As pickleball grows to rival other sports, Life Time offers a solution to the common issues of playability, helping fitness pros enhance their offerings

Life Time has announced a new development in pickleball equipment: The Ultimate Pickleball, a ball designed to address common issues of inconsistent speed, bounce and durability that players often encounter. 

Pickleball has rapidly become a key component in many fitness centers, appealing to a broad range of participants due to its accessibility and social aspects. According to the annual Topline Participation Report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), 13.6 million Americans tried their hand at pickleball last year. 

This figure puts pickleball in the same league as baseball (16.7 million participants) and outdoor soccer (14.1 million), even surpassing downhill skiing (13.1 million). With such growth, the need for high-quality equipment has never been more pressing.

Pickleball has seen a flurry of activity this year. The Picklr, a Utah-based indoor pickleball franchise that counts former NFL player Drew Brees as an investor, owner/area developer of 30 locations across the Midwest and brand ambassador, recently closed its Series B funding round at a $59 million valuation, bringing its total raise to $9 million.

One of the persistent challenges in maintaining high-quality pickleball programs, according to Life Time, has been the variability in equipment, especially the balls used in play. The inconsistency in speed and bounce, along with the lack of durability, can frustrate players and affect the overall experience. 

The Ultimate Pickleball, developed under the leadership of Life Time’s CEO Bahram Akradi, aims to solve these issues, offering a more consistent and durable option for players.

“A clear opportunity that emerged was to advance the quality of gameplay and participants’ experiences with a vastly improved pickleball,” Akradi said. “I always welcome the opportunity to solve challenges and am excited to launch our Ultimate Pickleball as a solution to offer right weight, speed, hole distribution and material to support consistent play and durability.”

The Ultimate Pickleball will debut exclusively in Life Time clubs later this month and be used at all Pickleball Classic tournaments. Later, the ball will be available for sale at Life Time’s racquet sports pro shops and online.

Life Time, the largest owner and operator of permanent pickleball and indoor tennis courts, now boasts over 960 courts dedicated to these two popular sports. Since beginning its investment in pickleball in 2021, Life Time has established more than 600 permanent pickleball courts across the country. In 2023, the company reported a 51% increase in the number of pickleball players utilizing its courts.

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With a total of 26 locations across seven states, Somersault Holdings is officially the brand’s largest multi-unit franchisee

The Little Gym has been serving children ages 4 months to 12 years old and their families for nearly 50 years. Now, it’s growing faster than ever before.

Somersault Holdings, the largest franchisee of The Little Gym International, has announced plans for expansion across the U.S. amid massive company growth.

The Little Gym, founded by educator Robin Wes in 1976, launched its franchise concept in 1992 and now boasts nearly 400 locations across 31 countries. Wes’s goal was to create a space where children could build confidence and develop essential life skills while having fun.

With gymnastic classes like “Bugs” for ages 4 to 10 months and “Flips/Hot Shots/Twisters” for ages 6 to 12, The Little Gym offers a myriad of class options for its members, which will soon be available to the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Eastern New Jersey market.

“The business acumen brought forward by the Somersault group and their overall passion for highlighting The Little Gym’s mission and brand in each of these communities over the past year has been incredible,” said Little Gym Brand President Nancy Bigley. “Their continued growth within the system is a testament to their dedication and strategic efforts.”

Somersault Holdings became The Little Gym’s largest franchise operator after its creation by Unleashed Brands in 2023. In less than a year, the private equity-backed franchisee has tripled in size, now employing nearly 300 people. The group initially acquired 20 Little Gym studios and has since opened one new location, with plans to open five more in North Carolina and New Jersey.

Griffin Gordon of Taurus Capital Partners, which leads Somersault Holdings’ investments in The Little Gym, says the franchise partnership and consequent investments have been successful. 

“We are ecstatic to continue growing this impactful child development brand nationwide, as we’ve already experienced tremendous success in the gyms we’ve acquired,” Gordon said. 

“The professional support from Unleashed Brands over the past year has exceeded our expectations. We are excited about the future of both Unleashed Brands and The Little Gym, given the significant investments in infrastructure, technology and marketing being directed into the franchise system.”

Somersault Holdings is owned by Unleashed Brands, with a portfolio that currently includes Urban Air, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning, Snapology, XP League, Class 101 and Premier Martial Arts.The company has over 2,000 operating and in-development franchise locations.

The post The Little Gym Announces U.S. Expansion After Franchise Group Triples In Size appeared first on Athletech News.

The weight-loss solutions company is filling the gap between medications and nutrition with its Custom Meal Plans

FuturHealth, a weight-loss solutions company, has announced the launch of its Custom Meal Plans. GLP-1 medications, which are predicted to be used by 9% of the U.S. population by 2035, have drastically changed the wellness landscape. With many consumers confused about how to pair weight loss with nutrition, FuturHealth’s Custom Meal Plans seek to provide additional support.

“As the wellness industry moves away from quick fixes and embraces holistic approaches, FuturHealth is at the forefront of this transformation. We combine the latest scientific advancements with consumer needs, providing a comprehensive 360-degree lifestyle solution,” said Sabrina Burgi, chief operating officer of FuturHealth. “Our Custom Meal Plans exemplify our commitment to innovation in weight management. By pairing nutrition with medication, we address the uncertainty many face regarding dietary changes while on GLP-1s, promoting a healthier lifestyle during and after their use.”

FuturHealth notes that GLP-1 medications are effective for up to 20% of body weight loss before reaching a plateau. FuturHealth provides personalized meal plans to alleviate these dietary uncertainties for GLP-1 users for sustainable weight loss. Meals include options like Kickin’ Chicken Fried Rice, Southwestern Style Scramble, Cheesy Turkey Rotini, and Ancient Grain Bowl, among others.

With a growing customer base and over 1 million consumers who have successfully lost weight, FuturHealth provides personalized guidance from a network of 6,000 physicians, including MDs and RDs. The company also uses AI technology to manage the medication journey, scheduling necessary blood work 15 days in advance and sending reminders via app and text. The platform maintains a flexible supply chain with MSOs and pharmacies

“Our new Custom Meal Plans are developed by top dietitians and chefs, ensuring high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals that support our customers’ wellness goals effectively and sustainably,” added Burgi. “This launch marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine the future of health and nutrition.”

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New research underscores the importance of individualized fasting and nutrition plans to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes

A study led by UTHealth Houston has revealed critical insights into the pre-operative preparation of people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists. The study found that over half of these patients had significant gastric contents before undergoing surgery, despite adhering to standard pre-operative fasting guidelines. This discovery emphasizes the urgent need for personalized nutrition and fasting protocols for patients on GLP-1 medications.

Kylie Bensley, a registered dietitian and founder of Sulinu Nutrition, has been at the forefront of addressing these nutritional needs. Bensley underscores the critical role individualized nutrition plans play in ensuring patient safety and optimal health outcomes.

“This study brings to light a crucial aspect of patient care that has often been overlooked,” Bensley states. “Those using a GLP-1 are on a hypocaloric diet that can potentially lead to nutrient depletion. Nutrient depletion creates enormous challenges during the postoperative healing process: slow recovery, reopened wounds, infections. Because the human body requires an excess of calories following surgery, these medications can have an adverse effect and actually create malnutrition, which hinders healing.”

The implications of these findings are significant for fitness professionals, who often work closely with clients on weight loss medications. With the increasing popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, fitness professionals need to be aware of the unique risks associated with these medications. Understanding how GLP-1s can slow gastric emptying and impact nutrient absorption is crucial for providing comprehensive care and informed recommendations.

“Standard fasting protocols may not be adequate for individuals on GLP-1s. As healthcare providers, we must recognize the unique needs of these patients and tailor our pre-operative instructions to ensure their safety,” continues Bensley.

This call to action is vital for fitness professionals who aim to improve overall health and wellness, including helping to prepare clients for potential surgical procedures through educated programming. They can play a pivotal role in supporting their clients through informed guidance on nutrition, within scope of practice. By doing so, people can be better protected from potential complications, leading to improved surgical outcomes.

The post Study: Need for Personalized Nutrition Protocols for People on GLP-1 Medications appeared first on Athletech News.

Sweating may keep your body from overheating, but it comes with some drawbacks — mainly fluid and electrolyte loss, especially if your skin seems to be constantly glistening. If you’re looking to replace some of those lost fluids with one of the best electrolyte supplements, you might stumble across LMNT, an electrolyte powder you mix with water.

Just how much sodium (salt) do you lose when you sweat? I.e., do you really need electrolytes? According to a study, active athletes in hot weather can lose up to 7,000 milligrams of sodium a day through sweat! (1) LMNT helps replenish lost sodium and other electrolytes that drip away when you sweat. To bring you the best info on this supp, our experts use our supplement testing methodology to pore over aspects like the formula (I’ll weigh in with my thoughts as an RD!), cost, and our expert first-hand product testing experience. After testing two dozen electrolytes, we think LMNT is a solid sugar-free choice for electrolytes that our testers find very effective at replenishing what they’ve sweated out (while tasting great). Let’s jump into our full LMNTreview.

Editor’s note: 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.

Main Takeaways

LMNT is an electrolyte powder containing key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

The sugar-free formulation uses stevia as a sweetener, making it keto- and paleo-friendly.

Glowing customer reviews and an excellent refund policy mean there is no risk to trying LMNT for the first time.

LMNT Specs

LMNT electrolyte drink mix provides the electrolytes sodium chloride (salt), magnesium, and potassium. It’s sugar-free and sweetened with stevia, which our expert testers and the majority of reviewers (thousands of them!) are pleased with in terms of taste. Because of its higher sodium content (1,000 milligrams per serving), LMNT is ideal if you’re sweating a lot, which can cause sodium loss.

Packets of LMNT in a home gym

Because it’s free of sugar and artificial sweeteners, LMNT is suitable for keto diets and paleo diets. It’s also gluten-free and vegan-friendly, so almost anyone can use it. Its one-time purchase price is in the middle of the range for similar products we’ve tested, so it’s not the cheapest nor most expensive option. If you want to lower the price per serving, there are subscribe and save options with free shipping on all orders directly from LMNT.

After trying it out, our product testers are now fans of LMNT and feel like it makes a difference in how their hydration levels. One of BarBend’s expert product testers says: “When I’m taking LMNT, I do feel like I’m better hydrated. That might be because it tastes so good that I’m encouraged to drink more water, to be fair. But yes, it definitely feels like it works.” 

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use LMNT

Electrolytes like LMNT can be very beneficial, but they might not be the best fit for everyone. This is especially true given how high LMNT is in sodium compared to other electrolyte replacements out there.

Recommended for:

LMNT is a great option if you sweat a lot, whether from endurance athletic endeavors or simply spending long periods in hot or humid weather. It can also be a good option if you’re losing body fluids for any other reason, some of which are health-related like chronic vomiting or diarrhea. 

Not Recommended for:

LMNT is high in sodium, so it’s not recommended if you need to restrict your sodium intake for any reason. If you have health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver issues, LMNT might not be a good fit for you. If you’re unsure if you need to limit your sodium intake, reach out to your healthcare provider before using LMNT.

Our Experience Using LMNT Product

Whether you’re an athlete looking to supplement lost electrolytes from sweat or just want to catch up on hydration, you might find yourself looking for an electrolyte powder like LMNT. One of our product testers used it “just because”: “Sometimes, there are those long weekends when you forget to prioritize the basics like hydration. That’s when I first tried LMNT.” Another product tester adds, “I definitely am having my thirst quenched during pregnancy, which is no small task.”

Pouring LMNT into a cup

Not all electrolyte powders or drinks are created equally — some contain added sugar, while others include extras like B vitamins or other essential minerals. We look at some of the most important factors when using LMNT to help you determine whether it’s a good fit for your electrolyte needs and fluid balance.

Ingredients and Formulation

The main electrolytes in LMNT are sodium (sodium chloride), magnesium, and potassium. Considering sodium and chloride are the most abundant electrolytes lost in sweat, it makes sense that sodium (in the form of sodium chloride) is the most abundant electrolyte in LMNT. (2)

The biggest thing to point out about LMNT is the sodium content. Compared to other electrolyte powders and some of the best electrolyte drinks, LMNT is quite high in sodium with 1,000 milligrams per serving (double the amount in similar products.)

The current recommendation per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to limit sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day (and most people eat way more than that thanks to processed foods,) so is 1,000 milligrams too much? Interestingly, some studies suggest that a more optimal range of sodium is between 3,000 to 5,000 milligrams per day to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes. (3) For those with higher electrolyte needs or greater fluid losses, the higher sodium content of LMNT electrolyte powder may come as a pro, not a con. 

Potassium and magnesium are also present in sweat, so I like that LMNT contains these electrolytes in its formulation (60 milligrams of magnesium and 200 milligrams of potassium per packet). Many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diet, which can impact both overall wellness and athletic performance, while getting enough magnesium likely comes with athletic advantages. (4)

LMNT in front of weight plates

LMNT electrolytes are sugar-free and utilize stevia as a sweetener. While some athletes need to take in carbs or sugar to fuel during prolonged exercise (such as long-distance runners), not everyone needs the sugar that comes in electrolyte-infused sports drinks. I like that LMNT is just focused on the electrolytes, and if you need sugar you can add that on your own. It’s also free of artificial ingredients, artificial colors, and fillers.

For overall formulation, I give LMNT a 4.5 out of 5 as a registered dietitian. I like the simple ingredients list that includes the electrolytes most prevalently lost in sweat. I’m a big fan of LMNT being sugar-free (without the use of artificial sweeteners) since not everyone needs sugar along with the electrolytes. 

I’m deducting half a point for the higher sodium content per serving, which might be too much for the average person looking for an electrolyte drink, especially if you’re used to the sodium content of some of the best sports drinks, such as the increasingly popular coconut water. However, you can always use less than a full packet of LMNT if needed, and many people welcome the higher sodium content — so this is a bit subjective!

The use of “natural flavor” is a bit ambiguous in terms of ingredient transparency, which also plays a role in the half-point deduction for the formulation. Ideally, the sources of flavors will be clearly labeled.

Taste

One of BarBend’s expert product testers rave about the taste of LMNT flavors, saying:“When I tested out the Mango Chili flavor, it was more savory than it was sweet. At first, you do get that sweetness from the mango, but then the chili heat is what lingers. It’s not too much heat, though — a good amount. A solid 4.5 out of 5.”

Another one of our testers offers their feedback on the flavor of LMNT: “It took me a couple of packets to get into the taste, because it was more salty than what I’m used to drinking. But after the third packet, I’m not going to lie — I started really liking it. It wasn’t overly salty, and it was nice because it’s a great thirst-quencher. I was never not thirsty throughout my pregnancy, so this was great. Plus, it’s got no sugar, which I like.”

With something as salty as LMNT, you need a little bit of sweetness to offset the saltiness, which makes it more palatable and enjoyable to use. LMNT is sugar-free, but it has a sweet flavor thanks to stevia, a natural sugar alternative. Our tester sums up their opinion of the stevia taste in LMNT: “Give me a 30-day supply any time. I love the flavor so much. Doesn’t taste artificial at all, and it’s super refreshing.”

Solubility

LMNT’s flavor was well-received by our product testers, but how does it fare in terms of solubility? After all, there’s nothing worse than having gritty, crunchy salt at the bottom of your water bottle! 

Never fear —  LMNT knocks it out of the park for its solubility. Our expert product testers gives LMNT a perfect score. One of them explains: “This dissolves perfectly, just like you’d want it to. A definite 5 out of 5.”

Price Per Serving

LMNT is priced at $1.50 per serving, which is single-stick packet. This is middle-of-the-road compared to some of the similar products we’ve tested and reviewed (check the comparison table below.)

LMNT next to a phone

If you’re using more than a couple of packets of LMNT per day, that adds up quickly and can get to be pretty expensive. If you only use LMNT during strenuous exercise or certain conditions, then it’ll likely be worth it given the convenience of the electrolytes without added sugars.

[Related: How to Make a Homemade Electrolyte Drink]

Third-Party Testing

LMNT isn’t third-party tested, and they explain why on their website, saying, “…our tasty electrolyte drink mix is considered a beverage, not a supplement. That’s why LMNT has a nutrition facts panel rather than a supplement panel. It’s not eligible for the official blue [third-party tested] circle.”

It’s worth noting that some of the similar products we compare LMNT against (like Transparent Labs) considers their product a supplement, not a drink — and supplements are eligible for being NSF third-party tested.

What to Consider Before Buying LMNT Product

Our team tested over 20 different electrolyte products along with LMNT, so there are plenty of options out there for you to consider. Which electrolyte is best for you depends on unique factors like your health history, activity level, and the type of climate you’re in.

Sodium content: LMNT is higher in sodium compared to similar products, which might be too high for some people.

Sugar content: Unlike some electrolyte supplements, LMNT is sugar-free.

Sweeteners used: Regular sugar and stevia are common sweeteners in some of the electrollyte supplements — LMNT uses stevia.

Other electrolytes: In addition to sodium, LMNT contains the electrolytes magnesium and potassium.

LMNT Product Vs. Competitors

LMNT isn’t the only product vying to earn its spot as your favorite electrolyte powder. It’s hard to ascertain how much bang for your buck you’re getting without comparing LMNT to similar products, which is why we do a side-by-side comparison with similar top-rated products.

LMNT, Liquid I.V., Transparent Labs HYDRATE, and BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die are all electrolyte powders meant to promote hydration and electrolyte balance, which can be disrupted through increased sweating and overall fluid loss. The main differences between these products are the sodium content, sugar content, flavor options, and price. (Some products contain added vitamins like B vitamins as well, but the main stats to compare are the electrolytes and sugar content.)

BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die contains sugar (7 grams per stick pack) from coconut water powder, and Liquid I.V. contains 12 to 13 grams of carbs (primarily from sugar) per serving. (Liquid I.V. makes a sugar-free version, but that’s not the kind we’re including in our comparison.) LMNT and Transparent Labs HYDRATE are sugar-free and sweetened with stevia. LMNT is the highest in sodium with 1,000 milligrams per serving, while the other products contain 490 to 670 milligrams of sodium per serving.

LMNT, Liquid I.V., and BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die are very similar in price at $1.50 to $1.89 per serving, while Transparent Labs HYDRATE is notably cheaper at $0.75 per serving. One of the likely reasons for the price discrepancy is that Transparent Labs HYDRATE comes in a canister with a scoop, while the other products are in single-serving packets, which adds both convenience and higher cost from the additional packaging. 

Places to Buy LMNT Product

LMNT website

Amazon

Thrive Market

The Feed

Local nutrition stores

Customer Experience and Brand Reputation

If purchasing directly from LMNT, you can enjoy free shipping on all orders with no minimum amount. In addition to enjoying free shipping, LMNT has a “no questions asked” refund policy, and you don’t even have to send the product back if you’re requesting a refund.

LMNT is highly rated based on customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on nearly 32,000 reviews on their website. On Amazon, LMNT’s variety pack has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 18,000 reviews.

Like LMNT says, “We get it. Salty isn’t for everyone.” Given LMNT’s excellent refund policy and glowing customer reviews, there’s no risk in trying it out for the first time!

Our Final Verdict on LMNT 

LMNT is a highly rated sugar-free electrolyte powder with simple, straight-to-the-point ingredients. It’s priced competitively and comes in convenient single-use packets. Our product testers are big fans of the taste and solubility of LMNT, and there are several choices to find your favorite flavor. If you’re not a fan after you try it for the first time, LMNT has an unbeatable refund policy — and one of our testers took a couple tries to start really enjoying it, too.

Of all our electrolyte reviews, we’ve know that LMNT is higher in sodium compared — that’s one of the biggest things to consider when deciding if it’s right for you. If you don’t need the full amount of sodium, you can always use half of a packet — but if you’re losing a lot of sweat through exercise or time spent in hot climates, then it could be a great match.

Bottom line: as a dietitian who is currently going for hours-long training runs for an upcoming marathon, I know LMNT is a great option to replace the salt tablets I normally carry.

LMNT FAQs

References

Shirreffs, S.M., Sawka, M.N. (2011). Fluid and electrolyte needs for training, competition, and recovery. Journal of sports sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22150427/ 

Sherman, T. Siekaniec, C., Johnson, S. (n.d.) What’s in Your Sweat? American Sports and Performance Dietitians Association. https://www.sportsrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Whats-In-Your-Sweat.pdf

Mente, A., O’Donnell, M., Yusuf, S. (2021) Sodium intake and health: What should we recommend based on the current evidence? Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34579105/

Zhang, Y., Xun, P., Wang, R., Mao, L., & He, K. (2017, August 28). Can magnesium enhance exercise performance? Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622706/ 

The post LMNT Review (2024): Insights From an RD appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 CrossFit Games will resume on Friday, Aug. 9, following the death of Lazar Đukić during the competition’s first event on Thursday. 

All Games events were suspended immediately after as the CrossFit community came to grips with the tragedy.

The community has shown an outpouring of love for Đukić, with everyone from fitness brands to fellow athletes sharing heartfelt messages about the CrossFit veteran.

On Thursday night, CrossFit HQ released the following statement:

“After careful thought and many conversations internally, with athletes, and with Lazar Đukić’s family, it’s been decided that the CrossFit Games will continue throughout the remainder of the weekend at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.” 

Friday’s events will begin with a special tribute to Đukić at Dickies Arena at 10:00 a.m. CT. Here’s the full schedule for the day:

10 a.m. – Special tribute honoring Lazar Đukić

11 a.m. – Team event

12:20 p.m. – Individual event

4:50 p.m. – Team event

5:35 p.m. – Individual event

7:55 p.m. – Team event at Farrington Field

8:35 p.m. – Individual event at Farrington Field

10 p.m. – Competition ends for the day

The bottom line: The loss of Đukić will be felt for quite some time, and the lasting impact on the sport of CrossFit as a whole is still unknown. However, it’s clear that HQ and fellow athletes intend to continue with the Games competition through Sunday.

Featured image: Nicky Freymond

The post 2024 CrossFit Games Will Continue on Friday Following Death of Lazar Đukić appeared first on BarBend.

There are amplified health advantages to combining exercise with nature exposure

Want to swap your client’s regular exercise session for a brisk walk through a lush forest or a jog along a scenic trail? Go for it. According to recent findings, this simple change could significantly boost their overall well-being

A recent review published by Jay E. Maddock, PhD and Howard Frumkin, MD, in the journal Lifestyle Medicine delves into the growing recognition of the health benefits associated with physical activity in natural settings (PANS). Their work highlights the combined advantages of exercise and nature exposure, suggesting that natural environments may enhance the well-documented benefits of physical activity.

Despite widespread knowledge of the importance of physical activity, many Americans remain sedentary. Current CDC data reveals that over one-quarter of Americans reported no leisure-time physical activity in the past month, and only 24% meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines. This stagnation has driven researchers to explore new approaches to motivate inactive individuals.

Benefits of Green Exercise

Maddock and Frumkin’s review examines the existing evidence on PANS and its potential to offer additional health benefits compared to physical activity in indoor or urban settings. The concept of “green exercise” posits that natural environments might amplify the positive effects of physical activity. Research has shown mixed but promising results: outdoor activities in nature are often associated with improved mood, better cognitive function and increased enjoyment compared to equivalent indoor exercises.

For instance, studies cited in the review found that participants who walked on nature trails exhibited greater cognitive improvements and higher levels of meditative states than those who walked on indoor tracks. Similarly, outdoor cycling led to better social interactions and improved directed attention compared to indoor cycling.

The review also underscores the importance of access to natural spaces. Proximity to parks, trails, and other green spaces significantly increases the likelihood of physical activity. Community-level factors such as the availability of safe and well-maintained parks, programming, and social support further encourage the use of these spaces for exercise. Notably, the perception of safety and quality of these environments plays a critical role in their utilization.

Additionally, the researchers highlight the specific needs of various populations when promoting PANS. For marginalized communities, improving access to natural spaces can address health disparities and provide substantial benefits. However, caution is advised to prevent green gentrification, which can displace long-standing community members.

Nature’s Prescription

Health and wellness professionals are encouraged to play an active role in promoting PANS. Programs like “NatureRx” or “ParkRx,” where clinicians prescribe time in nature, have shown potential in increasing patients’ nature contact. Fitness professionals can also model this behavior, engage in community efforts to enhance outdoor spaces, and advocate for policies that direct health funds towards the creation and maintenance of parks and green spaces.

While the evidence around PANS is still developing, the review points to a promising approach for promoting two significant health behaviors simultaneously: physical activity and nature contact. Future research, particularly long-term studies, is needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and how best to implement PANS initiatives for diverse populations.

The post Research Highlights Benefits of Physical Activity in Natural Settings appeared first on Athletech News.

With bars, weight benches, power racks, functional trainers, specialty machines, and more, Titan Fitness equipment has made loads of our best-of lists for their budget-friendly price tags and high-quality builds. If you’re building your fitness sancturary with the best home gym equipment, Titan Fitness promo codes can ensure you won’t be doing any heavy lifting out of your bank account. 

The BarBend roster is stacked with competitive athletes, CrossFit coaches, and weekend warriors who have personally tested and trained with dozens of pieces of Titan Fitness gym equipment. While we’re big fans of these products, we’re even bigger fans of the following ways to save.

How to Find a Titan Fitness Promo Code (2024)

While you won’t find the typical military, first responder, or law enforcement discounts from this retailer, we have managed to scrounge up some deals, hacks, and places you can look for the best discounts on Titan Fitness equipment.

1. Titan Fitness Email and Text Signup

When you navigate your way onto the Titan Fitness website, you’ll find yourself immediately presented with a pop-up window offering 15% off your first sitewide order. To claim this Titan Fitness offer, you’ll need to supply your email address and phone number, which will sign you up for Titan Fitness email newsletters and automated promotional and marketing text messages.

Our BarBend tester doing a chin up on the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer.

2. Titan Fitness Price Adjustment Policy

If you purchase discounted or regularly-priced equipment directly from Titan Fitness, Titan Attachments, Titan Great Outdoors, or Titan Ramps, and that price drops within 24 hours, Titan Fitness will refund you the difference between the two prices.

Use this form to submit a price adjustment request. You’ll also need to submit a screenshot of the sale price and promotion. Keep in mind that this policy does not apply to Spend and Save promotions, coupon-initiated promotions, flash sales, Scratch & Dent items, or Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.

3. Titan Fitness Scratch & Dent

Titan Fitness offers select items in their Scratch & Dent category, where previously used items are sold at a discounted price. This equipment may have cosmetic damage and may also be missing hardware, but it’s one of the best Titan Fitness deals available, with discounts up to 31% off the original price. However, it’s important to note that these sales are final, so it’s best to proceed with caution when eyeing one of these items.

The 20-pound Titan Fitness Slam Ball.

4. Titan Fitness Weekly Deals

Titan offers, as of this writing, up to 40% off sale items at titan.fitness/collections/weekly-deals. These clearance items are constantly changing, so it’s worthwhile to pop in occasionally while you’re waiting for the leg extension machine of your dreams to go on sale.

5. Titan Fitness Free Shipping

Fitness equipment made from steel, chrome, and aluminum (to name a few) can be really heavy and expensive to ship. However, Titan Fitness offers free store-wide shipping on all of their used and new gear. However, while the return policy provides you with 30 days to make a return, you will need to cover the cost to ship the equipment back — plus a 20% restocking fee.

Our BarBend Tester sets up the red Titan Fitness Light Resistance Band.

6. Titan Fitness Financing

While not a Titan Fitness coupon code, the ability to get your equipment now and pay later is available. Titan uses Bread Pay to offer financing options to its customers. After a quick application that won’t impact your credit score, Bread Pay will provide you with your options of financing and payment plans.

When Do Titan Fitness Brand Products Go On Sale?

We know that the holiday season is the best time to find sales and discounts from popular stores. As such, we’ve put together ways to save from Titan Fitness and other brands on specific holidays. 

BarBend tester using Titan Fitness bench.

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 Titan Fitness Products

Titan Fitness is known for offering quality gear at a reasonable price, and we’ve gotten our hands on over 40 products from the brand — from slam balls and wall-mounted pull-up bars to leg presses, squat racks, and sleds. Below are a few of our favorite products from Titan.

Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition-Style Kettlebell

This kettlebell can be adjusted between 12 and 32 kilograms (26.5 to 70 pounds), making it one of the heaviest adjustable kettlebells we’ve tested. The competition-style build features a black powder coat, which should help it withstand the elements for years to come. 

Our tester using the Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell.

Read more about this Titan Fitness product in our Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition Kettlebell Review.

Titan Fitness Battle Rope

The Titan Fitness Battle Rope is made from poly Dacron, with high-quality PVC on the handles for a comfortable grip. It’s one of the best battle ropes we’ve tested, thanks to its customizable length and thickness.

BarBend tester using a Titan Battle Rope.

Titan Fitness Open Trap Bar

One of the best barbells we’ve tested, the Titan Fitness Open Trap Bar features an open bar design that allows for easier movement throughout carries and deadlifts. It also has a deadlift jack that makes loading and unloading weights a simpler task.

Why Choose Titan Fitness?

Titan Fitness is a well-known name in the home gym equipment industry. They offer free shipping on all of their items, and a 30-day return policy as long as your equipment is in like-new condition. Their equipment also tends to feature a 1-year manufacturer warranty, with the ability to extend this warranty to two and three years for an additional cost. We’ve tested a wide assortment of their available gear and believe this brand is a strong, budget-friendly competitor to Rogue, PRx, Force USA, and REP Fitness.

FAQs About Titan Fitness Promo Codes

The post Titan Fitness Promo Codes, Tried and Tested (2024) appeared first on BarBend.

Ka’Chava’s focus is on high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients that can help keep you fueled and full. Utilizing ginger, maca root, maqui berry, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and more, their Whole Food Nutrition powder contains over 85 superfoods, nutrients, and plant-based ingredients. Unlike the best protein powders, Ka’Chava operates more as a meal replacement, providing a balanced spread of macronutrients that includes 25 grams of protein, up to 8 grams of fat, and up to 25 grams of carbohydrates.

This is a premium product with a premium price tag, but fear not, because we’ve wrangled up Ka’Chava discount codes and deals to help you save.

How to Find a Ka’Chava Discount Code (2024)

Ka’Chava offers a wide range of ways to save on your storewide purchase. We’ve detailed the best Ka’Chava deals and discounts so you can maintain your health, wellness, and bank account.

1. Ka’Chava Email Signup

If you mosey over to kachava.com, it won’t be long before a pop-up prompts you to sign up and save. By submitting your email address, you’ll be consenting to receive promotional emails from Ka’Chava, and you’ll also score 10% off your first sitewide purchase.

2. Ka’Chava Refer a Friend

When you refer a friend, they’ll receive $15 off their first purchase, and you’ll receive 1,500 points (which translates to $15 off your next order). To refer a friend, you’ll need to claim a Ka’Chava promo code by submitting your email at kachava.com/rewards.

3. Ka’Chava Points and Rewards Club

Once you’ve created a Rewards Club account with Ka’Chava, you can earn points that can be put toward exclusive discounts on what we think is one of the best meal replacement shakes. Each 100 points you earn translates to $1. You can earn points by creating an account, liking Ka’Chava on Facebook, following Ka’Chava on Instagram or Spotify (yes, Ka’Chava’s got playlists), signing up for marketing text messages, referring a friend, making a purchase, or celebrating your birthday.

A BarBend tester opening a bag of Ka’Chava Whole Body Meal.

The more you shop with Ka’Chava, the more you’ll be rewarded. When you spend up to $299, you’ll be at the Bronze level tier, where you’ll receive two points for every $1 spent. Spend between $300 and $599 and you’ll level up to the Silver tier, where you’ll receive five points for every $1 spent. And when you spend $600 or more, you’ll be in the Gold tier, where each dollar spent nets you 10 points.

Your points expire a year from the date they were earned, and previous purchases (within the year) will retroactively show up as points once you sign up for Ka’Chava’s rewards program.

4. Ka’Chava Student and Graduate Discount

You can score 11% off your order once you’ve verified your student or graduate student status. This verification is powered by Student Beans and takes just a couple of minutes. Once your status is verified, you’ll be provided with a student discount code that you can enter at checkout.

To redeem this offer, visit kachava.com/exclusive-student-discounts. This discount can only be used once and cannot be combined with other Ka’Chava codes or offers.

5. Ka’Chava Military Discount and More

Identical to the student and graduate discounts offered, you can verify your military, first responder, teacher, healthcare, low-income, disability, parent, or charity worker status with Beans iD to receive an 11% off kachava.com coupon code, which can be used at checkout. 

A BarBend tester reading the Ka’Chava ingredient label.

This 11% off Ka’Chava code can be redeemed by visiting kachava.com/exclusive-student-discounts. This code is single use and cannot be stacked or paired with other promotional codes or special discounts.

6. Ka’Chava Exclusive Discounts Hack

There’s a way to redeem multiple codes by using VerifyPass instead of Student Beans or Beans iD. You can get your savings code through VerifyPass by visiting kachava.com/exclusive-discounts. Once verified with VerifyPass, you’ll receive a one-time discount code, but you’ll be free to claim a new code after 24 hours.

7. Ka’Chava Free Shipping

If you order two or more bags of Ka’Chava’s superfood plant-based shakes, or spend $99 on your order, you’ll receive free shipping. Otherwise, shipping costs an additional $7.95.

8. Ka’Chava Subscribe & Save

Similar to other supplement retailers, Ka’Chava offers a subscribe and save discount, which saves you $10 on each bag of Ka’Chava Superfood Whole Body Nutrition. You’ll be set up to receive a delivery once a month, and you can change your flavor and quantity (or cancel) at any time. Additionally, new subscribers will receive a free single-serve variety pack valued at $24.99 when they make their first subscription order.

When Do Ka’Chava Brand Products Go On Sale?

We love holidays because we get to hang out with our loved ones (and it’s the best time of year for sales). When a holiday weekend is on the horizon, be sure to check out the holiday sales pages listed below to see what sort of discounts Ka’Chava may be offering.

Supplement Facts on a bag of Ka’Chava

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 Ka’Chava Products

Ka’Chava products are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no preservatives or artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It’s also one of the best dairy-free protein powders we’ve tested. Our team of reviewers have tried and tested more than 150 protein powders and bars, and were pleasantly surprised by these select products from Ka’Chava.

Ka’Chava Superfood Whole Body Nutrition

I tested the Matcha flavor of this meal-replacement powder and loved the taste. Since I don’t drink caffeine anymore, it’s a great morning treat to start my day. The macro split — 8 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein — also helps fuel me for rounds of beach volleyball.

Our tester trying the Ka’Chava shake.

Read more about this Ka’Chava product in our Ka’Chava Meal Replacement Review.

Ka’Chava Snack Bar

If you like the convenience of protein bars, but want something that can actually fuel you up for your workout, the Ka’Chava Snack Bar provides balanced macros in the form of 13 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein. These bars come in a chocolate or peanut butter flavor.

Why Choose Ka’Chava?

While Ka’Chava isn’t the most budget-friendly option on the market — one of the reasons why we’re sharing the best coupons available — what sets them apart from the competition is their dedication to high-quality plant-based ingredients and third-party testing. What’s more, they’ve partnered with Rainforest Trust to support the protection of endangered species, rainforests, and other habitats. If you want to spend your money with a company that’s doing something worthwhile, Ka’Chava is definitely worth your consideration.

FAQs About Ka’Chava Discount Codes

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