As a general rule, neck training is safe, but some methods are more risk-free and effective than others. Performing a deadlift while flexing and stretching your lumbar spine is similar to exercising your neck because both require flexion and extension of the cervical spine.

You can only maximize the use of neck workout machines if you know how to operate them. Otherwise, using neck workout machines can harm your neck.

It is important to understand and know the signs of weak neck muscles. One of the many signs of weak neck muscle is frequent neck pain and discomfort.

According to the Association of American Neurological Surgeons, neck pain and discomfort are defined by neck ache that radiates to one or both arms.

Neck discomfort can be caused by any neck’s tissues, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles. Intervertebral discs separate the cervical spine’s seven vertebrae (C1-C7), the section of the spinal column that runs along the top of the neck.

These discs absorb shock, allowing the spine to move freely.

Is a Neck Workout Machine For Me?

What Causes Weak Neck Muscles?

The most prevalent cause of a weak neck is poor posture. Due to our increased reliance on electronic devices, most of us now have terrible posture.

Because we spend so much time staring at our computers or cellphones, our neck and chest muscles atrophy, resulting in a slumped-over posture, this posture can result in an abnormally forward head posture dubbed tech neck.

Neck injuries may also be a factor. Whiplash and other neck traumas, such as being involved in an auto accident, can induce atrophy of the neck muscles.

While your spine has recovered, the surrounding muscles have shrunk. What transpired? Your neck and upper back are always heavy, as is the pain in your neck and upper back.

Like every other muscle in your body, you can strengthen your neck muscles. Neck strength exercises are the only way to strengthen your neck like you would any other muscle in your body.

Best Neck Workout Machines

BSN Sports Plateload Neck Machine	#1 Recommendation – Iron Neck	TDS 4-Way Neck Machine
The BSN Sports Plateload Neck Machine is perfect for garage gym owners who want to include neck strengthening routines to their workouts.	The Iron Neck is by far our most favorite in terms of price point and functionality. It allows for easy home use and storage at an affordable price for those who want to exercise and strengthen their neck.	The  TDS 4-Way Neck Machine provides a smoother, less shaky action when working out your neck, providing an overall stable neck strengthening and resistance training workout.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking Care Of Your Neck Muscles?

The human neck is the weakest link in the body’s musculoskeletal system. Don’t make the same mistake as other people who don’t grasp the value of neck training until they become injured.

Strengthening the muscles in your neck improves your neck and the remainder of your upper back. You might be wondering how you can make your neck stronger and the benefits of doing so. Your general well-being will be enhanced as a result. In this manner:

Helps With Balance And Posture

The muscles in your neck weakened because of bad posture can be built up by strengthening your neck. When you have neck weakness, it usually affects your shoulder blades.

Your shoulders begin to hunch as the weight of your head pulls down on your neck. A sturdy neck more easily supports the weight of your head. It is no longer dragged down, and the rounded shape of the shoulder blades is no longer evident.

That’s not all, either. People who sit at a desk all day or drive a long distance may develop a slouching posture. Maintaining proper posture while sitting for lengthy periods is easier by strengthening the neck.

Cures And Prevents Neck Pain.

Pain and weakness in the neck are often linked. It is therefore critical that you strengthen your neck to combat neck pain. Although various things can cause neck discomfort, it is most often caused by a physical problem.

It’s not always your neck muscles causing the problem. It is an issue with the cervical spine. You could blame osteoarthritis, a slipped disk, or another type of bone disease.

The good news is that neck exercises can still help alleviate pain in these circumstances. When combined with medicine and other therapies, physical therapy is beneficial.

Physical therapists can alleviate patients’ pain with pinched nerves in the cervical spine by implementing neck strengthening exercises.

Reduces The Permanence Of Neck Injury Damage

Strengthening your neck can help you avoid serious neck injuries, relieve pain, and improve mobility. Due to their weaker necks, women are more likely to suffer concussions from neck injuries.

Neck strengthening is essential if you wish to reduce your risk of suffering a concussion from a neck injury. The risk of a concussion from neck trauma decreases by 5% for every one pound gain in neck strength.

What Are The Muscles In Your Neck?

Trapezius

The trapezius is the most well-known and frequently exercised among the neck muscles. Three places of insertion: top (lateral clavicle), middle (spinal scapula), and lower (root spine of scapula), are all points of origin for the trapezius, which has a distinct but connected muscle function at all three points.

The scapula is elevated and rotated upward by the upper trapezius, while the scapula is retracted and depressed by the middle and lower trapezius, respectively.

Scalenes

Like those of the trapezius, the anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the scalenes are responsible primarily for the lateral bending of the cervical spine and serve as a respiratory muscle.

The scalenus anterior is located on the inner border of the first rib and attached to the transverse process anterior tubercles and aids in raising that rib during inspiration.

In the first rib, the scalenus medius inserts into the transverse process of the atlas and the posterior tubercles of those same transverse processes. As a result, it aids in raising the first rib, along with side-to-side flexion and rotation of the cervical vertebra.

Also contributing to cervical spine inspiration and lateral flexion is a muscle called the scalenus posterior, which arises from the transverse processes of the lower cervical vertebrae and inserts into the first rib’s outer side.

Splenius Muscles

There are two muscles in the splenius group: the capitis and cervix splenius. The splenius capitis inserts between the superior and inferior nuchal lines in the first three thoracic vertebrae.

Spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae 3 and 4 and the transverse process of the middle cervical spine are the sources of the splenius cervicis. The muscles work together rather than separately to rotate them to the side of the contraction to extend the head and neck.

Levator Scapulae

The levator scapulae originate in the cervical spine’s transverse processes and insert into the superior angle of the scapula, near the scapula’s spine. Its principal role is to elevate the scapula when the neck is stabilized, and it also assists with neck rotation when the scapula is stable.

Sternocleidomastoid

Anterior to the manubrium sterni, the sternal head rises almost vertically. In contrast, the clavicular head rises almost posterolaterally from the superior surface of the medial third of the clavicle, making up the sternocleidomastoid.

The mastoid process of the skull’s temporal bone is attached to both heads. When the sternocleidomastoid muscle acts alone, it moves the head to the other side and raises the head above the level of the shoulders.

The muscles in the neck and head work together to flex the head and bring it forward.

What To Do During Neck Training?

Doing neck training with equipment aside from workout machines is also a good option. Neck discomfort affects the majority of people at some point in their lives.

Overuse or mistreatment of muscles and ligaments is the most typical cause. In today’s computer-dominated workplace, long periods of sitting with our shoulders hunched and our heads stretched toward monitors can put a strain on our necks.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, Chronic neck discomfort has been the subject of extensive research. Chiropractic manipulation and electrical nerve stimulation are among the treatments you may use in conjunction with other therapies.

The quality of the research has been unequal, and the results have been variable. Despite this, more and more research shows that neck-strengthening workouts can help break chronic cycles of neck discomfort.

Neck Exercises

Neck exercises are a good substitute for neck workout machines, especially for those hesitant to do strength training for their neck. These low-risk and no equipment workouts rely on body movements and form.

Neck Up

Both novices and veterans can do this neck exercise. If you don’t have access to a bench or any other place where you can rest your head, this is a simple version of the neck workout. You’ll be doing a lot of “sit-ups for the neck” exercises during this session.

Your head is suspended off the end of a bench in this posture, with only your shoulders and the back of your neck in contact with it.

When you let your head drag you down, you will begin to see the surroundings inverted. Simply bring your chin to your chest until it touches or you reach a point where you cannot go any farther, then return to the ground and repeat.

You should solely use your neck to keep your back flat.

Neck Bridges

Neck bridges, sometimes referred to as Wrestler’s bridges are extremely popular among professional wrestlers for a reason. Although many fighters, from boxers to MMA participants, use neck bridges, wrestlers popularized the strategy of showcasing a huge, powerful neck.

Additionally, they invented the neck bridge, the most strenuous neck workout ever developed. The neck bridge is the ideal neck workout since it addresses every component of your neck, including its beauty, functionality, and endurance.

You can do as much or as little as you like with neck bridges. Select one of the three options below and adjust it to your desired endurance level.

• One possibility is to impose a time constraint and complete a few rounds. To maximize the effectiveness of your neck bridges, perform them three times in a row for five minutes each. Tyson’s Neck Bridge workout appeared to be as follows.
• Attempting to fail a single time, as well as multiple times, is also an option.
• The typical bodybuilding set and rep strategy is another option. Perform five sets of several repetitions that are comfortable for you. For instance, throughout five sets, do 50 back-and-forth motions.

If your neck is sufficiently strong, this is the ideal workout for it. To begin, perform the neck-up exercise first, followed by this exercise.

Neck Workout Machines

You don’t need much equipment to train your neck, and you also don’t need much equipment to build a gorgeous body. While pushups are excellent for developing chest strength, bench presses can be equally useful. This rule also applies to the neck.

Find the best neck strengthening equipment for you and learn about neck exercises with the aid of equipment.

There is a vast variety of equipment available, some of which is well-known and fairly priced, while others you may have never heard of but could benefit from.

Neck Harness With Weights

Floyd Mayweather, Anthony Joshua, and a few other fighters routinely use this neck training equipment. Although some people prefer bodyweight neck training, many fitness enthusiasts had incredible success with this method.

All you need to get started is a low-cost neck collar and a weight of your choice. For the majority of people, a standard Olympic-style weight plate will suffice.

Place it over your head and immediately begin working.

Neck Flex and Neck Machines

The neck harness, known as neck flex, is a tool you can use in conjunction with the neck extension. This equipment is an easy-to-understand concept. This neck harness has resistance band attachments on either side, allowing for total neck workouts on all four sides.

Plate Load Neck Machine

Certain gyms around the country are home to a supernatural creature capable of assisting you in achieving your neck-fitness goals. It is called the Plate Load Neck Machine.

Gyms are equipped with every piece of equipment possible for the chest, shoulders, legs, and even the calves, but they rarely have a machine for the neck, even though the technology is readily available.

Iron Neck Machine

The Iron Neck is a great way to strengthen the neck muscles. It’s like wearing a ‘halo,’ but with straps or bands around your head and chin. A pump is included with the Iron Neck, allowing you to fine-tune the device’s fit on your head.

This neck trainer is a great way to strengthen your neck muscles in a less complicated way than any other neck workout equipment you need to operate, such as those with mechanical and technical operating aspects.

The Iron Neck is convenient, easy to use, and user-friendly, whether you are a fitness enthusiast or a beginner in neck training.

If something is neglected, it does not necessarily mean that it is not useful. On the contrary, we often commit the mistake of ignoring very important things.

Without a doubt, neck strengthening is one of the most neglected muscle groups trained by athletes. It may not be due to negligence but because it is primarily unknown to most people.

Neck strengthening can be achieved with different devices for working out. And this article will show you ten reasons why you should consider using one on your next workout day.

This article will provide you with the information you need about neck strength, its importance, various strengthening devices, and their benefits.

Why a Neck Strengthening Device?

When working out, it is best to plot which muscle group you want to focus on and what exercises would benefit them.

Neck strength is another important muscle group to train. You also have a lot of exercises and devices to try out for this.

The neck muscles may not be directly involved in lifting weights or doing core exercises. Still, failure to adequately strengthen your neck can lead to intense concussions and interfere with daily activities like sitting or working.

Also, you should be aware that the neck pain you might be experiencing every now and then is due to poor neck strength!

More than 70% of Americans are reported to have neck pain, and 10% have claimed to struggle in doing their daily tasks because of this.

Top Neck Strengthening Devices

DMoose Neck Harness	#1 Reommendation – Iron Neck Pro	Hawk Sports Neck Harness
The DMoose Neck Harness was chosen as one of our favorites because it’s used by many gym goers and a reliable neck training device.	We really like the Iron Neck Pro as the top Neck Trainer out there currently on the market as nothing comes close to the level of design and ability to focus on working out all parts of your neck.	The Hawk Sports Neck Harness is made for those who are serious about their strength and resistance routines and is very adjustable.

Neck Strength and Good Posture: Are They Related?

Back and neck discomfort are frequently caused by poor posture. Slouching for a long time strains your spine, back muscles, and even your internal organs!

Fortunately, poor posture is pretty easy to manage. Poor posture may be corrected by becoming aware of it and making an effort to sit, stand, walk, and sleep with excellent posture.

Basically, the objective is to make maintaining proper posture a habit.

Good posture is synonymous with a neutral spine. When you are in your best posture, the spine and neck muscles are in a perfect balance where it supports your body efficiently.

But why is the neck such a vital part? Your neck is a mobile system consisting of a joint, muscle groups, and numerous vital vessels.

When paired with poor muscle strength, poor posture can lead to all sorts of problems.

When the muscles in the neck and upper back weaken, the head sags forward, putting more pressure on the cervical spine, leading to different levels of neck discomfort.

Your neck muscles can be strengthened to improve posture and bring the head closer to a neutral position where your ears are aligned to your shoulders.

Concussions and Neck Strength

In the athletic world, concussions are injuries often encountered. The problem with concussions is that it greatly varies in intensity.

Some problems that can occur may be insignificant. However, others can be life-threatening.

When the head and brain are injured, it leads to cerebral and musculoskeletal problems.

The danger of harm after a concussion is quite severe because it leads to brain injury and could compromise the supporting structures of the neck and the nervous system.

Concussions mainly depend on your neck’s ability to resist and dissipate intense forces from slips or falls.

When an athlete is injured due to slips or accidents, it is with the hopes that they have maximum resistance to severe complications.

So, this needed strength so that you are spared from obtaining very debilitating concussions.

If you are curious about the nitty-gritty details on neck strength, you can check out this article here.

From all these, we can conclude that neck strengthening is a crucial task for every individual!

Neck strengthening can range from simple neck stretching exercises to using all sorts of neck strengthening devices.

What Is a Neck Strengthening Device?

As we explored the importance of neck strengthening, we can now look into devices that can help you improve this strength.

Neck strengthening devices are simple contraptions that aim to help develop your neck muscles through a repetitive exercise done with them.

Because of the growing attention to the need for developing neck strength, there are now many companies that offer all sorts of neck strengthening devices.

So, here are some of the common neck strengthening devices that you might want to consider investing in for your holistic workout routine:

Neck Harness

An effective yet simple tool is the neck harness. This looks like a hat with several straps attaching to your head and holding onto free weights.

Using the harness will not require you too much! All you need to do is attach the weights and perform three sets of up to 12 reps.

The basic movements in neck harness exercises include starting at a squat, hands on your knees, and bending your head down until your face is parallel to the floor. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat!

Neck Extension Machine

This one is a more complicated device than the harness. A neck extension machine has a seat, head pad, and handles.

Adjust the machine to your head so that your head is aligned with the head pad. Fortunately, the complexity of the neck extension machine offers more variety of exercises like side, forward, or backward movements.

Free Weights

Yes, this is similar to the free weights you have in gyms or at home!

Neck muscles can be effectively trained with the correct exercises with the appropriate weight. Free weights offer you a lot of different exercises.

Iron Neck?

If you want to see a neck strengthening equipment that is more on the high-tech side, the iron neck is for you.

The Iron Neck is a professional-grade neck strengthening device that improves your posture and eliminates neck and back pain.

With its design, the Iron Neck is perfect for both home fitness use of seasoned athletes and even beginner workout enthusiasts.

Also, this device is perfect for giving you the strength training you need to prevent severe injuries from concussion accidents. The Iron Neck can even help with rehabilitation exercises for those recovering from neck injuries.

This product offers some advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to consider these things. The device is carefully constructed to utilize AirFit Technology, has a wide range of rehabilitation and strength training uses, and has interchangeable parts like its front pads. However, note that this device can get expensive!

These sure are a lot of neck strengthening devices, and you can definitely learn more about them in this article!

Benefits of a Neck Strengthening Device

So, knowing that there are different neck strengthening devices that you can choose from, it would be a wise decision to know what benefits it can give you before buying one. Besides, devices like the Iron Neck can get pricey.

Knowing the benefits of the product is best to help you decide! Here are ten benefits of getting a neck strengthening device that would help you decide:

1. Reduced Back Pain

Often, we need to sit down or stand up for a long time. Unfortunately, this puts too much stress on the lower back.

Too much back pain can be due to increased pressure on your spine, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and muscles. And this leads to a very uncomfortable experience that can interfere with your daily life.

Do not forget that your neck is also part of this system! By improving your neck strength with different devices, you can achieve better posture, reducing back pain.

2. Less Headaches

Poor posture will also put too much pressure on your neck, which in turn, can be the cause of your constant headache.

Neck strengthening devices can help release the build-up of pressure on the back of your neck. So, expect to eliminate those unwanted headaches with constant neck strengthening.

3. Less Tension in the Shoulders and Neck Region

The upper back, shoulder, and neck are all strained when your posture is incorrect. With neck strengthening devices, you benefit from fixing your posture and reducing shoulder and neck tension.

4. Boosts Your Energy Level Throughout the Day

Neck strengthening devices will help your joint and muscles have the ideal alignment in the long run.

This ideal alignment gives your body the chance to be less easily tired. And, you will have more energy for the day because your muscles are not working harder than they are supposed to!

5. Better Circulation

Neck strengthening does not only affect the muscles on your neck, but it also provides a better position for efficient blood flow of vessels in the neck.

6. Helps Streamline Your Neck Strengthening Routine

Doing your neck routine can be pretty tricky if you are not used to free weights. Having a trusted neck strengthening device for you will help streamline your routine!

You will have less difficulty in trying to secure the needed weights in place. Plus, you will be more confident because the device can help you do the correct form that would not strain your muscles.

7. Reduces Your Temporomandibular (Tmj) Pain

With the correct neck strengthening exercise, your jaw and jaw muscles will also be free from unnecessary tension and pressure.

If you suffer from pain with your temporomandibular joint when you eat, talk, or yawn, neck strengthening exercises with the devices like the iron neck would be a lifesaver.

8. Minimizes Neck Injuries

If you love playing sports, you know that accidents happen from time to time. Unfortunately, there is always uncertainty about whether your next accident will be life-threatening.

With adequate exercises, the neck strengthening device will help you minimize injuries, especially from contact sports.

Training your neck muscles and improving your posture will provide a viable layer of protection for your next games! A stronger neck will act as a shock absorber that will disperse the impact so that it decelerates its force.

9. Can Help Maintain Your Neck’s Stability

Sometimes, you might notice your neck slouching forward, especially when sitting down for too long. This is also very common when you are too indulged in reading on your mobile devices for long periods.

Training your neck with neck strengthening devices will help stabilize your neck at the correct posture and avoid complications.

10. Help You Recover From Previous Neck Injuries

The benefits of neck strengthening devices are not limited to training the strength of your muscles. This is also a rehabilitative tool for individuals with existing injuries.

The correctly administered workout plan with a neck strengthening device will help you recover from a neck injury.

The device can help rehabilitation patients by easing neck pressure, helping improve the blood flow to the area, and keeping your neck in a stable position.

Getting Started

It is not easy to start incorporating neck training exercises into your routine, especially if this is a fairly unfamiliar exercise for you.

Try to utilize the help of a friend or a trainer so that you are guided on what needs to be done, the frequency of the exercises, and the kind of device to use.

Remember that there are individual differences. Therefore, the weight on your neck strengthening device would not be necessarily similar to those of other people who use the same device.

Furthermore, try to set your goal for every exercise that you do. For instance, you can use neck strengthening exercises as a way to achieve good posture. Good posture will come easily with awareness and practice, and you will feel and look better.

Also, some athletes and professionals use neck strengthening to recover from various severity of injuries.

If back or neck discomfort continues, consult a doctor to ensure the pain is not caused by a medical problem or injury rather than poor neck strength.

Final Thoughts

Neck strengthening devices are valuable and handy workout items that would significantly boost your ability to strengthen your neck and achieve all the health benefits.

Now that you are equipped with all the information you need about neck strengthening, the device, and its benefits, you are now ready to have your journey with this exercise routine!

If you are like many avid exercisers, gym-goers, fitness gurus, and the like, you struggle to find a pre-workout that gives you the power boost you want to excel through your workouts and training and without unwanted side effects.

This, in turn, can you leave you frustrated and not wanting to waste any more money on another pre-workout product only to have it fall short and you short of meeting your goals.

Or perhaps you are just simply new to workouts and are unsure what to look for in a good pre-workout product for the best results.

In either case, the best way to find a pre-workout that actually works and specifically for you is to, first, understand what to look for in a pre-workout product, as well as how these types of products differ, which will help you find one that is designed with ingredients to help meet your needs.

Hence, we’ve compiled a short list of key factors that make a pre-workout product effective.

Crazy Nutrition INTENSIVE Pre-Train: Worth The Buy?

What to Consider Before Buying a Pre-Workout

The overall point of pre-workouts is to boost your energy and concentration for more focused training that yields the best results. Hence, they are for anyone looking to improve their performance during their workouts.

Though each product varies in its level of benefits, some key things to consider when buying a pre-workout product include:

Clean Ingredients

A pre-workout that is free of fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and other questionable ingredients, means a higher quality product that provides you with everything you need without side effects.

It also means you are receiving all-product, so you’re getting your money’s worth.

Scientifically-Proven Ingredients

Many pre-workouts boast natural ingredients for added safety; however, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are proven to work.

Therefore, for best results, you want to look for a product that not only claims to contain all-natural ingredients but also includes a statement of guarantee that they are backed by science as effective.

Some pre-workouts are also third-party tested for quality and assurance, so you know you are receiving a product that can help you meet your training goals.

A Safe Dose of Natural Caffeine

Though most pre-workouts utilize a natural source of caffeine to provide a quick boost of energy and more, it is important to ensure it is included in the right dose to help prevent side effects.

As a general rule, the scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration state that healthy adults should consume no more than 400mg of caffeine per day to avoid the adverse impact of excessive caffeine.

However, if you are new to taking pre-workouts or you are sensitive to caffeine, many experts recommend starting with a low-dose caffeine pre-workout or half the dose of a regular pre-workout to allow your body time to adapt.

Ingredients for Greater Pumps, Recovery, and Repair

Another key reason people turn to pre-workouts is to enhance their pumps for increased muscle growth.

Therefore, if this is your goal while working out, you want to look for a pre-workout that also contains nitric oxide boosting ingredients, such as citrulline malate and l-arginine, which helps increase blood flow to the muscles and endurance for greater pumps.

Meanwhile, proper recovery and repair are also important for building long-term strength. Therefore, you might consider choosing a pre-workout that also contains amino acids, like beta-alanine and creatine, which help provide energy for contracting the muscles while also helping them transform post-training.

This way, you can go hard during your workout and continue to do so the next session while still receiving optimum benefits.

Money-Back Guarantee

Pre-workouts that also include a money-back guarantee means the manufacturer stands by their product claims, which enables you to purchase it with greater confidence.

It also enables you to try the product essentially free because if you don’t like it, you can return it for a refund within the trial period.

What is Crazy Nutrition’s Intensive Pre-Train?

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train prides itself on its unique formula, which includes a powerhouse of over 18 different scientifically proven natural ingredients to help athletes and more achieve their best performance.

In fact, its low-caffeinated blend is trusted and approved by TV fitness experts, professional bodybuilders, athletes, and more for its intense ability to boost drive, focus, and results.

And it does so without the annoying crash and side effects of overly caffeinated, low-quality pre-workout products. Therefore, it is suitable for those of any fitness level or sport who want to enjoy the explosive energy, focus, and muscle strength of a pre-workout but without the digestive issues, jitters, and more, often associated with traditional products.

It’s also third-party tested to support its claims.

Pros:

• It contains a powerhouse of 19 natural proven effective ingredients, including beta-alanine, L-tyrosine, caffeine anhydrous, and more for quick energy and intense training.
• It also boost nitric oxide for greater pumps.
• Its low stimulant formula makes it suitable for those with caffeine sensitivity
• It comes in blue raspberry flavor has no chalky taste.
• It includes 20 servings per tub.
• It includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons:

• It only comes in one flavor.
• It’s slightly higher in cost due to its premium ingredients.

Features & Benefits

High-Grade Premium Workout Formula

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train stands out from other products in that is made with clean, transparent ingredients that help kickstart energy and more, thus helping to combat mental and physical fatigue in the most gentle, effective way, so you feel good about taking it.

Because of this, it is also the official training pre-workout for many professional bodybuilders, athletes, and more.

No fillers, artificial dyes, sweeteners, and other unnecessary ingredients also lend to its pure, delicious taste and non-chalky texture, so it is easier to drink.

19 Scientifically-Backed Ingredients for Energy, Recovery, and Repair

There are over 19 different scientifically-backed ingredients in Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train, all carefully selected for their ability to enhance training performance on all levels, including hypertrophy and muscle repair post-workout.

Some of these ingredients include betaine anhydrous, which is the compound found in beets known to support the muscles for stronger lifts, and beta-alanine, which is a

non-essential amino acid that helps fight muscle fatigue for improved muscle function. It also helps decrease lactic acid buildup in the tissues.

Meanwhile, citrulline malate 2:1 and L-arginine AKG 2:1 are also added to help boost nitric oxide and improve blood flow, which also supports improved muscle performance.

L-arginine AKG, which is a formulation of L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate, also helps improve absorption for faster energy and decreased stomach and digestion issues.

It also includes vitamin b12, thiamine, niacin, and L-tyrosine, which are shown to help boost mood and determination, and vitamin C, L-taurine, and KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which help improve muscle recovery and more.

Many of these ingredients also can’t be found in other products of its type for a truly unique product.

Helps Stop Caffeine Crash

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train also contains a groundbreaking ingredient called En-XTRA, which is clinically proven to heighten alertness for hours while also lowering stress levels and balancing the impact of caffeine.

This, in turn, provides a calmer energy boost that enables you to resume normal activities without after-effects post-workout.

Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train Alternatives

Pre Lab Pro Next Gen Pre-Workout Formula

Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout Formula is an all-around ergogenic blend that boosts cardio, strength, endurance, recovery, and more to accelerate your fitness journey while also promoting overall health and balance.

It’s also unique in that it utilizes nootropic-enhanced caffeine for calm intensity, focus, energy.

Pre Lab Pro vs. Crazy Nutrition Pre-Train

• It also increases energy, focus, strength, endurance, and recovery using all-natural ingredients and a calm release of energy, so you can function normally throughout the rest of the day.
• It also sparks 2-times muscle pumping nitric oxide turbocharge and afterburn to help you go longer and finish stronger and jump-start muscle recovery.
• It also improves caffeine benefits while minimizing side effects for no crash.
• It also replenishes vital nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes lost during training for faster recovery post-workout.
• It doesn’t disturb sleep.
• It’s also vegan approved.

This is an ideal product for fitness lovers of all types looking for an all-around pre-workout product that also helps replenish electrolytes lost during intense sweating.

Beldt Labs Gusst Pre-Workout Amplifier

Beldt Labs Gusst Pre-Workout Amplifier is clinically proven to boost workout focus, endurance, and intensity with just the right amount of caffeine.

In fact, instead of simply relying on caffeine alone for its benefits, the product also incorporates other non-stimulant ingredients, like DMAE and Choline Bitartrate, which are also known for their focus and energy enhancing benefits but without the crash.

Beldt Labs Gusst vs. Crazy Nutrition Pre-Train

• It also uses a low dose of pure caffeine sourced from the leaves and seeds of the coffee plant to deliver more balanced effects.
• It also helps improve fat loss.
• It also contains beta-alanine, citrulline malate, and arginine silicate inositol for increased blood flow, more powerful pumps, and post-training muscle recovery.
• It also includes black pepper extract to help the ingredients absorb more effectively.
• It also includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.
• Available in peach cranberry orange crush flavor.

This product is ideal for athletes looking to build muscle and strength while also supporting fat loss for more shredded results.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout contains all the ingredients you need to help fuel your body and enhance overall mind and body performance with beneficial ingredients, like creatine, beta-alanine, and caffeine.

Vitamin D is also included for immune support, which helps combat the effects of stress due to overtraining.

It is also free of banned substances so it is suitable for athletes of all training levels.

Optimum Nutrition vs. Crazy Nutrition Pre-Train

• It contains 175 mg of caffeine from natural tea and coffee bean sources for improved energy, focus, and more without dangerous side effects.
• The company is also known for it high-quality products in sports and nutrition worldwide.
• It’s also keto-friendly.
• It comes in 4 delicious flavors, including blueberry lemonade, and more.

This is a suitable pre-workout for those in training with a higher tolerance to caffeine looking for a slightly stronger product to reinvigorate their workouts.

Final Thoughts

I think it pretty much goes without saying that finding a pre-workout that is proven to address all the issues facing athletes in training, and even some we didn’t know, is the key to a great product, and to be able to do so using pure, natural ingredients is what makes Crazy Nutrition Intensive Pre-Train a winner in my book.

I also like that it doesn’t rely solely on caffeine alone to help boost both physical and mental performance, but rather also a blend of other stimulant-free ingredients proven to also improve body functions for calmer results.

It also includes ingredients to help combat and balance out the effects of caffeine both during and after your workout, so you can continue to feel great even when you’re done.

Lastly, it also includes a 60-da, money-back guarantee, which gives you plenty of time to try it out and receive a refund if, for some reason, you don’t like it.

The company also helps make it easier to remain consistent with your routine by offering bigger savings on multiple buys so you can store it in bulk.

When this occurs, it can be quite frustrating, not to mention downright scary, depending on the severity.

However, in order to recover from bonking, you must rehydrate and refuel as soon as possible.

Why Does my Body Bonk During Long-Distance Sports?

Bonking symptoms vary among people and can occur on different levels before finally worsening, in which case, you may experience more severe symptoms, including shaking, loss of focus, heart palpitations, and hunger in addition to or in place of the usual weakness, tiredness, dizziness, and cold flashes initially brought on by the condition.

According to experts, there are two reasons your body experiences a bonk: not enough fuel and low hydration.

Not Enough Fuel

Most athletes know to hydrate before their long-distance sport, but they don’t always consume enough carbohydrates to fuel their body for the activity.

Failing to do so can cause a drop in the body’s glycogen stores, which can cause you to feel lightheaded or spaced out. You may also experience low peripheral vision, and images may appear blurry.

Glycogen is simply a form of glucose that the muscles use as a main energy source.

Hence, when glycogen levels in the body become depleted during physical activity, it means less energy to fuel the muscles, thus causing them to become fatigued, after which time you may find it difficult to keep going.

Low Hydration

Another cause of hitting the wall is low hydration, which results in a loss of body water that can also cause your energy level to drop.

It is also often accompanied by an elevated heart rate and weak, heavy legs. It can also lead to heatstroke and more if not addressed right away.

Low hydration, also known as dehydration, occurs when your body uses more water than it has available, such as through profuse sweating during endurance sports, which helps keep your body from overheating.

Therefore, to keep the body from becoming dehydrated, it will signal when it is thirsty, during which time it is important to consume enough fluids to prevent issues.

It is also not uncommon to experience a psychological bonk, which can cause mental low points throughout your long-distance sport either in addition to physical bonking or on its own and also make you lose endurance.

How to Recover From a Bonk

Eat As Soon As Possible

If you feel lightheaded, spacey, or you suffer blurred vision during your sport, it most likely means your body is low on fuel, and you need to consume food to restore it to normal, even if you feel sick or have a lack of appetite, which can also sometimes occur after a bonk.

Ideally, it is recommended you eat a combination of simple carbohydrates and protein, such as a peanut butter sandwich.

However, if these food sources are unavailable, simply eating anything high in carbs or sugar, such as an energy bar, sports drink, soda, or cookies, etc., will also help quickly restore your glycogen levels.

Or you could also take a glucose tablet to help provide immediate relief. Just be sure to ingest something that contains carbohydrates to help boost your energy stores.

Replenish Your Body’s Fluids

If at any time during your sport, your legs begin to feel heavy and weak, you are losing power, or you just plain can’t seem to keep your pace, it means your heart rate is up because you are low on fluids, in which case you need to drink more to replenish your body’s hydration level.

To help quickly recoup from dehydration, experts recommend drinking water with a dash of salt or an electrolyte beverage to help restore your mineral balance, which increases your body’s fluids as well as also helps improves nerve and muscle function.

Or you could also consume a drink that contains protein and fast-hitting sugar, such as fruit juice or chocolate milk, which can also help you recover quicker after a bonk.

However, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages following a bonk because it causes frequent urination, which further promotes a loss of body fluids, thus increasing dehydration. It also interferes with muscle repair, which can extend the time it takes for you to recover.

Allow Your Body Sufficient Time to Rest

After properly refueling and hydrating from hitting the wall, allow your body time to absorb the nutrition and fluids so your muscles can regain strength, and your brain’s function can return to normal, which a nice, long nap can help you do.

Sleep also helps give the body a break, so there’s less stress on your physique overall, which also helps improve its condition. It also helps you awake more energized because there is a decreased need for calories as you sleep, so you recuperate faster.

Therefore, after a bonk, if possible, restrain from all further activity for the rest of the day and take sufficient time to relax.

Some Ways to Help Stave off Bonking

Prepare Yourself Mentally

As stated earlier, maintaining a positive mental state is half the battle during long-distance activities, which can also make a difference between you successfully completing your sport or not.

Therefore, prior to your event, take time to prepare yourself mentally for the challenge ahead, which can be done in various ways, including repeating mantras while focusing on the end goal.

You should also keep in mind your reason for participating in the sport, which will also provide you with a mental picture to help keep you motivated.

During your event, experts also recommend focusing on your breath, making sure you inhale and exhale at a rhythmic rate between strides.

It might also help to chat with other athletes at your pace to help keep each other pushing through.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep the Night Before

Adequate sleep not is not only good to help your body recover from hitting the wall, but it also helps balance your hormone and stress levels the night before, so you awake more refreshed and in a positive mood.

On the other hand, sleep deprivation can make you feel tired quicker, which can cause you to fall short the following day.

As a general rule, experts suggest getting at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep the night before your activity, and you should also strive for quality sleep in the weeks leading up to your event for the best results.

Refuel/Rehydrate Before, Throughout, And After Your Activity

Experts recommend athletes eat a diet that is at least 40% to 65% carbohydrates every day leading up to the event to help prevent undereating and maintain glycogen stores.

You should also consume a pre-sport meal of no more than 200 to 300 calories to help fuel your activity.

If your event is longer than 60 minutes, it is suggested you fuel with low to moderate glycemic carbohydrates, such as bananas, yogurt, oatmeal, or apples because they enter the bloodstream slowly, which provides sustained energy.

Your pre-workout meal should also be consumed at least an hour before exercise to give it time to digest and be burned for fuel throughout your sport.

However, because your glycogen stores will only last about 90 to 120 minutes, it is also important to refuel your body during your activity to help keep your energy up.

Endurance sports can burn up to 250 calories per hour; therefore, try to refuel your body with 100 to 200 calories an hour to maintain your stamina and prevent bonking.

However, don’t wolf down your snack. Instead, experts recommend nibbling your food at regular intervals throughout your activity to help prevent you from getting sick.

If you are exercising longer than an hour, they also suggest sipping a beverage with electrolytes along with your food to also help keep you hydrated.

You should also start hydrating at least two days before the event, as well as also drink at least 8 ounces of sports drink or water at least two hours prior to your sport, so your body is properly hydrated by the time your event begins.

Recognize the Early Signs of Bonking

Recognizing the early signs of bonking helps you address it immediately, so you can still finish your event.

Some early signs and symptoms of a bonk include feeling slow, weak, or heavy, after which time if you continue to push on, you may also begin to experience sweating, shaky muscles, and a lack of coordination and physical effort before finally developing more severe symptoms, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, distorted vision, and disorientation.

Some people also experience nervousness, anxiety, and irritability.

Likewise, if you have experienced bonking before, try focusing on when you started feeling fatigued and why, which will help you plan a successful nutrition and hydration plan to help prevent it from happening again.

Pace Yourself

Because you typically burn more glycogen than you can replace during endurance sports, you should also pace yourself to avoid depleting your stores too quickly.

As a general rule, experts suggest when participating in events that last under 1 hour, you can typically go hard without bonking.

However, for events that last longer than 3 to 5 hours, they recommend keeping a moderate pace to help reserve glycogen.

This way, your body burns fewer carbohydrates per hour and, instead, burns more fat, thus creating the perfect fat to carbohydrate burn ratio, which helps prevent hitting the wall.

Restore Your Glycogen Levels Post-Activity

Your muscles also utilize glycogen to help repair themselves after long-distance exercise; however, if your glycogen levels are depleted post-workout, they will simply feed on themselves for fuel, which can cause you to feel weak after your sport and, over time, even cause your muscles to shrink.

Therefore, it is also important to replenish your glycogen stores after your activity to help boost recovery and prevent muscle loss. It also helps ensure you can resume your sport the next day.

To do so, experts recommend that you try to eat within 15 minutes after your sport because this is when enzymes that are responsible for making glycogen are most active, so they will quickly replace depleted stores.

In general, you should aim for a 3:1 to 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates and protein, which also helps with muscle repair.

However, any foods or drinks with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, such as chocolate milk, is also often touted as a good post-workout treat.

They recommend you also eat again within 2 hours after your initial post-workout meal to continue to replenish glycogen levels in the body and enhance recovery.

Recommended Carb Powders

EFX Sports Karbolyn Fuel	Performance Lab® SPORT Carb	Vitargo Carbohydrate Powder
What we like about EFX Sports Karbolyn Fuel is that it is a food-derived carbohydrate drink and that they manufacture their own products – it is 100% banned-substance free.	Performance Lab® SPORT Carb is a premium carb powder that provides muscle energy fast and for an extend amount of time. Perfect for endurance athletes or very strenuous workout sessions.	What we like the most about Vitargo Carbohydrate Powder is that it comes in many different flavors – giving you options to choose your favorite.

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to it, if you learn what causes s bonk, as well as also use your own experience with it to help stave it off in the future, you will never have to face the dreaded bonk or bonk again.

Of course, this will take some experimenting with your body’s carbohydrate and hydration intake to find the perfect formulation for you; however, it beats hitting the wall unexpectedly during your activity, which can cause you to have to quit.

And if you do begin to bonk in the middle of your sport, remember, the earlier you address it, the better to avoid worsening the condition, and perhaps you can even keep on going; however, experts warn you should never push yourself past extreme symptoms because it can cause convulsions or a coma.

Pre workouts are dietary supplements that are designed to help improve your physical performance during workouts by giving you the increased power, endurance, and mental focus you need to train harder and maximize your sessions.

Here are the top clean pre workouts we’ll be reviewing:

• Clean + Lean Natural Performance Plus
• Evertrain Pre – Premium Clean Pre Workout Powder
• Proven 4 Pre Workout Sport
• Smart Muscle 3-in-1 Natural Performance AMP
• Performance Lab® SPORT Pre

How Pre Workouts Work

Pre-workouts usually contain a main ingredient of caffeine, which has been shown to increase vibrancy and alertness concentration during fitness activities.

However, many products also contain a mixture of b vitamins, such as vitamin B-6, B-12, and vitamin B-3 (niacin), which have also been shown to improve energy and alertness.

Pre-workouts also often contain creatine, beta-alanine, citrulline, arginine, or other types of amino acids, that help build muscle mass and strength, amps the flow of blood to the muscles, for increased endurance, and improves muscle recovery post-workout.

They may also contain various other beneficial ingredients, such as thermogenics for fat burning effects, as well as antioxidants, chromium, electrolytes, biotin, collagen, Vitamin C, and more, for added benefits.

Pre-workouts usually also contain some sort of flavoring, such as tropical punch, rainbow candy, bubble gum, pink lemonade, lemon ice, and more, to help make them more fun and enjoyable to drink.

However, they are also available in supplement form.

The Concerns With Pre Workouts

Pre-workouts raise major concerns with consumers as well as the medical industry due to their high-level ingredients, which may pose health risks to certain individuals.

Some products also contain synthetic caffeine that is sometimes sourced from pharmaceutical plants, which means they have been genetically engineered and may also pose certain risks to your health.

Synthetic caffeine also absorbs more quickly into the body, which, though provides you with energy faster than naturally sourced caffeine, also usually causes you to crash.

The caffeine is also usually present in high amounts for greater impact, which research showscan cause various side effects, including irregular heartbeat, nervousness, insomnia, and more.

Pre workouts also often contain various chemical ingredients, such as artificial colors, sweeteners, and fillers, such as maltodextrin, which research shows may also produce negative effects in the body.

About Clean Pre Workouts

Clean pre workouts contain many of the same beneficial ingredients, including an effective blend of amino acids, as pre workouts for comparable effects; however, they are present in their most natural form.

The all-natural caffeine in these products also produce a gentler effect on the body, so you still get a power boost but without the shakes, heart palpitations, sleeplessness, and crashes associated with other pre workout products.

They are also free of artificial flavorings and instead use natural sweeteners, such as stevia and natural berry flavors, to make them tasty to drink.

Clean pre workouts are also free of genetically modified ingredients, artificial colors, fillers, and other chemical additives, so you feel better putting them in your body.

No added fillers or other unnecessary ingredients in clean pre workouts also means you are getting more of the product, so they also provide a better value.

To find out the best clean pre workout, be sure to check out the review at the end.

Are Clean Pre Workouts FDA Approved?

Clean pre workout products contain many individual ingredients that have been approved by the FDA; however, these products as a whole have not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness, with the exception of organic pre workouts, which have been strictly reviewed by the USDA Organic Board.

Are There Any Precautions When Taking Clean Pre Workouts?

Though clean pre workouts contain all-natural ingredients, users should still be cautious when taking them not to exceed the recommended amount as some of the contents can cause adverse effects in high doses.

For instance, research shows that too many amino acids taken daily can negatively impact the liver and produce toxins.

The Best Way to Use Clean Pre Workouts

Clean pre workouts are designed to be fast-acting; therefore, the best way to take them is just prior to your workout.

If you are taking the supplement in capsule form, take the recommended dosage with water about 30 minutes before training for maximum power.

Otherwise, if you are taking the supplement in powder form, mix the recommended serving with water and then drink the mixture about 15 minutes to 45 minutes before your session for a quick energy boost.

Best Clean Pre Workout Review

To help find the best clean pre workout for you, we have comprised the following list of popular clean pre workout favorites along with their different benefits to compare.

Clean + Lean Natural Performance Plus

Clean + Lean Natural Performance Plus contains an all-natural blend of both natural green tea extract and natural green coffee bean extract for a burst of oomph and focus to burn calories and fat and still continues to work even after your workout, which is what makes it a best clean pre workout.

It also does so without an energy crash.

It also contains a 2:1:1 ratio of natural amino acids, including l glutamine, l leucine, and more to support lean muscle growth and fast recovery in addition to various other amino acids, including beta-alanine, l citrulline, and l arginine for increased oxygen and blood flow to the muscles for an intense, prolonged workout.

Its natural flavor blend of berries also delivers potent antioxidants to fight free radicals.

Pros:

• It provides long-lasting energy without heart fluctuations or nervousness.
• increased mental focus
• It works fast.
• It has a great taste.
• There’s no energy crash
• It contains 42 servings.

Cons:

• It only comes in one flavor

Evertrain Pre – Premium Clean Pre Workout Powder

Evertrain Pre contains natural caffeine from coffee arabica bean along with a clinically trademarked blend of ingredients, including CarnoSyn (beta-alanine), Nitrosigine, AstraGin, elavATP, L-Citrulline Kyowa Quality, and TheaKalm to support sustained energy, maximum focus, and endurance for stronger pumps.

It is also flavored with natural tart raspberry flavor for a bit of sweetness.

Pros:

• It uses a trademark blend of natural ingredients as opposed to a proprietary blend.
• It provides a powerful energy boost with no shakes.
• It is easy to drink.
• You don’t experience a crash after.
• It combines well with water.

Cons:

• It has a subtle flavor
• It is only available in one flavor.
• It may take a while to get used to if you have a high caffiene tolerance.
• It can take up to 45 minutes to work.
• It only has 25 servings.

Proven 4 Pre Workout Sport

Proven 4 Pre Workout Sport is perhaps one of the only clean pre supplements approved for performance athletes, which is why it is considered a best clean pre workout.

In fact, it is NSF certified, so you feel like your favorite athlete while using it.

It is also formulated for use by both men and women.

Proven 4 Pre Workout Sport’s main ingredients include an energetic blend of B vitamins, including B-1, B-2, B-6, B-12, niacin, and trimethyl xanthine (caffeine) for continuous fuel to power your most intense workouts.

It also contains a powerful blend of amino acids, including creatine, beta-alanine, arginine, and tyrosine, for increased strength, endurance, muscle growth, improved focus, and quick muscle recovery.

You also have your pick of 4 natural flavors, including fruit punch, blue raspberry, cherry limeade, and watermelon.

Pros:

• It is NSF and dietician approved.
• It is free of banned substances.
• It mixes well with water.
• It provide instant, steady energy.
• It has a good flavor.
• It maximizes performance.
• It is available in 4 natural flavors.
• It contains 30 servings.

Cons:

• It is low in caffeine, so it may not be as powerful to those with a high caffeine tolerance.

Smart Muscle 3-in-1 Natural Performance AMP

Smart Muscle 3-in1 Natural Performance contains a thermogenic blend of clean ingredients, including l-tyrosine, Maca root powder, to help burn body fat and enhance lean muscle definition as you train.

Meanwhile, the 50% green tea extract provides users with a jolt of energy while also improving focus.

It also contains nitrous oxide, in addition to several major amino acids, for increased muscle mass and strength, as well as quick muscle recovery.

The results are also long-lasting for optimum fat burning and muscle toning.

You can also choose from various antioxidant-rich flavors, including acai berry, blueberry, raspberry, or pomegranate.

It also contains a hint of natural sweetness compliments of stevia leaf extract.

Pros:

• It provides great pump, as well as sustained energy.
• It tastes great.
• It doesn’t cause jitters or blushing of the skin.
• There is no drop off or crash post workout.
• It doesn’t cause itchiness or tingling.
• The natural energy can be felt even if your body has adapted to pre workouts.

Cons:

• It is not that sweet.
• It can take up to 30 minutes to work.
• It contains a high level of vitamin B-12.

Performance Lab® SPORT Pre

Performance Lab® SPORT Pre tops the list as the best pre workout due to its sports nutrition innovation Steria Performance blend that is free of caffeine, which is great for those who want a boost of energy but without the side effects associated with caffeine or for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Instead, it utilizes a set of unique ingredients, including Carnosyn, Creapure, and NutriGenesis, to amplify strength, vigor, and longevity in a cleaner way.

It is also the only clean pre workout listed that includes a host of many other quality performance-enhancing ingredients, such as Steria Glutathione, which is a potent enzyme that increases antioxidant vitamins E and C to help combat oxidative stress during challenging workouts.

The Steria performance blend, which is also clinically proven to support the synthesis of nitrous oxide for good blood, nutrient, and oxygen flow to the muscles, as opposed to pre workouts without a nitrous oxide booster, which may have limited absorption ability.

The product’s claims state that it may also greatly increase muscle mass after just four weeks as compared to l citrulline.

It also utilizes a higher quality source of creatine that is more than 90% and pH balanced as compared to other pre workouts for maximum absorption, better digestion, and overall maximum muscle work production.

Unlike other pre workouts listed, it also contains Himalayan pink salt, which replenishes electrolytes and makes the product’s amino acids easier to digest.

It also contains various important minerals that an active body needs.

Even the capsules are 100% natural. They also are also infused with natural prebiotics to support easier digestion and superior nutrient absorption in the body.

Pros:

• It is in capsule form, so it eliminates the awkward taste associated with natural powder pre workouts.
• It is easy to swallow.
• It is caffeine free for cleaner energy.
• It boosts and sustains nitrous oxide levels in the blood stream double the time of l citrulline and l arginine.
• It boosts vitamin C and vitamin E for increased antioxidant power to protect the muscles from oxidative stress during workouts.
• It also contains iron, which is essential for optimal muscle output.
• It it is well tolerated long term to support ongoing training.

Cons

• It is in capsule form, which can be difficult for some to swallow.
• It requires you to take 6 capsules prior to workouts.

Related: Click here to read our full review of Performance Lab® SPORT Pre.

And The Winner is…

We’re going to have to go with Performance Lab® SPORT Pre. It’s unlike any other pre-workout on the market

Backed by good science and made with the highest standards, you can rest assured this is a high-quality pre-workout that doesn’t cut corners or add fillers.

When it’s strength training day at the gym, what muscle groups do you focus on? If you’re like most people, you answer with things like arms, chest, back, shoulders and legs.

What about your neck?

Neck strengthening equipment frequently is used by athletes who are boxers, MMA fighters, football players, polo players or bodybuilders.

However, building a stronger neck is important for everyone.

Stronger neck muscles can protect you from an injury or help you to heal from an injury that you suffered in the past.

Of course, some people just want to train their neck so that they have a more solid and muscular build from the neck down.

If you’re thinking about training your neck, then it’s time to learn about neck strengthening equipment.

Here are the top neck strengthening equipment we’ll be reviewing:

What is a Neck Harness?

By far the most common piece of neck strengthening equipment is the harness.

Usually made with neoprene straps, these harnesses have adjustable closures that secure the harness to the user’s head.

Typically, the harness is fitted with at least two rings on the sides of the head. To these rings are attached a chain from which a plate can be suspended.

Alternatively, some people hook their harness directly up to a cable machine or a resistance band.

After hooking up, they are ready to perform flexion and extension exercises that target the muscles of the neck.

Are Neck Harnesses Effective?

Although using a neck harness is not absolutely necessary, many athletes and average people swear by their use.

In fact, people frequently claim that using a neck harness is the best way to build a massive neck and even get bigger traps.

For those who are trying to build a more toned and proportional body, strengthening the neck is a “must do.”

Too many new weightlifters get really focused on things like arms, shoulders and legs while neglecting the neck.

The result is super-sized arms and legs and a skinny, disproportionate neck.

The way to fix this is by regularly using a neck harness in your workouts.

Are Neck Harnesses Easy to Use?

One of the best reasons to choose a neck harness as your go-to piece of neck strengthening equipment is that it’s portable.

You easily can take it with you to the gym or pack it in your suitcase when you go on vacation. If you’re working out at a home gym, you’ll find that a neck harness is easy to store.

Aside from that, a neck harness is easy to use. You just strap it on your head, add weight and you’re ready to lift. Just be sure that you start with light weights and build up slowly.

You definitely don’t want to strain anything in your neck.

What to Look for in Neck Strengthening Equipment

You’ll quickly find that there are numerous neck harnesses on the market. A lot of these look similar to each other, but don’t be fooled. Some of these models are much better than others.

What should you be looking for?

Durability

You need your neck harness to be a tough piece of equipment that stands the test of time.

Accordingly, it’s wise to look for a model that has double stitching and is made of tough neoprene.

Comfort

The last thing you want in the middle of a tough workout is a chin or forehead strap that digs into your skin or rubs a raw spot on your face.

This means that you’ll want to look for a harness that is made from high-quality material and includes plenty of padding so that you’ll be protected throughout your workout.

Adjustability

The best neck strengthening harnesses have fully adjustable sizing. This means that you can customize the fit to conform to the unique contours of your head.

If you aren’t feeling any slipping and sliding, then you know that you’ve got the straps adjusted exactly right.

Plenty of Attachment Options

If you want to have the ultimate in versatility, then it is wise to look for a neck harness that offers a variety of attachments.

Most models are equipped with only two D-rings at the sides of the head, but better products also have attachment points at the back of the head.

This gives you the best opportunity to work your neck muscles from all angles.

An Included Chain

A chain is an indispensable accessory for a neck harness. Usually, it’s what you hang a plate from so that you can get a more challenging workout.

A 30-inch chain is common, but a slightly longer chain is desirable for more versatility.

The Best Neck Strengthening Equipment

After extensive research, these are the five best options for neck strengthening equipment on the market today.

RIMSports Neck Harness

The RIMSports Neck Harness is a durable and versatile option as it comes with a 40-inch stainless steel chain as well as two robust metal carabiners for attachments.

In all, there are four side attachments and two dog ears so that the harness can be clipped to all sorts of weights, bands or a sled.

The harness itself is made from soft webbing and breathable neoprene, which makes it comfortable to wear even during the toughest of workouts.

With hook and loop fasteners, the straps on this harness fit most people with ease.

The RIMSports Neck Harness appears to be really well made, and the back and side D-rings make it a winner because it means that it’s possible to attach weights from almost any angle.

The fastening stays perfectly tight even during the most strenuous of workouts.

This may not be the most comfortable harness for the chin, but it is otherwise outstanding.

In fact, most people believe that they have never used a more comfortable harness for neck workouts.

Pros:

• Durable and versatile
• Attachments on all sides
• Made from high-quality, comfortable materials

Cons:

• Some users remark that this harness isn’t so comfortable on their chins

Iron Neck

The Iron Neck is a neck strengthening equipment that will appeal to people who like high-tech products.

The starter version of this model is perfect for home fitness and rehabilitation purposes. It’s even suitable for student athletes.

Billed as a device for strength training and concussion prevention, the Iron Neck provides both isometric and eccentric training from all angles.

Using this machine helps you to train for extra stability while also helping you to recover from any injuries.

The manufacturer even recommends using this device to relieve the symptoms of tech neck.

Iron Neck has “AirFit Technology” that enables it to fit the precise dimensions and contours of your head.

Back and front pads are provided in varying sizes so that multiple family members can comfortably use the same device.

Rotational resistance also is variable on the device if you spring for the Pro model.

Otherwise, the Starter model offers no resistance. You simply clip the device to a cable to begin your workout.

Users like that they can vary the tension simply by standing closer to or further away from the anchor point, but many complain that this device is way too expensive.

Pros:

• Uses AirFit Technology
• Has interchangeable front and back pads
• Offers isometric and eccentric training

Cons:

• Expensive

> > Check Out Our Full Review of the Iron Neck Here < <

DMoose Neck Harness

With saddle stitching for extra durability and heavy-duty D-rings, the DMoose Neck Harness is an inexpensive option for neck strengthening equipment.

The straps are made of nylon, and thick padding helps to make this harness more comfortable even when piling on the weight.

This product also comes with a 30-inch steel chain.

The manufacturer refers to extra effort being made to ensure a balanced fit that does not pull more on one side than the other.

This helps to keep your neck and spine safe throughout your sweat session.

Despite being really inexpensive, the DMoose Neck Harness is surprisingly sturdy and seems designed to stand the test of time.

However, some critics have remarked that the neck strap actually is a little too bulky, which can be uncomfortable for the throat.

This model also is limited because it only has two D-rings at the sides of the head, which means that you don’t get a full workout from all angles.

Pros:

• Saddle stitching
• Affordable

Cons:

• Neck strap too bulky
• No D-rings on the back

VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness

Here’s another affordable option for neck strengthening equipment, and the VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Instead of having D-rings, this model has V-rings, which can easily be attached to weights or a cable machine.

The straps are made of neoprene that is padded for extra comfort, and each of the straps for the head, chin and forehead are fully adjustable to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.

Thanks to heavy-duty double stitching, you don’t have to worry about this harness falling apart after a few uses.

The VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness does come with a chain, but it seems shorter and less heavy-duty than those that come with competing brands.

Also, people who have larger heads sometimes remark that the straps on this model just are not quite long enough.

This means that you may have a hard time getting a secure and comfortable fit on your head.

That’s bad news if you’re planning to lift some serious weight to really train those neck muscles.

Pros:

• V-rings instead of D-rings
• Fully adjustable straps

Cons:

• Short, kind of wimpy chain
• Straps may be too short for some people with larger heads

Hawk Sports Neck Harness 

The Hawk Sports Neck Harness comes with a lifetime warranty. This harness comes with two D-rings and adjustable side hooks.

The head and neck straps close with hook and loop Velcro, which means that this harness can fit pretty much anyone, and the product is packaged with a 30-inch long adjustable chain.

The straps are constructed of four-millimeter neoprene that is padded for extra comfort.

However, more than one critic states that this harness doesn’t come with the best chain.

There seems to be some issues with the weight plate getting unbalanced on the chain while exercising.

Moreover, some users discovered that the chain on the Hawk Sports Neck Harness had sharp pieces that actually cut them during use.

These instances are rare, but it may be wise to shave away any sharp projections or cover them with duct tape.

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty
• Inexpensive
• Durable

Cons:

• The chain is not very high quality and may have sharp points

Final Thoughts

After testing each of these models and others, I can safely recommend that you try any of these suggestions.

However, I feel that the runaway winner in this competition is the Iron Neck.

Hands down, no other model was as comfortable to wear, and that is truly critical when you’re getting serious about training your neck.

You’re just not going to do it if your harness doesn’t fit right or isn’t comfortable.

The beauty of the Iron Neck is that its straps are long enough to accommodate pretty much any head size no matter how big or small.

However, what really makes this product a winner is the number and configuration of carabiners.

Thanks to having rings placed on the sides and back of the harness, you can work absolutely any of your neck muscles from any angle. No other product on the market offers that.

Sliding boards provide a fun and exciting workout with their slippery, skating rink-like surface that enables users to slide, glide, and balance their way to a stronger, fitter physique.

Many athletes also utilize them to build power, endurance, speed, strength, and improved range of motion for various sports, including skating and hockey.

And physical therapists also favor them for their rehab patients to help them regain their strength and mobility following injury, which makes them a suitable choice for all.

Therefore, if you are interested in joining the sliding exercise craze, we’ve provided you with the following answer guide and review of a few slide boards to help take the guesswork out of finding the right board for you.

Here are the top slide boards we’ll be reviewing:

• SPRI Slide Board – Best Budget Slide Board
• ProsourceFit Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Sensitive Feet
• American Lifetime Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Athletes
• Yes4All Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Travelers
• BRRRN Board – Best Overall Slide Board

How to Choose the Best Slide Board

Quality Materials

Slide boards are typically made from quality contents, such as high-grade polyethylene, so they are durable enough to withstand strenuous activity.

It is also important to look for a board with an anti-slip bottom for better stability during exercise.

If you plan to travel with your slide, then you should also be sure to select one that is made of flexible materials so it can simply be rolled up and placed into a carrying bag for transport, but that also stays sturdy and flat while it’s in use.

Some also come in different colors and are customizable for greater personalization.

Safety Bumpers

Some slide boards also include bumpers on both ends to help prevent you from sliding off the surface as you exercise from side to side.

Sliding off the board can also cause you to tear your muscles, so be sure to also choose a product with end stops for added safety.

Sliding Ability

The board’s surface materials dictate how well you will be able to slide during your training, so be sure to choose one with a top that is good for gliding.

Most slide boards are made of PVC, which makes them pretty slippery; however, other materials also make good sliding surfaces, including polymer, white melamine, and various other industrial plastics.

Just be sure before purchasing a slide, you research what others have to say about its sliding ability to help you select equipment with the right surface material for you.

Choose The Right Length

Slide boards come in various lengths, including 5-foot, 6-foot, 7-foot, 7.5-foot, 8-foot, and 10-foot to suit different needs.

The 5-foot boards are more suitable for kids and travel, while the 6-foot boards are more suitable for taller adults or those looking to work out in smaller spaces.

And finally, the 7-foot, 7.5-foot, 8-foot, and 10-foot boards are more suitable for more advanced athletes and team training in larger practice facilities.

Easy to Transport

If you plan to travel with the slide, such as if you want to take it outside or on vacation to exercise, be sure it also includes options for easy transport.

What are the Advantages/Benefits of Slide Boards?

Slide boards offer many advantages for skating athletes, including helps improve their posture and sports performance, but they are also good for those looking to rehab past injuries, such as hip, knee, feet, or ankle injuries, for improved quality of life.

Fitness gurus also enjoy them for a good cardiovascular workout that doesn’t put undue stress on the joints.

They are also good for those who want to build core strength and balance for improved stability, such as those with mobility issues.

Because they enable you to burn lots of calories during exercise, they are also beneficial to those seeking to lose or maintain their weight.

Slide boards’ cardiovascular benefits have also been shown to help reduce cholesterol, lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, lower blood pressure, and more.

Some of them also have a light, durable body, so they are easy to transport and work out anywhere.

Things to Look For/Attributes That Differentiate Slide Boards

The biggest difference between slide boards is their length, with the longer boards being more suitable for larger spaces, taller people, or more advanced athletes or hockey players to practice their laterals.

Meanwhile, you may opt for a shorter board if you have a smaller stature or your workout area is more limited.

Their surface materials also differ, which ultimately determines how well you will glide on it while using it.

They also differ in their durability, as some slides are made from actual boards, so they are more sturdy and meant to remain in one place, while others are made solely of flexible materials, so they can be rolled up and transported about.

You can also choose a board made of sustainable or eco-friendly materials, depending on the manufacture.

Some boards are also available in various colors to match your décor, and some can also be customized.

Slide boards also differ in price, depending on their size, materials, and accessories.

What’s the Best Way to use Slide Boards?

Because slide boards engage the entire body to perform the different motions, experts say the best way to use them is to keep your hands in front of the body and lean slightly forward for controlled balance and better results.

They also address the controversy over how or if those with lower back issues should use slide boards, advising that’s it’s okay provided they maintain a straighter position while using the board to help maintain balance during the exercises.

It is also not uncommon for even those without back issues to experience lower back discomfort in the days following the use of the board, especially if the user failed to maintain the proper stance.

Therefore, if you are a beginner, experts further suggest you may want to begin practicing by leaning on a partner until you build up the proper stance to prevent falling, as well as lower backaches.

Users should also plan for delayed onset muscle soreness post-workout because the exercise engages many underused muscle groups.

For an example of the proper stance for beginner slider exercises, check out this video:

Prerequisites/Precautions for Using a Slide Board

A few precautions should be taken when using slide boards because they are slick.

One of these precautions is to be careful when first stepping onto the surface of the board to prevent muscle strains, joint injuries, and/or falling.

Because their polished surfaces increase the risk of slipping or falling while in use,

it is also a good idea to position the boards away from sharp or hefty objects in the event you do slip or fall, it will help prevent more serious injuries.

Users should also carefully push off the block with the side of the foot hard enough to reach the other side to prevent landing in the middle of the board, which can cause you to stagger to maintain your balance and fall.

Slide Board Reviews

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top exercise slide boards you can currently find on the market.

SPRI Slide Board – Best Budget Slide Board

If you’re on a budget, you’ll find that the SPRI Slide Board has an attractive price point when compared to the alternatives mentioned on this list.

For the price point, you’ll get the same benefits of the other slide boards, but of course, the tradeoff will be a lower quality slide board.

Pros:

• It measures 71″ L x 20″ W for smaller spaces.
• It has a PVC surface for an extremely smooth glide and end boards on each side for added safety.
• It includes booties.
• It rolls up for easy storage.
• It includes a mesh carrying bag for travel.
• An exercise guide is also included.

Cons:

• It does not include a board, so it may curl up while in use

ProsourceFit Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Sensitive Feet

What we also like about the ProsourceFit Slide Board is that it’s made for people with sensitive feet or intend to use the slide board more intensely.

This is one of the few slide boards that comes with extra foam cushioned ends – perfect for those who are concerned about banging their feet against the ends while working on on a slide board.

On top of that, you also have the option to choose between the standard black or red board.

Pros:

• The 6′ board is suitable for a variety of users to complete full strides and core exercises, especially shorter individuals.
• It has a PP slippery smooth surface, extra foam cushioned ends, and a non slip PVC bottom to keep the mat stationary while in use.
• A pair of Lyrca booties are included.
• It also includes a carrying bag, which makes it great to transporting.
• It is an ideal board for cardio, lower body workouts, physical therapy, or hockey training.
• Users can choose from a cool black or a fiery red sliding board.

Cons:

• It does not include an actual board.

American Lifetime Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Athletes

The American Lifetime Slide Board is made for high intensity exercises that are perfect for skating and hockey.

It comes with a bumper grid design that enhances grip and boosts performance while being used because you won’t have to worry about slipping off.

Pros:

• The board comes in 6′ for beginners or 7.5′ for advanced or taller individuals.
• It is uniquely designed to enable you to enjoy various high-performance exercises but without causing much impact on the knees and legs.
• It has specialized grips on each end to keep your motions contained safely.
• It is made of soft, flexible material, which makes it easy to roll up and tote anywhere.
• It comes with a carrying bag.
• A 30-day risk free trial period is included.
• You can choose from a blue, white, or black board.

Cons:

• The soft, flexible material means that it doesn’t provide as much support as a hard board while in use.

Yes4All Slide Board – Best Slide Board For Travelers

The Yes4All Slide Board is a good value for what you pay, and is geared mainly for those who travel often with their slide boards.

It comes with a lubricant kit to ensure you’re getting the most slide on the board even if you’re in an environment that may not be conducive for it.

Pros:

• You can choose from a 6′ board for smaller spaces and beginners or a 7.5′ board for pros or taller individuals.
• It is especially useful for improving balance exercises, core stability, and leg strength.
• Its Ergonomic design also helps prevent injury to the knees.
• It includes fenders to prevent you from falling off the board as you exercise.
• The soft, flexible PVC surface is guaranteed to provide smooth gliding motions.
• It also comes with patented Yes4 All Slide Board sliding booties for extra sliding power.
• A carrying bag is included.
• There is a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy.

Cons:

• It does not provide the stability of a wood board.

BRRRN Board – Best Overall Slide Board

Overall, we love the BRRRN slide board because of the perfect blend of price and quality.

It’s sturdy enough to use for some of the more intense workouts, but at a price point that won’t break the bank.

It’s adjustable so that it can fit various body lengths, unlike many other boards that have a fixed length.

In addition, you can be part of a growing community with an on-demand subscription that comes with endless workouts that will have you using your board for quite awhile.

Pros:

• The up to 6-foot adjustable board is made from sturdy, eco-friendly materials for maximum stability while in use.
• It includes slide mittens and also a pair of booties.
• One pack of ArmorAll wipes are included to help keep the board polished and slick.
• It also includes various on demand workouts.
• Free shipping is offered in 48 states.
• The company also accepts PayPal payments.
• It is designed in the USA.

Cons:

• Its sturdy board design makes it harder to transport.

Related: Check out out full review of the BRRRN Slide Board here.

Conclusion

All things considered, the BRRRN slide board triumphs as our #1 pick due to its impressive combination of features all comprised in one fun-filled package that also includes both mittens and booties for added convenience and variety, so you can still utilize the same board as your skills evolve.

It’s also adjustable to grow with your needs, and it also includes free ArmorAll wipes to help maintain its slick surface with one of the top polishes in the industry for optimum performance, thus also contributing to its cost-effectiveness over the other boards mentioned.

And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also designed using eco-friendly materials for added confidence when using the board, knowing you are also contributing to a better environment with your choice.

As per another attribute listed in the how to choose a slider board section, it also includes sturdy wood bumpers on each end for added safety and to prevent damaging your muscles for the best all-around choice in slide boards.

One area that deserves very special attention are what are known as the glutes. The gluteal muscles play in important role in everyone’s life.

These are the muscles that support the rest of your body. Thanks to the glutes, you can walk upright with ease.

They also allow you to stretch and bend down without straining the rest of your body. Strong glutes are the foundation for many other activities including walking and running.

This is why you need to have glutes that are in good shape. When you have toned glutes you can also work out far more effectively.

The Keys to Toning Your Glutes

There are several fundamental way to get your glutes exactly as you want. The two most important ways to tone your glutes are exercise and diet.

Properly targeted exercises concentrate on this area of the body as you workout. Many people aren’t sure exactly how to accomplish this plan.

The good news? Such exercises are easy to learn. They’re also easy to master over time. Even if you’ve never tried these exercises before, you’ll find it easy to follow a few simple tips.

You also need to pay attention to what you eat. A diet that is too high in sugar, fat and other unnecessary calories can undo all the good you’re doing with your workout routine.

Proper diet and exercise can get you the look you want and increase your overall health at the same time.

How Do You Get Firm Glutes?

Glutes that are in good shape have many advantages.

As three major muscles that shape the appearance of your torso and back, the glutes give your body a shape that is visible when people first see you.

Well toned glutes also help you push off when you’re on the ground. That makes it easy to get up or hit the ground without any injuries.

These muscles, when toned, also burn a lot of calories. The time you spend toning your glutes will pay off with a better metabolism and decreased overall body fat.

If your glutes are in good shape, this also reduces the risk of injury. You have enough firm support to avoid putting too much weight on other body parts as you workout.

Getting the Look

While it might feel daunting to get such big muscles in shape, there is good news. The glutes are actually quite amenable to toning.

In fact, there are many things you can do to reduce flabby glutes and bring in the sleek look you want most.

It’s all about paying close attention to your body. Knowing what is really going on is the first step to fixing it.

You can take away the unwanted fat or at least reduce how it looks. With that in mind, you’ll want to give this area lots of attention right now.

A good plan can get results in the immediate future. It can also pay great long term dividends.

Basic Exercises For Toned Glutes

Basic exercises for the glutes follow a few standard moves. All of these exercises make the focus of the exercise the backside.

That’s good news for those with mobility issues. Even if you have some problems walking or you haven’t worked out before, you can safety do them.

The goal is to work the glutes by putting pressure on this area of the body and bringing them through a series of strong motions.

Ideally, you want to work each muscle on each side of your body and make it stronger. You also want to ensure that you’re avoiding injury as you exercise.

There are several types of glute exercise that are known to help people accomplish this goal and get toned glutes quickly.

For example, one of the most common types of exercises to this area is the squat. Squats happen when you draw the pelvic region down towards the floor without hitting the ground.

Squats have another benefit. They help increase your sense of balance.

That’s good for the body if you’re a new mom who needs to balance her child on one hip while holding groceries in your other hand.

The squat can be done in one of several ways. You can place one hand on a chair and then squat down as far as you can go.

That allows you to have something to hold on to during the exercise so you don’t have to worry about falling.

This is what many ballet students do as they exercise while holding on to the barre. The standard squat is a simple up and down motion.

There are many variations that can be used to vary the workout and up the intensity. For example, the back squat is when you lean to one side and stretch one leg while putting most of your weight on the other leg.

Do this in a squatting position ten times on each leg.

Lunges are also great for toning your glutes. However, these types of exercises may require a certain level of balance to perform correctly.

If you have never done lunges, you can always start with a petite drop of the legs. Move down and hold the position for a few seconds.

Then slowly, carefully bring the body back up. Make sure you do this one in a controlled manner. Pay attention as you work the muscles of your back so you’re not tipping over.

Another kind of exercise that is known to help get this area in shape are exercises that you can do when sitting down.

For these exercises, you’ll need a place to workout such as a towel or an exercise mat. You sit down and then lift your leg to one side.

Do this several times for each leg. You can also focus on an exercise known as the bridge. This is when you lift your entire pelvic area while keeping your head and legs on the floor.

Bring the pelvis up and down several times while keeping the rest of the body from moving. That is one way to keep the pressure on your glutes while keeping firmly grounded.

The bridge is safe and easy to master.

You can also bring the front of your body down on a mat with enough room for your head and neck. Then lift up each leg several times.

The goal is to flex this muscle while keeping everything else as still as possible during the workout. You can lift each leg straight up a few times.

You can also lift your legs to the side as you sit on the mat. That will improve your range of motion and add to your overall strength.

Using Weights to Tone Your Glutes

If you want to bring that workout to the next level, it is important to add weights to your workout.

While methods such as the squat can pay off, adding weights has additional advantages. Lifting weights leads to lower abdominal fat.

That’s the kind that puts you in danger of heart attack and stroke. That improves your overall health.

Weight lifting also helps people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and leads to increased mobility and overall strength.

Properly done weight lifting exercises also help people avoid joint pain.

Weights can be easily used in glute exercises. They’ll help increase your workout intensity. This is a great way to get toned glutes more quickly.

It’s also a way to bring in the kind of intense workout that can pay off with greater long term endurance.

If you’ve never lifted weights before, now is the time to start. The good news? You don’t need to lift heavy weights.

Weights ranging from three to five pounds are good way to start. These light weights can be found in many forms.

For your glute workout, you can place a dumbbell in the crook of your knee. Keep it there as you lift your legs.

You can also hold dumbbells in each of your hands as you squat. Make sure they fit comfortably in your hands.

As you get more comfortable with the weight you’re using, you can a bit more. Going from three to five pound weights will help you get those glutes toned more quickly.

At Home Glute Workouts

The really great thing about toning your glutes is you don’t need any fancy equipment to get results. Find a mat that feels comfortable.

Weights can be stored in a closet when not in use. All you need is some space to exercise and you’re good to go.

You can also exercise when you’re traveling. Many hotels have workout rooms for this purpose.

Bear in mind you also don’t have to spend a lot of time working out. Ten or twenty minutes every other day should do the trick.

If you find you’re not paying attention to one exercise, it’s time to switch it up and go for another kind of glute exercise.

There are many types of glute exercises. You can always find one that works for you.

Exercising glutes can be done at home. You don’t have to travel to a gym to find equipment to complete these exercises.

An exercise ball can also be used to help tone your glutes. Large exercise balls are a great way to support your weight as you workout.

The ball supports your hands or legs when you stretch while still giving you the benefit of such range of motion exercises.

Glutes For Women

Women face special issues when it comes to getting toned glutes. All women should bear in mind that it may take them longer to get the shape they want.

Women have more body fat than men. This is particularly true in the pelvic area. A woman can be fit and the right weight for her height and yet still have untoned glutes.

In that case, continuing to exercise can only help her meet her overall fitness goals. Light weight lifting of any kind is particularly important as it will add muscle strength over time.

Diet is also a very important issue to keep in mind. A good diet is a balanced diet. When people consume too many calories, it may not end up as belly fat.

Instead, it can head straight to the gluteal muscles. That is why sticking to a well rounded diet is crucial for those who are looking to get and keep toned glutes.

Eat a lot of fresh fruit and plenty of vegetables as well as items with lots of innate fiber. Hydration is also imperative.

Avoid sugary drinks or too much coffee. Cold water in the summer and hot tea in the winter are good choices.

Recommended Glute Training Devices

Body-Solid Powerline PGM200X Adjustable Glute Max	COBA Glute Trainer	Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Assist Row-N-Ride Trainer
We like the Body-Solid Powerline PGM200X Adjustable Glute Max because of the way it allows you to target the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps with controlled movement for isolation exercises to really develop those glute muscles.	The COBA Glute Trainer made our list because it allows you to do 8 of the primary glute exercises on one device,  without putting much stress on your knees.	We included the Sunny Health & Fitness Squat Assist Row-N-Ride Trainer in our list because of its ability to adjust to your body length so you execute a proper squat every time.

So What’s Next?

Getting toned glutes should be seen as the first step in the process. The goal is to keep them toned in the long term.

Careful attention to the entire process can pay off if you have a good routine. That is why people should ideally stick to exercises that focus on this area of the body.

Even just a few minutes a day or even every other day can really make a difference. Find an exercise or series of exercises that you find doable. Add in some weights during the workout.

You can also vary where you workout. You might workout at home for a few days and then head to the park to do a few squats.

A partner can help keep you on track by doing such exercises with you. You can also bring in your family members and spouse.

The goal is to have a firm foundation that will support the rest of the rest of your body as you go about your daily activities each week.

Well toned glutes can bring you to the next level of personal fitness and keep you there.

The second day after a hard workout is always the hardest for me, it’s when my muscles feel like they’re seizing, and if you spend your workday behind a desk, it can get even worse, but a great massage gun can make a difference.

The Theragun brand has been the gold standard for a while, and their latest generation of product, the Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun, is at the top of everyone’s wish list, but is it worthy of such praise?

Before we can get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a look at things to consider before selecting a great gun.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Massage Gun

Massage has been a therapy for sore, aching muscles for a long time.

Massage guns, unlike other massage types like vibrating massagers, use percussive therapy, which can not only provide relief for those hard-worked muscles, but improve athletic performance, increase blood circulation, and treat a variety of medical issues.

It’s great for people from all walks of life, from athletes to couch potatoes, but there are some instances where it’s not an ideal tool.

This includes women who are pregnant and people who suffer from deep vein thrombosis.

People who fall into these categories are better served by going to a masseuse, but it’s always best to consult a doctor.

When purchasing a massage gun, there are a few things to think about before settling on a product.

Speed

Massage guns tend to have various levels of speed that are quantified by either revolutions per minute (RPM) or percussions per minute (PPM).

If you’re purchasing a product from another country, you may also see this referenced as RMP.

Power

A device’s power will determine the force and the reach that the gun’s head will have into your muscles.

Most devices range from 12mm – 16mm amplitude. The larger the amplitude, the deeper into the muscles the gun will go.

Shape and Size

Some places on your body are hard to reach, so finding a gun with a shape that allows you to hit those areas is essential.

It’s also meant to relieve pain, not create pain, so an ergonomic handle that won’t hurt your wrists is a good thing to look for. It’s also a good idea to consider the weight of the device.

Noise Level

Having a loud contraption isn’t exactly beneficial to relaxation, and when you tense and flex your muscles, the gun won’t be able to do its job effectively.

Not to mention, loud noises can be incredibly annoying.

Warranty

Just like any piece of tech, things happen, and devices stop working or get broken. A warranty will protect your investment.

Alright, now that we know what to look for, let’s take a look at how the Theragun PRO stacks up!

Introducing the Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun

The Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun is the fourth generation version. It’s 55% quieter and has two times the battery life of previous generations.

Dr. Jason Wersland created the percussion therapy device in response to his struggles in finding a solution to pain.

The gun has a commercial-grade motor that allows it to get 60% deeper into the muscles than its competitors, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

It was really developed to give the average person an option to get professional quality relief from various fitness and non-fitness-related discomfort, tension, muscle pain, and more.

Stand Out Features

Using a massage gun is a very personalized experience.

So, I’m going to take you into the finer details of the features that can make or break the effectiveness of your percussion therapy.

QuietForce Technology QX150

A lot of science, research and development went into the brushless motor and torque control, but I won’t bore you with those details.

The important part of the QuietForce tech is that it was designed to balance power with the noise level.

It also prevents stalling, ensuring consistency in force while maintaining its speed, therefore providing a more effective session.

Battery Life

The Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun uses 16V lithium-ion batteries, and you receive two of these batteries and a charger with your purchase.

You can have one charging while the other is in use and swap them out, so you’re never without power.

The batteries have a two-and-a-half-hour life, which, depending on how often you’re using it, can take you through a week without having to swap.

I love the batteries because switching them out is super easy, so you don’t have to struggle for ten minutes trying to find special tools or struggling to get it open.

The device also has wireless charging capabilities, although the wireless charger is sold separately with a price tag of $79 at the time of this writing.

Speed

Like many of its competitors, the Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun offers built-in speed settings.

The five settings include 1750 PPM, 1900 PPM, 2100 PPM, 2200PPM, and 2400 PPM.

What’s tricky about built-in settings is that your muscles often need a speed somewhere between two settings.

However, what makes the Theragun PRO unique is that in addition to the built-in settings, you can create your own settings and select any speed between 1750 PPM and 2400PPM. This is especially helpful if you’re treating sensitive areas.

Ergonomic Handle with Adjustable Arm

Many people use a massager to help relieve tension headaches and stress that stems from tension in the shoulders and upper back; however, these areas can be hard to reach.

The Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun offers an adjustable arm. Its four positions allow you to get those tough spots.

This feature also helps prevent any strain in your wrists, and the triangle-shaped handle gives you several comfortable ways to maneuver the gun.

The gun is also light, weighing in at 2.9 pounds.

Therabody App

The Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun has a corresponding app that allows you to change speeds, force, and create your presets from your phone.

The app can connect with Apple Health and Google Fit, and it takes information from these sources and recommends routines that get sent to your PRO.

It is possible to use the device without the app, however, so while it’s definitely a perk to be able to get recommendations, you’re not chained to your phone if you don’t want to be.

Force and Depth

To get the benefits of deep tissue massage, the gun needs to have a certain amount of depth. They quantify this in amplitudes.

The Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun has an amplitude of 16mm and, combined with its speed, offers up to 60 pounds of force.

This gives you the option to get deep into the muscles, which as someone who often finds themselves feeling sore in spots I just can’t get deep enough into, I can really appreciate.

Attachments

When you purchase the Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun, you receive six interchangeable heads so that you can tailor the head to the location you’re working.

The heads include a supersoft head and dampener head that are great for sensitive areas, spots where you’re especially sore, or in the regions surrounding bones or joints.

The wedge head is one of my favorites as it works well on the IT bands and shoulder blades, which are two areas that I tend to have the most challenging time stretching.

The thumb head is ideal for the lower back and trigger points, while a cone attachment can offer relief for the hands and feet.

There’s also a pouch to store the heads that comes with your purchase.

What I really love, however, is the material that the heads are made of: non-porous closed-cell foam. What that fancy term means is that the heads are easy to clean.

If you’re using a massage gun as part of your cooldown, being able to clean the heads well after working on sweaty skin is a huge plus.

What Do Customers Think?

All the features in the world don’t matter if the device doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, so I went on a search for customer reviews of the Theragun PRO Deep Tissue Massage Gun to find some honest, unbiased opinions.

Review #1

User JNBNY gave the PRO a five out of five stars in his review and went as far as saying, “…I purchased it on a desperate whim. After the first use, I was in tears, not from pain for the first time but from relief..”

Review #2

Gina, a muscle and fascia therapist, said she would highly recommend the product and that “…it effectively gets muscles to release, soften and loosen, so I spend less time doing it myself manually, and now have more time to get to the source of the clients problem..”

Review #3

Hugh gave the gun four stars stating that it’s “Better than foam rollers, better than heat pads, better than those stupid massage chairs…” but that “it might just be too powerful for some people’s liking.”

How Does it Compare?

Of course, there are a ton of other options for massage guns on the market.

Three of the most popular are the Tokfit T2, EveryFun M3 Pro, and the HydraGun. Let’s see how they compare, feature to feature.

TOKFIT T2

The TOKFIT T2 is known for its long battery life. It uses a 2400 mAH lithium battery that provides up to 8 hours of continued use.

It also has an automatic timer and a touchscreen display. The TOKFIT finds itself in the middle of the road in terms of price and features.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Not offered on Amazon

EveryFun M3 Pro

The EveryFun model is the most cost-effective gun on our list, and similar to the TOKFIT, it boasts a hefty battery life.

The EveryFun M3 Pro is also on the quieter side of our list, stating that the device doesn’t go over 45 decibels.

That level of noise is slightly quieter than the sound of a standard fridge.

It may be a good option for a starter device, although you may find yourself needing something more powerful after a bit of time.

Pros:

• Affordable model
• Long warranty period – 15 months

Cons:

• Only comes in one color

HydraGun

The HydraGun is a durable gun made of aerospace-grade aluminum. What separates it from the pack are the two steel heads that come with your purchase.

These steel heads are excellent for the harder muscle groups that have a wide surface.

It has a UK 3-pin plug but also comes with a universal adapter for US-based customers.

Pros

• One of the quieter massage guns on the market
• Includes a universal adapter for countries outside of the US

Cons

• Not offered on Amazon

Our Take on the Theragun PRO?

Above all else, a deep tissue massage gun should be the answer to sore muscles, stress, tension, blood circulation problems, and increased performance.

However, the device’s optimal force, speed, and usability are so unique to the individual that personalization is key to getting the desired results.

The Theragun PRO offers the most flexibility in treatment options without being limited to specific speed settings.

It goes above and beyond in providing various ways to hold the device, making it easier to get to the areas that typically need the most treatment.