You searched for protein - MensFitness https://mensfitness.co.uk/ Just another WordPress site Thu, 25 May 2023 13:19:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 https://mensfitness.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/MF-desktop_favicon_32-1.png?w=32 You searched for protein - MensFitness https://mensfitness.co.uk/ 32 32 Best Exercise Mats https://mensfitness.co.uk/gear/best-exercise-mats/ Wed, 24 May 2023 14:55:58 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=14865 Suitable for yoga and Pilates or HIIT and weight session – for use at home, in the gym or on the go

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Suitable for yoga and pilates or HIIT and plyometrics – for use at home, in the gym or on the go – these are the best exercise mats for 2023…

Unless you want to risk discomfort or injury, you can’t really carry out prone stretching exercises or more dynamic plyometric exercises on a hard gym or home floor.

Create your own fitness studio with the best home gym equipment

The best way to perfect your pilates or hammer out your HIIT sessions in comfort and safety is with an exercise mat. Despite their relative simplicity, though, not all mats are made equal. They vary in dimensions, cushioning and thickness, material, grip, weight and portability, so it’s important to find one that suits your needs. 

What to look for in the best exercise mats

Grip

A good grip between your hands, feet or other contact points and the mat surface is key to performing exercises with confidence, and therefore with proper form. The last thing you need when stretching out your hip flexors is a knee or groin strain caused by slipping off the mat. Look for options with a non-slip or textured surface that let you plant your limbs with confidence.

Stability

Stability is another important factor to consider, as a mat that moves beneath you is as likely to annoy, distract or even injure you as one with little grip on the top layer. Heavier rubber or cork mats tend to lie flat more easily without curling at the corners like lighter foam ones, for example. Look out for mats that tend to bunch up in the middle, too – you want to avoid trip hazards mid-burpee if possible.

Kit out your home on a budget with the best cheap home gym equipment

Comfort

There’s usually a tradeoff between comfort and portability, as thicker, heavier mats are harder to roll up and carry. But don’t ignore the comfort factor, particularly if you plan to work out on hard surfaces. There should be enough cushioning to do crunches without crippling your spine, but not too much that you lose your balance holding one-legged yoga poses. The average mat tends to be about 4-8mm thick, though there are some exceptions here. 

Durability

How long your exercise mat lasts will depend greatly on the material it’s made from and its thickness. Rubber mats, or those made from other natural fibres such as jute, will most likely last longer than foam ones. You’ll be more likely to take a lighter foam mat out to evening classes too, which will add to its wear and tear. Durability is worth bearing in mind especially if you plan to wear shoes on it, or to use weights or medicine balls.

Portability

Another thing to consider is portability. The mats in this list range from 500g to well over 3kg so some are easier to lug around than others. Not all mats come with straps or a carry handle either (though sometimes a bag or strap is an optional extra). It depends what’s important to you – if you want to do regular classes after work, you’ll want a smaller, lighter and probably less durable mat than one set up permanently in your home gym.

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  3. Best hip stretches

These are the best exercise mats

(Keep reading for our full reviews…)

  1. Best for value: Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat (£19.99 / not available in the US)
  2. Best for taller users: The Lululemon (Big) Mat ($124 / £108)
  3. Best for grip: Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat ($38 / £29)
  4. Best for design options: Kimjaly Yoga Mat ($49.99 / £44.99)
  5. Best for longevity: Gymshark Studio Mat ($68 / £50)

Bodypower Never Quit exercise mat
BEST VALUE EXERCISE MAT 

Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat

BUY IT NOW: 

£19.99, fitness-superstore.co.uk (not available in the US)

Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
Portability: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 5/5 

Materials: Nitrile butadiene rubber | Dimensions: 71.7 x 24in (182 x 61cm) | Features: 10mm cushion / carry strap | Colour: Black

The Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat is the cheapest mat on test but you wouldn’t know it. Its generous 10mm-thick nitrile butadiene rubber construction has a luxurious, comfortable and foam-like feel. 

Its non-slip textured surface gives plenty of grip, and that 10mm cushion feels plush under foot and will absorb impacts from more dynamic workouts. It has a carry strap and is double-sided too, making it even more versatile.

Overall, the Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat holds its own in the company of exercise mats over five times its price.

Read our full Body Power Never Quit Fitness Mat review

Partially unrolled Lululemon the (Big) Mat
BEST MAT FOR TALLER USERS

The Lululemon (Big) Mat  

BUY IT NOW: 

$124 / £108, lululemon.co.uk 

Grip: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Portability: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5 

Materials: FSC-certified natural rubber | Dimensions: 83.9 x 27.9in (213 x 71cm) | Features: Reversible / antimicrobial additive | Colour: Six multi-coloured designs

The Lululemon (Big) Mat may seem pricey but its FSC-certified rubber construction has such a quality, long-lasting feel that it could easily be your mat for life. Its top layer absorbs moisture and an antimicrobial layer keeps mould, mildew and bad smells at bay.

It’s worth noting that this is substantially bigger than any other mat on test, around 10cm wider and a whopping 30cm longer than regular mats. It’s reversible too, so you can swap between smooth and grippy surfaces depending on your workout. The Lululemon is available in six eye-catching marble designs, too.  

Read our full The Lululemon (Big) Mat review

A partially rolled up Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat
BEST EXERCISE MAT FOR GRIP

Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat  

BUY IT NOW: 

$38 / £29, myprotein.com 

Grip: 4.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Portability: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5 

Materials: High-density foam | Dimensions: 72 x 24in (183 x 61cm) | Features: 6mm cushion / textured surface / strap included | Colour: Blue / Grey

The Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat is a lightweight, inexpensive mat that’s an ideal option for stashing in your gym bag. It comes with a strap and rolls up nice and compact, despite having a soft and spongy high-density 6mm foam cushion.

It’s just the right thickness to provide a strong, stable base for your feet, despite its soft and cushioned feel. Wavy grooves provide plenty of grip, and although this is one of the cheaper options it stands up to plenty of wear and tear for a foam mat.

Read our full Myprotein Yoga Recovery Mat review

The Decathlon Kimjaly Yoga Mat
BEST FOR DESIGN OPTIONS

Kimjaly Yoga Mat 

BUY IT NOW: 

$49.99 / £44.99, decathlon.com 

Grip: 3.5/5
Comfort: 4/5
Portability: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5 

Materials: Foamed natural rubber / polyurethane | Dimensions: 72.8 x 25.6in (185 x 65cm) | Features: Available in 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 8mm thickness / alignment lines | Colours: Various

The Kimjaly mat is available in a wide array of versions (Light, Comfort, Grip+, XL), all with different thicknesses ranging from 3mm to 8mm. The 5mm Grip+ version feels soft and well-cushioned and provides a plush platform to protect spines from hard floors without compromising on grip.

The smooth elastomer top layer wicks away moisture, so your hands and feet lock firmly in place while on the mat. At 820g it’s lightweight and compact when rolled up. There’s a carry strap, too, making this suitable for taking to the office for after-work gym sessions.

Read our full Kimjaly Yoga Mat review

Gymshark Studio Mat
MOST DURABLE EXERCISE MAT

Gymshark Studio Mat

BUY IT NOW: 

$68 / £50, gymshark.com  

Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Portability: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5 

Materials: 100% natural rubber | Dimensions: 70.8 x 25.9in (180 x 66cm) | Features: Full-length screen-printed logo / strap and band bought separately | Colour: Black / Brown / Hibiscus Pink

The Gymshark Studio Mat is a quality piece of kit, made from 100% natural rubber to feel soft underfoot with a reassuringly grippy surface. It’s hefty too, so it won’t budge on the floor, though that also makes transporting it a bit of an effort.

There are three colour options, each with the striking Gymshark logo emblazoned across the front, and if you do want to take it out and about, there’s an optional strap and band, which you can also use for banded exercises. Overall, a robust exercise mat that should last you for years.

Read our full Gymshark Studio Mat review

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Best Electrolyte Drinks https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/best-electrolyte-drinks/ Wed, 24 May 2023 14:18:45 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17243 Electrolyte tablets will help you keep on top of your hydration needs…

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Replace lost salts and minerals while staying hydrated with the best electrolyte drinks…

Electrolyte drinks help replenish the naturally occurring salts and minerals that help balance our bodies’ fluids. These get depleted through exercise, most notably through sweating. The best electrolyte drinks may also often contain carbohydrates and other nutrients to help you stay hydrated and to improve recovery.

What are electrolyte drinks? Here’s all you need to know

But not all electrolyte drinks are created equal. It pays to consider the amount of the electrolytes potassium, chloride and particularly sodium in each drink, which help with preventing cramping, aiding muscle contraction and supporting hydration respectively.

If you’re not a heavy sweater, or need to reduce your intake of sodium for health reasons, you might want an electrolyte drink with lower sodium levels (say, less than 250mg per serving).

Nutritionist Rob Hobson has testes eight of the best electrolyte drinks to help you find one to support your hydration and recovery needs. He tests them for taste, solubility and effectiveness in terms of their hydration and nutritional benefits.

These are the best supplements for muscle growth

These are the best electrolyte drinks

(Keep scrolling for full reviews…)

  1. SIS Go Hydro (£8 per tube or £60 for 8 tubes  – not available in the US)
  2. High 5 Zero (£7.99 per tube or £62.99 for 8 tubes – not available in the US)
  3. Hux Hydration Tablets (£21 for 3 tubes – not available in the US)
  4. Nuun Hydration Sport ($7.49 per tube or $59.92 for 8 tubes / £26 for 4 tubes or £49 for 8 tubes)
  5. Gu Hydration Tablets ($30 for 4 tubes / £6.99 for 1 tube or £52.95 for 8 tubes)
  6. MyEndurance Hydr8 (£4.99 per tube or £24.99 for 8 tubes – not available in the US)
  7. Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Powder ($44.99 for 11.4oz / £69.99 for 288g)
  8. Powerbar 5 Electrolytes (£4.50 per tube or £39.99 for 12 tubes – not available in the US)

For a portable protein fix get the best protein bars

Product shot of SIS electrolyte tablets
SIS Go Hydro

BUY IT NOW:

£8 per tube (20 tablets) or £60 for 8 tubes, scienceinsport.com (not available in the US)

Taste: 5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 500ml water | Sodium per serving: 870mg | Price per serving: 40p | Flavours: 13 flavours available

Science In Sport is a brand driven by scientific data, so it knows a thing or two about optimal hydration. Its Go Hydro range has the highest sodium content per serving of any electrolyte drink on test and it’s also one of the most reasonably priced.

Read our full SIS Go Hydro review

Product shot of High 5 Zero electrolyte tablet tubes
High 5 Zero

BUY IT NOW:

£7.99 per tube (20 tablets) or £62.99 for 8 tubes, highfive.co.uk (not available in the US)

Taste: 4.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 750ml water | Sodium per serving: 250mg | Price per serving: 40p | Flavours: 9 flavours available

Another trusted player in the sports nutrition market, High 5 is the go-to brand for many endurance runners. It’s a good choice if you’re training for extended periods as one tablet is enough for a 750ml water bottle. They may be free or sugar, but these tabs are full of flavour.

Read our full High 5 Zero review

Product shot of Hux Hydration tablet tubes

Hux Hydration Tablets

BUY IT NOW:

£21 for 3 tubes (20 tablets per tube), huxhealth.com (not available in the US)

Taste: 5/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Serving size: 2 tablets in 200ml water | Sodium per serving: 116mg | Price per serving: 70p | Flavours: Lemon and Elderflower / Ginger and Lemongrass / Watermelon

Hux tablets are a good low-sodium option and are more suited to general hydration and wellness than intense workout sessions. They have a good mix of electrolytes as well as a pleasantly sweet and tangy flavour.

Read our full Hux Hydration Tablets review

Product shot of Nuun Hydration tablets
Nuun Hydration Sport

BUY IT NOW:

$7.49 per tube (10 tablets per tube) or $59.92 for 8 tubes, nuunlife.com / £26 for 4 tubes or £49 for 8 tubes, everyhealth.com

Taste: 4/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 475ml water | Sodium per serving: 300mg | Price per serving: 65p | Flavour: 13 flavours available (4 caffeinated)

With a good range of flavours, and available with or without caffeine, these mini tubes from Nuun are ideal for hydrating on the go. They have the most natural ingredients list of any product on test, including natural sweeteners and colouring.

Read our full Nuun Hydration Sport review

Product shot of GU Hydration tablets
GU Hydration Tablets

BUY IT NOW:

$30 for 4 tubes (12 tablets each), guenergy.com / £6.99 for 1 tube or £52.95 for 8 tubes, gu.germany.de

Taste: 4.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 750ml water | Sodium per serving: 320mg | Price per serving: 55p | Flavours: Lemon and Lime / Three Berries / Orange / Strawberry Lemonade

Ideal for larger bottles and longer sessions, GU tablets will see you through intense or prolonged training. There’s a good amount of electrolytes in the mix, especially sodium, and flavours are particularly punchy.

Read our full GU Hydration Tablets review

Product shot of My Endurance Hydr8 electrolyte tablets
MyEndurance Hydr8

BUY IT NOW:

£4.99 per tube (20 tablets) or £24.99 for 8 tubes / amazon.co.uk (not available in the US)

Taste: 4/5
Mixability: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 400ml water | Sodium per serving: 345mg | Price per serving: 25p | Flavour: Orange

Hydr8 tablets are packed with vitamins and minerals with good sodium levels to suit endurance athletes. They’re fortified with B vitamins too and work out to be the cheapest electrolyte drink per serving on test.

Read our full MyEndurance Hydr8 review

Product shot of Ultima Replenisher electrolyte powder
Ultima Replenisher electrolyte powder

BUY IT NOW:

$44.99 for 11.4oz (90 servings), ultimareplenisher.com / £69.99 for 288g (90 servings), amazon.co.uk

Taste: 3.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 450ml water | Sodium per serving: 55mg | Price per serving: 77p | Flavours: 9 flavours available

In powder rather than tablet form, this vitamin C-rich drink is ideal for everyday hydration and wellness. There’s a good mix of electrolytes and a range of nine moreish flavours to choose from.

Read our full Ultima Replenisher review

Product shot of Powerbar 5 Electrolyte tablets
Powerbar 5 Electrolytes

BUY IT NOW:

£4.50 per tube (10 tablets) or £39.99 for 12 tubes / powerbar.eu (not available in the US)

Taste: 3.5/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Serving size: 1 tablet in 250ml water | Sodium per serving: 250mg | Price per serving: 33p | Flavours: Raspberry and Pomegranate / Lemon Tonic / Blackcurrant / Pink grapefruit / Mango and Passionfruit

Powerbar’s hydration tabs have an intense yet refreshing flavour and a caffeine kick for a pre-workout pick-me-up. They’re sugar-free, too, and come in tiny tubes that are perfect for hydrating on the go.

Read our full Powerbar 5 Electrolytes review

Rob Hobson is a registered nutritionist (AFN) and sports nutritionist (SENr). He works with private clients including those looking to improve their health and body shape, and athletes looking to improve their performance. He also works with wellness brands helping with product development, insight and marketing.

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6-Week Fat Loss Plan https://mensfitness.co.uk/workouts/fat-loss-plan/ Wed, 24 May 2023 10:31:30 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=15135 Burn fat and build lean muscle with this 6-week fat-loss plan, which uses high-intensity resistance training to deliver impressive results

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This 6-week fat loss plan uses high-intensity resistance training to deliver impressive results…

High-intensity interval training offers a highly effective (and highly sweaty) fast track to lose belly fat. Read on for everything you need to know about building fat-loss workouts. Then follow our detailed step-by-step fat loss plan that will transform your body in six weeks.

Get kitted out for this workout plan with our pick of the best dumbbell sets

Try the Jordan Fitness Premium Urethane Dumbbells

BUY IT NOW:

$52-$1,553 / £42-£1,260 / jordanfitness.com

High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, has become popular in recent years, Unlike some fitness fads – there’s a lot of evidence to support its effectiveness as a training system. One of the benefits that you don’t need a degree in exercise science to understand is that HIIT workouts tend to be short. Most of the sessions we’ve included below come in at around 20 minutes.

For most people, a short HIIT workout is more attractive than spending an hour in the gym or pounding the pavements endlessly. In fact, in a 2014 study researchers found that when they asked subjects to list their barriers to exercise, “lack of time” was the most common response. Similarly, if motivation is a problem, HIIT could be the answer. The intense, dynamic and challenging nature of the workouts mean that they are always engaging – you’ll get tired, for sure, but you won’t be bored. 

Benefits of HIIT for a fat loss plan

Some solid scientific data backs up the idea of using HIIT for a fat loss plan. One study, published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, compared conventional gym training with HIIT training and found that “HIIT resulted in significantly greater reduction in both abdominal girth and visceral adiposity compared with conventional training”. The same study also found that HIIT had a positive impact on total body fat, hand grip strength, sprint endurance, jumping ability and flexibility. 

There are other benefits you get from doing a HIIT workout that involves resistance training as opposed to just cardiovascular activity, such as running or cycling. Pure cardio activity is useful, but it shouldn’t be the only kind of training you do. Lifting weights will improve your strength and your body composition (improving your ratio of muscle to body fat). Do that and you’ll usher in a host of other health benefits, such as increased life expectancy and reduced risk of heart disease. 

Of course, just as one type of training won’t give you everything you’re looking for. HIIT shouldn’t be used in isolation for a fat loss plan. However, combine it with other forms of training, including some longer, steadier sessions that build your aerobic base, and you’ll begin to make some significant changes to your body in a relatively short space of time.

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How to burn body fat

A fat loss plan might start in the kitchen, but it accelerates in the gym. By working at high intensity and building some muscle, you’ll torch fat as well as ramping up your metabolism, making the fat burning process faster and easier. The following six-week fat loss plan gives you workouts to follow but with the advice below, you’ll be able to create your own sessions, too. That means you can continue to make progress or adjust your training according to your needs.

Discover the best meal delivery services

If I do a fat loss workout plan, can I eat what I want?

No. Sorry! Training might give you a bit of leeway with an otherwise-strict diet, but even a savage hour in the gym is easily undone with a whipped-cream mochaccino. Stay on top of what you eat, although you shouldn’t beat yourself up over the occasional slip-up. 

Check out our Nutrition Archive for high-protein recipes, reviews of the latest nutrition products, cooking tips and more

How often can I do a fat loss workout?

If you’re going to do high-intensity sessions, three or four times a week is a sensible upper limit – you’d be better off spending any extra time on muscle-building moves, or even just shopping for food and cooking. Want more work? Go for a nice long walk: it’ll burn calories without over-stressing your system.

Discover the best bodyweight exercises

Do I need to do any other type of training?

If you’re doing strength movements as part of your fat loss, you’re probably fine. Strength will alleviate your risk of age-related disease, and a bit of muscle will mean you look better once you’ve stripped away the fat.

How long do fat loss workouts need to be?

Here’s the good news: fat-loss workouts are some of the shortest you can do while still making great progress. Even 15 minutes is enough – do a quick warm-up, then hit a training interval (eg 30 seconds of work and 30 seconds of rest) for ten minutes, and you’re done.

How this fat loss plan works

How much of a difference it is possible to make to how you look and feel in six weeks? The good news: you can make a big change. The less good, more realistic news is that you can only make that change if you follow an effective plan and work hard. We’ve done the first bit for you, but the second element is entirely dependent on your commitment. So before you start your six-week fat-loss transformation, remind yourself why you’re doing this.

A compelling ‘why’ will improve your mindset and make sure you know how to start this particular fitness journey and stick with it. You also need to make sure you eat well in conjunction with the workout plan if you want to get the most impressive results possible – plenty of protein, such as lean meat, eggs, pulses and tofu.

Try this 15-minute workout to burn fat, fast

How does the plan work? 

It’s simple: you complete four circuit workouts a week for six weeks. Each circuit is a whole-body workout and you do the same circuits each week, but change the rep and rest variables to make them progressively harder. The only kit you need to complete the workouts is a set of dumbbells, so you can do it either in the gym or at home. It’s advisable to take rest days between workout days – but, unlike heavy weights workouts, they’re not so taxing that it’s essential.

Why does this fat loss plan work?

There are several key reasons why the plan works. Each circuit is a whole-body workout, so every major muscle group in your body is challenged. This will help you to develop more muscle mass and, because muscle is active tissue, it will also have a positive impact on the calories you burn at rest. The workouts also get your heart rate high, so you’ll burn a lot of calories both during and after your session. The plan also gets progressively harder so your gains won’t plateau. 

What if I’m a beginner?

This is a beginner-friendly plan, because you don’t need lots of fancy kit and all the exercises involved are achievable if you’re in good health. The weight you select is up to you, so if you’re a beginner, start light and gradually increase the load. You should aim to reach failure – the point at which you can’t continue with good form – at the end of each circuit. If you’re failing before then, reduce the weight. If you’re struggling, you can do some moves, such as squats, without weights. 

What do I do after six weeks?

The first thing you should do is give yourself a big pat on your, by now, lean and muscular back. Completing any training plan takes a considerable amount of work and dedication, so focus first on getting to the end of the programme. Once you’ve done that, you can decide on what would be your best next move. Your main options: doing it over again but this time with a heavier weight; deciding on a muscle-building plan; or taking on an entirely new fitness challenge, to mix things up.

The 6-week fat loss plan

Fat loss plan: WEEK 1

Circuit 1

6-week fat loss plan week 1

We could have been nice and eased you in gently for this fat loss plan – but, instead, we’ve chucked you in at the deep end.

This circuit starts with the squats – the classic lower-body move – followed by the overhead press and then the renegade row, which is one of the most challenging and effective exercises in this plan. The important thing to remember, however, is that it’s the quality of your reps that count, so take your time and stick to the form guides.

The fourth exercise is where we see the tempo increase. The swing is an explosive move, so speed and intensity are important to get the most out of this pulse-raising exercise. The two arms exercises at the end of the circuit are less demanding on your heart and lungs, but ensure that you get a full-body workout. 

man performing dumbbell squat in 6 week fat loss plan

1. Dumbbell squat

The dumbbell version of this classic legs move will also develop your grip, because you have to hold the dumbbells securely for the duration of the set. Keeping your shoulders back throughout the set will recruit your back muscles, too.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Bend your knees to squat down until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, then press down through your heels to return to the start.

man performing dumbbell overhead press in 6 week fat loss plan

2. Dumbbell overhead press

Your aim here should be to go as heavy as possible, because the rep count is comparatively low. As well as developing shoulder strength and size, this move also works your core because you have to stabilise your torso.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height with palms facing forwards.
  • Press the weights directly overhead, so your arms are straight, then return slowly to the start.

man performing press-up renegade row with dumbbells

3. Press-up renegade row   

This is one of the more demanding exercises in this fat loss plan, so you do it while you’re fresh. You work your chest muscles during the press-up and your back muscles during the row, giving you a lot of bang for your muscle-building buck.

  • Start in a press-up position, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Perform a press-up then, keeping your core braced, row your right hand up, leading with your elbow.
  • Lower it back to the floor. Alternate sides with each rep. 

For more dumbbell moves, check out our guide to the best dumbbell exercises for every body part

man performing dumbbell swing exercise  in 6 week fat loss plan

4. Dumbbell swing   

This should be done as an explosive, high-energy exercise. Doing so will help you to develop a powerful hip drive (the key to this move) and also get your heart rate soaring towards the end of the circuit for a greater fat burn.

  • Stand holding a dumbbell between your legs.
  • Bend forwards, hingeing at the hips, to send the dumbbell between your legs, then push your hips forwards to straighten up and swing the dumbbell up to shoulder height. 

man performing dumbbell hammer curl exercise in 6 week fat loss plan

5. Dumbbell hammer curl   

The hammer-grip version of the classic curl provides a real challenge to your biceps muscles, ensuring that you stimulate as many muscle fibres as possible so they repair themselves and grow.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand with palms facing each other.
  • Keeping your elbows tight to your sides, curl the weights up to shoulder height.
  • Slowly lower the weights to the start.

man performing dumbbell triceps extension in 6 week fat loss plan

6. Dumbbell triceps extension   

This is one of the few moves that effectively isolates the triceps muscles, giving you balanced gains in your upper arms after the previous exercise and more all-over muscle mass to help you burn fat.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in both hands behind your head with your elbows pointing up.
  • Straighten your arms to lift the weights, then lower them to return to the start.

Circuit 2

Recover properly between these circuits with this guide to muscle recovery

6-week fat loss plan week 1, circuit 2

The main aim of the second workout in this fat loss plan, just as it was in circuit 1, is to give you a whole-body workout that also gets your pulse racing.

The lunge is an excellent lower-body exercise that tests both balance and coordination. The three following exercises focus on different muscle groups within the upper body. The penultimate move is the dumbbell swing, which makes a reappearance because it is so useful for taxing your cardiovascular system, while also developing your posterior chain (the muscles that run along the back of your body).

By the end of the swings, your heart rate will be near its maximum, hence the strategic inclusion of the plank at the end – a core-builder that gradually brings your heart rate down before the rest period between circuits.

man performing dumbbell lunge in 6 week fat loss plan

1. Dumbbell lunge   

Working one leg at a time will mean that you get balanced muscle development. This exercise is also a test of grip strength as well as balance, because you hold on to the weights for the entire set.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Take a step forwards until both knees are at 90°.
  • Push back off your front foot to return to the start.
  • Repeat, leading with your other leg.
  • Alternate sides.

man performing dumbbell upright row in 6 week fat loss plan

2. Dumbbell upright row   

This move will help to add muscle size to your traps (the muscles at the top of your back), while also giving your shoulders width, which will complement your newly lean waist to show off a coveted V-shaped torso.

  • Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Raise the weights to your shoulders, leading with your elbows.
  • Slowly lower the weights back to the start position. 

man performing dumbbell floor press exercise

3. Dumbbell floor press   

Lying on the floor puts you in a stable position, so you can attempt to go quite heavy with this move. The range of motion is shorter than a bench press, so focus on contracting the target chest muscles. A great addition to any fat loss plan.

  • Lie flat on the floor, holding a dumbbell in each hand above your chest with straight arms.
  • Lower the weights towards your chest, then press them back up powerfully to return to the start position.

man performing dumbbell bent-over row exercise in 6 week fat loss plan

4. Dumbbell bent-over row   

Using dumbbells for this back move will ensure that you get equal muscle development on both sides and gives you a big range of motion, so you can concentrate on squeezing your shoulder blades together at the top of the move.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Bend forwards – hingeing at the hips, not the waist – then row the weights up to your sides, leading with your elbows.
  • Lower back to the start.

man performing dumbbell swing exercise

5. Dumbbell swing  

This should be done as an explosive, high-energy exercise. That will help you to develop a powerful hip drive (the key to this move) and also get your heart rate soaring towards the end of the circuit, for a greater fat burn.

  • Stand holding a dumbbell between your legs.
  • Bend forwards, hingeing at the hips, to send the dumbbell between your legs, then push your hips forwards to straighten up and swing the dumbbell up to shoulder height. 

man performing plank abs exercise in 6 week fat loss plan

6. Plank   

Your chest and back muscles will now be fatigued, so this final move is a chance to work on your abdominals and your core stability. As well as helping your abs look good, it will give you a solid base to perform the moves in this plan.

  • Make sure your body is in a straight line from head to heels.
  • Your elbows should be directly below your shoulders and your weight should be distributed evenly across your feet and forearms.
  • Hold the position.

Circuit 3

6-week fat loss plan week 1, circuit 3

By now you should be familiar with the whole-body nature of the workouts in this fat loss plan.

The third circuit follows the same general system as the first two, starting with a lower-body exercise and continuing with three upper-body moves that each target a different muscle group. We’re sticking with the dumbbell swing because it is so effective.

It’s a misconception that you need to make every exercise of every session different. Sometimes it makes sense to get good at a move, so you can really attack it and enjoy the benefits, rather than doing it tentatively with poor movement patterns. The circuit finishes with a move that works your obliques (side abs).

man performing dumbbell goblet squat in 6 week fat loss plan

1. Dumbbell goblet squat

The goblet squat is a simple and safe variation that reduces the risk of injury and is ideal for beginners. Because the weight is in front of you, it encourages your torso to remain upright to counterbalance the weight.

  • Stand tall, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes turned out in a ten-to-two position.
  • Hold a dumbbell in both hands by your chest and lower into a squat, then push back up to the start position. 

man performing dumbbell lateral raise

2. Dumbbell lateral raise   

If done correctly, this is a highly effective way of adding size and width to your shoulders – putting you on the fast track to a great-looking upper body. Make sure you follow the form guide closely to maximise the benefit.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Raise the weights out to the sides, leading with your elbows, until they reach shoulder height.
  • Lower them slowly to return to the start.

man performing press-up in 6 week fat loss plan

3. Press-up   

Press-ups are a classic chest builder, but doing them with a relatively fast tempo makes them more of a cardiovascular challenge, pushing your heart rate up while keeping muscle fatigue to a minimum – this means they are a great choice for any fat loss plan.

  • Start in the press-up position with your hands directly underneath your shoulders, your core and glutes braced, and your feet together.
  • Bend your elbows to lower your chest to the ground, then press back up powerfully to return to the start.

man performing dumbbell one-arm row

4. Dumbbell one-arm row   

Doing this single-arm version of the row allows you to completely concentrate on a small and specific target body part, which will help you to fatigue the muscle and ensure balanced development.

  • Place one hand on your knee and hold a dumbbell in the other hand, letting it hang straight down.
  • Row the weight up to your side, leading with your elbow and squeezing your biceps and upper back muscles at the top. 

man performing dumbbell swing exercise  in 6 week fat loss plan

5. Dumbbell swing   

This should be done as an explosive, high-energy exercise. That will help you to develop a powerful hip drive (the key to this move) and also get your heart rate soaring towards the end of the circuit for a greater fat burn.

  • Stand holding a dumbbell between your legs.
  • Bend forwards, hingeing at the hips, to send the dumbbell between your legs, then push your hips forwards to straighten up and swing the dumbbell up to shoulder height. 

man performing dumbbell side bend abs exercise

6. Dumbbell side bend   

Make sure that you perform this move while holding one dumbbell, rather than two. If you do it while holding two, one dumbbell counterbalances the other and reduces the workload.

  • Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in one hand.
  • Lower the dumbbell to one side, using your side abs to control the movement, then return to the start.
  • Complete all your reps on that side, then switch arms. 

Circuit 4

6-week fat loss plan week 1, circuit 4

The final circuit of the week involves some twists on familiar moves.

The reverse lunge presents a bigger test to your balance and coordination than the conventional version of the exercise, while also tending to shift the emphasis to your glutes. The diamond press-up is a tough variation of the press-up that places the demand onto your triceps rather than your chest. The reverse-grip bent-over row gives your biceps more of a workout than when you do the move with your palms facing down.

By now, you should be a swing star, able to race through the reps of your fifth move – the dumbbell swing – before finishing with a static hold that will challenge your entire abs and core.

man performing dumbbell reverse lunge

1. Dumbbell reverse lunge   

The reverse version of the lunge puts more emphasis on your glute muscles and also makes the exercise harder, giving you a bigger balance and coordination challenge than the standard move.

  • Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Take a big step backwards and bend your knees until they are both bent at 90°.
  • Push back up to the start and repeat the move on the other side.
  • Alternate sides.

man performing dumbbell halo abs exercise

2. Dumbbell halo   

This dynamic abs and shoulders move gives you a multi-faceted challenge. You need to work hard to stabilise the dumbbell, which tests your abs because you have to control the acceleration and deceleration of the weight.

  • Hold a dumbbell in both hands, then powerfully move it up, across your body, around the back of your head and down across your body.
  • Repeat the move going in the opposite direction.
  • Alternate sides. 

man performing diamond press-up triceps exercise

3. Diamond press-up   

The hand position in this press-up progression moves the main challenge away from your chest and towards your triceps. It’s one of the more difficult moves in our fat loss plan, but don’t compromise on range of motion in an attempt to complete the reps.

  • Start in a press-up position, but with your thumbs and forefingers together to form a diamond shape.
  • Lower your chest to the floor, keeping your elbows close to your sides, then press back up. 

man performing dumbbell bent-over row in 6 week fat loss plan

4. Dumbbell reverse-grip bent-over row   

Switching to a reverse grip provides a challenge to your biceps as you draw the weights in to your sides. This is useful because that muscle group isn’t targeted elsewhere in the workout.

  • Stand tall with your chest up and your core braced, holding dumbbells with palms facing forwards.
  • Bend forwards from your hips, then row the weights up to your sides, leading with your elbows.
  • Lower the weights to the start.

man performing dumbbell swing exercise  in 6 week fat loss plan

5. Dumbbell swing   

This should be done as an explosive, high-energy exercise. That will help you to develop a powerful hip drive (the key to this move) and also get your heart rate soaring towards the end of the circuit for a greater fat burn.

  • Stand holding a dumbbell between your legs.
  • Bend forwards, hingeing at the hips, to send the dumbbell between your legs, then push your hips forwards to straighten up and swing the dumbbell up to shoulder height.

man performing side plank abs exercise in 6 week fat loss plan

6. Side plank   

This is another way to work the muscles – specifically the core, abs and lower back, but also the glutes – statically. Doing the side plank also tests your balance because it is a difficult position to hold.

  • Position yourself on your side, supported on your elbow, then raise your hips and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels for the time indicated.
  • Switch to the other side and repeat.

Train in the right trainers with our pick of the best gym shoes

After completing week 1 of the fat loss plan, follow the structure of weeks 2-6 below:

6-week fat loss plan week 2 6-week fat loss plan week 3 6-week fat loss plan week 4 6-week fat loss plan week 5 6-week fat loss plan week 6

Finished this 6-week fat loss plan and need more inspiration? Scroll through our workouts archive for sessions to suit every goal.

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Best Resistance Bands With Handles https://mensfitness.co.uk/gear/resistance-bands-with-handles/ Wed, 24 May 2023 08:30:16 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=16352 Using resistance bands with handles lets you add dynamism and intensity to your strength training sessions…

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Get to grips with the best resistance bands with handles for locked-on strength gains at home…

Resistance bands are enjoying a renaissance due to their low-cost portability. There’s also virtually no end to the number of strength training exercises you can perform with bands – from the comfort of your own home.

Whereas resistance bands were traditionally just that – bands or strips of material (usually rubber) that provide varied resistance – now resistance bands with handles are becoming increasingly popular.

With resistance bands with handles – often called ‘resistance tubes’ – you can perform most of the exercises you can with regular bands. But by being able to gain better leverage, you can exert greater force and get a more intense workout.

While bands like the Amazon Basics TPE Resistance Band set are one of the cheapest pieces of kit for resistance exercises, they are open ended and can be difficult to maintain a good grip on the ends for certain exercises. Others, like the Eono Fabric Resistance Bands, are looped bands and ideal for leg exercises, but their length can be limiting in terms of the range of resistance exercises you can perform.

Advantages of resistance bands with handles

The best resistance bands with handles are ideal for more intense sessions where you want a firmer grip on the band and require a large range of motion. They tend to have a greater resistance than simple bands.

Handles also allow you to anchor one end of the band for a greater range of exercises. Some even come with interchangeable ends, so you can swap from a handle to a door anchor, or maybe a leg strap to increase your exercise options.

Looking for inspiration? Check out the best resistance band exercises

Disadvantages of resistance bands with handles

Resistance bands with handles typically have narrower bands or tubes than regular resistance bands. So if they rub against your skin they tend to exert greater pressure, and can cause red marks and discomfort.

Although they’re less likely to snap than regular bands, they can do so with greater force. So always check for small tears before you start your workout.

Build muscle and strength with this resistance band full-body workout

Best resistance bands with handles 2023

(Keep scrolling for full reviews)

  1. Best for guided workouts: Gorilla Bow Travel (from $248.99 / £199.99)
  2. Best for core and rotation: TRX RIP Trainer ($189.95 / £159.95)
  3. Best for beginners: TRX Bandit ($49.95 / £69.95)
  4. Best system on a budget: My Protein 11-Piece Band Set ($64 / £50)
  5. Best for core and rotation: Gymproluxe Band Bar Set (from £104.95 / international shipping available)

Product shot of a disassembled Gorilla Bow TravelBest resistance band with handles

Gorilla Bow Travel

BUY IT NOW:

From $248.99 / £199.99, amazon.co.uk

Versatility: 4/5
Band quality: 4/5
Resistance range: 5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Resistance: Up to 350lb (158.8kg) | Colours: Black with coloured bands | Number of bands: 9 or 11 | Features: 3-piece bow / simultaneous band use / carry case

The Gorilla Bow Travel is a one-stop shop for improving full-body fitness. With two different sets available offering 9 or 11 bands and up to 330lb (149.7kg) or 350lb (158.8kg) of resistance respectively, you can get in a highly effective workout and start making significant strength and endurance gains.

You can load the bow with anything from one to four bands. Not only does that give you four resistance strengths when you use one band at a time, you can also use multiple bands simultaneously to layer resistance. So it’s an ideal system for quickly dropping the weight when you fatigue – perfect for drop sets.

The Gorilla Bow is one of the bulkiest and most commanding of all our fitness band systems at 55in (140cm) tall when assembled. It detaches into three elements, though, so fits easily in a large bag or small suitcase.

Read our full Gorilla Bow Travel review

Product shot of the Gymproluxe bar band set

Gymproluxe Band Bar Set

BUY IT NOW:

From £104.95, gymproluxestore.com (international shipping available)

Versatility: 4/5
Band quality: 5/5
Resistance range: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Resistance: 26-80lb (11.8-36.3kg) / 35-105lb (15.9-47.6kg) / 52-153lb (23.6-69.4kg) / 66-198lb (29.9-89.8kg) / 88-264lb (39.9-119.8kg) | Material: Latex | Colours: Black with multicoloured bands | Number of bands: 5 sets of 3 available

The Gymproluxe Band Bar Set comes in five flavours, each giving you three resistance bands. The medium set cover a range from 35-105lb (15.9-47.6kg), and it’s also available one lighter and three heavier options covering a total range of 26-264lb (11.8-119.8kg). That’s an impressive range of resistances to choose from.

Load up the bands and you have three levels of resistance in one convenient, lightweight belt. You can release individual bands to drop the weight by increments of three. Presses, rows, curls and flyers are all easy to perform whether standing up or lying down, so you can smash out a decent workout pretty much anywhere.

It also incorporates a bar for some of the best chest training we’ve experienced from a band system.

Read our full Gymproluxe Band Bar Set review

Product shot of a TRX resistance band

TRX Bandit Resistance Band Kit

BUY IT NOW:

$49.95 / £69.95, amazon.co.uk

Versatility: 4/5
Band quality: 4.5/5
Resistance range: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Resistance: 5lb (2.3kg) to 60lb (27.2kg) | Colours: Black and yellow | Number of bands: 5 | Features: Six-year guarantee / compatible with other TRX bands

The TRX Bandit Resistance Band Kit is a simple but durable system that gives you a tension range between 5lb and 60lb (2.3kg and 27.3kg). Just slip one or two light or medium bands into each handle and away you go.

As you progress there’s also the option to insert heavier TRX bands, while can be bought separately for around £20. It’s more versatile than larger, pricier options like the Gorilla Bow Travel as its handles can be oriented for a neutral grip for hammer curls or you can supinate for a bicep curl just by twisting your wrist.

While it won’t be for anyone looking to put on serious mass, the Bandit can still help most people get a tough, muscle-building workout in higher rep ranges.

Read our full TRX Bandit Resistance Band Kit review

Check out our full roundup of the best resistance bands

Product shot of Myprotein 11-piece band set

Myprotein 11-Piece Band Set

BUY IT NOW:

$64 / £50, myprotein.com

Versatility: 4.5/5
Band quality: 4/5
Resistance range: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Resistance: 10lb (4.5kg), 20lb (9.1kg), 30lb (13.6kg), 40lb (18.1kg), 50lb (22.7kg) | Colours: Black | Number of bands: 5 | Features: Leg straps / door anchor

The Myprotein 11-Piece Band Set is big on bands and value, shipping with five tube bands, two handles, two leg straps and a door anchor, as well as a breathable net bag. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better set of bands with plenty of room for beginners to develop.

The five different coloured bands range from 10lb (4.5kg) to 50lb (22.7kg) in resistance. Each end has a carabiner (clamp), which can latch onto either a handle, a leg strap or the door anchor. With the leg strap around your ankle, it’s useful for abductor, adductor and glute exercises, and with the handles on both sides, you’ve got shoulder and chest presses covered.

The MyProtein 11-Piece Band Set maxes out at 50lb (22.7kg) so doesn’t offer as high resistance as much of the competition. But if you’re looking constant tension and high rep range conditioning, its five bands work a treat – and can be doubled up for extra resistance.

Read our full Myprotein 11-Piece Band Set review

Product shot of TRX RIP Trainer

TRX RIP Trainer

BUY IT NOW:

$189.95 / £159.95, amazon.co.uk

Versatility: 4/5
Band quality: 5/5
Resistance range: 3/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Resistance: 20lb (9kg) – 15lb (7kg), 25lb (11kg), 38lb (17kg) and 50lb (23kg) are optional extras | Colours: Black and yellow | Features: Door anchor / carabiner / six-year guarantee

This core annihilator in disguise turns traditional moves into asymmetric exercises. In doing so it focuses the resistance on one side of your body, forcing you to compensate and develop muscles you’d usually work with pilates or other core-focused training.

Like most TRX kit, the RIP Trainer is covered by a six-year warranty and comes with a 20lb (9kg) medium chord. You’re not stuck with that, though as light (15lb / 7kg), heavy (25lb / 11kg), extra-heavy (38lb / 17kg) and XX-heavy (50lb / 23kg) cords are available separately at around £15 each.

The included door anchor and carabiner give you options to use it indoors and out. Just bear in mind the system requires a few clear square meters in all directions.

Read our full TRX RIP Trainer review

RELATED CONTENT:

  1. Best dumbbells for home workouts
  2. Best adjustable dumbbells
  3. Resistance band legs workout

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MF Tests: GU Hydration Tablets https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/gu-hydration-tablets/ Tue, 23 May 2023 15:38:14 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17307 With punchy flavours and plenty of sodium, these are ideal for prolonged training sessions…

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GU Hydration Tablets review: Ideal for larger bottles and longer sessions, GU tablets will see you through intense or prolonged training…

GU Hydration Tablets

BUY IT NOW:

$30 for 4 tubes (12 tablets each), guenergy.com / £6.99 for 1 tube or £52.95 for 8 tubes, gu.germany.de

Pros:

  • Punchy flavours, although maybe a bit too intense for some
  • Good amount of electrolytes in the mix, especially sodium

Cons:

  • Pack size is limited to 12 tablets
  • Contains sugar, although minimal

Taste: 4.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

These are the best supplements for muscle growth

These tablets contain a basic mix of electrolytes, but all that’s essential. The sodium content of each tablet (320mg) is enough to support adequate hydration and ward off hyponatraemia during moderate to intense, prolonged exercise. These tablets are suitable for all types of exercise, though they’d not be required for sports that don’t include a significant degree of sweating.

GU Hydration Tablets benefits

The flavour of the electrolytes is good and has a nice tang, but it may be a bit too intense for some people. You only need one tablet to mix with 750ml of water – that’s a large enough serving to get you through a moderate to intense training session. The tablet combines well in water and doesn’t require any additional shaking to combine.

For a portable protein fix get the best protein bars

The tablets are sweetened with a combination of sugar and stevia, although the sugar content is minimal. Vitamin B6 has been added to promote the transport of electrolytes in the body and for its role in energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system, but it’s rarely lacking in our diet.

Improve your digestive health with the best fibre supplements

The packaging is convenient and can easily be thrown into your kit bag or pocket. However, they are only 12 tablets per tube so you may want to order in bulk. At 55p per serving for the multipacks they are pretty good value, especially as you dissolve each tablet in 750ml. There are four flavours to choose from – lemon and lime, three berries, orange and strawberry lemonade.

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MF Tests: Powerbar 5 Electrolytes https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/powerbar-5-electrolytes-review/ Tue, 23 May 2023 14:57:22 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17300 These hydration tabs are full of flavour and with a caffeine kick

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Powerbar 5 Electrolytes review: Powerbar’s hydration tabs have an intense flavour and a caffeine kick for a pre-workout pick-me-up

Powerbar 5 Electrolytes

BUY IT NOW:

£4.50 per tube (10 tablets) or £39.99 for 12 tubes / powerbar.eu (not available in the US)

Pros:

  • Handy sized packs
  • Good range of electrolytes

Cons:

  • Needs 3 tablets to fill a 750ml water bottle
  • Taste may be too sweet and intense for some

Taste: 3.5/5
Solubility: 4.5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

Better known for its energy bars, Powerbar also produces a range of electrolyte tablets. These 5 Electrolytes contain the body’s essential electrolytes to support fluid balance and hydration. The important electrolyte is sodium, and with 250mg in every serving there’s enough here to keep you hydration and to ward off hyponatraemia during prolonged exercise. Powerbar recommends using one tablet with 250ml water per serving.

Powerbar 5 Electrolytes benefits

These electrolyte tablets are suitable for all sports, including endurance events. To fill a large water bottle (750ml), you’d need to add three tablets which will set the sodium content relatively high. So this may not be the best option for anyone who needs to watch their sodium intake for health reasons.

These are the best supplements for muscle growth

The tablets are sugar-free and sweetened with sucralose. The pink grapefruit we tested is refreshing, but also a little sweet and a bit too intense, which may not suit everyone. The tablets do dissolve quickly, though, with no need for shaking.

For a portable protein fix get the best protein bars

All flavours of 5 Electrolytes contain 75mg of caffeine, around the same amount as a regular cup of coffee. This may suit some people who like to use caffeine before and during training or competition to aid performance, but it’s not ideal for evening sessions.

Improve your digestive health with the best fibre supplements

With only ten tabs in each tube they’re easily pocketable. At 33p per serving they do seem like good value but if you need to fill larger bottles with the recommended dosage it can start to get pricey. There are five flavours to choose from – raspberry and pomegranate, lemon tonic, blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, and mango and passionfruit.

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MF Tests: Ultima Replenisher https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/ultima-replenisher-review/ Tue, 23 May 2023 12:04:06 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17289 Low sodium levels make this more suited to everyday hydration…

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Ultima Replenisher review: In powder rather than tablet form, this vitamin C-rich drink is ideal for everyday hydration and wellness…

Ultima Replenisher electrolyte powder

BUY IT NOW:

$44.99 for 11.4oz (90 servings), ultimareplenisher.com / £69.99 for 288g (90 servings), amazon.co.uk

Pros:

  • A natural blend free of artificial sweeteners, flavourings or colourings
  • Good combination of electrolytes
  • Mixes very well

Cons:

  • Not the strongest of flavours
  • Sodium levels are too low to support prolonged exercise

Taste: 3.5/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 3.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

These are the best supplements for muscle growth

Rather than the tablet form of most electrolyte drinks, Ultima Replenisher is available in powder form. You can buy it in a pouch with 20 single-serving stick packs, or as 30- or 90-serving tubs. The manufacturer recommends dissolving each serving or scoop in 450ml water.

Ultima Replenisher benefits

Ultima Replenisher contains a good blend of electrolytes as well as vitamin C. It has very little sodium at just 55mg per serving, so it’s better suited to everyday activities and wellness rather than supporting hydration under more extreme exercise conditions. Vitamin C is good for boosting the immune system and for its antioxidant properties, though it’s not necessary for hydration.

For a portable protein fix get the best protein bars

The powder is sugar-free, sweetened with stevia and flavoured and coloured naturally. While this may appeal to some people, the result is that the favour is very mild and subtle. So it may not go down well with those that prefer a stonger, more flavoursome electrolyte.

The electrolyte mixes very well, which is one benefit of using a powder rather than a soluble tablet. It’s also straightforward to adjust the dose to suit a bigger serving size rather than having to break tablets into portions.

Improve your digestive health with the best fibre supplements

The packaging isn’t the most convenient (unless you buy the stick packs) if you’re looking for an electrolyte you can carry in your kit bag. So you’ll need to prepare your drink either before or after training sessions.

You can only buy Ultima Replenisher online, but there are nine flavours to choose from, as well as the different pack sizes. The larger 90-serving tub is the most cost-effective, but even that works out at 77p per serving, which is one of the most expensive on test.

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MF Tests: Nuun Hydration Sport https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/nuun-hydration-sport-review/ Tue, 23 May 2023 10:21:27 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17286 Nuun are a good choice if you're used to exercising with smaller bottles…

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Nuun Hydration Sport review: With a good range of flavours, and available with or without caffeine, these mini tubes are ideal for hydrating on the go…

Nuun Hydration Sport

BUY IT NOW:

$7.49 per tube (10 tablets per tube) or $59.92 for 8 tubes, nuunlife.com / £26 for 4 tubes or £49 for 8 tubes, everyhealth.com

Pros:

  • Good blend of electrolytes
  • Naturally sweetened and coloured
  • Versions available with and without caffeine

Cons:

  • Flavour is not the strongest
  • Pack size is small, containing only 10 tablets

Taste: 4/5
Solubility: 5/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5

Nuun’s Hydration Sport range is available with or without caffeine and contains a good blend of electrolytes. The sodium content of these tablets is enough at 300mg to ward off hyponatraemia and promote good hydration during moderate or intense exercise.

Nuun Hydration Sport benefits

These tablets are sugar-free, sweetened with natural sweetener stevia and naturally coloured with beetroot powder. These have the most natural ingredient list of all the electrolytes we’ve reviewed.

These are the best supplements for muscle growth

They dissolve well in water and don’t require any shaking. Nuun recommends one tablet should be dissolved in 475ml water per serving. So if you’re filling a 750ml water bottle for training or competition you’ll need more than one tablet so it’s not too diluted. Just bare in mind that multiple doses will mean taking in more than the 300mg sodium in each tablet. That may be too much, particularly for light sweaters.

For a portable protein fix get the best protein bars

The lemon and lime flavour we tested has a pleasant flavour, although it’s not as strong as some of the other electrolyte tablets. This might not be the electrolyte drink for you if you prefer a more intense or sweeter taste.

Improve your digestive health with the best fibre supplements

As each tube only contains 10 tablets, they’re the most convenient on test to carry around in a pocket or kit bag. At 65p per serving, they’re not the cheapest, and if you want to fill a larger water bottle you’ll need to double the dose, increasing the cost.

They’re available online only, but there are 13 flavours to choose from, including four caffeinated versions.

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MF Tests: MyEndurance Hydr8 https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/myendurance-hydr8-review/ Tue, 23 May 2023 09:20:45 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=17283 Endurance athletes who like orange will love Hydr8 tablets…

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MyEndurance Hydr8 review: Hydr8 tablets are packed with vitamins and minerals with good sodium levels to suit endurance athletes…

MyEndurance Hydr8

BUY IT NOW:

£4.99 per tube (20 tablets) or £24.99 for 8 tubes, amazon.co.uk (not available in the US)

Pros:

  • Designed to suit endurance exercise
  • Wide range of electrolytes
  • Excellent value

Cons:

  • Only one flavour
  • A little difficult to dissolve
  • Quite sweet

Taste: 4/5
Mixability: 4/5
Effectiveness: 4.5/5
OVERALL: 4/5

MyEndurance’s Hydr8 is designed for prolonged endurance exercise and contains many electrolytes to suit this purpose. There’s a decent amount of sodium (345mg) in these tablets to support hydration and prevent hyponatraemia during periods of prolonged endurance exercise.

MyEndurance Hydr8 benefits

MyEndurance recommends dissolving one tablet in 400ml water. But if you’re filling a 750ml water bottle you’ll probably want two tablets. In that case you’ll be increasing your sodium intake to almost 700mg, which may be too much if you need to watch your sodium levels or don’t tend to sweat too heavily.

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Hydr8 tablets are only available in orange, and only seem to be available on Amazon or Discount Supplements. The tablets don’t mix quite as well as others on test and need a shake to get the end residues to combine.

The tablets are sugar-free, sweetened with sucralose and use natural colourings. The orange flavour is nice and tangy but a little on the sweet side.

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These tablets contain B vitamins that help transport electrolytes around the body but may not be essential in an electrolyte supplement. Its list of vitamins and minerals makes the MyEndurance Hydr8 seem more of a multivitamin drink rather than an electrolyte drink. But it’s no less effective at keeping you hydrated than the competition.

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As with most electrolyte tablets, these come in a thin tube that’s ideal for keeping in your kit bag. At just 25p per tablet, these are one of the cheapest on the market, but that doesn’t necessarily make them a poor choice. It may be sweet and take a little effort to dissolve, but if you like orange and you’re into endurance sports, you’re onto a winner.

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Best Protein Bars For Muscle Recovery https://mensfitness.co.uk/nutrition/best-protein-bars/ Tue, 23 May 2023 09:00:34 +0000 https://mensfitness.co.uk/?p=6295 Protein bars are the grab-and-go recovery option for men on the move

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