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Finding a barbell that performs well for powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and general strength training without burning a deep hole in your pocket can be challenging. Luckily, REP Fitness leveled up its barbell lineup in the summer of 2023 with a high-quality model that checks those boxes (and many more): the Colorado Bar. Our Breaking Muscle team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit enthusiasts, and strength and conditioning coaches thoroughly tested this multi-purpose bar’s ability to handle traditional powerlifting movements like squats and deadlifts, as well as dynamic lifts like cleans and snatches.  

Durable, dependable, and diverse, the new flagship barbell from one of the most reputable fitness equipment manufacturers delivers serious bang for your buck. In this REP Fitness Colorado Bar review, we’ll dive deeper into what makes this model one of the best values on the market by breaking down its specs, highlighting its strengths, and seeing how it stacks up against the competition.

Key Takeaways

• The Colorado Bar checks in at a reasonable price point of $319.99 to $329.99 for the 20-kilogram (44-pound) model. There’s also a 15-kilogram (33-pound) version that costs between $269.99 and $279.99.
• You have two finish options with this barbell: a hard chrome shaft with chrome sleeves, or a Cerakote shaft with Duracoat sleeves. Plus, the Cerakote version gives you the freedom to flex your creative muscles with five color choices for the shaft.
• While IPF knurl markings and a 1,500-pound weight capacity give it a power bar feel, the inclusion of IWF knurl markings and the absence of a center knurl also make the Colorado Bar well-suited for Olympic lifts. In addition, composite bushings make for an overall quieter lifting experience.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar

4.5

• Material: Steel
• Weight: 20 kilograms (44 pounds)
• Weight capacity: 680.2 kilograms (1,500 pounds)
• Tensile strength: 190 KSI
• Loadable sleeve length: 16.1 inches
• Knurling: Moderate
• Warranty: Lifetime

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REP Fitness Colorado Bar Pros

• The ability to purchase a Cerakote version of the Colorado Bar should appeal to home gym owners who train in a non-climate-controlled environment. Because this type of shaft coating provides superior protection from the elements than hard chrome, those who train outdoors or in humid garages will appreciate better corrosion resistance courtesy of Cerakote.
• The Colorado Bar’s composite bushings not only allow for a smooth and steady spin but also give it a tighter tolerance. Another benefit of opting for composite over bronze bushings is less noise when your weight plates hit the floor.
• Between its versatility and build quality, the Colorado bar can serve as the only barbell in your home gym. If you don’t have a huge budget for gym equipment, you can cover multiple bases by investing in a multi-use bar that’s capable of handling a wide range of lifts.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar Cons

• A lack of aggressive knurling and a solid-but-not-elite tensile strength of 190,000 PSI make this barbell just an okay choice for powerlifters. If your workouts primarily revolve around the squat, deadlift, and bench press, a specialty bar tailored to your training style may be a wiser choice.
• Paying north of $300 for a barbell produced outside of the USA could prevent some people from going the Colorado route. There are American companies that offer similar features at a more tolerable price point.
• Although Cerakote shaft coating offers better corrosion resistance than hard chrome, it still falls short of a stainless steel finish. Those who prefer the high-end look and distinct knurling of a stainless steel bar should pass on the Colorado barbell. However, be prepared to pay a premium for those advantages.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar Specs

REP Fitness Colorado Bar Rating

From specialty bars designed for power racks to Olympic barbells made for more dynamic movements, the Breaking Muscle team has put various barbells through the wringer to determine what separates the best from the rest. Testing more than 75 models using a gauntlet of squats, cleans, presses, and other lifts, we developed a proprietary scoring system to rank them based on several factors, such as price, knurling, versatility, and durability.

Here’s how the REP Colorado Bar scored across each category.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar In-Depth Review

The Colorado Bar may not be a true superstar at one task, but its versatility is what makes it shine. With several finish options, high-quality build materials, and sufficient tensile strength for most lifters, we believe it’s a great option for anyone who likes to switch up their type of training. Most importantly, REP’s flagship barbell provides excellent value since it can fulfill multiple duties.

Price and Value

The price for the Colorado Bar varies depending on what size and finish you prefer. The 15-kilogram (33-pound) model, which is best suited for beginners, female lifters, and smaller athletes, starts at $269.99 for the hard chrome finish. For $10 more, you can choose a black or pink Cerakote shaft coating with Duracoat sleeves.

On the other hand, the base price for the 20-kilogram Colorado Bar is $319.99. For a mixed-use barbell in a hard chrome finish, the cost falls about in line with the industry average. For example, the Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar ranges between $275 to $415, depending on the finish. However, it may be worth upping your budget a bit to get better corrosion resistance and longevity. At $329.99, the Cerakote-finished Colorado Bar still brings plenty of value, especially since you can choose between five shaft coating colors to add some creative flair to your home gym setup.

Moreover, you don’t have to fret about freight costs. As of this writing, REP Fitness offers free shipping, which can save you at least $25. Overall, the Colorado bar packs a ton of customizable options into a well-priced piece of gym equipment, making it our pick for the best budget barbell. We rated it 4 out of 5 stars for the price.

Delivery

Let’s just say ordering a barbell on Amazon can be a bit like playing with fire. When I ordered a budget-friendly one for my home gym, the delivery process ended up being a major dud, with a low-quality bar from an entirely different brand than I had selected arriving in damaged packaging that left the endcaps exposed. Needless to say, that disappointing experience left a bitter taste in my mouth about having a barbell shipped to my front door.

Luckily for our product testers, REP Fitness made sure the Colorado Bar arrived at our warehouse in Springfield, MO, with zero issues. I was pleased to hear it suffered no damage during its journey. Well-packaged and well-protected, we gave REP 5 out of 5 stars for a smooth, painless delivery process.

Construction, Materials, and Coating

With a 28.5-millimeter shaft, the 20-kilogram Colorado Bar comes close to the 29-millimeter mark you’ll find in most power bars. Part of its appeal is that it has a shaft diameter that falls right in between Olympic and powerlifting standards.

REP gives you ample finish options with the Colorado Bar, including Cerakote (which comes in black, blue, green, red, or white) or hard chrome with hard chrome sleeves. However, keep in mind that chrome plating can reduce the longevity of a bar by 50 percent, which isn’t ideal if you drop the bar a lot. Based on our collective knowledge about barbells and the specific steel each brand uses, we’d estimate that the Colorado bar can last at least 30 years in a home gym setting.

Meanwhile, the Cerakote bars have a lifespan of more than 50 years thanks to their F2-R rating. Unlike the F1-R-rated chrome version, they feature Duracoat sleeves that provide higher levels of scratch and corrosion resistance through a chemical process that hardens the outside of the steel to create a smooth black finish.

Speaking of seamless, the Colorado Bar’s smooth sleeves make loading and unloading your weight plates a breeze. While I enjoy the efficiency of smooth sleeves, other Breaking Muscle staff members like our Reviews Editor Amanda Dvorak prefer ribbed sleeves since the plates stay in place better even without collars.

Combine that with a classy endcap design that has the company logo, name, and weight of the bar laser-etched on the inside of the sleeve, and you have all the makings of a premium bar at a non-premium price. Overall, the Colorado scored 4.5 out of 5 stars for construction.

Knurling

As a mixed-use bar, the Colorado comes with dual knurl markings for International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) specifications. This makes it easy to identify where to place your hands when bench pressing or performing other lifts, like snatches. At the same time, the absence of a center knurl allows you to comfortably perform Olympic-style movements (like cleans) or high-volume overhead presses without having to worry about scraping up your throat.

The knurling pattern on the Colorado Bar isn’t quite as aggressive as what you might find in a power bar like REP’s Double Black Diamond Bar, which features deep mountain-style knurling that makes it ideal for deadlifting but not ideal for more dynamic movements. Instead, REP went with a medium-depth, volcano-style knurling that still provides adequate grip without tearing up your hands during high-repetition training sessions. For most athletes, volcano knurling works best, as it provides four points of contact on each marking, leading to a superior grip and less slippage.

Creating sufficient friction without being too abrasive, the Colorado Bar’s medium knurling pattern scored 4.5 out of 5 stars on our grading scale.

Rotation System

REP really paid attention to the details of the Colorado Bar’s rotation system. Rather than following the industry standard of putting bronze bushings in a multi-purpose bar (like Rogue did with both the Ohio Bar and the more economically priced Echo Bar), they went the extra mile by using composite bushings.

Besides lasting longer than their bronze counterparts, composite bushings reduce the amount of noise when dropping the bar while still providing good spin — something our product testers took note of during their training sessions with the Colorado. Plus, composite bushings also make for tighter tolerances, meaning there’s less wobble between the sleeve and the shaft. 

REP’s decision to make the Colorado Bar with bushings instead of bearings caters directly to fans of the big three lifts. Power bars usually feature bushings because the sleeves spin more slowly, which makes the barbell feel more balanced while performing deadlifts and bench presses. 

On the other hand, weightlifting bars typically use faster-spinning bearings that play a critical role when the barbell is quickly changing directions during snatches and cleans. In addition, the superior spin rate from bearings also helps reduce stress on the joints when you execute the “catch” portion of a clean or snatch. Still, most multi-purpose bars leave bearings behind for bushings since the latter are more versatile, quieter, and less expensive. 

Between a smooth spin rate, enhanced durability, and a quieter lifting experience, the Colorado Bar earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for its rotation system.

Versatility

Specifically designed to accommodate a variety of workout styles, the Colorado Bar is the ultimate Swiss army knife. With a tensile strength rating of 190,000 pounds per square inch (PSI), you can confidently crush PRs without any problems. In fact, the Colorado bar has the same PSI rating as competitors like the TITAN Series Cerakote Olympic Barbell from Titan Fitness and the Rogue Ohio Bar.

Also capable of being used for non-powerlifting exercises like curls, overhead presses, and cleans, the Colorado Bar can handle just about anything you throw its way. It may not outperform a specialty bar, but if you’re looking for one barbell to rule them all in your home gym, this all-around beast can certainly stand up to the task.

All in all, we gave the Colorado Bar 5 out of 5 stars for versatility.

Durability

As one of its newer models, the Colorado Bar has yet to show how it can hold up over time. But based on the materials and design, we’re confident it will continue to perform well and look good for the long haul.

That said, the safest route — at least from a durability standpoint — is to go with the Cerakote version. Other barbells we’ve tested that feature this finish have lasted more than six months without rusting. Considering many of them are stored in non-temperature-controlled rooms, that speaks volumes about the level of protection Cerakote provides.

And if you’re still concerned about longevity, REP stands behind its barbells with a lifetime warranty (more on that below). Ultimately, we rated the Colorado Bar 5 out of 5 stars for durability.

Warranty

All REP barbells come with a lifetime warranty. However, the policy only covers manufacturing defects. So, if your Colorado Bar gets damaged due to negligent use (i.e., dropping it with iron weight plates loaded on it), you’re a bit out of luck. You’ll also run into a roadblock if you store your barbell outside, as this will automatically void your warranty. 

Compared to other manufacturers, REP Fitness doesn’t offer quite the same level of coverage. For example, Rogue’s lifetime warranty also includes bending that’s not due to faulty use or abusive dropping of the bar.

So, even though the Colorado Bar includes a lifetime warranty, the defect-only disclaimer led to a score of 4 out of 5 stars in this category.

REP Fitness Colorado Bar vs. Rogue Ohio Bar

It’s clear REP had one of its competitors in mind when coming up with the Colorado Bar. Not only is it named after the location of the company’s headquarters just like Rogue’s Ohio Bar, but it packs similar features into a similarly-priced product.

Despite minor differences in dimensions (the Colorado bar is 0.15 inches shorter with 0.3 fewer inches of loadable sleeve length), both bars have the same shaft diameters (28.5 millimeters) and tensile strength rating (190 KSI). However, the Colorado Bar’s composite bushings give it a tighter tolerance and quieter sound than its competitor’s bronze bushings. Plus, our testers found it to have a bit more aggressive knurling than the Ohio Bar.

On the other hand, Rogue offers a wider range of finish options. The Ohio Bar comes in five different shaft coatings (black oxide, stainless steel, black zinc, E-coat, or Cerakote) and four different sleeve coatings (chrome, proprietary black matte, bright zinc, or stainless steel). As a result, the price for this American-made barbell ranges from $295 to $465.

Overall, either bar will work well with your squat rack and can withstand plenty of pounding. REP may manufacture their products in China, but they have established a rock-solid reputation for quality in the fitness equipment industry. Ultimately, though, if you want a barbell produced in the USA that has a slightly more inclusive lifetime warranty, Rogue’s Ohio Bar will be the way to go.

Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar

4.5

• Comes with a lifetime guarantee against bending
• Weighs 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) and has a 28.5-millimeter diameter
• 16.4-inch loadable sleeve length
• Dual knurl rings and no center knurl

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REP Fitness Colorado Bar Customer Reviews

There’s no doubt REP hit a home run by releasing the Colorado Bar during the summer of 2023. Within just a few months, customers have found it to be a worthwhile investment for their home gyms based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback. With 4.9 stars based on 75 reviews, lifters around the country have fallen in love with the latest addition to REP’s line of home gym equipment.

Besides being impressed with the look and overall finish of the Colorado Bar, customers also appreciate the medium-aggressive knurling and smooth spin rate courtesy of the composite bushings. One user noted that the oil from your fingers shows through on the black finish, which may make going with another color a less stressful alternative. 

Final Verdict: Is the REP Fitness Colorado Bar Worth It?

The REP Fitness Colorado Bar brings a premium feel at a fairly affordable price. While there are certainly cheaper options available, home gym enthusiasts who value versatility and attention to detail shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on REP’s new flagship barbell.

For less than $330, you can get a high-quality, Cerakote-finished bar that’s designed to handle just about any type of workout, comes with a lifetime warranty, and can anchor your garage gym setup all on its own. Although the Rogue Ohio Bar is certainly a worthy contender due to its durability, price, and performance, you can confidently call upon the Colorado Bar to help you achieve your strength- and muscle-building goals.

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The post REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Although his trip to Orlando, FL didn’t result in a first-place finish, Samson Dauda still impressed the judges enough to capture the bronze medal at the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest. Coming off a strong showing that saw him make the leap from sixth to third in his second Olympia appearance, the Nigerian Lion wasted no time stepping on stage again.

Just one week after sharing the podium with newly crowned champion Derek Lunsford and 2022 winner Hadi Choopan, Dauda delivered a decisive win at the 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. Held over the weekend of Nov. 10-12, 2023, competitors from nine of the 11 IFBB Pro League divisions put their physiques on display in Bucharest, Romania, with Dauda taking home top honors in the Men’s Open category.

2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro Division-by-Division Results

The 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro featured nine division battles — only one of which ended with a Romanian native emerging victorious. Here are the full results from the contest:

• Men’s Open
• 212 Bodybuilding
• Classic Physique
• Men’s Physique
• Women’s Bodybuilding
• Women’s Physique
• Figure
• Bikini
• Wellness

Men’s Open

Heading into the contest, most expected Samson Dauda to dominate the Men’s Open division — and the massive bodybuilder didn’t disappoint. The 2023 Arnold Classic winner secured his second victory of the year (and a $10,000 prize) by besting 2022 Romania Muscle Fest Pro champion Behrooz Tabani Abarghani, who could not compete in this year’s Olympia due to visa issues. Surprisingly, Nathan de Asha, who also missed the biggest bodybuilding show of the year after being denied entry into the United States, finished fourth.

1. Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
2. Behrooz Tabani Abarghani (Iran)
3. Marcello de Angelis Rezende (Brazil)
4. Nathan De Asha (United Kingdom)
5. Mohamed Foda (Egypt)
6. Andrea Presti (Italy)
7. Alfred Chiriac (Romania)
8. Volodymyr Byruk (Ukraine)
9. Jan Turek (Czech Republic)
10. Kevin Brucher (Germany)
11. Gianluca Di Lorenzo (Italy)
12. Roberto Buonomo (Italy)
13. Pavel Cervinka (Czech Republic)
14. Hameed Juma (Bahrain)
15. Anton Bippus (Denmark)
16. Pavel Beran (Czech Republic)

212 Bodybuilding

Like Dauda, Ahmad Ali Ashkanani enjoyed a more successful outing in Romania than he did in Florida. Coming off a fifth-place finish in the Olympia 212 division, the Kuwait native secured his spot in the 2024 Olympia by finishing ahead of Giuseppe Zagarella and Radoslav Angelov, who took second and third, respectively.

1. Ahmad Ali Ashkanani (Kuwait)
2. Giuseppe Zagarella (Italy)
3. Radoslav Angelov (Bulgaria)
4. Alexandru Vasile Uta (Romania)
5. Lucas Garcia (Brazil)
6. Dawid Cnota (Poland)
7. Daniel Vasilica (Romania)
8. Vincent Alliot (France)
9. Junior Pagula (Brazil)
10. Morad Zahir (Morocco)
11. Victor Eric Lopez Garcia (Mexico)
12. Vincente Santamaria (Spain)

[Related: Chris Bumstead Claims Fifth Consecutive Classic Physique Championship at 2023 Mr. Olympia]

Classic Physique

Having already won the 2023 Europa Pro back in September, Wesley Vissers earned his second pro show win of the year. The Classic Physique competitor finished seventh at the 2023 Olympia and will look to improve upon that mark in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.

1. Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
2. Ruben Lopez Reyes (Spain)
3. Alexander Westermeier (Germany)
4. Sebastien Theurel (France)
5. Ali Shams Ghamar (Iran)
6. George Achampong (Denmark)
7. Nicolas Alberto Concepcion (Philippines)
8. Mehmed Mehmedov (Bulgaria)
9. Chris Pistolas (Greece)
10. Pekka Kotipohja (Finland)
11. Milos Stojanovic (Serbia)
12. Francesco Della Vedova (Italy)
13. Karol Rogaczewski (Poland)
14. Luc Andre Steinker (Germany)
15. Fernando Gornals Margol (Spain)
16. Alberto Milani (Italy)

Men’s Physique

Stepping on stage for the first time since the 2022 Warsaw Pro, Miroslav Juricek made the most of his return with a clean sweep of first-place votes. As a result, the Czech Republic native will get to make his Olympia debut next year.

1. Miroslav Juricek (Czech Republic)
2. Caike DeOliveira (USA)
3. Furker Er (Turkey)
4. Mohammad Ali (Austria)
5. Jeffrey Darko (United Kingdom)
6. Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
7. Mauro Fialho (Spain)
8. Alexandru Panek (Romania)
9. Alessandro Colacchi (Italy)
10. Andrea Amato (Italy)
11. Andrea Antonelli (Italy)
12. Giuseppe Riserbato (Italy)
13. Jaime Maso Lopez (Spain)
14. Hamad Al-doseri (Bahrain)
15. Oskar Tchorzewski (Poland)
16. Mishal Alhassan (Saudi Arabia) — Tied for 16th
17. Aryan Ali (Germany) — Tied for 16th
18. Nasreddine Bouakouk (Algeria) — Tied for 16th
19. Nikolay Rashkov (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
20. Jose Luis Rivas (Spain) — Tied for 16th

Women’s Bodybuilding

Leyvina Rodrigues Barros cemented her case as one of the top female bodybuilders in the world by parlaying her well-balanced physique into a well-earned victory in the Women’s Bodybuilding division. After finishing well outside the top 10 in her Olympia debut in 2022, she will look to vault up the standings in the 2024 contest.

1. Leyvina Rodrigues Barros (Brazil)
2. Anastasia Korableva (Romania)
3. Tiana Flex (South Africa)
4. MayLa Ash (USA)
5. Barbara de Freitas Moojen (Brazil)
6. Hagit Seindlis (Israel)
7. Jacqueline Fuchs (Switzerland)
8. Viktoria Knysh (UAE)
9. Gemma Lancaster (United Kingdom)
10. Ivana Dvorakova (Czech Republic)
11. Simone Ellis (England)

[Related: Try This Beginner Bodybuilding Routine If You’re Looking To Build Mass]

Women’s Physique

Raluca Raducu represented Romania well by narrowly beating out runner-up Caroline Alves Dos Santos for the Women’s Physique division title. A one-point advantage allowed the IFBB Pro to stamp her ticket to the 2024 Olympia.

1. Raluca Raducu (Romania)
2. Caroline Alves Dos Santos (Brazil)
3. Sahar Rahmani (Iran)
4. Natalia Bystrova (Russia)
5. Silvia Cuartero Martinez (Spain)
6. Julia Glazycheva (Russia)
7. Jo Kelly (United Kingdom)
8. Modesta Halby (Denmark)
9. Marina Kassinopoullou (Cyprus)
10. Emilija Martic (Canada)
11. Tanya Chartrand (Canada)
12. Petra Osterwald (Switzerland)
13. Dany Jacot-Descombes (Switzerland)
14. Christina Kremser (Austria)
15. Sarah Crail (Australia)
16. Emilia Balkova (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
17. Tatiana Bulut (Turkey) — Tied for 16th
18. Cristina Chatti (Spain) — Tied for 16th
19. Diana Hristova (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th
20. Lisa Kurzamann (Austria) — Tied for 16th
21. Laura Pyszora (United Kingdom) — Tied for 16th
22. Natalia Spierings (United Kingdom) — Tied for 16th

Figure

Two years removed from earning runner-up status at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro, Tereza Linhartova took home the title in the Figure division. Her ultra-sculpted physique and posing skills gave her the decisive edge over Romanian Stefana Sandu.

1. Tereza Linhartova (Czech Republic)
2. Stefana Sandu (Romania)
3. Rejoice Godwin (Spain)
4. Jennifer Reece (Canada)
5. Jennifer Zienert (Germany)
6. Sonja Ivanov (Germany)
7. Daiane Aparecida Freitas (Brazil)
8. Maria Ignacia Mas Delgado (Spain)
9. Veronica Gallego Garcia (Spain)
10. Anna Kohckar (Ukraine)
11. Behnaz Nasrollahi Azar (Germany)
12. Charlotte Goubet (France)
13. Helen Zavitsanou Pistolas (Greece)
14. Yadviga Zakurina (Russia)
15. Maria Ignacia Mas Delgado (Brazil)
16. Reem Albareeq (Bahrain) — Tied for 16th
17. Vanessa Happle (Germany) — Tied for 16th
18. Cristina Araujo Silva (Spain) — Tied for 16th
19. Lubomira Steftcheva (Bulgaria) — Tied for 16th

Bikini

After settling for second place at the 2023 Italian Olympus Pro back in October, Alice Marchisio achieved her goal of earning a gold medal. Her first pro win gives her a chance to compete in the Olympia.

1. Alice Marchisio (Italy)
2. Valerya Fedorenko (Ukraine)
3. Giuditta Taccani (Italy)
4. Dorottya Zoe Toth (Hungary)
5. Kerry Sexton (United Kingdom)
6. Rania Stamatiadou (Greece)
7. Irene Iravedra Cunarro (Spain)
8. Violeta Palamarchuk (Ukraine)
9. Lorena Blanco (Spain)
10. Andrina Scharli (Switzerland)
11. Luca Katai (Hungary)
12. Sara Lujza Rogacsi (Hungary)
13. Mara Carro (Germany)
14. Natalia Koursari (Greece)
15. Aleksandra Duba (Poland)
16. Johanna Durr (Germany) — Tied for 16th
17. Noemi Lavacca (Italy) — Tied for 16th
18. Anna Thaarup (Denmark) — Tied for 16th

[Related: Major Change to Mr. Olympia Qualification System Will Have Immediate Impact on 2023 Contest]

Wellness

Despite being one of the last competitors to enter the show, Gisele Machado proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the Wellness division. The Brazilian bodybuilder claimed her fourth pro show victory of 2023 in lopsided fashion, earning unanimous first-place votes. Although she did not compete in the 2023 Olympia, Machado should take the stage in Las Vegas in 2024.

1. Gisele Machado (Brazil)
2. Paula Dominguez (Spain)
3. Sandra Colorado Acal (Spain)
4. Klaudia Vanessza Csuri (Ukraine)
5. Dainora Dvarionaite (Lithuania)
6. Lexy Oliver (Italy)
7. Valentina Mabrouk (Italy)
8. Houda Hmini (Morocco)
9. Rosa Benadero Munoz (Spain)
10. Laleska Bruschi (Brazil)
11. Lisa Beck (Germany)
12. Carlotta Tonelli (Italy)
13. Marjelle De Cock (Belgium)
14. Lenia Fernandes (Portugal)
15. Laurene Gaudelier (France)
16. Celandine Holenweg (Switzerland) — Tied for 16th
17. Lidia Melero (Spain) — Tied for 16th

Featured Image: Samson Dauda / Instagram

The post Samson Dauda Wins 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro One Week After Finishing Third in Mr. Olympia  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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I’m not a fan of overeating. In fact, I think consistent overeating is one of the unhealthiest things a person can do because it places you in a state of constant energy excess. Excess means you can’t handle the food you’re taking in. It means your cells are literally full, your organs are overworked, and hormones aren’t functioning the way they’re supposed to function. Overeating is actually inflammatory, so if you’re doing it every single day you are chronically inflamed. And that’s not even mentioning the impact it has on obesity.

But we are humans—we feast. Whether it’s for a holiday like Thanksgiving or a birthday celebration or just because we feel like it, sometimes we like to eat a big meal. Sometimes we like to overeat.

How do we make it safer? How do we mitigate the negative effects of overeating and possibly even turn it into a positive input?

Let’s find out:

A hard workout

A hard workout prior to a large meal will improve nutrient partitioning by several mechanisms. First, by clearing out the glycogen in your muscle cells, you will increase insulin sensitivity and open up safe storage space for all the carbohydrates you’re about to eat. Hard exercise prior to eating increases something called insulin-independent glucose uptake, which means you don’t even need to increase insulin levels to store the glucose as glycogen. You can store the glucose while still preserving lipolysis, or the release of body fat for burning.

Hard exercise also upregulates muscle protein synthesis so that any protein you eat is preferentially directed to muscular hypertrophy and recovery. In short, a big workout before you eat allows you to consume more food without incurring the same metabolic consequences you would otherwise.

The most effective workout for these purposes will be a full body one that incorporates strength training and cardio or metabolic conditioning. Think a CrossFit workout, a combo of sprints and lifting, or circuit training.

Take berberine

Try berberine 30 minutes before the meal. Berberine is a powerful anti-hyperglycemic supplement that improves lipid numbers, metabolic function, and, when taken before a meal on an empty stomach, postprandial blood sugar. You will improve blood glucose levels if you take berberine before eating. Another helpful effect of berberine is mitochondrial uncoupling, which means it increases energy expenditure and “makes room” for all the incoming energy during a big meal by increasing metabolic rate.¹

Eat vinegar

Eating vinegar 20 to 30 minutes prior to a large meal containing carbohydrates improves glucose tolerance and reduces the usual glucose response.² This is actually part of the reason why vinegary salads are traditionally consumed before meals. It’s not just because they taste good—although that’s part of it—but because it preps your body for better glucose utilization.

Fast before

Eat lightly or not at all throughout the day leading up to your big meal—the best meals I’ve ever had have come at the tail end of a fast. It doesn’t have to be a full-day fast. It could just mean skipping breakfast and having a light lunch. And I wouldn’t recommend eating just one meal a day in perpetuity, as I think that can have negative long-term consequences for energy levels and metabolic flexibility. But if you’re about to eat a big meal and it’s a one-off, not eating in the hours leading up to it will help mitigate most of the negative effects of overconsumption while maximizing your enjoyment.

Prioritize protein

If you know you’re going to overeat, make sure to load up on protein. It’s Thanksgiving? Get plenty of turkey. Christmas dinner? Have your fill of lamb leg. Eat protein first, let fat come along for the ride, and then finish with carbs. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, so starting with it means you’re less likely to overdo it on the rest of the food. Feasting is wonderful, but no one enjoys the feeling of overindulgence.

One study even found that overfeeding with low protein intake increased fat mass but not lean muscle, while overfeeding with a high protein intake increased the same amount of fat mass with extra lean muscle mass.³ No one wants to gain fat, but I’d argue that gaining muscle alongside the fat is better than gaining just body fat.

Eat gelatinous foods or collagen during the meal

Both collagen and gelatin are rich in glycine, an amino acid that’s been shown to reduce blood glucose levels.⁴ If you’re going to be eating a ton of carbs, far more than you usually do, including some gelatinous foods—like gravy, bone broth, skin, and connective tissue—or even just a few scoops of collagen will improve your glucose response to the meal. It will also offset the methionine load you’re getting from muscle meat.

Drink red wine with your meal

Red wine during a large meal has several health benefits, in addition to tasting great and improving the subjective enjoyment of your food.

• It reduces the oxidation of your blood lipids and inflammatory gene expression that normally occurs after a big junk food meal.⁵,
• It can reduce the rise in blood pressure that often occurs in overfeeding.⁶
• It can reduce post-feast markers of oxidative stress.⁷

Early dinner

If you’re going to be eating a large amount of food, start the meal earlier than normal. Don’t have a giant dinner at 10 PM, then expect to fall right to sleep and get a great 8 hours. You need at least 3-4 hours after the meal to take your walks, digest your food, and get everything processed internally before trying to sleep. Everything digests better when you give yourself a few hours.

Drink coffee after

A cup of coffee or an espresso after the meal is a traditional way to boost digestion and settle your gut. Concerning coffee as a post-meal digestif—no, I wouldn’t tell someone with caffeine sensitivity to have an espresso after their meal, especially at night. If you know that coffee keeps you up, then don’t drink it then, or go with decaf (which works almost as well). But if you can enjoy a bit of coffee without it affecting your sleep, then after a big meal is the perfect time for it. The bitterness helps with digesting the food you’ve just consumed.

Go for a walk after

A 20 to 30-minute walk, or even just 10 minutes if that’s all you can spare, right after a meal aids digestion and reduces the spike in both blood glucose and blood fatty acids that normally occur after eating a giant meal.⁸ Personally, if I eat a big meal and sit around, I don’t feel great. I feel better if I go for a walk afterwards. That’s part of the appeal of the walkability of a place like Miami. When Carrie and I go out for dinner, we walk there and back, and that post-dinner stroll to our house is just right for triggering the beneficial effects on blood glucose levels, free fatty acids, and digestion.

There you have it: the ten things you can do before, during, and after a big meal to reduce the negative effects of overeating. Don’t make big meals a habit, but if you’re doing it for a special occasion, this is how to make it work for you rather than against you.

Thanks for reading, everyone.

The post What to Do Before, During, and After a Big Meal appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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The Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is one of the toughest and best cardio machines on the market. Popular in the CrossFit community, it brings a new intensity to cardiovascular training besides those gruesome sprints you may perform on the treadmill. The Rogue Echo Bike combines heavy-duty steel with a unique build to create a tough and durable exercise bike that can take on the intensity of any workout. 

The staff at Breaking Muscle consists of CrossFitters, strength and conditioning coaches, and certified personal trainers. Our lead product testers have tested the Rogue Echo bike for several weeks. We put it through long endurance workouts, short high-intensity interval training (HIIT sessions), and warm-ups and cool-downs. Amanda Dvorak, Breaking Muscle’s Reviews Editor, also used the Echo Bike at least once a week for over two years at her old CrossFit box.

We’ve combined our experiences to gather insight into just how special this product is. In this Rogue Echo Bike review, we’ll discuss the top characteristics and features of this bike, highlighting what makes this product so unique amongst the competition. 

Key Takeaways

• The Rogue Echo Bike offers a great hybrid of lower and upper body conditioning. In fact, you can rest your feet on the foot pegs and just use the arms of the bike for an upper body workout if you have a lower body injury.
• The enhanced LCD console on the Rogue Echo Bike monitors metrics like intervals, distance, calorie expenditure, and heart rate. It also incorporates Bluetooth functionality, enabling you to sync it with a range of cycling apps for enhanced performance data.
• The Rogue Echo Bike starts at around $895, which is about the mid-price range of other brands that provide a similar product. 

Rogue Echo Bike V3.0

4.0

• Overall dimensions: 55” L x 29.5” W x 55.25” H
• Weight: 123 pounds
• Weight capacity: 330 pounds
• Display: LCD console

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Rogue Echo Bike Pros

• The seat on the Rogue Echo Bike is capable of moving upward, forward, or backward so that it can adjust to fit your proportions. 
• After we tested the Rogue Echo Bike, it was evident that the bike’s belt-driven system coupled with its steel fan blade provided a smooth, consistent, and very quiet ride. Its quietness is beneficial for those who want a great at-home experience without disturbing the people they live with. 
• This bike is super strong and very stable. It weighs 123 pounds and has a weight capacity of 330 pounds. Whether you use it for a casual warm-up or cooldown or an intense HIIT workout, it doesn’t budge and remains stable. 

Rogue Echo Bike Cons

• If you want additional conveniences like a water bottle holder (which Rogue calls a bottle cage) or a phone holder, you must purchase them separately.
• One thing we noticed is that it requires more effort to start the bike due to the belt-driven system. With a belt-driven system, the movement is based on your immediate effort. If you stop pedaling, the wheels stop moving. It’s not like a chain-driven system where the wheels continue to spin due to momentum. This belt-driven system helps keep the machine quiet but also makes the Rogue Echo Bike a harder bike to ride.
• The price of the Rogue Echo Bike might be too high of a financial commitment for some. It costs around $895 and is more expensive than other bikes on the market, like the classic Assault Bike, which is about $699. 

Rogue Echo Bike Rating

At Breaking Muscle, we’ve tested dozens of exercise bikes, including several fan bikes. When testing exercise bikes, we analyze criteria such as construction quality, durability, stat tracking, and added conveniences. We then put each bike through a proprietary scoring system and rank it on a scale of 1 to 5 for each criterion. Here is how the Echo Bike scored.

Rogue Echo Bike Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect exercise bike, it’s essential to consider your specific workout needs, such as space constraints. The Rogue Echo Bike has many unique characteristics, but not every feature is a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is a popular fan bike for those who want a tough workout, especially athletes. One population that especially enjoys the Rogue Fitness Echo Bike is the CrossFit community. This product provides a tough and durable workout experience that can easily meet the demands of the most intense CrossFit metcons.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes

One of the reasons it’s so durable is its belt-driven system. Unlike chain-driven systems that allow for momentum, the Echo Bike’s wheels stop moving when you stop pedaling. While this contributes to the machine’s quiet operation, it also makes the bike more demanding to ride.

Who Should Buy the Rogue Echo Bike

• This bike is great for someone who wants an intense workout session. As mentioned, the belt-driven system requires constant effort to keep the machine running. The minute you stop pedaling, the machine stops as well. 
• People should buy the Rogue Echo Bike if they don’t want to constantly perform repairs. The belt-driven system is much easier to perform maintenance on, versus the chain-driven systems that need more care and attention. 
• This bike is great for someone who needs a sturdy cardio machine. If you are looking to do high-intensity exercises with all-out efforts, the Echo Bike can take on your needs. 

Who Should Not Buy the Rogue Echo Bike

• As mentioned earlier, we noticed with our testing that the Rogue Echo Bike was a bulky machine that might require more workout space than you would think. This would not be the best bike for someone who has limited workout space. 
• The Rogue Echo Bike doesn’t have a high-tech monitor. The monitor provides metrics like calories burned and distance traveled but doesn’t offer instructor-led programming.
• This would not be a good bike for those looking for a portable bike to move around different spaces. With how bulky and heavy this bike is, it could be tough to move around your workout space. (Note, though, that it does have roller wheels at the front to make portability a bit easier.)

Rogue Echo Bike In-Depth Review

Selecting the right piece of equipment involves careful consideration of things such as price, quality, and added conveniences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the Rogue Echo Bike apart in terms of materials, build quality, and construction. From the sturdy steel construction to the ease of assembly, this bike offers much more than an intense workout experience.

Price

The price of the Rogue Echo Bike is $895, which is around the middle to higher end of pricing amongst competitors and the reason we gave it 4 out of 5 stars in this category. One of the main reasons for its price point is its materials. When our staff looked at the Rogue Echo Bike, they could tell it was made from Rogue. It looks like Rogue took parts from their best squat racks to build it! Other fan bikes on the market, like the Classic AssaultBike, are just under $700. On the other hand, the Echo Bike is cheaper than the Concept2 BikeErg, which costs around $1,100. 

As of this writing, the Echo Bike also qualifies for free shipping. This isn’t unusual, as brands like Assault Fitness and Scwhinn also offer free shipping on their fan bikes. But it is still worth calling out — not having to pay for shipping can be a relief for budget-savvy shoppers.

RELATED: Best Jump Ropes

Materials, Build, and Construction Quality

The Rogue Echo Bike gets a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for its build quality. It is 123 pounds and consists of 2×3″, 1.2 x 3″, and 1.625 x 3.125″ steel with a textured black powder coat. This black powder coat covers the whole bike and enhances its durability. The materials used to build the Echo Bike make it strong and sturdy, as it can hold up to 330 pounds. A rubber belt operates the fan and requires much less maintenance than a chain belt.

The padded seat helps make the Echo Bike more comfortable to sit on for long workouts, and the 1.5-inch diameter rubber-grip handles that are welded to the bike’s arms allow for more stability.

The bike also provides metal foot pedals and footpegs. To turn your workout into a solely upper body workout, you can rest your feet on the pegs and operate the bike with just the arms. The 4.5-inch footpegs feature knurling to help prevent your feet from slipping off them.

Delivery and Assembly

Upon delivery, the Rogue Echo Bike requires assembly. Rogue provides all the necessary tools and hardware, along with easy step-by-step instructions. One of our product testers was able to assemble the bike by himself and scored the assembly process 5 out of 5 stars.

Multiple reviews on the Rogue website also indicate that the build process is fairly simple. 

RELATED: Best Functional Trainers

Included Workouts

We only gave the Rogue Echo Bike 3 out of 5 stars for included workouts because it doesn’t provide special programming, like instructor-led classes. However, it does provide modes to complete workouts in, such as a 20/10 or a 10/20 interval training mode for 10 to 20 seconds of exercise and 10 to 20 seconds of rest. You can also build your own workout. In comparison, other fan bikes, like the AssaultBike, also provide a handful of built-in workouts and the ability to create custom workouts. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

The Rogue Echo Air Bike provides heart rate tracking functionality. To have this data displayed on your LCD screen, you need to buy a compatible external heart rate monitor separately. We rated it 4 out of 5 stars for that reason.

Some heart rate monitors compatible with the Rogue Echo Bike are the Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor, Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Heart Rate Monitor, and Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor.

Display and Stat Tracking

The five-inch by eight-inch monitor, which is a common size amongst other fan bikes, provides a clean and high-contrast clear display. As discussed, you can choose from various modes, such as HIIT training (10/20, 20/10, or custom intervals). You can set goals for time, distance, or calories, and the console will count down accordingly. The display shows heart rate data as well, as long as you have a compatible heart rate monitor.

The console is powered by four AA batteries, which come with the bike. As an upgrade from previous models of the Echo Bike, the mounted LCD console now boasts Bluetooth compatibility. Bluetooth allows you to connect to other devices like a Garmin heart rate monitor to track your workout metrics. 

Ultimately, we rated the display and stat tracking features 4 out of 5 stars. The monitor spits back a lot of data, but we wouldn’t say there’s anything super fancy about it. 

Conveniences

The Rogue Echo Bike does not come with a water bottle holder, bottle cage, or device holder, which is why we gave it a low score of 3 out of 5 stars in this category.

That said, these add-ons cost less than $10 each, which isn’t a big financial investment to upgrade your Echo Bike and make it the best piece of home gym equipment you have. 

Rogue Echo Bike Specs

The Rogue Echo Bike is a high-quality bike that almost seems overbuilt, resulting in less wobble and more stability. It also comes with some unique features you won’t find on many of its competitors. Below, we’ll take a close look at those features, as well as the dimensions, resistance, and weight capacity.

Overall Dimensions

The Rogue Echo Bike is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high. The height includes the top of the handles, the length is the overall bike seat position furthest from the fan cage, and the width is the handles at the widest points. The overall footprint of the bike is 44.5 inches by 23.75 inches.

Resistance

The Rogue Echo Bike is an air bike, which combines wind resistance that intensifies with more pedaling from the feet and/or arms. It can provide a full-body workout for anyone. The resistance also stems from the belt-driven system. The belt-driven system requires more effort than a chain-driven system, as a belt-driven bike only works while you pedal. Once you stop pedaling, the bike stops moving, making it harder to get it to start again. That’s what makes this bike a solid leg exercise for building size and strength. 

Weight Capacity

The Echo Bike’s weight capacity is 330 pounds, which is stronger than some fan bikes but the same as others. For instance, the AssaultBike has a weight capacity of 300 pounds, and the Concept2 BikeErg and the Schwinn Airdyne Pro both have a weight capacity of 330 pounds.

Seat and Handlebar Adjustments

You can’t adjust the length of the Echo Bike’s handlebars. However, you can adjust the seat to 11 different height settings and five front-to-back settings, allowing you to get the most optimal riding experience. 

Electrical Requirements

One of the most unique features of this air bike is that your movement powers it. As such, you can use the bike anywhere. This makes it a great addition to your garage gym, and you can even take it outdoors if you want to feel the sun on your face while you train. The monitor does need four AA batteries to operate, though. 

Noise Level

Compared to other fan bikes we’ve tested, the Rogue Echo Bike makes minimal noise due to its structure and materials. The belt-driven system provides smooth and quiet mechanics. Other bikes, like the Schwinn Airdyne and the AssaultBike, use chain-driven systems, which are much louder and can make your workout sound more disruptive. 

In addition, the Echo Bike’s fan blades consist of a sturdier material, which is tough durable steel. This makes these blades much stronger and less likely to make noise. 

Portability

The Rogue Echo Bike is much heavier than other bikes. It weighs 123 pounds, while the Assault Bike is 96 pounds and the Concept2 Bike Erg is 58 pounds. But although the Rogue Echo Bike is much heavier, it has oversized front wheels that help with portability. This bike also doesn’t require an outlet, so you can move it in and out of any room in your home.

Warranty

The Rogue Echo Air Bike comes with a two-year warranty. This is pretty common; the AssaultBike and Concept2 Bike Erg also have two-year warranties. Note, however, that Rogue’s warranty excludes typical wear and tear on the metal pedals and handlebars. 

RELATED: Best Treadmills for Home

Rogue Echo Bike vs. AssaultBike

The AssaultBike is 50.95 inches long, 23.34 inches wide, and 50 inches high, compared to the Rogue Echo Bike, which is 55 inches long, 29.5 inches wide, and 52.25 inches high. Because of the smaller footprint, the AssaultBike’s weight capacity is lower than the Rogue Echo Bike, as the Assault Bike holds a total of 300 pounds and the Rogue Echo Bike holds 330 pounds. 

The AssaultBike is a common brand used in many CrossFit gyms, as its smaller build can accommodate multiple users in a bigger space. Plus, the Classic AssaultBike is around 95 pounds, a smaller weight than the Rogue Echo Bike, which makes it easier to move around a large gym.

Additionally, the Rogue Echo Bike uses belt-driven mechanics, and the Assault Bike uses chain-driven mechanics. Chain-driven bikes tend to be louder and require more upkeep, which could be frustrating for those who prefer a quieter workout experience.

Lastly, those with strict budgets may prefer the Assault Bike. It’s about $200 cheaper than the Echo Bike, making it a better option for individuals searching for more affordable home gym equipment.

Assault Fitness Classic AssaultBike

4.3

• Overall dimensions: 50.95” L x 23.34” W x 50” H
• Weight: 95.6 pounds
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds
• Display: LCD Hi Contrast screen

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Rogue Echo Bike vs. Concept2 BikeErg

Unlike the Rogue Echo Bike, the Concept2 BikeErg does not include moving handles. Your legs power all of the movement, which could be an issue for those wanting a full body workout like you would find on the Rogue Echo Bike. 

The Concept2 Bike Erg includes the infamous PM5 monitor. Our staff at Breaking Muscle truly appreciates this monitor, as it’s a powerful performance monitor that tracks stats such as pace, estimated calories burned, and watts (power output).

The PM5 monitor also connects via Bluetooth to various apps, including ErgData. The ErgData app allows you to create custom workouts, access the Concept2 Workout of the Day, and much more. This is the same monitor you’ll find on the Concept2 rower. The main difference between the PM5 and the Rogue Echo Bike console is that the PM5 tracks power output, which can help you quantify how hard you are working at a specific moment.

RELATED: Best Rowing Machines

Another big difference between the Rogue Echo Bike and the Concept2 Bike Erg is the weight. The Concept2 Bike Erg is only 58 pounds, more than half the size of the Rogue Echo Bike. Both bikes have a weight capacity of 330 pounds. 

Concept2 BikeErg

3.9

• Overall dimensions: 48” L x 24” W; seat to pedal height ranges from 31″ to 40.5″
• Weight: 68 pounds
• Weight capacity: 350 pounds
• Display: PM5 monitor

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Rogue Echo Bike Customer Reviews

The Rogue Echo Bike has an impressive 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Rogue’s website. One review commends the bike for its ease of assembly and effectiveness in providing a rigorous workout. Another user, who uses the bike in his garage gym, appreciates its durability, low maintenance, and efficiency for various HIIT workouts and warming up before resistance training. Other reviewers express similar sentiments.

Some reviews highlighted a couple of drawbacks to the Echo Bike, though. In one review, the user mentioned that the metal housing around the wheel easily came apart. They felt the weld was not strong enough and trying to find a replacement for the entire metal housing is almost impossible.  

Final Verdict: Is the Rogue Echo Bike Worth It?

From all our research and testing on the Rogue Echo Bike, we can definitely say that it is worth the purchase and the hype. Made of Rogue’s top-tier steel construction, this 123-pound exercise bike provides massive durability as it can take on some of the toughest of workouts. 

The Rogue Echo Bike provides a smooth and quiet workout due to its belt-driven system. However, it also requires more effort to operate. The harder you push, the harder the bike works. All this, combined with its oversized structure and tough build, make it a solid purchase for anyone looking to take their cardiovascular health to the next level. 

FAQs

The post Rogue Echo Bike Review (2023): Is It the Best Air Bike? appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Whether you’re shopping for a brand new pair of the best knee sleeves or replacing your old, worn-out ones, you’re probably looking to maximize your squatting performance or minimize a chronic joint problem (hello there, creaky knees).

Breaking Muscle has a passionate team of fitness enthusiasts that includes Olympic weightlifters, powerlifters, strength coaches, and personal trainers. Altogether, we’ve tested over sixteen different knee sleeves. I personally have also been wearing knee sleeves for years during my squat sessions and, occasionally, for CrossFit Workouts of the Day (WODs). 

We chose the best knee sleeves by dishing out nearly a dozen of them to our experienced product testing team of Olympic weightlifters and had them give benefits and drawbacks on each. We combined their hands-on feedback with the knee sleeve specs and their IPF & IWF approval status to give each an overall ranking from 1 to 5.

Of course, part of choosing the best knee sleeves means getting the perfect fit for you. As knee sleeves have no universal sizing, we’ve only selected brands with a helpful size chart, so you can get the right fit on your first try.

Our Top Picks for the Best Knee Sleeves

• Best Knee Sleeves Overall: DMOOSE Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Squats: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting: SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves 
• Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis: IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit: Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves
• Best Budget Knee Sleeves: DMOOSE Reversible Knee Sleeves
• Best Knee Sleeves for Running: Rehband 3mm Knee Sleeves

Best Knee Sleeves Overall: DMOOSE Knee Sleeves

DMoose Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: Seven millimeters
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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The DMOOSE knee sleeves are the best knee sleeves overall due to their supportive seven-millimeter thick neoprene material, build quality, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Made from neoprene, these offer an incredible amount of stretch and support for your knees. Seven millimeters is the ideal thickness for lower-body strength training. While you’ll feel the most support on knee-focused exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups, you’ll also feel the benefits of DMOOSE’s knee sleeves in posterior-chain movements, like deadlifts and good mornings. 

The double-stitching on these sleeves makes the seams much less likely to begin unraveling. It also adds an extra layer of durability, giving you greater peace of mind that they’ll last years of solid use.

DMOOSE offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is great for support products in general, and is one of the only companies out of all the knee sleeve options in this article that offers a money-back guarantee. While lower-quality knee sleeves may feature a lower price tag, they usually come without this assurance. If the DMOOSE knee sleeves don’t meet your standard, you can get your money back.

The sizes available for these knee sleeves are more limited than other brands, running from small to double extra-large. As a result, lifters with smaller or exceptionally large legs might have a more challenging time finding an ideal fit. If this concerns you, consider the SBD sleeves instead — they offer 11 different sizes.

DMOOSE’s return policy could be better. They offer free returns but don’t accept opened products, according to their return policy. This means that as soon as you physically open your knee sleeve’s package, you’ll lose the opportunity to exchange or return them if you got the wrong size. Because of this, ensure you correctly measure based on their sizing chart to maximize the chances of ordering the proper size. That said, you’d technically be eligible for a return under their 30-day guarantee if they don’t perform satisfactorily in that timeframe.

Unfortunately, these knee sleeves aren’t IPF or IWF-approved. For competitive powerlifters and weightlifters, you’ll have to look elsewhere for knee sleeves permitted for a meet under either of those federations.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their extra-supportive seven-millimeter thickness, durable double-stitching, and 30-day guarantee.

Best Knee Sleeves for Squats: Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves

Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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I’ve owned the Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves for over two years and use them at least once a week. Not only are the neoprene material and stitching quality impressive, but I love their 7mm thickness. It makes them supportive but not so restrictive that I have to take them off or roll them down between sets. Plus, they rarely slide down unless I wear a pair of slick leggings, and even then, it’s only minor adjustments between sets. Despite the consistent use I’ve put them through, the edges are all still intact, and there are no signs of framing in the seams — these get an A+ for durability in my books.

The Gymreapers 7mm knee sleeves are approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This is great if you’re a competitive powerlifter or aspire to compete in one of the most recognized federations worldwide because you can train with the same gear you’ll be competing with. Practicing your squats with the exact same support gear you’ll be using in your meets can offer noticeable physical and psychological benefits that could give you an edge over your competitors.

A one-year replacement warranty also backs these knee sleeves. My knee sleeves from Gymreapers are still going strong after two years of consistent use, so I highly doubt you’ll ever need to use their warranty. But unlike a quality squat rack, support wear like knee sleeves will accumulate wear and tear above a cosmetic level. Even if you never need it, this policy is thoughtful and gives you peace of mind for an entire year in a product space where warranties are rare. 

Gymreapers’ return policy could be better for these knee sleeves. At the time of writing, their return policy claims that they don’t accept returns that have been worn or washed or have visible signs of use. However, I seriously doubt Gymreapers would reject a return because you tried on the knee sleeves, realized they don’t fit correctly, and either want an exchange or your money back. Leg proportions and design vary widely, so it can be challenging to get the ideal size, even with their size guide. So, if you want the ability to return or exchange them, keep this in mind before purchasing.

I found the size chart accurate and the fit excellent, but it would be helpful if they offered more sizes. Gymreapers features five sizes (S to XXL), which is standard for knee sleeves. That said, those who are more petite or have lean legs may find that even the small size is still too big to fit correctly.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their durable neoprene, reinforced stitching, IPF approval, and one-year replacement guarantee.

Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting: SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

4.2

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

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SBD is world-renowned in powerlifting circles as the top choice for knee sleeves because they’re incredibly supportive, are manufactured in Great Britain, and you’re almost guaranteed to find an ideal fit among their 11 sizes.

If you want the crème de la crème of knee sleeves for powerlifting, look no further than the SBD powerlifting sleeves. They’re approved by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF), which makes them suitable for IPF-affiliated powerlifting competitions. Aspiring world-record-setting powerlifters trust this brand, so it’s hard to go wrong if powerlifting is important to you.

The SBD knee sleeves are built from high-density seven-millimeter neoprene, which SBD claims offers maximum compression and contact area for your knees as they bend. Their patented design also boasts a four-way stretch that allows them to keep the high compression they’re known for without gagging around your knees during your lift. A product tester from the Breaking Muscle team put the SBDs through squats, cleans, snatches, and split squats. He noticed that despite their high compression level, they didn’t feel super restrictive. This means that they’ll continue feeling comfortable during lengthy squat workouts. 

I was immediately impressed with the size range of the SBD knee sleeves. They carry a staggering 11 different sizes, from 3XS to 5XL! With this many sizes and a detailed fit guide, you’re practically guaranteed to find your ideal fit. If you don’t succeed on the first order, they offer a great exchange policy: the knee sleeves may be tried on but can’t be used for a workout, and you can request an exchange up to 30 days after receiving them. Regarding exchange policies, I think this is one of the fairest of all companies in this article.

The SBDs are manufactured in Great Britain (GB), which immediately sets them above most knee sleeve brands that import theirs from overseas manufacturers. There are higher manufacturing and worker standards in GB, so you can trust the high-grade neoprene and double stitching to hold firm as you hit new PRs.

Our product tester found the sleeves lived up to their hard-to-get-on reputation; they had to be folded in half and then dragged up his lower legs before being rolled over. Because they’re so grippy, you’ll get a mini arm workout to start your squatting session. Applying a bit of baby powder to your legs beforehand can make this experience noticeably easier.

The price of these knee sleeves is also one of the highest in this list at $125.00 per pair. Unless you’re a competitive powerlifter or want the best for your powerlifting-style squat sessions, there are more affordable options, like the Gymreapers 7mm Knee Sleeves. 

All the above considered, we rank these 4.2 out of 5 stars for their IPF & IWF approval, world-renowned construction, and 11 sizes available.

Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis: IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeves

IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve

4.0

• Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%)
• Thickness: Not listed
• Available sizes: XS to XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

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The IMAK Compression Knee Sleeves are made from soft cotton and stretchy spandex to offer comfort and mild compression all day (or night), making them the best knee sleeves for arthritis.

These compression sleeves are made from a soft and stretchy cotton-spandex blend. This material combo makes it easy for you to slide them on and off. Being 92% cotton, they’ll offer warmth while still being breathable, so they won’t cause your knees to sweat excessively.

The thickness of the knee sleeve wasn’t listed on their product page, but one customer mentioned the IMAKs are so lightweight that they forget they even have them on. It means they won’t be too compressive, so you can wear them all day or night without worrying about cutting off your circulation. For those with arthritis, this is a good thing. If they were super thick and bulky, they would be noticeable around the clock, and wearing them for long periods would be completely off the table. The cotton material can also help soothe some symptoms of arthritis by providing warmth to your knees. 

They’re pretty affordable, which is likely due to most of their material being cotton, a more economical option than neoprene. However, they’re also sold in singles, which is great, as you can purchase a single sleeve if your arthritis is in one knee only. If you need a pair of them, they’re still priced economically. Retailing at just $17.99 at the time of writing, they’re the most budget-friendly knee sleeves in this article, even when a pair is bought. As far as non-invasive treatments go for arthritic knees, these knee sleeves are a great low-cost option.

Unfortunately, the IMAK knee sleeves are only available in five sizes. If you’re extra petite or have extra-lean legs, you might find that the XS size isn’t small enough. Similarly, their sizes cap out at an XL — which may pose an issue if you or your knees are significantly larger than average.

The IMAKs may have trouble staying in place throughout the entire day. They have a stretchy tri-band, but due to their lighter compression material, they won’t be as resistant to movement at the knee. One reviewer mentioned that their knee sleeves kept rolling down on them, but other reviews didn’t mention this, so that may have been an issue of improper sizing.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their cotton-spandex blend, warmth and compression, and affordable price.

RELATED: Got Knee Pain? Fix Your Tracking in the Squat and Lunge

Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting: Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

4.5

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: Yes

Check Price

Iron Bull Strength’s knee sleeves are approved by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). For actively competing veterans and beginner weightlifters just starting out, being able to train with the exact same equipment that you’ll be competing with is a distinct advantage. After training regularly with them, you’ll feel comfortable with the compression and support as you squat out of the hole on a heavy clean or snatch. Having practice with this before your competition makes the difference between them being a performance enhancer instead of a distraction.

What I’m most impressed about regarding the Iron Bull Strength knee sleeves is their dual approval. These sleeves are also approved for use in the IPF. Typically, knee sleeves are designed explicitly for powerlifting or weightlifting use — being certified for both sports at the highest level is a rarity. If you like to dabble in these strength sports or want to without sinking more money in support gear, these are the sleeves for you.

These knee sleeves are made from high-grade neoprene. They feature extra durable double-stitched welded seams that, according to Iron Bull Strength, are incredibly strong and significantly reduce the risk of failure. This is exactly what any serious weightlifter wants — gear they can trust when training and on the platform.

Iron Bull comes with a 30-day return policy, starting when you receive your knee sleeves. However, they must be in the same condition you received them in: unworn/unused, with the tags intact, and in the original packaging. In other words, they have to be brand new. That means you can’t even try them on without losing your ability to return or exchange them, which we don’t love.

Plus, if you do end up needing to return them, it’ll be at personal cost. Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless damaged, defective, or there’s a shipping error. Make sure to use their detailed sizing chart to minimize the risk of ordering the wrong size.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their IWF and IPF approval, high-grade neoprene with double-stitched seams, and 30-day money-back guarantee.

RELATED: How to Train the Squat for Both Powerlifting and Weightlifting

Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit: Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves

Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves

3.5

• Material: Nylon-elastic blend
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: S to L
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

CrossFit is widely known for its exercise variety, from one-rep max squats to hour-long conditioning sessions. Because of this exercise range, finding knee sleeves for CrossFit can be a serious challenge. Three-millimeter sleeves are ideal when joint mobility and comfort are prioritized, like for longer cardio-focused WODs. Meanwhile, seven-millimeter knee sleeves offer the best support and compression for heavy strength training.

As a result, CrossFitters often resort to buying TWO separate pairs of knee sleeves and using the one that best aligns with the WOD they’ll be doing. This is a mistake that ends up costing them twice as much. 

Enter the Element 26 Agility Knee Sleeves.

The Element 26s are a lightweight sleeve, making them ideal for CrossFit. They’re only 3mm thick, offering excellent mobility for those longer endurance-focused WODs. Since they’re considerably thinner than 7mm knee sleeves, they’ll also be more comfortable and less restrictive for the conditioning components of your WODs like running, skipping, or rowing.

Contrary to what some CrossFitters think, they don’t need super thick knee sleeves because Crossfit isn’t just about lifting heavy — it’s about being an amazing all-round athlete. For this reason, a pair of 7mm sleeves often ends up being too thick and complete overkill. Ultimately, this means you can invest in and wear one pair of knee sleeves…no more flipping between two pairs or spending money you don’t have to!

The Element 26s are highly crafted to ensure they’re as breathable as can be. They’re built with a hybrid nylon-elastic blend, which is designed to absorb sweat and evaporate it to keep you more comfortable. For serious CrossFitters, every legitimate advantage can give you an edge in crushing your WODs with the best time possible — including effective sweat management, especially in hot gyms.

According to Element 26, these knee sleeves are anatomically designed. This likely means they’re made in a tapered shape to follow the natural contours of the average lifter’s leg, knee, and calf sizes. As such, they should stay in place without bunching behind your knees, which can be uncomfortable and cause your skin to rub.

For knee sleeves, this feature is seriously underrated — especially for CrossFit. The last thing you want in your WODs is to pull your knee sleeves up after every burpee because they’re sliding down or readjust them after every set of wall balls because they’re bunching up behind your knees and causing your skin to chafe. 

Only three sizes are available (S to L). CrossFit and other similar training styles are rising in popularity, so I’m disappointed that there isn’t a more extensive range of sizes.

The IPF or IWF doesn’t approve these for competition use. However, I don’t think that matters if you’re using them for CrossFit because they’re not designed to squeeze out every drop of your powerlifting or weightlifting performance — they’re made to help you perform better as a hybrid athlete.

All the above considered, we rank these 4.5 out of 5 stars for their unrestricting 3mm thickness, breathable & sweat-wicking material, and comfortable tapered shape.

RELATED: Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet, Wide Feet, and More (2023)

Best Budget Knee Sleeves: DMOOSE Reversible Knee Sleeves

DMoose Reversible Knee Sleeves

4.0

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

At the time of writing, the DMOOSE Reversibles retail at $39.00 but were on sale at $35.00. For knee sleeves, this is an excellent price at the 7mm thickness. Great quality 7mm knee sleeves generally range between $50.00 and $70.00, with the higher-end coming from popular name brands. Being only 35% of the cost of the top-tier SBD Powerlifting knee sleeves, these are definitely within reach for the budget-conscious lifter.

I’m impressed with the quality of these sleeves despite their economical price. With lower prices, you’ll usually see obvious corners cut: no double-stitched seams, 3-5mm thickness, and poor fits. However, these Reversibles break the mold in each category. 

They share the same durable double-stitched seams of more expensive sleeves, which means you get the same reassurance from knee sleeve blowouts. They feature the same 7mm thickness as pricier brands, so you get the same extra-supportive fee on your squats. They’re even anatomically shaped to ensure they’ll fit correctly for most people.

I’m pleasantly surprised that these are approved by the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA). To offer the lowest price, companies usually cut costs wherever they can, and competition approval is often the first to be discarded because the approval process is expensive. It’s only a single powerlifting federation, but the fact that these are approved for in-competition use in the USPA — which claims they’re the largest powerlifting federation — is a big plus. 

Despite being USPA-approved, they aren’t permitted for competition use in the IPF or IWF, and it’s unlikely they ever will be. As the most prestigious federations for powerlifting and weightlifting in the world, respectively, approval costs for equipment are significantly higher. Seeing these are budget-friendly knee sleeves, I think the lack of certification is entirely understandable.

The product page doesn’t specify what material these reversible knee sleeves are made of. Quality knee sleeves are almost always made with neoprene because of its stretchy support and compression. However, cheap knee sleeves can be made with similar-feeling materials that are lower in quality and durability than neoprene. Unlike the DMOOSE knee sleeves that won our Best Knee Sleeves Overall, assuming neoprene is the primary material might not be wise considering they’re such a budget-friendly price.

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their budget-friendly price, solid overall construction, and USPA approval.

Best Knee Sleeves for Running: Rehband 3mm Knee Sleeves

Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene

4.0

• Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: XXS to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

When it comes to knee support while running, these Rehbands take the cake. They’re built with neoprene but in a lightweight 3mm thickness, which is just right as far as thickness goes. 

While great for weight lifting, 7mm is too much support and compression for running — even a thinner 5mm is still too thick. 3mm allows you to use your regular stride without modifying it unnaturally for your knee sleeve. The 3mm thickness keeps your knees warm while allowing for ample flexibility as you hit the road for miles, making it the best option for running.

Rehband has been around since 1955, and these knee sleeves are a testament to their reputation as a company. They’re handmade in Estonia, so they must adhere to higher manufacturing and working standards than other countries overseas, who might cut corners in their construction processes, or mistreat workers — resulting in lower-quality products. This means you can rely on knee sleeves from Rehband being higher quality than cheaper alternatives.

These knee sleeves for running come in seven sizes, from XXS to XXL. I’m happy to see this range of sizes because whether you have lean or heavily muscled legs, you can be reasonably sure you’ll find a size that will fit. More importantly, using their size chart to find an ideal size for your leg proportions will ensure your knee sleeves stay in place for your runs. 

These Rehbands aren’t ideal for CrossFit. The 3mm thickness is too thin to provide noticeable support for the heavier loads and impacts seen in strength-focused WODs from thrusters, box jumps, and barbell back squats. If you choose to use them for CrossFit anyway, they’ll still offer warmth and proprioception for your knees.

The Rehband 3mm’s are made from 70% SBR (styrene butadiene rubber). Compared to neoprene, SBR is lower quality because it has less compressive resistance. This would be a bigger concern if you needed to use them for weight lifting, so they’ll be just fine for running

All the above considered, we rank these 4 out of 5 stars for their ideal thickness for running, reputable manufacturing, and seven sizes available.

RELATED: Size Doesn’t Matter – But Your Technique Does (For Running, That Is)

Benefits of Knee Sleeves

Compression and Support

Knee sleeves offer a dual advantage of compression and support for your knees during lower body workouts, especially for exercises that involve bending and extending your knees. 

The compression they provide not only enhances blood circulation but also stabilizes the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and your kneecap. This added stability is a game-changer whether you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, allowing you to perform at your best while minimizing the risk of injury.

Increased Blood Flow

One of the often-overlooked benefits of knee sleeves is their ability to promote increased blood flow to the knee area. The compression from knee sleeves generates a gentle warmth, which feels comfortable and encourages better circulation.

Assistance “Out of the Hole” When Squatting 

For avid weightlifters, knee sleeves can be a lifeline for squats. They offer crucial assistance during the initial phase of a squat’s ascent, commonly called “coming out of the hole.” By providing additional support and stability, knee sleeves help lifters push through this challenging point in their squat, which can be a secret weapon in achieving new personal bests.

Increased Proprioception

Wearing knee sleeves can boost your proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position in space. With knee sleeves, you’ll have a heightened sense of where your knees are during squats, lunges, and step-ups. This increased awareness can make a significant difference, helping you maintain proper form and alignment. You’ll be more attuned to the way your knees bend and extend, potentially reducing the risk of improper movement that might lead to injury.

What to Consider When Buying Knee Sleeves

Materials and Construction

Knee sleeves are made from various materials, depending on their purpose. 

Sleeves for arthritis are often made with a cotton/spandex blend to ensure they’re breathable and comfortable to wear all day.

3mm to 7mm knee sleeves will almost exclusively be made with “neoprene,” a unique type of rubber-like foam material that’s also used as the primary material for wetsuits. Because of its stretchy form-fitting properties, it’s considered the gold standard for knee sleeves. 

Reinforced stitching is needed if you want a pair of knee sleeves that won’t unravel after a few months. This is commonly practiced by double-stitching, though cross-pattern double-stitching, like what’s used on the Element 26’s, is even better to reduce the chances of any threads coming loose.

Neoprene Quality

Neoprene comes in different qualities or grades, sometimes listed on knee sleeve product pages as SBR, SCR, and CR.

• SBR (styrene-butadiene-rubber) is the lowest quality of neoprene because it has lower compression resistance and is cheaper overall. Companies who don’t want to disclose that they use this lower-quality SBR material may try to list it as “neoprene” without mentioning the quality or grade.
• CR (chloroprene rubber) is the highest quality of neoprene. Despite its higher price, it has great elasticity and strength, making it an excellent choice for knee sleeves. Companies might mention using high-quality/high-grade neoprene when they use CR to demonstrate that their knee sleeves are genuinely made from premium neoprene.
• SCR (styrene chloroprene rubber) is a medium-grade neoprene that combines the properties and qualities of SBR and CR. This is a suitable happy medium for knee sleeve material as far as quality and value go.

Thickness

Knee sleeves come in various thicknesses depending on the activity you need them for. 

• 3mm is relatively thin and will only give light support and compression to your knees. Because of this, 3mm is best for cardio activities like running and endurance-focused CrossFit workouts, where you want warmth and lightweight support that won’t impair your joint flexibility.
• 5mm to 6mm will offer a medium level of support and compression. Because of its thicker layer, it’s ideal for hybrid activities like resistance-focused CrossFit metcons and circuit training.
• 7mm gives noticeably more support and compression for weight lifting. As a result, they’ll generally feel tighter, which makes them great for heavy squats, but they aren’t the most comfortable for longer workouts over two hours. 

Sizing

For starters, always use the brand’s fit guide to ensure you select the correct size of knee sleeves, providing a fit that’s not too tight or loose.

If you want more pop out of the hole, opt for a tighter pair of knee sleeves by sizing down. If you want them to be less compressive or restrictive, size up instead.

Sleeve Shape and Fit

There are no universal knee sleeve sizes or shapes, so the same knee sleeve size can feel and fit completely differently between two brands.

Generally, there are three knee sleeve shapes: straight, hourglass, and tapered. All of these shapes refer to the difference in widths between the top, middle, and bottom of the sleeve. 

• Straight is precisely as it sounds and is best for people with the same size of thighs, knees, and calves.
• Hourglass-shaped sleeves are smaller at the kneecap but are designed for larger thighs and calves.
• Tapered is the most common, which follows the standard anatomical shape of most people’s legs. The thighs are largest above the knee, followed by the knees, with the calves being the smallest.

Competition Approval

As a competitive powerlifter or weightlifter, practicing like you play will give you an advantage come meet day. Competition-approved allow you to use them in your training and get every pound out of them in your meet.

Federation rules vary widely, so check to see what knee sleeves are permitted for your federation. However, powerlifters and weightlifters should consider the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) approved equipment lists as the gold standards, respectively.

Competition-approved knee sleeves also tend to be more durable than their non-approved counterparts because the former must meet a specific standard for use in IPF and IWF meets.

Warranty

Warranties on support wear are underrated. I’d encourage you not to overlook one, just in case the knee sleeves don’t meet your performance standards or their threads unravel in a few short months. 

I’d recommend settling for no less than a six-month warranty. Support wear will inevitably wear and tear, so it’s unrealistic to expect them to endure forever. That said, a 1-year warranty is considered excellent for knee sleeves and will give you more peace of mind during your workouts.

Return Policy

To ensure you’re not stuck with a pair of ill-fitting knee sleeves, I recommend buying from a company that offers a fair return policy. That way, you can exchange them or get your money back if they don’t fit correctly.

At the bare minimum, they should allow you to return or exchange your knee sleeves within 14 days of receiving them, and you should be allowed to try them on to confirm the size you choose will work. Generous policies extend the return period to between 30 to 60 days.

Your Strength Level

Like any support wear, knee sleeves will experience wear and tear over time. However, this process will accelerate the stronger you are. 

As advanced or elite-level strength athletes lift significantly heavier weights than rank novices, their knee sleeves will take on more strain, wearing out faster. 

Colors

Not everyone loves the jet-black look. If you like color-coordinating your workout outfits, consider shopping with a brand that offers multiple colors. 

It’s a creative way to add some of your personality to your lifting gear. Plus, it’ll be hard to misplace your knee sleeves if they’re hot pink.

Final Thought

Knee sleeves are an excellent tool for supporting your knees and improving your squatting performance. When it comes down to it, though, picking the best knee sleeves for you depends on what you value regarding material, thickness, competition approval status, and more.

Best Knee Sleeves: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best Knee Sleeves Overall	Best Knee Sleeves for Squats	Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting	Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis	Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting	Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit	Best Budget Knee Sleeves	Best Knee Sleeves for Running
DMoose Knee Sleeves	Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves	SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves	IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve	Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves	Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves	DMoose Reversible Knee Sleeves	Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene
4.5	4.5	4.2	4.0	4.5	3.5	4.0	4.0
Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: Seven millimeters Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: IPF	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL IPF/IWF-approved: IPF	Description: Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%) Thickness: Not listed Available sizes: XS to XL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: Yes	Description: Material: Nylon-elastic blend Thickness: 3mm Available sizes: S to L IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: Neoprene Thickness: 7mm Available sizes: S to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No	Description: Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene Thickness: 3mm Available sizes: XXS to XXL IPF/IWF-approved: No
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves Overall

DMoose Knee Sleeves

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: Seven millimeters
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Squats

Gymreapers 7MM Knee Sleeves

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting

SBD Powerlifting Knee Sleeves

4.2

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: 3XS to 5XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: IPF

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Arthritis

IMAK Compression Arthritis Knee Sleeve

4.0

Description:

• Material: Cotton (92%) and spandex (8%)
• Thickness: Not listed
• Available sizes: XS to XL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Weightlifting

Iron Bull Strength 7mm Knee Sleeves

4.5

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: Yes

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for CrossFit

Element 26 3mm Agility Knee Sleeves

3.5

Description:

• Material: Nylon-elastic blend
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: S to L
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Budget Knee Sleeves

DMoose Reversible Knee Sleeves

4.0

Description:

• Material: Neoprene
• Thickness: 7mm
• Available sizes: S to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

Best Knee Sleeves for Running

Rehband Knee Sleeve 3mm Neoprene

4.0

Description:

• Material: 70% SBR/30% neoprene
• Thickness: 3mm
• Available sizes: XXS to XXL
• IPF/IWF-approved: No

Check Price

FAQs

The post Best Knee Sleeves for Powerlifting, CrossFit, Running, and More (2023) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Research of the Week

Melatonin improves platelet aggregation (clumping) in healthy individuals, less so in type 2 diabetics.

Long term spaceflight induces depression and cognitive impairment in astronauts.

Black seed oil appears to protect against Tylenol intoxication of the liver.

Collagen improves endurance running performance.

High triglycerides and blood glucose, lower cognitive function.

New Primal Kitchen Podcasts

Primal Kitchen Podcast: The Benefits of Medical Marijuana and Psychedelics

Primal Health Coach Radio: Annette Verpillot

Media, Schmedia

Cells or food?

Interesting Blog Posts

Human height in prehistoric Europe.

Social Notes

No excuses.

Everything Else

Calcium supplements may increase the risk of cramping in older women; magnesium lotion helps fix the issue.

Despite strong chronic sun exposure, there is no skin cancer among the Wayuu people.

Inflammation beats LDL for predictive power.

Things I’m Up to and Interested In

Reminder: Seed oil metabolites are linked to almost every disease.

Be careful: May your optimism be realistic.

Interesting: Money does make happiness easier to achieve.

Food wins: Oysters correct anemia.

Every time: After a stroke, magnesium protects against mortality.

Question I’m Asking

What makes you happy?

Recipe Corner

• Paleo tonkatsu.
• Keto cassoulet.

Time Capsule

One year ago (Nov 4 – Nov 10)

• Winter Camping 101—How to do it.
• Ask a Health Coach: How Do I Feel More Confident?—How?

Comment of the Week

“Leptin, schleptin. My biggest bouts of ‘overfeeding’ have occured around the family dinnertable during all-out holiday meals. The benefits have less to do with weight gain or loss, more to do with community and fun. Blood sugar surges aside, I’ll never regret second slices of my mom’s apple pie.“

-I think it’s both!

The post New and Noteworthy: What I Read This Week—Edition 245 appeared first on Mark’s Daily Apple.

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Larry Wheels may have looked leaner than ever in the leadup to the 2023 Amateur Olympia, but it didn’t take long for him to move the needle in the opposite direction after falling short of securing his IFBB Pro League card.

Coming off an impressive performance at the 2023 NPC Ultimate Warriors in which he won his Classic Physique debut, the uber-popular powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder still had to trim a few inches off his sizable frame. Unfortunately for Wheels, his peak week efforts to go from 240 to 232 pounds didn’t result in a first-place finish in Orlando, FL, as Ejike Enwereuzor Jr. captured the Amateur Olympia Classic Physique championship on Nov. 2, 2023.

Less than a week later, however, Wheels’ body appeared vastly different than it did when he stood on stage at the Orange County Convention Center. On Nov. 5, 2023, a noticeably larger version of the versatile strength athlete shared a video on his YouTube video detailing how he gained 53 pounds in five days after competing in the Amateur Olympia. Not only did Wheels discuss his use of diuretics, but he also delivered a complete breakdown of the cheat meals he consumed that contributed to such a substantial jump.

Having last stepped on stage at around 265 pounds, Wheels went on a serious cut to get contest-ready for the Classic Physique category. Besides severely reducing his calories and essentially eliminating carbohydrates from his diet for several weeks, his weight-loss process also involved the use of diuretics, which bodybuilders often use during peak week to reduce muscle water retention, increase urine output, and excrete sodium to present a more aesthetic physique. (1)

“This was my first time getting fully depleted for a show,” Wheels explained. “I did use diuretics to make weight and to have that dry, hard look on stage.”

Despite falling short of his goal of earning his IFBB Pro League card, the record-setting powerlifter-turned-bodybuilder certainly proved how powerful combining diuretics with a calorie-restrictive diet can be for quickly transforming your physique. Yet after tipping the scales at 231.4 pounds during weigh-ins on Oct. 30, 2023, and competing in the Amateur Olympia at 238 pounds two days later, Wheels surprised himself by ballooning up to 284 pounds by Nov. 4, 2023.

“I don’t think I’ve consumed enough fluid and solid food to add up to 40 pounds,” he said. “I don’t understand where all the weight came from.”

[Related: Walking for Weight Loss: A Guide to Drop the Pounds]

While Wheels’ massive weight gain may seem shocking, it shouldn’t be based on both his diuretic use and his post-contest diet. After utilizing diuretics twice within three days to make weight for both shows, it would only be natural for his body to begin retaining fluids instead of shedding them. Plus, when you stop taking diuretics and start binge eating like Wheels did, you’re bound to see the number on the scale go up as you replenish your muscle glycogen stores.

In a classic example of the effects of a post-contest cheat meal spree, here’s what the social media star ate that left him 53 pounds heavier.

Larry Wheels’ Full Cheat Meal Lineup

After abstaining from any type of comfort food for quite some time, Wheels went all-in over two days with nine calorie-dense cheat meals:

Day One

• Cheat Meal One: Two bacon double cheeseburgers and one large fry (Five Guys)
• Cheat Meal Two: 16-pounce ribeye steak and sweet potato mash (Ruth’s Chris Steak House)
• Cheat Meal Three: One bag of Pop-Tarts
• Cheat Meal Four: Two cups of noodles

Day Two

• Cheat Meal Five: Cinnamon roll pancakes, hash browns, and sunny-side-up eggs
• Cheat Meal Six: Cinnamon roll bagel with cream cheese, orange juice, and a bowl of cereal
• Cheat Meal Seven: Bacon double cheeseburger with French fries and lemon cookies
• Cheat Meal Eight: Fried chicken sandwich, six bone-in wings, three chicken tenders, and French fries — plus chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert (Buffalo Wild Wings)
• Cheat Meal Nine: 14-inch margherita pizza, garlic knots, and a salad

Ultimately, Wheels estimated that he consumed about 20,000 calories within the first 24 hours after stepping on the Amateur Olympia stage. But after taking a no-holds-barred approach to eating and seeing the number on the scale shoot up by more than 50 pounds in such a short amount of time, he sounded ready to get back to a more disciplined lifestyle.

“It’s time to screw my head back on straight and eat clean,” he said.

Featured Image: Larry Wheels / YouTube

References

1. Escalante, G., Stevenson, S.W., Barakat, C. et al. Peak week recommendations for bodybuilders: an evidence-based approach. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 13, 68 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-021-00296-y

The post Larry Wheels Gained 53 Pounds in 5 Days After Finishing Second at 2023 Amateur Olympia appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Between expanded divisions and a new location, the 2024 CrossFit Games, designed to find the fittest people on the planet, will look different than its previous editions. For athletes seeking championship glory, the countdown to testing their strength, speed, and stamina against the likes of reigning Fittest Man on Earth® Jeff Adler and fellow 2023 CrossFit Games winner Laura Horvath has officially begun.

On Nov. 8, 2023, CrossFit HQ announced the upcoming 2024 CrossFit Games season will commence with the 2024 CrossFit Open on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024. That event will kick off a multi-stage competition that concludes with the top Individuals and Teams taking their talents to Fort Worth, TX, for the 2024 CrossFit Games scheduled for Aug. 8-11, 2024.

Below is a division-by-division breakdown of the 2024 season structure, along with key competition dates to keep on your calendar.

• Individuals
• Teams
• Age-Group
• Adaptive

Individuals

The Open

Registration for the Open begins on Jan. 9, 2024. Participants must complete three workouts during a three-week span at their affiliates or home gyms. The workouts will be released on the CrossFit Games website on Thursdays at noon PT. All athletes have until the following Monday at 5 p.m. PT to submit their scores online.

• Registration begins: Jan. 9, 2024
• Workout 24.1: Feb. 29-March 4
• Workout 24.2: March 7-11
• Workout 24.3: March 14-18

Quarterfinals

The second virtual stage of the 2024 CrossFit Games season will separate the top athletes from the rest of the field as individuals complete a series of workouts at their affiliate gyms across six days to see who advances to the Semifinals. After allowing only the top 10 percent of individuals in each region to move from the Open to the Individual Quarterfinal in 2023, CrossFit HQ has opened the door for more athletes to participate in 2024 by expanding that threshold to the top 25 percent of the worldwide Open.

The regions include North America West, North America East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America.

• Registration begins: April 1, 2024
• Individual Quarterfinal: April 17-22

Semifinals

The final qualifying stage for athletes vying for the sport’s ultimate prize will feature the top 40 individual men and 40 individual women from each region competing in person.

According to CrossFit HQ, dates and locations for the Semifinals will be released at a later time.

The CrossFit Games

Scheduled for Aug. 8-11, 2024, the CrossFit Games will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. There, the top 40 men and 40 women in the world will battle for the honor of becoming the Fittest Man on Earth® and the Fittest Woman on Earth®, respectively.

[Related: 2023 Rogue CrossFit Invitational Results — Laura Horvath and Patrick Vellner Become Two-Time Champions]

Teams

The Open

Per CrossFit HQ, any licensed affiliate in good standing with the company can register a team for the CrossFit Games Team competition. A team must consist of at least two men and two women who register as Individual competitors in the Open.

Teams will advance to the Quarterfinals based on their top two female and top two male scores in each workout, which must be done individually.

• Registration begins: Jan. 9, 2024
• Workout 24.1: Feb. 29-March 4
• Workout 24.2: March 7-11
• Workout 24.3: March 14-18

Quarterfinals

In the second stage of the competition, four-person teams comprised of two males and two females must work together to complete the Quarterfinal workouts at their affiliate gyms during a six-day period.

Just like the Individual division, the top 25 percent of teams in each region will advance to the Quarterfinals.

• Registration begins: April 1, 2024
• Team Quarterfinal: April 3-8

Semifinals

Although no dates or locations have been announced yet for the 2024 CrossFit Semifinals, the top 30 teams from each region will take part in the in-person competition.

The CrossFit Games

The top 30 teams in the world will join the top 40 men and top 40 women Individual competitors in Texas from Aug. 8-11 for the championship round of the 2024 CrossFit season.

[Related: 2023 CrossFit Games Team Division Results]

Age-Group

Broken into two distinct groups, here’s how the 2024 season will play out for the Age-Group divisions.

Masters

The Open

Featuring athletes between the ages of 35 and 65+, the Masters division will start its season with the same three-week worldwide Open. The groups are separated accordingly:

• Men and Women: 35-39
• Men and Women: 40-44
• Men and Women: 45-49
• Men and Women: 50-54
• Men and Women: 55-59
• Men and Women: 60-64
• Men and Women: 65+

Key dates to keep in mind:

• Registration begins: Jan. 9, 2024
• Workout 24.1: Feb. 29-March 4
• Workout 24.2: March 7-11
• Workout 24.3: March 14-18

Quarterfinals

In another change for 2024, the top 25 percent (minimum 200) of athletes from each division will advance to the Age-Group Quarterfinal. Any athlete who qualifies for both the Age-Group and Individual Quarterfinals may compete in both without having to pay separate registration fees.

All workouts for individuals and select age groups (35-54) will be the same.

• Registration begins: April 1, 2024
• Age-Group Quarterfinal: April 17-22

Semifinals

The top 200 athletes from each age group will earn the opportunity to compete in the online Age-Group Semifinal, which will take place on May 8-13, 2024.

The Masters CrossFit Games by Legends

While the date and location for the Masters CrossFit Games by Legends have yet to be announced, we do know exactly how many athletes from each age group will advance to the championship stage.

• 35-39: 40 men and 40 women
• 40-44: 40 men and 40 women
• 45-49: 40 men and 40 women
• 50-54: 30 men and 30 women
• 55-59: 30 men and 30 women
• 60-64: 20 men and 20 women
• 65+: 20 men and 20 women

[Related: 2023 CrossFit Games Age Group Results]

Teenagers

The Open

Teenage athletes are divided into two groups: Boys and Girls 14-15 and Boys and Girls 16-17. All participants will start their season with the three-week Open.

• Registration begins: Jan. 9, 2024
• Workout 24.1: Feb. 29-March 4
• Workout 24.2: March 7-11
• Workout 24.3: March 14-18

Quarterfinals

The top 25 percent of each age group will get a chance to move on to the Quarterfinals. Like the Masters division, any athlete in the 16-17 division who also qualifies for the Quarterfinals as an Individual may compete at both. Athletes who qualify for both competitions only have to perform one set of programming.

• Registration begins: April 1, 2024
• Age-Group Quarterfinal: April 17-22

Semifinals

The top 200 teen competitors from each age group will inch one step closer to securing a spot in the championship round, with the online Age-Group Semifinal scheduled for May 8-13, 2024.

The Teenage CrossFit Games by PIT Teen Throwdown

Instead of traveling to the Lone Star State to try and win a title, the top 30 boys and top 30 girls will take their talents to Three Rivers, MI. The Teenage CrossFit Games by Pit Teen Throwdown will be hosted at a site that includes a 10,000-square-foot gym nestled on a 65-acre fitness ranch.

No date has been announced for the Teenage CrossFit Games.

[Related: 2023 CrossFit Games Adaptive Division Results]

Adaptive

The Adaptive CrossFit Open by WheelWOD

Run by WheelWOD for the first time, a more robust version of the Adaptive division will start its season with the online Adaptive CrossFit Open. To be more inclusive and allow more athletes to participate, there will be 15 Adaptive divisions in 2024, including:

• Upper Impairment 1 Point of Contact
• Upper Impairment 2 Points of Contact
• Lower Impairment Above Knee
• Lower Impairment Below Knee
• Lower Impairment Minor
• Seated Without Hip Function
• Seated With Hip Function
• Seated Quadriplegic
• Neuromuscular Major
• Neuromuscular Moderate
• Neuromuscular Minor
• Standing Diagnosed
• Visual Impairment
• Short Stature
• Intellectual 

Here are important dates to keep in mind for the upcoming season:

• Registration begins: Jan. 9, 2024
• Adaptive 24.1: Feb. 29-March 4
• Adaptive 24.2: March 7-11
• Adaptive 24.3: March 14-18

The Adaptive CrossFit Semifinals by WheelWODFOLLOW

The top 20 athletes from each adaptive division will move on to the online Adaptive CrossFit Semifinal by WheelWOD, which takes place from May 8-13, 2024.

The Adaptive CrossFit Games by WheelWOD

Finally, the top 10 athletes from all 15 divisions will compete for their respective championships. According to the press release, the date and location for the Adaptive CrossFit Games will be announced soon.

Featured Image: crossfitgames / Instagram

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Coming off a third-place finish at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Nick Walker looked bound for a podium finish at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Unfortunately for the gifted bodybuilder, his quest to capture the 2023 Mr. Olympia crown came to a premature and painful end before the contest started.

Forced to withdraw from the biggest competition of the season because of a torn hamstring, Walker recently revealed he suffered even more damage than initially thought. In a video posted on his Instagram page on Nov. 6, 2023, “The Mutant” delivered an update about his injury status and his mindset as he embarks on the road to recovery.

After congratulating Derek Lunsford for becoming the 18th Mr. Olympia and the first two-division champion, Walker divulged more details about his health status. Not only did Walker suffer a serious hamstring injury in the leadup to the Olympia, but he also hurt his calf.

“I think it was Friday, we went and got the MRI done and it came back that I do have a partial hamstring tear and a grade 1 strain, little tear in my calf as well,” Walker said. “Nothing crazy, nothing too significant that would require surgery, so that’s great news. I’m very happy, literally very happy about that.”

Luckily for Walker, a grade 1 strain includes mild damage to individual muscle fibers that typically causes a small loss of strength and motion. On the other hand, a grade 3 strain involves a complete rupture of a muscle or tendon and usually requires surgery to reattach the damaged structure. So, even though Walker’s Olympia dream turned into a bit of a nightmare, he avoided the worst-case scenario.

The 2021 Arnold Classic winner noted that his doctors were “very impressed” with how quickly his body started the healing process. Despite dealing with a major setback at the most inopportune time, Walker displayed maturity and humility when discussing his injury.

“I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and I can’t seem to find what reason this,” Walker explained. “This was supposed to be a really special moment. I’m just holding on to that saying, things happen for a reason, for greater things to happen, so that’s what we are going to do.”

[Related: 2023 Amateur Olympia Results]

Although Walker can’t crush a leg workout anytime soon, he won’t let that stop him from preparing to compete again in 2024. Focused on training his upper body and testing his limits as he recovers, he vowed to return stronger for next year’s Olympia.

However, whether Walker will have an opportunity to participate in the sport’s tentpole contest is far less certain than his conviction about making a comeback. Due to changes to the Olympia Qualifying System, only the top three finishers from the Mr. Olympia contest automatically qualify for next year’s event.

With Walker already ruling himself out of the 2024 Arnold Classic, he will have to win an IFBB Pro League show to secure a spot in the Men’s Open lineup for the 2024 Olympia. Then again, perhaps promoters will grant “The Mutant” his request to receive a special invite to share the stage with the newly crowned champion and the rest of the Olympia hopefuls.

Featured Image: nick_walker39 / Instagram

The post Nick Walker Reveals He Suffered More Than Just a Torn Hamstring Before Bowing Out of 2023 Mr. Olympia  appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

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Although it may be associated with producing top-of-the-line squat racks and some of the industry’s best barbells, Eleiko isn’t resting on its laurels. On Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, one of the longest-running strength equipment companies announced it is officially adding a new product type to its well-established lineup: custom cable workout stations.

“The expansion into cables is a natural progression for Eleiko,” CEO Erik Blomberg said in a Nov. 6 press release. “From our roots in lifting and free weights to functional cable training, we aim to empower individuals to improve their performance in sports and life with meticulously engineered, precision-crafted strength equipment.”

Since breaking into the strength training space in 1957, Eleiko has become much more than a barbell manufacturer. With a wide range of fitness equipment that includes bumper plates, platforms, weight benches, dumbbells, and kettlebells, as well as lifting gear like belts, straps, and knee sleeves, the Swedish-based company commands widespread respect for producing high-quality products.

“Strength is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, and we aim to help create premium strength training experiences and inspire more people to train,” Blomberg said.

Now, lifters worldwide can add to their home gym arsenal by designing a custom cable machine station suited to their needs. Customers and clients don’t have to worry about putting together a system alone, either. Not only does Eleiko offer a series of pre-built stations, but it also provides direct design assistance via an exclusive consultation call with one of its representatives.

[Related: Best Functional Trainers of 2023 for Small Spaces, With Smith Machines, and More]

For those who don’t want to go the custom route, the pre-build options include:

• Free-standing
• Wall-mounted
• Multi-function

Featuring knurled handles for optimal grip, Eleiko cable systems feature steel frames, aluminum pulleys, and fully protected weight stacks that minimize potential injury. Designed with athletes and coaches in mind, the one-to-one weight ratio on the stack allows lifters to see the actual resistance applied by the cable — a definite plus from a lifter’s perspective. No lubrication is required for shaft maintenance.

Whether looking to upgrade your current cable machine or ready to expand your home gym setup entirely, Eleiko’s latest innovation can help take workouts to the next level. While free weights offer unique benefits — such as helping build coordination and power — cable stations allow for constant tension on the muscles and the capacity to switch between exercises more efficiently.

Given Eleiko’s reputation for manufacturing elite gym equipment, there should be plenty of optimism surrounding its newest release. From lower chest flyes to seated rows, cable-based workouts supplied by a brand backed by nearly seven decades of design and production experience are possible.

Featured Image: Eleiko Sport / YouTube

The post Eleiko Sport is Now Making Cable Machines appeared first on Breaking Muscle.