fitness equipment weighs just 80 pounds. For reference, the average best exercise bike clocks in around 115 pounds, making the Schwinn 230 a more portable design overall (front transport wheels don’t hurt its maneuverability, either).

As far as weight capacity, this recumbent bike can support a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. While this can be great for most athletes, larger individuals may need a sturdier makeup. The contoured seat itself features an ergonomic design for added comfort, and the ventilated hole pattern across the backrest and saddle can allow for improved airflow and coziness during workouts.

Our tester training with the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

The seat area also boasts two side handlebars for bracing and support. These handles also have embedded pulse sensors in them for heart rate monitoring, although our tester, a certified personal trainer, warns that these on-unit sensors aren’t as trustworthy as a chest strap monitor or your tried-and-true fitness tracker. “I’m always weary of the accuracy of those, so I’d err on the side of caution and just pair your own device via the Bluetooth capabilities,” they added.

From a workout perspective, this recumbent bike comes equipped with 13 varying preset programs that can run through the 16 available levels of resistance across the magnetic resistance system. These can be excellent for fine-tuning your workouts each day, but admittedly, the interaction is not on par with other best cardio machines that feature a large display capable of streaming popular online workout programs. Thankfully, the Schwinn 230 does have a convenient media shelf for DIY streaming and viewing setups.

Speaking of the display, the Schwinn 230 is equipped with a 5.5-inch segmented LCD monitor. We found this console to be great for its purpose, with easy-to-read metrics for speed, RPM, heart rate, calories burned, distance, and time. However, we advise that you use this machine in a well-lit area since the LCD screen is not backlit. You could be hard-pressed to interpret the readouts if overhead lighting is not in your favor.

Pros

The Schwinn 230 is lightweight and compact enough for easy maneuvering around your space at 80 pounds and taking up just 12.31 square feet of space.

The perimeter-weighted flywheel runs smoothly through the 16 available resistances, keeping in-workout noise and hums to a minimum.

This recumbent bike features an ergonomic, ventilated seat for added comfort and airflow during hard workout sessions.

Cons

The Bluetooth connectivity only applies to heart rate monitors — you cannot stream workouts or play music across the 5.5-inch LCD display.

According to our tester, there is no backlit feature across the console, which can make it difficult to read in low-light conditions.

There is a good bit of plastic across the design, which may be prone to durability issues if used and abused regularly or handled haphazardly in your home gym.

Training with the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Our tester, a certified personal trainer, hopped in and pedaled along with the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike for multiple weeks, testing the machine’s ability and effectiveness in providing worthwhile, progressive, and (above all else) enjoyable workouts day in and day out. Trials included manually-controlled sessions where our tester toggled the resistance, along with preset programs chosen from the preset library of 13 available training modules.

We used a multi-point methodology to rate the Schwinn 230 in categories such as workout experience, tech capabilities, adjustability, durability, and more, scoring on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).

Testing the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

Overall, we felt the Schwinn 230 delivered a worthwhile experience that could have a positive impact on most training regimens, especially for those that require a more comfortable body positioning with less strain across the back and joints. Read below to see some of our key points and callouts as a result of our trial findings.

[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees]

Perimeter-Weighted Flywheel

To get things moving in a given workout, the Schwinn 230 uses a perimeter-weighted flywheel to turn the pedals and initiate the resistance levels. According to our tester, this component is heavy enough to give each pedal stroke a smooth yet quiet sensation, making this cardio machine a great pick for home workouts that require a little more awareness around other house dwellers or napping children.

Schwinn 230 flywheel

Additionally, the drive system uses magnetic resistance, which eliminates the need for any interference across the flywheel to give your training sessions a sense of challenge. Plus, magnetic resistance systems can require less maintenance and upkeep over time, leading to less mechanical worries as you plan out your weekly workout plans.

[Related: Recumbent Bikes Vs. Upright Bikes — Which Is Best for Your Goals?]

LCD Display

In terms of tech capabilities our tester rated the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike at 3.5 out of 5, mostly due to the simple 5.5-inch LCD display. While there is a USB port for charging your devices along with Bluetooth connectivity, there is no option to stream your music or workout programs through the console itself. However, we did appreciate the integrated media shelf that allowed us to create our own streaming setup for in-training views.

Schwinn 230 LCD display

Despite the lack of embedded tech, our tester did still find the workout experience enjoyable across the unit, scoring it at 4.5 out of 5. “I do like how the system can support up to two user profiles, and the ability to perform fitness tests can be great for beginners that need a benchmark for their training goals moving forward,” they added.

Contoured, Ventilated Seat

In addition to the simplified tech capabilities, our tester also enjoyed the ergonomic seat featured atop the Schwinn 230. Recumbent bikes, on average, can provide a better sense of back support than other indoor bikes, with upright bikes being the only true alternative with minor backrests (if you’re lucky). We rated the comfort at 4.5 out of 5, as we had no issues with finding that ideal setup across the reclined stance for optimal performance in training.

Additionally, we enjoyed the Schwinn 230’s ventilation pattern strewn across the bucket-style seat. “It basically looks like it’s been hit with a hole punch over and over again, but this allows for more airflow to prevent your back from getting too sweaty,” stated our tester in reference to their 4.5 out of 5 rating for the Schwinn 230’s comfort.

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike ventilated seat

In addition to the seat, we also appreciated the inclusion of a convenient water bottle holder at the base of the seat. We feel this is a must-have accessory for all exercise bikes, but we still feel it’s worth calling out in content such as this.

[Related: The Best Water Bottles For Sports, Flip Tops, and More]

What to Consider Before Buying the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

According to Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer as well as a certified personal trainer, “Recumbent bikes open up the cycling experience to more people, particularly those with back, hip, or knee issues. The reclined position reduces stress on the lumbar spine and does not require as much flexibility in the hip joints.” As such, you want to ensure your cardio machine is right for your space and preferences. Below are a handful of components we’d recommend thinking through when looking to add a recumbent bike like the Schwinn 230 to your setup.

Footprint

Recumbent bikes can be relatively compact despite their elongated silhouettes. On average, most bikes come in between 11 and 13 square feet in terms of footprint. The Schwinn 230 sits right in the middle of this range with a 12.31-square-foot presence. Before deciding on a unit, it can be wise to break out your measuring tape and confirm just how much space you have to give.

You’ll also need to account for the fact that recumbent bikes rarely feature any foldable conveniences for easier storage, meaning the profile is going to constantly require its listed dimensions. This can be a hindrance to those living in tight quarters like apartments.

[Related: The 7 Best Treadmills for Apartments]

Workout Variety

As enjoyable as pedaling along with a recumbent bike can be, manually inputting your resistance for each interval can become boring and tiresome. So, it can help to find a machine with a roster of programming options, either built-in or available through a streamable best fitness app. Personal taste can vary, but if you do prefer the more visual experience of on-screen instructors and real-world simulated rides, you’ll also need to look for a profile boasting a large video display, or at least a handy media shelf for DIY setups.

Schwinn 230 center display

The Schwinn 230 is loaded with 13 preset programs for a range of intense yet progressive workouts. While the unit itself does not offer a screen capable of streaming your favorite fitness classes or entertainment services like Netflix or Hulu, there is a media shelf. Our tester stated that an iPad could easily rest along this shelving, giving you at least the opportunity to tune in as you tune out during training.

Weight Capacity

Capritto also recommends taking your recumbent bike’s durability into consideration. Yes, you can tell a lot about a bike’s structural integrity through the materials used and overall design — metal or carbon fiber compounds versus cheaper plastic — but an easier, quicker way to see if a machine is up to the challenge of regular use is through its listed weight capacity. 

Typically, most recumbent bikes can support athletes up to ratings between 300 and 350 pounds, so try to hone in on units offering such measurements and compare it to your current bodyweight. We also recommend giving your machine a bit of cushion from your current measurements, meaning if you weigh 300 pounds, it may be best to look for a more capable machine with a heavier weight rating around 350 pounds or more. 

This can help ensure that each workout session isn’t stressing the machine to its maximum capacity, which can help extend its useability and effectiveness further into the future without fear of damage or breakdown.

[Related: The 9 Best Exercise Bikes For Heavy People]

Schwinn 230 Vs. Other Top Competitors

We’ve tested over 15 different recumbent exercise bikes in past trials, with units spanning from budget-friendly to high-end. While workout experience and integrated conveniences can vary with different recumbent bikes at differing price ranges, there are still worthwhile picks for every financial situation. Below are three machines we found comparable to the Schwinn 230 — the NordicTrack Commercial R35, Horizon Comfort R Recumbent Bike, and Schwinn 290.

If you view the Schwinn 230 as a trusty family sedan, capable of getting you from A to B without much flair, the NordicTrack Commercial R35 is a Cadillac loaded with all of the luxuries and tech features you could dream up. The R35 comes with an integrated cooling fan, massive 25-inch touchscreen capable of streaming iFIT-powered live and on-demand workouts, as well as a large array of 26 digitally-controlled resistances to give your training the spunk it needs. However, like a Cadillac, you need to pay a premium for such treatment — the R35 is more than double the price of the Schwinn 230 at $1,499.

The next comparison to this Schwinn recumbent Bike is the Comfort R from Horizon Fitness. Both bikes feature a 5.5-inch LCD display along with 16 different resistance levels for low- or high-intensity circuits. The Comfort R is a little more durable given its 350-pound user weight rating, but does come with a higher price tag of $899. 

If you value extra durability (as well as a lifetime frame warranty) to the tune of $300, then we recommend the Horizon Fitness offering. However, if you’re looking for a near-similar workout experience while also saving a little coin, the Schwinn 230 takes the cake.

Finally, Schwinn has another recumbent bike in its lineup — the 290 Recumbent Bike. From our notes —we’ve also reviewed the Schwinn 290 Recumbent Bike — the driving difference between the 290 and 230 is a larger LCD screen, heavier weight capacity, and more resistance levels. This can be a good option for athletes really looking to push themselves through high-intensity circuits, although we’ve had success with both profiles, so it may be best to think through your budget and which Schwinn unit fits best.

Places to Buy the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike

You can purchase the Schwinn 230 directly from the brand’s webpage. Additionally, this recumbent bike is also available from third-party retailers including Target, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Amazon.

Customer Experience

In terms of ordering and assembling this Schwinn 230, our tester found the experience to be simple and easy. “Essentially, all I needed to do was add the legs, monitor, and other parts to the mainframe by screwing or bolting them into place,” they added. While there are a good bit of nuts and screws as a part of the puzzle, we feel the entire job can be completed by just one athlete. Schwinn does offer a professional assembly service for an additional $149, but we feel most athletes would be able to accomplish the task on their own.

Warranties

The Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike is covered by a multifaceted warranty package. According to the brand, this recumbent bike comes with 10-year coverage for the frame, 2-year coverage for mechanical parts, 1-year support for electronics, and 90-day support for labor.

Company Information

Schwinn Fitness offers a wide range of cardio equipment for both commercial and home use, from exercise bikes to treadmills, rowers, and ellipticals. If you need to speak to a team member, you can reach them at 800-605-3369, and be sure to check out their return policy if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. 

In Conclusion

While not the most tech-riddled recumbent bike we’ve tested, the Schwinn 230 is still a damn-fine piece of home gym equipment given its approachable price point of $599, simple yet organized LCD display, smooth operation, and comfortable seat. Recumbent bikes can be especially helpful for athletes dealing with nagging joint issues, so we also appreciate that Schwinn makes getting this unit into position as comforting as the workouts thanks to a lightweight 80-pound frame and convenient front transport wheels, too.

The preset workout programs are a little basic, and you cannot stream your favorite shows or training programs across the console (although there is a media shelf). However, if you’re looking to add some comfort to your cardio days, and don’t mind the bare-bones aesthetic, the Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike can be an excellent option for your training space.

FAQs

References

Chavarrias, M., Carlos-Vivas, J., Collado-Mateo, D., & Pérez-Gómez, J. (2019). Health benefits of Indoor Cycling: A Systematic Review. Medicina, 55(8), 452. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31443139/

Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/ 

The post Schwinn 230 Recumbent Bike Review (2024): A Budget-Friendly Recumbent Bike With Plenty of Get-Up appeared first on BarBend.

The Miami wellness brand continues to assemble an all-star team as it eyes franchise expansion, adding IFA Foundation chairman Dan Monaghan

Infinity, beyond fitness, a Miami-based wellness brand encompassing training, nutrition and recovery, has added Dan Monaghan as an investor and advisor as it bolsters its franchising expansion endeavors.

Monaghan, who will accelerate Infinity’s next growth phase, comes to the brand with a high level of franchising expertise, serving as chairman of the International Franchising Association’s IFA Foundation and a board member of the IFA itself.

“It’s a privilege to join the Infinity team during such a transformative phase,” Monaghan remarked. “The wellness sector is ripe for innovation, and Infinity’s comprehensive approach to health is exactly what the market needs. I’m eager to apply my franchise knowledge to amplify Infinity’s reach, bringing its groundbreaking wellness model to communities nationwide.”

Diego Guimaraes, CEO and co-founder of Infinity, says onboarding Monaghan is a milestone moment for the wellness brand.

“His proven track record in scaling businesses and his passion for making a positive impact align perfectly with our vision,” Guimaraes said. “As we embark on our franchising journey, Dan’s strategic insight will be invaluable in bringing our holistic wellness philosophy to a wider audience, transforming lives one community at a time.”

Hitting on holistic health trends, Infinity, beyond fitness, offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, with personalized plans including Variable Intensity Interval Training (VIIT), nutrition guidance, recovery solutions and community support.

The brand’s Cocowalk location in Miami boats an extensive group training schedule and allows members to access the training studio at any time, even when classes aren’t in session. There is also a recovery zone with an infrared Cocoon Pod, HydroMassage Lounge, zero-gravity massage, Hyperice Normatec compression therapy and other Hyperice recovery products. 

Infinity’s Miami flagship studio is just the beginning, as the health and wellness brand looks to scale and attract franchisees looking to support wellness seekers while enjoying a boutique studio revenue model and multiple revenue streams. The initial franchise fee is $50,000, with a total initial investment of $550,570 – $1,284,250. 

The post Infinity, Beyond Fitness, Ramps Up Franchising Plans appeared first on Athletech News.

All exercise is effective at treating depression, but a new study shows that dance is best, and it may not be particularly close

Cutting a rug may help beat depression, according to new research.

An evidence review recently published by the BMJ that explores the optimal dose and modality of exercise for treating major depressive disorder shows that dance has significant promise for those suffering from depression — and is the most effective compared to other exercise methods. 

The research couldn’t be more timely, as dance proved to be the most popular exercise class in 2023 and shuffle dancing tutorials continue to dominate on TikTok.

Using 218 randomized trials involving 14,170 participants with depression, the researchers compared exercise as a treatment with “established” treatments (SSRI antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy), active controls (placebo, usual care) or untreated controls.

Although the authors emphasize that additional studies are needed, they note that based on their findings, dance in particular “appears to be a promising treatment for depression, with large effects found compared with other interventions in our review.” However, they also note that factors such as a small number of studies and low participant numbers prohibit them from recommending dance “more strongly.”

Still, the initial findings have impressed neuroscientist Erik Hoel.

“They buried the lede on this new study,” Hoel posted on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s not that exercise beats out SSRIs for depression treatment, but that *just* dancing has the largest effect of *any treatment* for depression. That’s kind of beautiful.”

Overall, the research suggests that the more vigorous the activity, the greater its mood-boosting benefits. 

While dance resulted in the largest reductions in depression, the authors noted moderation reductions from activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, strength training, mixed aerobic exercises and tai chi or qigong.

“Our findings support the inclusion of exercise as part of clinical practice guidelines for depression, particularly vigorous intensity exercise,” the authors stated. “Health systems may want to provide these treatments as alternatives or adjuvants to other established interventions, while also attenuating risks to physical health associated with depression.”

The reality of depression spans the globe, with approximately 280 million people dealing with the mental health issue. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% globally.

As people look for more holistic health and wellness options, the recent findings may have more people looking to incorporate dance into their routines, whether that’s jamming out to their favorite songs or attending a Zumba class either in-person or virtually.

Unlike other fitness modalities, dancing is one of the few that can entice even the most hesitant exercisers with its fun appeal and an experience that doesn’t feel like a conventional workout. There are still benefits, of course — dancing is a full-body workout that burns calories and improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, endurance and muscular strength. 

The post Dancing Has Profound Mental Health Benefits, Study Finds appeared first on Athletech News.