Have you ever experienced a tingling sensation after taking your pre-workout supplement? No, you’re not turning into your favorite spidey superhero – this means that you may be sensitive to beta-alanine, a non-essential amino acid known for supporting muscle fatigue and preventing lactic acid buildup. (1) This strange side effect, “paresthesia,” isn’t dangerous or harmful. (2) Some athletes love this feeling since they consider it a signal that their pre-workout pump is kicking in, while others consider it unpleasant.

However, trying to avoid beta-alanine in your pre-workout formula can be tough, since it’s one of the most popular ergogenic pre-workout ingredients out there. If you want to reap the benefits of taking the best pre-workout supplements without the jitters, our team of experts and athletes tested many products against criteria like formula quality, flavor, value, and caffeine content to gather up a list of the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine.

The 5 Best Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine of 2024

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine Overall: Jacked Factory Pump Surge

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs PUMP

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric

Best Budget Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine: 4 Gauge Natural Pre-Workout

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine for Beginners: Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro

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.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best pre-workouts without beta-alanine, we’ve tested 74 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.

Formulation Quality: With the help of our registered dietitians, we’ve scored each formula weighing the different pros and cons. The best formulations contain clinically dosed levels of key ingredients such as L-citrulline, taurine, or carnosine to support athletic performance with none of the low-grade fillers that do not contribute any nutritional value. As a registered dietitian, I also like to see the inclusion of more natural ingredients over artificial sweeteners and flavors.

Caffeine Content: Caffeine is a popular ingredient in pre-workout formulas because it may help support the reduction and weight and fat and give you an energy boost. (3) For each product, we’ve listed out how much caffeine is in the pre-workouts so whether you’re sensitive to caffeine or love higher energy levels from caffeine, we’ve got you covered.

Third-Party Certifications: Checking for third-party testing on the label is important because the FDA does not regulate supplements or their claims. (4) We’ve done the due diligence to see which picks are independently tested for purity, safety, quality, and ingredient accuracy.

Taste: While we understand that flavor and taste are highly subjective, we’ve rounded up a variety of different flavors to satisfy the pickiest of taste buds. We’ve also included our recommendation for the best-tasting pre-workout without beta-alanine after trying 74 different products.

Solubility: Ever experience clumpy residue at the bottom of your shaker cup? In our round-up, we tried to include products that mix well at room temperature or in cold water so that you can take the powder and experience its benefits instead of having giant clumps sit in your shaker cup.

Price: We get it – pre-workout supplements aren’t cheap, but you also don’t want to skimp on quality. If you’re on a tight budget or want to save a couple of bucks for next month’s gym membership, we’ve got you covered with the best budget pick. However, if you have more specialized needs to help meet your fitness goals, you may need to consider paying a little more to suit your needs.

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine Overall: Jacked Factory Pump Surge

If you’re looking for a beta-alanine free pre-workout with nitric oxide boosters and other high-quality ingredients to support your fitness goals, look no further than Jacked Factory Pump Surge – it’s our overall best pick due to its stacked ingredient deck. As a registered dietitian, I love that this formula contains clinically dosed levels of key ingredients. 

First, it contains 8g of L-citrulline. Most studies point to about 6 to 8g of citrulline to reap its benefits, which include raising the availability of nitric oxide for better muscle pumps and more reps in your workouts. (5) Second, it has 2.5g of betaine, which may support improved body composition and muscular power for exercises like the bench press when taken for at least six weeks. (6) Lastly, the formula contains L-tyrosine, which is considered a nootropic to boost mental focus if your dopamine and norepinephrine levels are lower than desirable. (7)

Overall, for these reasons, I’d give this formulation a 4.5 out of 5, with deductions for its use of proprietary formulas. It’s a solid product compared to the different pre-workout formulations out there, but I like to know the exact amount of each ingredient I’m taking. Moreover, while it’s not third-party tested, Jacked Factory does list out all ingredients included in the formula to provide transparency, which is good to see. If you’re a fan of caffeine, though, keep in mind that this formula is completely stim-free, so it doesn’t contain any caffeine.

Another great aspect of this formula is that the dosing is pretty flexible. The effectiveness of its ingredients is based on two scoops, but if you find that you get similar results with less, you could take one scoop before your workout and get more bang for your buck by getting 30 servings out of a tub. Our team gave the price a 4 out of 5 rating since it’s a fair value for your money. Overall, we’d highly recommend this pre-workout powder for those who prefer caffeine-free and beta-alanine free pumps.

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs PUMP

We rated Transparent Labs PUMP as the best pre-workout for weight loss without beta-alanine, since it can best support your body composition goals. To achieve your weight loss goals, you need to have a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories for each pound you want to lose, through a combination of diet and exercise. This pick contains clinically dosed ingredients of nitric oxide boosters to best support those goals. 

First, it contains research-backed doses of L-citrulline (8g) to support nitric oxide production and get more reps into your workout. (1) Second, the betaine content (2.5g) can help you improve body composition and give you more power for tough exercises like the bench press. (6) And lastly, the formula contains 2.5g of arginine, which complements a different pathway to bolster nitric oxide production. (15) With all these vasodilators (ingredients that enhance blood flow), you’ll feel better pumps, get more reps in, and be able to achieve that lean, chiseled look by dropping weight and building muscle mass. 

As a registered dietitian, I love that this formula is beta-alanine free while still delivering on ingredients at high enough doses to support athletic performance. It also contains antioxidants in the form of vitamin C, which can help reverse oxidative stress and damage that accumulates in your body, especially if you’re constantly doing tough workouts. However, I wish the formula would contain at least a little caffeine since it could further support weight and fat loss and help you increase energy levels. (3) Overall, I’d give this pick a score of 4.5 out of 5 for weight loss.

As far as taste goes, this pick is unfortunately only available in one flavor: blue raspberry. According to customer reviews on Amazon and the Transparent Labs website, this product can taste a little bitter, since it’s sweetened with stevia extract. Overall, it seems to receive glowing reviews from customers, though. Our team rated this product a 4 out of 5 for its taste, with minor deductions for lack of variety in flavors. Given the clinically dosed ingredients in this formula, we think this pick is a strong bet for weight loss when taken alongside a reduced-calorie diet.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric

If you’re sensitive to stimulants and beta-alanine, we think Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode Nitric is your best bet for sustained energy while supporting your exercise performance, whether you’re into bodybuilding or high-intensity interval training. As one of the best non-stim pre-workout supplements out there, Gorilla Mode pre-workout contains no caffeine and no beta-alanine while still supporting your muscle growth through key ingredients like citrulline and creatine. And that means increased pumps for you without any of the jitters or staying up all night.

While Gorilla Mode Nitric doesn’t contain beta-alanine, it does contain a high dose (10g) of L-citrulline, which can increase blood flow and dilation while supplying nitric oxide to your body – this can help you get more reps in. (5) It also contains creatine monohydrate, which is the most studied form of creatine out there compared to other options like creatine HCl. (8) 

As a registered dietitian, I love seeing the inclusion of creatine in a pre-workout formula since it can help generate more creatine phosphate and pull in more water into your muscle cells when they need it. (9) It even contains key electrolytes sodium and potassium to hydrate your cells. (10) Each ingredient is also third-party tested with certificates of analysis available online for anyone to check out. 

Moreover, the dosing is flexible, which is helpful for those who don’t want to take too much pre-workout. If you don’t want the high doses and want a gentle boost in your workout performance, you can also try taking 1 scoop instead of 2 scoops. Overall, as a registered dietitian, I’d rate this formula a 4 out of 5. It earned points for its clinically dosed ingredients but lost points for the inclusion of artificial sweeteners and flavors, as well as proline which is derived from milk, a common allergen.

As far as taste goes, consumer reviews on Amazon have this product rated at 4.5 out of 5. With 14 different fruity and sweet-and-sour flavors, it’s easy to find a fun flavor that’ll satisfy your palate, although some flavors receive more positive reviews than others. We just wish it was a little cheaper, but we get why it might be worth the money given the thoughtfully crafted formulation to keep it stimulant-free but effective for those who prefer non-stim options.

Best Budget Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine: 4 Gauge Natural Pre-Workout

Pre-workouts can get expensive. And that’s especially true if you take more than one serving per workout for that extra pump since it’s harder to “feel” the effectiveness of a pre-workout that doesn’t contain beta-alanine. For those on tighter budgets, we love 4 Gauge Natural Pre-Workout since it only costs $0.98 per serving when purchased in bulk. To get this price per serving, you’d need to buy four tubs of 4 Gauge Pre-Workout, but we think it’s worth it if you know getting the best value is an important consideration.

Despite the cheap price, 4 Gauge didn’t skimp on the formula. Our team rated this pre-workout formula a 4 out of 5 for its effectiveness. Our product tester states, “You get a good boost of energy, but it didn’t make me feel shaky or uneasy like other pre-workouts I’ve tried. There aren’t any tingles or unwanted side effects outside of the increased energy and heart rate.” L-citrulline is one of the best pre-workout ingredients for a better pump and this product contains 6g of it, which is enough to provide increased nitric oxide and dilate your blood vessels during workouts. (5) 

It also contains other key ingredients like creatine and carnitine, but as a registered dietitian, I was disappointed to see that these weren’t in high enough doses to be effective in supporting muscular endurance or increasing energy. (8)(11) I also wish the formula was third-party tested.

As far as solubility, this pick mixes well without having to vigorously shake it in a blender bottle. Our tester gave it a score of 5 out of 5 stars and states, “This powder mixed easily in a shaker and I had no issues with leftover particles. All of the powder dissolved with just a few shakes or stirs.”

We thought this pick also tastes pretty good, too, although some customer reviews on Amazon noted bitterness from the stevia sweetener. Our tester tried the Frozen Lemonade flavor and notes that it tasted like Chick-fil-A lemonade (yum!). “I didn’t think the flavor was too sweet – it seems to cater to sour enthusiasts,” our tester adds. Overall, this product checks the boxes for mixability, taste, and effectiveness despite being offered at a very economical price.

Best Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine for Beginners: Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro

Just getting started with workouts? This formula provides clean, sustained energy with just a light amount of caffeine that’s equal to about one cup of coffee. It also contains electrolytes to ward off cramping during your workouts and B-vitamins and vitamin D for energy levels and bone and teeth support, respectively. (12)(13)  Our product tester, who is a certified personal trainer, states, “As someone who is traditionally sensitive to stimulants, I found this powder to provide excellent energy and focus without any unwanted jitters or crash. Plus, I like the all-natural formulation — it makes me feel better about taking it.” 

While the ingredients are all-natural, some of the ingredients are not high enough to be effective. It’s certainly not one of the strongest pre-workouts out there. For example, for L-citrulline to be effective, most studies point to 6 to 8g for boosting nitric oxide levels and increased reps during workouts. (5) However, this pick only contains 2.2g, which may not have the same effect. 

Also, as a registered dietitian, I thought the only newbie essential ingredient that this formula is missing is branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which may support muscle recovery and muscle soreness. (14) Overall, I’d still give this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its formula, especially for beginner athletes who may benefit from multiple beneficial ingredients.

Taste was one of the areas where this pick lost points – our team rated this product a 2 out of 5 for taste. Unfortunately, many all-natural products aren’t known for their taste and this pick is no exception. Our tester states, “This wasn’t the most appealing taste for my palate. It’s very acid-like, which I attribute to its all-natural makeup. I think it could appeal to sweet-averse athletes, but it wasn’t for me.”

The texture is also a little clumpy, but we recommend adding a little bit more water than the 10 ounces that the directions call for. “While there was a little bit of grainy residue at the bottom of my shaker bottle, I had no issues with this pre-workout’s solubility. A quick splash of water allowed me to get the entire serving into my system without issue,” our tester adds. Overall, while its active ingredients aren’t the strongest, Performance Lab Pre Lab Pro has natural ingredients that are ideal for beginners.

Benefits of Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine

You may be looking for a pre-workout without beta-alanine for different reasons, including better pumps or more fuel for workouts without the tingles. However, note that everyone’s body and goals are different, so the benefits you experience may vary. Pro tip: Our ultimate guide to pre-workouts discusses common pre-workout ingredients and their potential benefits. 

Read on as we discuss some of the health benefits you may get from taking a pre-workout supplement without beta-alanine.

No tingling sensation: One of the main benefits of a pre-workout without beta-alanine is avoiding the paresthesia that it causes, which can be uncomfortable for some individuals. (2)

Fuel your workouts: No beta-alanine? No problem. While beta-alanine is a great pre-workout ingredient for reducing muscle fatigue, other ingredients like BCAAs can help support recovery while citrulline can boost nitric oxide production to support your hardest workouts. (1)(14)(5)

Avoid stimulants: Beta-alanine-free pre-workouts often have gentler formulas that avoid excessive inclusion or doses of other stimulants like caffeine or taurine. This makes them potentially more suitable for those sensitive to different ingredients or beginners who are looking for a milder boost.

Greater pumps: Even without beta-alanine, key ingredients in pre-workouts like citrulline can help you improve blood flow and support more muscle pumps during workouts. (5)

How Much Do Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine Cost?

Pre-workouts without beta-alanine range in price from as low as just under $1 for budget-friendly options to around $3 for premium formulas. This wide price range allows for various choices to suit different budgets, preferences, and fitness goals. 

Also, note that these prices reflect the price per serving, not the price per scoop. Depending on the brand, a serving can be one or two scoops, so be sure to check the supplement facts when comparing prices.

What to Consider Before Buying Pre-Workout Without Beta-Alanine

When you’re on the search for a pre-workout supplement without beta-alanine, there are several important considerations to ensure you find the best product for your specific needs. We recommend assessing the product for its key ingredients and dosages, presence of stimulants, value, and fit for your needs and goals to help you make an informed decision. 

Key Ingredients

When picking a pre-workout without beta-alanine, make sure you look through the ingredient list and supplement facts panel for ingredients like caffeine, creatine, citrulline, BCAAs, antioxidants (vitamin C, A, and E), alpha-GPC, and electrolytes, to name a few. These are the key ingredients that can support your athletic performance without causing tingling sensations. Moreover, try to avoid products that include artificial additives or proprietary blends that don’t disclose the exact amounts of each ingredient. 

Dosages

Now that you know what ingredients the pre-workout consists of, the next step is to check for the dosages of these ingredients. Ensure that the product provides clinically effective doses of these key ingredients so that they deliver the benefits you’re looking for. While insufficient doses might not provide the benefits you’re looking for, excessively high doses could also result in undesirable side effects. Everyone’s tolerance can vary, though, so be sure to check with your doctor when in doubt about how much to take.

Other Stimulants

While avoiding beta-alanine, be mindful of other stimulants present in the formula. Some people might want some light stimulants like caffeine, while others might be looking to avoid all stimulants. High levels of caffeine can give you jitters while niacin can make you tingle and itch like beta-alanine does, so if you know you’re sensitive to these side effects, choose products that match your tolerance.

[Related: Why Does Pre-Workout Make You Itch?]

Dietary Needs and Preferences

Take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences when choosing a pre-workout supplement. Look for options that are vegan, gluten-free, or free from artificial sweeteners and colors if these factors are important to you. 

4 Gauge Natural Pre-Workout added to water

Ensuring the product aligns with your dietary needs can enhance your overall experience and satisfaction.

Your Fitness Goals and Level

First, consider whether you’re training for the pump, trying to lose weight, or wanting to gain muscle. The product that fits your needs will differ based on your fitness goals. Second, consider your fitness level. Beginners – you may want to start with milder formulations to avoid overwhelming your system. See how your body reacts to different ingredients and dosages. Hardcore athletes – you’ll want to take advantage of more potent formulations and potentially more servings before each workout. 

Value

When evaluating value, check the price per serving, not the price per scoop, against the ingredients in the formula. Higher-priced picks may offer better quality and meet more specific needs, but economical choices can also still deliver the results you’re looking for. Ultimately, try to balance your budget with the benefits you expect to gain from your pre-workout. You can also shop bulk sizes for savings with select brands.

Best Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine FAQs

References

Trexler, E. T., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Hoffman, J. R., Wilborn, C. D., Sale, C., Kreider, R. B., Jäger, R., Earnest, C. P., Bannock, L., Campbell, B., Kalman, D., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Antonio, J. (2015). International society of sports nutrition position stand: Beta-Alanine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, 30. 

Maestre-Hernández, A. B., Pérez-Piñero, S., López-Román, F. J., Andreu-Caravaca, L., Luque-Rubia, A. J., Ramos-Campo, D. J., Díaz-Silvestre, M. J., & Ávila-Gandía, V. (2023). Effect of a sustained-release formulation of β-alanine on laboratory parameters and paresthesia in recreational trained men: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Frontiers in nutrition, 10, 1213105. 

Tabrizi, R., Saneei, P., Lankarani, K. B., Akbari, M., Kolahdooz, F., Esmaillzadeh, A., Nadi-Ravandi, S., Mazoochi, M., & Asemi, Z. (2019). The effects of caffeine intake on weight loss: a systematic review and dos-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 59(16), 2688–2696. 

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). National Institutes of Health. Consumer Fact Sheet: Dietary Supplements – What You Need to Know. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WYNTK-Consumer/

Gough, L. A., Sparks, S. A., McNaughton, L. R., Higgins, M. F., Newbury, J. W., Trexler, E., Faghy, M. A., & Bridge, C. A. (2021). A critical review of citrulline malate supplementation and exercise performance. European journal of applied physiology, 121(12), 3283–3295. 

Cholewa, J. M., Wyszczelska-Rokiel, M., Glowacki, R., Jakubowski, H., Matthews, T., Wood, R., Craig, S. A., & Paolone, V. (2013). Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 39. 

Jongkees, B. J., Hommel, B., Kühn, S., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands–A review. Journal of psychiatric research, 70, 50–57. 

Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., Candow, D. G., Kleiner, S. M., Almada, A. L., & Lopez, H. L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 18. 

Wax, B., Kerksick, C. M., Jagim, A. R., Mayo, J. J., Lyons, B. C., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients, 13(6), 1915. 

Shrimanker, I., & Bhattarai, S. (2023). Electrolytes. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). National Institutes of Health. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Carnitine. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2024). National Institutes of Health. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin B12. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). National Institutes of Health. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals: Vitamin D. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

Khemtong, C., Kuo, C. H., Chen, C. Y., Jaime, S. J., & Condello, G. (2021). Does Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) Supplementation Attenuate Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness after Resistance Exercise in Trained Males? A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 13(6), 1880. 

Munzel, T., Daiber, A., & Gori, T. (2011). Nitrate Therapy: New Aspects Concerning Molecular Action and Tolerance. Circulation, 123(19).

The post Best Pre-Workouts Without Beta-Alanine in 2024, Reviewed by Our Experts  appeared first on BarBend.

The 2024 Chicago Pro bodybuilding show occurred in Chicago, IL, on July 19-20, 2024. Promoter Tim Gardner hosted nine IFBB Pro League divisions with possible 2024 Olympia qualifications at stake. If they had not already qualified earlier in the 2024 season, the winners of these divisions would be eligible to compete at the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13.

Mohamed Foda of Egypt won the main event, the Men’s Open division, earning his 2024 Mr. Olympia roster spot.

2024 Chicago Pro Results

The final placings for all nine divisions in this event are below:

Men’s Open

Mohamed Foda (Egypt)

Vladyslav Sukhoruchko (United Arab Emirates)

Tim Budesheim (Germany)

Nathan Epler (United States)

Jordan Hutchinson (United States)

Stan De Longeaux (United States)

Sarhan Sarhan (Palestine)

Hassan Mostafa (Egypt)

Liang Yan (China)

Reece Mcdonald (United Kingdom)

Felix Norman (United States)

Slavoj Bednar (Czech Republic)

Phil Clahar (United States)

Justin Maki (United States)

Seungchul Lee (South Korea)

Tied for 16th

Anthony Dellaventura (United States)

Brady King (United States)

Robin Strand (Canada)

212 Bodybuilding

Marcello Alfonsi (Brazil)

Bo Lewis (United States)

Mike Condell (United States)

Morad Zahir (Morocco)

Felippe Abreu (United States)

Christopher Vitro (United States)

Gary Ullrich (United States)

Peter Burmester (United States)

Darryl Mayfield (United States)

Classic Physique

Carlos Dommar (Venezuela)

Kellen Wilson (Canada)

Austin Espy (United States)

Camilo Diaz (Colombia)

Marcus Perry (United States)

Hamzah Saeed (United States)

Eddie Lusk III (United States)

Denis Romanov (Russia)

Aaron Owens (United States)

Terrence Bonds (United States)

Wil Vaughn (United States)

Angel Bajana (United States)

Rohan Duncan (United States)

Jonathan Esparza (United States)

Men’s Physique

Abisai Pietersz (Netherlands)

Ahmed Shokry (Egypt)

Deke Walker (United Kingdom)

Mario Stewart (United States)

Dawid Wachelka (Poland)

Sadik Hadzovic (United States)

Jo Cho (United States)

Ben Iverson (United States)

Anthony Sullivan (United States)

Jacques Lewis (United States)

Mike Wynn (United States)

Jacob Swisher (United States)

Denny Singh (United States)

Melvin Keihn (United States)

Frankie Rodriguez (United States)

Brad Estadt (United States)

Women’s Bodybuilding (Ms. International)

Sherry Priami (United States)

Hunter Henderson (United States)

Mayla Ash (United States)

Lisa Kudrey (Canada)

Kyna Squarey (Canada)

Monica Vega (United States)

Patty Corbett (United States)

Cris Goy (United States)

Wendy Sanchez (United States)

Christina Nalley (United States)

Figure

Cherish Richardson (United States)

Mayra Rocha (Mexico)

Thais Cabrices-Werner (United States)

Elizabeth Nieder (United States)

Georgina Lona (Mexico)

Zulfiya Bitiyeva (Kazakhstan)

Amanda Almodovar (United States)

Adela Diaz (United States)

Yukina Betz (United States)

Tamika Tucker (United States)

Cierra Alexis (United States)

Caeleigh Bowman (United States)

Nelly Gonzalez (Mexico)

Danielle Barros (United States)

Stacey Steiner (Australia)

Tied for 16th

Delisa Davis (United States)

Barbara Kiss (United Kingdom)

Andi Lampart (United States)

Marcel Mayfield (United States)

Chie Terui (United States)

Bikini

Reijuana Harley (United States)

Hope Castelli (United States)

Jessica Wilson (United States)

Lizzie Martinez (United States)

Tianna Weymouth (United States)

Nina Di Tommaso (United States)

Koa Robinson (United States)

Nicole Cerrini (United States)

Jule Schwabe (Austria)

April Conley (United States)

Cindy Van Empel-Popowich (Canada)

Katiuska Gintili (United States)

Women’s Physique

Ana Harias (United States)’

Amanda Machado (United States)

Lenka Ferencukova (Czech Republic)

Autumn Swansen (United States)

Romana Skotzen (United Kingdom)

Xin Qi (China)

Evon Pennington (United States)

Ji Hye Lee (South Korea)

Paloma Barba (Mexico)

Christina Kremser (Austria)

Suzanne Davis (United States)

Tricia Downing (United States)

Natalie Juron (United States)

Nadia Vandal (Canada)

Gioconda Diaz (United States)

Tied for 16th

Sarah Bow (Canada)

Sammica Cash (United States)

Rachael Heffner (United States)

Stacey Lewis (United States)

Hayley Perry (United States)

Marcie Simmons (United States)

Wellness

Sunny Andrews (United States)

Germier Morgane (France)

Yami Partridge (United States)

Ruth Bentson (United States)

Pierrette Ebami (Canada)

Cara Saunders (Bahamas)

Stephanie Jones (United States)

[Related: Dr. Mike Israetel Critiques Jay Cutler’s Training During His Competitive Prime]

[Related: Derek Lunsford Tackles a Punishing Back Workout as He Begins His 2024 Olympia Prep]

Men’s Open Winner — Mohamed Foda

Foda was not on many experts’ radar going into the contest. Still, the judges gave him a perfect score, indicating he was the clear winner over runner-up Vladyslav Sukhoruchko and third-place finisher Tim Budesheim. Foda is the 15th athlete on the 2024 Mr. Olympia roster.

212 Bodybuilding Winner — Marcello Alfonsi

Marcello Alfonsi was another surprise for this contest. Still, he was victorious in the 212 division to clinch his first pro win and Olympia qualification in only his second pro show after turning pro in Vancouver during the Vancouver Pro weekend. Bo Lewis and Mike Condell took second and third, respectively.

Classic Physique Winner — Carlos Dommar

The Classic Physique division did not have a surprise result. Carlos Dommar was the favorite going in, and he left the stage as champion over Canada’s Kellen Wilson and the USA’s Austin Espy, who claimed silver and bronze in that order. Dommar can now set his sights on the Classic Physique Olympia in October.

Men’s Physique Winner — Abisai Pietersz

Abisai Pietersz was coming off a win at the 2024 Republic of Texas Pro, and he left the Windy City with his second win in a row. No Olympia qualification was issued for the Men’s Physique division. The runner-up in this contest was Ahmed Shokry, and third place went to Deke Walker.

Women’s Bodybuilding Winner — Sherry Priami

Sherry Priami, Hunter Henderson, and Mayla Ash put on quite the show in Women’s Bodybuilding. In the end, Priami won, but Henderson looked like she could contend for a win if she competed again later in the season. That is impressive, considering she competed in powerlifting earlier in the year. Ash took home third place. It would not be surprising to see Ash and Henderson qualify for the Ms. Olympia before the Sept. 15, 2024, cutoff date.

Figure Winner — Cherish Richardson 

Cherish Richardson was another favorite going into the show, and she proved those expectations correct by winning the Figure title over runner-up Mayra Rocha and third-place finisher Thais Cabrices-Werner. Richardson can focus on breaking into the top three of the Figure Olympia. She ranked fourth in 2023.

Bikini Winner — Reijuana Harley 

The Bikini division saw Reijuana Harley take home the title over silver and bronze finishers Hope Castelli and Jessica Wilson. Harley was also pre-qualified for the Olympia, which meant no other qualification was issued at this event. 

Women’s Physique Winner — Ana Harias 

The same could be said about the Women’s Physique division, thanks to winner Ana Harias clinching first place over Amanda Machado, who finished second to Harias for the second show in a row. They also competed in the Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro earlier in the season. Lenka Ferencukova rounded out the top three in this division.

Wellness Winner — Sunny Andrews

This was Sunny Andrews’s first victory since 2022 and fourth overall. She won the 2024 Chicago Pro Wellness title to earn her way back onto the Olympia stage for the third time.

More Bodybuilding Content

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The Chest Workout “Trick” Chris Bumstead Is Using To Win the 2024 Olympia

Featured Image: @timgardnerproductions on Instagram

The post 2024 Chicago Pro Results appeared first on BarBend.

With almost 700 open studios, Hotworx combines typical boutique fitness-style classes with virtual trainers in an infrared sauna environment

Amid the global success of its infrared sauna workout concept, boutique fitness studio Hotworx will soon be available to Canadian customers.

Hotworx, a 24/7 fitness studio, offers members an infrared sauna-based workout experience; its unique model has seen the brand open nearly 700 locations worldwide, including studios in the United States, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Ireland. It’s now seeking franchisees to grow the brand in Canada.

“We are actively seeking fitness-minded owners who want to be part of the Hotworx world,” said Stephen Smith, CEO of Hotworx. “We work closely with our franchise partners to help them set up for success and grow in their markets. A Hotworx fitness studio doesn’t require a big real estate footprint, which makes it an appealing opportunity for franchisees in Canada.”

Founded in 2017, Hotworx combines typical workout boutique fitness-style classes with virtual trainers in an infrared sauna environment.

The studio’s saunas use infrared heat, which causes the body to sweat and, along with isometric workouts, is said to remove toxins from the body’s organs. According to Hotworx, this method, also known as “3D Training,” decreases warmup time, activates the regenerative process in the body, increases heart rate, and maximizes calories burned. 

“We are excited to introduce Canadians to our unique fitness studios that not only deliver superior results but also provide an immersive workout experience,” Smith added. “With our 24/7 accessible studios and innovative 3D Training Method, Hotworx is an ideal solution for Canadians looking for a workout unlike any other fitness program available.”

Hotworx members have 24-hour access to the studio’s saunas and can sign up for various fitness classes offered by 11 professional virtual instructors. There are 12 available classes including 30-minute isometric workouts like hot yoga and Pilates, as well as 15-minute HIIT workouts like hot cycling and rowing. 

Hotworx’s approach of combining heat therapy with instructor-led workouts might be unique, but isn’t the only sauna brand looking to expand its number of franchise locations. Perspire Sauna Studio recently announced its goal to open  500 locations by 2027 and Beem Light Sauna reported 200 locations in development as of  December 2023. 

The post Sauna Workout Brand Hotworx Eyes Canada Franchise Expansion appeared first on Athletech News.

The International Powerlifting Federation’s (IPF) World University Cup is the top-level university competition. In 2024, it will be held under the aegis of the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) for the first time.

From July 23rd, 2024, over 180 powerlifters from 20 countries will gather in Tartu, Estonia, to take to the platform to represent their University and their country. To qualify for this championship, athletes must be 25 years old or younger, university students, and nationals of the country they represent.

[Related: For Some Olympic Athletes, Getting a Medal Through TSA Is the Hardest Part]

Athletes to Watch

Below are male and female lifters to keep eyes on during competition days:

Guillaume Parisot (83KG class) — France

2022 was a good year for Parisot. He was the bronze medallist at the UK Arnold and the European Classic in Skierniewice. He won the 2023 World University Cup (WUC), breaking the squat, deadlift, and total records.

Eliam Tchandeu Noundou (105KG class) — France

Tchandeu Noundou won silver at the 2023 European University Cup (EUC) and rose to gold at the 2023 WUC. He holds the FISU world records in squat, deadlift, and total. 

Guillaume Jean Marie Flore (93KG class) — France

Flore has already appeared at several minor international events—two at the Pyrenees Cup in 2023 and 2024 and one at the 2022 Western European Championships. He has been quietly building a huge deadlift and has a good chance of breaking the FISU world record in that lift.

Ellen B. Åkesson (63KG class) — Sweden

Åkesson has been competing nationally since 2021 but stepped up to international competition in 2023. That year, she took the silver medal at the EUC in the 63KG class and followed it up with the silver medal at the WUC in the 69KG class. For this event, she is back down in the 63s.

Salma Mmadi (84+KG class) — France

Mmadi has built a huge squat in her short career, adding 55 kilograms in 18 months. She is the current Junior European champion and has won the gold medal at the two previous WUCs and the 2024 EUC.

Marelin Jüriado (84KG class) — Estonia

Jüriado has the advantage of lifting on home turf at this event. She has been competing since 2021 and already has an impressive resume. She lifts classic and equipped and was the sub-Junior European champion in classic and equipped in 2022.

[Related: Jonathan Lewis (93KG) Breaks Long-Standing IPF Junior Raw Deadlift World Record with 355.5 Kilograms]

Full Livestream Schedule

Author’s Note: All times are Eastern European Time. The schedule is subject to change. 

Tuesday, July 23rd 

Women’s 47KG & 52KG classes — 12:00 p.m.

Men’s 59KG & 66KG classes — 3:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremony — 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24th

Women’s 57KG class — 10:00 p.m.

Men’s 74KG class — 1:30 p.m.

Women’s 63KG class — 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 25th

Women’s 69KG class — 11:00 p.m.

Men’s 83KG class — 3:00 p.m.

Friday, July 26th

Men’s 93KG class — 10:00 p.m.

Women’s 76KG class — 1:30 p.m.

Men’s 105KG class — 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 27th

Women’s 84KG & 84+KG classes — 11:00 p.m.

Men’s 120KG & 120+KG classes — 2:00 p.m.

The full roster with nominated totals is available on Goodlift (http://goodlift.info/live.php), and the event will be live-streamed on fisu.tv.

More Powerlifting Content

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Featured image: @theipf on Instagram

The post How To Watch the 2024 FISU University World Powerlifting Championships  appeared first on BarBend.

While it’s established that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with healthy aging, researchers have found that even light-intensity movement offers meaningful benefits

Just two hours of light-intensity physical activity per day can increase the chances of healthy aging by 6%, according to a new paper published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

You may have heard that sitting is the new smoking, but the findings — which used data from an extensive Nurses’ Health Study spanning 20 years — could have longevity-invested individuals trading Netflix for a stroll in the neighborhood. 

While it’s established that proper sleep and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is associated with healthy aging, researchers sought to discover the associations of sedentary behaviors and light-intensity physical activity (LPA) with optimal aging. The study comprised over 45,000 female participants, all of whom were 50 years or older and free of major chronic disease in 1992. Data was then analyzed over a five-month period in 2022.

Participants’ habits were assessed during the course of the study, including the amount of time spent watching television, sitting at work and at home, and LPA, such as the time spent standing or walking around at home and at work, to determine the impact it had on healthy aging.

For the study, researchers defined healthy aging as surviving to at least 70 years without significant chronic diseases or impairment in memory, physical function or mental health — a milestone that the study’s authors state only 10% to 35% of older adults achieve.

More Movement, Less TV Time

By the numbers, the paper details that each increment of two hours per day of sitting and watching TV was associated with a 12% decrease in the likelihood of healthy aging, whereas each additional two hours of LPA per day correlated with a 6% increase in healthy aging. 

Interestingly, the authors discovered that among those who slept seven hours or less each day, substituting TV time with sleep also increased the likelihood of healthy aging. Ultimately, only 8.6% of women achieved healthy aging at the conclusion of the study, and while researchers determined that increased television watching reduced the odds of healthy aging, they suggest that swapping just one hour of tube time with either LPA or MVPA raises the odds of healthy aging.

“These findings complement previous evidence on the association between these behaviors and mortality, and provide important evidence for promoting active lifestyles for achieving optimal health at older ages,” wrote the study’s authors. 

Being advised to move more and sit less may not sound necessarily groundbreaking, but as the paper’s authors note, population aging is an important public health issue, considering 8.5% of the total population worldwide is 65 years and older — a number expected to increase to 20% by 2050. Aging, they point out, tends to be accompanied by a host of adverse health conditions, but identifying “modifiable factors” can inform helpful interventions as individuals age.  

Fitness Brands Target ‘Active Aging’ Community

While fitness and health brands are after the coveted Gen Z consumers, aware that they are intrigued by the longevity and wellness space, some in the industry are targeting mature consumers with programming designed just for them. 

Considering research has shown that just one year of heavy weightlifting can yield maintained strength four years later, staying active can be the ultimate low-hanging fruit when it comes to longevity practices.

Tonal, the smart home gym, has emphasized serving the ‘active aging’ demographic with safe and effective strength training programs, applauding their 55-plus users for being one of their more consistent groups when it comes to strength training week-to-week than other age groups.

Luxury fitness and lifestyle operator Life Time launched Arora in 2022, a program designed specifically for “baby boomers and beyond” and encompasses low-impact and exclusive programming across aqua, cardio, and strength modalities, along with pickleball, tennis, educational workshops and socialization opportunities. 

Digital platforms have also gained ground in the active aging space, with Mighty Health, an all-in-one exercise, nutrition, and daily health program serving those aged 50 and over. The platform raised $7.6 million last year and offers personalized coaching and lessons. 

The post When It Comes To Exercising for Longevity, Anything Is Better Than Nothing appeared first on Athletech News.

On July 13, 2024, pro Men’s Physique division bodybuilder Sadik Hadzovic published a video on his YouTube channel sharing his 2,200-calorie shredding diet for the final 10 days of prep leading up to the 2024 Chicago Pro on July 19-20, 2024.

Hadzovic revealed that this cutting diet constitutes nearly half his usual calorie consumption, prompting him to reduce his training volume by 50 percent to accommodate the drastic calorie deficit. Check out the video below:

[Related: Dr. Mike Israetel Critiques Jay Cutler’s Training During His Competitive Prime]

Sadik Hadzovic’s Grocery Haul

Here is Hadzovic’s complete shopping list:

Grapefruit

Lemons 

Frozen tilapia

Chicken breast

Ground beef (93/7)

Frozen asparagus

While Hadzovic prefers fresh produce, his busy schedule prevents daily grocery shopping. Therefore, he opts for frozen vegetables, as the freezing process preserves the phytonutrients.

Meal One

Grapefruit or Oatmeal

In the final week of the prep, Hadzovic will replace oatmeal with grapefruit for his breakfast. 

At 10 days out, Hadzovic drinks two gallons of water daily, enhanced with lemon for flavor. He avoids BCAAs, EAAs, or hydration formulas due to their artificial sweeteners.

Meal Two

Chicken breast — Seven ounces

Rice — Eight ounces

Hadzovic ate the second meal after training. Recognizing his body’s need for additional carbohydrates and fats, he negotiated with his nutritionist to add three more ounces of white rice to his post-workout meal to add more fullness and pop to his muscles.

During the final stretch of a prep, Hadzovic only uses sea salt and lemon to season his food, aiming to minimize water retention. The sole exception is Stevia, which he uses in his morning oatmeal. 

Meal Three

Ground beef — Seven ounces

Asparagus — 110 grams

Rice — Five ounces

Hadzovic added three extra ounces of red meat over his prescribed intake to increase his fat consumption. Consuming healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can elevate HDL levels, the “good” cholesterol. This, in turn, can stimulate growth hormone production, promoting the utilization of amino acids — the fundamental building blocks of protein essential for muscle tissue development.

Hadzovic uses asparagus for its diuretic effects. It increases urine output, contributing to muscle definition. Asparagus mainly comprises fibrous carbs that support gut health and enhance satiety. They can also be helpful for blood sugar management, cholesterol reduction, and weight control.

Meal Four

Tilapia — Seven ounces

Rice — Five ounces

Meal Five (Cheat Meal)

Chicken Hibachi

White rice

Salad

Salmon sashimi — Six pieces

Hadzovic ate this ‘clean refeed meal’ at a restaurant, opting for dishes with minimal added oils and seasonings. He did not factor this meal into his 2,200-calorie daily goal.

Meal Six

Chicken breast — Seven ounces

Asparagus — Four ounces

Almond butter — 16 grams

Way Forward

Hadzovic ranked sixth in the Men’s Physique division at the 2024 Chicago Pro. He must win a pro show before the Sept. 15 deadline to qualify for the 2024 Olympia, which is scheduled for Oct. 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV. 

Despite qualifying for the 2022 Olympia in the Men’s Physique division, Hadzovic withdrew from the competition one week prior. Per NPC News Online, Hadzovic last competed at the 2022 New York Pro, finishing third.

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Featured image: @sadikhadzovic on Instagram

The post Sadik Hadzovic’s 2,200-Calorie Shredding Diet That Led To His 6th-Place Finish at the 2024 Chicago Pro appeared first on BarBend.

Strong abdominal muscles comprise a coveted six-pack, support good posture, safeguard the spine, enhance mobility, and improve lifting ability. In late April 2024, “Hypertrophy Coach” Joe Bennett uploaded a Q&A session video to his YouTube channel, delving into the best exercises for abs and offering advice on reducing fat while preserving muscle mass. Below is a summary of Bennett’s critical points:

[Related: Dorian Yates Says Hormone Doctor Turned Him Away in the ‘90s: “You Know More Than I Do”]

The Best Ab Exercise

Bennett endorses weighted crunches as the premier exercise for abdominal strengthening. He demonstrates this by showcasing his technique on an ab mat. The straightforward routine focuses on core development. Here’s how to do a weighted crunch:

Hold a weight plate on your chest while lying on an ab mat.

Keep both knees at 90 degrees and feet firmly planted.

Keep hips and feet on the floor, and raise the upper body to meet the knees till the forearms touch the thighs. 

Hold for a few seconds, then slowly return to the starting position to complete the rep.

*Note: Bennett advises against purchasing a squishy ab mat as it hinders the ability to stretch the abs.

Why Weighted Crunches

Weighted crunches are Bennett’s favorite ab exercise for three reasons:

Low Barrier of Entry

Mechanics

Loading Options

[Related: The 9 Best Exercises for Weight Loss]

Low Barrier of Entry

To effectively engage the abs through this exercise, one should position an ab mat slightly below the spine. Bennett notes that the equipment is affordable and readily available. Additionally, weight plates for loading can be easily found at any gym. Alternative weights can be used for improvisation.

Mechanics

Bennett explains that using an ab mat facilitates efficient six-pack engagement. Weighted crunches enhance muscle growth by overloading the mid-range length, suggests Bennett. Performing crunches with an ab mat trains abs through their full range of motion, optimizing muscle growth.

Loading Options

Bennett appreciates the advantage of utilizing weighted crunches on an ab mat for overloading. An ab mat eliminates the constraints on the weight an athlete can employ. However, a potential concern is athletes with smaller legs may encounter stability problems when overloading. The solution lies in effectively anchoring the legs to maintain balance.

“It’s a perfect exercise on paper. It overloads the lengthen through the mid-range. As you come closer to the top, those plates move closer to the axis, which is all those points on your spine,” said Bennett. “It technically gets less joint torque in the muscle and is lighter. [It only requires] a cheap piece of equipment. Pretty much every gym in the world has weight plates.”

Bennett’s Thoughts on the Inverted Press

Using an illustration featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger performing the inverted leg press, Bennett critiques the exercise, labeling it a “poopy leg press turned on its side” due to its sideways orientation and limited versatility compared to traditional leg presses. According to Bennett, the exercise’s mechanics — flexion and extension across three joints at a 90-degree angle — don’t offer much variation or effectiveness.

Bennett suggests that the inverted leg press could appeal to those seeking full hip flexion and increased glute length. He recommends using an adjustable back pad to enhance muscle activity in the quads. This adjustment can amplify the legs’ range of motion and knee flexion, offering more targeted stimulus.

Bennett on Aggressively Cutting Without Losing Muscle

Bennett addresses a final question on aggressive cutting while preserving muscle mass, explaining that the two goals are contradictory and that achieving both simultaneously isn’t entirely feasible.

“That’s like learning to be a millionaire, only working four hours a week,” Bennett says. “Anybody selling you a way to aggressively cut while putting on muscle, especially [while] not losing muscle, it’s just BS because those things are opposite.”

Bennett recommends avoiding an aggressive calorie deficit, advising instead for thoughtful planning. He advocates for a slight to moderate caloric deficit (250-300 calories) over an extended period to prevent significant muscle loss. Additionally, Bennett reduces the use of intensifiers in his training regimen, including drop sets, supersets, and mechanical drop sets to decrease overall volume while maintaining peak load.

Bennett reduces training to failure as competition nears. He decreases weight to prevent mistakes that might cause injury. “Just plan better, be more patient, and do a small to moderate deficit. It’ll work out much better for you in the long run.”

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

The Chest Workout “Trick” Chris Bumstead Is Using To Win the 2024 Olympia

Featured image: @hypertrophycoach on Instagram

The post Bodybuilding Coach Says This Ab Exercise Is Best for Getting a Six-Pack appeared first on BarBend.

Pounding out miles on one of the best treadmills can be torturous enough — and when you take away the motor, it requires a whole other caliber of mental toughness. Manual treadmills are exactly what they sound like: non-motorized treadmills powered by the user. Sound difficult? It is. They’re better for advanced exercisers than those just articulating their fitness goals, but they also offer distinct perks, including a pace and gait that more closely resembles overground running and the ability to reach higher workout intensities at lower speeds. (1) 

If you’re willing to put in the work, adding a manual treadmill to your home gym can help you power into a higher level of personal fitness. Our team of expert testers has hopped on dozens of different treadmills and carefully selected the five best manual treadmills we know can help you get the job done — because without a motor, they sure aren’t going to run themselves. Read on for our manual treadmill roundup. 

The Best Manual Treadmills of 2024

Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro

Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner

How We Tested and Chose the Best Manual Treadmills

If the BarBend team knows one thing, it’s workout equipment. The group is chock-full of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts who’ve had the opportunity to walk, jog, and run on more than 40 different treadmills. To arrive at our top picks, we tapped their expertise and adhered to the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology. We scored each machine on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across 13 different categories including the following

Value: It isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about what you’re getting for that amount. Manual treadmill prices range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, so we judged each based on what they offer in relation to the dollars spent.

Durability: It takes a lot of force to manually power a treadmill, so we carefully eyed the stability, durability, and construction of these machines, including taking a look at the warranties. When it comes to warranties, our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends “looking for 10 years on the frame, at least 2 years on parts, and at least 1 year for labor.”

Conveniences: Manual treads tend not to have many of the bells and whistles motorized treadmills do (think: fans, water bottle holders, built-in displays, device shelves). We kept the industry standard in mind when rating these based on their inclusion.

Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro

The AssaultRunner Pro is pricier than most motorized treadmills, but relatively affordable compared to the many of the best curved treadmills. That accessible price point — plus the solid construction and seamless workout experience — are what earned this manual treadmill our top overall pick.

Take it from our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, who says, “The AssaultRunner Pro is just a fun machine to run on. As an on-and-off CrossFitter, I’ve spent my fair share of time on the AssaultRunner Pro, and I have a blast every time I use one.”

The dollars spent on this model get you a solid steel frame and handrails, plus a heavy belt with thick rubber slats to provide a stable running surface. Better yet, it comes with a 150,000-mile guarantee.

 “Heavy” might sound like a bad thing when you’re the one powering the machine, but it actually makes running easier. Once you get the belt going, inertia keeps the belt moving so you aren’t working as hard to keep up your speed. Our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for durability and a 3.5 out of 5 for comfort. “It’s harder than running on a treadmill with a motor, but the heavier belt, along with the incline of the curve, makes it more comfortable,” they said.

Our product tester running on the AssaultRunner Elite, an upgraded version of the Pro.

One area the AssaultRunner Pro is lacking is tech capabilities, which our tester scored a 4 out of 5. “The monitor is fine. It can connect to several different heart rate monitors, but outside of that, the tech is fairly limited,” our tester said. 

Capritto, on the other hand, sees it as a plus: “I like that the simple LCD screen isn’t distracting and just shows me what I need.” There’s no water bottle holders or device shelf, unless you put your phone on top of the display itself.

Any other downsides to this treadmill are commonalities among all manual treads: a lack of incline/decline training and the fact that you have to control your speed with your running pace. The latter, though, is part of what gets you all the juicy benefits of running on a manual tread.

Read our full AssaultRunner Pro Review.

Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill

If you’re looking for a manual treadmill to walk or jog in your living space and don’t want to spend a ton of money or ruin the decor, the Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Treadmill could be the perfect machine for you. At $1,999.99, this is one of the most budget-friendly manual treadmills we’ve seen without compromising too much on style or construction. 

Other than the price, some of the best features are the stunning wooden aesthetic and small footprint. This tread will look great in a living or guest room, and the transport wheels make it easy to move. Overall, our tester, a certified personal trainer, gave it a 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability.

This Bells of Steel model got slightly lower marks for ergonomics, earning it a 3 out of 5. The 8.4-degree curve angle helps you power the tread with your stride, but with a 47” running deck, you have 15 inches less running space compared to the AssaultRunner Pro, for example. This makes this machine unsuitable for running and may pose an issue for taller athletes using it to walk or jog. 

That’s right: the biggest thing to note is that you can’t really run on this treadmill, so keep that in mind if you hope to crank out HIIT sprints or want to push your pace. “When I tried running on it, I felt like I was going to fall off the back, and had to use the handrails to feel stable,” our expert tester said. “The slatted belt feels looser than other competitors and isn’t the smoothest. I noticed a hitch in the belt every few steps,” they noted. 

Otherwise, our tester found the machine to be pretty durable, giving it a 3 out of 5 on that metric. The LCD display is basic but user-friendly and offers some training programs, earning it a 3 out of 5 on tech. 

Serious athletes will want to pass on this one, but those looking for one of the best walking treadmills to spruce up their living space might find the right fit in this manual tread.

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner

Most manual treadmills allow you to run or walk at different paces, but they’re essentially one-trick ponies. For runners who want to be able to vary the style and intensity of their training while spending under $3,000, the Grit Fitness Tru Grit Runner comes in clutch.

The standout feature of this manual treadmill is the functionality to add resistance. Using the six resistance levels, your treadmill workout can vary from feeling like a flat, easy run to an uphill sprint or even a weighted sled push. 

“If you turn the resistance dial to the highest setting, it feels almost like hiking or walking uphill,” our tester says. (To get this type of training on other machines — like the NordicTrack Commercial X22i — you’ll need to spend at least $1,000 more.) For this reason, our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for both customizations and value. They also noted that, while you can use this high-quality machine for sprint work, it can get a bit loud.

Another drawback? It’s no dainty machine, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough space — and don’t plan to move it. Our tester gave it a 2 out of 5 on footprint and portability. “At 400 pounds, it’s heavy and awkward to move, especially because of the plastic shroud and small wheels,” they say. They also weren’t a fan of the amount of plastic or the quality of the welds. “But the rubber tread and frame around the belt seem like they’ll last and it uses a similar bearing system as most other curved treadmills,” they add. 

Similar to other manual treadmills, this one comes with minimal extras, including a simple LCD monitor that shows time, distance, pace, speed, calories, watts, and interval training modes, and a ledge in front of the display where you could put your phone. The big draw here, however, is the ability to adjust the resistance for a reasonable price.

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

If you plan to use a manual treadmill for walking workouts only, you can save yourself some serious cash by opting for one of the best budget treadmills. (Really, there’s no need to invest in heavy-duty hardware if you’re keeping it low-intensity.) In the case of this Sunny Health & Fitness manual treadmill, you can get a space-saving piece of home gym equipment for less than $200. It’s nothing stellar, but it performs for the price. Our tester gave it a 3 out of 5 for overall workout experience.

Technically, the company says you can run on this machine, though reviewers and our tester say otherwise. “I do not recommend running on this machine, or taking your hands off of the handlebars while using it,” says our tester. For walkers, however, it gets the job done — and you’ll get a pretty good workout, too. 

The tread is set at a 13.5-percent incline, so you get the benefits of incline walking, including increased intensity and calorie burn and prolonged activation of the hamstrings, glutes, and calves compared to walking on flat ground. (2)(3)

This option is also fantastic for those living in apartments or who’re looking to stow their treadmill when not in use; our tester gave it a 4 out of 5 for footprint and portability. 

“Even without wheels, it’s easy to move around, and I think almost anyone would be able to do so,” our tester says. The walking surface folds up into the handlebars, shrinking the footprint to 20 inches by 23 inches, small enough to slide into a coat closet. “You’ll need to be careful when folding or lowering the walking pad because there’s no hydraulic or locking mechanism. It will just fall,” our tester notes.

If you’re paying under $200 for a treadmill, you’re probably not expecting it to last forever (and really, you shouldn’t). Our tester gave it a 2.5 out of 5 on durability and construction, noting that it’s not the sturdiest thing in the world, but not a bad buy for the price.

Best Curved Manual Treadmill: TrueForm Runner

The price jump here might spook you, but hear us out: The TrueForm Runner, an upgraded version of the TrueForm Trainer, offers an unrivaled training experience. It’s fitted with a shallow, symmetrical curve to give athletes precise control over their form and speed — the latter of which is unlimited on this tread. “You can go from walking to sprint (and vice versa) in just a few steps,” our tester said, giving the Runner a 4.5 out of 5 on adjustability and ergonomics. 

It’s a machine worthy of elite athletes. The company even offers versions with an artificial turf tread, which allows you to train barefoot, or one with an outdoor track surface to help competitive sprinters train to race. These options, plus the fact that you can run at an unlimited speed, are why our tester gave the TrueForm Runner a 5 out of 5 for customizations.

The TrueForm Runner is also an absolute tank. Our tester gave it a 5 out of 5 for durability, as it’s designed to handle a lifetime of heavy commercial use. It’ll last you years and years of even the highest-intensity workouts (just peep that 20-year frame warranty). 

“It’s incredibly built, with a powder-coated steel frame, stainless hardware, high-end bearings, welded seams, and heavy-duty casters,” says our tester. The weight limit is one of the highest we’ve seen on any machine, accommodating athletes up to 450 pounds while sprinting and 700 pounds while walking.

It’s a fantastic, high-end treadmill — but not perfect. Our tester gave it a 3.5 out of 5 for footprint and portability, as the stable metal frame makes it quite heavy and hard to move. And despite the hefty price tag, it still lacks a few conveniences, like a device shelf, water bottle holder, and higher-end display. 

The monitor has a bright LED display but no Bluetooth connectivity, workout programs, or general adjustability; it only shows pace, speed, distance, and time. For some, that might be a letdown, but for athletes looking for a running experience that rivals outdoor miles, it could be just what the coach ordered.

Read our full TrueForm Runner Treadmill Review.

Benefits of Manual Treadmills

With manual treadmills, you get all the usual benefits of treadmills plus some extras. Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer, is a big fan. “I love how [it] encourages me to maintain good running form and feels more like running outdoors, but brings all the benefits of running indoors,” she says. It also poses a new challenge: “You have to work at maintaining your pace; it won’t set the pace for you,” she says. It’s not just her opinion, either — these benefits are backed by research.

Our tester walks on a Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill.

Better Replicates Outdoor Running: A 2017 study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that, compared to a regular treadmill, running on a manual treadmill was more similar to overground (i.e. outdoor) running in terms of pacing and gait (1).

Can Help Refine Running Form: A 2018 study found that running on a curved, non-motorized treadmill had a significant effect on people’s gait. Specifically, runners had a shorter stride length, less gait asymmetry, and reduced stride angle, which are associated with more efficient running, reduced injury risk, and less impact upon landing. (4)

Potentially Burn More Calories: Research shows that walking or running on a manual treadmill results in higher overall exertion compared to doing so on one that’s motorized, and this seems to result in greater calorie burn while working out. (5)(6) 

No Electricity Required: Electric, motorized treadmills require a well-placed outlet supplying plenty of power, which can add up on your electric bill. With manual treadmills, there’s also no need for a nearby outlet or unsightly extension cords. As such, it’s ideal for home use, as you can set it up anywhere. 

How Much Do Manual Treadmills Cost?

The price spectrum for manual treadmills is wider than you’d think: Budget manual treadmills can go as low as about $200, while high-end options can creep up towards $10,000. Keep in mind, though, that you can often find machines on sale, especially if you shop during some of the best times to buy a treadmill.

The AssaultRunner Elite.

What to Consider Before Buying Manual Treadmills

There’s a lot to think about when buying a treadmill for your home gym. Some of the considerations have to do with the treadmill options, while others have more to do with you and your workout preferences. Give these factors some thought before you commit.

Electric vs. Manual Treadmills 

Manual treadmills come with the aforementioned benefits, but they are, admittedly, not for everyone. It’s a good idea to dig into the differences between manual vs. electric treadmills to decide which is the best type of treadmill for you. For example, if you’re a beginner, running on a manual treadmill may be too intense. They also likely aren’t fit if you want incline/decline training, to follow along with running classes, or to stream other content while you work out.

Size 

“Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position, if applicable,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!”

Our tester lifting the AssaultRunner Elite.

If you plan to move the treadmill on your own, take a look at the machine’s weight, too. “You’ll likely need something that weighs less than 200 pounds and has mounted transport wheels,” she adds, though “the best treadmills tend to weigh 250 pounds or more because they’re designed to withstand sprinting speeds without wobbling or shaking.”

Price 

Your budget, frankly, is your business. Still, it pays to keep in mind that, when it comes to heavy workout machinery, you typically get what you pay for — and that seems to be even more true with manual treadmills. Investing in a pricer, heavy-duty machine could be a better option if you want to run or sprint at high speeds or if you want one to last for many years and lots of high-intensity workouts. If you’re just looking to get moving (and perhaps aren’t even sure if you’ll like a manual treadmill), trying a cheaper option first may be the way to go. 

[Related: Running On a Treadmill vs. Running Outside]

Manual Treadmills FAQs

References

Edwards, R. B., Tofari, P. J., Cormack, S. J., & Whyte, D. G. (2017). Non-motorized Treadmill Running Is Associated with Higher Cardiometabolic Demands Compared with Overground and Motorized Treadmill Running. Frontiers in Physiology. 

Silder, A., Besier, T., & Delp, S. L. (2012). Predicting the metabolic cost of incline walking from muscle activity and walking mechanics. Journal of biomechanics. 

Orozco, E., Joslin, H., Blumenthal, K., & Rosario, M. (2022). Characteristics of Lower Extremity Muscle Activation in Response to Change in Inclination while Walking on a Treadmill. European Journal of Sport Sciences. 

Hatchett, A., Armstrong, K., Parr, B., Crews, M., & Tant, C. (2018). The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel, Switzerland). 

Dabbs, N. C., Reid, M. J., Wimbish, J., Ng, J. (2021). The Effect of Motorized vs Non-Motorized Treadmills on Exercise Economy during Acute Sub-maximal Bouts in Collegiate Cross-Country Female Athletes. International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science. 

Robertson, N. (2014). Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill. EWU Masters Thesis Collection. 

Schoenmakers, P. P. J. M., & Reed, K. E. (2018). The physiological and perceptual demands of running on a curved non-motorised treadmill: Implications for self-paced training. Journal of science and medicine in sport. 

Thompson, Dixie L. (2010). Fitness Focus Copy-and-Share: What is Oxygen Consumption?. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 

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The Sabadell location marks the beginning of the Planet Fitness’ ambitious growth plan in Spain and across Europe

Big box gym giant Planet Fitness has broken ground in Spain, opening its first club in Sabadell as part of its strategic growth plan in Europe.

The popular high-value, low-price (HVLP) fitness franchise confirms that the first stores will be a joint venture with a franchisee partner, while the remainder of the market will be franchised.

Earlier this year, Planet Fitness executives announced plans to open 300 locations in Spain, using the experience as a springboard to explore other European markets. Planet’s expansion into Spain follows its widespread presence in all U.S. states as well as Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia.

“Today, only 10% of the Spanish population has a gym membership so this is an incredible opportunity to bring our brand and unique model to Europe,” said new Planet Fitness CEO Colleen Keating. “At Planet Fitness, we are proud to provide a high-value, affordable fitness experience where people don’t feel intimidated to start their fitness journey. We believe our Judgement Free environment will resonate in Spain and beyond as we continue to strategically grow our footprint globally.”

Keating added that Planet Fitness is leveraging its strong balance sheet to drive growth at a faster pace and demonstrate proof of concept in new markets.

The ‘Judgement Free’ fitness brand is in the middle of a self-proclaimed transition year, one that includes a $5 price hike for its basic membership, which Planet Fitness increased to $15 per month, up from its long-running $10 price tag. Analysts say the move could bring a slew of benefits, including increased member retention and a boost in premium membership sign-ups. 

Vicente Bañobre, who is leading Planet’s operations and expansion in Spain, noted the strong growth potential in the country for the fitness franchise.

“We’re thrilled to offer an affordable fitness solution and best-in-class member experience to the Sabadell community,” Bañobre said.

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