If you’re thinking about becoming a fitness instructor, then you probably want to know what the average fitness instructor salary is in the UK.

Here at OriGym, we know that changing careers is a huge commitment, and certainly not a decision that you would make without knowing what to expect in terms of salary.

For that reason, we have compiled this guide, in which we have broken down the all-important question of “how much do fitness instructors make?” into the following sections.

Table of Contents

1. Average Fitness Instructor Salary: Does it Exist?
2. UK Fitness Instructor Salary vs PT Salary
3. Fitness Instructor Pay in Different Industries
4. How to Maximise Your Fitness Instructor Salary

Are you ready to kickstart a career in fitness? Enquire about our Personal Training Diploma today and you can combine your Level 2 & Level 3 Certifications.

Average Fitness Instructor Salary: Does It Exist?

Due to the huge number of variables and external factors that affect a fitness instructor’s salary, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure for the ‘average’ wage.

How much do fitness instructors get paid can vary

• Totaljobs: £18,579
• Glassdoor: £23,000
• Indeed: £33,942

These figures, however, are somewhat distorted as these websites calculate an average salary based on the jobs that are uploaded to their respective sites, failing to factor in the external influences that can affect the rate of pay for fitness instructors.

The fact that each of these sites shows a different average salary for the same role shows that they aren’t the most reliable source of information.

So, what factors do you need to consider when researching the average salary of a fitness instructor? Allow us to explain!

5 Factors That Influence the Average Gym Instructor Wage

#1 Location

Location is one of the biggest influences on salary, with the average wage for almost all jobs varying significantly up and down the UK. For example, whilst the average person in Liverpool takes home £28K a year, that goes up to £54K in London.

The fitness industry is no exception. The average fitness instructor salary in London is typically much higher than anywhere else in the UK with wages as high as £30 per hour.

Whilst this is partly due to the increased cost of living in London, the fact that there are plenty of prestigious venues based in London bumps this hourly rate up too.

For that same reason, being based in any city centre location can increase your potential earnings. Central locations tend to have a lot more demand for fitness instructors and tons more gyms than remote locations.

#2 Freelance Roles

Another influence on the salary of a fitness instructor that sites such as Payscale fail to consider is the fact that freelancers are among the highest-earning fitness instructors.

Because these sites base average wage on the jobs advertised on their sites, they completely ignore the freelance fitness instructor salary and the earnings of anybody who runs their own business.

Plenty of fitness professionals work on a freelance basis, for example, by holding group classes at local gyms. As a freelance fitness instructor, your salary is determined by your individual schedule, client base, and whether you need to pay rent to a gym or health club to use their facilities.

Highly successful fitness instructors can earn over 60k per year, if not more. Technically, as a freelancer, your income has no limits – the more work you do, the more money you’ll make.

#3 Independent Fitness Instructors

Freelancers aren’t the only people who can make higher-than-average salaries as fitness instructors. In fact, the highest rate of fitness instructor pay is almost certainly among those who run their own business.

Starting your own business does require a significant investment of time and effort – you’ll need to create sales and marketing strategies, for instance. However, having your own business means that the amount you can earn is unlimited.

Once again, these figures aren’t factored into the calculations made by job sites.

Interested in maximising your fitness instructor pay rate by starting your own business? Check out the OriGym article on the best fitness business ideas.

#4 Hours Worked

A further issue with the accuracy of the average pay for fitness instructors shown on jobsites is that the number of hours worked is not factored into their reports.

Because the figures are based on the salaries offered within their job adverts, and not calculated using the advertised gym instructor salary per hour, the overall average is dragged down by fixed-contract and part-time fitness instructor salary offers.

When looking at the average salaries on these sites, bear in mind that this average yearly salary might not reflect a full 35-40 hour working week.

You can get a better idea of the average wage by looking at the hourly rate offered by employers and multiplying that by the number of hours you expect to work.

#5 Only Considers Basic Salary

One final reason to take the average salaries you see online with a pinch of salt is that these figures are mainly a reflection of basic starting salaries and don’t account for commission or pay rises.

For an entry-level role, we’d say £19,000 to £23,000 is around the average fitness instructor annual salary, with roles in central or affluent areas easily exceeding that.

However, as in any industry, the more experience you gain as a fitness instructor, the more you should expect to earn. This is a prime example of the issue with using a job site as a source for average salaries, as the majority of these sources indicate an increase of only £1,000 per year for an extra 5-10 years of experience!

UK Fitness Instructor Salary vs PT Salary

If you’re unsure about the difference between a fitness instructor and a personal trainer, then this section should help break it down.

Qualifying as a fitness instructor is the first stage of a career in the fitness industry, and most fitness instructors go on to become a certified personal trainer. Simply put, if you want to progress your fitness career in a way that will significantly impact your salary, qualifying as a PT is essential.

The average entry-level salary for a PT is £22,584 (according to Payscale), which is immediately £5,469 more than the average starting salary for a gym instructor.

What’s more, thanks to the increased opportunities for career progression as a PT, there is much more room to improve on the gym instructor pay rate.

Why do personal trainers earn more than fitness instructors? The main difference between these roles is that a personal trainer is qualified to do everything that a fitness instructor does, plus they can create training plans that are tailored to individual clients and they’re qualified to hold 1-1 sessions.

Considering the fact that PTs hold a higher level of qualification and can offer more services than gym instructors, it only makes sense that they typically earn a little more.

Are you thinking about skipping straight to a lucrative PT wage? Read our article to find out more about the personal trainer salary specifically.

After completing a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course you can work as a PT in a wide variety of environments, with your salary rising as you gain experience and further fitness knowledge.

Having a Level 3 Qualification also allows you to move onto a specialised course, for example, a Level 4 Nutrition Qualification. Completing a Level 4 Course will see your salary rise even further by increasing the services that you can offer and making you an ‘expert’ in a specialised area.

Boosting your health and fitness instructor salary by completing further qualifications is something that we’ll discuss in more detail a little further on. But for now, let’s discuss who employs fitness instructors and how much they pay!

Fitness Instructor Pay in Different Industries

A little earlier on, we mentioned that it’s difficult to answer ‘how much does a fitness instructor earn?’ or define an ‘average’ wage as there are multiple factors that can influence earnings.

Aside from the points made above, one of the biggest factors affecting wages in the fitness industry is who your employer is and where you work.

Unsure how this can affect what you earn? Here’s what you need to know!

Leisure Centres

Working in a leisure centre is a great place to start your fitness career. Many of these jobs are funded and managed by the local council, they offer a varied working environment, and due to the general demand for these facilities, there is an added level of job security.

However, one thing to remember is that some of these higher-paying jobs may only be part-time or fixed-term contracts, and often require extra qualifications, like yoga, or spin instructing.

Working as a fitness instructor in a leisure centre full-time consists of various day-to-day activities and involves working with a wide range of clients, often including individuals visiting the facility as part of an exercise referral programme.

This kind of role typically pays anywhere between £22,000 and £24,000 a year, which reflects how much do fitness instructors make a year in these roles. This offers a great opportunity to get familiar with teaching classes and gain valuable experience in the industry.

Hotels

Many hotels these days have gyms that are accessible to the general public as well as guests. Most of the bigger and upmarket hotel brands employ fitness instructors to provide an added layer of customer service to enhance their client’s overall experience.

Unfortunately, there is huge variation in the average fitness instructor salary in UK hotels, with many only advertising hourly rates or not specifying salary at all.

Generally, the hourly rates all tend to be around £9.50 to £9.77, which roughly equates to £18,525 to £19,051 per annum. You’re probably thinking that’s not a lot of money, but it’s worth noting that the majority of hotels offer other bonuses on top of your wage, including discounted prices on rooms, free meals, uniform, and other perks.

If you’re just starting out in the fitness industry and looking for somewhere to get your foot in the door, a hotel gym is a great place to start out.

Cruise Ships

Whilst a lot of people take time off from their workouts during their holidays, some individuals actively search for fitness classes and group exercise opportunities, hence the need for fitness instructors onboard cruise ships.

There are even cruises that boldly promote their fitness facilities!

The benefits of being a fitness instructor on a cruise ship are huge, including:

• Worldwide travel
• Free accommodation and food
• Discounts on shopping, entertainment, and other facilities (such as spa treatments)
• Networking and meeting new people
• Opportunity for promotion – most cruise ships company invest a lot of time and money into their employees, meaning they’re more likely to promote internally

There are, however, a couple of drawbacks with this career option, the main issue being that the cruise ship fitness instructor salary is significantly lower than similar entry-level roles, and the only way to accurately find out the salary is to ask the cruise ship company directly.

Other disadvantages include long working hours, having minimal days off during cruises, not having a lot of personal space or sharing accommodation, and almost constant pressure to upsell.

This career path is not for the fainthearted, but it will provide a fantastic life experience and the chance to see the world! It’s definitely worth doing some research and making a few enquiries into what it’s like to work as a fitness instructor on a cruise ship.

Fitness Instructor Annual Salary In Universities

Not only do degrees such as ‘sports coaching’, ‘sport and exercise science’, and ‘sports performance’ require practical assessments and access to a gym and gym equipment for proper learning, but many universities also have on-site gyms and sports facilities for students.

This means that many Universities hire fitness instructors to maintain the gym floor and provide support to students.

The fitness instructor starting salary at universities is slightly more generous than other career paths. As shown in this job post from The University of Manchester, this position is advertising for a hybrid-remote position starting from £21,686 to £23,487 per annum.

A Level 3 Personal Training Qualification is an essential requirement for many university fitness instructor roles, so it’s worth investing in this qualification before fully committing to a role.

Salary For A Fitness Instructor Working In Gyms

Gyms might seem like the obvious answer when thinking about who hires fitness instructors, but unfortunately, the reality these days is that it’s becoming less common for gyms to hire fitness instructors.

This is because more and more gyms are opting to hire personal trainers and other fitness professionals who are at least Level 3 qualified, cutting out the need for Level 2 gym instructors.

This demand for Level 3 qualified fitness professionals means that the gyms that do hire fitness instructors usually only pay minimum wage.

David Lloyds and Total Fitness are two of the biggest gym brands in the UK that still hire fitness instructors at level 2, but they only offer minimum wage salaries. In addition to this, David Lloyd specifically hires group fitness instructors, so you may need experience in this or even an extra qualification to land even this job.

Understandably, this may put you off joining the industry altogether, but ultimately becoming a fitness instructor is the first step in your fitness career, meaning you won’t be on this salary forever.

Ways to Boost Your Gym Fitness Instructor Salary

Whilst the entry-level salary for a fitness instructor is on the lower end, there are a lot of opportunities for progression within a gym environment. Some of these include:

• Working at a Gym on a Freelance Basis – You might struggle to land a salaried fitness instructor job that pays more than minimum wage, but working for a gym on a freelance basis could open up the opportunity of an increased income. Some of the benefits of working as a freelance fitness instructor at a gym include a higher hourly wage, an element of flexibility over your hours and the classes you teach, and you aren’t required to recruit individuals for classes unlike instructors that start their own business.
• Assistant Gym/Fitness Manager – One way that a fitness instructor can progress in their career is to become an assistant gym manager. Whilst some fitness facilities only have one gym manager, there are plenty of facilities that employ one or two assistant managers – it really depends on the size of the venue! The wage is a good step up from a certified fitness instructor salary, averaging around £22,803. However, you’ll be much more likely to land this role if you have a level 3 PT qualification.

• Gym Manager – the vast majority of gyms, leisure centres, and hotels (as well as other fitness environments) have a team of fitness instructors and personal trainers, and therefore require a manager. This is the logical next step up from assistant gym manager, with an increase to an average salary of £30,657 per annum.
• Offer Additional Services – A further way to earn more as a fitness instructor in a gym is to complete additional or specialist qualifications. Whilst we’ve already touched on the fact that having a Level 3 certificate in Personal Training is almost essential, there are plenty of other further qualifications that can help to boost a fitness instructors income.

Want to find out more about the best qualifications to increase the salary of a gym instructor? Here goes…

How To Maximise Your Fitness Instructor Salary

A Level 2 Gym Instructor Course is essential to start out as a fitness instructor and it’s a great first step towards kick-starting a career in the industry. But, it doesn’t stop there! There are tons of further qualifications and certificates that you can achieve to advance your career, and as a result, earn more money.

Some workplaces, mainly gyms and health clubs, allow you to learn on the job and acquire more qualifications while you work – some will even pay for your courses!

As we’ve already touched on, the first logical step as a fitness instructor is a Level 3 Personal Trainer Course. This expands your knowledge of health and fitness and enables you to train clients in 1-on-1 sessions, tailor fitness programmes, offer general nutritional advice, gain a lot of new clients, and ultimately, earn a lot more money.

The difference between the fitness instructor wage and that of a PT is pretty significant, so in the long term, it’s definitely worth completing a CIMSPA accredited Personal Training Diploma.

Not only will this benefit you financially, but once you become a Level 3 Personal Trainer, your opportunities for progression open up even further as you can gain further qualifications.

Become a Sports Massage Therapist

There are multiple areas of the fitness industry that you can specialise in, one increasingly popular area being sports massage therapy (SMT).

Many gyms and health clubs hire sports massage therapists to treat their clients, but that isn’t the only way you can work as a sports massage therapist. SMT has benefits for a range of individuals, from casual gym-goers to professional athletes.

As more and more people recognise the benefits of sports massage therapy more fitness professionals are starting to offer this service either as a mobile business or as a side income from an independent SMT clinic.

Whilst you do need the Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy qualification, the average salary for a full-time sports massage therapist is £42,443 a year, so the course will quickly pay for itself!

Not only that, but unlike a lot of other advanced fitness qualifications, you don’t actually need a Level 3 PT qualification to get onto this course, so you could opt to pursue a career in SMT instead of taking the traditional route of becoming a personal trainer.

– – – –

Enjoying this article? Check out our 3 blog posts below to see how you can advance your career as a fitness instructor:

• How to Be a Successful Personal Trainer (UK)
• How to Become a CrossFit Coach
• 17 Career Change Ideas & How To Achieve Them

Qualify As An Exercise Referral Specialist

If you’re interested in specialising in another area of the health and fitness industry, you might want to look into qualifying as a Level 3 Exercise Referral Specialist.

A career in exercise referral involves working with patients who have been referred to you by a health or medical professional. The main role of an exercise referral specialist is to improve a patient’s health or well-being by designing and implementing an exercise program for that patient specifically.

Offer Nutrition Services To Increase Your Earnings

Level 4 courses are specialised qualifications that allow for progressive expertise in various health and fitness disciplines, for example, sports nutrition.

Completing a Nutritionist Course in the UK would allow you to specialise in nutrition and athletic performance.

With this qualification, you can boost your earnings by offering nutrition services, such as tailored meal planning, alongside working as a fitness instructor. If you enjoy this area of the industry, you could even go on to pursue a higher paying role by becoming a sports nutritionist or starting your own nutrition business!

Level 4 Qualifications

Nutrition isn’t the only area that you can specialise in, there is a whole range of Level 4 fitness qualifications that you can study, such as an Advanced qualification in Lower Back Pain Management or a Level 4 Obesity & Weight Management course.

Either of these courses will allow you to earn well above the average gym instructor salary by specialising in areas such as obesity prevention or training individuals with lower back conditions.

Achieving a level 4 qualification puts you in the top 10% of personal trainers in the UK, and increases your client base and wage prospects.

The more of an expert you become, the more you will be able to charge for your services, and the easier it will be for you to market yourself (or your business) as a high-end, quality service!

Specialise With CPD Training

Outside of committing to further Level 3 and 4 qualifications, another way to increase your earnings as a fitness instructor is to complete continuing professional development (CPD) courses.

If you aren’t ready to do a Level 4 course just yet, then CPD courses are a great way to set yourself apart from other fitness professionals.

Here at OriGym, we offer tons of accredited CPD courses, all of which will allow you to improve your knowledge of health and fitness in general, specialise in specific niches, and increase your fitness instructor income.

Conclusion

After reading through our article we hope that you now know enough about the average fitness instructor salary to decide whether this is the right job role for you.

We hope that our article has helped you to get a better idea of how much you can earn, and what you can do to boost your salary and progress into a rewarding and profitable career.

If all this information has inspired you to get qualified and join the fitness industry, we can certainly help you here at OriGym. We’ve got OriGym’s Level 2 Gym Instructor Course to get you ahead of the competition.

Find out everything you need to know about the range of courses we offer by downloading our FREE course prospectus.

Healthy meal replacement shakes are a great way to cut your food intake and contribute to weight loss, but it can be tricky finding the ones that will actually make a big difference. 

That’s why here at OriGym, we have found 16 great products and provided this clear and informative list of the best meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK, so you can get your weight loss journey back on track in no time.

Before we get straight to it, check out our Level 4 Sports Nutrition Course to find out how you can develop a career in the fitness industry and become a nutritionist through OriGym. Download our latest course prospectus for all of our courses.

What are Meal Replacement Shakes?

Meal replacement shakes (or meal replacement drinks) are food supplements that are commonly used to completely replace a meal, snacks, or multiple meals during the day. They either come in the form of powders or ready-made drinks, and usually have a shake-like consistency.

Meal replacement shakes are commonly used for weight loss due to their lower calorie content, and the filling nature of the shakes.

For more information, we have put together an in-depth FAQ section at the end of our list of meal replacement shakes reviews, which answers questions such as ‘how to use meal replacement shakes’ and ‘how much weight can i lose with meal replacement shakes?’.

For some more information on healthy eating to lose weight, check out our list of 33 Foods That Help Burn Fat or Help Speed Up Our Metabolism.

#1 – Cute Nutrition – Chocolate Meal Replacement Shakes 

Price: £16.99 for 500g 

If you’re looking for the best meal replacement shakes on today’s market, then look no further than this chocolate flavoured product by Cute Nutrition! 

These low calorie meal replacement shakes are mainly geared towards women and have been specially formulated to ensure that you look and feel your best. 

Cute Nutrition’s shake has been designed to aid and maintain weight loss. By substituting one to two meals a day with this shake, you can maintain and support your weight loss goals alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet.

These meal replacement drinks for weight loss contain an effective blend of minerals and vitamins that will help to replace any health benefits that you might lose from replacing certain meals during the day. For every 35 gram serving of this shake there are 10.5 grams of protein, 17.4 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.9 grams of fat. 

These high protein meal replacement shakes will satisfy your sweet cravings whilst also being low in calories, with one shake only containing 217 calories (when mixed with skimmed milk). Plus, there’s a huge range of flavours available, including: 

• Chocolate
• Strawberry & Vanilla
• Cookies & Cream
• Coffee Frappé
• Vanilla 
• Cherry Cheesecake 
• Mint Choc Chip
• And Peaches & Cream, amongst many more! 

This is also a great option if you’re looking for meal replacement shakes for breakfast, as you can drink it right at the start of the day to provide you with a healthy, balanced breakfast on the go. It’s also a great substitute for your lunch and any extra snacking you might do throughout the day. 

On top of being veggie friendly, and having well over 6 and a half thousand brilliant reviews on Amazon, these replacement meal drinks are only going to cost you £16.99 too, making it the perfect choice if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes for women! 

#2 – Instant Knockout Meal Replacement

Price: £99.96 (Per month supply – 28 meals)

As you may have noticed, this is one of the meal replacement drinks distributed in the UK that has a high price point, so allow us to explain all of the reasons why.

This Instant Knockout Complete is a nutritionally complete powdered meal, with calorie control at the forefront of its creation. 

It is easy to prepare and allows for a commitment of 1 month, however, you should know that for a cheaper price  you can try for 2 weeks to see if this is the product for you.

Coming in a vanilla flavour, you can drink up 400 calories per meal while packing in the protein. The team behind this have ensured that every serving provides the correct balance to help you lose weight and keep it off all the while. 

They explain how their product includes the all important MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides). These are fatty acids that can promote weight loss and curb those cravings. Complete uses the highest-quality MCT oils found in nature: the coconut.

What makes this meal-on-the-go so unique, is the fact that they haven’t cut corners, they have thought about how your day can be fueled without compromise. So, unlike the crash and burn you may have associated with meal replacements before – this provides a slow release throughout your day. 

With 35g of protein, 35g of carbs and 13g of fibre – you have the perfect combination for energy and satiety. Not only that, but you can also take in Vitamin D, A and E, while also taking advantage of the healthy fats and Chromium. 

You can read plenty more about their product over on their site, but these are just a snippet of what this protein shake as a meal replacement includes!

#3 – SlimFast – High Protein Meal Replacement 

Price: £7.25 for 438g 

Another one of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023 has to be SlimFast’s High Protein shake.  

SlimFast’s meal replacement protein shakes only contain 230 calories per serving and have no added sugar. It’s high in protein too, with one serving containing 15g of protein! They are also a great source of fibre. 

Additionally, these protein meal replacement shakes also include 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and contain 1/3 of your daily nutrients in each serving! 

As part of the SlimFast 1,2,3 plan you can replace 1 to 2 meals every day with these shakes, allowing you to enjoy a balanced 600kcal (800kcal for men) meal for dinner. Buying a tub of SlimFast’s meal replacement shake will only cost you £7.25, which is a great deal in itself, and each tub contains up to 12 servings. There are a variety of flavours available too, including chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and strawberry.

On the whole, this product is definitely a great option if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes! 

Find out another healthy way to get more protein here – 15 Best Gluten Free Protein Bars.

#4 – SCI-MX Nutrition – Diet Meal Replacement 

Price: £16.77 for 1kg 

One of the best meal replacement shakes on the UK 2023 market has to be this product from SCI-MX Nutrition. 

Packed with added diet support ingredients, SCI-MX Nutrition’s shake can be a huge help as you undertake your weight loss journey. The shake contains green tea, CLA, and VIT-MIX Trim to help support your diet, and has been specially designed to leave you feeling full and energised for hours. 

These replacement meal drinks can act as a complete meal replacement as each serving contains at least 30% of your daily mineral and vitamin needs. The shake is also high in calcium and zinc. One serving of this nutrient-dense shake contains 25g of protein,  1.7g conjugated linoleic acid, and just 200 calories. An all-round fantastic option if you’re shopping for complete meal replacement shakes for weight loss. 

Replacing one to two meals a day with this shake can help you achieve your fat-loss and toning goals as part of your exercise and healthy eating regime.

The ingredients in the shake also help curb hunger and cravings, meaning you’ll be snacking a lot less after you start using this shake every day.

These protein meal replacement shakes are available in three different flavours, those being strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, and are going to cost you only £16.77 for 1kg, which will provide you with around 18 servings. 

Another top option for best meal replacement shakes for weight loss for UK shoppers!

#5 – PhenQ Complete Meal Shake

Price: £44.85 (for 7 meals)

As one of the best meal replacement shakes for men and women, this all-rounder is a popular choice. 

This shake replaces 1 full meal and assists in shedding any excess pounds naturally without going through any hunger pains.

As well as that, you can say goodbye to uncontrollable cravings as this intends to boost energy and control the cravings that we have all experienced before. 

This is through the help of a healthy 16g of whey protein concentrate which can help fill you up and improve recovery if you have been working out. 

PhenQ insist that they are not just a diet drink, but they are in fact a mouth-watering complete meal shake that replaces 1 full meal and can easily fit into any lifestyle. 

You don’t have to be dieting to take advantage of this drink, if you’re on the go and know you have a packed day ahead, fitting in a drink of PhenQ is going to be a great alternative to sitting down for a meal that you don’t have time for!

PhenQ packs this full of protein meal replacement shake with 13 vegan  vitamins and minerals and 16 grams of whey. Plus, along with the tastiness, they have added a gut-boosting ingredient  – DigeZyme(™). Including the all important digestive enzymes so your stomach won’t pay the price of a compromised shake.

After 32 different tries to get the nutrition and taste combination perfect – this product is the end result!

#6 – Grenade – Carb Killa Protein Shake 

Price: £14.89 for 8 x 330ml 

These are some of the best meal replacement drinks by Grenade that will help you stick to your weight loss scheme and keep you away from any unnecessary snacking. 

These are high protein meal replacement shakes with one 330ml bottle containing over 25g of protein. There are also less than 200 calories per bottle, which is perfect for those who are watching their weight but still want a little sweet treat every now and then.

The Carb Killa replacement meal shakes are low on sugar but don’t compromise on taste. You can easily satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with one of the 6 flavours available, which include:

• Banana Armour
• Chocolate Mint 
• Cookies & Cream
• Fudge Brownie 
• Strawberries & Cream 
• And, White Chocolate 

Packed full of flavour, the Carb Killa low sugar meal replacement shakes can be consumed at any time, whatever you’re up to. You can drink it on the go, drizzle it over your dessert or even pour it over your cereals. It’s also the perfect post-workout refreshment and a great alternative to your usual, calorie-heavy sweet treat.

This is a shake we recommend you checking out, especially if you’re looking to buy a ready-made meal replacement shake that you can drink on-the-go. The Carb Killa are easily one of the best meal replacement drinks for weight loss on today’s market! 

#7 – Purition – Wholefood Plant Nutrition 

Price: £22.95 for 500g 

For those who are after dairy free meal replacement shakes, Purition’s Wholefood Plant Nutrition will have you covered.

Purition uses real food ingredients packed with naturally occurring nutrition for healthy and natural meal replacement shakes. Proteins, fats, and fibres found in the foods that they use, such as almonds, strawberries, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds, combine to deliver energy, vitamins, minerals, and digestive support so not only will you look great, but you’ll also feel healthy.

Due to the ingredients that Purition uses, these healthy meal replacement shakes are high in protein, high in fibre, and low in sugar. They’re also vegan friendly, gluten-free, and contain zero GMOs. They’re 100% plant-based, so you won’t be finding any hidden nasty additives within their ingredients.  

There’s a wide range of flavours available too, including:

• Vanilla
• Hemp Chocolate
• Chocolate Orange
• Strawberry
• Hemp Original 
• Blackcurrant 
• Coffee & Walnut
• Beetroot 
• Beetroot & Chocolate 
• Almond
• Pistachio 
• Coconut 
• Raspberry
• Pecan & Cinnamon 

All flavours are under 180 calories per serving, so you can easily curb those hunger pangs as well as watching your calorie intake. This product is truly a great option for the best diet meal replacement shakes due to its natural ingredients, and the huge health benefits that it brings to the table because of this. 

#8 – Optimum Nutrition Lean Meal Replacement Powder

Price: £20.00

Next up we have an entry from the popular Optimum Nutrition.

This is a meal replacement protein shake that does more than your average. It provides a fast and slow digesting proteins that is going to leave you satisfied and avoid any discomfort you may get with some powdered shakes.

As well as that, you can take advantage of 7.3g of fibre to help the digestion process even more so.

If you’re wondering where the carb sources come from, they are from the best sources for a healthy diet including:

• Oats
• Flaxseed
• Chickpeas

Coming in a chocolate flavour, you can still enjoy yourself if you have to skip a meal due to a busy day. In fact, this has high reviews with an average of 4.2 out of 5. Stocked in the popular store Holland and Barret, you can buy this online or go find it in your local store.

With 18 servings, you’re paying just over £1 per meal! A perfect budget friendly solution to a busy day.

#9 – TheProteinWorks – Diet Meal Replacement 

Price: £28.99 for 1kg 

TheProteinWorks option is another one to take a look at if you’re shopping for protein shakes as meal replacements. 

TheProteinWorks meal replacement diet shakes are high in protein and dense in nutrients, and have been designed to help with weight loss while still providing essential nutrition. 

Each serving of this shake is packed with slow digesting carbohydrates, 20g of protein and just 250 calories. This combination will increase your feeling of fullness whilst keeping your calories low at the same time. 

As well as being vegetarian friendly, TheProteinWorks diet meal replacement shakes contain a special vitamin and mineral blend. The blend consists of a wide range of essential vitamins that your body needs, including Vitamin B12, D3, Ascorbic Acid, and calcium. These all work together to help with the normal functioning of your nervous and immune systems. 

Additionally, these low calorie meal replacement shakes are naturally low in fat, giving you another reason to consider investing in these shakes if you’re hoping to lose weight. 

This diet meal replacement is available in 11 different flavours, including:

• Banana Smooth
• Butterscotch Ripple 
• Caramel Macchiato 
• Choc Mint Brownie 
• Chocolate Silk 
• Dark Choc Raspberry
• Strawberries ’n’ Cream

Due to all of the flavours that are available, we’re sure that these are some of the best tasting meal replacement shakes out there, and overall the TheProteinWorks product is one of the best meal replacement shakes in the UK for sure.

#10 – SlimZest – Diet Shakes

Price: £20.00 for 907g

SlimZest’s shake is one we recommend if you’re shopping for some of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK. 

SlimZest’s shakes are packed with 27 carefully selected vitamins and minerals to help keep you feeling fit and healthy whilst you’re on your diet. These complete meal replacement shakes are high in Vitamins B6 & B12, which help contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of fatigue, as well as magnesium, zinc, and iron, which help with the maintenance of healthy muscles, skin, and bones. 

Each serving only contains 114 calories, and is low in sugar. The weight loss meal replacement shakes are also high in protein too, with one serving containing 24g; helping you stay fuller for longer, meaning you won’t have to turn to snacking and jeopardise your dieting! 

Taste is also important to SlimZest, which is why they have four different flavours available. These include ‘Banana Blast’, ‘Indulgent Chocolate’, ‘Succulent Strawberry’, and ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’. These flavours mean you can still satisfy your sweet-tooth cravings with some of the best tasting meal replacement shakes without eating calorie heavy sugary snacks.

If a main contributor to making a purchasing decision is based on the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss reviews, then you’ll be glad to know that over 2,000 people online have given this product over 4 stars, proving that it is a top quality product. 

This is an excellent choice if you’re after healthy and complete meal replacement shakes. 

– – – – 

Check out some more of our nutrition articles below:

• How To Make A Meal Plan For Beginners
• 25 Best Antioxidant Foods
• 23 Best Metabolism Boosting Foods

#11- Women’s Best – Slim Body Shake 

Price: £25.49 for 1.2kg 

Here’s a good option if you’re specifically looking for one of the best meal replacement shakes for women (men will benefit from them too, though).

Women’s Best claim that the most important ingredient in this shake are the plant-based proteins that are abundant in the powder, such as pea protein, soy protein, and rice protein. One serving of this shake contains 20.6 grams of protein, which is a huge amount! 

These plant based proteins are combined with super-foods, carbohydrates, healthy antioxidants, and essential minerals and vitamins to create a high-quality formula that has been designed to be a huge help towards helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. Some of the essential vitamins and minerals included in these meal replacement protein shakes are zinc, iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin B2, B3, B6, B5, B12, and magnesium.

You can substitute these top meal replacement shakes for women for 1 to 2 meals a day. However, it isn’t just weight loss that this shake will help you with: it will also support muscle growth and maintenance too, making it a great pre and post-workout shake too! 

One of the best things about this option is that it won’t leave you feeling hungry and craving snacks. This is a vitally important aspect towards you achieving your desired end result on your weight loss journey! Additionally, Women’s Best’s shake is vegetarian, gluten, and lactose-free too.

With one serving containing just 201 calories, and the choice between chocolate and vanilla flavours, Women’s Best is definitely a top contender for one of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023.

#12 – Almased – Meal Replacement For Weight Loss

Price: £18.99 for 500g 

If you’re specifically on the lookout for effective meal replacement shakes for diabetics in the UK then Almased have a fantastic option on offer.

These complete meal replacement shakes are naturally high-quality. The recipe for Almased is simple: it contains high-quality soya, premium yoghurt, and natural honey. Keeping their ingredients natural is one of Almased’s key objectives, and is therefore why it doesn’t contain any artificial flavourings, sweeteners, fillers, or preservatives.  

The high-quality protein from the soya and yoghurt works in ratio with the carbohydrates found in Almased, ensuring that you won’t be consuming empty calories, but wholesome, high-quality nutrition. 

Not only is Almased’s product gluten-free, it’s also suitable for vegetarians, and for people with diabetes. Where most other meal replacement shakes contain higher carbohydrate or sugar levels, or added sweeteners that cause spikes in blood sugars (such as maltodextrin), Almased does not. Almased have found that using this shake sees significant weight loss and improved long-term blood sugar for people with diabetes, making this a great meal replacement shake for diabetics! 

Judging by the online reviews, and the fact that Almased proudly declare themselves Germany’s number 1 diabetic meal replacement shakes for weight loss, we reckon you’ll be in pretty good hands if you’d decide to buy this product.  

While maintaining this level of dedication to a diet may be difficult, investing in one of OriGym’s top fitness journals can help you to keep track of your health.

#13 – USN – Diet Fuel Vegan Meal Replacement Shake 

Price: £29.99 for 880g 

If you’re looking for one of the best meal replacement shakes for men and women, then look no further than USN’s top product. 

USN’s vegan diet meal replacement shakes are a great help for people who are wanting to lose weight through an alternative which is high in protein. One serving of USN’s shake contains 26g of protein and supports substituting one meal per day. Additionally, one serving only contains 3.5g of fat and 18g of carbs, making them great low carb meal replacement shakes for UK customers! 

This shake is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 and iron, which help contribute towards a normal energy-yielding metabolism. 

This vegan-friendly, plant-based protein meal replacement shake is also available in 3 different flavours, those being chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, meaning you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without consuming sugary, calorie-heavy snacks. It’s clear that USN’s product is a worthy addition to this list of the best meal replacement protein shakes! 

#14 – Huel – Powder v3.0 Nutritionally Complete Food 

Price: £50.00

Huel’s products regularly turn up on lists of the best meal replacement shakes on the market, and for good reason.

Huel Powder v3.0 is “a nutritionally complete meal in powdered form”. Huel’s shake mix contains a balance of protein, essential fats, fibre, carbs, phytonutrients, pre and probiotics, kombucha, and all 26 essential vitamins and minerals. 

Huel Powder is high in protein, with one serving containing 29g of protein from plant-based ingredients. It’s also low in sugar, with there being less than 1% in each serving of these low sugar meal replacement shakes. 

The slow release carbs in the shake provide you with energy whilst the essential fats that are present give you Omega 3 and 6, which contribute towards lowering your blood pressure and boosting your memory, along with the common benefit of aiding weight loss!

This is a completely vegan friendly product too, with no animal products being used to make it. Plus, there are a whole host of different flavours available, including: 

• Vanilla 
• Banana
• Chocolate 
• Berry (a combination of raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry)
• Mint-Chocolate 
• Coffee
• Original (a natural, oat-y taste) 
• Unflavoured and Unsweetened 

One pouch of Huel will give you around 34 meals, and contains 14,000 calories, which for £50.00, works out at only £1.47 per meal. With such great value for money and huge range of health benefits, it’s clear how Huel have made it onto this list of the best meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK.

#15 – XLS-Nutrition – Weight Loss Replacement Shake

Price: £11.05 for 400g

For some of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK take a look at the XLS Nutrition product.

By exchanging these meal replacement drinks for weight loss with your normal meals, you can drastically reduce your calorie intake. One serving of this shake only contains 250 calories, making it a great addition to your weight loss plan. 

Not only is it low in calories, but one serving of this shake has 31g of high quality protein in it! The proteins provided are nutritionally complete for optimal health and essential macronutrients. 

These low calorie meal replacement shakes also contain all your essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B for energy release, Vitamins B5 and B12 for normal energy metabolism, and B6 for normal protein promotion and glycogen metabolism. 

You can substitute 2 to 3 meals per day with this shake, ensuring at the same time that the meals you do eat are healthy so as to help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

With 3 flavours available, those being vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, and one 400g tub only costing you £11.05, this is a great option if you’re after cheap meal replacement shakes! 

#16 – My Protien Meal Replacement

Price: £6.64

Lastly, we have a healthy meal replacement shake that comes in 3 tasty flavours:

• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Salted caramel

MyProtein is a popular brand on the market of supplementation, and for good reason too.

They state that being mindful about your calorie intake doesn’t mean you should give up on nutrients and taste, and this meal replacement shake is a perfect example of that promise. They say that this shake will assist your weight loss goals, while providing your body with the essentials it needs.

Not only that, but it is high in protein meaning that whether you work out in the gym or not, you can still hit the all important macros, boasting the healthy lifestyle of a balanced diet.

Some of the key aspects to this meal replacement shake are:

• High in protein and fibre
• Packed with vitamins and minerals
• Convenient meal replacement for weight control
• Vegetarian-friendly

With each serving containing 17g of protein, you can take advantage of the benefits of this shake even when you’re trying to gain muscle in the gym, or dieting.

As well as protein, there is 17g of carbs that is going to provide the fuel to get you through a busy day or intense workout. Whatsmore, you can enjoy this with just 200 calories per serving – hitting your calorie goal has never been easier!

So, why not try out MyProtein and find out which flavour is your fit?

FAQ

How to use meal replacement shakes

There are some general guidelines for meal replacement shakes and how to use them in order for them to be effective. These include:

• When mixing your shakes, use either water or plant-based milk so that you don’t add unnecessary sugar and calories into your diet.
• Replace at least one meal or your daily snacks with complete meal replacement shakes; adding in shakes to your existing diet will just add more calories to your daily amount and potentially lead to weight gain.

Some brands do offer specific instructions so be sure to check the packaging to be sure you’re getting the most out of your shakes. Alongside exercise and a healthy diet, meal replacement shakes can be super efficient in aiding weight loss.

How do meal replacement shakes work?

The science behind weight loss meal replacement shakes centres around the energy and calorie intake of an individual’s diet. The basic principles of this type of diet is to intake a lower calorie/energy content than the level of calories/energy you use in your exercise or everyday activities.

By substituting a meal (or multiple meals) with low calorie meal replacement shakes, you should be lowering your overall calorie intake. When the calorie/energy intake is low enough and the restrictions kick in, the body begins to burn fat for energy instead of the energy usually stored in the muscles. 

The science behind it can be a little confusing, but the bottom line is that by using complete meal replacement shakes properly your overall calorie intake will be lower and therefore trigger weight loss. Crucially, using meal replacement shakes as opposed to traditional dieting methods has actually been proven to be a more effective and healthier way to lose weight, as stated by Manny Noakes, Paul R. Foster, Jennifer B. Keogh and Peter M. Clifton in the Journal of Nutrition:

The effectiveness of the meal replacement program by a measure of “nutritional adequacy” thus is as sound if not somewhat nutritionally protective, compared with the conventional weight-loss program. (Noakes et al., 2004)

So if you’re serious about losing weight, then meal replacement shakes could be the best way forward, and if learning about nutrition like this sounds interesting to you then maybe it would make a great career! 

How many meal replacement shakes a day?

This really depends on how much weight you’re looking to lose and how quickly. Usually, 1 or 2 is the recommended amount to lose weight healthily, although some brands (such as Almased) recommend starting their meal replacement shakes with 3 per day, replacing all meals. 

Whilst the answer to this question depends a lot on your goals, we recommend starting off slowly to see how your body reacts to the replacement meal drinks and to judge whether your diet will be sustainable.

How to make meal replacement shakes

This is actually quite simple! The powdered versions usually just require a few scoops (the products will advise you on how many scoops you need per serving) mixed with water or plant-based milk to create a drink. If you want some added goodness or extra flavouring, you can blend in some fruit, cocoa powder, or flavourings such as vanilla as well.

How to mix meal replacement shakes is also simple enough: it’s recommended that you use a blender or protein shaker to ensure a smooth consistency, but you can also use a spoon or a whisk to mix them up to (just ensure thorough mixing to make sure the powder and liquid is completely blended). 

How to make meal replacement shakes taste better

Unfortunately, even the best tasting meal replacement shakes might not be to your tastes, and sometimes the consistency of the powders/shakes can be a little unappetising. Many brands do provide different flavours so trying a few different ones is a good place to start. However, due to the nature of the shakes it’s really easy to spice them up or make them more tasty!

If you have a blender then you can simply throw in fruits, berries, essences, cocoa or coffee powder, to your meal replacement shakes to make them taste better! However, be careful not to go overboard with added sugar or increased calorie levels as this will negate some of the effectiveness of the shakes.

If you don’t have a blender you can still add things like chocolate powder or and flavourings and essences – for example, vanilla, almond, mint, caramel – for better taste. Adding more milk or more water will also change the taste without adding too many more calories. 

You can even add coffee to your meal replacement shakes! To find out more about how drinking coffee can benefit you, read our article ‘15 Health Benefits of Black Coffee‘.

Which meal replacement shakes taste the best?

This is a very subjective question as everyone has their own preferences and tastes, and you can easily improve the tastes of most meal replacement shakes with the advice in the previous question. While we can’t give a definitive answer, the majority of the meal replacement shakes reviews on this list have huge numbers of customer reviews as well, and many have multiple flavours, so we’re sure that one of the products on this list will soon become your favorite.

What is in meal replacement shakes?

Meal replacement shakes are specially formulated with high levels of protein, fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and have high nutritional values overall. This makes them suitable for replacing foods that would traditionally supply these essential nutrients. As Viduranga Waisundara and Naofumi Shiomi explain in their book:

Depending on the formulation, MR [meal replacements] also possess the advantage of having a low glycemic index (GI) value; low GI diets have been linked to improved weight maintenance and reduction in risk of diabetes and ocular disease…MR also tends to be nutrient dense, meaning that the posses a high ratio of essential nutrients relative to calories. (Waisundara and Shiomi, 2017, pp.258–259).

So, if you’re wondering whether using meal replacement shakes for weight loss is a healthy way to go, rest assured that when used properly they can be effective for short term weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet while you do so.

The majority do use lactose powder or dairy products which adds some sweetness as well as being a binder, producing the milkshake consistency once mixed. This is something to bear in mind if you have intolerances; luckily there are dairy-free meal replacement shakes available.

Similarly, some powders use certain types of sweeteners or have added sugars which won’t be suitable for diabetics (for example, maltodextrin), so be sure to check ingredients if there is something that you need to avoid.  

What to look for in meal replacement shakes?

There are a few key factors in the best meal replacement shakes that will ensure their effectiveness, which include:

• Low calorie content per serving
• Low sugar content per serving
• High protein per serving
• Added vitamins, minerals, and nutrition to ensure your diet remains healthy 
• Higher fibre content (if possible) as this will keep you fuller for longer
• Flavours – different flavours will help keep your meal replacement shakes interesting, helping you to stay motivated on your diet
• Powder or ready-made meal replacement shakes – this is a personal preference as ready-made options cut out the time needed to make them!

How much weight can you lose on meal replacement shakes?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question either, but before that puts you off you should know that there have been numerous studies on the effectiveness of meal replacements, and the general scientific consensus is explained by Manny Noakes, Paul R. Foster, Jennifer B. Keogh and Peter M. Clifton once again:

In most studies, meal replacements resulted in a greater weight loss than conventional diets, even when professional nutritional support was incorporated into the program.(Noakes et al., 2004)

How much weight you can lose with meal replacement shakes is really dependent on you and additional factors which include your diet, exercise, commitment, and the length of time you incorporate healthy meal replacement shakes into your lifestyle.

One thing that is important to note is the fact that many customers who have left meal replacement shakes reviews in the UK state that they had significant results from using these supplements, so they could definitely be worth your time.

What are the best meal replacement shakes?

If you’ve read through this article then you’ve already come across 16 of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in the UK. The products on our list have all earned their place here, either due to their effectiveness, price, nutritional values, customer reviews, or some unique features, so they are definitely the top meal replacement shakes for your needs!

What are the best meal replacement shakes to lose weight?

We’ve listed a number of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in 2023 within our article, and they all have varying benefits. When it comes to uncovering which meal replacement shakes for weight loss will be the best for you, this will depend on your own needs and preferences, so be sure to have these in mind when you are browsing through products.

How many calories are in meal replacement shakes?

This varies from brand to brand, and sometimes depends on the specific flavouring as well. It is incredibly important to check the calorie content per serving before the point of purchase, as this can have a direct impact on the effectiveness of your weight loss. 

The majority of the best meal replacement shakes in the UK contain around 200 to 400 calories.

Where can I buy meal replacement shakes?

Due to the huge surge in popularity in complete meal replacement shakes, they are more readily available both in store and online than you might think. Supplement stores such as Holland & Barrett sell some brands in store, as well as some supermarkets that also sell a limited selection of meal replacement drinks and powders.

All the products mentioned above are available to buy online, which is more convenient for most people and often cheaper.

Before You Go!

Incorporating healthy meal replacement shakes into your diet can be hugely beneficial in supporting your weight loss journey in the short-term. Plus, with all those added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you can rest easy knowing that you’re still being healthy. Alongside regular exercise you’ll see the pounds drop off and your confidence soar.

Perhaps reading about nutrition and healthy living has really grabbed your attention. So, want to learn more? Take a look at our online Nutritionist courses or download our free course prospectus for more information.

References

1. Noakes, M., Foster, P.R., Keogh, J.B. and Clifton, P.M. (2004). Meal Replacements Are as Effective as Structured Weight-Loss Diets for Treating Obesity in Adults with Features of Metabolic Syndrome. The Journal of Nutrition, 134(8), pp.1894–1899.
2. Waisundara, V. and Shiomi, N. (2017). Superfood and Functional Food – An Overview of Their Processing and Utilization. Intech, pp.258–259.

Thermal fleece-lined leggings are the winter wardrobe staple that you need for the colder months. They’re versatile, stylish, and add that much-needed layer of warmth to your legs. Our list of the best fleece-lined leggings will open your eyes to just how beneficial these layers can be!

Before you read on, have you ever considered a career change and jumping into the world of fitness? Take a look at our L3 PT Diploma or download our FREE prospectus to find out more.

What are fleece-lined leggings?

Fleece-lined leggings are pretty much what the title suggests: a typical pair of leggings which have an interior lining made from fleece. The layer of fleece is designed to increase warmth due to the thicker material, making these types of leggings perfect for winter and colder weather.

These leggings look pretty much the same as usual leggings too, so are versatile and easily paired with casual outfits or workout gear.

For some more answers about fleece-lined leggings in the UK head down to our FAQ section at the end of this article, where we answer questions like ‘where to buy fleece-lined leggings’ and ‘how to wear fleece-lined leggings’.

#1- Under Armour Women’s ColdGear Authentic Running Tights

Price: £39.50

If you’ve been on the search for women’s fleece-lined leggings then this Under Armour pair might be the perfect thermal fleece-lined leggings for you.

These ColdGear leggings have over 1000 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 on Amazon, so you know they will be amazing at keeping you extra warm when exercising outdoors. These leggings feature a brushed interior giving them a super soft feel, making them the perfect fleece-lined walking leggings for those cold evening strolls.

With ergonomic seams that help to prevent chafing, the UA thermal fleece-lined leggings’ dual layer fabric is designed and created with your comfort in mind: it helps to wick away any moisture and they dry quickly when building up a sweat. They’re also designed with an exclusive moisture transport system, keeping you comfortable throughout your entire workout regime.

These UA women’s fleece-lined leggings are constructed with an ultra-tight fit, providing the wearer with a second skin covering: the tightness helps keep warmth in whilst still remaining comfortable. These ladies fleece-lined leggings are also machine washable which is a huge plus!

Available in black or navy, these are a great option for anyone looking for comfortable women’s fleece-lined leggings in the UK.

#2 – CakCton Fleece Women Leggings

Price: £54.99

These CakCton women’s black fleece-lined leggings are an incredible Amazon exclusive with nearly 2000 reviews and an average 4 out of 5 star rating. These will keep your legs nice and toasty while still looking great!

Made from spandex and polyester these leggings have a soft feel and stretch which are great for exercise (or just relaxing). The CakCton high-waisted fleece-lined leggings are perfect for keeping everything securely in place and controlling the tummy, with a high comfortable elastic waistband they won’t pinch or constrict your body.

If you’ve been looking for fleece-lined leggings in plus size in the UK then the CakCton pair might just be perfect for you as they have a great range of sizes. While they aren’t the cheapest pair of leggings, they’re incredibly durable, easily styled for a number of outfits, and will keep you warm in the winter.

This high-waisted pair is made from a high-quality fabric that is breathable and feels like a second-layer of skin. These plush fleece-lined leggings keep everything in place with the ability to roll the waistband down and they can be washed multiple times without any shrinkage.

These are some of the best fleece-lined leggings on the market, and they’re available in plus sizes too!

#3 – Futuro Fashion Winter Cotton Fleece Leggings

Price: £5.75

One of the cheapest pairs on this list, the Futuro ladies fleece-lined leggings are a fantastic affordable option that don’t skimp out on warmth or style.

The Futuro leggings are slim-lined and high-waisted, meaning they’ll accentuate and adapt to your body shape with comfort. These are some of the best fleece-lined leggings as their super-soft material is both skin-friendly and fully breathable. Plus, they’re also machine washable!

These high-waisted fleece-lined leggings are made from durable and strong cotton which means they are ideal for temperatures below zero, while the elastic waistband provides a comfortable fit and provides minimal upkeep. These leggings help to provide extra warmth through the soft fleece and heavy cotton materials.

These winter fleece-lined leggings can double as a fashion statement or on a workout, and due to their huge size range these will be suitable for any body shape or size. They’re available in a variety of colours as well, including black, brown, denim, lilac and more.

#4 – Rab Women’s Power Stretch Pants

Price: £60.00

Rab began producing high-quality sporting goods in 1981 and they are still committed to producing rugged, high-performance clothing that gives you comfort, freedom and protection. Rab pride themselves on producing quality hard-wearing clothing and equipment designed to last, and these ladies fleece-lined leggings are a testament to that!

This pair is stretch-fit, durable and lightweight. The hard-wearing nylon outer face paired with the warm fleece inner layer means these leggings are the perfect fit for anyone who wants that little extra warmth during their winter workouts.

The leggings are constructed with flat seams for added comfort, an internal pocket to keep your small valuables secure, and a high-quality elastic waistband that wicks away moisture while keeping them in place. They also have great breathability and are quick-drying.

While they are only available in black and are definitely not the cheapest pair on our list, these are some of the warmest fleece-lined leggings on the market and are definitely worth the investment!

#5 – Baleaf Women’s Fleece-Lined Leggings 

Price: £31.99

Next up on our list of fleece-lined thermal leggings is a range by Baleaf.

These are made from a super soft fleece inside that promises to keep you warm during colder months.

However, they also boast breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics to lift off any sweat that builds to keep you comfortable at all times.

These black fleece-lined leggings feature a gusset crotch to maximise freedom as well as interlocking seams to minimise rubbing and chaffing.

Baleaf has also opted for a high-rise athletic look with a “V” shape waistband that will guarantee to make you look stylish during your favourite workouts.

There are various size options available, from XS to 3XL so you’ll be sure to find a fit that works for you.

Now, when shopping around for fleece-lined running leggings, reviews can often help you to find a fit that’s perfect for you.

If Baleaf’s range has caught your eye, you’ll be pleased to know that they have over 13,000 5-star reviews which are most certainly impressive.

So, why not see what all the rage is about and get your hands on your own black fleece-lined leggings in time for your next workout?

#6 – Emooqi High Waisted Fleece-Lined Leggings

Price: £18.99

Emooqi are offering 2 pairs of high-waisted fleece-lined leggings for the price of one pair, and if you’re wondering whether that’s due to a lack of quality then the 4.4 out of 5 rating on Amazon might convince you otherwise!

These are some good quality polar fleece-lined leggings, with stirrups: the addition of the ‘high elastic foot guard’ means that the warmth is extended down to your ankles and the leggings won’t rise up either. Designed with a high elasticated waistband and butt-lifting fit, the leggings contour to the shape of your body giving you both style and comfort.

Emooqi’s women’s black fleece-lined leggings are breathable and light, making them feel like a second skin. They are also super stretchy, with Emooqi stating that one size will fit most: unfortunately these might not be the best option for plus sizes.

Simple yet effective, these fleece-lined leggings with stirrups are a great addition to any winter wardrobe, whether that’s for working out, yoga, going out for drinks, or even just a cosy walk during the colder months.

#7 – Plush Women’s Fleece-Lined Liquid Leggings

Price: £77.77

These Plush fleece-lined leggings are a fashionable switch up to your wardrobe: they have a look of liquid or faux leather, adding some chic luxury to your outfit. Not only are they stylish but the fleece lining will keep you warm as well as sleek.

The Plush leggings feature a coated jersey material giving the liquid look, paired with an elasticated waist and cuffs for comfort and security. The fabric is durable with a little bit of stretch. They aren’t machine washable but they can be dry cleaned, so this might be a bit of an inconvenience for some!

An additional benefit to these plush fleece-lined leggings is that they are 100% opaque, unlike a lot of other brands of leggings which are see-through, so you can walk through the winter with confidence.

Despite the luxury price tag, this style of fleece-lined leggings in the UK is incredibly popular, and with this pair being so soft and comfortable they’ll make a fantastic addition to any wardrobe.

#8 – Acai Outdoor Thermal Winter Leggings 

Price: £60.00

The Acai thermal winter leggings are made with a thermal yarn to promote ultimate warmth when walking, running, or cycling during colder months.

They also boast incredible sweat-wicking and fast-drying properties to keep any moisture at bay.

Plus, the inner leg is seam-free to remove any worry about chafing or discomfort.

Acai’s range is made from 100% opaque material that is completely squat-proof which is a great added bonus.

There is also discreet reflective tape on the leg to ensure your safety and security when working out at night.

These can come in either regular, petite, or tall fleece lined leggings so you needn’t worry if you want a specific fit to your workout gear as Acai caters all body types.

The range also has some impressive reviews. Here are some comments from some recent reviewers:

“Really comfortable and good quality leggings.”

“My legs stay nice and dry and warm!”

So, why not give these thermal winter leggings a go in time for your next run? We’re sure they’ll totally transform your experience!

#9 – Columbia Glacial Fleece Printed Legging

Price: £24.20 – £143.18

Columbia’s leggings are unlike other ladies fleece-lined leggings as they are made out of 100% polyester fleece: this means that both the exterior fabric and interior lining have a soft and warm feel, making them super comfortable and cosy.

These leggings have amazing reviews and hundreds of fans; they’re some of the best fleece-lined leggings for lounging around the house and for working out in the winter. If you’re on the lookout for some other cosy accessories, then we’ve got a list of the best yoga blankets as well – not only great for yoga, they also make a stylish addition to your home and a cosy layer during winter!

The Columbia winter fleece-lined leggings are elasticated and versatile with the ability to double-up as travel, casual, winter and everyday sportswear. They come in simple black as well as 3 other fun and bright patterns, adding that extra zest and excitement to your exercise. They’re completely machine washable, making these zip-fastened leggings not only warm and fun but also convenient, able to spice up anyone’s sports wardrobe!

Columbia is a company that is based on leading the outdoor apparel industry and you can see the passion in each of their products. Each product is made with cutting edge technology and tested so each wearer is happy and can enjoy the outdoors for longer.

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#10 – HUE Women’s fleece-lined Denim Leggings

Price: £50.75

HUE women’s fleece-lined leggings are some of reviewers’ favourite sportswear bottoms; these are some of the warmest pairs of leggings you’ll ever wear and can double as work and professional wear too.

These HUE women’s’ fleece-lined leggings have a waistband that mimics the look of traditional jeans with faux front pockets but functional back pockets: they’re easy to pull on and are super comfortable and cozy.

These fleece-lined walking leggings are made mostly of cotton with a sophisticated and classical soft feel, while added fibers give the fabric a bit of stretch. These are machine washable leggings that are warm and will add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

The HUE women’s leggings were launched in 1978 and HUE designs are some of the most fashionable leggings on the market with the most colourful activewear.

#11 – Berkshire Women’s fleece-lined Tights

Price: £11.94 – £36.99

These fleece-lined tights are the perfect addition to your outfit for boosting your heat levels without adding more bulk to your workout gear. They can double an easy yet fashionable layer under dresses and skirts, but also as outdoor activewear, keeping you warm in any windy, wet, and cold weather.

These Berkshire women’s tights are available in four colours, and are 70 denier which describes how lightweight the material is. These fleece-lined leggings/tights are thick enough to provide substantial warmth and soft enough to be comfortable, and customers loved the versatility and durable nature of the product.

Berkshire itself is a well-renowned company that encourages the finest quality product materials. They are recognised as some of the most revolutionized products in the industry and they aim to please their customers.

#12 – MISO Plush fleece-lined Leggings

Price: £13.00

For some extra cosy, plush fleece-lined leggings take a look at MISO’s pair: they’re affordable, good quality, and perfect for the winter.

These leggings are designed with an elasticated waistband so that they are easy to pull on and comfortable once you are wearing them, and they also come with full leg length lining. This easy style offers extra warmth to any sporting activity or everyday wear.

The design is simple yet effective; these sophisticated leggings are designed with the outdoor exerciser in mind, with breathable and flexible fabric that won’t weigh you down during your workout. The waistband is secure yet still comfortable, it expands and forms to your body to make sure these leggings fit perfectly.

Machine washable and affordable, you can’t go wrong with these plush lined women’s leggings. Plus, they’re available in black or indigo so you can add a bit of variety to your winter workout gear.

#13 – Mountain Warehouse Women’s Fluffy fleece-lined Leggings

Price: £13.99

Mountain Warehouse has been delivering and developing outdoor clothing and equipment for customers since 1997. This is a company that is passionate about the outdoors, and these polar fleece-lined leggings for UK customers are part of their philosophy to keep you warm and dry no matter the weather conditions.

These Mountain Warehouse leggings are extremely lightweight, making them great for travelling: they’re comfortable and warm yet still easy enough to pack in a suitcase or backpack.

This pair is another that is fully opaque so you can squat and bend with confidence knowing that there’s no chance of transparency. The high quality fleece lining provides extra comfort and warmth, and the fabric feels soft on the skin. Plus, if you’re looking to add some variety to your current stash of black fleece-lined leggings then you’ll be happy to know that Mountain Warehouse offer these in navy, dark green, and charcoal as well!

If you’re looking for affordability as well as durability and a good layer of warmth, then the Mountain Warehouse fleece-lined walking leggings will definitely tick all of your boxes.

FAQ

Where to buy fleece-lined leggings

Surprisingly, fleece-lined leggings in the UK are quite easy to find in terms of sellers, as most fashion brands will sell their own versions of these leggings, including places like H&M, Primark, Next, Top Shop, Evans, and more. There are also broader sellers that will sell a variety of polar fleece-lined leggings, for example Amazon or Sports Direct.

The issue comes with seasonal offerings. Obviously, during the summer months trying to find winter fleece-lined leggings is almost impossible! On the other hand, trying to buy fleece-lined leggings in the UK during winter can also be difficult due to the huge demand and popularity of this clothing item.

Timing is key to getting hold of the best fleece-lined leggings, so shopping a little earlier to when you’ll actually want them is probably a good idea to avoid disappointment (and chilly legs!).

How to wear fleece-lined leggings

If you consider standard black leggings to be a staple of your wardrobe due to the versatility and ease of creating an outfit, then you’ll find that ladies fleece-lined leggings are pretty much the same. Essentially, fleece-lined leggings are the same as normal leggings, just with an extra interior layer, so styling them is exactly the same!

Obviously you should take into consideration the weather and outside temperature before putting together an outfit, as although your legs will be toasty you still need the rest of your body to be warm too.

Here are some easy options for what to wear with fleece-lined leggings:

• Oversized jumper and ankle boots
• A dress and any boots
• Gym top, running gilet and trainers
• Sports bra and running shoes
• T-shirt, flannel jacket and boots

These are some simple choices – you can easily switch them up and get creative as black fleece-lined leggings will compliment pretty much any clothes!

How to wash fleece-lined leggings

The best way to wash fleece-lined leggings in order to maintain the durability and longevity of the product is to hand wash them. However, we completely understand that this is often too time consuming and inconvenient for most (us included!), and fortunately quite a few of the products on this list can be machine washed.

We’ve listed some full instructions on how to wash fleece-lined leggings below so you can be sure that your pair will survive until next winter:

To hand wash:

• Fill your sink with cold water and laundry detergent, and make sure to mix the two together before washing (for a single item of clothing you’ll only need about a teaspoon of detergent).
• Turn your fleece-lined leggings inside out.
• Soak in the soapy water and work the material until the detergent has foamed up throughout the leggings.
• Rinse out the detergent until there is no soap residue left on the leggings (use fresh and cold water).
• Wring out the excess water from the fleece leggings until they feel damp.
• Hang the fleece-lined leggings up to air dry.

To machine wash:

• Turn your fleece-lined leggings inside out. If you have a mesh laundry bag (usually used for delicate clothing such as lingerie) then washing them in this can also help protect the fabric!
• If possible, wash by themselves on a delicate or gentle cycle as this will further preserve the integrity of the fleece.
• Wash on a cold temperature. Cold water will help preserve the material more than warm!
• Use a gentle detergent, and avoid fabric softener if possible.
• Washing on a quick cycle is also more beneficial.
• Let air dry.

For the best way to wash your fleece-lined leggings also check the labels, as each brand has different optimal washing instructions and it is best to follow their guidelines.

How to keep fleece-lined leggings from balling up

Unfortunately, due to the nature of fleece it is almost inevitable that any fleece-based clothing item will ball up, or pilling will occur. This happens to the majority of fabrics, and is caused by the fabric rubbing against other fabrics or other surfaces, which happens most often during washing. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help prevent this:

• Washing inside out – this will help protect the exterior of your leggings.
• Washing on a gentle cycle, or hand washing – this will reduce the severity of the friction on your clothes.
• Sporadic wearing – excessive wearing of fleece-lined leggings will cause them to ball/pill much quicker, so giving your favourite pair the odd rest day will help stop this!
• Try to reduce friction – as we mentioned above, rubbing against other surfaces is the main culprit of those pesky balls of fluff, so limiting this in any way will help your leggings. For example, try not to carry handbags that will rub against your legs, or avoid sitting or kneeling on rough surfaces.

Hopefully implementing as many of these techniques as possible will mean your favourite fleece-lined leggings will survive a lot of cold winters!

What is the difference between fleece-lined and fleece leggings?

The difference between fleece-lined leggings and fleece leggings is actually quite small!

Fleece-lined leggings are more like your standard leggings but with an additional inner layer of fleece that lines the entire garment. By contrast, fleece leggings are a pair of leggings made entirely out of fleece. That means that the majority of the material will be fleece, rather than just a lining.

Before you go!

The thought of being toasty and warm during the harsh winter months makes us feel happy and warm inside, and no doubt you do too. Thermal fleece-lined leggings are a must-have for anyone and everyone due to their versatility and ability to provide warmth in even the coldest of weather conditions. Invest in some of the warmest fleece-lined leggings on the list and you’ll be embracing the outdoors in no time!

If the thought of being able to work out even during winter makes you happy, maybe working in the fitness industry is the right place for you! Take a look at our accredited personal trainer diploma, or check out our prospectus before you go to find out if this is the career for you.

If you want to finally get those rock hard abs that you’ve always wanted, you should start off with the best DVD ab workout to build up your core strength and get used to the basic exercises before you attempt those that are more advanced.

Luckily for you, OriGym have put together a list of the top 17 best ab workout DVDs so that you can find the perfect product for you, and take that first step to achieving peak core fitness.

Before you crunch the numbers (see what we did there!), why not get even more involved in your fitness journey by becoming a personal trainer? Have a look at our L3 PT Diploma, or download our free course prospectus to find the right qualification for you.

#1 – Exhale’s Core Fusion: Barre Basics for Beginners

Barre is a unique style of training that combines elements of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to provide a low-impact, high-intensity workout, designed to strengthen your whole body, whilst also improving your flexibility and agility.

‘Barre Basics for Beginners’ is part of the ‘Core Fusion’ home workout DVD series, which is designed to target your core, using a range of different training styles. The creators of this series, Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito, have been leaders in the barre technique for over 30 years. For this core workout DVD, they compiled their extensive knowledge to create an intense, strengthening workout which can be done in the comfort of your own home.

The core body workout DVD is split up into 7 x 10 minute workouts, which target every muscle in your body, giving you a toned physique as well as improved strength and flexibility. What’s more, each of the workouts come with an in-depth tutorial which explains the correct poses, alignment, and movements.

As the name suggests, ‘Core Fusion: Barre Basics for Beginners’ is the best ab workout DVD for beginners and perfect for those who are completely new to the world of barre. The workouts are short which makes them manageable despite their high intensity, and the tutorials make it easy to learn the correct technique and form.

Moreover, ‘Barre Basics for Beginners’ is also available on Amazon Prime, which is perfect if you want to try out barre training but don’t have a DVD player.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: £14.40

#2 – Personal Training with Jackie: Power Circuit Training

This core workout DVD has been created by celebrity trainer and television star, Jackie Warner, to sculpt your body and train your abs from the comfort of your own home. This programme is specifically designed to help you achieve a super-toned and strong physique through a series of powerful and intense abdominal DVD workouts.

This ab workout DVD comes with 5 different workouts for you to choose from, all of which range in length and intensity. The workouts include:

• 15-Minute Total Body Circuit
• 40-Minute Total Body Circuit
• 15-Minute Abs Only Circuit
• 15-Minute Upper Body Circuit
• 15-Minute Lower Body Circuit

These workouts are specifically focused on strengthening your muscles, which is why there is very limited cardio in each of the circuits. Therefore, if your goals are purely fat loss, this abdominal workout DVD may not be the one for you. However, if you want to tone up, get fit and build a strong set of abs, ‘Personal Training with Jackie’ is the perfect programme for you.

Overall, this training programme is perfect for anyone who is new to fitness and wants to build some muscle. With one exception, all the workouts last just 15 minutes, making this the best ab workout DVD for beginners and those new to weight training.

It is important to note that the majority of workouts are focused on strength gains, so they do require you to own a set of dumbbells in order to get maximum results.

Length of workout(s): 15 – 40 minutes

Price: £43.24

#3 – Insanity

Insanity goes beyond the traditional core workout DVD parameters, by providing an intense, full-body workout designed to get you stripping back the body fat and revealing those abs!

In this ab exercise DVD, world-famous personal trainer Shaun T not only challenges your physical and mental strength and resilience, but also teaches you the correct technique for performing the exercises, in order to achieve maximum results.

Each of the 10 DVDs uses high-intensity interval (HIIT) style training, with long bursts of maximum intensity exercises that are balanced by short rest periods. The DVDs focus on different areas of this style of training, including:

• ‘Dig deeper’ and Fitness Test
• Plyometric Cardio Circuit
• Cardio, Power and Resistance
• Cardio Recovery and Max Recovery
• Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs
• Core, Cardio and Balance
• Max Interval Circuit
• Max Interval Plyo
• Max Cardio Conditioning
• Max Recovery

However, before beginning the 60-day full-body conditioning programme, you are recommended to try the ‘Sanity Check’ option every day for one week, to help prepare your mind and body for the challenges to come.

As well as the workout DVDs, Insanity comes with a nutrition guide and a calendar, which will help you to track your workouts. Here at OriGym we think that visual reminders are the best way to measure and see solid progress!

If you’re looking for a full body and total core workout DVD that will push you to your absolute limits, then what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy of Insanity today!

Price: £39.99

Length of workout(s): 26 Minutes

#4 – Pilates 30 Days to Flat Abs with Caroline Sandry

When people think of ab training, their minds often go to traditional crunches and sit ups; however, Pilates is also a great way to build a strong core. In this crunchless ab workout DVD, Pilates instructor Caroline Sandry takes you through 7 x 10-minute routines which will leave your abs feeling super strong.

Caroline Sandry understands the importance of having a strong core beyond purely aesthetic reasons. A weak core can result in health issues such as back pain and poor posture, which is why it is so vital to include ab workouts in your training. A strong core will help to support your spine so that you can not only look great but feel great as well!

The ‘Pilates 30 Days to Flat Abs’ DVD consists of 3 levels of training:

• Level 1 Pilates: this includes Pilates for Posture and Standing Abs
• Level 2 Pilates: this includes a Core Strengthening workout
• Level 3 Pilates: this includes a workout called Supercharged Abs

Furthermore, this core body workout DVD also comes with a full Pilates Tutorial which you are encouraged to watch before beginning your training. This allows you to familiarise yourself with standard Pilates terminology and to have a run through the foundational moves of Pilates before using them in the workouts.

As the pace of each of the workouts is fairly manageable, this 10 minute ab workout DVD would be perfect for those who would consider themselves to be a beginner. However, the workouts themselves are still challenging, thus providing the flexibility of moving on to or starting at an intermediate level.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: £11.95

#5 – Basic Ab Workout for Dummies

The ‘..for Dummies’ brand offers a wide range of exercise DVDs, including “Pilates for Dummies’, ‘Dance Workout for Dummies’ and ‘Basic Ab Workout For Dummies’. These workout DVDs are simple, easy-to- follow and, most of all, effective. The Basic Ab Workout For Dummies DVD is no exception to this as many happy customers have credited it for strengthening their abs and improving their fitness.

Don’t be fooled by its name, however, as, whilst this DVD may be basic, it is not easy. The core strength workout DVD is 53 minutes long in total, and contains 10 different workouts, each of which target a different area of your core. The workouts include:

• Basic Crunch
• Reverse Crunch
• Double Crunch
• Oblique Twist
• Crunch with Leg Extension
• Bicycles
• Toe Dipping
• Abdominal Circles
• Bent-Knee Plank
• Plank With Leg Lift

OriGym have a full guide to Oblique Crunches with 13 variations incase you’re interested!

The DVD also comes with warmup and cool-down sessions which will stretch out your muscles to prevent soreness. What’s more,  safety tips are provided to ensure that you don’t injure yourself while exercising. Instructions are provided throughout the DVD which are helpful for those looking to modify the exercises to make them either easier or more challenging.

Overall, this is the best ab workout DVD for its suitability for people of all fitness levels. Whether you are a complete beginner or are more advanced in your training, the Basic Ab Workout For Dummies DVD will provide you with a challenging and effective workout.

Length of workout(s): 53 minutes

Price: £5.89

#6 – Dance That Walk – Total Body Circuit

Created by certified personal trainer, Gina Buber, ‘Dance That Walk’ combines the toning effects of strength movements with the fat burning effects of walking and dance to get you the results you want from an ab workout DVD and dance.

The DVD contains 3 workouts, each of which contain 4 x 5-minute routines, which alternate between cardio and toning exercises. The cardio routines are made up of 4 dance moves, performed to Latin music, in conjunction with walking, which is used as a base for the other movements. The toning section, on the other hand, contains exercises which will strengthen both your upper and lower body, with a focus on your core.

The workouts are as follows:

• Total Body Circuit: a 55 – minute workout, which includes a warmup, upper body & lower body training and a cool down.
• Upper Body Circuit: a 35 – minute workout which includes a warmup, upper body training and a cool down.
• Lower Body Circuit: a 35 – minute workout which includes a warmup, lower body training and a cool down.

This core strength workout DVD is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, as there is always room for modifications, should you need a lower impact option for the exercises. Not only that, but the workouts can be made more challenging should you choose to add weights to your training.

Length of workout(s): 35 – 55 minutes

Price: £10.95

#7 – Exhale’s Core Fusion: Pure Abs & Arms

Part of Exhale’s ‘Core Fusion’ series, ‘Pure Arms & Abs’ is an at-home upper body and stomach workout DVD, specifically designed to give you rock hard abs and toned arms all from the comfort of your own living room.

The core workout DVD consists of 5 x 10-minute workouts which will work your entire upper body. The workouts are as follows:

• Upper Body Weights: this is an intense, strength-building workout which targets every muscle in your arms.
• Upper Body Resistance band: again, this is a workout which is designed to build strength in the upper body, with a specific focus on the triceps.
• Abdominals resistance band & mat: this workout is completed ab-focused, using a range of Pilates-style movements to really get your core burning.
• Abdominal Curl with Leg Variations: this workout targets your core through a combination of Pilates-style movements and more traditional ab exercises.
• Upper Body, Back & Hip Stretches: this section is all about giving your muscles the relief they need at the end of a tough workout. Stretching them out not only feels good but will also help to prevent soreness and injury.

When you purchase ‘Pure Arms & Abs’, you will receive a long resistance band, which is necessary for some of the workouts. However, you will also need a set of dumbbells for the ‘Upper Body Weights’ workout in order to get the most out of the training session.

The length of the workouts in this DVD (just 10 minutes) make them very beginner friendly. However, it is also possible to make the workouts more challenging by doing all/ a combination of the workouts together. For this reason, ‘Pure Arms & Abs’ is a suitable 10 minute ab workout DVD for those at both a beginner and an intermediate level, although the workouts may be too easy for people who are at a very advanced level of fitness.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: £9.57

#8 – Kathy Smith: Tummy Trimmer

Kathy Smith is a veteran of the home workout industry and has produced countless different DVDs over the years. Amongst these DVDs is her ‘Tummy Trimmer’ ab workout DVD, perfect for helping you strengthen your core and burn fat.

Tummy Trimmer comprises  5 x 10-minute workouts:

• Standing Abs: This workout combines dance-style exercises and standing functional movements, which will burn calories, whilst also strengthening your core.
• Core Abs: This workout is all about targeting every one of your core muscles to give you that neat, hourglass shape.
• Boot Camp Abs: This is a challenging workout that uses traditional ab exercises to really strengthen your core.
• Stability Ball Abs: This workout is designed to improve your balance and agility, helping you to burn fat whilst developing skills that will benefit you in your day to day life.
• Pilates Mat Abs: This is a Pilates-based workout which will help you to perfect your posture and shrink your waist.

The workouts on this ab exercise DVD are suitable for people of different abilities, from complete beginners to those of a more intermediate level. If you are looking to ease yourself into ab training, you can do the workouts one at a time. Alternatively, if you feel you want a more intense training session, you can mix and match the different workouts on this standing ab workout DVD or do them one after the other.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: $12.99 (international shipping)

#9 – Strong by Zumba

STRONG by Zumba is a full-body workout led by music, and now you can perform it from the comfort of your own home thanks to this ab fitness DVD!

This Zumba core workout DVD uses only bodyweight with muscle conditioning, cardio, and plyometric exercises to help you burn fat and tone your abs, as well as your arms, legs, and glutes.

Led by fitness celebrity Michelle Lewin, the workouts are powered with a custom STRONG by Zumba soundtrack. If you’re looking for the best ab workout DVD, then this makes STRONG a strong contender, as you’re guaranteed to have fun whilst also toning those abs!

With a 20-minute demo workout and tips on technique throughout, strong is more than suitable for beginners, so don’t be put off if you’ve never done Zumba before.

Having said this, Lewin offers many progressions and modifications to the routines, meaning that it is also a great ab exercise DVD for intermediate and advanced participants.

Whether you’re looking to become leaner, fitter, and stronger, or just want some fun whilst training your abs, then this STRONG by Zumba core workout DVD may just be the one for you!

Price: £3.15

Length of Workout(s): 60 Minutes

Enhance your knowledge of the industry by reading about its highest-paid fitness roles.

#10 – Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six Pack

Created by world-renowned fitness trainer, Jillian Michaels, the ‘6 Week Six Pack’ programme is just one of her extremely successful home abdominal workout DVDs. These workout DVDs are extremely popular amongst home fitness enthusiasts all over the world.

Jillian Michaels’ 6 Week Six Pack could be the best ab exercise DVD for you that promises to get you a ripped core in just 6 short weeks through a combination of ab-focused cardio circuits and core exercises. The DVD comes with 2 x 30-minute workouts: Level 1 & 2. The programme suggests that you perform Level 1 for the first 3 weeks of your training, then progressing to Level 2 for a more intense, challenging workout.

Level 1 of the ab workout DVD includes a dynamic, full-body warmup to get your muscles ready for an intense workout. The workout itself consists of 2 circuits, made up of a mix of cardio and ab exercises, designed to burn fat, whilst strengthening your core. Afterwards, there is a full-body cool down and stretch to reduce the risk of soreness the next day.

The intensity is then taken up a notch in Level 2, starting with a fast-paced warmup that will kick-start your metabolism. After you have completed the warm-up, you move on to the main training session. This is an explosive and intense abdominal DVD workout, aimed at maximising fat burn and helping to build up your core. Finally, your session finishes with a cool down and stretch session to stretch out and unwind.

The intensity of this programme may be too much for some beginners, but it’s the best ab workout DVD for those who are currently at an intermediate level of fitness and are looking to really push themselves.

Length of workout(s): 30 minutes

Price: £4.40

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#11 – 10 Minute Solution – Quick Tummy Toners

10 Minute Solution has a wide variety of different home workout DVDs which are designed to target different parts of the body, for example, ‘10 Minute Solution Belly, Butt and Thigh blasters’. There is one thing that all of 10 Minute Solution’s workouts have in common which is, as the name suggests, that they only take 10 minutes. This means that, regardless of how short you are on time, there is no excuse not to get your workout done.

With 10 Minute Solution’s ‘Quick Tummy Toners’ core workout DVD, you get 5 x 10 – minute workouts, which are designed to help you burn fat and build up your ab muscles. The best DVD ab workout will be really challenging, and this DVD contains a wide variety of effective, ab-focused exercises. As well as traditional ab exercises like crunches, Quick Tummy Toners’ workouts also include entire segments of yoga and Pilates-style movements that really target your obliques.

In addition to the core workouts, this core exercise DVD also includes a designated cardio section to help you to burn fat and reveal your newly toned abs.

This is the best abdominal workout DVD if you are looking for a quick training session, as each of the workouts are just 10 minutes long. However, if you are looking for something more challenging, you can combine the workouts, doing a few in a row to get a more intense training session. What’s more, no matter how many times you repeat the 10 minute ab workout DVD, the constantly varying movements in each of the workouts ensure that you will never get bored.

Whilst the workouts are brief, they are very challenging and contain some complex movements that may be too challenging for beginners. For this reason, ‘Quick Tummy Toners’ would be better suited to those at an intermediate fitness level.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: £3.96

#12 – Joe Wicks Lean in 15 Workouts

From the man behind ‘The Body Coach’ and ‘PE with Joe’, this is the perfect ab workout DVD for women, men, and children alike!

Not only does Joe Wicks create deliciously nutritious recipes that can be cooked up in just 15 minutes, but in this total core workout DVD he offers 15-minute high-intensity workouts.

These time-efficient workouts are designed to be performed 4 or 5 times a week, and aim to get you ‘Lean in 15’, and to help you get visible abs!

The DVD contains 8 workouts, as well as a warm up, a cool down, and a killer 30-minute graduation workout to aim for as you progress through the shorter workouts, which will really test your strength and resilience.

If your motivation alone isn’t enough to encourage you to exercise, then perhaps the fact that each workout is performed in the stunning location of Lake Como, Italy, will make you want to get up and out of your chair, and get your body moving.

Alongside this, Lean in 15 contains a 24-page ‘How To’ exercise guide which demonstrates the right technique for each exercise. This is therefore a great ab fitness DVD for beginners!

At just £3.58 for almost 3 hours of workouts, this is an absolute steal for one of the best ab workout DVDs on the market!

Price: £3.58

Length of Workout(s): 15 Minutes

#13 – Focus T25

Focus T25 is one of the vastly popular home workout DVDs created by the world- famous trainer, Shaun T. Focus T25 is all about providing short, intense workouts that will help you to burn fat and strengthen your core in just 25 minutes.

Focus T25 is more than just a selection of workouts for a total core workout DVD, as it includes a number of other tools to help you get the most out of your fitness journey.  These include:

• A quick 3-step guide to get you started;
• A 6-week motivational fitness journal;
• A complete nutrition guide;
• Two calendars to help you keep track of the workouts once they have been  completed;
• A 5-day ‘fast track’ nutrition guide to help you dial in your nutrition; and
• A Focus T25 Spotify Playlist to get you pumped for your workouts.

The workouts in the Focus T25 programme combine cardio, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and bodyweight training, as well as recovery sessions. The workouts are split up into 3 sections: Alpha, Beta and Gamma; they are designed to be completed in that order. Each section contains 4-7 workouts, all focusing on a different style of training. These include, for example:

• Cardio;
• Total Body Circuit;
• Ab Intervals;
• Dynamic Core;
• Speed; and
• Rip’t Up.

No equipment is needed for any of the Focus T25 core DVD workouts; however, both a resistance band and jump mat are optional extras. If you’re looking for some great resistance bands then check out our article on the 13 best resistance bands first to find the best ones for improving your strength!

Unlike other ab workout DVDs, Focus T25 comes in the form of a subscription to ‘Beachbody On Demand’: an online platform for fitness programmes. This subscription gives you access to more than 1500 world-class Beachbody workouts, fitness guides, workout calendars, meal plans and recipes, as well as a free personal fitness coach.

It is important to note that this programme is best suited to those who are at an intermediate level of fitness, as the intensity of the workouts may be too much for those currently at beginner level.

Length of workout(s): 25 minutes

Price: £29 – £74 a month

#14 – Davina: Toned In 10

Davina McCall has built an entire fitness empire around her home workout DVDs, which have sold over 2 million copies worldwide. One of her most recent DVDs is the extremely popular ‘Toned in 10’, designed to burn fat and build muscle – all in just 10 minutes!

Whilst this core body workout DVD is not specifically centred around abs, it focuses on fat burn and full body toning, which will help you to strengthen your core along with the rest of your body. This DVD is split up into 10 sections, each of which lasts just 10 minutes and targets a different area of the body.

If calorie-burn is high on your list of priorities, you will enjoy the Power Box workout, which will help to tone up your arms, whilst giving you a great cardiovascular training session. There is also a very intense HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout, perfect for burning fat.

The other workouts included in this fitness DVD are as follows:

• Strength and Resist,
• Flex and Flow,
• Tone and Define,
• Arms,
• Glutes, and
• Abs.

The workouts in this DVD, whilst only 10 minutes long, can be very challenging as they move at a fast pace and contain some complicated exercises. For this reason, ‘Toned in 10’ could be the best workout DVD for toning the stomach and is better suited to those at either an intermediate or advanced level of fitness.

Length of workout(s): 10 minutes

Price: £3.06

#15 – Hip Hop Abs: Level 2

Hip Hop Abs is possibly Shaun T’s most famous core workout DVD and the first one he ever created with the fitness platform, Beachbody. If Hip Hop Abs sounds like fun to you, that’s because it is! It is a fast-paced and challenging dance ab workout DVD,  designed to target every area of your core, using a range of cardio and ab exercises.

As well as being fun, you can be sure that Hip Hop Abs works, because the creator himself, Shaun T, used the programme to lose a whopping 50 pounds!

When you purchase this ab workout DVD, it comes with 2 discs. On Disc 1, you will find 2 workouts: Fat Burning Cardio 2 & Ab Sculpt 2. Fat Burning Cardio 2 is 45 minutes long in total, including a short warm up and cool down. The workout itself is an all-standing routine, which utilises Shaun T’s “tilt, tuck, tighten” method, great for engaging your core and possibly the best standing ab workout DVD on this list.

Ab Sculpt 2, is only 33 minutes long in total, again including a short warm up and cool down. As the name would suggest, this workout focuses more on core work, whilst still maintaining a cardiovascular element. The workout consists of a variety of ab exercises, all of which can be performed with a weight if you want to increase the intensity. Definitely the best stomach workout DVD out of the two!

Disc 2 of the ab workouts DVD includes the final workout, ‘Total Body Burn 2’, as well as a bonus routine called, ‘Get Abs or Die Trying’. Total Body Burn 2 is 45 minutes long in total, including a warmup and cool down. The workout alternates between cardio exercises and more strengthening movements, where there is the option to incorporate weights. This workout is arguably the most challenging one on the DVD and is guaranteed to give you a full-body burn as well as a great core DVD workout.

As it works at such a fast pace, beginners may find Hip Hop Abs: Disk 2, too challenging. The programme instead would be the best ab workout DVD for men and women at an intermediate or advanced level of fitness.

Length of workout(s): 33 – 45 minutes

Price: £6.69

#16 – Jillian Michaels: Killer Abs

This is the best ab workout DVD that’s part of Jillian Michaels’ 4-part ‘Killer’ series, which includes Killer Body, Killer Arms & Back, Killer Buns & Glutes as well as Killer Abs. All of the workouts in this series are very intense, specifically targeting and toning different areas of your body: this is definitely the best workout DVD for a flat stomach! Killer Abs is made up of 3 x 30-minute workouts which progressively get more challenging: Level 1, 2 & 3.

In terms of equipment, Level 1 requires a set of dumbbells, a fitness mat and sliding disks. The workout itself consists of 4 fast-moving circuits, all of which are full of a mix of classic and more dynamic core exercises, such as inch worms and plank jacks. The workout also incorporates a number of cardio movements, such as high knees and jump rope drills to really get your heart racing.

For Level 2 of this hardcore abdominal workout DVD, you will also require a fitness mat and a variety of dumbbells, some heavier and lighter than the ones used in Level 1. The workout is again made up of 4 separate circuits, which contain slightly more challenging movements than those in Level 1. This workout is designed to work your entire upper body, sculpting your arms and shoulders, through exercises like push ups and chest presses.

For Level 3, you will require the same mat and dumbbells that you used in Level 1. This workout is definitely the most challenging of the three and includes a number of complex moves, guaranteed to make you sweat. In keeping with its name ‘Killer Abs’, the exercises used in this workout are very core-focused, with a lot of plank variations and crunches throughout to get your abs working. Probably not the best core exercise DVD if you’re looking for a no crunch ab workout DVD instead!

What’s more, all of the workouts come with a warm-up, which enables you to properly limber up for the main training session, as well as a cool-down so that you can unwind and stretch out after the workout.

Overall, this is one of Jillian Michaels’ more complicated ab workouts DVDs, which could mean many of the movements would be too challenging for complete beginners. Therefore, ‘Killer Abs’ is better suited to those at an advanced level of fitness.

Length of workout(s): 30 minutes

Price: £12.00

#17 – Core de Force

Core de Force is a core strengthening workout programme more than an ab workout DVD, which combines Mixed Martial Arts, cardio, bodyweight and core training, as well as recovery and mobility work. Each workout in this programme is designed to take inches off your waist and give you total-body definition.

In addition to the workouts, Core de Force also comes with a number of other features to help you stay on track with your fitness journey. They include:

• A quick 3-step guide to get you started;
• A step-by-step eating plan to help you maximise your results;
• A food tracker to help you keep track of your servings as you follow the eating plan;
• A workout calendar and a deluxe calendar;
• Three deluxe workouts to help you build more speed, strength, and power; and
• A hybrid calendar which incorporates high-intensity workouts from Core de Force with workouts from other fitness programs.

The workouts in Core de Force are split into a number of sections, each of which targets a different style of training. Their Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) workouts include: MMA Speed, Shred, Power and Plyo. If you have never done MMA training before, each of these workouts come with a short introductory video which walks you through the movements before the main training session gets started.

Other workouts included in the Core de Force programme include:

• Dynamic Strength;
• Power Sculpt;
• Core Kinetics;
• 5–Minute Core on the Floor; and
• Active Recovery.

This total core workout DVD is different to the others, and is more like the Shaun T ‘Focus T25’ programme: Core de Force is accessed through a monthly subscription to ‘Beachbody On Demand’. This means that, whilst this programme is more expensive than some of the other core strength workout DVDs on this list, once you purchase the subscription, you have access to more than 1500 other workouts and nutrition guides.

This could be the best workout DVD for stomach fat loss for you, and similar to the other Beachbody programme ‘Focus T25’, this programme is best suited to those who are at an advanced level of fitness, as beginners may find it too challenging.

Length of workout(s): 5 – 47 minutes

Price: £29 – £74 a month

Do Ab DVDs work?

The effectiveness of ab workout DVDs depends heavily on what other exercises you’re doing as well as the DVDs, and what exactly your end goal is with using abdominal workout DVDS. Unfortunately, spot training the abs is an exercise myth and won’t induce belly fat loss with only this one type of workout. If this is your goal, we recommend that you perform a variety of compound exercises, which are exercises that engage multiple muscle groups at the same time, such as the trap bar deadlift or the landmine squat.

Ab DVD workouts do work in the sense that they will improve your muscle tone, definition, and strength over time, but to maximise your gains they should be used in conjunction with other types of exercises. Whilst you may think doing 100 crunches a day is the best way to get rock-hard abs, there are actually other more effective exercises that will really engage your core and get you fit!

Exercises that torch body fat whilst engaging the core include push ups & variations, hanging knee raises and renegade rows to name a few.

When to use ab workout DVDs?

Working out your core is incredibly important – you improve your posture, reduce fatigue, lessen lower back pain, and your core ultimately has a role in almost every movement of your body! We have a great article on how to engage your core so check it out to make sure you’re working out as efficiently as possible!

However, there is always the possibility of overtraining your abs so make sure you incorporate rest days into your workout routines – read through our article on the importance of rest days here to get all the info – but generally conduct ab DVD workouts 3 or 4 times a week.

We recommend conducting ab/core specific exercises either during or after your main workout, as this ensures that your muscles are warmed up sufficiently and will reduce the likelihood of injury. If you are only doing an ab DVD workout, then make sure you fully warm up (and cool down) to make sure you don’t strain your muscles!

Remember, everyone’s body is different so what may be suitable for Jillian Michaels or Shaun T may not be the best for you! Take the time to see how your body responds to your ab DVD at different times to really get the most out of it.

Before you go!

Hopefully this article has made you sit up (another ab pun!) in your chair and decide which is the best ab workout DVD for you. You’ll be showing off your washboard abs in no time!

Keep an eye on the prices as they regularly go up and down on sites like Amazon UK, so you should be able to get a great deal.

If you want to take your fitness further than just great abs then why not start a career in personal training with OriGym’s level 3 personal training diploma? Download our latest course prospectus as well to discover the full range of courses that we offer.

Arthritis, pains, ligament tears, a blown ACL, the list of potential knee problems seems endless and, quite frankly, more than a little scary! That’s why now is the time to invest in some kit that will not only help heal problems like these, but also prevent them: the knee compression sleeve.

Knee-dless to say (get it?!), this is a simple yet hugely effective way to add that extra support to your knee.

Here at OriGym, we’ve found 15 of the best knee compression sleeves so you can get back to your workouts in no time. We’ve also answered some important FAQs at the end (such as ‘how long can you wear a knee compression sleeve?’) to make sure you’re fully clued up on what compression sleeves for knees can offer.

Before you get started on our knee compression sleeve reviews, have you ever thought about putting your fitness knowledge to better use? Have a look at our L3 PT Diploma, or even download our latest course prospectus to find out more!

What are knee compression sleeves?

A knee compression sleeve is a piece of kit used to help relieve pain and protect the largest joint in your body – the knee. Usually made of fabric such as neoprene or latex, these sleeves provide a level of compression around the knee that boosts blood flow and provides warmth – all key aspects in the healing process.

There’s a compression knee sleeve for running, basketball, cycling, a knee ice compression sleeve for extra therapy, and the more targeted knee compression sleeve for meniscus tear, arthritis, and pains. Generally, they’re all quite interchangeable.

#1 – McDavid Knee Support Brace with Polycentric Hinges and Cross Straps

Price: £60.00

One of the best knee compression sleeves (UK), the McDavid Knee support brace features elastic cross-straps for ligament support around the knee. Lightweight, hand washable and easy to put on, simply pull it over the knee and fasten the cross straps above and below the kneecap. The McDavid knee compression sleeve is available in a range of five sizes from small to extra large.

Made from latex-free, 3/16″ inch thick neoprene, a flexible rubber used to provide therapeutic warmth to the knee and surrounding tissues, the McDavid knee brace compression sleeve has nylon on both sides, is breathable, anti-allergy and seamless. This compression knee sleeve has adjustable, high-quality, durable velcro straps plus two adjustable hook and loop straps for a custom fit.

This knee compression sleeve for cycling, running, and other sports, features an open knee for airflow, geared polycentric hinges for upright support, a cushioned design for protection and comfort, and an adjustable metal lever which prevents overextension of the knee.

As well as a perforated back panel to allow the skin to breathe, the McDavid knee sleeve support is fitted with geared, aluminium, lightweight hinges on the inside and outside allowing the knee to move with ease and which will lock when the leg is extended at 180°.

A top contender for the best compression sleeve for knee conditions, the McDavid Knee brace can help give knee support after trauma and reduce the stress placed on the ligaments. Useful as a Runner’s Knee compression sleeve, the product can also be used for support during sports, inflammatory knee conditions and knee injury.

#2 Vitto Knee Support Compression Brace

Price: £6.99

This product from Vitto is a great option for anybody looking for a knee compression sleeve that provides stable support throughout the knee joint.

Our favourite feature is its non-slip wave which adds further stability and ensures that the support remains firmly in place whilst running, jogging, weight-lifting, or playing sports.

Whether you suffer with pain from meniscus tear, arthritic knees, or a ligament injury, this is one of the best (not to mention cheapest) knee compression sleeves that you will find.

Even if you don’t suffer from any of the issues stated above, this product also works great as a gym knee support and is great to use to prevent injuries, ligament instability, sprain, or muscle strain.

This knee support is suitable for both men and women, and comes in multiple sizes so that you can find the perfect fit.

#3 Vital Salveo 3D Knit Knee Compression Sleeve 

Price: £35.99

Available in 6 different sizes ranging from small to 3XL, this product from Vital Salveo caters for everyone looking for relief from muscle pain and stiffness during an active recovery period.

The fact that the product is manufactured to hold a 3D gel pad means that its capabilities include the ability to stabilize the kneecap, provide extra support to the patella and the surrounding area, and to prevent further injury from occurring.

The 3D and breathable weaving provides a comfortable experience, whether the product is used during competitive sports or everyday activities. It can be worn for longer periods of time thanks to the comfort that it provides, which is a plus considering the fact that other products on the market can be difficult to wear.

On Amazon where it is sold here in the UK, this knee compression sleeve from Vital Salveo has 72% positive reviews.

One customer writes: ‘there is nothing to dislike about this woven knee support. If you carefully measure knee circumference as directed, the delivered sport sock fits like a glove and protects your knee with woven fabric. You will find that this is a very well engineered medical product. I am wearing the sock comfortably for 6-8 hours per day.’

Not only is it a favourite amongst online customers, but the product is also incredibly easy to wash, which is great to know if you’re planning on using it every day. Simply soak it in mild detergent for 3-5 minutes, and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated room. This could easily be done overnight, so that it is ready for your next use!

#4 – TheraPAQ Knee Ice Compression Sleeve

Price: £24.90

A hot and cold option, the knee ice compression sleeve by TheraPAQ is Amazon UK’s Choice and is ideal for rheumatoid arthritis, injury recovery, sprains, swelling and chronic knee conditions.

This compression knee sleeve features a non-toxic and leak-proof gel ice pack for cold therapy. To cool the pack, place the TheraPAQ sleeve into the freezer for a minimum of 90 minutes, or for heat therapy, place the sleeve either in hot water or the microwave for around 30 seconds.

The TheraPAQ knee compression sleeve can be secured around the knee with the ice pack without impeding range of motion, has adjustable straps for a comfortable and secure fit, is flexible whilst being durable, has a contoured design for a snug fit around the knee and strong stitching for long-term wear.

TheraPAQ offers a money-back guarantee with each purchase, making for a risk-free choice for a well-designed, whole-knee support sleeve that is the best knee compression sleeve for arthritis and swelling, or anyone looking for both hot and cold therapy or suffering from post-operative pain or chronic inflammatory conditions.

#5 – Pure Support Compression Knee Sleeve

Price: £18.99

The Pure Support knee compression sleeve has a triple silicone dot lined brim to prevent the sleeve from slipping or riding up and incorporates an advanced elastic yarn which contours to the shape of the knee to provide optimum compression.

This knee support sleeve is breathable, antimicrobial and uses a sweat and odour eliminating cloth-like fabric as opposed to a nylon blend or neoprene, which is also less likely to irritate the skin or cause itching. The innovative design applies both graduate and optimum compression on the knee joint for effective support and pain relief.

In a sleek black and steel design with the Pure Support running man logo, the Pure Support compression sleeve has been designed to improve blood circulation, minimise the chance of blood clots, provide support without compromising flexibility and boost athletic performance.

With no additional straps or buckles, the Pure Support compression sleeve is a straightforward compression sleeve with a high-quality, contoured design that won’t impede movement and is comfortable for all-day wear.

#6 – Winline Adjustable Knee Support Brace

Price: £16.99

The Winline adjustable knee brace compression sleeve is made from 80% extra thick and breathable neoprene, an ultra-flexible rubber, which can help insulate and heat the knee encouraging circulation and ease inflammation, soreness, and pain.

This knee compression sleeve is strapped over the knee and incorporates a reinforcement ring and 4 metal stabilisers to support the knee joints and ligaments and limit the chances of injury during high-intensity exercises such as running and hiking.

The Winline has an open patella (patella is also known as the kneecap) design with a small, circular opening over the knee to allow the skin to breathe minimising the chance of excess sweating and odour. The neoprene is manufactured with breathable holes to minimise the chances of discomfort and skin irritation during long term wear, and it has two adjustable velcro straps above and below the knee for extra compression when necessary. The knee sleeve support inside is lined with non-slip grip dots to help the sleeve stay up.

Along with shock absorption, sweat absorption and pressure distribution, the Winline is the best compression knee sleeve for features, and it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee from brand Winline when purchased through Amazon UK! It’s available in sizes medium through to triple XL.

#7 – Modetro Sports Knee Compression Sleeve

Price: £15.85

The Modetro Sports Knee Compression Sleeve is a specifically designed compression sleeve for knee pain. With the use of advanced, antimicrobial bamboo charcoal this compression sleeve has an elastic, non-slip fit to allow for maximum support (a compression of 13-20 mmHg).

Non-irritating to sensitive or allergy-prone skin and super flexible, the Modetro has moisture regulation to allow the skin to breathe whilst the knee is kept warm and their bamboo charcoal fibre fabric is odour resistant, perfect for walking or gardening in warm weather.

Lightweight and super elastic, this knee compression sleeve is great for increasing blood circulation, comes in a unisex design of charcoal grey and black, and Modetro offers a 100% money back or replacement guarantee with each purchase to ensure you are satisfied with your compression sleeve.

Another great way to help your muscles before a workout is to use foam rollers during your warm ups.

#8 – Rymora Knee Support Brace Compression Sleeve

Price: £11.95

The Rymora knee support brace compression sleeve is a specially designed compression sleeve for knee pain made from a super lightweight, breathable material that keeps you feeling fresh all day.

It also has silicone top bands along the top edge to ensure a non-slip fit while delivering maximum support (a compression of 13-20mmHg).

Whether you suffer from intermittent or constant knee pain, give your knees instant support with this compression knee sleeve, and enjoy speedy pain relief.

Additionally, targeted compression helps to encourage blood circulation, reducing any inflammation and swelling while speeding up the recovery healing process.

These knee compression sleeves will help massively reduce the pain you can feel from arthritis, osteoporosis, Tendonitis, or just general knee pain you might experience from everyday activity.

Comfortable, breathable, and machine washable for ease, this sleeve is perfect for any activity, be that snowboarding, jogging, or dancing.

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#9 – Neotech Care Leg and Knee Support

Price: £8.99

The Neotech Care knee and calf compression sleeve is made from an innovative ‘special knitting radial compression technology’ which Neotech states increases the support by an extra 20%, which is perfect if you need a little extra compression.

Knitted with an expert blend of bamboo, nylon, and latex for durability and elasticity, this sleeve extends from above the knee to midway down the calf, and is suitable for either the right or left leg.

A brilliant choice for runners, the Neotech knee and calf compression sleeve has a tapering design increasing in tightness down the calf providing support all the way to the Achilles heel.

Great for preventing calf cramps, Achilles pain and shin splints, the Neotech knee and calf compression sleeve is an all-season sleeve for increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tightness and strain.

#10 – Beister Knee Compression Sleeve With Adjustable Strap

Price: £10.99

Designed to apply stable support across the knee, the Beister Knee compression sleeve features wide, adjustable, elastic crossing straps with velcro fastening for extra knee support and added compression.

The Beister knee compression sleeve has two anti-slip silicone strips above and below the knee on the brace’s inner lining to prevent the sleeve rolling down. The Beister has an advanced 3D polyester weave which provides three-sixty grip contouring tightly around the knee joint.

For increased security the Beister is a knee compression sleeve with an adjustable strap that’s easily removable, and the sleeve uses a 4-way stretch fabric so it can be rolled on easily and provides a strong, contoured compression around the knee joint for better circulation. The woven fabric of the Beister is breathable and moisture-wicking, made from 100% polyester with the compression sleeve being 100% latex-free.

Beister offers their knee support sleeve in three sizes, medium (13″ to 16″ inches), large (15″ to 18″ inches) and XL (17″ to 20″ inches) and suggest when determining your size that you measure the leg circumference 5″ inches above the knee. Beister offers a 100% no-risk money-back guarantee with every purchase making this a great budget buy, and with 4.5 stars on Amazon UK this is the best knee compression sleeve for swelling, arthritis, rehabilitation, and for added support when playing sports or working out at the gym.

Find out about industry career options by learning about high-paying fitness positions.

#11 – Physix Gear Knee Support Brace

Price: £11.17

The Physix Gear knee support compression sleeve has a brilliant 4.6 stars on Amazon UK from over 10,000 ratings and comes in black and pink, black and grey, black and beige, and purchasing options of one pair, two pairs or four pairs.

Made from a breathable blend of nylon, spandex, and neoprene, the Physix Gear knee brace uses 4-way stitching for contouring above, around and below the knee. Physix Gear’s three-part blend makes for a fabric which is breathable and quick to dry, the compression brace is lightweight and slides easily under jeans, and woven with a non-slip silicone grip wave, it won’t be rolling down once on.

Thick but comfortable, the Physic Gear knee support is built to retain its shape and elasticity over long term wear, is flexible and promises not to chafe. For stiffness, swelling, soreness and support this is a great option, and a contender for the best compression knee sleeve for running, sports, and other high-energy activities.

#12 – Jiufentian Knee Copper Compression Sleeve

Price: £9.99

Made using 60% copper fibre and 40% spandex, the Jiufentian copper knee support uses 3D weaving for a better fit, is air-permeable, seamless, sweat-absorbing and has non-slip grip from double silicone strips to lock the knee compression sleeve in place throughout your workout.

Copper is antimicrobial and when reacting with oxygen it can have as high as a 58% positive effect in reducing bacteria and infection. In the Jiufentian compression sleeve, copper fibres are used to stop the growth of bacteria after several hours of wear and prevent odours. As well as better contouring to the front, sides and back of the kneecap, Jiufentian’s use of 3D knitting gives great insulation warming the knee at rest and during exercise easing the joints and muscle by encouraging better circulation.

Resting your body is just as important as exercising it, so read up on the importance of rest days here to make sure you’re keeping your body as fit and healthy as possible.

Jiufentian tested their non-slip, silicone strip design with two hours of strenuous gym-based exercise: their copper knee compression sleeve remained both in place and sweat-free. Jiufentian offers their copper compression sleeve in 6 sizes, small through to three XL, plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Comfortable with excellent support, the Jiufentian is a top contender for the best knee compression sleeve for running, knee injuries, pain, rehabilitation and arthritis.

If you want to improve your knowledge on recovery for sport, check out OriGym’s Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy; it’s a pretty rewarding career path!

#13 – AVIDDA Short Sleeve Knee Support

Price: £9.99

Amazon’s Choice for a “women’s knee compression sleeve” with 4.5 stars from over a thousand ratings, the Avidda knee support sleeve comes in grey, pink, blue and black, features three straps for extra support around your knee.

100% latex-free, the Avidda short sleeve knee support is made using premium-grade spandex and nylon, is breathable, lightweight and features 4 flexible spring stabilisers: 2 running laterally up each side for knee support and ligament protection when playing high-impact sports, when rehabilitating a knee injury and pain relief.

Using premium velcro, the Avidda compression brace has three, thick straps above, below and behind the knee for extra knee support and to adjust the brace to the best size, whilst the shorter length means it won’t restrict flexibility or impede on your calf. Using the design of an orthopaedic brace, this knee compression brace has an open patella design where there is a small circular opening over the knee cap to allow the skin to breath, minimising odours, irritation, and moisture.

Across the bottom and top of the Avidda knee compression sleeve are two parallel anti-slip silicone strips and the compression garment is one size, fitting from 12.5″ inches to 18″ inches knee circumference when measuring 4″ inches over the knee. Comfortable and amazing value, this is the best compression sleeve for knee conditions such as osteoarthritis or general support at the gym, when walking or jogging or during Spin classes.

#14 – AVIDDA Compression Knee Sleeve for Running

Price: £8.99

Offering stable pressure across your knee, muscle support, 360° protection, Avidda have designed a compression sleeve for knee arthritis, inflammation and pain that will apply sustained warmth to the knee, and increase circulation to the kneecap and surrounding muscles.

The Avidda knee support brace uses 3D knitting for long-wear compression, is sweat absorbing, has double non-slip silicone strips above and below the knee to keep the compression brace in place, and is available in sizes small (14.5″ to 17.5″ inches) up to XL (22″ to 24.5″ inches) measured as the thigh circumference four inches above the knee.

With a sweat-proof design, the Avidda is a cheap knee compression sleeve that is flexible, allowing for a full range of motion, comfortable for all-day wear, and is a brilliant budget buy for the best knee compression sleeve for running, brisk walking, and cycling.

#15 – Befekt Gears Compression Sleeve for Knee Arthritis

Price: 6.99

Unisex and available in packs of two, the Befekt Gears knee compression sleeves feature silicone wavy anti-slip strips above and below the knee, 4-way stretch compression for a perfect fit behind, above and below the kneecap, and a 3D woven knit fabric using a breathable blend of nylon and Lycra.

For running, sports, hiking, the gym and cycling, the Befekt Gears knee compression sleeves use graduated compression to reduce the load on the knees during high-impact physical activity or post knee injury. These sleeves are comfortable to wear and their nylon and Lycra blend is perforated and breathable, eliminating moisture for minimum discomfort and skin irritation when exercising.

A great option for a cheap knee compression sleeve available on Amazon UK, Befekt Gears knee support sleeve is also one of the highest-rated with 4.5 stars from nearly 1000 ratings. Great quality with a neat lockstitch and skin-friendly for anyone with sensitive skin or skin allergies, this is a great choice for knee support and surrounding muscle support when playing outdoor sports, recovering from a knee injury, or for enhanced, pain-free athletic performance.

Why use a knee compression sleeve?

The knees are one of the most important joints (as well as the largest!) in the human body and are also one of the more susceptible joints to injuries – the constant extension, flexion, and rotation means that the joint is prone to tears, inflammation, and a variety of illnesses such as arthritis. Protecting the knee is of utmost importance!

There are a huge range of knee compression sleeve benefits, including:

• Compression – the right amount of compression reduces pain and aids blood flow
• Improved stability – less likelihood of collapse or injury
• Increased flexibility and motion
• Reduced loss of body heat which ultimately assists the healing process
• Extra support when exercising – allows for increased strength training and weight loss which leads to less pressure and impact on your knees

So, if you’re sitting there wondering, do knee compression sleeves help? The answer is yes! Whether as part of your healing process for a knee injury, or just as a little extra help in supporting your knees, these are a cheap enough addition to your fitness routine that can ultimately help in the long run!

FAQs

When to use a knee compression sleeve?

Knee compression sleeves are generally used in two different ways: either as a preventative aid for added support, or as a post-injury recovery treatment.

If you’ve read this far you’re now probably wondering; do I need to use a knee compression sleeve? Well, whilst they probably wouldn’t hinder your workouts or everyday life, they aren’t entirely necessary for everyone. If you know your knees are on the weaker side, you’re getting a little long in the tooth, or you’re particularly prone to knee injuries, then we would say that knee compression sleeves are worth the money.

Similarly, if you’re a keen weightlifter, avid runner, dedicated sportsperson, or even if your job involves a lot of manual labour, then protecting your knees long-term is essential.

And if you’ve suffered a recent knee injury – whether minor or major – these are a great way to encourage the recovery process and simultaneously reduce inflammation and pain! Just check with your doctor first as they may provide you with more specific advice

How long can you wear a knee compression sleeve?

Another important FAQ on knee compression sleeves is: how long can you wear a knee compression sleeve? Crucially, a knee support sleeve is designed to be worn everyday, with special material that remains breathable and non-irritating. However, you need to be aware of the tightness of the sleeve, as being too tight can cause more problems than it solves!

The length of time you should wear your knee compression sleeve (UK) also depends on the problem or purpose that you’re wearing it for. If you’re using it for support during a workout then you shouldn’t need it on for much longer than the duration of your workout, but if you’re using it more for arthritis relief then you may want to wear it for longer periods of time.

If you’re still unsure then consult your doctor or therapist as they will know what will be best for your injury or condition!

Can you sleep with a knee compression sleeve on?

While sleeping with a knee compression sleeve isn’t always discouraged, it isn’t always encouraged either. This again depends on your condition or reason for wearing a knee support sleeve, but if the compression sleeve isn’t too tight then you will most likely be able to sleep with it on.

Graduated compression generally works more efficiently if it’s accompanied by movement, so sleeping with a knee compression sleeve won’t be as effective. Some injuries require support to keep the joints in the right place or a long-term reduction of pain, so a knee compression sleeve would be beneficial. Ultimately, each condition is different and consulting your doctor would be the best way to find out what’s best for you.

What is the difference between knee compression sleeves and knee braces?

Knee compression sleeves are often lumped in with knee braces as a generic medical term, but technically they’re not the same thing.

Knee braces are more typically used as a protective measure against future or recurring injuries and damage, and often restrict knee movement in order to rebuild strength gradually, and are typically built with mechanical features and hinges.

On the other hand, a knee compression sleeve (UK) is considered more of a preventative or supportive function designed to relieve pain and reinforce the knee, and come in the form of a fabric sleeve that slides onto the leg.

Before you go!

No doubt after reading all the knee compression sleeve reviews and information on this article you’ll knee-d (sorry!) a little while to process it all. Take the time to research the right knee compression sleeve for you and be sure to follow the various measurement  guidelines as they aren’t all the same!

If you feel like you’ve absorbed all this info and want to share it with someone else, then you’d probably make a great personal trainer! Have a look at our L3 PT Diploma or download our latest course prospectus to see if this is the right career for you.

Keeping a fitness journal is the perfect way to track your progress and keep yourself motivated whilst trying to attain your fitness goals.

OriGym have listed 15 of the best fitness journals on the market to inspire you to stick to your new fitness journey, or get it back on track if you’ve recently lost sight of what you were hoping to achieve. There are a few variations that can be useful depending on your individual goals, like exercise log sheets, daily food and exercise logs and specific training programmes, so do keep an eye out for those!

Before we jump straight in, have you ever thought about starting a career in fitness? Take a look at our L3 PT Diploma or download our course prospectus here to get started.

#1  – BODYMINDER Workout & Exercise Journal

Price: £19.50

This journal of exercise and fitness is a complete daily diet and exercise log with space for daily recordings of water, supplements, vitals, sleep, food, fitness and even weather and pollen counts.

The Bodyminder workout and exercise journal includes a weekly planner and a checklist style daily food and exercise log. It also has diagrams of the human body to accurately monitor pain and pathologies by marking any aches, pains, or inflammation.

Spiral-bound, the journal features a slip pocket at the back which is perfect for storing membership cards or credit cards, is structured with a weekly body measurement log, and consists of 224 pages.

Each day consists of a two-page spread and the pages aren’t predated: you can log your fitness when you feel it is most necessary, for example if you have upcoming GP or fitness trainer appointments.

The Bodyminder also includes features such as instructions on how to get the most out of the health and fitness journal, and a calorie-count list of over 100 foods.

Just less than A5 size, the Bodyminder Workout and Exercise Journal is a great daily fitness journal for tracking progress and finding patterns in your physiology, mental wellbeing, and motivation.

#2 – The Workout Log

Price: £7.99

The Workout Log fitness & performance journal is an Amazon’s Choice product, with over 1000 fitness journal reviews and an average 4.6 out of 5. The company motto is “what gets tracked gets beaten”, and it’s obvious that they want to provide their customers with a product that can aid them in tracking all aspects of their fitness.

The Workout Log is made from 100% recycled paper, and is wire-bound, durable, and printed in the UK. This fitness workout journal is A5 size which gives you plenty of room for any extra notes and allows you to set up to six fitness goals with target dates to help you to break down your fitness journey into manageable, organised segments.

This journal also includes an exercise tracking log which can record 100 workouts, one whole page per workout and up to 11 exercises per training session with space to record rest intervals, duration, calories and sets.

Also a food fitness journal, The Workout Log includes a 2-page spread for reporting weight, body measurements (including chest, forearms, waist, hips, thigh and calves), and personal bests to help keep track of changes in your nutrition and boost your motivation when looking back over your journey. If you want to learn more about nutrition, you should take a look at OriGym’s nutritionist course for everything that you need to know, including how to coach others.

Weighing 200g, the product is portable enough to keep in a gym bag to record your progress as you go. It’s available in a variety of colours including ‘Charcoal Grey’, ‘Azure Blue’, ‘Avo Green’ (which includes an avocado graphic on the front cover), and ‘Peach Pink’ (with a peach graphic on the front).

Altogether, it’s one of the best fitness journals to keep your motivation up and your targets clear.

#3 – NewMe Fitness Complete Fitness and Nutrition Journal

Price: £43.12

The NewMe Fitness Complete Fitness and Nutrition Journal is a great fitness training journal that gives you a structured layout to plan and record your gym sessions, as well as space to set goals and record workouts.

Research has shown that 12 weeks of intense exercise and healthy nutritional choices is enough time to actually see improvements in your metabolism as well as lowering stress hormones, yet short enough that you won’t lose motivation, making the length of this diet and fitness journal a dream.

With sturdy wire binding, and a thick cover with a laminated protective coating, this fitness management journal includes a total of 144 pages and 4+ months of nutrition and fitness tracking.

The NewMe Journal is durable, and can be easily tossed into a gym bag thanks to its compact build. It measures 13.9cm x 21.5cm (5.5” x 8.5”).

The NewMe Journal of exercise and fitness features detailed tracking sections for recording your goals and starting/end stats. The training journal also includes graphics that show which exercises target which muscles, as well as a guide for measuring body fat.

There’s everything you need to plan and maintain your fitness progress: a monthly exercise log, a whole page for planned routines, and another for goals and daily tracking templates.

NOTE: If you’re new to weightlifting, you may want to check out our guide to common weightlifting injuries that also works as a prevention guide.

The Lift Log is your best training companion to help you put your goals to paper, visualise your targets and crush them six months down the line.

#4 – Fitbook: Fitness Journal and Planner

Price: £20.00

This journal of fitness and health is a 12 week planner that encourages you to set fitness goals (such as weight loss, muscle gain, inch loss, maintaining a new routine) and achieve them by the end of the 12 weeks. The Fitbook: Fitness Journal and Planner gives you all the resources to track, structure and plan your journey up to that 12 week target.

The Fitbook is a wire bound food and fitness journal with a sleek charcoal grey cover, and is compact measuring 16.5cm x 14.5cm (6.5″ x 5.7″ inches) which is just a few wire turns longer than a bio pen. The Fitbook includes a one-page spread for each week plus an exercise and nutrition log broken down into breakfast, lunch and dinner, a detailed exercise tracking log including sets for strength training and time and distance for cardio, and includes a box for motivational notes at the bottom of each page.

A few more unique and useful touches of the Fitbook include: a notes section to rate your workouts and monitor your stamina building, dedicated sections to record workout classes, and a nutrient tracker which allows you to tick off grains, veggies, fruits, dairy, protein and fat with guidance on recommended servings.

With specific sections for cardio and strength training, space to write down a reward for when you hit your weekly goals, and dedicated space for stats such as weight and body fat percentage, the Fitbook covers any possible stat that you might want to record in a simple yet efficient format.

This journal of health and fitness is a great little helper which enables you to breakdown your health and fitness targets, further organise how you’re going to reasonably reach them, and then track your journey overall.

#5 – DIETMINDER Personal Food & Fitness Journal

Price: £14.95

Roughly 70% of our fitness goals are the result of our diet, so to get the best results possible from our workout and ensure full body health, it’s a good idea to keep track of how we’re fueling our bodies. DietMinder is a diet and fitness journal with comprehensive, dedicated space to track meal counts, macronutrients and supplements.

A luxury food and fitness journal, the DietMinder lays out each day on a two-page spread which includes space for tracking your daily exercise and activities as well. Other great features included in the DietMinder are calorie counts on over 100 common ‘Favourite Foods’, a ‘Goals’ section where you can place your targets over the next coming months, and a specified space where you can stick a ‘before’ picture which makes it easier to notice changes and realise the progress you’ve made.

The Dietminder is a gender-neutral food fitness journal that works for everyone and every diet, from plant-based, keto, or a yoga diet. The DietMinder has generous space for each meal encouraging you to break down your food to fully understand your eating habits.

It’s lightweight and has an introduction instructing its user on how to get the most out of their nutrition and exercise log.

The DietMinder is a great diet & fitness journal to break down your daily eating habits and understand where you need to focus and stay more committed to help improve your habits.

#6  – SaltWrap The Daily Fitness Planner

Price: £28.30

An athlete fitness journal, the SaltWrap Daily fitness planner is a great tool if you’re specifically training for a competition or race, with detailed daily fitness logs. The SaltWrap makes a great exercise log book, featuring weekly check-ins so you can monitor your stamina and motivation, and weekly planning pages so you can structure the road to your target. Ever thought about becoming a sponsored athlete? Take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to become a sponsored athlete here to learn more.

Spiral-bound with space for up to 16 weeks, the SaltWrap has a PU leather cover in black with felt-lined interior and thick pages both for quality and durability.

This fitness training journal includes an elastic book strap for page marking and a ‘one-glance’ page layout showing your training schedule as a single snapshot. A brilliant resource for athletes working on resistance training or circuit-style training.

The SaltWrap Daily Fitness & performance journal includes an exercise and nutrition log, allows you to note down body compositions and performance, has a minimalist style layout and finally a ‘Goal Tracking Template’ for reward and accountability.

This is a great nutrition and fitness journal designed for athletes by athletes boasting a scientific approach to organising your training via daily food and exercise log sheets.

#7 – Cossac Fitness Log Book and Workout Planner

Price: £41.79

If you’re new to tracking your goals with a diet and exercise log book and aren’t entirely sure how to keep a fitness journal, then this is the best fitness journal book for you. The Cossac Fitness Log Book and Workout Planner is a complete workout package with multiple sections that keep you accountable for your gym sessions.

Spiral-bound and measuring 21.8cm x 16.3cm (8.6” x 6.4”), the Cossac Fitness food and fitness journal has thick pages for durability, and has five sections:

• Schedule for you to fill with your program details; include your body fat percentage, weight, reps, cardio, and more.
• Body measurements for you to keep tabs on; body fat, weight, hips, biceps, and any other body part you’re focusing on
• Gym logbook for progress tracking
• Personal goals
• Notes; specify the muscle groups you want to develop, note the supplements you take, your well-being, and the pros and cons of your current program

This fitness training journal is recommended by Runner’s World due to its straightforward and easy-to-use design, and 177 pages that cover 140 days (over 4 months) of tracking.

While you can track your workouts digitally, there is something therapeutic about taking the time to write them out after you’re finished.

Altogether, this is a great choice for anyone new to keeping a fitness journal book who needs that extra push of accountability. Plus, it comes in a pack of two, so you can either set yourself up for a whole year, or get one for your gym buddy to encourage some healthy competition!

If you find yourself excelling at writing about your fitness, take a look at our article on how to become a fitness writer to take your passion to the next stage!

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#8 – Hello New Me: A Daily Food and Exercise Journal

Price: £7.33

An Amazon UK ‘Best Seller’ with almost 2000 fitness journal reviews and an average rating of 4.3 out of 5, the Hello New Me Daily Food and Exercise journal is an excellent 90 day exercise and nutrition log. Describing itself as “the perfect daily companion on the journey to become the best version of yourself” this fitness food journal is charming, clear, and organised.

The Hello New Me nutrition and exercise log covers a 3 month period for a weight training program or general lifestyle change program. The Hello New Me encourages you to monitor your water intake, has an exercise log sheet, gives you the option to track hours of sleep, record breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and monitor your cravings, which means you will get better understanding and better control of how your mood affects your health.

There are motivational quotes on each page to help encourage you through your 90 days and a smiley face score sheet to track your feelings on the success of each workout. This food and fitness journal also includes a body-positive measurement log with reference diagrams to take note of hip, waist, chest, and thigh measurements plus your overall weight.

Measuring 19cm x 23.4cm (7.5″ x 9.25″ inches) it can slot easily into most gym bags and is a great 90 day fitness journal for anyone looking for something upbeat and basic but with everything you need to guide you through the first three months of your fitness journey.

#9 – Life & Apples Food Journal & Fitness Diary

Price: £30.89

Made of vegan, eco-friendly paper, The Life and Apples Food Diary is a daily fitness and nutrition journal for tackling the psychology of making a permanent change towards a healthier, fitter you.

As well as a nutrition and exercise log, this journal has a dedicated section for setting goals, a habit tracker, a weekly goal review section, motivational quotes, check-ins on sleep, sun and activities which brought you joy, dedicated space to write down positive thoughts and further space to note down what you’re grateful for. Keeping a fitness journal has never been so positive!

Alongside premium quality paper, this vibrant journal of fitness and health has an environmentally friendly cover plus an elastic pen holder, closure band, and 2 ribbon bookmarks.

The Life and Apples journal is a diet and exercise log book which makes mental wellbeing and overall happiness as much a priority as what you’re eating and how much you’re moving. This is a fitness journal which aims to make the new you a happier you, so that you never feel the need to return to old habits or fall out of motivation.

#10 – Habit Nest The Weightlifting Gym Buddy Journal

Price: £19.90

Looking for a 12-Week personal training program in your pocket? Then the Habit Nest Gym Buddy Journal is the best fitness journal for you: it features a monthly exercise log plus 60 weightlifting workout guides for different muscle groups plus alternative moves and space to record reps and rep goals.

This food and fitness journal comes with detailed sections providing key information on ensuring your weightlifting journey is efficient and safe, with chapters including ‘The Key Factors of Weightlifting Success’, ‘Optimizing Every Aspect of Your Nutrition’, ‘Getting Started’, ‘The Workouts’, and ‘Fin’, making for a complete weightlifting program plus fitness journal.

The program includes information on recovery periods for beginner weightlifters, the significance of the ‘mind-muscle connection’, getting the most out of supplements, tips on exercise safety, common bodybuilding myths, and a clear explanation of the pyramid program utilised in the journal.

The Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy also includes ‘Double Pro Tips’, diagrams for each move, and space to note how much weight you’re lifting for each rep. Each day’s workout within the journal’s program is broken down to two primary muscle groups with 4 exercises of 3 sets per muscle group.

The Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy comes with a lifetime guarantee that means if you don’t love this fitness journal you can get your money back. With just under 500 reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.5 out of 5, the Habit Nest Weightlifting Gym Buddy is a personal trainer in your pocket, taking the guesswork out of bodybuilding and letting you focus on your workout.

A 12-week program completely laid out for you in your palm, simply follow the exercises making note of weight and reps to track and watch yourself progress.

#11 – GymPad Mini Workout Journal

Price: £6.99

The GymPad is a straightforward weight and exercise log with space for essential notes in a pocket-sized A6 design, available in colours such as ‘Black Mini’, ‘Blue Mini’ and ‘Pink Mini’.

The GymPad Mini has thick paper for increased durability and quality which is easily written on, and full colour spreads which are clearer and more vibrant. The front and back covers are water resistant so don’t worry too much about carrying it around with your running water bottle. The journal begins with one measurements page, and then includes another for every 25 workouts.

Each page can record up to 6 exercises and features a motivational quote in the corner of the page, with a two-page spread per day. The days are undated so you can record specific workouts without worrying about missing days, and you can specify which muscle groups you’re focusing on.

The GymPad Mini includes a space for you to slot in your ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos and a total of 100 full-colour workout templates created by fitness professionals to help you track your workouts.

The GymPad Mini comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee or your money back and is a great little workout journal at a great price to take with you to the gym.

#12 – DailyGreatness Training Journal

Price: £16.85

The Dailygreatness Training Journal is a 12-week workout and exercise log to better physical and mental wellbeing with dedicated space to plan meals and exercise. The Dailygreatness journal follows a daily 8-step training program on self-awareness, gratitude, intentions, meditation, stretching, diet and health reminders.

Your own personal trainer in your pocket, this personal fitness journal includes weekly and monthly check-ins to help you stay accountable plus a 12-week review to enable you to see the progress you’ve made.

The health and fitness journal is made with a flexi-bound cover with a smooth matte finish which is durable, designed to be taken with you to the gym, uses premium quality paper, has 168 full-colour pages with inspirational quotes, is lightweight, and includes two silk ribbons for page marking.

The Dailygreatness Training Journal is an engaging journal for fitness focusing not only on nutrition and exercise but also on positive thinking, creating healthier habits, coping mechanisms and overall helping you to achieve full body-mind success.

#13 – Log it or Lose it XL Version

Price: £7.89

The Log It or Lose It XL training diary is Amazon’s Choice for a “gym log book” with a clear layout to quickly look over workout sessions, dedicated space for additional notes on mood, how the workout went, motivational quotes on each page, and enough space to track 100 workouts.

Wire-bound, Log it or Lose it’s XL version comes in A5 size, with their original pocket version being A6 size, and has a thick hardback cover for support when writing.

The Log it or Lose it health and fitness journal can track up to 16 exercises with 5 sets or 80 total sets per page plus sections for notes and a column for rest time. The fitness and diet journal has an initial measurements page at the beginning, 14 progress pages spread throughout, and includes a dedicated box for supplements.

The Log it or Lose it XL Version is a weight and exercise log book which is simple, minimalist and perfect for anyone who wants an uncomplicated, larger-sized fitness journal for logging their weight training progress.

#14 – Clever Fox Fitness & Workout Journal

Price: £16.12

Spiral-bound with an A5 laminated cover, the Clever Fox Fitness and Workout Journal logs weightlifting sets, cardio, body weight and much more. Available in eight colour choices from Amazon UK including ‘Neon Green’, ‘Orange Red’, ‘Ocean Blue’, ‘Neon Yellow’, ‘Orange’, and ‘Pink’, there’s an energetic colour for everyone.

With 127 daily pages, this daily fitness journal is a good all-rounder working as a weight loss and fitness log: if your target is muscle gains, or if you need a fitness journal for competitive training, then the versatility of this book will definitely suit you.

The features of this journal of fitness include: tracking tables that are detailed with separate sections to monitor cardio or strength training, to-dos towards the back of the journal, sections for recipes and shopping lists, and a weekly progress tracker for everything from your weight and body measurements to your rep count at the gym.

The Clever Fox health and fitness journal is A5, lightweight, comes with a quick start manual filled with tips and examples and has thick 120 gsm paper. The journal begins with 2 pages for goal setting, starting measurements and target measurements, a calendar, and has enough pages to last 4 months of daily use.

The Clever Fox fitness planner is a great choice if you’re looking for a physical fitness journal that combines your exercise log with your diet planning.

#15 – Food and Exercise Journal: Work. Sweat. Achieve.

Price: £4.57

A slim and light exercise log, the Food and Exercise Journal: Work. Sweat. Achieve. is a 90 day fitness journal that is one of the best for the daily tracking of your weight and fitness journey.

The diet and fitness journal includes a nutrition log with sections to take note of daily intakes such as total calories consumed, water, fibre, and macronutrients. There is also an exercise log with space to take note of exercise type, sets, reps and distance and time for cardio.

On the first page of the Food and Exercise Journal there is a dedicated page with male and female diagrams to write down your starting measurements including chest, stomach, hip, waist, thighs, and BMI. Succeeding measurement pages follow on days 30, 60 and 90 for check-ins where inches may tell you more about your progress than the scale.

The Food and Exercise Journal: Work. Sweat. Achieve. is a great planner with everything you need to record, monitor and motivate for a successful, permanent change in lifestyle. Keeping things simple, this fitness journal and exercise log is perfect for tailoring a target-driven fitness plan, week by week, which is best suited to your body and lifestyle needs.

Tips on How to Keep a Fitness Journal

Seeing a tangible record of your fitness journey is a great way to stay focused and motivated, and there are a few essential things you need to make a note of in your health fitness journal in order for it to be effective.

• Record your starting weight and body measurements, with regular updates to compare your progress (for example every 3 weeks) – this allows for clear tracking of progress, whether your goals are weight loss, muscle building, or just healthy maintenance.
• Plan and record your workouts including the exercises to do, how many reps, how many sets, rest times, any equipment you might need, how easy or difficult you find it – this gives you structure to your fitness which increases the efficiency: you’re much more likely to reach your goals if you know exactly what muscle groups you are targeting during various workouts.
• Track your food intake – your diet is a massive factor in almost all exercise programs so tracking the relevant aspects of this and tailoring it to your goals will help you create and maintain healthy habits, reaching those goals faster.

Other aspects to record in your diet and fitness journal which could prove helpful include:

• Tracking your water intake – this is just generally a good idea in terms of keeping your body healthy, but remaining hydrated whilst exercising is also essential.
• Make a note of mood, pain, energy, sleep, motivation – these elements all contribute to the success of working out, so keeping track of them will help you fully understand your body and how to improve.
• Important quotes and achievements – writing these down can help bring a more positive mindset into your life which will ultimately give you more motivation to achieve more!

Keeping a dedicated personal fitness journal will help keep you accountable to yourself as you’ll be able to see the effects right in front of you. Try to record your progress in your fitness management journal every day, and be sure to be completely honest with yourself!

Before you go!

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, track your fitness progress, increase your body positivity, or even start a weightlifting program, there’s a great health fitness journal on this list for you. Writing in a food and fitness journal has huge benefits: being able to clarify fitness goals, plan future workouts, and monitor muscle gain and weight loss will all contribute to maximized progress.

If this has inspired you to take the next step in your fitness journey then why not take a look at our L3 PT Diploma, or download our latest course prospectus to see how you can help others with their fitness!

Finding the best tri suit (men’s) for your needs can be a huge challenge due to the vast amount of factors and features to consider beforehand. There are short-sleeved, sleeveless, full body, two piece tri suits for men, and more, all with varying pros and cons…

Here at OriGym, we’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the right suit and compiled a comprehensive list of men’s triathlon suit reviews to make the process a whole lot easier for you!

Before we dive in, does the idea of helping others along in their fitness journey ignite a passion within you? If so, take a look at our L3 PT Diploma, or download our free course prospectus here to find out how to begin a rewarding career within the fitness industry.

What is a men’s tri suit?

A men’s tri suit – or triathlon suit to give them their full name – is basically a specially designed outfit for men to wear whilst they’re participating in a triathlon.

You’re probably wondering – what’s wrong with a running top and my trusty pair of joggers? Well, a triathlon traditionally consists of three sporting disciplines; swimming, cycling, and running, and these all require different fabrics, features, considerations, and added extras in order to be as efficient as possible. Men’s tri suits are available as one complete suit or as a men’s two piece tri suit, and with a variety of designs and prices.

#1 – 2XU Perform Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit

Price: £129.99

In the world of triathlons, Australian brand 2XU is very well known and their Perform range and are amongst the best men’s tri suits on the market.

The 2XU is built from 70D elastane, a powerful and stretchy material that offers ultimate support, durability, and strength.

Wearing supportive triathlon gear is imperative for stabilising the body to allow wearers to engage in an abundance of sporting activities for prolonged periods.

With that, the low denier construction keeps the body cool and dry, reducing the chance of developing uncomfortable friction and chafing.

This is accompanied by a thin mesh lining that enhances airflow, offering an additional cooling effect.

This ultimately keeps your mind in the right space – focussed on your performance and beating personal bests.

Now, what 2XU’s range has that other triathlon garments don’t is a layer of chamois, a highly absorbent and non-abrasive material produced from domestic goats and sheep.

The chamois is fused with a hydrophobic foam which offers additional comfort when cycling and running.

This men’s triathlon suit also has easily accessible rear pockets to store small items such as energy gels or protein bars which is an attractive feature that may influence which suit you opt for.

2XU’s Perform range is without a doubt one of the best men’s tri suits out there which is why we’ve ranked it as our no.1. We most certainly recommend checking it out in time for your next event.

#2- Dhb Hydron Short Sleeve Men’s Tri Suit

Price: £60.00

Next on our list of the best men’s tri suits is a product by Dbh.

The Hydron Tri Suit is a great all-around performer for both racing and training and is designed to meet the demands of sports enthusiasts and intermediate-level athletes.

This performance tri suit is made with flat locking stitching that has been used to follow the contours of the body. This enhances comfort, prevents chafing, and promotes durability.

The suit also comes with easy-to-access mesh back pockets for storing small snacks for energy.

Additional mesh is also strategically placed around the front, back, and armpit region to regulate temperature.

This will function as an extra layer in cold conditions while enhancing breathability on warmer days.

Another great feature of this men’s tri suit is that it offers UV 50+ protection, so wearers needn’t worry about not being protected when competing outdoors.

Now, when shopping around for a men’s triathlon suit, reviews may help you to make a decision on which is best.

Dbh’s Hydron Tri Suit has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars with many reviewers enjoying the suit’s lightweight yet durable feel for a very reasonable price.

Furthermore, we feel that Dbh’s range is amongst the best men’s tri suits on the market and is a product we’d suggest you consider when shopping around.

#3 – Activate+ Short Sleeve Trisuit

Price: £115.00

The Activate+ is a highly breathable men’s tri suit that promises to keep wearers cool thanks to its high-tech sweat-wicking fabrics.

With that, the suit is super lightweight and aerodynamic while providing full-body coverage that’s super durable.

The suit is constructed from high powdered, sport lycra that is used on the front of the upper body and leg panels to maintain modesty.

Moreover, the back is made from waffle panels, a stretchy lightweight fabric that offers maximum breathability and comfort.

In terms of the design, Activate+ offers wearers a professional and sporty aesthetic.

The blue and orange colour scheme makes a refreshing change from all-black tri suits that allows sports enthusiasts to inject some personality into their outfits.

The Activate+ also comes in a range of size options.

Due to the tight-fit nature of their men’s triathlon suit, the brand suggests taking your measurements before purchasing.

Then, simply check these against the tri suit’s size guide to find a fit that is right for you.

Ultimately, comfort is key in any sporting activity, especially when the gear is meant to feel like a second skin.

We can say with confidence that once you find the perfect Activate+ fit, you’ll truly reap the incredible benefits it provides.

#4 – De Soto Forza Flisuit

Price: £262.00

Another big name brand, Forza has made a tri suit men will love. This might just be the best men’s triathlon suit for beginners, as its huge number of aerodynamically designed pockets offer unprecedented levels of storage. There are a total of 5 pockets, and a hidden fly just above the pad, making it easier to quickly head to the bathroom.

The De Soto is a robust suit all round. It offers one of the best levels of UV sun protection on the list, at an impressive 90. This is thanks to the patented De Soto Skin Cooler 90 fabric, which is also breathable, and designed to fit securely against the skin. It’s fantastic for temperature moderation in both hot and cold conditions.

The lower part of the suit is made of compression fabric, and there’s a back panel made out of Liftfoil, another Forza patent. The foil is designed to lift and support your muscles during the race, leading to higher levels of comfort and endurance. There’s even a very welcome “modesty” panel added to the crotch area, to prevent any embarrassing saddle stains.

It’s the Skin Cooler fabric which provides the main draw here, and there are a variety of testimonials from medical and sporting professionals on Forza’s website which sing its praises. When the fabric is wet, it can reduce the surface temperature of the skin by an impressive 7 to 10 degrees, which is absolutely essential if you’re planning to run a longer, more gruelling triathlon.

If you’re looking for a triathlon suit (men’s) that will keep you comfortable in extremes of temperature, this is likely the suit for you.

#5 – Decathlon’s Tri Suit Men’s 

Price: £39.99

Decathlon’s team of passionate triathletes have developed a tri suit to accommodate those participating in their first triathlon event.

The suit is designed with quick-drying material and flexible perforated foam that adds an extra layer of comfort when cycling.

With that, all the yarns used for the seams are made from ultra-soft foam that promises enhanced comfort and reduced chafing.

This men’s tri suit offers a range of nifty features to enhance your experience. These include:

• Front zip to allow quick dressing that comes with an internal protection strip to prevent friction.
• Small pocket at the back that is large enough to fit a phone, protein bar, or energy gel.
• Silicone strip at the thigh that is designed to stay secure when running, cycling, and swimming.

Each of Decathlon’s products has been tried and tested by experts in their respective fields and so is a great brand to consider when searching for gear that’s right for you.

So, if you’re someone who is shopping around for gear for your first triathlon, we’d recommend checking our Decathlon’s options.

Their men’s tri suit is suitable for entry-level participant that don’t compromise on quality.

#6 – Louis Garneau Aero Tri Suit

Price: £330.90

It’s certainly not the cheapest option on the list, but this might just be the most complete men’s triathlon suit that you’ll be able to find. Louis Garneau is well known in the cycling world, but they’ve recently made the move into triathlon equipment, with stunning results. The company’s motto is simply ‘no compromise’, and this shows through every design choice.

This is a premium suit with a premium design. It comes with the latest cutting edge aerodynamics and ergonomics. Its patented SpeedTech fabric underwent rigorous speed tunnel tests, and was found to be the fastest out of over 180 other contenders. Louis Garneau incorporated it into the shoulders and back of the suit for maximum efficiency.

Temperature moderation is key for any triathlete, and the suit takes care of that too. There are ice pockets located over the femoral and iliac arteries, ensuring maximum cooling of the blood vessels. Pockets are expertly designed to be streamlined, spacious, and secure, with a tight elastic seal to prevent the loss of any crucial nutritional snacks.

We could go on and on about the huge number of exceptional features of this men’s tri suit, but it’s likely that whatever you’re looking for in a tri suit the Aero has it, along with masses of other features that won’t even have crossed your mind. This luxury comes at a price, of course, and you might have to wait for a men’s triathlon suit sale to try and save a bit of money.

Gain a more thorough understanding of the industry by exploring information on its top-earning positions in fitness.

#7 – TYR Men’s Competitor Tri Suit

Price: $109.99 (international shipping)

This men’s triathlon suit from TYR is specifically designed to increase blood flow to your muscles, thus boosting performance, endurance and speed. This is fundamental, and we were very pleased to find a suit with so many features at such a reasonable price.

Obviously, the blood flow boosting compression will be the biggest draw here. The suit is constructed with special webbing that molds to the muscles and promotes circulation, boosting muscle performance. This makes a huge difference over longer distances, but anybody will be able to feel the benefits even during a shorter triathlon.

The suit comes with some other great features too. It offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun, and the fabric is quick drying. The front locking zipper is huge, and useful if you require some extra ventilation. The built in pad is specially designed to absorb your weight during the cycling phase of a triathlon, ensuring that you feel comfortable and unrestricted.

Throw in a free finish leg grip and you’ve got one of the best suits for first time triathlon runners who want to make sure that every base is covered. Due to the positioning of the zip and grips, this is also one of the easier suits to take on and off, so you won’t have to spend hours grappling with it when you’re already exhausted after a race!

With so many tri suit men’s versions available, and some of them in a much higher price bracket, it’s good to know that quality can still be affordable.

#8 – Castrelli Free Sanremo Suit Sleeveless

Price: £189.00

There’s a lot to love here, but perhaps the most attention grabbing feature is the anti bacterial saddle pad, which is designed to prevent painful saddle sores. This isn’t surprising from a company renowned for its cycling speciality, but Castrelli has been able to produce a men’s tri suit of extraordinary quality, with enough original features to make it stand out from the crowd.

The Sanremo promises all the convenience of a two piece tri suit men’s version, but with the comfort of a one piece. There’s certainly plenty of space, with full pockets on the back of the suit, which lie flat during the swimming section of the race. A further two hip pockets give you a little more room for nutrition, and the leg grips provide enough compression without feeling uncomfortable.

We love this well thought-out design. The top section of the suit is made from patented SpeedFreak race fabric, with soft arm holes to reduce any chafing. Velocity mesh has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing to prove how fast it is for the cycling leg. Instadry speed fabric is specially engineered for pace through the water with minimal moisture absorption.

The front of the suit is designed for quick bathroom breaks, and also with ventilation in mind. Castelli developed the Sanremo with Ironman distances in mind, but we’re sure that any athlete will benefit.

Castrelli are based in Switzerland, but they ship worldwide, so anyone searching for triathlon suit men’s UK delivery will not be left disappointed.

#9 – Sundried Tri Suit Men’s 

Price: From £36.40

Are you new to the world of triathlon events and perhaps want good quality gear that won’t break the bank?

If so, Sundried’s Tri Suit in men’s may be a viable option for you.

The suit is designed with a second-skin feel that offers wearers a full range of motion to allow you to perform at your very best without being restricted.

It comes in a sleeveless design to enhance your arm movements which are particularly important when swimming.

Sundried uses technical materials when constructing their tri suits that promise to dry quickly to prevent chafing.

They are also made with long-length zippers on the back to promote easy removal while also offering additional breathability when competing in warm conditions.

This men’s triathlon suit also features a subtle hypoallergenic pad to provide comfort while cycling that wearers won’t even feel while running or swimming.

This shows that Sundried is a brand that designs their products with the wearer in mind and are determined to provide attire that can truly enhance the overall experience.

Moreover, when searching for men’s tri suits, reviews may influence which you go for.

Sundried’s suit has amassed over 300 5-star ratings with many reviewers loving the snug yet comfortable fit, accessible back zipper, and affordable price.

With pricing starting at just £36.40, this is one of the cheapest suits on the market that boasts a range of high-tech features that we think you will enjoy. Why not give it a go?

#10 – Orca 226 Perform

Price: £129.00

If you’ve been reading a lot of men’s triathlon suit reviews you’ll already be familiar with the Orca brand. It’s extremely popular, and its suits are known for their high quality.

This is a one piece, sleeveless suit, but don’t be put off by the lack of sleeves. While some sleeveless outfits can cause chafing around the arms, there are no such worries here. The fabric is soft and anti-chafing, and the elegant design will keep you cool during the race.

Somewhat uniquely, this suit uses nanocrystal technology for that cooling effect. The crystals are sewn into the fabric, cooling it down and drawing any excess moisture out. This is a fantastic feature, and it means that you’ll be safe from sweat, and you won’t get weighed down after the swim.

To help keep you even drier, there’s mesh fabric around the pockets in case anything that you’re carrying leaks. The innovative Stretchskin fabric molds to the body, providing an excellent level of targeted compression and muscle support, as well as UPF 50+ protection.

There’s thermo-sealing on the upper suit to prevent chafing, and even the chamois is made from dense Italian fabric for maximum comfort. A lot of attention to detail has gone into this suit, and it’s a strong all rounder, especially if you’re thinking of running a longer distance triathlon, where you’ll benefit much more from the moisture and temperature control features.

If you’re struggling with different sizes from other countries, then you’ll be pleased to know that Orca is UK based, so anyone searching for tri suit men’s UK sizes will be able to find exactly what they need.

#11- HUUB Essential Long Course Tri Suit

Price: £99.99

If you run longer triathlons or even want to tackle the formidable Ironman distance, then you’re probably searching for a men’s triathlon suit that’s just right for the job.

There are plenty of factors to take into consideration, but fortunately, HUUB has tailormade a men’s core long course tri suit that’s sure to see you through even the most gruelling event. It comes with upper body UV protection, which is essential if you plan to spend a long time in the sun, and easy access to rear pockets spacious enough to hold everything you need.

The fabric is quick drying, and we especially like the mesh panel on the back of the suit. It’s light and breathable, and lets any excess moisture escape easily into the air. This is one of the most comfortable suits you’ll find which is increasingly important if you’re going to be wearing it for a long time. Even the leg grippers manage to strike a balance between compression and comfort.

Everything feels specifically geared towards long distance running in this tri suit. A full length front zip facilitates quick and easy rest stops and can also help with some added ventilation if you need it. Long sleeves are essential for longer distance events, as you’ll want to lower your exposure to the elements.

The fleece lining is one of the suit’s best features, functioning as equal part protection for the cycling section, and as a way to quickly wick water away after the swim. Whether you’re getting ready for your first long distance triathlon, or you’re a seasoned pro after a more up to date suit, every design choice has been made with your needs in mind.

#12 – TRI400 Men’s Compression Sleeveless Tri Suit

Price: £110.60

Anybody searching for a men’s tri suit geared slightly more towards swimming will be extremely happy with the TRI400. Its pressure treated fabric has been specifically engineered to help swimmers glide easily through the water, and moisture management technology means shorter drying times. There are even specially placed panels of TRI400 fabric, designed to reduce drag. And if you’re also contemplating buying a swimming tracker, check out our article on the best 15 swimming trackers to find the perfect one for you.

That said, this is much more than just a glorified swimsuit, and you’ll get plenty of benefits from it over the rest of the race. Drawing upon data from 3D body scans, the suit is designed around 400 individual fitting points, which adhere to specific parts of the body and boost compression. This is part of the suit’s Dynamic Gradient Compression system, which aims to increase muscle oxygenation and reduce the build up of lactic acid over long distances.

Anti-friction carbon panels protect the thighs from any chafing, and we loved the feel of the super smooth TRI400 fabric. It molds to the body to present a perfectly streamlined profile, optimised for speed. The foam chamois is impressive too, reducing friction as you pedal. It expands and contracts with your movements, so you’ll never feel uncomfortable.

The odour management system is a nice addition. Fabric is treated with antimicrobial substances, discouraging the bacterial growths which lead to bad smells. There’s 50+ UV protection too, and really very little reason not to give this great suit a try.

With free UK delivery for orders over £100, anyone searching for a triathlon suit (men’s) in the UK need look no further.

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#13 – Synergy Triathlon Tri Suit

Price: £89.95

Every athlete looks for something different from their suit. Some will search for speed, others will want quick dry fabric or lots of storage space. If comfort tops your list of priorities, then this offering from Synergy is probably the suit for you. It’s absolutely the best men’s tri suit for comfort, and it comes with enough additional features to make it one of the best all round performers.

The suit uses a superior Nylon/Spandex blend to create a fabric that offers optimal compression and aerodynamics while remaining incredibly comfortable. Extra large arm holes ensure that you won’t experience any chafing, and there’s even an added modesty panel for extra comfort.

Better still, the fleece is anti-microbial, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and should prevent any build up of unpleasant odours. The 2 pockets are situated on the back of the suit to keep it as streamlined as possible, and there’s ample space to store gels and nutritious snacks.

If that wasn’t enough, the front zipper is adjustable up to 3/4, ensuring maximum comfort and some extra ventilation should you require it. This suit represents an excellent balancing act between comfort and efficiency, and manages to deliver both without sacrifice on either side. A commendable effort indeed.

As this particular suit is readily available from Amazon, you might just be able to get it for a lower price during a men’s tri suit sale.

Triathlons are a long and intense challenge so you need to remember to stay hydrated. OriGym have an easy solution: check out our article on the best hydration tablets to fuel your body to stay healthy!

#14 – Anemoi Aero Tri Suit

Price: £124.99

The Anemoi is quite an innovative and forward thinking brand. In an attempt to revolutionise the tri suit industry, HUUB brought in Dan Bigham, an aerodynamic performance engineer fresh from Mercedes-AMG. A cyclist and triathlete himself, Dan worked with HUUB to try and better understand the fundamental principles of speed, efficiency and endurance, and the results are spectacular.

HUUB claims that the Anemoi is the fastest men’s tri suit on the market, capable of shaving an impressive 6 to 7 minutes off your time in an Ironman distance race. Looking at the evidence it’s hard to argue with them. This is probably the most advanced men’s triathlon suit you’ll find, and the work that went into the project has paid dividends.

There are almost too many features to list, and the suit comes with an incredible array of unique, patented additions. Arms Neutral makes swimming more comfortable and efficient by reducing your usual stretch cycle by up to 50%. Neoprene Trip Technology streamlines every movement and saves you time.

Even the basics are done well. Longer arms and legs streamline your contours, and there’s a spacious rear pocket, itself designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. While these features and the promise of faster times will probably appeal to triathlon veterans the most, we think that anybody regardless of their level will love these suits, which genuinely feel like the future of the sport.

HUUB is quick to point out that this suit isn’t the end. It’s just the first stepping stone on their journey to designing the ultimate triathlon suit, and we can’t wait to see where that journey takes them.

#15 – BlueSeventy TX2000

Price: £155.00

The TX2000 underwent a lengthy testing phase, as it was put through its paces for over a year by professional and amateur athletes over a variety of distances. Now, the suit is particularly popular with those running long distance or even Ironman triathlons who need durable suits that don’t chafe and keep the elements at bay.

This might well be the best men’s core long course tri suit in its price bracket, and it comes with several features that make it absolutely perfect for longer distances. Its long sleeves provide additional protection from the elements, and the design is geared towards maximum flexibility, especially of the arms during the swim.

It’s praised for its efficient heat transference properties, which will help to keep you cool on even the most gruelling course. Special Carvico VITA fabric with coldblack moderates body temperature and helps keep the heat of the sun at bay. With two spacious back pockets to store everything you need on a long distance track, there’s no wonder why it’s favoured by Ironman around the world.

We loved the Berenis chamois, which is light enough so that you don’t even notice it during the run, but provides excellent support during the cycle section of the race. Blue Seventy is primarily a developer of wetsuits, but they’ve really struck gold with the TX2000, and developed possibly the best men’s tri suit for long distances.

That said, we can heartily recommend this suit to anybody, regardless of the distances they plan to take on. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and the VITA fabric will keep you wonderfully cool as you race.

#16 – Speedo Fastskin Photon Tri Suit

Price: £49.99

Designed to provide comfort and ease when getting in and out of the water, the Speedo Fastskin Tri Suit makes the ideal addition to any triathlete’s wardrobe.

It’s constructed from high-tech, stretchy material in the upper body to ensure wearers get a full range of motion when swimming, thus offering an edge over competitors.

Moreover, the suit is made from LZR Pulse Power fabric over the torso and lower body to create a compression fit that stimulates the muscles and allows competitors to keep moving optimally for longer.

Each suit comes with a ventilated mesh fabric that ensures effective moisture management.

This is accompanied by micro air holes which are particularly beneficial when competing in hot, humid conditions.

Yet, with this in mind, Speedo recognises that wearers are going to sweat which is why their range is designed with premium sweat-wicking materials to keep chafing and friction at bay.

The suit comes with coral-coloured stripes along the outer thigh, offering a sporty aesthetic that many other tri suits don’t appear to include.

We think that Speedo’s range makes competitors look all the more professional and prepared which is why we think it’s one of the best men’s tri suits on the market.

Plus, priced at just under £50, it’s a suit that offers a wealth of incredible performance-enhancing features for an affordable price. What’s not to love?

#17 – dhb Blok Vesuvio

Price: £75.00

One piece tri suits might be the more popular choice at the moment, but there are still a lot of advantages to be found with the classic two piece. They’re more comfortable, and they don’t hold the heat like a one piece often does. They usually have more storage too, and make bathroom breaks much easier.

If you’re searching for a modern and well designed men’s two piece tri suit, then you can’t go far wrong with the dhb Blok Vesuvio. It’s somewhat of a classic, but it’s been updated wonderfully, and we absolutely love the striking design.

The fabric on top is lightweight, so it’s breathable and will help keep you cool. It’s also quick drying and moisture resistant, and holds a 50+ UPF rating. Interestingly, it’s also sunscreen and chlorine resistant, features rarely seen in some of the much more expensive suits. Two back pockets complete the top, so you’ll never be short of space.

The shorts offer all the same benefits, as well as compression to aid circulation and a chamois designed specifically for triathlons. Comfortable silicone grippers are a nice addition, and this is definitely some of the most comfortable racing gear that you’ll find.

While a two piece tri suit in men’s fitting might not be as popular as they once were, with innovation shifting towards the more aerodynamically effective one piece, but that doesn’t mean that you should forget about them altogether. The Vesuvio proves that a two piece can be comfortable while still retaining many of the benefits of its more streamlined cousin.

How to choose a men’s tri suit?

There are a lot of important considerations that you should make before committing to a triathlon suit.

• The fabric and design: is it lightweight, waterproof or water-resistant, fully zipped or partially zipped (for ventilation), is it aerodynamic and streamlined, temperature regulating, does it have pockets and where are the pockets situated, long sleeved, short sleeved, or sleeveless?
• The built-in pad: is it comfortable, anti-microbial, anti-chafe, does it provide enough support?
• Any added features: UPF protection, added vents, compression sections, eye-catching design?

Ultimately, there will be factors that you feel are completely necessary in a men’s tri suit and others that won’t be as important. Our advice would be to first decide if you prefer a one or two piece and then go from there as this will reduce your initial options and make the further search a lot easier.

What is the best men’s tri suit?

Obviously deciding on the best men’s tri suit is very subjective as you might feel that other suits are better and for different reasons. With so many features, materials, prices, and designs to choose from it’s a very difficult question to answer and you shouldn’t take our opinion as the only answer! We have done plenty of research and we know a thing or two about triathlons, but you should check out each of the men’s triathlon suits for yourself too.

One of the best men’s tri suits on this list for us has to be the HUUB Anemoi Aero Tri Suit. This tri suit has all the features and structure you would need for a challenging triathlon, including: lightweight and breathable fabric with Neoprene Trip technology for increased aerodynamics, a spacious rear pocket for all your energy gel needs, Arms Neutral innovation for easier swimming, and the overall capacity to knock 6 minutes of your final time.

The input from Mercedes-AMG performance engineer Dan Bigham has clearly paid off and makes this a product that is definitely worth investing in.

Before You Go!

With so many factors to consider when purchasing the right men’s tri suit for you it can seem like a daunting and time consuming task. Hopefully we’ve taken most of the stress out of the process, and you’ve found the right one for your next triathlon challenge.

Be sure to check the measurements, and remember that some brands recommend going up a size to ensure the fit isn’t too snug!

Want to take your passion for fitness to a new level but aren’t sure how? OriGym has the answer: take a look at our L3 Personal Trainer Diploma or download our latest course prospectus to find the next step for you.

Doing yoga in a hot room might not seem like a fun activity, but the benefits of hot yoga definitely make it worthwhile (and you’ll probably enjoy it just as much too!). Sure, you’ll be sweating a bit more but this has its own advantages for the body, and you’ll also be building on some of the fundamental principles of yoga as well.

Hot yoga isn’t just about improving your flexibility and meditating; here at OriGym, we’ve put together this guide on all of the hot yoga benefits and risks so you can figure out if this practice is for you! We’ll cover the following topics.

Contents

1. What Is Hot Yoga?
2. Different Types Of Hot Yoga
3. The Benefits Of Hot Yoga
4. Hot Yoga Risks
5. Hot Yoga…Does It Work?
6. FAQs

Before you read on, check out our Yoga Teacher Training course to find out how you can kickstart a dream career.  You can also download your own OriGym course prospectus to learn more about this Level 3 qualification.

What is Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is just that – yoga done in a heated environment!

Typically, it means yoga performed in a studio or room heated to about 35֯ degrees. However, different styles and studios can be warmer or cooler than this. It all depends on your preferences, and the style of hot yoga you are trying!

Hot yoga can maybe seem a bit intimidating to a beginner, or even someone who has been doing regular yoga for a while, but it’s a fun and easy activity with so many health benefits. Since its arrival into the world of exercise in the 1970s hot yoga has exploded in popularity; a testament to its effectiveness and fun factor.

There’s a plethora of different styles and forms of hot yoga to choose from, all with varying techniques and theories.

In fact, there are at least 24 different styles of yoga that you can practice!

You can follow one of these established styles to ease you in, but if you’re feeling confident you can make your own routine and get started with any asana (yoga pose) you choose. Just don’t forget to bring a water bottle, as hydration is key when doing hot yoga.

Most yoga studios and many gyms now run hot yoga classes, and doing it as part of a group with a good instructor is a good way to get started.

Hot yoga can be done alone at home but is usually done in groups, in specially heated rooms or studios. It’s a great social activity!

The benefits of hot yoga go way beyond making new friends, however. It can increase flexibility, burn calories, reduce stress, and much, much more!

The Different Types of Hot Yoga

Yoga can be daunting at times, especially with its myriad of poses, yoga symbols, and variations. By following one of these styles, you should have a comprehensive, and streamlined introduction to hot yoga!

Bikram Yoga

History of Bikram

Bikram Yoga is the original and arguably the most widespread form of hot yoga.

It began in the 1970s when a yoga instructor in Japan began hosting yoga sessions in a sauna, to replicate the heat of India!

Bikram yoga is highly structured as there is a set sequence of 26 poses that are performed in the same order, every session. Bikram Yoga includes 24 asanas (or poses) and 2 breathing exercises, and there is no transition movement between the different poses. Bikram Yoga can only be taught by a qualified Bikram Instructor.

You can find out how to become a Bikram yoga instructor from OriGym’s guide!

The studio is heated to exactly 40֯ degrees, ideally with high humidity. The setting of Bikram Yoga is very important: a mirror wall is a necessary feature to allow participants to view and correct their postures.

Bikram yoga is slightly less relaxed than other forms, as its rules and setting are so specific. However, it will provide a really engaging introduction to hot yoga: if you feel like you weren’t experienced before doing Bikram, I’m sure you’ll come out of your first session feeling like an expert!

It’s a great way to learn about hot yoga from experienced, knowledgeable instructors. Bikram yoga is a really established and respected form of hot yoga.

Benefits of Bikram Yoga

The benefits of Bikram hot yoga don’t stop with simply educating you about hot yoga, however. This yoga style has many health benefits. The hot Bikram yoga benefits include:

• Ridding the body of toxins
• Increasing flexibility
• Improving lower body strength
• Boosting overall balance.

Plus, the relative intensity of Bikram Yoga means it makes for a surprisingly effective cardiovascular workout. Another one of the specific benefits of Bikram hot yoga is it improves focus due to its highly structured nature!

Moksha Yoga

History of Moksha

Moksha yoga is a slightly more recent form of hot yoga: it was formulated in 2004 by the Canadian yoga instructor, Ted Grand. It is also sometimes known as “Modo” yoga.

It shares some similarities with Bikram yoga, whilst being distinct and unique. Moksha yoga really emphasises a holistic approach; not only does it have physical health benefits, but also mental health benefits, as well as promoting social aspects like environmentalism and the community.

As such, Moksha hot yoga sessions are often offered at a discounted rate to promote yoga for everyone!

Moksha hot yoga is similar to the Bikram form in that there is a set schedule of poses every session, however, unlike Bikram, the schedule is decided by the individual instructor. There are usually around 45 poses every session, usually lasting around 90 minutes.

Moksha is an adaptable set of yoga positions and this flexibility is reflected in the positions themselves!

This practice has more of a focus on building strength and flexibility. Every session of moksha yoga begins and ends with the savasana pose, which emphasises relaxation and calm.

Benefits of Moksha Yoga

The benefits of Moksha hot yoga aren’t limited to the physical side of things. They include:

• Promoting relaxation and mindfulness
• Improving flexibility
• Increasing strength
• Improving cardiovascular health
• Improving bone density

Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga

History of Baptiste Power Yoga

A bit of a mouthful to be sure, but this form of hot yoga is a relaxed, fun way to get involved!

Named after its founder, Baron Baptiste, this form of hot yoga takes place in a slightly cooler studio than some other forms, with the ideal temperature being 32-35֯ degrees. Don’t worry though, this is still hot enough to get all the health benefits of hot yoga!

Baron Baptiste drew from other hot yoga pioneers when creating this style, including Bikram yoga. As a Vinyasa form of yoga, there is a real emphasis on smooth, flowing transitions between poses. The Power aspect in its name refers to the intensity of the movements: Power yoga will really improve your athleticism!

Baptise Power Vinyasa Yoga is defined by its five pillars:

• Breath
• Heat
• Flow
• Gaze
• Core stabilisation

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Breath refers to the necessity of strong, deep breathing whilst holding the poses, which is something that can take some practice! Heat, of course, is the requirement that the room is heated, and the flow pillar is the practice of flowing movements and transitions. The gaze aspect of the pillars means you must hold a consistent gaze at a certain point or object in the room. The core stabilisation is a bit more complex – it involves continually drawing in your stomach, to provide a strong, stable core for more effective yoga poses!

Benefits of Baptiste Power Yoga

The Baptise Power Vinyasa Yoga style allows the instructor to choose his own routine and postures, with the guidance of the five pillars. This means it can be adapted for yogis of all abilities.

It’s a really varied and customisable form of hot yoga, which makes it really attractive to a lot of yoga enthusiasts. In fact, check out our comparison of hatha yoga vs vinyasa yoga as these are 2 of the most popular forms of yoga – find out why!

It has even been adopted by the American football team the Philadelphia Eagles, who are no doubt attracted to its ability to make practitioners stronger and more relaxed. Quite the endorsement for the health benefits of hot Vinyasa yoga!

Hot Power Yoga

History of Hot Power Yoga

The clue is in the name when it comes to this final form of hot yoga we will be looking at!

It became popular in the 1990s when two yoga instructors wanted to find a way of making yoga more accessible to Western, fitness-orientated sports enthusiasts. As it is more strenuous than other types of hot yoga, the room it takes place in is usually slightly cooler than a standard hot yoga class. Hot power yoga classes can usually be found at gyms and other non-yoga specific sites, making them a really flexible option.

Again, as the name suggests, it has some aspects in common with the Baptise Power Vinyasa Yoga style. One of the benefits of this approach is how flexible it is; it really encourages practitioners to build their own sequences, and personalise their sessions to a range of requirements.

Both beginners and experienced yoga fans can really benefit from hot power yoga!

The power yoga aspect of hot power yoga is really key, as it refers to a high-intensity, fitness-based yoga session. It can be a lot more frenetic and intense than a more meditation-based yoga style, so be prepared for that!

Hot power yoga provides a great option for fitness enthusiasts who aren’t focused on the more holistic elements of yoga; more workout, less Zen!

Benefits of Hot Power Yoga

The health benefits of hot power yoga are quite simple really – its high intensity, cardiovascular exercise approach makes it ideal for people trying to lose weight, as well as providing the other pluses of hot yoga in general. Intense exercise plus a hot environment equals burned calories!

However, it should be noted that hot power yoga should be approached with caution, especially for those with heart issues, and hydration is immensely important so make sure you take a water bottle with you.

What are The Benefits of Hot Yoga?

So you’re up to speed with some of the different types of hot yoga, and hopefully, you’ve seen one that looks like it could be for you!

There are so many health benefits to hot yoga; we’re going to break them down, as well as explain some of the risks involved.

Let’s jump into our 9 benefits of hot yoga!

#1 Increases Flexibility

This is probably one of the more obvious hot yoga benefits, as ultimately this is still a form of yoga and yoga is renowned for its flexibility boosting effects.

If you’re a beginner that finds the majority of yoga poses difficult to get into then switching to hot yoga could be more beneficial to you as hot yoga can improve flexibility even more so than ordinary yoga.

A study comparing the effects of hot yoga and thermoneutral yoga found that the participants’ flexibility increased by an extra 10% during the hot yoga session compared to standard yoga. The heat helps to loosen up the muscles and joints, allowing for increased flexibility and range of motion when performing yoga, as well as in daily life.

This can also help reduce aches and pains!

Whilst you might be put off a little by the added heat in a yoga studio, the benefits of sweating in hot yoga and improved flexibility can soon make it worthwhile.

#2 Boosts Men’s Health

Men’s health has been in the spotlight recently, with issues like stress, mental health, and high blood pressure leading to complications being highlighted as particularly prevalent in men. Whilst these problems are by no means exclusive to men, the proportion of which they affect males is a huge concern.

Fortunately, some of the benefits of hot yoga for men can really help to reduce the impact of these issues!

Hot yoga has been proven to reduce stress through its mindfulness techniques, namely yoga breathing. This is where the practitioner focuses on controlled and deep breathing: this is beneficial to the body as it encourages calmness and can lower the heart rate. Being more aware of your breathing can help alleviate anxieties, bringing you more in tune with your body and grounded with the earth.

Mindfulness and deep breathing can also help to manage mental health issues like anxiety.

So instead of constantly going for a high-intensity, fast-paced exercise program you should try incorporating some hot yoga poses into your workouts to still build strength and stamina but with a little more focus on the mind.

#3 Regulates Blood Sugar

Yes, that’s right; hot yoga can even help keep your blood sugar at healthy levels.

This is due to two main reasons: the stress-relieving side of yoga and then the fact that yoga is also a form of exercise.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is a dangerous occurrence seen most commonly in people with diabetes. High blood sugars can have detrimental effects on a person’s long term health if left untreated, such as damage to the kidneys and eyes, and even short term problems such as severe dehydration and diabetic ketoacidosis.

One key cause of hyperglycemia is stress. It is imperative for diabetics, both type 1 and type 2, to try and reduce stress as much as possible and practise stress-reducing techniques. This is where yoga, and the hot yoga benefits, come in!

The meditative and mindfulness that hot yoga promotes are effective ways of relieving stress in diabetics. Plus, the movements and poses involved with yoga are a gentle form of exercise that can help lower high glucose levels and improve circulation in a low impact manner.

Interestingly, a study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies suggests that hot yoga is particularly effective in lowering glucose levels in the bloodstream of older participants.

It is important to note, however, that due to the added heat element of hot yoga diabetics should take precautions when participating as both exercise and heat have the potential to lower blood sugar levels. Take extra care as blood glucose could fall too low.

#4 Burns More Calories

The benefits of hot yoga for weight loss are an attractive aspect for many participants; any cardiovascular exercise will burn calories and increase weight loss, and hot yoga is no exception to that.

This is due to the added heat as well as the movements involved in hot yoga. In particular, fast-moving vinyasa-based hot yoga routines are particularly good for losing weight as these require more intensity and pace in movements, increasing cardiovascular activity.

The heat aspect of hot yoga also helps as this further raises the heart rate and increases the amount of sweating during the exercise, all of which increase calorie burning.

This has been discussed in a study in the International Journal of Yoga Therapy which states that:

“Hot yoga classes do advertise the number of calories burned in the class due to the elevated temperature, which increases the level of effort by individuals”(Mace and Eggleston, 2016).

This need for additional effort is what ultimately will help you burn more calories!

So if yoga is your go-to workout but you want to lose a little extra weight then the hot yoga benefits for weight loss could help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.

If you want to get fit but aren’t sure where to start then use OriGym’s free home workout generator – you’ll get a home workout plan that’s completely tailored to your needs!

#5 Aids the Respiratory System

This one should come as no surprise; with the focus on breathing techniques and depth, hot yoga can provide a range of benefits for the respiratory system.

Pranayama is an aspect of hot yoga and is a form of breathing techniques and exercises that can improve and increase lung capacity. Deeper breathing will force the lungs to expand more than usual, increasing their elasticity. Over time this will mean you’re breathing will be stronger!

We mentioned above that practising hot yoga requires more effort which increases the heart rate, and this cardiovascular exercise will also help boost your respiratory system through the transportation of essential nutrients.

Improved breathing also allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream and reach your organs, which will result in overall better general health.

#6 Improves Your Skin

The benefits of sweating in hot yoga might not be immediately obvious: sweat is often just dismissed as an unpleasant by-product of exercise, but it actually has some real health benefits and sweat is a guarantee in hot yoga!

Sweating plays an essential role in keeping the human body healthy. As we sweat toxins are flushed out from the body, removing potentially harmful substances and bacteria. This benefits us as this is how the body cleans out pores which can help keep your skin blemish-free!

This flushing out can be really helpful to those with oily skin or who are prone to acne.

The deep breathing aspect of hot yoga benefits the skin as well. As more oxygen is taken into the bloodstream via these deep breaths the nutrients and oxygen are brought to the skin cells.

#7 Aids the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is the less well-known cousin of the immune system, but it is just as vital in keeping our bodies healthy and free of disease.

This biological system is a complex network of tissues and organs that forms part of the circulatory and immune systems, with the primary function of transporting lymph around the body. Lymph is a vital liquid that contains white blood cells, needed to fight infections.

There are a few ways to keep your lymphatic system in top condition with exercise being one of the more effective. The main lymph vessels are situated in the arms, legs, and torso, so practising yoga can help move lymph around the body.

Additionally, as we mentioned earlier, hot yoga can help flush out toxins via sweat which is essentially providing an extra boost to the lymphatic system. This is because another one of the lymphatic system’s functions is to act as a filter for the body, removing harmful substances from the bloodstream.

Therefore, when we sweat and flush out toxins, we’re helping out the lymphatic system! Hot yoga really works up a sweat, so this will really aid in flushing out toxins and other harmful things.

A strong lymphatic system will help the body fight off disease and infections.

#8 Boosts Concentration

There’s not a lot of substantial research to support this but consensus and anecdotal evidence seem to support the idea that hot yoga can improve concentration.

Certainly, Baptiste Power Vinyasa yoga with its emphasis on the “gaze” would aid concentration, as you are focusing on a specific point for a long period of time and essentially training your brain to remain focused for the entirety of this period.

This interview with Olga Allon, the owner of a Bikram hot yoga studio in London, supports the theory that hot yoga, and particularly when discussing the benefits of Bikram hot yoga, aids concentration as she states that:

“Each posture in the series requires concentration, patience, determination and self-control.”

Whilst this may not be one of the proven hot yoga benefits it is still worthwhile participating in as you may find that your concentration is improved!

#9 Strengthens Bones

That’s right, hot yoga can help increase bone strength and increase density! This is one of the most important health benefits of hot yoga for older practitioners, as once we hit thirty, our bone density begins to reduce year on year.

But how does it work?

It’s quite simple: it’s been proven that yoga puts more weight and tension on the bones, as yoga postures force the skeleton to support the body’s weight in unfamiliar positions and distributions. It does this without putting extra stress on cartilage or joints. As the bone is forced to take more weight, the theory is it becomes strong.

A study in Harvard Women’s Health Watch investigated the effects of a 12-minute daily yoga routine on 741 people over the course of 2 years. Among the results of this research were some already well-known effects such as improved balance and coordination, but also showed significant increases in the bone density of the spine and some improvements in the density of the hip bones.

Hot yoga provides a good way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a disease that reduces bone density and really limits mobility, as well as improving balance which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures as well.

Hot Yoga Risks

Now that we’ve gone through the benefits to hot yoga, we also need to explain a few of the risks that are involved with this practice.

#1 Overheating

Firstly, due to the increased temperature of the room, there is a risk of overheating. When you first start hot yoga you need to pay extra attention to your body and learn to recognise when you’re overheating. If you suddenly feel dizzy or like you’re about to faint then notify someone right away and take a break.

Other symptoms of overheating include confusion, flushed or dry skin, strong pulse or unusually slow pulse, and increased sweating. Obviously, it can be hard to distinguish between these symptoms and the usual effects of exercise so it is important to be aware of your limits and look after your body.

Heat exhaustion and overheating is uncommon but is still a risk in any hot climate, so be vigilant!

#2 Dehydration

Similarly, dehydration is another risk with exercise and hot yoga. Again, symptoms will include dizziness, feeling thirsty and tired, having a dry mouth, lips, and dry eyes. Have regular water breaks during your hot yoga practice – this is where a larger water bottle will come in handy to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

If you find the heat in the yoga studio too much then leave the room and rest. It is important to pay attention to your body to avoid the risks of hot yoga which can include heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It can take a while to become accustomed to this practice so don’t feel embarrassed or self-conscious if you need to remove yourself from the session.

It is recommended that women who are pregnant do not participate in hot yoga as excessive heat can cause damage to the fetus. Additionally, those who suffer from heart conditions or diabetes should discuss with the doctor before engaging in hot yoga.

Does Hot Yoga Work?

That really depends on what you’re asking, but, in the vast majority of cases, the answer is a resounding yes!

However, the key is finding the form or style of hot yoga that works for you, makes you feel comfortable, and helps you achieve your goals. There are many different styles, with varying benefits, so there’s almost certainly going to be one for you!

Many people turn to hot yoga as an engaging and fun way to lose weight, and a form of hot power yoga would certainly be effective for burning calories.

By contrast, some people start hot yoga for mental health benefits and Moksha certainly provides this; it is strongly focused on the spiritual side of things and is a great way to relax whilst helping your community.

One thing that all forms of hot yoga have however are the social benefits. Hot yoga is a fantastic way to meet new people, and experience new cultures. Find a class and have a go today to reap some of these fantastic hot yoga benefits!

FAQs

What To Wear To Hot Yoga

The fundamental principles and movements are similar to that of standard yoga so your workout clothes don’t need to be too different.

Yoga leggings or shorts with a loose top or sports bra are good choices for your practice as these won’t hinder your movement or range of motion.

It is recommended that you ensure your clothes have moisture and sweat-wicking properties as the benefits of sweating in hot yoga can, unfortunately, lead to skin problems if left untreated. By wearing specialist workout gear you can help reduce the risk of this.

How Many Calories Does Hot Yoga Burn?

Unfortunately, this question can be difficult to answer concisely due to the range of variables involved. The type of hot yoga, the temperature of the studio, the duration of the class, the intensity of the session, and even the individual practitioner all have an effect on the number of calories burned during a hot yoga session.

That being said, in a Bikram hot yoga session, which is typically 90 minutes long, a person can burn from 330 calories to around 460 calories on average.

How Hot Is Hot Yoga?

The temperature of the studio for hot yoga is typically 40 degrees. In comparison, the normal room temperature (which you’d expect a normal yoga studio to be at) is around 20 to 25 degrees.

What Do You Need For Hot Yoga?

This again is very similar to what you would expect to take with you to a non-hot yoga practice. However, there are some items that are probably more important in hot yoga practice.

There are a few items that are essential:

• Yoga mat
• Yoga towel
• Water bottle

These are the basics that you’ll definitely need during a hot yoga session, and a larger water bottle is recommended as the increased temperature will mean more risk of dehydration.

If you’re a yoga beginner then it can be beneficial to take some yoga props along with you, such as yoga blocks or a yoga cushion, as these help you bend and twist into poses with less difficulty.

Conclusion

Yoga is a centuries-old practice with proven effects on the human body and combined with a little extra heat a whole new variety of hot yoga benefits are available.

From boosting the condition of our skin to strengthening joints and bones, hot yoga is definitely worth giving a go! Just be sure to take a water bottle with you and stay as hydrated as possible.

If you’re passionate about this practice and would like to lead your own classes, enquire about our Level 3 Yoga Teacher Training Qualification! During this course you’ll learn the vital skills needed to plan and deliver sessions for groups of all sizes.

Download our FREE course prospectus before you go to learn more!

References:

1. Campbell, H. K. (2015). The Comparative Effects of Hot Yoga and Thermoneutral Yoga on Flexibility, Heart Rate, Sweat Rate, and Mood. Theses and Dissertations
2. Mace, C. and Eggleston, B. (2016). Self-Reported Benefits and Adverse Outcomes of Hot Yoga Participation. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 26(1), pp.49–53.
3. Publishing, H.H. (2016). Yoga: Another Way to Prevent Osteoporosis? [online] Harvard Health. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/yoga-another-way-to-prevent-osteoporosis.
4. S D Hunter, M Dhindsa, E Cunningham, T Tarumi, M Alkatan, H Tanaka, 2013, Improvements in glucose tolerance with Bikram yoga in older obese adults: A pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 17 (4)

So, you’ve taken the first step to improve your fitness but you don’t know what to expect from the personal training sessions that you’ve signed up for? Don’t worry, OriGym are here to help calm your nerves!

It’s not just about telling you what exercises to do: there’s a lot involved in both your first PT session as well as those that follow. Read on to find out all you need to know to get you prepared for personal training.

We’re going to cover a few things in this article:

• What Does Personal Training Involve?
• Benefits of Personal Training Sessions
• What To Wear To A Personal Training Session
• What To Bring To Your Personal Training Sessions
• How To Prepare For Your First Personal Training Session
• How To Prepare For A Personal Training Session
• How Much Is A Personal Training Session?
• How Many Personal Training Sessions A Week?
• How Long Is A Personal Training Session?

Before we jump in, if you’ve started your own fitness journey, why not help others get started too? With our Personal Training Diploma, you can get qualified in as little as 4 weeks!

Don’t forget to download our FREE course prospectus for all of the details on our courses and services.

What Does Personal Training Involve?

Alongside gyms and workouts, personal trainers have become a widely recognised and respected part of the fitness industry. Many people will have heard of the term personal training and will probably know a little bit about PTs, but many won’t know exactly what services they provide. 

We’re going to briefly explain what they do before we go into what you should expect from personal training sessions. If you want to understand this job from the perspective of a PT then check out our article on A Day In The Life Of A Personal Trainer!

A personal trainer is a fitness professional that creates tailored programs in order to achieve specific goals set out by the client. To achieve this, they create workouts, calculate rest days, take into account any injuries or weaknesses, and offer generic nutritional advice all the while considering the client’s goals. Whether a client is looking to lose weight or to increase muscle mass, a personal trainer is able to adapt each programme to the customer’s needs.

This also means that personal training requires regular assessments of body composition and measurements to track the progress and effectiveness of the training programme. Personal trainers keep a lot of records on their clients because of this. 

Personal training also involves a lot of motivation and coaching to get clients to where they want to be. Not all those who become a personal trainer will have the same coaching style. Some might be strict and make you work hard, while others might take a more positive approach and cheer you on from the side. 

All personal trainers will have at least a level 3 personal training qualification as this is a necessary certification for employment as a PT. Having this qualification ensures that these trainers have the right knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively train others.

Benefits Of Personal Training Sessions

So, now you have a brief overview of what personal training involves: but what are the benefits of personal training sessions?

A holistic view of personal training shows that these fitness professionals are hugely beneficial for a number of reasons, with a study in the scientific journal Orthopedic Reviews stating that:

“Supervised training sessions have been found to lead to greater increases in maximal strength gains compared to unsupervised training sessions. One-on-one personal training has also been found to be an effective way to increase the amount of physical activity of an individual by changing attitudes towards exercise.” (Waryasz et al., 2016)

Not only can a PT increase your overall gains, but there are also a number of additional advantages to having one of these professionals directly involved with your fitness journey. The following are just a small number of the benefits you can receive from having a personal trainer!

#1 – Reach Your Goals

This may seem like an obvious advantage, but it is actually more significant than you might think. 

Imagine someone who has struggled with their health or body for a long time, and no matter how much they exercise or diet they can’t make progress. Personal training sessions will not only provide the right training to achieve those hard-to-reach goals, but also the encouragement and motivation to see the fitness journey to the end.

#2 – Provide Education

Not only will your PT tell you what exercises to do and how, but they’ll also teach you a lot about fitness and your body. Personal trainers have varied knowledge so you’ll learn about proper exercise forms and posture, exercise modifications and variations, how the body responds to exercise, important biological systems such as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and more!

As well as key information about the human body, PTs will also teach you how to do various exercises and which ones to do to fit your fitness journey. This is a huge benefit as this will ultimately help speed up your overall progression and you’ll also be better equipped to continue exercising efficiently in the future.

#3 – Hold You Accountable

At some point during our lives, we have all had no motivation to continue or have justified skipping just one workout for some reason or other. Having a PT will mean that when you can’t be bothered to get yourself up and out to the gym, you’ll not only have to justify it to yourself, you’ll also have some explaining to do to your trainer. 

Having to hold yourself accountable, and being held accountable by another person, is a powerful tool. You’ll be much more likely to motivate yourself and follow through with workouts when you have to explain your reasons to someone else!

Keeping a fitness journal is a good way to keep track of your training schedule and also keep a note of how you’re feeling each week.

#4 – Personalised Training Plan

It’s all well and good having a training programme and working towards your goals, but if that plan isn’t comprised of exercises and rest days that will train you as effectively as possible then you could be putting a huge damper on your progress. 

A personal trainer will create a specified and personalised programme that suits your body, your fitness level, your goals, and your schedule, meaning you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’re working as efficiently as possible to achieve your goal.

#5 – Provide A Variety Of Workouts

Having a variety of exercises in your training programme is hugely important to the body’s overall fitness for a number of reasons. Firstly, changing up your normal workout routine will keep things fresh and reduce the likelihood of you becoming bored and unmotivated. It is also important on a biological level as a variation can actually increase your progress over time whilst also reducing your risk of injuries.

From bicep exercises for mass and strength to press up rows, your PT will keep pushing you and adapting your workouts to reach those all-important fitness goals.

#6 – Track Your Progress

One of the main jobs of a PT is to continuously track and record your progress throughout the training programme. This is a key part of your fitness journey as it can take some time to see physical results in your body – not seeing immediate results is often what deters people from continuing with their routines. 

Having your PT record and update you will show you how your training is making a difference; it’s often more noticeable in body measurements rather than weight loss. You’ll be much more likely to continue working towards your fitness goals when you have someone pointing out the progress that you’re making!

#7 – Great For Beginners

If taking the first steps of a fitness journey weren’t daunting enough, trying to get to grips with various weights and workout machines, as well as trying to learn exercises by yourself, all while getting used to the gym can be a terrifying experience. 

This is where hiring a personal trainer can be really beneficial; not only will they be able to show you how to use equipment properly and safely, they can take you through the gym induction, and teach you which exercises to do and how. Ultimately, a PT can make your entry into fitness a much smoother and easier experience!

Read on to get some great tips for your first personal training session.

#8 – Exercise Safely

We mentioned this briefly above, but having personal training sessions with a qualified professional means that you’ll be much less likely to injure yourself, whether that’s using gym equipment or just performing exercises improperly.

Additionally, having a personal trainer customise training sessions for you means that they will also take into account any injuries or conditions that you have and could be further affected by working out.

#9 – Get Accustomed To The Gym

Many people will have a set routine or exercise list that they do each week when they go to the gym and this can result in some areas, of both the gym and fitness, being overlooked. By going to regular PT sessions you can quickly become more accustomed to, and more comfortable with, all areas of the gym. This can open up new avenues of fitness; for example, you might have avoided using battle ropes or leg press machines because you weren’t sure how to use them, yet your PT will show how to use them safely and effectively.

Being comfortable in the gym is important to your fitness journey as you’ll be much more likely to continue with your progress.

These are just a few of the benefits of personal training sessions that you can expect to experience if you hire a personal trainer. If you find that you’re struggling to build your fitness or lose enough weight, or if you find it difficult to stay motivated and stick to a fitness plan, then a personal trainer could be just what you need to stay on track.

What To Wear To A Personal Training Session

What you wear to a PT session is just the same as you’d wear to a normal gym session, as you’ll more than likely be training in a gym setting. 

This means that you’ll want to wear comfortable gym clothes, whether that’s shorts or yoga leggings, a t-shirt or a sports bra, high-performance trainers or a simple pair of running trainers. 

Your activewear should preferably be articles that have sweat-wicking properties to help with hygiene. They should also be well-fitting, not too loose so they get in your way or fall down, but not too tight either so that they restrict movement and blood flow. 

You’ll also need appropriate footwear – no flip flops! Make sure that these are comfortable and worn in so there’s less chance of blisters on your feet. They also need to be the right size: shoes that are too large will cause you to trip, whilst shoes that are too small will pinch and hurt your feet.

Additionally, if you are specialising in a particular area of fitness then you might want to purchase some shoes that are specifically designed for that sport. For example, long-distance and running shoes or weightlifting shoes.

It’s also recommended that you wear clean gym wear to each session and regularly wash sweaty or used workout clothes. Not only is this for the benefit of other gym-goers (body odour is natural and to be expected but wearing the same clothes over and over means the sweat and odour will build up!), but also for the benefit of your own skin and hygiene. 

By leaving sweat or dirty clothes against the skin your hair follicles and pores will become clogged and potentially infected due to residual bacteria. This can result in spots on the body!

So, it’s best to wear clean and well-fitting clothes to your personal training sessions.

What To Bring To Personal Training Sessions

Similar to the points made above, any items that you need to bring are pretty much the same items that you would bring to a normal workout in the gym. These items usually include:

• Water bottle
• Padlock (or a pound) for a locker
• Snack
• Towel 
• Toiletries such as shampoo, deodorant, shower gel/body wash
• Change of clothes

Whilst items like a water bottle and towel are essentials, it is ultimately up to you whether you want to shower in the gym facilities or elsewhere, which in this case would mean that the toiletries are an optional extra. 

These are all typical things you’d bring to a normal gym workout and it’s pretty much the same as what you’d need to bring to a personal training session. Feel free to check with your PT though as they may recommend other things or want you to bring specific items along to the session. 

– – – –

OriGym have some other useful guides on personal training if you want more information:

• What Qualifications Do You Need to Work in a Gym?
• Should I Become a Personal Trainer?
• Career Change To a Personal Trainer Role: In 4 Simple Steps

How To Prepare For The First Personal Training Session

Going to your first ever personal training session can be a little daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect. If you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t sweat it! We’re going to explain what a typical first session will look like and what it will entail so you can plan and prepare accordingly.

Before we go into that though, it is important to remember that your PT is also a human being: whilst they are well-trained professionals that know what they’re doing, you shouldn’t feel intimidated by them! 

After all, they understand your journey and are there to help and support you. If you have any questions, concerns, or anything you are unsure of, just talk to your trainer and they will be able to put your mind at ease. In fact, for your first PT session, we’d recommend asking a lot of questions as this will mean you’ll be fully prepared for your future sessions. It’s also a great way to get the conversation with your trainer flowing, dissuading any awkwardness. 

So, you’re wondering about what to expect from a personal trainer session. Well, the first thing to know is that for the first session, there will be a few tasks that differ from the sessions that follow, and there probably won’t be a full workout in this session as there are a lot of other activities that will need completing first. 

To begin with, your PT will need to get a variety of body assessments. This will include taking your weight and height, assessing body fat and taking body composition measurements.

Then they will conduct tests to assess various areas of your fitness. These include:

• Muscular strength
• Muscular endurance
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Range of motion
• Overall fitness level

This is an essential part of your personal training first session as this information will guide your PT when constructing your training programme. They’ll have a better understanding of what your body can do, how much your body needs training, and if there are any areas that need particular attention or more consideration during exercise. 

During this time your personal trainer will probably ask you about your medical history and it is essential that you be completely upfront and honest at this point. Let them know if you have any medical conditions, especially ones that can be affected by exercise, like diabetes, and if you’ve had any recent surgeries or injuries as well. 

This is a necessary part of your first session with a personal trainer to ensure your safety at all times, and to avoid any exercises or movements being included in your program that might cause further damage to an existing injury.

This first appointment with your trainer is also when you’ll discuss your fitness goals, what you hope to achieve by working together, and your motivation behind hiring a PT in the first place.

Being motivational is one of the key traits of a PT. Find out what else makes a good personal trainer here. 

One of OriGym’s best tips for your first personal training session is to know your reasons and goals beforehand so that you can start your training plan with a complete vision of where you want to be in the future. This will help both you and your personal trainer in tailoring your training programme to fit your goals more efficiently.

Your personal training first session is an important meeting that needs honesty and transparency between you and your trainer. Relaying any worries or ambitions at this stage will help in the long term. Getting to know your PT will also help reduce anxieties or awkwardness, so the earlier you do this the better!

So these are a few of the main things that a PT will go through with a client during the first PT session. Once you’ve done these then you’ll have reassessments (usually weekly or twice a week depending on your trainer) to assess your progress and to make sure you’re on track to reach your goals.

How To Prepare For A Personal Training Session

Now you know what to expect from your personal trainer during the first session specifically, we’ll now go into more about a typical personal training session and what you’ll be doing with your PT.

Before you even get stuck into your training, it’s best to try and arrive 10 minutes early to your PT session so you’re fully ready and mentally prepared. Don’t arrive late; this isn’t just your own time and money that’s on the line but also that of your personal trainer. 

So, what do you do in a personal training session, as well as exercise?   

To start with you’ll do a warm-up for around 10 to 15 minutes, before moving on to the training programme that your PT has designed specifically for you. 

The training programme that your personal trainer asks you to carry out will be personalised around your fitness goals and your body, and there should be different workouts as well as increasing difficulty to further progress. 

During your PT session, you’ll do a mixture of cardio and aerobic exercise, work on strength and endurance, and possibly flexibility or range of motion exercises too. Again, how your workouts are structured will depend on you, your goals, and your current fitness levels.

During your workouts your personal trainer will be watching and guiding you through each exercise, correcting any issues with form or posture. You’ll learn a lot about exercise forms, progressions, variations, modifications, as well as key information about the human body and various biological systems. A good personal trainer is one that will teach you along the way!

They should be monitoring your heart rate regularly too, for health and safety reasons as well as checking cardiovascular health.

As you move forward from session to session your workouts will become progressively harder.

Towards the end of a typical personal training session, you’ll stretch and cool down to safely transition your body and muscles from intense exercise to a resting state. This is a crucial part of exercising as an effective cooldown will reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the muscle.

You’ll also use the time at the end of your PT session to arrange your next session, review anything of importance from your recent workout, and discuss other exercises that will be appropriate for workouts in between your sessions.

So this is what a typical personal training session description would include, with some variation depending on your PT. Some may also offer additional services. For example, if your personal trainer has a nutrition qualification then they might give your more dietary and nutritional advice, while a PT with a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy qualification might offer rehabilitation or massage treatments. 

One important thing to note is that if you find that you’re doing the same workout in every session, or that your PT isn’t regularly reassessing your weight and fitness, or if they seem unprepared and unable to offer sound advice, then it is probably time to find a new personal trainer! 

How Much Is A Personal Training Session?

Now you know what to expect from a personal trainer session, you’ll probably be wondering how much does a session with a personal trainer cost? 

There are few factors involved when researching prices that directly influence how much you can expect to spend. These include whether the PT is freelance or whether they specialise in other areas of fitness (such as nutrition or exercise referral). 

Your location and the level of training that the PT has been through will also affect the price.

As a very general guideline, you can expect to pay between £25 to £45 for a 1-hour personal training session. These prices tend to go up in London, so you can expect to pay from £35 up to around £65. Some personal trainers will also offer half-hour personal training sessions so their price will change accordingly. 

If your personal trainer is freelance then they can charge pretty much whatever price they want for their services. Don’t let this put you off though, as they will still need to attract clients and keep their business running just as other PTs would, so they aren’t going to charge impossible amounts! 

Those that have achieved further qualifications and CPDs will also be more likely to come with a higher price tag as they have undergone additional training to further their careers. These extra certifications cost the personal trainers money from their own pockets, so it stands to reason that they would want to reimburse themselves to some degree. Plus, these additional services that they can offer will be more expensive in other professional environments, so the price is usually worth it!

Ultimately, the easiest way to find out the price of a PT session is to ask a personal trainer. Once you’ve found one that you like and can give you the right services then be upfront with them and ask how much they charge.

It is important to note, however, that the price of your personal training sessions will be separate from the cost of your gym membership.

How Many Personal Training Sessions A Week?

Determining the right amount of personal training sessions each week can be difficult if you’re trying to figure it out by yourself. However, if you’re trying to calculate this then you’ve probably already hired yourself a PT (or are seriously considering it), which means that you don’t need to try and work out how many sessions you’ll need by yourself! 

During your first personal training session, your PT will ask you about your short and long term goals, as well as your schedule and how often you want to meet. Together you’ll work out a training regime that fits around you and your work as well as your fitness and your goals. 

Whether you’re taking personal training sessions to lose weight or just for some much-needed accountability, your PT will help work out the right training programme, including how often you should train!

However, we understand that you’ve come to this section for a more specific answer. As a guideline, the average individual will have 1 to 2 personal training sessions a week. Many people will also do independent workouts in between those sessions to keep up their progress.

How Long Is A Personal Training Session?

This is another question that can only be answered in broad terms, as there are a few factors that can affect how long the sessions will last.

The majority of personal training sessions will last from 45 minutes to an hour. 

This can change though as your own personal preferences might mean that you want longer time slots or perhaps half-hour personal training sessions instead. It can also depend on your PT as they often state how long they will train for. 

If you have specific health conditions or injuries then your doctor will also advise you on the best amount of time to exercise for.

To find out the amount of time you should spend with a personal trainer, check out our article ‘How Long Should You Have a Personal Trainer?‘

Before You Go!

Now you know what to expect from a personal trainer session, you can be fully prepared and ready for your next (or first) session. It’s not just about giving you a set of exercises to do, it’s about teaching and guiding you throughout your sessions while ensuring you’re on the right track to achieve your fitness goals.

If you’re looking to start a career in the fitness industry or want to help others reach their goals, enquire about our Personal Trainer Diploma today.

Don’t forget to download our FREE course prospectus for all of the information about our courses.

Sources

1. Waryasz, G.R., Daniels, A.H., Gil, J.A., Suric, V. and Eberson, C.P. (2016). Personal Trainer demographics, Current Practice Trends and Common Trainee Injuries. Orthopedic Reviews, 8(3).

A lot of people will know the main job role of a personal trainer but won’t be able to answer the question of “what can a level 2 gym instructor do?”. These instructors actually have very important jobs within the fitness industry and a fitness instructor career can be lucrative.

Here at OriGym, we know a lot about all things fitness so we’ve put together this handy guide on the typical gym instructor roles and responsibilities so you can find out the facts for yourself.

We’ll cover the following topics:

• What You Need To Become A Gym Instructor
• What Can A Level 2 Gym Instructor Do
• Job Description Of A Gym Instructor
• What Is The Difference Between a Gym Instructor and a Personal Trainer?
• Further Career Development Options

Before you read on, did you know that OriGym actually has a Level 2 Gym Instructor Course that you can take and kick start your fitness career today?

Download our FREE course prospectus for more information on all of our courses and services.

What You Need To Become A Gym Instructor

Before we get into answering “what can a level 2 fitness instructor do?”, we’re going to explain how you can become one and what qualifications or paperwork you’ll need to complete to join the fitness industry.

To become a gym instructor there are certain qualifications and requirements that you need to have before you should apply for jobs, whether that’s in gyms, health centres, or even schools.

Firstly, a Level 2 Gym Instructing qualification is essential. Note that this certification can also be labelled as a Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing and a Level 2 Personal Trainer course as well. This qualification doesn’t have any entry requirements other than you have to be at least 16 years of age.

This qualification will give you the essential knowledge to kickstart your career in the fitness industry. You’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology, including circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems, health and safety, exercise programme construction and delivery, how to motivate clients, as well as marketing and business promotion.

Most people also assume that a first-aid certificate is necessary for a fitness instructor job role, but that isn’t the case. You won’t need a first-aid qualification, as long as you have the necessary health and safety knowledge to ensure that both you and your customers can exercise safely during your time in the gym (or other workplaces).

However, a first aid qualification can give you a competitive advantage when looking for employment! This is also a necessary qualification for you to become a personal trainer as it’s a requirement to enrol on the Level 3 Personal Trainer Course.

You’ll also want to get public liability insurance. This insurance covers you from potential injury accusations or any legal costs that might arise if a customer claims that they have suffered an injury due to the advice you have given them. Again, it’s not essential but it is reassuring to have a safety net in place.

Once you’ve gained these certifications you’re ready to become a professional gym instructor! For a little more guidance and step-by-step instructions on how to become a fitness instructor check out OriGym’s dedicated guide.

What Makes A Good Gym Instructor

The question of “what can a level 2 gym instructor do?” also ties in with the question above, so we’re going to discuss what traits make a good fitness instructor.

This is a frequently asked question in regards to the gym instructor job role. Knowing the qualities and traits that make a good gym instructor can not only help you decide if this is the right career for you, but it can also provide an insight into the industry and who you could be working with.

That being said, don’t feel like you can’t be successful in the fitness industry if you don’t consider yourself to have these attributes!

#1 Patient

Many people will wonder “what is it like being a fitness instructor?”, and honestly it requires a lot of patience and understanding!

Regular interactions with customers are for the most part interesting and rewarding. However, there will be times when you need to have a little extra patience.

#2 Communication skills

The main gym instructor responsibilities will require good communication skills, whether that’s being able to talk to customers and clients or writing clear and accurate reports and plans.

#3 Approachable

This role is predominantly customer-facing and in an environment where people often need help and advice. Providing a welcoming and approachable presence is advantageous to both the customer and yourself.

#4 Motivated

Trying to motivate customers when you have little motivation yourself is going to be hugely challenging! Therefore, having motivation is key to progressing in this industry.

Whether you have these qualities or not, the key to being a good gym instructor lies in your own attitude and desire to help others on their fitness journey.

What Is A Level 2 Gym Instructor Qualified To Do?

So now you know what qualifications you need and what to expect from the role of a gym instructor, we’re going to answer the question of “what can a gym instructor do?”.

#1 Instruct And Evaluate 1-on-1 Gym Programmes

This is one of the most important parts of a gym instructor role as customers often need guidance to reach their goals.

The initial stage of this often involves you discussing the short and long term goals of the customer to determine which exercises and equipment will help them achieve their goals. For example, you might advise someone on how many rest days they need in their exercise routine.

It is important to note that this is more often than not more generalised advice as gym instructors are not qualified to tailor exercise programmes to individual needs. This is something you will learn and be able to do as a level 3 personal trainer.

#2 Understand How The Body Works (Heart And Circulatory, Respiratory, And Digestive Systems)

This is a crucial element to working in the fitness industry as the very nature of the job requires you to work with the human body, and particularly in a safe and healthy way.

This means you’ll need good knowledge of various systems: how they work, how exercise affects them, how to keep them healthy, what to avoid in terms of both food and exercise. Fortunately, you’ll learn all about the body and these systems in your level 2 Gym Instructor course.

#3 Identify And Control Risk Factors

What this basically means is that you’ll have industry-specific knowledge of health and safety practices and be able to ensure the safety of your customers and gym-goers.

This will include responsibilities such as appropriately safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, knowing the emergency procedures within your work environment, and ensuring proper and safe use of machinery and equipment at all times.

This will take key fitness instructor skills which you can read more about on our blog.

This is a hugely important aspect of a gym instructor role: people can injure themselves easily enough even with the experience of exercising and equipment, so those that have little to no knowledge are at a greater risk of serious injury.

Keeping up to date with gym procedures and health and safety is vital for both the client and yourself as someone could blame you if they get injured!

#4 Actively Encourage Potential Clients/Members To Join

As with all businesses, getting new members and customers is fundamental to the success of the business, and it’s the same in the fitness industry.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of marketing and promoting a business in the level 2 Gym Instructor course and while you might not use it as much in a gym setting, for example, if you want to progress and become a personal trainer then being able to market your business is essential.

#5 Advice On Progression

This is an obvious one; people will ultimately reach a point where they need further advice on how to progress with their goals, and a gym instructor will be able to do this.

However, as we mentioned before, this won’t be an in-depth or tailored programme for the customer in question. You’ll be able to give them recommendations and guidance based on their current goals and programmes, providing advice on natural exercise progressions or other exercises that can help their fitness journey.

For example, if a member wants to progress from a standard Hammer Curl, you could recommend the more difficult Standing Dumbbell Hammer Curl, or a similar variation, to further build upper body strength.

#6 Advice On Exercise Modifications

Similar to the point above, there will be times when your customer won’t be able to complete an exercise or movement, and this could be due to muscle weakness, disability, or pain. They might not even want to do it!

This means you’ll have to know various modifications and variations of exercises in order for your clients to continue with their workouts and ultimately reach their goals. It is also crucial that your customers know how to use the relevant machinery and equipment properly as this can sometimes be a barrier to effective exercise.

#7 Demonstrate Machines And Equipment

This is an obvious answer to “what is a level 2 gym instructor qualified to do?”.

Another important part of the gym instructor role is explaining the ins and outs of all the machinery and equipment within the gym. This is vital for gym members as incorrect or careless use of equipment can cause serious injury.

A study in the journal Sports Medicine states that most weight lifting injuries are caused by “aggressive use of free weights”, which can cause fractures, dislocations, intervertebral disk herniation, and other significant musculoskeletal damage.

They discuss that good coaching is the most effective way to reduce the risk of such injuries, which is why proper demonstration of the gym equipment is one of the most crucial gym instructor responsibilities.

#8 Leading Group Exercise Classes

While a gym instructor may not be qualified to tailor one-on-one programs with members, they can conduct exercise classes for a group of people within the gym, which is essentially the job of a group fitness instructor.

So, what does a group fitness instructor do?

This job is simple enough: they lead groups of members in a specific type of training, usually lasting anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, whether that’s a circuit training session or aerobics class. You’ll need good leadership skills and be comfortable speaking to groups of people.

It is important to note, that qualifications such as a Group Exercise CPD course, this isn’t a requirement for teaching a class. That being said, having this additional qualification will be a huge boost to your fitness career, ultimately boosting your employability. It will demonstrate your willingness to progress as well as showing potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge!

However, there are certain types of group classes that do require additional qualifications, such as Exercise to Music or Indoor Cycling.

#9 Gym Inductions

As a level 2 gym instructor, this is one of the more common activities that you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. While you may think that a gym induction is simply just demonstrating equipment and showing a member where the lockers are, there is actually a lot more involved which makes it an important part of the role of a fitness instructor.

As well as being a regular responsibility, it is also an integral part of a fitness environment; this is a chance to demonstrate your fitness knowledge, your customer service and communication skills, explain how to use the equipment in a safe manner, and potentially use some of your marketing skills too.

You’ll be showing the customer around the gym and relevant facilities, explaining where to go for various types of training and exercise, covering key health and safety points as you take them on a tour (including fire exits and first aid areas), and conducting the pre-exercise questionnaire.

The gym instructor will also demonstrate the safe operation of exercise machines and equipment and potentially offer general advice in relation to the customer’s goals.

The gym instructor is essentially a new member’s first experience of the fitness industry, so ensuring that it is a welcoming and informative environment is integral to the success of the business, client retention, and your brand image as a fitness professional.

#10 Day To Day Tasks

As with any job, being a gym instructor will also include more general day-to-day tasks that will require professionalism and attention to detail. These can also provide respite from the long periods of time spent on the gym floor; constantly training and supervising will be tiring!

Some of these tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Problem-solving: if a customer or colleague has an issue then you’ll have to help solve it.
• Customer service: this is a customer-facing role that requires excellent customer service interaction.
• Administration duties: this will vary depending on the work environment but could include tasks such as maintaining member records, business correspondence, organising events or rotas, and more.
• Regular checks and risk assessments: you’ll have to safeguard your members and ensure that health and safety procedures are adhered to at all times, which can include taking risk assessments and checking facilities.
• Cash handling: this will again depend on where you work, but you may be counting and handling cash at the beginning and/or end of your shift.
• Customer enquiries: this could be over the phone, via email, or just face-to-face, but as a representative of your employer you’ll regularly be answering customer queries.

OriGym have some other useful guides, so check them out:

• How to Write A Fitness Instructor CV (2020)
• What Makes a Good Fitness Instructor?
• How To Become A Fitness Instructor

#11 Reception Duties

Perhaps the less glamorous side of the job specification of a gym instructor is working on the reception. There will be some workplaces that will require you to take on certain receptionist duties as well as the other gym instructor roles and responsibilities that we’ve mentioned above. This is more often seen in gyms and leisure centres.

The gym instructor will be answering phone calls, responding to emails, updating client records, keeping up to date with business correspondence, welcoming clients into the gym, among other typical receptionist duties.

#12 Cleaning/Tidying

When you think about what jobs can a fitness instructor do, this probably won’t be the first thing you think of, but cleaning and tidying is an important part of the job!

This again will depend on where you work: many gym instructors will be responsible for maintaining the hygiene and cleanliness of the various areas within the facilities. This will mainly entail ensuring the machines and equipment are hygienic and tidy, as well as making sure the gym floor is safe and clean.

In certain workplaces, you could be involved with cleaning pools and conducting pool tests as well.

Working Environments

So, you’ll probably be wondering “what jobs can I do with a level 2 fitness instructor qualification?”.

As a qualified level 2 gym instructor there are actually a variety of places where you could be employed, and each has its own additional unique responsibilities and tasks.

These workplaces include hotels, cruise ships, gyms, leisure centres, hospitals, schools, and universities, and these will offer varying fitness instructor salaries.

Here are a few examples of how the answer to “what does a gym instructor do?” differs depending on the work environment.

#1 Cruise Ships

This is one of the more extraordinary places to work as a gym instructor, and it comes with certain additional responsibilities. By the very nature of the workplace, you’ll have to know and follow a lot more health and safety practices, including detailed emergency procedures.

You’ll be conducting a lot of the usual fitness instructor roles, including the day to day tasks, cleaning duties, identifying and controlling risk factors, and advising customers on exercise modifications and progressions. It is also more likely that you will be conducting a lot more group classes as these often attract a larger population of the cruise.

As you’ll be on a cruise ship there will be much less need for answering phones and keeping detailed records as the customers are only there for a short period of time.

On the plus side, you’ll be able to travel the world with discounts on products and services!

#2 Universities

Many of the gym instructor responsibilities will be very similar to the ones mentioned above for a university job. You’ll still need to safeguard members, keep the gym environment clean and tidy, instruct clients on exercises and equipment, and conduct gym inductions.

But what can a fitness instructor do in a university that is different to other workplaces?

There may be the added fitness instructor responsibility of conducting practical assessments for students studying degrees such as ‘sports coaching’ or ‘sports performance’. This basically means you’ll be identifying the student’s practical ability to apply their theoretical knowledge within the chosen subject or area. Your employer will train you on how to do this.

Other than that the main fitness instructor job role is much the same as working in a gym or leisure centre, so you’ll still be cleaning, doing admin tasks, encouraging members to join etc.

#3 Hospitals

What can a level 2 gym instructor do while working in a hospital? This usually entails more physiotherapy or a greater focus on nutrition and wellbeing. You could be working with patients or members with disabilities, or people undergoing rehabilitation for injuries.

This will again mean more knowledge around health and safety and emergency procedures to keep patients safe and to reduce the risk of causing further injury. Many disabilities will need specific care or more exercise modifications to be performed safely.

This means you’ll also need a more developed understanding of the human body and various health conditions. It will be beneficial to earn a Level 3 Diploma in Exercise Referral if this area of expertise is where you want to specialise.

Gym Instructor Job Description

Now you know what qualifications and personal attributes you need to get you into a gym instructor position, and we’ve answered the question of “what does a fitness instructor do?”, we’re going to explain variations in different gym instructor job descriptions.

What To Expect In A Job Advertisement

The majority of the gym instructor job description ads will state the responsibilities, usually including some if not all of the tasks we discussed above. There might also be a few additional tasks that are unique to the environment or the company itself, so be sure to check these carefully before applying.

If employed in a gym, leisure centre, or health club, you’ll most likely be working shifts, including evenings, early mornings, and weekends. Shifts do offer flexibility which is a huge bonus.

A Level 2 qualification will be a requirement, and some employers may ask for additional training, such as group exercise or first aid qualifications.

What Is The Role Of A Fitness Instructor: Employed vs Freelance

One of the main things that you might notice when looking for a job is that some employers will delineate whether they want a freelance gym instructor or not. It’s a lot rarer to see freelance gym instructors in comparison with freelance personal trainers, but they do exist!

Additionally, freelance group exercise instructor jobs are often advertised, usually on a part-time basis and they often ask for specific group exercise qualifications.

This can come with a few minor differences in job responsibilities. Freelance gym instructors are more likely to come with their own client base and the gym will be a space for you to work with those clients, so you’ll spend more of your time interacting with them.

That being said, you’ll still have to contribute to the team and perform basic duties, as well as cleaning, tidying, encouraging new members to join, maintaining health and safety procedures, conduct gym inductions and offer advice on training programmes.

There is a caveat with employers that want ‘freelance’ gym instructors: you need to check the job advert very carefully to see just exactly what they’re looking for as some will use gym instructor and personal trainer as interchangeable terms, and these are not the same job.

For example, this fitness instructor job posted above is asking for at least a level 3 qualification. This actually means you’re qualified as a personal trainer, the next step up from a level 2 gym instructor, and you’re reading this article with the thought “I’m a level 2 fitness instructor, what can I do?”, not a level 3 PT!

What Is The Difference Between Gym Instructors And Personal Trainers?

We mentioned briefly above that the titles of a gym instructor and personal trainer are occasionally used interchangeably even though they’re technically two different jobs albeit in the same industry.

One of the main differences between these two jobs is that employers will actively sell themselves and the job opportunities to personal trainers, due to the fact that personal trainers are valued above gym instructors within the company.

With at least a level 3 personal training qualification, personal trainers know more about advanced human anatomy and physiology, nutritional principles, designing and tailoring training programs for individuals which includes being able to provide safe and effective training for people with disabilities, and they will have increased knowledge about marketing and the business side of being a PT.

They provide personalised training programs for clients where gym instructors aren’t qualified to do so, as well as provide advice on weight management, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and to some extent they can give nutritional advice.

Personal trainers bring in and attract a larger client base, whether they’re freelance or employed, which will ultimately bring more money to the gym or club. Their higher skill level and knowledge base will also attract more customers.

This isn’t to say being a gym instructor isn’t worthwhile as every gym and leisure centre will need gym instructors, and as a first step into the fitness industry, the gym instructor role will give you some of the necessary skills and experience to progress in the industry.

Further Development Options

The gym instructor job role is often described as an entry role into fitness. If you’re just starting out in your career by becoming a gym instructor then the odds are that you’ll want to progress further to earn more and make more of a difference.

There are a few avenues for furthering your fitness career: we’re going to briefly explain what they are and how you can specialise in these areas.

Gym Management

As with many professions, there will be opportunities for promotion within the employee hierarchy of the gym (or another fitness establishment). That means you can work towards becoming an assistant gym manager or gym manager.

There are a few reasons why you would want to progress down this route. For example, the average salary of a gym manager for Pure Gym is 28- 29K outside of London and 31K-32K within London which is a huge step up from the usual minimum wage paid to fitness instructors.

Additionally, the roles and responsibilities are slightly different. You will be involved with managing budgets, setting KPIs, maintaining business records, conducting performance management reviews and more.

This role obviously involves more responsibility, but you’ll be able to lead your own team and have a direct impact on the business and how it is run!

Personal Trainer

We’ve answered the question of “what can I do with a level 2 fitness instructor certificate?” but what can you do if you get other qualifications?

Well, the logical next step up in the fitness industry is personal training. This requires gaining the level 3 personal trainer qualification before you can be classed as a personal trainer, regardless of whether you want to practice as self-employed, freelance or employed by a club.

Once you have your level 3 then you can start working as a PT. This means you can work with your own clients, give personalised advice, and even start your own business.

You’ll also earn significantly more than a gym instructor. It’s difficult to give you a precise amount as the average salaries vary a lot depending on the employer and other circumstances: to find out more about personal training salaries read our guide!

Other than more money, having more freedom and more control over your career are huge benefits that make this progression worthwhile.

Nutritionist

After qualifying as both a level 2 gym instructor and a level 3 personal trainer, there are a significant number of further areas you can then advance into, and one of the more sought after careers is a nutritionist.

To become a nutritionist you’ll need to take either vocational courses like the sports nutrition course offered here at OriGym or a degree in the same field. Deciding which type of course to take is a big decision as each has its own pros and cons. For example, taking a nutrition degree will cost more and take at least 3 years to complete, while it can be more difficult to find a suitable vocational course that is both accredited and affordable.

The benefits to being a nutritionist include a higher average salary, a variety of work environments including the ability to work for professional sports teams, and you could even start your own business.

These are only a few of the potential avenues through which you can progress your fitness career. Once you have your level 2 gym instructor and your level 3 personal trainer courses and you have some industry experience under your belt you’ll be able to figure out which direction you’d prefer to take your future.

Conclusion

So, what can a level 2 gym instructor do? As well as giving gym inductions and showing members how to use the exercise machines and equipment, they can provide general training advice, use marketing and business knowledge to build client relationships, and ensure that all customers are safe and satisfied at all times.

So as far as entry-level jobs go, taking on the role of a fitness instructor is a great place to start in the fitness industry, and will lead to a lucrative and rewarding career.

If you liked everything you read today about getting into the fitness industry then check out OriGym’s level 2 gym Instructor course that we’ve been talking about throughout this article too!

Download our FREE course prospectus before you go for useful information on all of our courses.

Sources

1. Mazur, L.J., Yetman, R.J. and Risser, W.L. (1993). Weight-Training Injuries. Sports Medicine, 16(1), pp.57–63.