• Peloton reported a 66% increase in sales in the most recent quarter as consumers stuck in lockdown flocked to by its high tech at-home workout equipment.
• It ended the quarter with over 866,100 connected fitness subscribers in total – those that have either purchased bike or the treadmill – a 94% increase from this time last year. 
• Analysts say that even if gyms do reopen, the company is still well-positioned for the future as new social distancing norms may continue to keep consumers at home.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While gyms and fitness centers around the world remain closed and some weigh up bankruptcy options, at-home high tech fitness pioneer Peloton is experiencing a boom. 

On Wednesday, the company reported its third-quarter results, revealing that sales were up 66% during the quarter as more people invested in its high-tech home fitness bike, treadmill, or workout app.

It ended the quarter with over 866,100 connected fitness subscribers in total – the customers that have bought either the bike or the treadmill – which marked a 94% increase from this time last year. 

Subscribers of its app were also up 64% by the end of the quarter versus this time last year. 

Moreover, its average net monthly net churn, a metric used to measure customer retention, hit its lowest rate in four years. 

"Our global Connected Fitness Subscriber base saw significant growth in the third quarter. Our growth was aided by increased demand for our products driven by the extraordinary circumstances facing our global community with the COVID-19 crisis," the company wrote in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday.

"Connected Fitness Product revenue exceeded our expectations across all geographies driven by strong demand for our Bike and performance of Tread,' it said. 

The company has been struggling to keep up with the demand. 

"Unfortunately, the unexpected sharp increase in sales has created an imbalance of supply and demand in many geographies, causing elongated order-to-delivery windows for our customers," it said, adding that it is entering the fourth quarter with a backlog of bike deliveries. 

In mid-March, it paused any advertising spend that it was able to as demand was so high. It is now mostly benefiting from customer referrals, it said.

Peloton's situation stands in stark contrast to the traditional players in the fitness industry that have been forced to shutter locations and see business dry up. Gold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness are among those that are either considering bankruptcy options or have already taken the plunge.

And analysts say even if gyms do reopen, Peloton is still well-positioned for the future as new social distancing norms may continue to keep consumers at home.

"We continue to see a long runway for growth for Peloton," Bernstein analyst Jamie Merriman wrote in a note to clients on Thursday. "The new normal of social distancing is likely to increase the market opportunity as more consumers look for alternative ways to exercise and stay healthy."

SEE ALSO: Peloton superfans say the $2,000 bike changed their lives and helped them to quit therapy

Join the conversation about this story »

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• Pull-up bars are easy to install, can support your weight without wobbling or bowing, and are a great addition to anyone's home gym setup. 
• Adding a pull-up routine to your weekly workout program can help strengthen your upper body, build muscle, and improve your grip strength.  
• Our top pick, the Garren Fitness Maximiza pull-up Bar, features comfortable foam grips and unobtrusively fits in any standard doorframe. 
• Due to constantly fluctuating online stock, many of these picks are either back-ordered, low in stock, or currently unavailable. We're doing our best to keep this buying guide updated with in-stock purchase links.

Pull-ups aren't for the faint of heart. I remember the days of easily cranking out a dozen or so pull-ups while hardly breaking a sweat. But after years of cheeseburgers and sitting at a computer, easy pull-ups are harder to come by. Fortunately, there are a number of pull-up bars on the market that fit the needs of anyone looking for a new addition to their home gym.

We highly recommend first consulting with a physician before starting any exercise program. I learned this the hard way when I tried to rattle off some pull-ups after years of sedentary living, and quickly tore a muscle in my shoulder. Don't be like me. 

Why you should start doing pull-ups 

The benefits of incorporating pull-ups into your weekly routine are many. From improving upper body strength to building muscle, pull-ups can have a significant impact on your fitness goals. According to the New York City-based personal trainer, Brad Baldwin, pull-ups are "the king of back exercises."

"[Pull-ups] force you to work at a higher intensity," Baldwin told Business Insider. "They're great for creating that coveted V-shaped torso and for getting stronger." 

For anyone looking to begin strength training, it's smart to start with dips and push-ups on your way to performing a pull-up. You might also try mounting your pull-up bar lower or standing on a box. Pull yourself up to the bar with your feet on the ground at an increasingly difficult angle. Thankfully, the bars we picked for this guide are versatile enough to help you work up to your goals.

Different types of pull-up bars

Cantilever

One of the most popular pull-up bar variations is the cantilever-style, molding-mounted bars. They don't require permanent alteration to your home and are easy to install and remove. They feature several grip options, too. However, when shopping for these doorframe pull-up bars, pay attention to the dimensions of the bar and what size frames they work on to ensure you get the proper fit.

Mounted

Then there's a class of pull-up bar that requires drilling and mounting of the unit. We included ceiling-mounted and door-mounted options in our guide. They tend to be rated for heavier weights but are less portable. Wall-mounted bars are also available but we didn't find any models worth recommending.

Power towers

The final group of pull-bars is called power towers. These are freestanding units that do not require drilling and are often compatible with a wide array of exercises. However, power towers typically cost more, have a large footprint, and many models have problems with wobbling when heavier individuals are performing intense workouts.

To help you find a pull-up bar fit for both your home setup and your lifestyle, we've compiled the following list of the best pull-up bars currently available. 

Here are the best pull-up bars you can buy:

• Best pull-up bar overall: Garren Fitness Maximiza pull-up Bar
• Best ceiling mounted pull-up bar: Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted pull-up Bar
• Best freestanding pull-up bar: Stamina 1690 Power Tower
• Best doorframe pull-up bar: Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway pull-up Bar
• Best budget pull-up bar:  Iron Gym pull-up Bar

Updated on 5/7/2020 by Rick Stella: Included expert input from personal trainer, Brad Baldwin, about the benefits of pull-ups, added a section on the different types of pull-up bars, checked the stock of each pick, and updated the prices, links, and formatting. 

The best overall

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is easy on your hands, installs effortlessly, and is made of long-lasting chrome steel.

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is made of chrome steel and comes with three sets of mounting hardware, two of which support up to 300 pounds of weight. The medium-duty door mount supports 150 pounds and isn't recommended for use above waist height.

You can also use the bar without door mounts for sit-up foot support and other light exercises. The bar is adjustable and fits doorways between 26 and 36 inches wide, and can be installed so that a door is still able to close. 

The bar features non-slip, extra-long foam grips. Garren Fitness cautions against using the Maximiza for gymnastics, and they suggest applying your weight cautiously during the first few exercises to ensure the bar is safely installed (a smart practice with any pull up bar.) Garren Fitness provides a "100% Satisfaction Guarantee" so you can get a no-questions-asked full refund if you are not satisfied.

Pros: Comfortable foam grips, unobtrusive, solidly built

Cons: Installation requires drilling into door jamb, foam grips may wear from heavy-duty use

The best for ceiling mounting

If you are interested in doing a variety of pull-ups and you don't want to use your door frame, the Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar is your best bet.

The Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar from Ultimate Body Press has three high-density foam grip positions for standard, wide-grip, and 20-inch parallel-grip pull-ups or chin-ups. This model has a powder-coat finish for added durability. The 14-inch reversible risers are designed to fit either 16- or 24-inch joists.

The mounting kit comes with instructions, a template, and mounting hardware. You will need a drill, tape or pencil, and a step ladder. Ultimate Body Press offers a fairly nebulous 100% satisfaction guarantee with this product. The fact the bars aren't welded to the mounting brackets could affect long-term durability (though perhaps the satisfaction guarantee would cover it). 

Pros: Three padded gripping positions, easy installation, sturdy construction

Cons: Some complaints of manufacturer defects

The best freestanding pull-up bar

The Stamina 1690 Power Tower allows you to perform platform push-ups, sit-ups, knee and leg raises, dips, pull-ups, and more.

The Stamina 1690 Power Tower is a free-standing full-body workout unit made of durable steel and fitted with padded foam in five sets of grip locations. The overall size of the assembled tower is 49 inches long by 42.5 inches wide by 81 inches high. The base of the tower features no-slip endcaps.

Stamina states that the capacity is 250 pounds, but as noted below, it's closer to 200 pounds in practice. In addition to pull-ups and chin-ups, this model is designed for tricep dips, sit-ups, push-ups, and leg raises, though there is no backrest to assist with the leg raises.

Pros: Wide range of exercises, easy to assemble — no drilling or door frame needed

Cons: Issues with wobbling, expensive compared to traditional bars, takes up a lot of space

The best for doorframes

If you are looking for a pull-up bar that you can effortlessly attach to your doorframe and take down when you're done, the Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar will serve you well.

The Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar has three padded grip positions for hammer grip, close grip, and normal grip pull-ups. The 300-pound weight capacity makes it so you can use this model with a weight vest. There is some assembly required, and all of the tools needed are included with the bar.

The Multi-Gym Pro adjusts for height and works with doorframes that are up to 6 inches deep and 33 inches wide. The bar can be placed on the floor to assist with push-ups and sit-ups. And, Perfect Fitness stands behind the quality of this model with a one-year warranty.

Pros: Three grip locations, 300-pound capacity, unlikely to damage your doorframe

Cons: Wide grip may be too wide for some, recent quality concerns, doesn't fit all doorframes

The best budget pull-up bar on a budget

If you are interested in doing pull-ups but don't want to spend a lot of money, the Iron Gym Pull Up Bar is an excellent solution for beginners.

The Iron Gym Pull Up Bar works much like the Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym. It hangs on a doorframe and stays in place through leverage. You can also remove the pull-up bar to perform sit-ups, push-ups, and dips.

The bar is made of a combination of plastic and steel, and it comes with everything you need to assemble the unit, including a hex open wrench. There are foam grips for standard and wide pull-ups. However, the parallel grip handles are fairly small and awkwardly positioned. Lastly, this model comes with a comprehensive workout and nutrition guide.

Pros: Inexpensive, versatile, easy to mount and remove, 300-pound capacity

Cons: Contains plastic parts

• Of all the seemingly endless number of workout legging options out there, there are 18 pairs, each from a different brand, that rise above the rest for the Insider Reviews team. 
• We've found from experience that these leggings, which range from affordable $30 pairs to splurge-worthy $100+ pairs, are great for running, yoga, HIIT, weight training, and other physical activities.
• Below, we break down our picks and explain what kinds of workouts each one is best for.

While the women of Insider Reviews all have different fitness regimens and workout routines, the one thing we can agree on is that a good pair of leggings is indispensable. 

Whether we're sprinting towards a finish line, lifting heavy things, or finding our centers, we need leggings that let our bodies move the way they need to, don't cause our legs to overheat, and can be worn over and over again for countless workouts. 

We found those leggings with the 18 pairs below, which include styles from cult-favorite brands like Girlfriend Collective and Alo Yoga, fitness world standbys like Under Armour and Lululemon, and affordable favorites like Old Navy. We tell you what types of activities (running, yoga, HIIT, etc.) they're best for, and why you should buy them. 

If you're updating your workout wardrobe, check out these other guides and reviews:

These are our 18 all-time favorite pairs of leggings.

Alo Yoga

7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $114, available in eight colors at Alo Yoga

Best for: Yoga, weight training, static workouts

Why you should buy them: These leggings feel like a second skin, but one that's so stretchy you could bend into a pretzel and you wouldn't feel any pulling, digging, or resistance. Every time they come out of the wash, they're the first pair I put on for a workout.

They're best for anything that involves bending or stretching a lot (they were designed for doing yoga) but I've worn them running plenty of times and I honestly love them for any type of workout. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor

Outdoor Voices

TechSweat 7/8 Two-Tone Leggings, $57, available in one color at Outdoor Voices

Best for: HIIT workouts, running 

Why you should buy them: The first thing I noticed slipping these on was how soft, stretchy, and lightweight they are. I'm always a little hesitant about such lightweight leggings as many lack support, but these are equal parts supportive and breathable — a winning combination for sweaty workouts.

The high waistband keeps everything secure while you run, stretch, or bend, but it doesn't dig into your stomach like other high-waisted pants have a tendency to do. The two-toned blue color is really pretty, but also super flattering and although these are lighter colors, I haven't had any issues with sweat marks. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter 

Patagonia

Centered Crops, from $41, available in four colors at Patagonia

Best for: Running, classes at the gym, lounging

Why you should buy them: The hallmarks of Patagonia construction are all also present in the design of the Centered Crops. No joke, I think I've worn these leggings every day for the last two weeks. They're so comfy for just lounging around! But they're also great for working out since they're made of a thickish polyester/spandex knit fabric that offers plenty of stretch, wicks moisture, and resists odor. I usually rewear my workout clothes a few times before washing them (in an effort to conserve water where I can), and in these leggings make for less smelly gym sessions. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Reviews Executive Editor

Zella

Zella Live In High Waist Leggings, $59, available in one color at Nordstrom

Best for: Yoga, gym, active day

Why you should buy them: My mom was the one who introduced me to Zella leggings and I knew they would become one of my favorite pairs from the moment I tried them on. The leggings are fitted and have a decent amount of support, so they are best suited for activity versus lounging.

I like that they are tight enough to stay in one place throughout the day, but don't squeeze my waist or leave those pesky seam indents in my skin. The leggings come in tons of styles and colors, but I enjoy the plain black high-waisted pair. —Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern

Girlfriend Collective

High-waist Leggings, $68, available in 12 colors at Girlfriend Collective and 10 colors for $68 at Nordstrom

Best for: Anything, particularly HIIT and hot yoga

Why you should buy them: Girlfriend Collective makes my favorite athleisure leggings by a mile, but their LITE pair is one of my all-time favorites for relatively inexpensive, barely-there HIIT leggings. They're lightweight (the sort that means you should pack seamless underwear if you don't want panty lines), quick-drying, and made from recycled fishing nets.

These are the leggings I'd take to a hot yoga class. My favorite thing about them is that they feel porous — like they're breathing, too — instead of laying on top of the skin, trapping moisture and heat. Plus, they come in five great colors, have a high high-rise, and look pretty great on. Find a full review here. —Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter

Skins

Skins Dnamic Thermal Windproof Long Tights, from $101.25, available at Amazon

Best for: Outdoor running

Why you should buy them: Motivating yourself to go on a run can be a challenge, but adding cold weather to that is another obstacle in itself. These leggings make winter runs outside much more bearable.

A cool feature is the gradient compression — the highest compression is applied at the calf and it gradually decreases as you move up the leg. Ultimately, this will help support your legs through long runs and speed up recovery time. The best part is the soft, fleece-like interior that keeps you cozy on cold days, but is still thin enough to make sure you don't overheat when you start breaking a sweat. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter

Saucony

Bullet Crop, $54.99 (originally $75), available in three colors at Saucony

Best for: Year-round running

Why you should buy them: These Saucony leggings are aptly named the Bullet Crop, which makes me feel like I'm running a lot faster than my FitBit would indicate. The cropped length also makes my legs look miles longer than my actual run, and the compression fit keeps everything feeling tight and supported. —Jada Wong, Insider Reviews senior editor

Spanx

Active Printed Leggings, $76.99, available at Spanx

Best for: Running, cycling

Why you should buy them: Spanx makes my all-time favorite pairs of tights, so I had high hopes for its leggings. And my faith was not misplaced ... the Active Printed Leggings are amazing.

They're breathable, supportive but not suffocating, and surprisingly comfortable, offering more stretch than similar compressive leggings I've tried that makes them much easier to get into and out of. I'm not sure what witchcraft went into the design, but they also manage to create a smooth-all-over look I love. —Ellen Hoffman, Insider Reviews Executive Editor

Lululemon

Wunder Under Crop, $88, available in nine colors at Lululemon

Best for: Yoga, HIIT, weight training 

Why you should buy them: If I could only wear one pair of leggings for the rest of my life, it would probably be these. They're versatile enough for workouts and leisure wear and are made of some of the softest fabric I've ever exercised in.

They're constructed with Luxtreme, Lululemon's signature fabric, which wicks sweat, is super stretchy, and is engineered not to shrink. These truly feel like a second skin, hugging your shape and making it easy to move. I was hesitant to spend almost $90 on a seemingly regular pair of leggings, but I've had these for almost three years and they've held up their shape, softness, and color. Plus, they make my workouts easier by making me feel comfortable, so I think they're a good investment. —Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter

90 Degree by Reflex

Trilux High Rise with Back V-Yoke Leggings, $38.99, available in seven colors at 90 Degree by Reflex

Best for: Running, high-impact activity, hiking, walking, athleisure

Why you should buy them: My mom sent me these leggings, informing me that they were her favorite, and that's saying something because she's been around for 60+ years and running daily for about 40 of them.

These leggings are under $40 and have officially replaced all of the leggings I used to buy for twice the price. The fabric is sleek and sweat-wicking without being constrictive (true compression tights are a pet peeve of mine), and the waistband stays up perfectly when I run without cutting in. The seams don't leave marks on my skin and the color is jet black and opaque.

The back yoke is also very slimming — these are definitely leggings I wear to the grocery store too. They run true to size and at 5-foot-8, the length is perfect on me, but shorter ladies may be better with a capri style. —Grace High, Insider Reviews senior analyst 

Alala

Captain Ankle Tight, $110, available at Alala and Shopbop

Best for: Running, HIIT, weight training 

Why you should buy them: As I rotate through different workout leggings during the week, Alala's tights are always the ones I look most forward to wearing. They're stretchy, soft, and not overly compressive, with breathable mesh panels at the spots that get surprisingly sweaty, and two pockets (one in front and a zippered one in back) to stash my keys or ID. The waistband doesn't dig into my skin or roll down, so I have no distractions as I run or attend a class.

The fabric dries fairly quickly, too. Even if I've just sweated up a storm, they look and feel like they haven't been touched in the less than 10 minutes it takes to walk from my gym to my subway station. —Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter

Eleven by Venus Williams

Eleven by Venus Williams Smooth Legging, $34.97, available at Nordstrom Rack

Best for: Year-round running

Why you should buy them: This pair has the highest rise ever — I swear it goes right up to underneath my rib cage, which I love because it just kind of keeps everything tight and supported. The seamless knit feels like a second skin and doesn't require any awkward adjusting or maneuvering midway through my runs, and the compression fabric is supportive yet breathable. The dark gray side panel also makes this pair feel slightly more special than boring gray leggings, but isn't super loud.

It's worth mentioning, though, that I'm 5-foot-4, and the leggings are really long on me. I have to fold up the bottoms a few times so there's no bunching around my ankles. —Jada Wong, Insider Reviews senior editor

2XU

2XU MCS Run Compression Tights, $101.22-$119.95, available in one color at Amazon

Best for: Running

Why you should buy them: The gist of these leggings is that 2XU made them specifically for the impact that running has on the leg. Internally, they have selective, anatomically mapped compression to bring more blood to key areas like quads and calves so you can perform better and recover faster without losing any upfront mobility as with all-over compression.

While that's a big perk, I love them equally as much because they feel like a thin second skin. I overheat easily during cardio, and these are the leggings I'd wear all the time if I could afford to. There have been complaints in the past that this pair is see-through (which 2XU responded to by adding denser paneling to the back) but I've never had an issue. Find a full review here. —Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter

Beyond Yoga

Beyond Yoga Midi High Waist Leggings, $97, available in two colors at Nordstrom 

Best for: Yoga, athleisure

Why you should buy them: These are straight up the most comfy leggings you'll ever encounter. Remember those soft jersey sheets you probably had in high school or college? These have a similar feel, but with a little more heft so they're not see-through whatsoever. They're honestly so soft, snuggly, and stretchy that you'll want to spend your whole weekend curled up in them, but they hold up to actual yoga workouts exceptionally well, too, thanks to a high-rise waist that never digs in or pulls when you're bending and twisting every which way.

I will say that if you wear them casually a lot, they will pill in the thigh area from chafing, but if you reserve them for actual workouts exclusively, they should hold up for years. —Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor

Skechers

Skechers Go Flex High Waisted Leggings, $30.99, available in four colors at Zappos

Best for: Yoga, gym, active day, lounging

Why you should buy them: Turns out Skechers makes more than just shoes. I am a huge fan of the brand's Go Flex High Waisted Leggings. They look like any other pair of black leggings, but they come with pockets, lounge-worthy comfort, and a breathable material.

The versatility is also a huge draw — they work well for a morning at the gym, a trip to the grocery store, and an evening watching my favorite shows. Though they are super soft and don't restrict my movements, they still fit my body all day long without stretching out. Plus, they're pretty cheap. —Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern

Athleta

Contender Mesh 7/8 Tight, $89, available in one color at Athleta

Best for: HIIT, weight training 

Why you should buy them: Athleta's colorful Contender line could just be the right burst of energy to get you excited and ready for your workout, especially on those days when the comfort of your couch calls to you with alarming appeal.If you're looking to keep a low profile at the gym, these are not the leggings for you. In a sea of gray and black workout apparel, they stand out like a sore thumb — I get compliments all the time for both the bright green color itself and how easy it is to find me in a crowd.

The smooth, compressive fabric feels great on my skin and it's punctuated by laser-cut holes for breathability. The thick waistband is nice and supportive, with an adjustable drawstring that I take advantage of depending on the type of workout I'm doing. I also like that, compared to other brands, the regular length is true to its word and hits a few inches above my ankles. —Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter

Under Armour

Under Armour Heat Gear Capris, $26.99, available in four colors at Under Armour and from $34.99 Amazon

Best for: Year-round running, yoga, pilates, barre

Why you should buy them: I have several pairs of capris from UA's Heat Gear line — that's how much I love the fabric and fit. They're all slightly different from each other style-wise (and I'm partial to the ones that have side pockets), but the fast-drying, super-stretchy Heat Gear fabric is just so comfortable and lightweight that I can wear it all year round without overheating. I also like the capri length because it makes my silhouette look sleeker and I don't need to fold the legs. —Jada Wong, Insider Reviews senior editor

Old Navy

Mid-Rise Elevate Compression Leggings for Women, $25, available at Old Navy

Best for: Running, classes at the gym, outdoor activities, athleisure wear

Why you should buy them: Not only are these compression workout bottoms inexpensive, but they also do the job just as well as any other expensive brand. They're breathable, provide a sculpting shape, and are made of Go-Dry technology to wick away sweat. Plus, they're incredibly durable, having lasted me a couple of years after washing them once a week. —Francesca Rea, Insider Reviews content producer

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

• Altra Running's shoes feature a wider footbed that better accommodates the shape of your foot, along with a zero-drop design, meaning there's no height difference between the heel and the toe.
• The brand's Kayenta running shoes convinced me to get back into running by showing me it doesn't always have to be a painful experience. 
• The shoes fit well on my narrower foot and have remained comfortable after over six months of use — and I'm still running pain-free.
• Their lightweight design makes them an appropriate road running or treadmill shoe, though I'd recommend avoiding trails in these, if possible. 

The last time I considered myself a runner was in high school many years ago. Though I do still lift weights or skip rope for cardio these days, running's been a non-existent part of my workout routine since I was a teenager. Then I tried on a pair of Altra Footwear's Kayenta running shoes.

From the moment I laced them on, I could tell there was something entirely different about how they felt on my feet. They were comfortable and lightweight and provided what felt like a proper fit on my narrower foot. During my first few runs, I realized my long-held disdain for jogging was less about physical exertion and more about the shoes I wore. Since those high school days, I've always associated running with unbearable foot, shin, and knee pain.

Soon after those initial runs, I started regularly jogging. I've now been at it for more than six months, logging anywhere between 2 to 2.5 miles roughly three days a week.

Aside from getting back into the exercise, the most impressive part is how I've felt no pain. Not in my feet, not in my shins, and, most importantly, not in my knees. The secret is the Kayenta shoe and, ultimately, Altra's unique running shoe design.

The Altra difference

Altra shoes are the creation of Golden Harper, a champion long-distance runner and exercise science graduate of Brigham Young University. Harper developed the idea for the shoes while working at his father's specialty running shoe shop based in Utah. 

"While doing slow-motion video analysis at my family's running store, we discovered that all our best selling shoes caused people to land harshly with poor form," Harper told Business Insider. "We when filmed them barefoot or in thin racing flats and noticed a huge difference. I then used my toaster oven to take the elevated heavy heel out of a shoe to create a runner with balanced cushioning and a foot-shaped toe box."

Harper's design creates a cushioned zero-drop shoe, meaning there's no height difference between the heel and the toe. They also have a wider toe bed that doesn't squish your toes together like almost every other running shoe on the market.

The point was to create a shoe that evenly distributes the weight between a runner's heel and toe. Not only does this create a more natural stride but it helps cut down on running-related injuries, as well. He and his business partners eventually launched Altra after other companies expressed little interest in their products. They entered the market in 2011 and won Runner's World's Best Debut Award in 2012. The brand continues to grow exponentially year-over-year.

A funky design

The first thing I noticed about the shoes is that they don't look like anything else available. While most taper at the foot, the Kayenta features a more natural foot shape that's wider at the toe box than at the heel to allow your toes to spread out. This avoids smashing your toes against each other and truly makes for a more comfortable run.

They're also incredibly light, weighing in at roughly seven ounces. For comparison, an average running shoe weighs around 9.5 ounces. Altra achieves the lightweight by using an upper manufactured from quick-drying two-layer air mesh and Neoprene lining. It creates a snug feel on my foot but not in an uncomfortable way.

The shoe also has a surprising amount of cushioning for its lack of weight. When you flip it over, the outsole features an interesting design that intends to "map the bones and tendons of your foot to help it bend and move naturally," according to Altra.

This outsole only has rubber on the outer heel and the ball of the foot to help with abrasion resistance, responsiveness on the road, and to provide more traction. 

For the road only

Thanks to its lightweight design, the Kayentas perform best as a road running shoe. Its responsive outsole provides the stability needed to run on pavement, while also improving balance when running up or downhill. These same qualities also allow them to work well on a treadmill. 

I did also use them sparingly on a wooded trail but don't recommend doing so. These aren't specific for trail running, so I would often have to avoid larger rocks along the path. When I didn't, I could feel them jabbing into the bottom of my foot. Since I want to avoid pain while running and not add to it, this wasn't ideal. The Kayentas aren't waterproof either, so if you run in rainy conditions, plan to have wet feet.

The bottom line

Altra's Kayenta is a well-designed and lightweight shoe perfect for runners of any skill level. The brand's unique design allows for a more natural run style and lets me run pain-free for the first time in years. They're intended entirely for road running, though they do also work for those who enjoy running on a treadmill. 

The main complaint about the Kayenta is how they're often narrower than other Altra shoes. I have slightly narrow feet and found them to fit me perfectly. I do recommend checking the sizing before purchasing your own pair. Though the toe box is wider than other running shoes, a wider foot may still feel uncomfortable in them. 

• Should you buy it? If you like lightweight, road running shoes, then the Kayenta is worth it. Not all runners enjoy the zero-drop feel, though it does provide for a more natural run style. Runners with wider feet may want to look at other Altra options as the Kayenta seems to run narrower than others.
• What are your alternatives? Altra's running shoes feature a unique design not seen in other running shoes. If the zero-drop design isn't your preference, check out a similar lightweight running shoe from Puma called the Hybrid NX. If you prefer more cushion, the Hoka One One Carbon X running shoes offer a comfortable fit with more support. 

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, great for road running, and feature Altra's unique wide toe box and zero-drop design for a more natural running style

Cons: Narrower than other Altra styles and a non-waterproof design means wet feet if you run in the rain

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• A high-quality protein bar tastes great without leaving a bad aftertaste, holds up to being tossed around in a gym bag, and has a low calories-to-protein ratio.
• The following guide features bars that have a track record of consistent quality, are available in several delicious flavors, and are convenient to have on-hand.
• Our top pick, the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Wafer Bars, goes easy on artificial sweeteners, has a strong commitment to food safety, and taste so good you won't notice you're eating a protein product.

As a teen in the '90s, I remember hitting the weight room hard to bulk up for football season. To get the most gains, I was told, I needed a steady diet of protein. Could I have consumed more chicken? Absolutely. Instead, I decided to choke down these bulky, gold foil-wrapped protein bars. It was a chore. 

There wasn't a single thing great about these bars, either. The texture was reminiscent of old gum and it took some serious concentration to get through even a few bites at a time. Forget about good taste, too — eating them was a workout in itself.

Thankfully, protein bars have come a long way in the last 25 years. You no longer have to settle for inedible junk. Today's options taste so good and go down so easy you'll crave them even when you aren't trying to make the most of your workouts.

What kind of protein is best?

Whether you're looking for a meal replacement, to build muscle, or just want to up your protein intake, finding the right protein bar for your needs takes some experimentation. Fortunately, there are options available no matter what your dietary needs are.

If you're vegan, look for dairy-free alternatives that rely on plant-based proteins. If you're like me and can't handle artificial sweeteners, read the ingredients and steer clear of sucralose, a popular added sweetener.

How to calculate proper protein intake

To calculate your recommended daily allowance of protein, take your weight in pounds and divide by three. Your answer is the number of grams of protein you should take in. For instance, you'd want 55 grams of protein per day if you weigh 165 pounds. However, you can still experience benefits taking up to twice that amount.

Before you boost your protein intake, though, check with your healthcare professional since, for example, people with low blood pressure, calcium deficiencies, and other specific ailments could potentially have adverse reactions to whey protein.

Pricing your protein

We recommend getting your protein bars through Amazon's Subscribe & Save program if possible. This saves you up to 15% off the regular price and you're able to cancel your subscription at any time. The service automatically replaces items you use regularly, so if you always eat a protein bar after your workouts, and you work out six days a week (about 24 days a month), you might choose to have 2 boxes of 12 bars arrive every month.

Each price quoted in this guide is based on the current non-subscription price for the most popular flavor of the bar. Prices are subject to change, and you can usually save a few dollars by subscribing.

You can also figure out the cost per bar yourself by taking the product's price and dividing it by the number of bars per box. It's useful to calculate the cost per gram of protein, too, since the protein per serving varies from brand to brand. You get this number by dividing the cost per bar (as calculated above) by the number of grams of protein per bar.

The following guide features bars that have a track record of consistent quality, are available in several delicious flavors, and are convenient to have on-hand. We taste-tested bars from more than 15 brands and narrowed down the field to the five best.  

Here are the best protein bars available: 

• Best protein bar overall:Optimum Nutrition High Protein Wafer Bars
• Best minimally-processed protein bar:Kind Protein Bars
• Best high-protein bar:Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
• Best protein bar free from added sugars:RXBar
• The best keto-friendly protein bar: RSP Whole Bar

Updated on 5/12/2020 by Rick Stella: Added in the RSP Whole Bar as the best keto-friendly option, removed our recommendation for the best protein brownies from RSP, which has been discontinued, checked the availability of each protein bar, and updated the prices, formatting, and links. 

The best protein bar overall

If you're looking for the best tasting protein product on the market, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better than Optimum Nutrition's High Protein Wafer Bars (9-pack).

Full disclosure: I love the Optimum Nutrition High Protein Wafer Bars. After intense workouts, I have trouble stomaching protein shakes. I'd rather just have water. Unfortunately, it's 2020, and water still isn't packed with protein. These wafers, however, are the perfect light snack. They taste great, go down easily, and don't have an awful aftertaste.

I've toured Optimum Nutrition's production facilities outside of Chicago and was impressed with the amount of detail they put into making sure their products are free from contaminants. They go the extra mile keeping ingredients in quarantine before testing and clearing them and regularly cleaning the entire facility between projects.

There are four wafer flavors: vanilla, mocha, chocolate raspberry, and chocolate. There are slight differences in nutritional content between the flavors but they all pack 15 grams of protein. Vanilla, the most popular flavor, has 200 calories, 9g fat, 105mg sodium, and 6g sugar.

The biggest negative is that these wafers are expensive. The vanilla wafers cost $2.55 per package (each package has two wafers). That works out to about 17 cents per gram of protein. Amazon's Subscribe & Save saves a little per pack, though it's still a little more spendy than other options on this list.

Pros: Delicious flavors, little to no aftertaste, portable, commitment to food safety, low calorie-to-protein ratio, minimal use of artificial sweeteners

Cons: Expensive, not gluten-free, no vegan options

The best minimally-processed protein bar

The Kind Protein Bar (12-pack) is your best bet if you prefer to be able to easily identify the food you put into your body.

With most protein bars, it's hard to tell exactly what you're eating. They're typically highly-processed with a long list of artificial ingredients only chemists can pronounce. This isn't the case with Kind's Protein Bar.

The main ingredient is nuts, which you can see when looking at the bar. I also like that there are no artificial sweeteners since I'm sensitive to sucralose. There are five flavors to choose from, too, including crunchy peanut butter, almond butter dark chocolate, and the popular double dark chocolate nut.

The double dark chocolate nut flavor packs 12g protein, 250 calories, 17g fat (0 trans fats), 125mg sodium, 8g sugar, and 5g fiber. And, it's the least expensive option in our guide per serving ($1.50) and second-most affordable per gram of protein (12.5 cents).

Pros: Affordable, made from easily identifiable ingredients, 5g fiber, no artificial sweeteners

Cons: Only 12g protein, contains a few allergens

The best high-protein bar

If you want one bar that gives you all the post-workout protein you need for big muscle gains, turn to the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar (12-pack).

Many sources suggest that you should get at least 20 grams of protein after a workout to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Despite this recommendation, there are relatively few protein bars that actually reach that threshold. One such bar is the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar, which has 21g protein in each 60g bar. There's also an exceptionally high level of fiber: 15 grams.

For its sweet taste, the Quest bar relies on a combination of stevia, sucralose, and 2 grams of the sugar alcohol, erythritol. This helps the calorie count stay low at just 200. There are also 8g fat and 280mg sodium in the most popular flavor cookies and cream. The cost per gram or protein of the bar is 9.2 cents, which is the lowest in our guide. However, the cost per serving - $1.94 – is in the middle of the pack.

Quest's been known to change its recipes at times but according to an article in Bon Appétit, the company learned from these experiments and has decided it will no longer mess with a good thing.

Pros: Affordable, 21g protein per bar, 14 flavors, 15g fiber, delicious taste

Cons: All the fiber and sugar alcohol may cause stomach discomfort

The best protein bar free of added sugars

The RXBar (12-pack) gives you a healthy dose of protein and fiber with no added sugars or sweeteners.

Many protein bars try to hit you over the head with sweetness from as many sources — artificial and natural — as they can. The goal is to distract you from the typically unpleasant taste of protein. This is not the case with the RXBar.

When looking at the wrapper, the first thing you notice is that the few, simple ingredients they use to make their bars are listed on the front. For example, the company's most popular flavor, chocolate sea salt, is made from three egg whites, six almonds, four cashews, two dates, chocolate, cocoa, natural flavors, and sea salt. That's it.

Each chocolate sea salt bar has 12g protein, 210 calories, 9g fat, 240mg sodium, 13g sugar, and 5g fiber. There are no trans fats, which are generally considered bad for you. Plus, the bars are in the middle of the pack price-wise for our guide - $1.83 per bar and 15.3 cents per gram of protein.

My Business Insider colleagues Mara Leighton and Mary Hanbury both recommend the RXBar. Mary taste-tested 12 of the most popular protein bars, and the chocolate chip RXBar was her favorite. Mara also liked the taste and that the ingredients are clean and simple.

Pros: Simple ingredients, no added sugar or other sweeteners, paleo, gluten-free, 5g fiber, 18 flavors

Cons: Price can fluctuate often, sometimes making the bars expensive, only 12g protein per serving

The best keto-friendly protein bar

Though it's on the pricier side, the RSP Whole Bar offers an excellent balance of protein and fiber while keeping carbs to a minimum, making it ideal for people on a keto diet.

I've tried several RSP product and its keto-friendly Whole Bar is my go-to. The small, 50-gram bar is resilient enough to handle being lugged around in a gym bag without crumbling and its rich flavoring and light texture are outstanding. I actually look forward to tearing these open after workouts.

Right now, RSP only offers the Whole Bar in one flavor: Coconut Cashew. The coconut flavor is pronounced – and enjoyable in my opinion – but if coconut doesn't appeal to you, you might want to pass on this bar. 

I also like that the bar tastes clean. You aren't struck by an overpowering sweetness or any chemical tastes, and after eating one, there is no off-putting aftertaste, either. This is thanks to an ingredient list you can actually pronounce and understand. The protein content is lower than I would have liked with only 11 grams per bar but it comes from whey produced by grass-fed cows. 

The Whole Bar is gluten- and grain-free, too. There are only 14 grams of carbs and 10 of those grams are fiber, which helps you feel full. There are no added sugars, sugar alcohols, or artificial sugars.

The biggest negative is the cost. At its current Amazon price for a box of 12 bars, it costs $2.91 per bar. This works out to an expensive 26.5 cents per gram. Yet, if you want a little protein boost after a workout, it may be worth it for a tasty option that transports well and is easy to scarf down.

Pros: Outstanding taste, no unpleasant aftertaste, easy to transport, no added sugars, no artificial sugars, high fiber, made with grass-fed whey

Cons: Expensive, only 11g of protein

What else we considered

We considered many brands of protein bars while researching this guide, and there are several we almost included. These five are great alternatives that barely missed the cut:

GoMacro MacroBar ($24 for 12): There's a lot to like about the MacroBar: it's available in 14 different flavors, it relies on plant-based proteins, and has a long list of certifications, including organic, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and more. The business is also owned by a mother-daughter team. It didn't make our cut because the nutrition numbers are underwhelming – 290 calories, 11g fat, 14g sugar, and only 11g protein per bar – and there are reports of quality-control issues.

BSN Protein Crisp Bar ($20.93 for 12): I've personally tried these and enjoyed them. They pack 20g protein into each bar and only have 230 or 240 calories depending on which of the 11 flavors you choose. There are only 2 to 4g sugar in each bar but there's also sucralose, which may not agree with your stomach. It didn't make our list because there are few expert reviews of it.

FitJoy Protein Bars ($29.99 for 12): Each FitJoy Protein Bar has 20g protein, which makes it ideal for post-workout snacking. Plus, with 12g fiber, it fills you up. There are four flavors to choose from, including the most popular Grandma's Lemon Square. On the downside, it's fairly expensive at $2.50 per bar, and there is a high sugar content: 5g sugar plus 7g sugar alcohol.

Probar ($27.39 for 12): The Probar is another great post-workout option with 20g protein, 5g fiber, and 7 flavors to choose from. It's also free of animal proteins, artificial ingredients, dairy, and GMOs. If you're vegan, you might consider this option. We passed on it because the taste is subpar and there are some quality control issues with the packaging.

Rise Bar ($25.99 for 12): The Rise Bar is the self-proclaimed "simplest protein bar." After taking a look at its ingredients, we believe the hype. Almond Honey, the most popular of its five flavors, has almonds, honey, and 20g of whey protein isolate. That's it. If keeping it simple is your top priority, choose the Rise Bar. We didn't choose it because there weren't enough expert reviews.

• Hydro Flask unveiled a new lineup of hydration packs, insulated lunch boxes, and food storage containers, as well as new colors and styles of its popular reusable water bottle at the 2020 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in January. 
• Though the show served as a product preview, the new gear is now available for purchase via the Oregon-based brand's website. 
• For more 2020 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show coverage, take a look at our picks for best in show, as well as a roundup of the most sustainable brands in attendance and a round-up of our favorite new Yeti gear. 

Hydro Flask debuted in 2009 with the expressed goal of keeping people hydrated no matter where they go. To do this, the company created an iconic lineup of colorful water bottles catered toward hikers, travelers, and daily commuters alike. Seemingly overnight, Hydro Flask's stainless-steel water bottle became the go-to for portable hydration. 

Despite its immense popularity, the brand didn't rest solely on offering a water bottle. Today, Hydro Flask's catalog includes a variety of products with everything from soft coolers to hydration packs — and that's just the start. 

While attending the 2020 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show, the brand gave us an inside look at its ambitious plans for 2020. As you can imagine, there are plenty of new products in the pipeline, including updates to Hydro Flask staples we already know and love.

Updated on 5/12/2020 by Rick Stella: Added purchase availability of each Hydro Flask product selected in the round-up with the exception of its redesigned food jars, which have still not been released, updated the links for each product, as well as the formatting and pricing.  

Down Shift 14L Hydration Pack ($145)

Hydro Flask introduced a pair of innovative hydration packs at last year's Outdoor Retailer show designed specifically with mountain bikers in mind. Available in 10- and 20-liter versions, what sets these packs apart from the competition is their ability to keep water cold for 4-plus hours. 

For 2020, the company introduced a 14-liter version dubbed the Down Shift, which comes with a more streamlined design. The pack offers a host of features, including a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, an integrated suspension system, and ample carrying capacity for a long day on the trail. Unlike the previous generation, the Down Shift feels more well-suited for hiking, bringing an increased level of versatility to the line-up.

Lunch Boxes (Small: $45/Large: $55)

Hydro Flask debuted a line of insulated lunch boxes designed to keep food fresh for hours at a time. Available in four distinct colors and two different sizes, they feature a double layer of insulation and Hydro Flask's trademark durable build quality. This makes them a great choice for hiking excursions in the backcountry or for carrying your mid-day meal to the office. 

The adult version of these packs is available now, while a kid's version ships in July — just in time for going back to school.

Trail Series Water Bottles (Lightweight: 24 oz. $45/32 oz. $50; Ultralight: $100)

If there's one complaint about the traditional Hydro Flask bottle, it's that they're heavy to carry while traveling or backpacking. To address this concern, the company introduced the new Trail Series which dramatically cuts weight without compromising performance or durability. 

The new Lightweight Trail model weighs 25% less than a standard bottle and comes in both a 24- and 32-ounce version. Meanwhile, the svelte Ultralight Trail model is made from titanium, which allows it to be even lighter. The Trail Series comes in a variety of metallic colorways, too, that let them stand out at the campsite, office, or around the house.

Redesigned Food Jars (Small: $35, Medium: $40, Large: $45)

Food containers have been in the Hydro Flask line-up for some time but later this year, they'll get a redesign that includes a refreshed look and new colors. The new models come in three different sizes — 12, 20 and 28 ounces — and offer a newly engineered lid that maintains a tight seal while remaining easy to open. 

Made from professional grade stainless-steel, the jars are highly durable and maintain freshness without interfering with the taste of the stored food. They can even keep cold items cold and hot items hot for hours, ensuring your lunch is always at the optimal temperature. When they begin shipping next Fall, they'll be available in four colors: Stone, White, Sunflower, and Olive.

Classic Bottles Get New Colors and Designs (Price Varies)

Hydro Flask isn't letting 2020 pass by without updating its classic water bottle, too. This year, the company's most famous product will be available in four new colors, including Fog, Hibiscus, Spearmint, and Sunflower. 

The brand's also adding new landmarks to its National Park line to celebrate some of the most popular parks across the country — including Yosemite and Volcanoes. The bottles also received a new cap designed to make it easier to drink coffee called the Sip Lid ($12.50).

• No matter if you're a mountain biker heading into the backcountry, a road biker commuting to a century ride, or you just want to transport a couple bikes from point A to point B, you'll need a reliable bike rack for your vehicle. 
• The best bike racks securely hold your bike in place, avoid damaging both your bike and your car, and are easy to load and unload. 
• Our top pick, the Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack, is a quality hitch-mounted rack that holds a variety of bike sizes and tire shapes, allows access to a vehicle's trunk or hatchback, and is incredibly durable. 

Whether you're loading up your mountain bike to head to the trail, transporting your roadie to a race, or taking the entire family's commuters to a ride along a scenic route, a bike rack is an essential piece of equipment for any cyclist. 

Being able to safely and securely carry your bike with you wherever you go truly opens up the possibilities of where and when you can ride. For that reason alone, having a bike rack at your disposal proves very handy. 

What to keep in mind before buying

Having loaded and unloaded my fair share of just about every style of bike onto sedans, vans, trucks, and everything in between, I've learned many times that one bike rack does not fit all. Selecting the right rack requires research beyond just the type of riding you plan on doing. You'll want to consider your vehicle, how many bikes you plan on transporting, how much you want to spend, and your preferred style of rack itself.

Depending on how you answer the above considerations, expect to decide between these three separate styles of bike rack:

• Hitch rack: A hitch rack connects to your vehicle's trailer hitch for easy loading and unloading. This style of rack tends to limit rear visibility and weighs more than others, but it provides excellent carrying capacity and stability. Tray hitch racks are generally better than hanging hitch racks because they're easier to load and don't grip the bike frame, which is important if you're concerned about scratching your paint job.

• Trunk racks: This style connect to the trunk or hatch of your car using straps, buckles, and hooks. When firmly secured in place, they can be surprisingly stable, although they do hinder rear visibility and make it difficult to access the trunk. On the plus side, these racks are lightweight, affordable, and easy to use. 
• Roof racks: Roof racks mount on top of your vehicle, meaning they don't inhibit sight lines nor do they prevent you from accessing the back. They can also be fairly versatile, making it easy to transport things like kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, too. The downside of a roof rack is that they tend to be expensive and loading bikes all the way up onto the rack can be a challenge, particularly for a solo rider.

While testing the best bike racks currently available, we examined options from some of the top brands like Thule, Yakima, and Kuat. Our guide features racks that are user-friendly, can fit an array of bike types, and will keep your car from getting scratched. We even included one that's easy on the wallet, too. 

Here are the best bike racks you can buy:

• Best bike rack overall: Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack
• Best roof bike rack: Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack
• Best trunk bike rack: Saris Bones 3-Bike Trunk Rack
• Best lightweight hitch bike rack: Kuat Racks Sherpa 2.0 Bike Rack
• Best bike rack under $100: Allen Sports Premier Trunk Mounted Bike Rack

The best bike rack overall

If you're looking for a heavy-duty hitch bike rack that still allows you to access your hatchback or truck bed, the Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack is an expensive but incredibly well-designed solution.

Versatility and simplicity are what set the Thule T2 Pro XT 2 Bike Rack apart from other alternatives. This Thule rack has a frame-free ratcheting arm that quickly and easily secures bikes with wheels from 20 to 29 inches in size. It even accommodates fat tire models up to 5 inches thick, making this one of the more versatile options on the market. 

The rack has a tool-free attachment knob that allows it to easily slide onto your hitch during the installation process without requiring much effort. You may still need some help getting it perfectly into place, however, as it weighs more than 50 pounds.

One of the defining features of the T2 Pro XT is its ability to easily tilt up and down. This allows it to be moved out of the way in order to grant access to a hatchback or trunk. If you need to get something out of the back of your car, simply pull the rack down and it slips out of the way. When you're done, just pull it up and lock it into place again. The entire process is so simple that it can be done with just one hand. 

As you'd expect from Thule, this rack gets high marks for durability. It's incredibly well-built and provides excellent stability, holding bikes of various sizes securely in place. The T2 Pro XT's dual ratcheting arm system is intuitive to use, too, making it easy to transition to and from a ride with a minimum amount of hassle. 

When designing this bike rack, Thule put a great deal of thought into the needs of its customers. Little details like being able to widen the distance between the wheel trays in order to accommodate larger bikes is a much-appreciated feature. Owners can even elect to add two additional trays to the T2 Pro XT, expanding its capacity from two bikes to as many as four. Those are the kinds of touches that help this product stand out from the competition and earn our picks as the best overall bike rack available. 

That said, we do have a few nits to pick with the T2 Pro XT, although they are fairly minor. For starters, the durability of this rack does make it quite heavy when compared to most other models. It comes with a hefty price tag, as well. 

Pros: Tilts for easy hatchback access, holds a broad array of bike types, durable, versatile, and expandable

Cons: Expensive, confusing assembly instructions, heavy

The best roof bike rack

The Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack allows for quick-loading of bikes and is ideal for cyclists who prefer hauling gear on top of their car.

The Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack is different from other roof-mounted bike racks because it doesn't require that you remove your bike's front tire to load it. The HighRoad comes with two hoops that clamp securely onto the front wheel, holding it firmly in place. Once the wheel is in position, turning a torque knob locks it down further, limiting movement without damaging the wheel or frame. The rear wheel is then held in place with a strap, adding extra security and stability in the process. 

The HighRoad's ease of installation is another one of its strengths. The rack attaches using a single back strap and two front straps which connect to the crossbar of your vehicle without the need for tools. When tightened down, the straps confidently hold the entire apparatus in place. The installation process takes just a few minutes to complete and removing the rack when not in use is relatively easy, too. 

Yakima's HighRoad is also fairly versatile in terms of what it can carry. The rack accommodates bikes with wheel sizes of 26 to 29 inches and tires as wide as 4 inches thick. That means it can handle road bikes, mountain bikes, and fat tire models. It can even hold kids' bikes should the need arise.

The design of the HighRoad is unique in that it's able to hold a bike in place without directly touching the frame. This minimizes the chances of scratching the paint or bending the frame. This is especially important for those who ride costly carbon fiber models.

Installation is also simple. It requires you to simply attach the back strap and two front straps to the crossbar of your car and tighten them down so there's no movement. As with all roof racks, the HighRoad keeps sight lines clear and doesn't inhibit access to the rear of the vehicle. Loading and unloading can be quite challenging however, particularly for shorter riders or those with heavier bikes.

Yakima has also had a bit of an odd oversight when it comes to this rack. While the HighRoad does support lock cores, it doesn't include them out of the box. That means you'll have to add your own, increasing the cost somewhat. 

Pros: Holds a variety of bikes securely, doesn't come in contact with the frame, easy installation

Cons: Must be used with crossbars, doesn't come with built-in locks

Yakima SKS Lock Keys & Cores

Yakima HighRoad Top Car Bike Rack

The best trunk bike rack

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike trunk rack is designed to fit nearly any vehicle, making it a great investment for any cyclist. 

The Saris Bones EX 3-Bike is an upgraded version of the classic Bones model that's been in the company's line-up for decades. It brings updated styling and a new system for attaching the rack to a vehicle that allows it to be compatible with 90% of the cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs on the market. That even includes vehicles with spoilers, which have always been particularly challenging for trunk-mounted racks. This expanded compatibility means there's a good chance the Bones EX 3-Bike will not only fit your current car but the next one you buy, too. 

The Bones EX is held in place by some of the best ratchet straps we've seen on a trunk rack. When properly installed, this model locks securely into position, holding two bikes of up to 35 pounds each without any jostling or sliding about. The entire system is designed to avoid touching the vehicle which prevents scratches, scrapes, and dings. Those same ratchet straps also release quickly, making it a breeze to remove the rack when not in use. 

As with previous versions of the Bones trunk rack, the EX is made from injection-molded plastic. This makes it highly durable and strong, while also being resistant to rusting. This allows the rack to be surprisingly light as well, tipping the scales at just 11 pounds. As if that wasn't enough, the frame is also made from 100% recycled plastic, making this an environmentally friendly product and, as with all of its products, Saris backs the Bones EX with a lifetime warranty. 

Other nice touches include an integrated strap management system that maintains a clean look and keeps the straps out of the way while the rack is installed. The Bones EX's design also positions the bikes on separate levels, ensuring they're less likely to become intertwined while in transit. The straps and support arms are easy to load, getting you on your way in no time at all.

As with most trunk racks, the Bones EX makes it challenging to get in and out of the trunk or hatchback of the vehicle it's mounted on. It's also a bit expensive with a price tag of $205. That said, the EX's ability to fit on a broader range of cars makes that added cost a good investment for the future. 

Pros: Lightweight, compact, easy to install, compatible with a wide range of vehicles, made from recycled plastics

Cons: Restricts access to trunk or hatchback, a little pricier than other trunk racks

The best lightweight hitch bike rack

If you're looking for a lightweight hitch rack that's durable, easy to load, and allows access to your trunk when installed, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is the model for you.

For a heavy-duty hitch bike rack, the Kuat Sherpa 2.0 is surprisingly light. Thanks to its all-aluminum construction, it manages to weigh in at a mere 31 pounds, putting it amongst the lightest hitch-mounted, tray racks on the market. This gives it the added benefit of being easy to remove and install as needed. 

The Sherpa 2.0 secures your bikes using a system that includes a front tire ratchet arm and a rear tire strap. Quick and efficient to use, this approach allows bikes to be locked into place without the rack coming into contact with the frame. Folding tire cradles click neatly into place when in use, but efficiently slide out of the way when they aren't needed. Each of these features work seamlessly together, making it easy to load and unload two bikes that weigh as much as 40 pounds each. 

When designing the Sherpa 2.0, Kuat cleverly integrated a foot-activated pivot system. This allows owners to open the rack and move it into position with the tap of their foot, making it easy to use even while carrying a bike. The level of convenience this feature delivers is difficult to convey but it's something you're likely to find yourself using more often than you think. 

This rack has the added benefit of being incredibly easy to install, with an intuitive, straight forward assembly process. Because the Sherpa 2.0 is so lightweight, that installation can usually be accomplished by a single person. Once in place, loading and unloading bikes takes about a minute, which is exactly what you want both before and after a ride. Best of all, the rack is built to tilt out of the way, allowing unfettered access to the back of the vehicle it's mounted on. 

Unlike some hitch racks, the Sherpa can't be expanded in size nor can it accommodate fat bikes. It's lightweight limits the size of the load it can carry, too, which is why it caps out at bikes that weigh 40 pounds. Most conventional bikes fall below that threshold, of course, but this model would have issues with heavier ebikes for instance. 

Pros: Very lightweight, tilts for hatchback access, plenty of space between bikes, easy to load

Cons: Doesn't hold bikes with fat tires or those that weigh over 40 pounds

The best budget bike rack

The Allen Sports Premier Trunk Rack offers an affordable way to transport your bikes without sacrificing quality.

Allen Sports has been making high quality, low cost bike racks for years, and while it may not have all the bells and whistles found on the higher priced competition, it does offer a lot of bang for the buck. Its Premier Trunk Rack is the perfect example as it offers a simple, yet elegant design that easily meets the needs of most riders, without doing much damage to their bank account. 

Installing the Premier Trunk Rack isn't especially difficult, but it does take a little getting used to. The first few times you put it on your car it may seem a bit confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it soon becomes second nature. Allen Sports even designed it to be compatible with most cars, hatchbacks, SUVs, and even minivans, so it's highly likely to accommodate whatever vehicle you have. Removing the rack is equally easy, requiring just a few seconds to take it off when not in use.

Built to hold two bikes with a weight of up to 35 pounds each, the Premier Trunk Rack isn't the most robust bike rack on the market. Still, it does a great job of securely holding its cargo in place. Loading bikes on and off the support arms is quick and easy, with simple and rugged straps ensuring your bikes don't jostle about while in transit. There's even a strap that can be used to prevent the front wheel from bouncing back and forth, protecting your vehicle from potential damage in the process. 

The Premier Trunk Rack is surprisingly versatile, especially for a budget priced model. It accommodates a wide variety of bikes, including road bikes, mountain bikes, kids' bikes, and even fat bikes, provided they don't exceed the 35-pound weight limit. That's not a particularly high limit but it's still enough to handle the vast majority of consumer options.

Due to its budget price, the quality of the materials used to manufacture this rack aren't on par with most higher priced models. It still feels plenty sturdy and will likely last for quite a long time, though. Even Allen Sports backs that up with a lifetime warranty on the Premier Trunk Rack. This should help alleviate any concerns over its long-term durability. 

But there are a number of small details that remind us that it's a low-cost model. For instance, over time, the straps used to secure the rack can come loose, requiring riders to periodically tighten them in order to hold firmly in place. The metal clips on the ends of those straps also lack any type of protective coating, which could cause them to scratch a car's paint. In another cost-saving move, the rack doesn't have a locking mechanism to protect the bikes from would-be thieves. Those may seem like small oversights but they are important to consider, nonetheless. 

Of course, the best thing about the Allen Sports Premier Trunk Rack is its price. At $99.99, it's a bargain when you consider everything it brings to the table. This makes it a great choice for casual riders or someone who doesn't have the budget to spend $200+ on a rack they only use from time to time. It may lack some of the features of its pricier competition, but it more than holds its own when it comes to meeting the needs of most people. 

Pros: Affordable, holds a wide array of bike types, can easily fit in your trunk when not in use, lifetime warranty

Cons: Metal hooks could potentially scratch your vehicle, no locking mechanism

Check out our other bike gear guides

The best bike light you can buy

High-quality bike lights are bright enough to guide the way wherever you may roam, will last you for hours of riding, and you can easily release the light to take it with you.

While researching the best bike lights, we examined thousands of expert and buyer reviews and ratings of dozens of models. Our guide features lights that have demonstrated their durability, user-friendliness, and usefulness in a variety of situations.

The best bike helmets you can buy

There are so many bike helmets to choose from that it can seem very overwhelming. That's why we've done the research to find the best bike helmets you can buy.

The best bike locks you can buy

Whether you live out in the country or in a major metropolitan area, there is no bike lock system that will stop a well-equipped thief. However, there are a number of locks that will either slow down or completely discourage a criminal. We've rounded up the best bike locks you can buy.

• You can connect your Fitbit device to the Strava app and make the most out of your exercise sessions by visiting strava.fitbit.com.
• To connect your Fitbit and Strava profiles, register for free accounts with both personal health and training platforms. 
• Visit Business Insider's Tech Reference library homepage for more stories.

Strava combines GPS tracking, biometric information, and user-inputted data into algorithms that help athletes analyze and improve their training and athletic performance. 

Whether you're running, rowing or cycling, to make the most of the Strava app, consider syncing it to a device like a Fitbit. This line of fitness bands and smartwatches help you track your heart rate, calories burned, steps, and more. When linked, you have the ultimate fitness tracker. 

Fitbit's detailed look at your biometrics and Strava's ability to map your routes, track your times, and monitor things like speed and elevation, will provide you with mountains of data. Both Fitbit and Strava offer free accounts, though those willing to pay an annual $60 fee can unlock advanced training, safety, and analysis features through Strava's "Summit Perks." 

If you have active Strava and Fitbit accounts, merging them is a quick and easy process that will help you get a bigger picture of your body and the effectiveness of your workout routine. Once linked, activity history for past workouts won't automatically sync but you can manually input them. All future activity, however, will appear. 

Here's how to connect your Strava account to your Fitbit.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Apple Macbook Pro (From $1,299.00 at Apple)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $469.99 at Walmart)

How to connect the Strava app to your Fitbit account on a computer  

1. Go to strava.fitbit.com on your phone or computer and then tap or click "Connect."

2. Click "Authorize" to allow your Fitbit to connect with your Strava account. 

3. Log into your Strava account. 

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize Strava connecting to your Fitbit. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your sleep, and how to see your sleep stats

• How to sync your Fitbit with an iPhone and track all of your fitness data in one app

• How a Fitbit is able to accurately track your movement, and how to check your step count on it

• 'Which Fitbit is waterproof?': A guide to the water-resistance of every Fitbit model

• How to delete your Fitbit account and erase your personal data

SEE ALSO: The best Fitbits you can buy to help you track your progress during fitness training

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: What makes 'Parasite' so shocking is the twist that happens in a 10-minute sequence

• The bench press is a tried-and-true exercise that helps improve upper-body strength, while also benefitting your shoulders, back, and biceps.
• Even if you have little to no bench-pressing experience, you can still work your way up to feeling comfortable with the exercise. 
• We consulted with strength coach and former powerlifter, Dean Guedo, who developed a plan that walks you through the form basics of bench pressing. 
• If you want to set up your own bench press station, we've also included a round-up of the essential equipment you need to build one at home. 

Whether you're new to working out or a gym-going vet, you've likely been the recipient of the question, "How much do you bench?" For decades, the bench press — which has you lay on your back, lower a barbell to your chest, and press it up — has been considered a true test of upper body strength. 

It's also a fantastic move to build up your entire torso, front to back, according to strength coach, former powerlifter, and host of the Fitness Devil Podcast, Dean Guedo. 

"The bench press Increases your overall upper body strength because you can load it much heavier than with dumbbells," Guedo told Business Insider. "While most people think of it as a chest move, the bench press is a great exercise to hit your shoulders, biceps, and back muscles."

Learning to bench press properly takes just a few steps. If you've never done the exercise, it's recommended you start out by just using the bar by itself without any weight. This allows you to work on perfecting your form without worrying about whether you can get the bar back up or not. 

How to bench press correctly

Here's Guedo's step-by-step breakdown for mastering the bench press:

1. Place an empty barbell onto the highest hooks of a bench-press rack. Lay down, back first, so your eyes are directly under the barbell. Make sure your lower back is slightly arched and your feet are set firmly on the floor.
2. Grab the bar with a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width and ensure that your hands close completely around the barbell. 
3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and down so your back feels tight, then lift the bar out of the rack so it's over your chest. Slowly lower the weight to just below your nipples, keeping your elbows tucked in slightly. Once it's just above your chest, drive the bar back up.
4. Keep performing this exact repetition with the barbell until you feel like you're in a groove. Once you've warmed up, you can then add as much weight as you like.

Editor's note: We highly recommend using someone as a spotter while performing the bench press. This is especially vital for anyone just starting out with the exercise, as well as those attempting to lift heavier weight. The exercise can be done without a spotter, though this is only suitable for someone who's completely comfortable with the bench press or those lifting lighter weight. 

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Here are the top three mistakes Guedo sees new bench-pressers make, as well as how to correct them.

1. Unstable feet: "Pushing through your feet allows you to connect better with your hips, which helps you lift more weight," Guedo says. "Think about pulling back with your heels to engage your hamstrings and glutes. Hold that contraction throughout the press."
2. Your lats aren't set (aka tight) before lifting: Before you pull the bar off the rack, your lats, which are the largest muscles in your back, should be tight. To do this, Guedo says to squeeze your shoulder blades together and down to stabilize your back and create a more solid base to press from. Doing this before you unrack the bar ensures you don't mess up the process. "You don't want to set your lats and shoulders once that weight is already bearing down on you," he added. 
3. Your arms move as you press: Guedo asserts that you don't want your arms to move too far out of position as you're pressing the bar. This creates instability and in a worst-case scenario, results in you dropping the barbell onto yourself. To correct this, he says to squeeze the bar as hard as you can.

When to start adding more weight

Once you've mastered the mechanics, you'll want to start working toward increasing the weight. Here's an easy method of progression you can use to strengthen your bench press:

1. Warm-up with just the barbell and then load it with a weight you can comfortably press around seven times. You should be able to do no more than two to three more reps.
2. Set a timer for 10 minutes and aim to complete as many reps as possible within the time, resting as needed. 
3. If you get 30 or more reps, add 5 pounds during your next session and try to get 30 reps again. 
4. If you get less than 30, repeat the workout with the same weight next session until you hit the rep goal. Do this twice per week. 

Feel free to perform any other exercises you want after this 10-minute set. After about 8 weeks of this, see what the heaviest weight you can press for three reps is. This is known as a three-rep-max and is safer than a one-rep-max as going to absolute failure can sometimes result in injury. Again, you'll want a spotter nearby to help, especially as you start to increase weight.

Essential gear you need to build your own bench press setup

The Rogue Bar 2.0

A barbell is a lifetime investment, so long as you invest in quality. The Rogue Bar 2.0 is a great choice for anyone, meeting all the standards of a classic barbell. It weighs 45 pounds, has quality knurling (i.e. the grip etched into the metal), and it's 28.5 millimeters in diameter, meaning it won't be hard to grip. 

The major difference between this barbell and those you'll find in most commercial gyms is that it doesn't feature any knurling in the center. Since you'll be hoisting this over your chest, you don't necessarily want a grippy center, which can potentially catch on your shirt. Also, if you want to deadlift with it, you won't tear your shins up as the bar ascends. 

The only exercise you may want to skip with this bar is heavy squats, as the centered knurling helps it stick to your shirt — though, if you're not going too heavy, it's probably alright. 

Titan T-2 Series Power Rack

A rack is an essential piece of any bench press setup as you need it to support the barbell and any weight you're using. You could purchase a bench press specific rack but the problem with those is that they limit you to only that move. Instead, consider purchasing a power rack, like the T-2 Series Power Rack from Titan.

The T-2 Power Rack is 48" x 48", so you'll need plenty of space wherever you plan on putting it. It weighs roughly 110 pounds and doesn't require you to bolt it into your floor or wall. 

To use it as a bench press rack, you'd need to just slide a bench into the middle of it, position the bar-supporting J-hooks to the correct level (the height of your arms fully extended from your back), and set the safety bars to your chest level (to catch the barbell in case you drop it). 

As a nice bonus, this rack also supports squats, rows, presses, and pullups (thanks to an installed bar on the top of the rack). It's able to hold up to 700 pounds, which is about as much support as you'll likely need. The T-2 Power Rack is a must-own for any home gym owner who wants to get stronger and bigger. 

The major downside is that you have to install it yourself, so you'll need a wrench, a few hours of free time, and a friend to help. 

Adjustable FID Bench

Considering the fact the word bench is half the name of the exercise, it's smart to invest in a quality one you can rely on. When searching for a bench, it's best to pick one capable of shifting to a decline and incline position. This allows you to hit your chest muscles from different angles. 

The FID bench also comes with footpads that let you lock in for moves like crunches and dumbbell flyes. It's about as utilitarian as you can get with a bench, which is good when you're holding a couple of hundred pounds bearing down on you.

REP Fitness Bumper Plates

To progress your bench press, you'll want to have a variety of weights on hand. Bumper plates are also a nice addition to your setup as they won't cause too much damage to your floors if you drop them compared to traditional iron weights. 

This 160-pound set from REP is likely enough for novice to intermediate lifters. You can progress from your standard 45-pound bar all the way to 205 pounds, which is nothing to scoff at for most people. That said, more experienced lifters may want to consider investing in the 210- or 230-pound set which jumps up to $389.99 and $419.99, respectively. 

Join the conversation about this story »

• One of the most important aspects of running correctly and effectively is choosing the right footwear, no matter if you're logging miles on a treadmill or pounding the pavement outside.  
• The best running shoes offer support when and where you need it, have a design fit for the style of running you prefer, and remain durable over many miles.
• Our top pick, the New Balance 1080v10, excels in a range of areas, making it the best all-around shoe, whether you're putting in the miles for your first marathon or taking a weekend jog in the park.

Not long ago, every running shoe was a variation on essentially the same design: a mesh upper with a thin slab of foam sandwiched in the middle and a rubber sole glued to the bottom. That changed in 2012 when Nike introduced its innovative Flyknit threading technology, which produced a form-fitting but breathable upper on its running shoes. 

Adidas upped the ante a few years later with Boost, a supremely bouncy foam the company pumped into the midsole of its shoes to give them added energy return. Before Adidas introduced Boost, there was Hoka One One, a brand devoted to making highly cushioned running shoes with oversized foam outsoles since 2009. 

Nike's even released upgrades over its own original designs and recently introduced an even lighter and more responsive foam called ZoomX. Though controversial, ZoomX propelled elite and amateur runners alike to a number of race victories. The most impressive was Kenyan elite runner, Eliud Kipchoge, who ran the first sub-two-hour marathon in history. On his feet were a pair of Nike shoes with ZoomX and a springy carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole.

But what does this all mean to the average runner looking for a new pair of shoes? The good news is much of this high-end racing shoe tech trickles down into regular running shoes. And while these innovations won't necessarily make you run as fast as Kipchoge, they should help you become a better runner more quickly. 

Here are the best men's running shoes:

• Best running shoes overall: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10
• Best cushioned running shoes: Hoka One One Clifton 6
• Best running shoes for training and racing: Nike Zoom Fly 3
• Best for long runs: ASICS GlideRide
• Most comfortable running shoes: Adidas UltraBoost 20

Updated on 5/15/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the introduction and copy for each selection, checked the availability of all picks, and updated the prices, formatting, and links. 

The best running shoes overall

The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v10 is the best do-everything running shoe and our favorite men's runner overall.

New Balance significantly re-designed the 1080v10 from the previous model and it shows. When I took my pair out of the box, I was immediately drawn to its slightly curved, rockered design and the white midsole of Fresh Foam X, New Balance's soft but bouncy new foam.

The shoes' redesign extends to the upper, which is a snug yet pliable material New Balance calls Hypoknit. Sliding your feet into the 1080v10s is smooth and easy thanks to a unique heel cup (dubbed the Ultra Heel) which curves away from your Achilles to prevent rubbing. The shoes initially felt loose but they're balanced by a sock-like fit of the upper. I didn't notice any slippage in the heel when I first ran in them, either. 

There's a lot of attention to detail on the 1080v10s. For instance, the small, scooped-out indentions on the foam are designed to cut down on weight while adding flex. Weighing in at just under 10 ounces, with a heel to toe drop of 8mm, the shoes are just right as a neutral daily trainer. I mixed up a few short fast runs and longer, slower runs with the 1080v10s during my testing and they did well on both.

The sole of the 1080v10s is comprised of six asymmetrical sets of rubber lugs in varying sizes, which were great for gripping wet pavement during wet-weather runs. The footbed was extremely comfortable and the shoes fit nicely, though runners with wider feet might feel some tightness in the mid-section. I also experienced a bit of lace pressure on the tops of my feet, but it wasn't intense.

Pros: A great all-around daily trainer, Fresh Foam X provides cushioning and bounce, comfortable fit thanks to a soft Hypoknit upper

Cons: Runners with wide feet might feel tightness in the mid-section, some lace pressure

The best cushioned running shoes

The Clifton 6 from Hoka One One goes heavy on the cushion to deliver just the right amount of bounce, especially after you break them in. 

It's easy to see why we've picked the Hoka One One Clifton 6 as the best cushioned running shoe. Take one look at the thick stack of foam cushioning on the outsole, and you know you're in for a smooth ride. 

While previous versions of this iconic shoe received mixed reviews for having foam that's either too hard or too soft, Hoka gets it just right on the Clifton 6. After taking them on a long run right out of the box, the foamy outsoles had some spring to them but they weren't too bouncy. They felt soft but it didn't seem like I was running with pillows strapped to my feet. 

They do require some breaking in, as the ride got better the more I ran in them. By my fourth run, I was cruising smoothly along. 

Hoka One One redesigned the overall fit on these as well to deliver a much-improved feel. The upper is a stretchy, breathable mesh that wraps securely around your foot with plenty of room in the toe box. I also liked the padded heel collar that's notched in the back to fit your Achilles. 

The laces are minimal but that prevents them from putting pressure on the top of your foot when tied tight. It also cuts down on the overall weight which, despite their bulky look, tip the scales at just nine ounces. As with previous Hokas, the Clifton 6 has a slightly rockered design to propel you forward. The heel to toe drop is 5mm, which adds to the forward momentum when you run.

To cut down on weight, the Clifton 6's sole features reinforced rubber only on specific segments of the forefoot and heel. I didn't feel these were the most stable shoes I tested, particularly when running on slick pavement but I also didn't feel like I was out of control. The reduction in weight, however, was much appreciated. 

Cushioning is king on the Clifton 6 but not at the expense of speed. In fact, some of my fastest runs were with these shoes, which pleasantly surprised me. Meanwhile, the reduced impact from the plush foam meant my legs were happy, too.

Pros: Thick foam means more cushioning for your legs, surprisingly lightweight, comfortable fit 

Cons: Foam requires some breaking in, so-so grip on wet surfaces

The best running shoes for training and racing

The Zoom Fly 3 is the less expensive, more versatile little brother to Nike's elite Vaporfly racing shoes, and a great option for both training and going for a PR on race day.

Out of the box, Nike's Zoom Fly 3 shoes look fast and sleek. I'd even go so far as to say that the neon green pair I tested looked a little audacious. Put them on your feet and they feel a combination of all three. 

Like its pricey Vaporfly kin, the Zoom Fly 3s have a carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole and how you feel about that will probably determine how you feel about these shoes. Personally, I love carbon fiber plates because of the added pep they give to my step, almost like I'm jumping on mini trampolines propelling me forward. Some find the sensation slightly unstable, so try these on first and test them on a treadmill (if you can) before you buy.

Nike included a new upper on the Zoom Fly 3s which is a parachute-like material called Vaporweave. It's designed to repel moisture while also letting your feet stay ventilated and breathe. 

While I liked the form-fitting Flyknit upper in previous Zoom Flys, they tended to get soggy on humid days and soaked through when it rained. Vaporwave doesn't offer the same snug fit as Flyknit but my feet stayed dry in the Zoom Fly 3s, even during sloppy winter weather. I also liked the neoprene bootie in the heel cup, which eliminates the need for a tongue, letting your feet slide comfortably into the shoe.

The midsole is comprised of Nike's React foam, which is denser and heavier than ZoomX (which is what the Vaporflys use) but offered a soft yet responsive rebound during runs of varying speeds. The React foam and carbon fiber plate combo really shined at faster paces, letting me speed up quickly without feeling like I was burning off excessive energy. 

Overall, Nike's made significant improvements on the Zoom Fly 3, including more rubber on the sole's forefoot to provide added traction in wet weather. Whether you're training for a race or actually running one, this shoe is a winner.

Pros: Full-length carbon fiber plate in the midsole adds pep to your step, new Vaporweave upper repels moisture while letting your feet breath, internal bootie fits your foot comfortably, soft React foam offers good energy return

Cons: Carbon fiber plates in midsoles aren't for everyone (try on first), slightly heavier than previous model, long shoelaces flop around

The best for long runs

The ASICS GlideRide promises a new design in running shoes that gets you to run more efficiently. In many ways, the GlideRide delivers, making it our favorite shoe for long runs.

The GlideRide has such a pronounced, rocker shape, it's actually difficult to walk normally in them. These shoes are, quite simply, designed for running and once you start to build up some momentum in them, the curved shape helps roll you along.

The rocking chair-like design is created through a complex foam layering system, with a curved sheet of soft Flytefoam sandwiching a rigid foam plate that ASICS calls the Guidesole. Tucked in the rear of the shoe is a thin wafer of Gel, which has become an ASICS trademark. The result is stable cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot, which takes stress off your ankles as you swing your leg foreword to take another stride.

In real-world testing, I found the ASICS GlideRide allowed me to generate consistently efficient strides. I was able to waste much less energy while running and felt less tired. Long runs were a breeze, too. I could just keep going and going. 

At just over ten ounces, the shoes were heavier than I like. Part of this has to do with some of the plush, protective materials used in the heel collar of the shoe, which made them feel comfy but also a bit clunky. There's aggressive arch support in the shoes, as well, which can cause trouble for runners with flatter feet. 

On the other hand, the new lightweight multi-directional mesh of the upper fit like a glove, and there was plenty of room in the toebox. The base of the shoe has a generous amount of reinforced rubber in an oval pattern for a great grip. With all its materials and heavily engineered midsole, the GlideRide isn't a stripped-down racing shoe but it is perfect for recovery runs. 

Pros: Pronounced rocker shape with curved Guidesole technology helps you generate consistently efficient strides with less wasted energy, layered foam midsole provides a well-cushioned ride while reducing stress on the ankles, lightweight multi-directional mesh upper fits like a glove

Cons: Aggressive arch support could be a problem for those with flatter feet (try these on a treadmill before you buy), heavy shoe overall, better for recovery runs than racing

The most comfortable running shoes

The Adidas UltraBoost 20 isn't only the most comfortable running shoe we tested, it's also the most stylish, making it great for both training and running around town.

The UltraBoost 20 was created in partnership between Adidas and the International Space Station (ISS) Lab and the collaboration shows. The midsole features Adidas' familiar Boost foam, which looks like pellets of Styrofoam melded together. Boost, as mentioned, is a pioneering foam renowned for its bouncy, energy return.

What's new in the UltraBoost 20 is the iridescent shine of the foam, which on the pair I tested gave off a purply blue glow, depending on how the light was hitting them. The tongue features an ISS Lab insignia and the shoes, overall, have a space-age look to them. Adidas even says they'll eventually be used by astronauts on the ISS. 

Runners will appreciate the UltraBoost 20's upper, which is made from Adidas' Primeknit fabric, a comfortably stretchy material that offers a luxurious sock-like fit. Adidas has added stitched fibers around the outside forefoot to give the upper more stability, too. I also didn't feel like my feet were sloshing around in them as I've often experienced with Primeknit shoes in the past.

The heel cup has a plush padded collar that felt particularly soft around my Achilles. Meanwhile, a plastic, trapezoid-shaped counter on the exterior of the heel helps prevent slippage. In short, the UltraBoost 20s made my feet feel like they were being swaddled and the lockdown, overall, was excellent.

At over 11 ounces, the UltraBoost 20s are the heaviest shoes in this guide. At first, they felt it, too. MY runs in these heavier-than-average shoes would always start off slow and plodding but would eventually pick up speed the further I ran. Much of that has to do with the powers of the Boost foam, which really do help you bounce along at a fairly good clip. 

Pros: Your feet will feel like they're being swaddled, collaboration with International Space Station (ISS) Lab produced a stylish, futuristic look, Boost foam still provides runners with excellent energy return

Cons: Quite heavy for a running shoe, Primeknit fabric makes feet feel hot

• Working out at home is becoming an increasingly popular way for people to stay fit without having to worry about paying for or commuting to an actual gym.
• Building out your own home gym allows you to start improving your health, fitness, and well-being whenever you want from the comfort of your living space — and doesn't always require a large dedicated room or weeks of setup to create. 
• To help you figure out how to start setting up your own personal workout space, we've rounded up the best home exercise equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, foam rollers, dumbbells, and more.

You want to tone up, improve your health, lose a little weight, and gain greater flexibility. What you don't want to do, however, is pay a sign-up fee plus monthly costs, drive to the gym, and wait your turn for equipment. Top it off with having to deal with potential discomfort or embarrassment if you're surrounded by people in better shape than you — don't worry, you'll get there with time and dedication — then shower in a crowded and possibly dirty locker room.

Thankfully, there's a far better alternative: a home gym. Getting fit at home means you can work out whenever the mood strikes with no need for travel. Not only will you also not have to wait for equipment but once you piece together some workout gear of your own, you won't have to shell out a monthly fee to use it.

If you've shrugged off a home gym because you think it requires a dedicated room, a huge expenditure of money, or more knowledge than you possess, we're here to help. You can get a great workout whatever your budget and you don't need a ton of space to do it.

We've gathered up the best home gym equipment for cardio, strength training, and flexibility. So whether you want to go high, stay low, or meet somewhere in the middle, you're set for a fit and healthy year and an in-shape and stronger you.

Here is the best home gym equipment:

• Best treadmill: ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
• Best training strap system: TRX GO System
• Best slam ball: Everlast Flex Slam Ball
• Best yoga set: Complete Yoga Kit Set from Clever Yoga
• Best dumbbells: Powerblock Elite
• Best stationary bike: Exerpeutic Folding Upright Bike
• Best jump rope: Survival and Cross Jump Rope
• Best workout machine: Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
• Best exercise ball: TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball 
• Best foam roller: LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller
• Best pull-up bar: Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar
• Best resistance band: TheraBands

Updated 5/15/2020 by Rick Stella: Added links to buying guides for resistance bands and exercise balls, updated our best treadmill selection to the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill, updated the copy, checked the availability of each selection, and updated the prices, formatting, and links. 

The best treadmill

The ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is a versatile at-home option that's great for racers, casual runners, and anyone looking to keep up with steady cardio exercise. 

The beauty of a treadmill is that it accommodates you no matter where you're starting from fitness-wise. You can walk, jog, or run all at your own speed and preference and the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill is an excellent choice no matter your fitness level or skill. 

ProForm's Pro 2000 may remind you of the treadmills you see in physical gyms as it has the same type of features. There's the ability to incline up to 15%, decline down to negative 3%, as well as a 7-inch color screen that's compatible with a range of interactive workouts from iFit. 

This treadmill also has a reliable 3.5-horsepower motor, a wide belt deck that's great for almost all runners, and a soft belt that helps reduce the impact of each stride. There's even a music port for plugging in a music player and fitness app access. 

Pros: Strong construction, great features, iFit compatibility, ProShox cushioning for soft landings

Cons: Expensive

If the ProForm Pro 2000 is too pricey for your budget, we also recommend the following: 

• Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill ($599.99)

Read our full buying guide to the best treadmills

The best training strap system

If you're looking for a reasonably priced whole-body workout that uses your own weight to provide resistance, check out the TRX GO System.

The TRX GO system is essentially a series of sturdy straps, handles, and hooks. But fasten it to a door, rafter, beam, or even a sturdy tree branch, and you have the equivalent of a full-on gym.Not only does the system strengthen and build muscle but it also helps improve stability and flexibility. Best of all, you can apply as much resistance as you need, making the system suitable for beginners and fitness buffs alike.

You'll love the effectiveness and versatility of the system, along with the fact that it's easy to take along while traveling. It even comes with an extensive workout guide, as well as access to other workouts online.

Pros: Great for travel, offers a versatile, effective muscle strengthening workout

Cons: Might be hard to use in smaller living spaces

The best slam ball

A slam ball provides an easy and effective method for improving your strength, flexibility, and explosiveness, and slam ball workouts can easily be incorporated into anyone's at-home fitness routine. 

Slam ball workouts may seem ordinary but when done correctly provide an excellent full-body workout. Whether this means using it to add weighted lunges to your routine, utilizing the ball as a base for side-to-side pushups, or just doing a few tried-and-true ball slams, its a worthy addition to any at-home gym setup.

The Flex Slam Ball series from Everlast offers a range in available weights, from 6-pound, textured slam balls on up to a 50-pound traditional ball. Each sand-filled ball provides a comfortable grip, durable exterior, and a shock-absorbing design.

Pros: Available in a variety of weights, easy to use, contributes to a full-body exercise when used properly

Cons: Buying multiple sizes can get expensive

The best yoga set

With the Complete Yoga Kit Set from Clever Yoga, you'll have all the equipment you need to reap the benefits of this ancient practice.

Along with its proven abilities to reduce stress and improve mood, yoga is a wonderful way to develop your balance, flexibility, and muscle tone. 

If you're new to yoga, you'll appreciate the convenience of getting all the supplies you need in one kit— includes a handy carrying case. You'll also get a large, thick yoga mat, two foam positioning blocks, an eight-foot cotton strap, a hand towel, and a microfiber nonslip mat.  

If this set isn't for you, you can also check out our full buying guides to the best yoga mats, the best yoga blocks, and the best yoga socks.

Pros: A convenient and reasonably priced way to buy everything you need for your beginning yoga practice.

Cons: None to speak of unless yoga isn't your thing

The best dumbbells

Powerblock's Elite dumbbells offer weight up to 90 pounds, feature a comfortable, balanced grip, and allow for a variety of exercises.

Finding a reliable pair of dumbbells is an important addition to any home gym thanks to their versatility. Not only do they do well for anyone trying to improve their curl form, but they also work well for a variety of lifts including squats, shoulder presses, lunges, and pushups (among others). 

The key to finding a good set rests with how comfortable they are to use, how much available weight they allow, and if they'll take up a lot of room in your home or not. Powerblock's dumbbells do well to check each of these boxes.

They feature a handle centered on the apparatus to allow for a comfortable feel and grip, as well as a design that makes them incredibly easy to stow. The fact they're able to load weight up to 90 pounds gives them plenty of value for both amateur and veteran lifters alike. 

Though a set of Powerblock dumbbells sets you back more than $500, their ability to allow for multiple exercises across a large range in weight makes them one of the best options for any home gym. 

Pros: Max weight of 90 pounds, relatively affordable compared to similar dumbbells, sturdy and comfortable grip

Cons: Awkward weight-changing mechanism, can feel a bit long when at max weight

If these dumbbells are too expensive, you can also check out the following:

• Bowflex SelectTech 560
• Thompson Fat Bells

Read our full buying guide on the best dumbbells

The best stationary bike

If you're looking to get fit without blowing your budget, your knees, or your back, consider the Exerpeutic Folding Upright Bike.

The Exerputic stationary bike isn't too fancy, although it does display distance, calories burned, speed, time, and heart rate. There are eight levels of resistance, so you'll continue to be challenged as you grow stronger.

The bike's frame is sturdy and durable, and best of all, it easily folds up nearly flat so you can store it when not in use. The padded, large seat is easy on your rear, and the pedals have straps to hold your feet securely in place. It's basic but it gets the job done. 

Pros: Folds up, sturdy construction, great price, several levels of tension, large seat

Cons: A few owners felt the seat was too large, some complaints of squeaking

If you want a more interactive stationary bike, we also recommend the following: 

• NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle ($1,999)

Read our full guide to the best exercise bikes

The best jump rope

The Survival and Cross Jump Rope was designed for speed with its right-angle ball bearing construction and lightweight handles.

According to the American Council on Exercise, jumping rope not only torches through calories but it also increases the resiliency of your lower-leg muscles, improves balance and coordination, and ups your cognitive skills. 

When it comes to choosing one for your home gym, you can't go wrong with the Survival and Cross Jump Rope. Whether you're doing intense training or just starting out, you'll benefit from its smooth swivel, the adjustable length, the comfortable handles, and the downloadable exercise manual to help you make the most of your jump-rope workouts. 

Pros: A great workout, perfect for travel, smooth performance, and adjustable length

Cons: Jumping rope is high-impact, so if you have problems with your knees or back, it might be too intense for you.

If you're not taken with this jump rope, we also recommend the following:

• WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
• Fitskuad Jump Rope

Read our full guide to the best jump ropes

The best workout machine

If you want one machine that does it all — arms, legs, chest, back, and abs — with enough variation to work muscles you didn't even know you had, consider the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym.

Bowflex's all-in-one machine comes with up to 210 pounds of resistance, so whether you're just starting out or are already buff, you'll give your muscles a proper workout.

There are more than 60 possible exercises with the Blaze, including 16 arm exercises, 13 leg exercises, and five ab exercises — enough to keep your workouts fresh for a long time. 

The sliding seat also allows you to use the machine for an aerobic rowing workout, too. It's easy to adjust your resistance as you gain strength, and the wide variety of possible exercises not only provides strength training to your entire body, it also keeps things interesting.

Pros: Lots of variation, very sturdy and durable, easy to adjust resistance, reasonable price for a home gym.

Cons: Takes up a lot of space, expensive

If you prefer an interactive machine, take a look at our review of the Tempo Studio.

The best exercise ball

The TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball holds air better than most exercise balls with its thick-walled design.

The TheraBand Exercise and Stability Ball is one of the thickest-walled balls you can buy, so it holds air longer than most of the competition.

Even if it's punctured, the ball deflates slowly, allowing you to finish your exercise session without falling flat on the floor. Because the Theraband Exercise Ball retains air so well, you won't have to reinflate it that often, either. It does take quite a bit of time to inflate the first time around, though.

The TheraBand ball has just the right type of surface for grip-ability, so it won't move around while you're working out. It's available in four sizes from 45 cm to 75 cm and comes in several different colors.

Pros: Maintains its shape and holds air better than other exercise balls, includes a slow deflate technology if the ball is punctured, extremely firm, has a good surface for just the right amount of grip, offered in four sizes

Cons: Takes a long time to inflate, no inflation pump included, only one color per size

If this exercise ball isn't the one for you, you might prefer the following:

• DynaPro Exercise Ball
• Live Infinitely Exercise Ball

For some workout inspiration, check out our favorite exercise ball routines

Read our full guide to the best exercise balls

The best foam roller

The LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller is an affordable and simple tool that gives your muscles relief before or after you work out.

The LuxFit Premium High-Density Foam Roller is made of polyethylene foam, which is easy to clean. The roller has a 6-inch diameter and is lightweight enough for easy transport or storage. 

The roller comes in three different lengths: 12, 18, and 36 inches. The longest option is ideal for tall or heavy individuals, the medium is good for working all parts of the body, and the small is good for targeted areas, like the neck. Whichever you choose, they're covered by a one-year limited warranty.

This high-quality foam roller is affordable, too, starting at just $9 for the small on up to $25 for the large. The roller has a slight texture to prevent sliding and the foam is just dense enough to massage your muscles and support your body. Users noted that the roller is effective on the back, upper chest, and abs. 

Pros: Affordable, three size options, one-year warranty

Cons: Certain materials may slide along the surface without rolling

Read our full buying guide to the best foam rollers

The best pull up bar

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is easy to install and gives you a great workout.

The Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar is made of chrome steel and comes with three sets of mounting hardware with two of the sets able to support up to 300 pounds of weight. The medium-duty door mount supports 150 pounds and is not recommended for use above waist height.

You can also use the bar without door mounts for sit-up foot support and other light exercises. It's adjustable and fits doorways between 26 and 36 inches wide, and can be installed so that you can still close the door.

The bar features non-slip, extra-long foam grips to ensure you won't easily lose your grip. You shouldn't have any trouble with installation, though it may take a little work to get it to the right length.

Pros: Comfortable foam grips, unobtrusive, solidly built

Cons: Installation requires drilling into a door jamb, foam grips may wear from heavy-duty use

If you want a different option, we also recommend:

• Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull Up Bar
• Stamina 1690 Power Tower

Read our full buying guide to the best pull up bars

The best resistance bands

TheraBands' resistance bands are thin and lightweight, yet offer a surprising amount of resistance perfect for a variety of home workouts — the fact they're under $20 makes them even more valuable. 

Resistance bands are simple pieces of workout equipment that offer a wide range of uses, and this kit from TheraBands is the perfect addition to any home gym. The kit allows for a weight range of 2.4 pounds on up to 21.3 pounds, giving you the ability to add minimal resistance to a high-intensity routine or ramp it up for deadlifts or upright rows.

Each resistance band is lightweight and thin, though still delivers durable performance (even if it feels like they might tear). Also, their latex-free design means anyone with a latex allergy can rest assured they won't run into any issues. 

The TheraBands resistance band kit is also highly portable. Void of any handle or extra material, each band folds down compact enough to throw into a small gym back for easy transport or storage. And at $16, they're inexpensive, too. This makes them an easy addition to anyone's home gym, no matter if you're looking to add another layer to your strength training or increase the intensity of your cardio workouts. 

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, offers a wide range of resistance

Cons: Might not be suitable for someone looking for intense resistance

For workout inspiration, check out our favorite resistance band routines

Read our full guide to the best resistance bands

How to make the most of your home gym

Just because you're not visiting a brick and mortar gym or fitness studio, doesn't mean you can't replicate the workouts they offer. Everything from high-intensity interval training and strength workouts to cardio routines and resistance training can easily be done at home.

Here are a few basic exercise categories to familiarize yourself with before jumping into any workout routine. 

Cardio exercise

Cardio — which comes from cardiovascular — exercise is defined by the American College of Sports Medicine as any exercise that raises your heart rate and breaths per minute while repetitively and rhythmically using large muscle groups. That's a fancy way of saying that cardio or aerobic exercise is anything that gets you moving fast and hard enough to break a sweat. Typical cardio exercises include running, biking, jumping rope, etc. 

The benefits of aerobic exercise are many, including weight loss, stronger bones and muscles, better sleep, lowered levels of depression and anxiety, and even the reduced risk of many types of cancer, to name a few.

The ACSM recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, which can be broken down into multiple sessions as short as ten minutes.

Strength training 

Strength training — also called resistance training — is the use of exercise against resistance to build and strengthen muscle. That resistance might come from your own body weight, a dumbbell or other hand-held weight, or a wide range of resistance machines.

Along with improved muscle strength and definition, resistance training helps develop bone density and assists with weight loss.

The ACSM recommends healthy adults do strength training two or three times per week, engaging in eight to 10 different exercises focusing on a variety of muscle groups. Beginners should aim for eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise, using the amount of weight that leads to muscle fatigue within that set of reps.

Balance and flexibility training

While various cardio and strength-training exercises help improve balance and flexibility, it's important to incorporate training that specifically targets these two functions. They make daily living much easier and help improve your overall health and mental well-being. Aim for at least two balance or flexibility workouts each week.

• As people seek gym alternatives and stress relief during the pandemic, they're turning to fitness influencers for inspiration.
• While many influencers are struggling and gym chains are closing down locations permanently, fitness influencers have hit the sweet spot with a business model that blends the two.
• Business Insider spoke with six fitness influencers who share content across mobile apps, YouTube, and Instagram. They all said they've seen a boom in engagement.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A sweet Riesling is best paired with a smoked sausage or spicy Thai curry, but Caitie Aiton prefers to keep hers bottled and served with a set of bicep curls.

"It's a different kind of workout," the 27-year-old receptionist, who lives in northern California, told Business Insider. "I wouldn't say you can't get the results you want at home, you just have to work a little bit harder."

Before the coronavirus pandemic spread through the U.S., Aiton had her workout down to a science. She'd hit her local gym, Fit Republic, three days a week to lift weights and run on the treadmill. Two days a week, she'd tune into at-home HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts streamed on a popular YouTube channel called Blogilates. But as self-isolation measures remain in place in many states, Aiton and her fellow fitness enthusiasts across the country have been forced to make working out at home work — even if it means using wine bottles as weight substitutes.

Enter: fitness influencers. 

As individuals around the world seek gym alternatives and stress relief, they've turned to YouTube channels, online workout programs, and Instagram videos to stay fit. Established fitness influencers like Cassey Ho and emerging fitness stars like Taylor Dilk alike have picked up the part of the day that people would ordinarily be spending in the gym.

Business Insider spoke to six fitness influencers around the world to see how the shift in demand has been affecting them. Whether the core of their business is focused on YouTube, Instagram, or paid memberships, they all described a boom in demand.

The golden age of demand for YouTube fitness influencers

Some of the best-known fitness influencers today got their start on YouTube nearly a decade ago.

For Aiton, the transition to YouTube workouts has been a smooth one thanks to Cassey Ho, the fitness instructor behind Blogilates. Aiton has temporarily bid farewell to Fit Republic and suspended the $123 she'd previously doled out to the gym every year. Now, she tunes into Ho's videos five times a week. The HIIT workouts, Aiton said, "work everything and make you work up a sweat like crazy."

The channel's free Pilates and bootcamp sculpting videos have garnered it a cult following of 5 million users. Aiton's not a newcomer — she's been a part-time Blogilates user for seven years, but Ho's summer slim down series and HIIT workouts have become the full-time antidote to her gym withdrawals.

And Aiton isn't the only who has been using Blogilates as a much-needed outlet during quarantine. Ho told Business Insider she's seen "a huge surge" of activity across all of Blogilates' social media platforms, particularly on YouTube.

Before Ho, a certified group fitness instructor and Pilates mat and Reformer teacher, became a worldwide fitness favorite, she was a hit with her students in the Bay Area, where she designed and taught POP Pilates classes that fused classical Pilates moves with pop music. When she moved across the country to Boston in 2009, she uploaded a farewell workout video to YouTube for her class.

Fast forward ten years and that single workout video has become Blogilates, a channel that now boasts 714 videos that run about five to 30 minutes in length. She and her bright aesthetic star in all of them. Whether she's leading a waist whittler routine or a total body stretch, Ho is often clad in cotton-candy pastels with a matching Pilates mat.

On March 11, the day the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic, daily video views on Blogilates' YouTube channel hovered around 250,000, according to analytics viewed by Business Insider. Over the following six weeks, daily video views doubled. They now steadily stand in the 500,000 to 750,000 daily video view range.

A screenshot of Blogilates' internal YouTube analytics over the past 90 days, which Business Insider reviewed, also shows a steady jump in the rate at which the channel has been acquiring subscribers during the pandemic. From late January to early March, daily subscribers never exceeded 3,000 per day. From late March to the end of April, they never dropped below 3,000 new subscribers a day. At its peak, the channel acquired 8,000 subscribers in a single day. 

Like Ho, Kelli and Daniel Segars founded Fitness Blender, their 6-million-plus subscriber YouTube channel, more than a decade ago. The married couple launched the channel as a side project for extra income in 2008 during the Great Recession. It has since turned into an 886-video platform featuring workouts that range from five to 90 minutes — typically around 30 minutes — in which one Segar or the other leads viewers through a variety of exercises.

And, also like Ho, they've seen an upswing in activity on the platform during the pandemic. On March 11, they received nearly 1,200 new YouTube subscribers, according to analytics the couple provided to Business Insider. Less than a week later, on March 16, the daily number of new subscribers jumped up to 2,400. 

In the week after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic, their daily video views more than doubled from 287,163 to 613,482. And the views didn't just hit a new high — they maintained that high. Throughout April, daily video views have fluctuated around the 750,000 to 950,000 view range.

Demand for paid memberships and training guides is surging

While one-off videos are surging in popularity, their more regimented counterparts — multi-week workout programs and training guides — are also seeing a spike.

Consider Adriene Mishler, whose Yoga with Adriene channel has become one of the runaway stars of home workouts during the pandemic thanks to her friendly demeanor and slow-paced style. The decade-old YouTube channel, which lays claim to the single most-Googled workout of 2015, has seen engagement soar during the pandemic.

The channel currently boasts over 7 million subscribers. Pre-pandemic, it typically acquired new subscribers at an average rate of 3,000 subscribers a day, her cofounder and business partner Chris Sharpe told Business Insider. Today, it's seeing an average of 20,000 new subscribers a day.

In the first months of 2020, the channel was typically drawing around 500,000 daily viewers, according to YouTube analytics Business Insider reviewed. In mid-March, viewership climbed up to 1 million daily viewers. Throughout April, the channel drew a relatively steady — and whopping — 1.5 million daily viewers. 

Even so, Sharpe and Mishler don't factor YouTube — which they can't control and where revenue comes mainly from ads — into their business plan or financial forecast. Instead, Sharpe said, the core of their business is the $9.99-a-month membership program, Find What Feels Good. Along with premium courses and exclusive weekly content, it features their entire yoga library and none of YouTube's ads.

Longer-term workout programs are also available on personal training apps.

One of the most well-known personal training apps is the SWEAT App, which costs $19.99 a month or $119.94 a year. The app has 150 weeks' worth of content across a variety of workout styles, including interval training, yoga, cardio, and powerlifting.

The programs are geared towards women and curated by five trainers, the most famous of which is Kayla Itsines, who founded the app with Pearce. They have attracted an online fitness community exceeding 50 million, according to its website.

Tobi Pearce, CEO of the platform, told Business Insider that many of the app's followers are hungry for at-home and equipment-free programming. Delivering those programs has the made the transition to home workouts relatively seamless for users.

Prior to the pandemic, Hannah Brewton, a 27-year-old choir teacher, was working her way through Kelsey Wells' beginner PWR program, which alternates cardio and strength workouts with a focus on gym machines. When the pandemic hit, she just switched to Wells' at-home program. The biggest difference is that nowadays, she's using her piano bench for step-ups and decline push-ups.

Fitness Instagrammers are seeing a change in demand, but not necessarily more of it

When quarantine began, fitness Instagrammer Emily Ricketts made a personal commitment: She would use the time indoors to challenge herself. Specifically, she told Business Insider, she would nail the art of the handstand and would build her way up to doing more push-ups. She took to her Instagram Stories to share those goals, and, as she tells it, her direct messages were "flooded with home workout requests."

The London-based personal trainer said that before the pandemic, she typically filmed three to four strength workouts a week at the gym and shared them on her Instagram page, which has 190,000 followers.

Her output hasn't changed during the pandemic, but she's shifted to filming at-home workouts that are accessible to everyone. That includes encouraging viewers to "use things like bags of sugar or water bottles in place of weights if they don't have any." 

Taylor Chamberlain Dilk, a fitness influencer who posts workout videos on her Instagram two to three times a week, told Business Insider she's also received feedback from her 779,000 followers requesting at-home workouts. Prior to quarantine, she typically posted bodyweight workouts in the gym. She would also occasionally share at-home every minute on the minute (EMOM) workouts, in which one begins a different exercise repetition at the top of every minute.

EMOM workouts are now the focus of her Instagram channel. She thinks people are drawn to them because they can be completed at home in less than 45 minutes.

"They're quick, efficient, and accessible, and can still drastically change metabolisms and bodies without having to go to a gym or spend hours in the weight room," she said.

People are seeking workouts that don't require equipment

If the increased activity on Dilk's and Ricketts' Instagrams says anything, it's that people are tuning into videos as alternatives to cardio machines and the weight room.

Both Kelli of Fitness Blender and Pearce of the SWEAT app have noticed similar trends. Kelli said that on YouTube, the biggest viewership jump has been on no-equipment workout videos, specifically for strength training and HIIT. Pearce said the app has seen a spike in users of Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide program, which consist of 28-minute HIIT workouts, and Kelsey Wells' PWR program, which focuses on resistance training.

For others, fitness influencers have become a source of anxiety relief and a way to stretch their limbs after working from home all day. 

Lauren Friedman, a 28-year-old publicist quarantining in Florida, never used to consider herself a yogi. When the pandemic struck, her only workout equipment consisted of an exercise mat and so, she told Business Insider, she turned to yoga. She first heard of Yoga with Adriene through a friend, and was drawn toward the videos because they target specific parts of the body and can typically be completed in under 30 minutes — a win, Friedman says, for her short attention span.

Her workout routine was "pretty sparse" before the pandemic, consisting of a cycling class or two on the weekend and trying to go to the gym during the week — even though, as she put it, "I have to admit, that rarely happened."

Nowadays, she's working out more than she used to, but her focus is less on intense cardio and more on rejuvenation.

"Yoga with Adriene is my girl," she said.

Fitness influencers are well-positioned to continue riding out the closures of the COVID-19 world

All the influencers Business Insider spoke to remained mum on the topic of how their increased views translate to money and refused to provide exact income figures. But as far as keeping businesses afloat during the pandemic goes, they have all found themselves better equipped for the times than both gyms and other influencers have.

Many of them haven't had to make significant changes to their content strategy. The YouTubers have been tapped into home fitness from the beginning and have built up years of content. The Instagrammers are filming similar workouts to their pre-pandemic repertoire, albeit in new locations.

Some of them are removing the cost barriers associated with their workouts or running specials to entice new members. The SWEAT app partnered with the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund to offer one month free for new members. Dilk cut prices on her at-home EMOM workout program from $24.99 to $19.99. Kelli and Daniel of Fitness Blender put several of their four-week programs on sale at $4.50, down from $14.99.

Several influencers told Business Insider their videos aren't just helping viewers find alternatives to their gym routines. As they see it, their home workout routines also function as a coping mechanism for viewers. In Daniel's words, workout videos "provide a sense of normalcy for people."

"My goal right now is to remind people more than ever that exercise and movement is vital for mental health," Ricketts said.

Science backs them up. Research has found that those who stay active tend to be happier. And more recent research suggests that exercise may protect against acute respiratory distress syndrome, a top cause of death among COVID-19 patients.

However, there are certain benefits of going to the gym that home workout videos, despite the best efforts of the influencers who have been cranking out content, just can't replace.

Brewton, the choir teacher, said that even though the at-home SWEAT app program is changing her muscle definition, it just doesn't motivate her as much as the gym does.

"I really miss the gym," she said. "I get a lot of energy and I push myself more when I'm around other people who are working out, and I miss being able to challenge myself with heavier weights."

For the most part, though, the fitness influencers' efforts to keep people active seem to be working.

"I'm not sure why it took the end of the world to get me into fitness, but I am loving it," Friedman, the Florida publicist, said. "It gives me something to look forward to, which I never thought I'd say about working out."

SEE ALSO: The couple behind a home workout channel with 6 million YouTube followers says they've seen a spike in subscribers amid the coronavirus pandemic, and it shows the effect social distancing is having on people's routines

DON'T MISS: 'New York City is my home': Influencers share why they're riding out the pandemic in the epicenter of the coronavirus as others flee

Join the conversation about this story »

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• A new report has linked an outbreak of coronavirus in South Korea to a dance fitness workshop.
• Fitness instructors had attended a workshop in February where at least 8 participants were infected but didn't show symptoms.
• By March, those instructors were linked to at least 112 cases of coronavirus in dance fitness classes at 12 different fitness facilities in the region.
• Experts say that group fitness classes with a large number of people exercising intensely in a small space could increase risk of infection. 
• Small yoga and pilates classes, however, were not linked to infections, possibly because the slower movement and fewer people decreased the risks. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

In early February, a group of dance fitness instructors in South Korea met for a workshop — 4 hours of intense aerobics with 27 people sweating together in a small space. Unbeknownst to them, 8 of those participants had coronavirus, but they were not yet showing symptoms.

Less than a month later, the virus had infected 112 people across 12 different fitness facilities in the region, all linked to dance fitness classes, according to a new report from the CDC. 

Contact tracers linked that outbreak of cases to instructors from the February workshop, who were found to have taught classes while experiencing mild symptoms of coronavirus, such as a cough.

About 50 percent of those 112 cases were found to have been transmitted from instructors to students. That's 54 students out of the 214 found to have been exposed in the classes, or an infection rate of 26%, the report found. On average, students began experiencing symptoms about 3.5 days after attending a dance fitness class, researchers found. 

The rest of the cases were linked to infected instructors and students spreading the disease to family, other friends, and coworkers, according to the report.

Research has found that people can be highly contagious and spread coronavirus without showing symptoms themselves— in this report, more than 25% of the cases were completely asymptotic. 

The report's authors suggest that group fitness classes could be a uniquely risky activity, causing the outbreak even though participants in the classes only met for 50 minutes, twice a week, and had no other contact outside of class.

In particular, the warm, moist air of multiple people sweating in a small space, combined with the air flow of aerobic movement, could make is easier to transmit the viral particles, according to the report. The dance classes had between 5 to 22 students each. 

Interestingly, the report also found that yoga and pilates classes held at the same time weren't linked to any cases of coronavirus. The smaller class size (between 7-8 people) and slower movement style might have lowered the risk, researchers theorized. 

However, the study didn't fully account for everyone who might have attended the classes or fitness facilities, and so may have underestimated the number of infections.

As such, the researchers recommend that people avoid sweating in enclosed spaces with even small groups of people right now to avoid getting or spreading the virus. 

See also:

What it's like to go to the gym in Sweden, where lockdowns never happened

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• Jumping rope is a great way to include cardio exercise into your fitness routine, and can easily be done either from the comfort of your home, at the gym, or while you're traveling — so long as you own your own. 
• The best jump ropes are built to last, come with plenty of extras, include replacement parts, and are backed by a lifetime warranty.
• Our top pick, the WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope, features each of these benefits, as well as a smooth bearing system and a cable long enough to accommodate even the tallest athletes.

Everyone has at least one memory or another about jumping rope growing up. Be it a jump-a-thon contest to raise money for your school or a grueling junior high workout, the humble jump rope's been a part of almost everyone's upbringing. Despite whatever negative feeling you have about them today, the fact remains that jumping rope is an excellent cardio exercise. 

But forget about those bulky, segmented jump ropes of day's past. Today's jump ropes are precisely engineered to cut through the air with the slightest flick of your wrists — tangling is virtually unheard of, too. The best jump ropes also feature a coated steel cable attached to comfortable, lightweight handles with ball bearings that allow for seamless rotation of the rope. In the world of jump ropes, this is considered high-tech. 

What makes this exercise even more appealing is that it's easy to get done no matter where you are. Whether you're at home or on-the-road, a few minutes of jump rope gets your heart pumping and lets you break a quick sweat — so long as you have your own jump rope on hand. 

Finding the right fit

Before we get into the best jump ropes to own, let's cover how to find the right fit. You'll first want to make sure the jump rope you're using is sized properly to your height. Too long of a jump rope gets in the way of your workout while too short a rope can easily catch on your feet and send you tumbling.

To size your rope, start by standing in the middle of it with your foot. Next, adjust the length so the handles are at your armpits. From there, test out the rope and decide if you want it to be shorter or longer. Once you have a length you're comfortable with, we recommend using a wire cutter to clip the ends of the cable so you don't have annoying and unnecessary lengths of cable hanging off. 

Based on proven performance, affordability, durable design, and the trustworthiness of the manufacturer, we chose five jump ropes that were the best in various categories.

Here are the best jump ropes: 

• Best jump rope overall: WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope
• Best jump rope for beginners: Fitskuad Jump Rope
• Best jump rope for double unders: Survival and Cross Jump Rope
• Best versatile jump rope: Crossrope
• Best budget jump rope: XYLsports Jump Rope

Updated on 5/18/2020 by Rick Stella: Added Crossrope as the best versatile jump rope, checked the availability of each pick, and updated the prices, links, and formatting. 

The best overall

When speed and long-lasting performance are your main concerns, the WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope is your best option.

The WOD Nation Speed Jump Rope comes with an extra cable, replacement hardware, and a nylon drawstring carrying bag. The cable is 2.5 millimeters thick and is made of coated steel. It comes at a length of 11 feet, which you can easily adjust. The handles are 6.75 inches long and are made of a nylon resin that tapers at the end for a better grip.

This speed rope uses a patented four-metal ball bearing system in the handles. There is a bearing on the tip of each handle to hold the cable and another bearing in each handle for smooth rotations. This model is currently available in nine colors, including black, grey, purple, and orange.

WOD Nation says the jump rope comes with a "100% lifetime guarantee," but we were unable to find the specifics of this policy. On its website, WOD does state that it doesn't offer exchanges or refunds if fourteen days have passed since your purchase. Of course, if you order through Amazon, you get 30 days.

Pros: Comes with an extra cable, smooth bearing system for speed work

Cons: Susceptible to wear when used on hard surfaces

The best for beginners

The Fitskuad Jump Rope comes with a lot of extras that are ideal for someone just getting started with jump rope workouts.

Much like our top pick, the Fitskuad Jump Rope comes with an extra cable, additional attachments, and a carrying bag. It also comes with a free ebook titled "The Secret to Mastering Double Unders" for people new to jumping rope. The cable is ten feet long and coated with a PVC sleeve for durability. Meanwhile, the handles are six inches long and feature comfortable foam grips.

Fitskuad has a lifetime warranty on this jump rope. The company will send you a new unit if there is ever a problem with yours for any reason.

The biggest concern is that the screws that keep the cable attached to the handles can easily become loose. We recommend checking the screws before each workout to make sure they're tight.

Pros: Durable coated cable and long, comfortable handles

Cons: The screws may not stay tightened

The best for double unders

The Survival and Cross Jump Rope was designed for speed with its right-angle ball bearing construction and lightweight handles.

The Survival and Cross Jump Rope is the one I own. I bought it ten months ago to get a good cardio workout when Mother Nature made running or cycling unbearable. When I ordered it, I was a little surprised that Survival and Cross reached out to me multiple times to provide me with various resources to improve my workouts. I didn't use any of the resources, but it was a nice touch for users starting from scratch.

The Survival and Cross rope doesn't come with an extra cable, but it does come with extra hardware, a carrying bag, and plenty of online manuals and ebooks. The cable is ten feet long (good for people up to about 6'4" tall), and the handles are five inches long.

The only issue I've had with the rope is that the bearings don't move smoothly all of the time. This caused the cable to wrap around a handle while I'm jumping, eventually forcing me to stop and unravel it.

Pros: Excellent ball bearing system for speed

Cons: Handles may be too short, history of handles breaking

The best versatile

Crossrope reimagines the tried-and-true jump rope by offering multiple weighted rope options, an easy-to-use handle clipping system, and a companion app with workouts and tips. 

At $99, Crossrope's Get Lean package isn't exactly inexpensive but it's not just any traditional jump rope. Rather, the brand specializes in a few features that set its jump ropes apart from the pack (and give it that premium price tag). 

First are its ergonomic handles. Lightweight and easy to hold, the handles feature a quick clasp system that makes it easy to swap them in and out of the ropes. Each handle also has a soft grip that won't slip out of your hand, even when you start sweating. 

The other feature that makes a Crossrope a Crossrope is its variety of rope weights. The Get Lean package, specifically, comes with both a 1/2-pound rope good for advanced cardio exercises and a 1/4-pound rope that works well for HIIT routines and endurance training. As mentioned above, the handles just click in and out of the end of each rope for easy swapping. 

Crossrope also offers a companion smartphone application that comes standard with workout inspiration and routine guidance. The Lite version is completely free whereas premium access runs $10 per month. 

Pros: Ropes come in multiple weight options, easy-to-swap soft handles, companion app has great workout guidance

Cons: Expensive

The best for those on a budget

When you're on a budget yet want a high-quality rope to up the intensity of your workouts, the XYLsports Jump Rope is your best bet.

The XYLsports Jump Rope may be the most affordable option on our list but it doesn't skimp on features. This model has premium-quality bearings in the handles to allow for smooth swinging and a cord that's thick enough to stand up to the elements yet nimble for speed workouts.

The rope is 9'8" long at its longest, which makes it great for taller people, and you can adjust it to fit your frame. Compared to most cable ropes, the XYLsports model is slightly thicker, which helps avoid tangling and doesn't hurt as much when you whack your shins.

The company also offers a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

Pros: Affordable, smooth rope swing, durable, comfortable grips, lifetime warranty

Cons: Difficult to adjust

• Resistance bands are simple pieces of elastic that create constant tension to stimulate muscle growth and increase the value of your workout.
• The best resistance bands come in a variety of tensions, allowing for a wide range of exercises and uses such as squats, curls, standing rows, and plenty more. 
• Our top pick from TheraBand is a set of durable, easy-to-use, and effective resistance bands perfect for any home gym setup. 

Outfitting a suitable home gym doesn't need to require spending thousands of dollars on the latest exercise equipment and weight loss machines. Really, all you need is your body and a couple of resistance bands to make a real difference in your routine.

I was first introduced to resistance bands in 2014 after joining in on the burgeoning barre trend. Although I've since traded those ballet-based classes for other workouts, I've remained a fan of resistance bands — and no longer underestimate just how essential they are for my weekly workouts. 

Despite the fact they're just simple pieces of elastic, resistance bands create constant tension which effectively stimulates muscle growth. To make things better, they don't add strain onto your joints in the same way a set of dumbbells might. They're also incredibly lightweight and highly portable, allowing you to take your workout wherever you go.

What to look for in a set of resistance bands

When shopping for resistance bands, you'll want to ask yourself a few questions. First and foremost, what type of workout are you most interested in pursuing? A pilates-based workout requires something different from a HIIT workout, though both can be equally effective in upping your fitness levels.

Next, think about what parts of your body you're most interested in working. While some resistance bands are best suited for your lower body, others are great for pull-up training. There are even some designed for full-body workouts, too.

Then, consider the level of resistance you're looking for. If you're already quite advanced in your fitness journey, you may be fine with a set of tight bands. If you're just getting started, however, you might want to buy a set that's a bit more elastic. Some brands even advertise these levels of resistance as light, medium, heavy, and so on, which makes it easy to know exactly the kind of weighted resistance you're choosing.

Finally, like any purchase, you'll want to keep the price point in mind. Granted, not many of these sets cost more than around $40, but if you're looking to keep a tight budget, this could be an important point to consider.

We tested a variety of the best resistance bands currently offered to find the sets best-suited to a wide range of users and exercises. 

Here are the best resistance bands:

• Best resistance bands overall: TheraBand
• Best resistance bands for a total-body workout: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set
• Best resistance bands to travel with: Perform Better Mini Resistance Band set
• Best versatile resistance bands: Serious Steel Resistance Band set
• Best resistance band for squats: RIMSport Elite Hip Sling Resistance Band

Updated on 5/18/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the copy throughout, checked the availability of each selected resistance band, added more about what to look for when shopping for resistance bands, and updated the prices, formatting, and links. 

The best overall

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete, TheraBand resistance bands provide you with a killer workout and are thin and lightweight enough to take anywhere.

My first experience with resistance bands was with TheraBands, and I've never looked back. Incredibly thin and lightweight, while somehow maintaining their strength and durability, these non-latex bands do an excellent job helping you develop muscle strength.

I've used them around my thighs during squats and between my arms while working my triceps, but the possibilities (and potential muscle groups) are virtually endless.

Compared to other bands, the TheraBands offer slightly lighter resistance, starting at 2.4 pounds and ranging up to 21.3 pounds. As such, I like these bands for a wide range of exercises. Whether you're making your barre workout just a bit harder or using them for some quick HIIT moves, the TheraBands do the trick. That said, if you're looking for serious resistance, you may need something a bit heftier.

I've also been impressed by their durability. While they look as though they'll snap at any moment, I've had mine for years without issue. My old gym also kept these around and despite their constant usage by hundreds of clients, the TheraBands withstood the test of time. If they do break, their lack of any metal or plastic parts helps keep you safe.

Thanks to the latex-free construction of these bands, folks with allergies or sensitivities won't have to worry, either. While other bands may have handles or thick, cord-like composition, these supremely portable bands are easily compacted.

Pros: Latex-free, lightweight, extremely versatile in function, inexpensive

Cons: If you're looking for more resistance, this may not be quite enough for you

The best for a total-body workout

If you're looking for a comprehensive workout with your new favorite accessories, the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands may be the way to go.

For a full workout in a bag, turn to the Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Band set. I love this set because it not only comes with five bands of varying resistance — from three to 19 pounds — but also includes two handles, two ankle straps, one door anchor, a carrying bag, and an instructional book.

Key to the popularity of this set is its patented anti-snap safety design, which involves a Snap Guard inner safety cord to prevent any unfortunate mishaps. While some similar offerings have a nasty habit of snapping, sending metal or plastic pieces into your wall or, worse yet, your face, this set is designed to avoid these situations.

While each individual band doesn't have huge amounts of resistance, the stackable design of this set allows you to add or subtract resistance as needed for various muscle groups, all the way up to 96 pounds.

The set also comes with an exercise book that contains exercises designed to target biceps, triceps, chest, upper/lower back, abs/core, and legs. If you're a beginner in the world of fitness, using this guidebook can be an excellent starting point. Alternatively, if you're well-versed in your workouts, you can modify these suggestions to create a customized workout that is as safe as it is tough.

Pros: Wide range of resistance, comes with exercise book and accessories, effectively a mini-gym in a bag, extremely safe

Cons: Pricier than others

The best to travel with

The Professional Mini Exercise Bands are small yet mighty, making them ideal for taking on the road.

This resistance band set from Perform Better is intended to help with physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises, but can also be put to work on a wide range of other uses. I love that these mini bands are, as the name suggests, small and portable, which makes them super convenient to take to hotel gyms or other temporary workout locations.

Happy customers have noted that the four bands included in this set really do offer varying levels of intensity for your workout.

Thanks to these bands' relatively small size, they're especially effective for more petite users. All four of the bands are 9 inches by 2 inches and can be used around the ankles, the legs, thighs, and wrists.

Pros: Offers a great workout due to small size, lightweight, portable

Cons: Because these bands are smaller, your workout starts immediately, which may be a bit intense for some

The best for versatility

With resistance up to 120 pounds and a considerable variation in lengths and widths, the Serious Steel Resistance Bands are our favorites for diverse exercises.

Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands are sold both as individuals and as sets, which means that you can easily choose your own adventure. And for the most adventurous, you can get pretty steep resistance.

The most serious of the Serious bands clocks resistances of up to 150 pounds but don't worry, if you want something less intimidating, the brand also sells bands with resistances of just two pounds.

Thanks to this wide range, this set is particularly useful for developing strength over time or working up to exercises like pull-ups. They're also great for stretching and building overall strength. Because the finish on the Serious set is more of a powder than the classic slick rubber feel, you won't lose your grip on these bands as you work up a sweat.

These bands are made of fused latex sheets, which makes them particularly durable. That said, if you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, you'll want to stay far away from these guys. If not, however, you'll be able to enjoy the smooth stretch of these bands, and an odd but not at all upsetting vanilla-esque scent.

Pros: Wide range of resistance, length, and width; extremely durable; great for stretching and assisted strength exercises

Cons: Much more expensive than others

The best for squats

For folks working specifically on their squat form, one of the best bands on the market is the RIMSports Elite Hip Sling Resistance.

You won't be overwhelmed by optionality when it comes to the RIMSports Elite Hip Sling Resistance Band. Rather than giving you multiple bands with varying resistance levels to choose from, this singular circle hip band does a great job all on its lonesome.

In particular, the RIMSports offering is intended to help you achieve perfect form when squatting. It works well for both men and women and doesn't slip as you squat, deadlift, or lunge — all exercises that require excellent lower-body form.

On its own, the band offers relatively high resistance, and you can make adjustments as needed by spreading your legs further apart or bringing them closer together. The band comes in just two sizes — Small/Medium for folks under 150 pounds, and Medium/Large for folks who have surpassed that threshold. Regardless of which suits you best, the abductor resistance band will help you strengthen your glutes and hips, or provide a great stretch pre or post-workout.

I also appreciate the soft and durable material used in the RIMSport band, which makes it comfortable to wear around your thighs even for longer periods of time. Plus, these bands promise to be snap, stretch, and sweat resistant.

If you've been looking for a way to ensure that your knees are pointing in the same direction of your toes, or that your back remains straight while squatting, this may be the resistance band for you.

Pros: Encourages great form, straightforward to use, non-slip, comfortable material

Cons: Comparatively limited in function

• A high-quality indoor bike trainer helps you replicate the outdoor riding experience, isn't overly loud, and is made of long-lasting and durable components.
• We rounded up the following indoor bike trainers that are easy to use and set up, work with a variety of different bike styles and types, and have a track record of proven performance.
• Our top pick, the Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer, is compatible with the most popular training apps, is lightweight and affordable compared to other direct drive trainers, and is intuitive to set up and use. 

With an indoor bike trainer, I'm able to simulate what it's like to ride outdoors whenever the weather turns particularly nasty — or for when I just don't feel like throwing on my rain gear. Even if it is nice outside, it allows me to get in a quick workout before or after work, or whenever I have a few minutes to spare but not enough time for a full-on ride. 

They're also an excellent alternative to the more expensive at-home stationary bikes like those offered by NordicTrack or Peloton. While those offer a highly interactive experience, indoor bike trainers put the onus of the workout on the rider. There are no instructors motivating you along the way or any tablet-sized monitors displaying your stats. It's just you, your bike, and the trainer — and some cyclists prefer it this way. 

This method of training is nothing new as bike trainers have been around for more than a century. The first trainers were bike rollers, which consisted of three rolling cylinders (two in the back and one in the front) on which the bike would rest as you pedaled away. You can still find bike rollers today, and they're excellent for fine-tuning your balance.

What to look for in an indoor bike trainer

However, they're no longer popular as modern trainers offer a more advanced and effective approach. Though most of today's trainers simply hold the bike in place, there is some variation. Here are the types of trainers you'll come across:

• Friction trainers: Friction trainers used to be the go-to bike trainer (emphasis on used to). This type of trainer supplies fluid- or magnetic-resistance to the rear wheel via a small roller. 
• Direct drive trainers: Overtaking friction trainers were direct drive trainers. With these, you remove your back wheel and attach the rear dropout to the trainer — they require a cassette compatible with your bike, too. Direct-drive trainers offer the highest level of resistance and are often the most accurate. They also happen to cost the most. Direct-drive trainers are smart, too, which means you can connect them to a mobile device and whatever virtual riding apps you use. You can control the resistance yourself or have it adjust automatically. 
• Fluid trainers: Direct-drive trainers aren't the only smart trainers as there are also several fluid trainers with Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity. Even if you choose a non-smart trainer, you're still able to purchase accessories to make it smart. For instance, the Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 bundle provides you with valuable data when you're riding outdoors.

Our guide features trainers that are easy to use, work with a variety of bike types, and have a track record of performance. When shopping for a trainer, make sure the model you look at is compatible with your bike. If not, you may need to buy additional parts. 

Here are the best indoor bike trainers:

• Best indoor bike trainer overall: Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer
• Best high-end indoor bike trainer: Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer
• Best smart indoor bike trainer on a budget: Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer
• Best indoor bike trainer for power accuracy: Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer
• Best non-smart indoor bike trainer: CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer

Updated on 5/20/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the introduction to include what to look for when shopping for an indoor bike trainer, added more to varying styles of trainer, checked each pick for availability, and updated the prices, formatting, and links.  

The best indoor bike trainer overall

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer provides an optimal balance of performance (with and without inclines), and an attractive price.

Editor's note: The Elite Direto is currently sold out but we will update when new product becomes available and after we test new models to take its place. 

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer uses an optical torque sensor (OTS) power meter to accurately measure power within 2% of the actual output. This combined with Direto's pedal analysis options helps you optimize your training. The smart trainer can also simulate inclines up to 14%. Wireless connectivity is through Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C, and it's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.  

In our research, the only difference we could find between the Direto and the Direto 2 is that the newer version comes with a trainer block and features a slight internal upgrade for accuracy. The two are so similar that the Direto 2 sometimes gets delivered in the same box as the Direto and is simply labeled "Direto" without the "2."

Pros: Accurate, lightweight, affordable, easy to set up, great for hill climbs

Cons: Runs loud, several features are only available through in-app purchases

The best high-end indoor bike trainer

If you're willing to spend a little extra for a trainer that closely captures the feel of riding on the road, the Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer is your best bet.

The Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer features dynamic inertia, which compensates for incline, speed, and weight to provide a smooth and realistic ride feel. It's even able to simulate acceleration on descents or riding over gravel and cobblestones.

Tacx focused on creating a silent trainer that keeps you and your bike completely still while mounted — a much-needed perk for cyclists who live in apartment buildings. The trainer also closely monitors the position of each leg to achieve a more precise pedal analysis.

The NEO 2 Smart can simulate climbs up to 25% and resists sprints up to 2,200 watts. Tacx backs the quality of this product with a two-year warranty. 

Pros: Excellent performance, accurate power meter, realistic road feel, runs quietly, works with several apps, two-year warranty

Cons: No-carry handle, complaints about the pedal analysis features, connectivity issues with the Tacx app

The best smart indoor bike trainer on a budget

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer is one of the most affordable smart trainers on the market, and it's built to last.

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2 Trainer takes Kinetic by Kurt's popular 2.0 Fluid Trainer and makes it compatible with the top training apps, including Zwift, Trainer Road, and Rouvy. Fluid resistance is controlled by your speed with a max resistance of 1,400 watts at 35 mph.

The unit works with an array of bike types, including bikes with wheels as small as 16 inches, internally geared hubs, and thru-axles.

Pros: Affordable, supports ANT+, portable, lifelike road feel, sturdy build, easy to use

Cons: The app works poorly or not at all, questionable accuracy

The best accurate indoor bike trainer

The wheel-off design of the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer provides accurate power measurement, and it works well with the top apps using ANT+ and Bluetooth.

The Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Bike Trainer is designed to bring the outdoor riding experience indoors. The universal fit and wheel-off design accommodate a broad range of bike types, including 24-inch bikes, mountain bikes, and full-size road bikes.

Using Bluetooth, ANT+, and ANT+ FE-C, you're able to control it wirelessly from just about any device using the Wahoo Fitness App, Zwift, TrainerRoad, and more. The trainer adjusts to simulate a 20-degree incline and generates up to 2,200 watts of power.

The device is backed by REI's 100% satisfaction guarantee, too, meaning you get up to 90 days to return it if you're not satisfied.

Pros: Realistic road feel, pairs seamlessly with several apps, accurate power measurement, great customer service, one-year return policy

Cons: Expensive, reports of quality-control problems

The best non-smart indoor bike trainer

The CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer is an affordable option if you don't need smart connectivity but still want an indoor ride. 

Before the recent surge in smart trainers, the CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer was at the top of the heap. This heavy-duty beast features a 2-inch-round, 16-gauge steel frame made of 100% recyclable, nonrusting materials in the United States.

The trainer comes with a steel quick-release skewer, and the 2-inch resistant roller fits a wide array of road and mountain bike wheel sizes. CycleOps backs the quality of its trainer with a lifetime warranty, too. 

Pros: Affordable, heavy-duty construction, excellent customer service, lifetime warranty

Cons: No smart connectivity, not easily portable

What else we considered

When researching this guide, we considered several models of bike trainers, and there are a few we almost included. The following three barely missed the cut:

• FeedBack Sports Omnium Portable Cycle Trainer ($344.99): The Omnium is unique because you remove your front wheel, attach it to the stand, and your back wheel rests on two 4-inch magnetic drums that supply progressive resistance. This set also comes with a travel bag that fits in an airplane overhead bin.
• Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Power Bike Trainer ($500): This is a good mid-range smart trainer made of high-strength carbon steel. It works with popular training software and is compatible with aftermarket power meters. The accuracy levels are impressive but don't compare to the high-end options in our guide. Also, the adjustable incline only reaches a 12% grade, which isn't enough for those of us who like punishing climbs.
• Kinetic R1 Direct Drive Smart Trainer ($1,050): Kinetic by Kurt is one of the top names in the bike trainer industry, and the R1 is its high-end direct drive trainer. It features compatibility with popular training apps, a 20% max slope, and a 2,000-watt max resistance at 30 mph. However, it's relatively new so the verdict is still out.

• Peloton's CEO said that the company is considering offering a cheaper version of its $2,000 high-tech fitness bike. 
• CEO John Foley said that in doing so it hoped to reach more customers. "That's a big focus for us in the coming years," he said. 
• Peloton is one of the few consumer companies to have seen sales boom during the pandemic as stay-at-home restrictions keep consumers out of gyms and working out at home. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Peloton CEO John Foley said in a recent interview with Time that the company is looking to offer a cheaper version of its $2,000 bike in a bid to reach more customers. 

"We want to make our products even more affordable than they are today," Foley said, adding that its bike currently costs just over $2,000 and can be paid for in interest-free installments of $58 per month for 39 months. If two people are using the bike, for example, this works out as $29 each.  

"If we can get those monthly payments down, we can really open it up. And we want everyone in every socioeconomic class to be able to afford Peloton. That's a big focus for us in the coming years," he said. 

Foley wouldn't comment on what price of the new bike might be. He said the aim would be to get these monthly payments down to $20 per person, assuming two people are sharing the bike. Based on its current 39-month installment plan this would work out at $1,560. 

"I think if you can get to 20 bucks a month per person, you're starting to get below Planet Fitness-style, low-end gym chain affordability, and we think that that's a pretty big opportunity for Peloton," he said.

Peloton has been one of the few companies to have experienced a sales boom during the coronavirus pandemic as lockdown restrictions have kept gyms closed and forced consumers to work out at home. 

In its third-quarter results Peloton revealed that sales surged by a whopping 66% during the quarter as more people invested in its bike, treadmill, or workout app.

Moreover, its average net monthly net churn, a metric used to measure customer retention, hit its lowest rate in four years. 

"Our global Connected Fitness Subscriber base saw significant growth in the third quarter. Our growth was aided by increased demand for our products driven by the extraordinary circumstances facing our global community with the COVID-19 crisis," the company wrote in a letter to shareholders earlier this month.

"Connected Fitness Product revenue exceeded our expectations across all geographies driven by strong demand for our Bike and performance of Tread," it said. 

SEE ALSO: Peloton reports 66% increase in sales as coronavirus keeps consumers working out at home

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• A high-quality treadmill accommodates a broad range of speeds and inclines, adjusts quickly, and offers plenty of program variety to keep your workouts fresh. 
• I like the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill because it utilizes the iFit interactive trainer's library of more than 1,500 workouts, folds easily to free up space, and has excellent speakers.
• Though it's more expensive than other treadmills we've tested, the price covers full assembly, a two-year warranty on labor, and a lifetime warranty on the drive motor and frame

I live in Michigan where for seven months a year, the weather is terrible for running. In the summer, when it's supposed to be ideal, I often run as early in the day as possible to avoid heat and humidity. During its frigid winters, there's no chance of logging miles outside, no matter how bundled up I get. That's why I typically hang up my running shoes for the season come October.

Then the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 treadmill arrived at my home. Now, no matter the season or the weather, I can still go on an enjoyable run. From its near-endless supply of interactive workouts via iFit to the ability to create custom routes via Google Street View, the 2950 has so much to offer. I still find myself drawn to it when it's nice enough to run outside, too.

The treadmill also features impressive speed and incline ranges capable of adjusting in a matter of seconds, as well as a quality set of speakers. Though there are plenty of other at-home treadmills on the market, there's a lot to the 2950 that sets it apart from the competition.

Unboxing the 2950

The 2950 comes standard with a heart rate chest monitor and a 1-year iFit Coach subscription, which features live interactive training with elite personal trainers. The training programs allow you to either do workouts in a studio, or you can opt for trainers to take you on runs to beautiful spots throughout the world. After the 1-year iFit trial expires, expect a $180 per year cost for an individual plan and $396 per year for a family plan (up to 5 accounts). 

The treadmill measures 79 inches long, 39.2 inches wide, and 66.9 inches high. You can, however, fold the running surface in order to reduce its footprint to 41.9 inches long, 39.2 inches wide, and 70.7 inches high. The tread belt is 22 inches wide by 60 inches long, which offered plenty of room for my six-foot-tall frame and less-than-perfect running stride.

The arms on either side of the treadmill are roughly 15.5 inches long, and there are trays on either side of the console that easily fit my 1-liter water bottle. There's also another tray beneath the display that offers plenty of room for towels, a smartphone, or other sundries. The weight capacity is 300 pounds. 

The 2950 features a 4.25 continuous-duty horsepower (CHP) DurX Commercial Plus Motor, which is designed to reduce noise and avoid overheating. It also adjusts for declines of up to 3% and inclines up to 15%, and features a top speed of up to 12 miles per hour.

The frame and drive motor are each backed by lifetime warranties, while its parts carry a 5-year warranty and assembly labor a two-year warranty.

Setting it up

The 2950 comes in a box that weighs well over 300 pounds, meaning this isn't exactly an easy DIY project. Mine came delivered by three men who carried the box up my double L-shaped staircase before assembling the treadmill in a little over an hour. They also hauled all the packaging away. Though Amazon includes delivery and assembly in the price, those guarantees are likely not offered currently as social distancing is recommended to everyone. 

From there, I connected the unit to the internet, which turned out to be an easy process. Next, I spent 20 minutes updating the software to the latest firmware; registration took another 15. But within an hour of the delivery crew finishing the assembly, I was hiking through a digital version of the Swiss Alps. 

A highly versatile treadmill

The treadmill sits in my office, which isn't the most spacious area of my home. Fortunately, the hydraulic system makes folding the treadmill so effortless, I'm able to do it with just one hand. This frees up plenty of room and avoids turning my office into being only a treadmill room. 

In the three months I've used the NordicTrack Commercial 2950, I've logged more than 175 miles of running. One of its highlights is its versatility of workouts. Not only are you able to choose a workout video where you run with an instructor but it also lets you create custom courses via Google Street View.

I've even been able to use this as a way to get familiar with a new town I might travel to for work. I also appreciate that the incline adjusts to accurately match the topography where I'm running. If I choose a route in San Francisco, I can expect the treadmill to work overtime in simulating that city's hills. 

I usually listen to audiobooks while running, and I like that my phone connects to the treadmill seamlessly over Bluetooth. And, the speakers are loud enough to be heard over the fan and the thudding of my feet. When I choose to tune into the trainer, I appreciate how positive they always are. They do a good job of pushing me to keep going. 

Running the (digital) Boston Marathon

My favorite workout program is the Boston Marathon Series with Ashley Paulson. This consists of five videos that take you through the entire Boston Marathon course at a pace of about 10 minutes per mile. Ashley tells you a bit about the race as you go, chats with fellow runners, and helps keep a positive vibe along the way. 

Since I'm just a run-for-fun runner, I invited my friend, Ted Westbrook, a competitive distance runner, to give the treadmill a go for himself. He admitted it was among the best he's used.

One aspect that particularly impressed him was how quickly the speed adjusts. After starting at a pace of 7 mph, he upped it to 12 mph and the treadmill adjusted to the new speed in under 8 seconds. As a frequent Boston Marathon finisher, Ted appreciated the machine's ability to adjust the incline to match the course — a feature that would be a useful training tool since the marathon starts with several declines.

Sweat it out

I sweat — a lot. I'm usually pouring sweat within the first mile of a run and since I typically run roughly four miles each workout, this leaves the machine covered in perspiration. I do make a point of wiping it down after each run, but some areas are hard to get dry, such as the tray under the console. The vertical uprights even appear to have permanent streak marks from my sweat.

The user manual does recommend regularly cleaning it with a damp cloth and some mild soap, which has helped a bit. If you sweat as much as I do, you may want to consider giving it a wipe down after each use. 

Minor drawbacks

Though the treadmill's 22-inch touchscreen display is a nice feature, the fact it's unable to function as a computer monitor to stream media is unfortunate. I sometimes enjoy getting a few steps in while catching up on TV shows or watching a sporting event and was only able to do this by using my laptop and positioning it just right on the unit. Being able to do this on the screen provided would be much more convenient.  

Another drawback was how the treadmill seemed to rock a bit after it was first assembled. This could've been due to the uneven hardwood floors of my old house but to fix it, I placed a Square36 Exercise Mat under it. This not only stopped the rocking but also protected my floors from the treadmill — and my buckets of sweat.

The bottom line

If you can afford the $3,000 price tag, I highly recommend considering the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill. It offers an enjoyable and convenient way to boost your cardio health when the weather outside is poor. If you're like me, you might even prefer to still run on it when it's nice. It's that good. 

What model should you get?

The 2450: This model currently costs $2,299 via NordicTrack but expert assembly costs an additional $112.97. It has less power than the 2950 with its 4-CHP motor, as well as a smaller screen (14 inches as opposed to 22 inches). Other than that, all its major specs are virtually identical: It has the same size track, along with the same speed and incline options. It also comes with a one-year iFit membership.

The 1750: The next step down is the 1750, which runs for $1,799 right now through NordicTrack and includes free expert assembly, making it the cheapest option of the three. The major differences from the 2950 are its weaker (but still quite powerful) 3.75-CHP motor, its smaller 10-inch touchscreen, and the fact it only inclines to 12 percent. All other major specs are the same.

• Should you buy it? If you have the money, then yes. With a sizable track, strong motor, large touchscreen display, and impressive workout programs, the NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is a versatile and full-featured at-home treadmill. This is a particularly good investment for your health if you live in an area where the weather makes it difficult to routinely exercise outside or suitable gyms are inconvenient and expensive.
• What are your alternatives? If none of the NordicTrack Commercial treadmills appeal to you, we encourage you to check out our guide to the best treadmills. Perhaps you're on a budget and want to consider the Horizon Fitness treadmill that only costs $600, or maybe you prefer a race-specific model like ProForm Pro's 2000. 

Pros: Comes with a chest heart rate monitor and a one-year iFit membership, adjusts to speeds up to 12 mph quickly, features an incline range of -3 to 15%, comes with a lifetime warranty on frame and motor, free expert assembly

Cons: Screen is limited to workout functions and programs and can't stream personal media, requires frequent cleaning if you sweat a lot

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• Retro Fitness CEO Andrew Alfano is calling upon state officials to reopen his company's 140 low-cost gym locations, stating that opponents of doing so are "completely wrong."
• According to a recent poll conducted by The Washington Post and the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement, 78% of Americans do not support reopening gyms in their respective states. 
• "This is not a bum rush," Alfano told Business Insider. "I believe very strongly that gyms are actually in a far better position to provide health and safety than restaurants, bars, and retail that are being allowed to open in front of them."
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When Florida lifted lockdown restrictions on Tuesday, Retro Fitness — a no-frills, low-cost fitness franchise that currently operates 140 gyms nationwide  — was among the first spate of businesses to reopen to the public.

Now, Retro Fitness CEO Andrew Alfano is calling upon state leaders to permit his gyms to be "immediately opened," claiming it's in the best interest of the general public to return to fitness centers despite concern from experts about their inability to prevent infection. 

"[Florida Governor] Ron DeSantis really said it best: If you're in good shape, while it won't prevent you from getting the coronavirus, it'll certainly help you get through the coronavirus," Alfano said. "If not now, when?"

Alfano's stance flies in the face of public opinion polls that show Americans are largely in favor of keeping gyms shuttered to prevent against the spread of the coronavirus. According to a survey conducted by The Washington Post and the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement earlier this month, a whopping 78% of respondents do not support reopening gyms in their respective states. 

Regardless, Alfano said opponents of reopening fitness centers are "completely wrong" and remains adamant that all of Retro's no-frills, low-cost gyms resume business, even as the divisive debate continues.

"While it's not necessarily the antidote, getting gyms back open is certainly is one of the things that will help society in general," he said. "We want to help the healthy stay healthy. We want to help those that are less healthy get more healthy and the unhealthy just get better. It's really the purpose of what we do, every single day in health and wellness."

'This is not a bum rush'

In addition to Florida, Retro Fitness has also resumed business in Utah, where state officials similarly relaxed stay-at-home policies and restrictions earlier this month. According to Alfano, both the Florida and Utah gyms underwent extensive deep cleans, employees were trained in sanitization policies, and facilities and staffers went through a "recertification" process.

The gyms have also added touchless sign-in and each gun is adhering to state and local laws pertaining to limiting capacity, including reducing group fitness class sizes, he said. 

"This is not a bum rush. I believe very strongly that gyms are actually in a far better position to provide health and safety than restaurants, bars, and retail that are being allowed to open in front of them," he said. "When was the last time you pumped gas and sanitized the gas pump that you just used? The answer is never. But at the gym, if you use the cardio machine, the very first thing that you do is you wipe it down and sanitize it."

Still, protocols around members wiping equipment are rarely enforced or codified, and experts have said gyms may pose a particular danger due to shared machinery and the difficulty of maintaining proper social distancing. 

"Gyms are by definition a tricky place to do appropriate social distancing because it's very hard to space out the equipment appropriately and it's also very hard to wear a mask when you work out," Marybeth Sexton, an infectious disease expert and assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, told Today.com. "You're almost inevitably going to be in a place that's relatively enclosed with other people and you don't know their exposures or their symptoms." 

Dr. Saskia Popescu, an infection prevention epidemiologist and biodefense researcher, echoed Sexton's sentiments in an interview with Vox's Alex Abad-Santos, noting that gyms can be especially dangerous due to shared equipment and the high number of communal spaces and surfaces.

"Gyms can be difficult places to maintain social distancing, and the volume of high-touch surfaces and objects makes them uniquely challenging for infection prevention efforts,"  Popescu said. "Moreover, in those environments where social distancing is difficult, the CDC has recommended masks, which you can't really do when working out."

The great phase one debate

Alfano said he was "very pleased" with the Trump Administration for including gyms in the first phase of the Opening Up America plan,despite caution from experts that said it's undermined by lack of availability of virus tests and outcry that the fitness industry dubiously lobbied itself into the first wave. 

According to CNN, several individuals with strong financial ties to the decision, including Life Time Fitness CEO Bahram Akradi and Equinox and SoulCycle owner Stephen Ross, helped sway the president to include gyms in the first phase. Later reports found that leaders at chains like Crunch Fitness gave money to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association to lobby to be included in phase one. 

Still, the power to reopen gyms remains in the hands of state leaders, who continue to hold the reigns over business operations in their respective states. While Alfano praised the reopening efforts of the governors of Texas and Florida specifically, state-level policies remain murky and fast-moving. In Ohio, for example, judges ruled on Wednesday that the state can not penalize gyms and fitness centers for opening before stay-at-home orders expire on May 26. 

"I feel very, very strongly [gyms] should be in phase one," Alfano said. "Obviously, the federal government agreed with us, and state by state that has changed, which is a little disappointing, but it's something that we're trying to influence and doing it the right way."

Looking to the future, Alfano said he has been personally lobbying state officials in both New York and New Jersey, adding that preventing gyms from reopening will contribute to a "self-imposed financial crisis."

"There's a big difference between what is a health care crisis and what is a financial crisis," he said. "Right now we are certainly, there's is no question, in the midst of a health care crisis, but if we don't get these small businesses open and if we don't get people healthy, we will in fact have a self-imposed financial crisis."

SEE ALSO: Texas is reopening retail stores and restaurants on Friday despite rising coronavirus death tolls in the state — here's a closer look at how the Lone Star State is preparing to reopen its economy

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• Peloton has seen sales surge in recent months as more people that are confined to their homes during the lockdown invest in at-home workout products. 
• In the quarter that ended March 31, Peloton had a total of 866,100 connected fitness subscribers – customers that have bought either the bike or the treadmill, which marked a 94% increase from this time last year.
• With more people joining the community, we decided to chat with some of Peloton's biggest fans and longtime users about what classes they recommend. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Fitness enthusiasts around the world have been switching to at-home workout options in droves as lockdown restrictions keep them at home and out of the gym. 

Peloton, one of the leading players in the high-tech at-home fitness category, has been one of the main beneficiaries of this, seeing its sales surge by 66% in the quarter ending March 31 as shoppers invested in its bike, treadmill, and workout app.

The company said that it ended the quarter with over 866,100 connected fitness subscribers – the customers that have bought either the bike or the treadmill, which marked a 94% increase from this time last year; Subscribers of its app were also up 64% by the end of the quarter versus this time last year. 

With this in mind, and with so many new members on board, we decided to chat with some of Peloton's biggest fans and longtime users of its equipment about what their favorite classes on the platform are. So, if you're new to the Peloton community you'll know what class to test out first. 

Here's what they said (the majority of the classes that were recommended were for use on the Peloton bike):

SEE ALSO: Peloton superfans say the $2,000 bike changed their lives and helped them to quit therapy

The way to warm-up

Peloton member Jessica Hebert, who is taken more than 890 Peloton classes in total since joining at the end of 2018, recommends that users take the 5-minute warm-up with Emma Lovewell.

This class, from September 10, 2019 "will set you up for a successful ride," she told Business Insider.

She described it as "short but sweet...where the goal is just to get you moving at a quick cadence before taking on the next phase."

Classes to improve your mental health

Part of Peloton's appeal, according to its members, is that its classes don't only have an impact on physical health but also your mental health. 

Superuser Amanda Segal previously told Business Insider that she had quit seeing her therapist since she got a Peloton bike because it's had such a positive impact on her mental health.

"I was getting whatever I need through my bike, through the instructors, through the support. I am not a religious person, but they give you that sense of being a believer," she said.

Member Rachel Cone, who is approaching her 3,300th ride, said she recommends the Tabata and Power Zone classes with Matt Wilpers, Olivia Amato, Robin Arzón, and Ally Love. 

"After a year of mixing Tabata and Power Zone rides into my routine, it has made me mentally stronger," she told Business Insider. While she has days where she wants "to zone out and have fun," she said, these classes "force you to see what you are made of mentally and physically."

Read more:Peloton superfans say the $2,000 bike changed their lives and helped them to quit therapy

High-energy workouts

John Mills and his wife have two Peloton bikes and a Peloton tread between them.

Mills has taken more than 1,100 Peloton classes since 2016 and counts Alex Toussaint's 45 min "Club Bangers Ride," a bike class that takes place every Saturday and Jess Sims' 30 min "Fun Runs" on the treadmill as some of this favorite classes for a high-energy workout. 

Meanwhile, Hebert recommends a 30-minute Lizzo ride with Robin Arzón on the bike. This specific class is from August 2, 2019, she said. 

"This is one of the most popular rides on Peloton for good reason: mix super high energy vice president of fitness programming Robin with the powerful positive vibes of Lizzo and it's a recipe for success.

"It's good for your heart and soul, though maybe not for your neighbors' ears if you get motivated to sing along," she told Business Insider. 

Classes for hip-hop lovers

As a long-time hip-hop fan, Mills recommended Arzón's 30-minute "Hip Hop Ride" every Tuesday for others looking for the same. 

"Robin has an amazing knack for creating playlists that align well with my memories as a long time Hip Hop fan. She's also one of the most motivational instructors Peloton has, something that I find of extreme benefit to my workout," he told Business Insider.

Classes that are all about a sense of community

Segal has been a Peloton member since April 2018 but didn't truly get hooked on the bike until January 2019; since then, she's done more than 575 rides, she said. 

She recommended Ally Love's 'Sundays with Love' rides. "They are 30 minutes long and can be found on demand under theme rides," she told Business Insider. 

These rides "bring together the community; everyone gets excited about them and it shows a common interest with fellow riders.

"Ally's 'Sundays with Love' hit the soul like nothing I have ever experienced before. We cry together, push ourselves, and feel a spiritual connection that one doesn't have to be religious to feel. Our bikes, the community is our place of worship!" she added. 

Kristina Howard, another Peloton superfan who has completed over 1,800 classes, said her favorite class is the 'All for One' Peloton treadmill class from July 4, 2019, which features all of the instructors.

"It was motivating to see all the Tread instructors together and listen to them share personal stories about their favorite memories about celebrating America's independence.

"What struck me the most about that run was how genuine the instructors' affection was for one another. It was very apparent that they are truly a family on and off the Tread," she said.

The class to take if you want to build up your endurance levels

Peloton has a ton of endurance classes but Hebert narrowed her favorite down to one – Matt Wilpers' 60-minute 'Power Zone Endurance Ride' from March 7, 2020.

"The Power Zone training program is wonderful – getting you to build power, speed, and endurance by technique and carefully working to your own fitness level. This class was just a lot of fun, from the music to the commentary from Matt!" she said. 

Howard agreed. "These rides are about so much more than the physical workout. It's about the PowerZone community coming together once a week to put the stresses of life behind and ride together.

"Matt teaches members about technique, pedal stroke, as well as the importance of training smart and proper nutrition," she said. 

The best sing-a-long classes

Peloton bike user Peter Shankman pulled together a selection of the best sing-along rides to do on the bike. 

"Great music is responsible for every single personal record I've ever earned [on the bike]," he said in an email to Business Insider. 

Shankman recommended Jenn Sherman's 'Epic Sing-Along Ride' from May 13, 2018; Christine D'Ercole's 60-minute 80s ride from May 18, 2018; Denis Morton's 45-minute 80s Ride from April 15, 2019; and Jess King's 30-minute 'Broadway Ride' from September 13, 2019.

The best cool-down classes

Mills swears by Chase Tucker's 10 min 'Post-Run Stretch' from January 14, 2020. "I literally take this stretch after every run or ride," he said. 

Meanwhile, Hebert recommends a restorative yoga class with instructor Anna Greenberg or a foam rolling stretch class with Hannah Marie.