Greens are on the scene and AG1, or Athletic Greens — one of the best greens powders we’ve tested — provides a powdered dietary supplement with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food ingredients to support aging, digestion, gut health, and energy levels. 

But greens powders can be pricey, so we’ve combed coupon sites and searched the AG1 domain sitewide to bring you options on how you can save on your next order. From new customer deals to subscribe and save offerings, we’ve highlighted the best AG1 promo codes and discounts to help you on your health and wellness journey.

How to Find AG1 Promo Codes (2024)

“AG1 Athletic Greens may help boost your intake of important nutrients, but it definitely comes at a cost -— and the cost ain’t cheap,” says BarBend expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. We’ve gathered up the best discounts from drinkag1.com, and below are some routes to checkout before you load up on one of the best probiotic supplements, packed with nutrient dense superfoods and antioxidants.

1. AG1 Subscription Discount

Similar to Amazon and other popular heath and wellness retailers, when you sign up to receive recurring shipments, you’ll save some cash. One 30-serving pouch costs $99, or you can save $20 by enrolling in a single subscription where you’ll receive one 30-serving pouch each month for $79.

Our tester shaking up a serving of AG1.

If you and your partner are both looking to supplement your diet with greens, a double subscription ships you 60 servings once a month for $149. That’s nearly $49 in savings when compared to what it would cost if you purchased two non-subscription bags of AG1.

If you’re unhappy with a single or double subscription, fear not. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

2. AG1 Referral Code

If you create an account on the Athletic Greens website, you’ll have the option to “refer friends” to score a discount code worth $15. You’ll be given a unique code that you can share with others, and when they use that code at checkout on their first order, you’ll reap the benefits and they’ll score free gifts in the form of a year’s supply of vitamin D3 + K2, plus five free AG1 travel packs.

Our tester with AG1.

If you go hog-wild and refer a gaggle of friends, it’s worth noting that only one Athletic Greens discount code can be used per order. Regardless of if you have 10 referral discount codes, the most you’ll be able to deduct from each order is $15.

3. AG1 Welcome Kit

Your first purchase includes a welcome kit with an assortment of freebies. This kit provides you with an AG1 shaker, a scoop, and a canister to store your powder in should you choose to. Additionally, you’ll also receive five individual serving travel packs, so you can take your wellness routine wherever you go — from visiting your parents over the holidays to supplementing throughout your vacation while squeezing in the simplest hotel workout.

4. HSA/FSA eligible

Athletic Greens is FSA and HSA eligible, so you can use pre-tax dollars on your purchase via Truemed. After you’ve made your AG1 purchase, you can fill out a Truemed intake form to see if you qualify. If approved, Truemed will send you a Letter of Medical Necessity the next day. Once you’ve received your letter, submit your AG1 receipt to your HSA/FSA provider for reimbursement.

5. AG1 Email Newsletter 

On the bottom of the athleticgreens.com webpage, you can enter your email address to join the AG1 email newsletter. While there aren’t any promises of promotions within, a company’s newsletter can often include the best coupons to save store-wide.

When Do AG1 Brand Products Go On Sale?

Holidays are a time for friends and families to connect, relax, and sure, hit up the best Athletic Greens offers. Our holiday sale pages below highlight some of the best coupons and discounts you can find throughout the year.

Our tester dumping a scoop of AG1.

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 AG1 Product

Unlike other supplement brands that offer an assortment of products to suit your needs, AG1 is all about the greens. This greens powder is the only offering from Athletic Greens, with 75 nutrients and minerals in each serving to support overall health.

AG1 Athletic Greens

“AG1 Athletic Greens provide a concentrated source of nutrients, along with beneficial probiotics,” says BarBend expert reviewer, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. “And since the research behind greens powders is lacking, I like that this product is third-party tested for safety.”

Our tester showing the AG1 label.

Read more about this AG1 product in our Athletic Greens Review.

Why Choose AG1?

High quality ingredients and third-party testing puts AG1 at the front of the pack when it comes to greens. “AG1 is one of the most successful green superfood powders on the internet,” says BarBend expert reviewer Nick English in the video below.

“I’ve tried a whole lot of green superfood powders and many of them are disgusting,” says English. “Athletic Greens is really up there as, I think, the best greens superfood powder on the market. It’s jam-packed full of vitamins and minerals… it’s got a bunch of stuff for gut health… [and] inflammation… and it doesn’t taste that bad.”

Trying out a new product is a gamble, regardless of the amount of positive reviews sprinkled across the web. Thankfully, Athletic Greens offers a 90-day money-back guarantee so customer service is prepared to refund your money if you’re unhappy.

FAQs About AG1 Promo Codes

The post AG1 Promo Codes (2024): Expert-Chosen Deals appeared first on BarBend.

As the 2024 Olympia set for Oct. 10-13, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV, nears, qualified pro bodybuilders are meticulously fine-tuning their training and nutrition strategies to bring their best packages to the stage.

In a video published on July 14, 2024, the reigning Arnold Classic Physique champion Wesley Vissers shared what comprises a full day of eating during a training day during 2024 Olympia prep. Check it out below:

[Related: Sadik Hadzovic’s 2,200-Calorie Shredding Diet That Led To His 6th-Place Finish at the 2024 Chicago Pro]

Meal One: Breakfast

Rice flour — 105 grams

Creatine — 10 grams

Cinnamon

Flavor powder — Six grams

Potassium salt — Four grams

Psyllium husk — 10 grams

Powdered egg whites — 30 grams

Dark chocolate — 10 grams

Whey protein — 65 grams

Fruit — 400 grams

Macronutrients

Calories — 1,012

Protein — 84 grams

Carbs — 116 grams

Fat — 11 grams

Vissers dubs this meal the ‘victory breakfast.’ Using rice flour as a base adds volume and keeps him satiated for longer. During prep season, Vissers adds psyllium husk for its gut-health benefits and nutrient absorption properties.

After combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking to a smooth consistency, Vissers bakes the mixture for four minutes. Concurrently, he combines 65 grams of whey protein with half a cup of water in a separate bowl and refrigerates it for four minutes.

Vissers adds 400 grams of fruit to the rice flour base and tops it with whey protein. After the meal, Vissers heads outdoors for a 30-minute walk.

Meal Two: Post-Workout Meal

Rice flour — 140 grams

Creatine — 10 grams

Cinnamon

Flavor powder — Six grams

Potassium salt — Four grams

Psyllium husk — 10 grams

Powdered egg whites — 30 grams

Dark chocolate — 10 grams

Whey protein — 40 grams

Fruit — 400 grams

Macronutrients

Calories — 1,148

Protein — 87 grams

Carbs — 144 grams

Fat — 12 grams 

Post-workout, Vissers refuels with a modified “victory meal,” incorporating casein and whey protein to optimize protein synthesis through varied absorption rates. Additionally, he increases the rice flour content from 105 grams to 140 grams.

Meal Three

Shrimp — 225 grams

Celery — 100 grams

Zucchini — 100 grams

Bell pepper — 50 grams

Eggplant — 100 grams

Mushrooms — 50 grams

Macronutrients

Calories — 326

Protein — 59 grams

Carbs — 14 grams

Fat — Two grams

Vissers preps vegetables in large batches to add to his daily meals. They contribute valuable fiber, phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins. “The more colors you can get in your plate, the better it is,” says Vissers.

[Related: Are Hemp Seeds Worth the Hype? Here Are 3 Science-Backed Benefits of Hemp Seeds]

Meal Four

Tilapia — 200 grams

Celery — 100 grams

Zucchini — 100 grams

Bell pepper — 50 grams

Eggplant — 100 grams

Mushrooms — 50 grams

Light sauce — 30 grams

Macronutrients

Calories — 369

Protein — 57 grams

Carbs — 15 grams

Fat — Six grams

Meal four substitutes tilapia for shrimp and adds a low-calorie sauce for flavor. Vissers supplements each meal with omega-3 capsules for essential fatty acids and magnesium for muscle relaxation.

Meal Five

Salmon — 200 grams

Tilapia — 200 grams

Asparagus — 100 grams

Zucchini — 100 grams

Bell pepper — 50 grams

Eggplant — 100 grams

Mushrooms — 50 grams

Pears — One

Apples — Two

Macronutrients

Calories — 985

Protein — 100 grams

Carbs —  54 grams

Fat — 34 grams

A high-protein meal before bed helps Vissers avoid nighttime hunger. His carb and fat consumption will decrease as he approaches the 2024 Olympia.

Vissers’ Total Macronutrient Content

Calories — 3,839

Protein — 386.6 grams

Carbs — 343.8 grams

Fats — 64.6 grams

Way Forward

Vissers established himself as the top contender to the reigning, five-time Classic Physique Olympia champ Chris Bumstead by winning the 2024 AC US & UK. Former AC champ Ramon Rocha Queiroz and Urs Kalecinski.

More Bodybuilding Content

The Mistakes, Missteps, & Lessons Learned From My First Bodybuilding Competition

Derek Lunsford Tackles a Punishing Back Workout as He Begins His 2024 Olympia Prep

Why 4X Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler’s Shoulder Training Prioritizes Joint Health at Age 50

Featured image: @wesleyvissers on Instagram

The post Wesley Vissers’ Near-4,000-Calorie Full Day of Eating During 2024 Olympia Prep appeared first on BarBend.

The Swedish sports nutrition company has made a name for itself with its patented hydrogel technology, which allows athletes to consume more carbohydrates per hour without stressing the stomach

Maurten, a Sweden-based sports nutrition company that’s created an advanced carbohydrate fuel ecosystem, is having a stellar month, just in time for the Olympics.

Following a €20 million ($21.7 million) investment led by IRIS Ventures, the brand is now entering its next growth phase, with plans to expand beyond sports and into the medical arena. It has also been named the official sponsor of the Bermuda Olympic Association for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

The sports nutrition company has made a name for itself with its patented hydrogel technology, which allows athletes to consume more carbohydrates per hour and sustain elite performance without stressing the stomach.

The hydrogel is used in Maurten’s drink mixes, gels and its Bicarb System — designed for high-intensity training and racing and is meant to be consumed 1.5 to 2 hours before exercise to manage increased muscle acidity.

Maurten will equip Bermuda’s Olympic participants with its hydrogel-based products, which have grown popular among professional athletes and Olympians. Nonetheless, the company says its products are suitable for everyone, from professional athletes to amateurs.

In addition to the Olympics, Maurten has partnered with several other high-profile events, including the Ironman Group Global Series and the Boston Marathon,

“It’s an important moment that strengthens the diversity of our board,” Maurten founder and CEO Olof Sköld said of the funding. “I have no doubt that accessing the expertise and network of female-founded Iris Ventures, and their deep understanding of the sports culture scene, will greatly benefit our ambitions to expand the reach of our innovations — across new markets and industries.”


Maurten also plans to focus on female-specific fueling research, which it says will be accelerated by IRIS Ventures.

The round also included participation from existing investors, including Dan Sten Olsson, CEO of Stena Sphere. 

Other brands are eyeing the advanced hydration and nutrition space. Cadence, a mineral salt-based hydration beverage, launched in the United States earlier this month.

The post Maurten Secures $22M for Next-Gen Energy Gels appeared first on Athletech News.

The 2024 Wales Strongest Man contest occurred on July 21, 2024, in Cardiff, Wales. The single-day competition featured 14 of the country’s top strongmen battling through five events: Husafell Sack Carry, Press Medley, Car Deadlift Hold, Bag Toss, and the Stones of Strength.

Jacob Brooke emerged victorious over his 13 fellow countrymen, scoring 53 of a possible 70 points. The podium was extremely tight, as runner-up Matt Dimond was only one point behind Brooke and bronze medalist Mark Jeanes tied on points with fourth-place finisher Jamie Nelson.

2024 Wales Strongest Man Results

Jacob Brooke — 53 points

Matt Dimond — 52 points

Mark Jeanes — 51 points

Jamie Nelson — 51 points

William Jones — 45 points

Llyr Hughes — 45 points

David Ramplee — 45 points

Luke Sperduti — 43 points

Joe Roberts — 40 points

Luke Weaver — 23 points

Tom Wellington — 21 points

Julian Grey — 20 points

James Francis — 19 points

Aaron Moon — 14 points

[Related: Strongwoman Sandra Bradley Becomes First Woman to Lift the 154-Kilogram Fullsterkur Stone]

[Related: Pavlo Kordiyaka Sets Conan’s Wheel World Record of 1,035 Degrees at the 2024 Strongman Classic]

2024 Wales Strongest Man Event Results

Below are the results of each of the five contested events in Cardiff:

Husafell Sack Carry

Each athlete had 75 seconds to carry a 125-kilogram sack shaped like the Husafell Stone three lengths of a 30-meter course in the fastest possible time.

William Jones — 36.64 seconds

Jamie Nelson — 39.05 seconds

Llyr Hughes — 40.44 seconds

Mark Jeanes — 42.83 seconds

Jacob Brooke — 47.07 seconds

Matt Dimond — 52.17 seconds

Joe Roberts — 56.49 seconds

David Ramplee — 64.02 seconds

Luke Sperduti — 75 seconds

Aaron Moon — 78.76 meters

Luke Weaver — 77.44 meters

Tom Wellington — 72.5 meters

Julian Grey — 65.61 meters

James Francis — 56.4 meters

Press Medley

Each strongman had 75 seconds to lock out six overhead presses in the fastest time possible:

Matt Dimond — Four in 45.77 seconds

Jacob Brooke — Four in 59.85 seconds

Jamie Nelson — Four in 61.63 seconds

David Ramplee — Four in 63.08 seconds

William Jones — Two in 20.7 seconds

Joe Roberts — Two in 23.65 seconds

Mark Jeanes — Two in 24.83 seconds

Luke Sperduti — Two in 25.32 seconds

Llyr Hughes — Two in 40.7 seconds

Tom Wellington — One in 38.87 seconds

James Francis — One in 47.03 seconds

Aaron Moon — One in 14.58 seconds

Luke Weaver — no lift

Julian Grey — no lift

Car Deadlift Hold

Each athlete held a 300-kilogram car deadlift for time:

Jacob Brooke — 70.71 seconds

Llyr Hughes — 68.1 seconds

Joe Roberts — 60.07 seconds

Julian Grey — 56.1 seconds

Matt Dimond — 47.07 seconds

James Francis — 41.42 seconds

Jamie Nelson — 39.86 seconds

Luke Weaver — 39.22 seconds

David Ramplee — 38.03 seconds

Mark Jeanes — 37.89 seconds

Tom Wellington — 35.96 seconds

Luke Sperduti — 34.05 seconds

Aaron Moon — 33.9 seconds

William Jones — 32.71 seconds

Bag Toss

With 75 seconds on the clock, each strongman attempted to toss five bags weighing 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28 kilograms over a four-meter bar in the fasted time possible:

Luke Sperduti — Five in 17.34 seconds

Mark Jeanes — Five in 17.91 seconds

David Ramplee — Five in 18.56 seconds

Matt Dimond — Five in 20.98 seconds

William Jones — Five in 23.82 seconds

Jacob Brooke — Five in 25.85 seconds

Luke Weaver — Five in 30.78 seconds

Jamie Nelson — Five in 37.6 seconds

Joe Roberts — Four in 24.69 seconds

Julian Grey — Four in 25.9 seconds

Tom Wellington — Four in 33.51 seconds

James Francis — Three in 21.22 seconds

Llyr Hughes — Three in 31.83 seconds

Aaron Moon — Two in 12.54 seconds

Stones of Strength

Five stones weighing 100, 115, 130, 145, and 160 kilograms had to be lifted to 1.37-meter pedestals as fast as possible within the 75-second time cap.

Mark Jeanes — Five in 22.02 seconds

Luke Sperduti — Five in 30.62 seconds

Llyr Hughes — Five in 35.65 seconds

Jamie Nelson — Five in 36.3 seconds

William Jones — Five in 36.55 seconds

David Ramplee — Five in 40.36 seconds

Matt Dimond — Five in 58.3 seconds

Jacob Brooke — Four in 22.09 seconds

Tom Wellington — Four in 26.9 seconds

Joe Roberts — Four in 33.17 seconds

Luke Weaver — Four in 44.12 seconds

James Francis — Four in 44.37 seconds

Julian Grey — Three in 20.48 seconds

Aaron Moon — Three in 21.22 seconds

More Strongman Content

2024 Strongman Champions League Estonia Results

2024 Strongman Classic Results and Recap

Unofficial Record: Hafthor Björnsson Launches 34-Pound Weight Over 26 Feet in the Air

Featured image: @jacobbrooke on Instagram

The post 2024 Wales Strongest Man Results appeared first on BarBend.

The reigning, five-time Classic Physique Olympia champ Chris Bumstead traveled from Florida to Texas to begin his Olympia prep with a glute and hamstring workout alongside coach Hany Rambod. 

In a video published on YouTube on July 12, 2024, Rambod shared training form adjustments aimed at maximizing Bumstead’s hamstring growth and conditioning during side poses. Check it out below:

[Related: The Mistakes, Missteps, & Lessons Learned From My First Bodybuilding Competition]

Standing Hamstring Curl

Rambod emphasized slow, full range of motion (ROM) reps to minimize momentum and ensure effective hamstring stimulation. Bumstead allowed his legs to extend fully at the top of each rep before curling to peak knee flexion. Once he reached mechanical failure, Rambod assisted Bumstead with forced repetitions.

Lying Leg Curl

Rambod suggested positioning the feet closer together. During three-second negatives and a pause in the fully lengthened position, Bumstead kept his toes pointed throughout the exercise to recruit hamstring fibers better.

Belt Squat

Bumstead’s belt squats maintained an upright torso and maximum knee flexion. He drove through the heels on each rep as Rambod cautioned against leaning forward, which would shift tension away from the glutes and hamstrings.

Bumstead avoided locking out his knees at the top. He focused on contracting the glutes throughout the ROM to maintain tension.

Bulgarian Split Squat

Bumstead performed Bulgarian split squats while holding a 150-pound dumbbell in one hand. He prioritizes maximum knee flexion, aiming to touch the rear knee to the floor with each rep.

Hip Thrust Machine

Rambod urged slow and controlled reps with feet slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart, incorporating pauses at the top and bottom of each rep. Bumstead maintained weight distribution on his heels.

When full ROM was unattainable, Bumstead transitioned to partial repetitions in the lengthened range. (1)

Seated Calf Raise

Bumstead employed Rambod’s FST-7 protocol, designed to stretch the fascia, allowing the muscles more room to grow. This training principle involves Bumstead performing seven sets of the final exercise of his workout.

Rambod recommended bringing the heels as close to the floor as possible and squeezing the calves in the fully stretched position to maximize stimulation and growth. 

After the workout, Bumstead suggested incorporating more hip thrusts into his routine. Rambod seconded this, suggesting the addition of targeted exercises like glute kickbacks.

Way Forward

Bumstead is the favorite to win his sixth-consecutive Classic Physique title at the 2024 Olympia, scheduled for Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV. He will face stiff competition from top contenders Ramon Rocha Queiroz, Wesley Vissers, and Urs Kalecinski.

More Bodybuilding Content

Derek Lunsford Tackles a Punishing Back Workout as He Begins His 2024 Olympia Prep

Why 4X Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler’s Shoulder Training Prioritizes Joint Health at Age 50

Bodybuilder Hadi Choopan Shares Rare Physique Update Ahead of 2024 Olympia

References

Pedrosa, G. F., Lima, F. V., Schoenfeld, B. J., Lacerda, L. T., Simões, M. G., Pereira, M. R., Diniz, R. C. R., & Chagas, M. H. (2022). Partial range of motion training elicits favorable improvements in muscular adaptations when carried out at long muscle lengths. European journal of sport science, 22(8), 1250–1260. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2021.1927199

Featured image: @cbum on Instagram

The post Hany Rambod’s Hamstring & Glute Training Tweaks for Chris Bumstead’s 2024 Olympia Prep appeared first on BarBend.

Reigning seven-time Figure Olympia champ Cydney Gillon is a pinnacle of aesthetics in bodybuilding. Gillon’s accolades testify to her physique development, and she routinely shares her world-class knowledge on how others can similarly sculpt their physiques. 

Gillon offered her five top ab exercises for beginners in a July 5, 2024, YouTube video. The bodyweight variations require a Bosu ball and foam roller, and weight can be added for additional difficulty. Check out Gillon’s favorite novice ab techniques below:

[Related: The Mistakes, Missteps, & Lessons Learned From My First Bodybuilding Competition]

Gillon’s 5 Favorite Beginner Ab Exercises 

These are the five ab exercises Gillon recommends for novice exercisers, in the same order as the video format. 

Bosu ball crunch

Foam roller crunch

Knee-up Bosu ball crunch

Flutter kicks

Plank knee dips

Note: Gillon did not specify exercise sequence. Set and rep recommendations were also limited.

Bosu Ball Crunch

The Bosu ball crunch is a level up from floor crunches. As Gillon demonstrates, extending back over the ball moves the abs into their lengthened position, which offers muscle-building advantages. 

A 2023 European Journal of Sport Science study found that maximizing the stretch against resistance caused 40 percent more muscle gains than concentric-focused movements. The study focused on triceps training but is suggestive that similar effects might be seen across muscle groups. (1)

How To Do It

Sit on the edge of the Bosu ball with glutes close to the floor. 

Lean back over the ball to stretch the abs.

Interlock your hands behind your head and rest your head in your palms.

Inhale, contract the abs, and then exhale while you crunch. 

Reverse the movement to the starting position and repeat steps 1-5.

[Related: 8 Best Pieces of Core Exercise Equipment]

2. Foam Roller Crunch

Gillon uses a foam roller to achieve more extension in the spine.

How To Do It

While sitting on the floor, lie on the foam roller so it’s across the shoulder blades.

Plant your feet flat on the floor roughly hip-width apart. Lock your hands together behind your head.

Lean back to stretch the abs.

Crunch and hold for one second. 

Repeat from the second step for desired reps.

[Related: Does Training for the Pump Build Muscle?]

Image via @vytamin_c on Instagram

[Related: Exercise for Seniors: Physical Therapists and Fitness Trainers Share Their Best Tips]

3. Knee-Up Bosu Ball Crunch 

The knee-up Bosu crunch eliminates lower body stability by raising the legs off the floor. This requires greater core activity to balance and hold up the legs.

If your legs are heavy, that’s all the weight you need.

[Related: The Anatomy of Your Leg Muscles, Explained (and How To Train Them)]

How To Do It

Sit slightly off-center on one side of the Bosu ball. 

Place your hands on the ball behind your lower back, and recline your torso. 

Brace your core, bend your knees, and lift your legs. Keep both feet together. 

Simultaneously, pull your knees in and crunch, then reverse the motion.

Alternatively, hold your feet up in the original position (hollow hold). 

Gillon performs at least 20 repetitions.

4. Flutter Kicks 

Gillon transitions to flutter kicks from the same position as the knee-up Bosu ball crunch. Holding the legs straight applies more tension to the lower abs versus bent-leg ab variations.

How To Do It

Extend your legs forward with your feet together. 

Alternate lifting the legs up and down past each other in a scissor-like motion.

5. Plank Knee Dips

Gillon is not a fan of planking for ab gains, but the knee dip plank is an exception. In this moving plank, the spine stays straight while the legs bend and straighten.

How To Do It

Assume a push-up position.

Lift the hips so your glutes are level with your shoulders. 

Keeping the core tight, drop the knees close to the floor, and straighten the legs.

Reverse the movement to the starting position.

Repeat steps 1-4 for desired reps.

Try plank knee dips with your feet on an exercise ball for a greater challenge.

Pick exercises you like that activate your core. If your goal is a tight waist, move accordingly.

More Bodybuilding Content

Bodybuilding Coach Says This Ab Exercise Is Best for Getting a Six-Pack

Dr. Mike Israetel Critiques Jay Cutler’s Training During His Competitive Prime

Derek Lunsford Tackles a Punishing Back Workout as He Begins His 2024 Olympia Prep

References

Maeo, S., Wu, Y., Huang, M., Sakurai, H., Kusagawa, Y., Sugiyama, T., Kanehisa, H., & Isaka, T. (2023). Triceps brachii hypertrophy is substantially greater after elbow extension training performed in the overhead versus neutral arm position. European journal of sport science, 23(7), 1240–1250. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2022.2100279

Featured image: @vytamin_c on Instagram

The post 7X Figure Olympia Champion Cydney Gillon’s Top 5 Ab Exercises for Beginners appeared first on BarBend.

The Canadian activewear giant has little reason to fear upstarts like Alo Yoga and Vuori, an equity research report suggests

A new proprietary survey is bullish on Lululemon’s future, with analysts confident in the activewear giant’s longevity and ability to thwart competition from emerging brands.

While Lululemon reported a 10% revenue increase to $2.2 billion for its first quarter of fiscal 2024, brands in the activewear and athleisure sector have been facing challenges amid an unfavorable macroeconomic backdrop,

Yet in the crowded athletic apparel space, which includes emerging brands such as Alo Yoga and Vuori, analysts from William Blair see ample opportunity for Lululemon, stating in a research report that the brand can continue to improve its domestic brand awareness, narrowing the gap between its current 50+% figure versus sportswear giants Nike and Adidas, who are each above 90%.

What began in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, as a yoga apparel company touting leggings that would provide the best fit (and an envious backside) has morphed into more than an activewear company — Lululemon has become a global status symbol of fitness and fashion-forward athleisure, with popular pants that retail for as high as $118. 

Even with such a price point, the survey cited in the research report showed that Lululemon consumers come from a broader range of household income than one might expect. The survey found that 10% to 15% of respondents with household incomes under $75,000 owned Lululemon products, for example.

“Relative to Alo and Vuori, Lululemon has a clear advantage in awareness with younger consumers and with consumers with household incomes less than $100,000,” the William Blair analysts noted.

Lululemon has also surpassed Alo and Vuori in terms of brands purchased by consumers in the last six months and purchase intent for the next six months, which the analysts say suggests that Alo and Vuori have “little competitive impact” on Lululemon. 

From a single standalone store in 2000, Lululemon joined the prestigious S&P 500 last fall, cementing its place as one of the world’s biggest apparel brands.

The post Lululemon Well-Positioned Against Activewear Competitors appeared first on Athletech News.

Just three months after announcing its franchising strategy at FIBO, BodyBase has signed two successful fitness entrepreneurs

BodyBase, a Pilates reformer-oriented fitness chain in the Netherlands with four locations, has announced its first franchise agreement for Leiden, building on its franchising concept introduced at FIBO 2024 earlier this year.

Behind the Leiden BodyBase studio are Kani Mirza and Siraj Salih, fitness entrepreneurs known for Bokshuis, a boxing, kickboxing, MMA and strength training gym. Now, the two will introduce Reformer-based fitness to the South Holland city, expanding on BodyBase locations in Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

While BodyBase classes primarily use reformers, the Dutch brand does more than just Pilates. BodyBase offers members a variety of 45-minute fitness concepts including mat-based Pilates, strength and conditioning, functional training and weight training, with classes varying by studio location.

According to Sabrina Albert, who launched the brand in 2019, the transition to a franchise model represents BodyBase’s evolution. 

“We believe in the potential of our brand and are thrilled to share our blueprint for success with like-minded entrepreneurs,” Albert said. “Together, we can revolutionize the fitness industry.”

credit: BODYBASE

In addition to several membership tiers, BodyBase also offers personal training and the option to purchase the home version of its reformer machine, the AceLine Reformer, which can be used alongside BodyBase on-demand training and can be mounted vertically, transforming it into a suspension training machine.

Prospective BodyBase franchisees can expect to pay a €15,000 entry fee with an initial investment of €100,000 – €200,000.

The boutique fitness brand is also venturing into the hospitality industry with its reformer machine, hoping to expand its hotel footprint following a partnership with the Royal Le Meridien (part of Marriott Hotels) in Doha, Qatar, which offers the AceLine in its rooms, spa and fitness areas.

Reformers Around the Globe 

Pilates may be taking the U.S. by storm — Australian-born Studio Pilates has landed stateside in several major cities, Miami-based JetSet Pilates is plotting 600 studios, Solidcore aims for 250 by 2028 — but it’s also showing promise abroad.

Perhaps the most notable Pilates brand based on its sheer footprint is Xponential Fitness’ Club Pilates, which has grown to over 1,000 studios worldwide – a number that is sure to increase. The boutique fitness concept is expanding in Germany and aiming for further expansion in the Netherlands and Austria.

“The studios opened so far are performing even better than expected. Club Pilates has great potential to establish and expand the network in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands,” said Christophe Collinet, the chief operating officer of LifeFit Group, which owns franchising rights to Club Pilates in those countries. “Numerous additional studios with suitable franchisees are in the pipeline for the next few years.”

Club Pilates is also reaching the fitness market in France following a master franchise agreement, with additional agreements in the works for Ireland, Portugal, Qatar, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The post Reformer Fitness Studio BodyBase Eyes Netherlands Franchise Growth appeared first on Athletech News.

The nutrition startup offers healthcare-covered access to personalized nutrition programs, recipes and fresh ingredients

RxDiet, an AI-driven personalized nutrition app that creates custom food plans and delivers fresh ingredients, has secured $3 million in a seed funding round as it plans to spread the growing concept of ‘food as medicine’ and improve the health of its members.

The New York-based startup will use the funding to grow its team, bolster its grocery network and reach additional healthcare payers.

After downloading the RxDiet app, users are asked to provide their healthcare membership ID number. They can then provide information on their health concerns, body makeup and food preferences before a personalized nutrition program and recipes are created with the help of AI and RxDiet’s live care team. The ingredients are then delivered to RxDiet users.

The platform has already partnered with two of the largest health insurers in the U.S., covering the program’s cost for their health plan subscribers. A low-cost digital tool is slated to launch this year to offer greater affordability for insurers.

Notably, RxDiet has a 76% app usage rate among seniors, who can connect with fellow users, sharing their challenges and achievements.

“We want food to be at the forefront of medicine,” co-founder and CEO Roman Kalista said. “Using food to treat chronic conditions is often cost-prohibitive, and RxDiet has lowered the bar significantly for healthcare payers to adopt a program that drives unprecedented engagement, clinical outcomes and member satisfaction.”

Kalista, who founded RxDiet with Jan Skvaril, added that the funding round will enable RxDiet to reach more patients in the U.S.

“RxDiet is a game changer for healthy eating,” said Jia Lin of Giant Ventures, which led the funding round. “As the disease burden from chronic conditions grows, RxDiet’s holistic solution serves a critical function not only in managing and reversing these conditions but also preventing them. We are excited about RxDiet as their highly scalable AI platform breaks down the barriers of healthy food, making it equally affordable, personalized, and engaging for someone in urban New York as it is for someone in rural Georgia.”

In addition to Giant Ventures, RxDiet saw participation from Better Ventures, Form Life and angel investors.

Platforms including Foodsmart, Nourish and Fay, all of which connect people with registered dietitians (RDs) for personalized nutrition advice covered by healthcare, have also reeled in funding in recent months as investors and consumers embrace the use of food as medicine. 

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