The Men’s Open division headlines this event in Spain.
Last updated on June 14th, 2024
The 2024 Empro Classic Pro bodybuilding show is slated for Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Alicante, Spain. This is a 2024 Olympia Weekend qualifying event, meaning the winners of each of the seven contests featured qualify for the 2024 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024, if not already qualified via a previous 2024 season pro show win.
The main event is the Men’s Open contest. Six other divisions are also featured: Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, and Wellness.
Below are three of the Men’s Open athletes likely to catch the favor of the judges:
William Bonac
Two-time Arnold Classic champion and 2019 Mr. Olympia runner-up WIlliam Bonac will compete for the first time since finishing seventh at the 2023 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH. Bonac has never competed in this contest before. His last win came at the 2022 Boston Pro on March 12, 2022.
Bonac seeks his seventh career pro win in 12 seasons. If he wins this show, he will qualify for his 10th Mr. Olympia contest.
Michal “Krizo” Križánek
“Krizo” is the defending champion of this contest. His win in 2023 qualified him for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, where he placed eighth. After dominating the IFBB Elite Pro, he has become a top star in the IFBB Pro League.
This is Križánek’s 2024 season debut, and he is a favorite to defend the title. This will be the first time he and Bonac have shared a stage as opponents.
Behrooz Tabani
Behrooz Tabani qualified for the 2023 Olympia by winning the 2023 Arnold Classic South America contest. However, the Iranian athlete could not get an approved visa to travel to Orlando, FL, for the Olympia that year, which was won by Derek Lunsford.
If Tabani wins this show, he will have nearly four months to prepare for his Olympia debut in Las Vegas. If not, he would have until Sept. 15, 2024, to win a pro show to secure an Olympia roster spot.
Other Notes
This event also features NPC Worldwide amateur contests, which are IFBB Pro League qualifying events. The winners who earn pro cards in the amateur competitions will be eligible to compete in the pro shows that same weekend.
All competitions will be available via livestream, courtesy of IFBB Pro League Spain and Emilio Martinez TV. Details of that stream can be found on the promoter’s website: https://ifbbprospain-streaming.es/
Men’s Wheelchair and Bikini divisions will be featured.
Last updated on June 14th, 2024
The 2024 Dallas Pro, scheduled for Saturday, June 15, 2024, will include the IFBB Pro League’s Men Wheelchair and Bikini divisions. Fourteen athletes across both divisions will grace the stage and face the judges with intentions of winning and qualifying for the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on the weekend of Oct. 10-13, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV.
2024 Dallas Pro Rosters
The rosters for both contests are below, courtesy of the IFBB Pro League. If the winner of either contest is already Olympia-qualified, then no qualification will be awarded.
Below are Bikini athletes likely to contend for the title:
Ashley Kaltwasser
The all-time winningest competitor in IFBB Pro League history sits at 47 wins going into this contest. She is the early favorite to win number 48.
The three-time Bikini Olympia champion has won her last three pro contests. She’s won four pro shows thus far in the 2024 season. Her most recent win was at the 2024 Mile High Pro in Denver, CO, on June 8, 2024.
Reyna Perez Mecalco
Reyna Perez Mecalco won the 2023 Mexico Grand Battle Pro. Her most recent contest was the 2023 Bikini Olympia, where she finished outside the top 15. This will be her 2024 season debut and the beginning of her third season in the pro ranks.
Jordan Fisher
Jordan Fisher is the defending champion of this contest. She has Olympia experience, finishing tied for 16th in 2022 and 2023. She first appeared in the 2024 season at the 2024 Miami Muscle Beach Pro, ranking sixth overall.
Other Notes
On the same day as this contest, a second Bikini division event occurs at the 2024 Empro Pro in Alicante, Spain. If the champion was not already qualified, they will punch a ticket to the 2024 Olympia.
Adding a few sets on the leg press and hack squat on leg day might just make a difference in those lower-body gains. The glutes and quadriceps are the two largest and most powerful muscles in the body, and isolating them by going heavy on machines can help you level up your workouts.
And if you have a home gym, investing in MajorFitness’ new AH1 Leg Press & Hack Squat Machine is a smart way to guarantee gains. This space-saving savior combines two of the most efficient leg workouts — the leg press and hack squat — for a killer workout that can fire up your quads, glutes, hammies, and calves.
To learn more about the benefits, BarBend has teamed up with Major Fitness to give you the lowdown on why you shouldn’t neglect machines on leg day. Read on for the benefits of leg machines and how they can help inch you closer to a squat or deadlift PR.
MAJOR FITNESS Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine AH1
MAJOR FITNESS Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine AH1
The 2-in-1 Cobra AH1 Leg Press & Hack Squat machine is designed to develop lower body strength and build perfect legs. It features a 45-degree angled design that combines a leg press, hack squat, reverse hack squat, and calf raise into one comprehensive lower body strength machine. This versatile equipment is perfect for building all-around lower body strength.
Machines Isolate Legs More
Performing compound movements like the back or front squat on a rack is a great way to engage your full body and work on that core strength, but machines are the cherry on top when isolating specific muscles. While you can’t spot-reduce, you can spot-gain, and the leg press and hack squat machine are both great for taxing your lower body.
Unlike free weights, which require multiple supporting muscles to kick in for stability, machines provide that support and stabilization for you, allowing you to concentrate solely on the leg muscles you’re targeting.
Since leg machines have you driving the weight using only your legs, the rest of your body essentially gets a day off — and that’s especially great when you’re still recovering from a brutal upper-body workout. And because machines can target specific muscles or groups, they’re ideal for bodybuilders, athletes, or anyone recovering from injury in a particular muscle, according to a 2023 study in the BMC Sports Science, Medicine, and Rehabilitation journal.
They Come With Many Variations
Machines have the added convenience factor of allowing for different variations so you can hit every part of your legs. Targeting different muscles is as easy as changing your foot position.
For example, placing your feet lower on the leg press footplate engages your quads more while keeping your feet farther up targets your hamstrings. If you want to focus on your glutes, place your feet higher up the footplate in a wide stance with your toes pointing outward and push through your heels.
The same is true for the hack squat machine: Placing your feet higher on the platform makes your workout more glute- and hamstring-dominant, while placing your feet lower activates the quads more.
You can also do reverse hack squats on the AH1 for the glutes. Rather than resting your back on the machine, a reverse hack squat has you facing the backrest with your back unsupported. This position shifts the load onto your glutes and helps build your backside.
To target your calves on the hack squat, simply position your feet lower on the footplate and drive up through your toes. This allows for better ankle flexion and activates the calves while pushing off the platform.
The Form Is Easy to Learn
Machines are easier (and less intimidating) to use than free weights, point blank. Even if you’ve never used a leg machine before, learning how to use one is simple because machines follow a fixed path with little to no variation. Machines come with easy-to-follow instructions and can be more beginner-friendly than working with a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
While you should always perform any exercise correctly, proper form is more of a concern with free weights, where you’re more prone to injury. Machines have controlled motion paths that help maintain your alignment and guide you with the movement, so the onus of proper form isn’t completely on you. This built-in support makes it easier to build muscle mass and confidence in strength training, which means you might just progress a bit quicker.
They’re Gentler on the Back and Knees
If you have issues with your back or knees and don’t feel comfortable doing barbell squats, the hack squat machine will become your holy grail on leg day.
With barbell back squats, you’re standing straight up with the weight across your shoulders, which can compress the spine. Since the hack squat machine requires you to angle your body in a reclined position, there’s less pressure on your back. It also means your legs feel the brunt of the work. Translation: Less back pain and more leg gains.
The hack squat machine also ensures your knees don’t go past your toes when you’re in the lowered position, which helps reduce strain on your joints. Just make sure not to lock your knees when you’re standing upright at the top of the movement to avoid putting too much tension on your joints.
They Can Help You Get Better at Squats and Deadlifts
The leg press is one of the best machines for building quads, hamstrings, and glutes. In a study in the 2023 issue of the Journal of Human Kinetics, researchers had 19 male rugby players train on the leg press twice a week for five weeks and found that the leg press significantly improved lower body strength.
Going heavy on both the leg press and hack squat and progressively loading the weight you push over time can help you make major gains. All that strength can carry over to your squat and deadlift performance.
Your quads activate when you squat down and hold it, and then again when you rise up again into a standing position. Since the leg press and hack squat activate the quads, they can help increase your squat numbers. What’s more, the leg press mimics the initial push-off in a deadlift, helping to strengthen the first phase of lifting the barbell from the floor. While it shouldn’t replace deadlifts, the leg press is great for improving this specific weak point in the lift and can help people with a weaker grip work on their deadlift strength.
You Can Work Unilaterally
Using machines allows you to work unilaterally by training one leg at a time. Adding unilateral work to your leg-day routine has big benefits as it helps you pinpoint — and then correct — any muscle imbalances or weaknesses.
The same 2023 study in the Journal of Human Kinetics had participants do five weeks of unilateral or bilateral leg press training. Unsurprisingly, it found that unilateral training increased unilateral strength more effectively than bilateral training (i.e., using the leg press traditionally, with both legs working simultaneously).
If you’ve noticed that one leg is bigger or stronger than the other, you might want to incorporate more unilateral work — and the leg press is one of the easiest, safest, and most straightforward ways to do so.
You Can Safely Train to Failure
You don’t need to scout the gym for a competent spotter when using machines. Like other machines, the leg press and hack squat offer built-in safety features and control because they follow a fixed path and don’t require many stabilizing muscles to kick in and support your movements. The AH1, for example, features three lockout positions that help ensure safety and adapt to different user heights.
Using free weights requires stability and balance, whereas machines offer a guided range of motion. This means there aren’t any weights to drop, and you’re less likely to lose control. You can go extra heavy on leg machines and train to failure without a spotter. Aside from going heavy, you can also add drop sets or rest-pause sets to up the intensity of your workouts.
As long as you’re upping your intensity, whether by adding weight or increasing your rep range, that counts as progressive overload, so you’ll be on your way toward building more muscle mass.
MAJOR FITNESS Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine AH1
MAJOR FITNESS Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine AH1
The 2-in-1 Cobra AH1 Leg Press & Hack Squat machine is designed to develop lower body strength and build perfect legs. It features a 45-degree angled design that combines a leg press, hack squat, reverse hack squat, and calf raise into one comprehensive lower body strength machine. This versatile equipment is perfect for building all-around lower body strength.
What Are You Waiting For?
Machines are a great tool for big-time gains on leg day. They isolate your muscles, are easy to master, gentle on the joints, and can help your overall lower-body strength. To reap the benefits, though, you’ll need world-class equipment, and that’s where Major Fitness comes in.
With the Major Fitness AH1 Leg Press & Hack Squat Machine, you’ll get two elite leg machines on one piece of equipment. Blast your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves without having to fumble around with different setups or taking up your entire garage.
You know a marathon is long—come on, even non-runners know that. But how long is long, exactly? When you’re preparing for the biggest run of your life, the proverbial devil is in the details.
Credit: Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock
To help you on your journey, I’ll let you know just how long you’ll be running. I also caught up with elite running coach and world-class long-distance runner Lee Whitaker to get you the best marathon running tips in the business.
How Long Is a Marathon?
Let’s get right to it — 26.2 miles is the magic number here. How did that come to be? Well:
Legend dates back to Ancient Greece in 490 BC during the battle of Marathon. Once Athenian victory was assured, the Greek messenger Pheidippides is said to have run all the way from the battlefield to Athens without stopping to deliver news of the battle’s result to the masses.
The first modern marathon was run at the first modern Olympic Games at a distance of 25 miles—the approximate distance from Marathon to Athens. The distance of the Olympic marathon was then extended to 26.2 miles at the 1908 Olympics. This covered the distance from Windsor Castle to the front of the royal box at White City Stadium. This last requirement added a partial lap of the Olympic stadium track.
In 1921, the IAAF (now World Athletics) cemented 26.2 miles as the official distance.
How Many Miles Do You Run in Marathon Training?
Whether you are an experienced runner or not, you should expect to run around 1,000 miles during your training to prepare to run 26.2 miles on race day. This helps build your fitness level to overcome everything it will endure during a race, from repeated foot strikes against the ground to your body’s constant cycling of energy.
Having trained everyone from sprinters to marathoners, running coach Whitaker can help you structure a workout plan to steer you from the starting line across the finish line at any running distance.
For Beginning Runners
If you’re preparing for your first marathon, you’re learning quickly that it’s almost as much about building mental endurance as it is physical workouts. Throughout the whole running event—and all your runs in the lead-up to your official marathon—you’ll need to gradually build your volume and endurance (both mental and physical).
“If you’re going to run a marathon for the first time, marathon training is probably going to start at around 35 miles per week, and then you’re going to build to 65 miles per week,” says Whitaker. “A lot of that depends on age, fitness, experience level, and how long you’ve been training. An experienced runner is going to get in more weekly mileage, but there is a lot of solid training that can be accomplished within that range.”
For Experienced Runners
Experienced marathon runners who have a solid grasp on the feeling and atmosphere of a marathon race are going to be less concerned with survival, and more concerned with their finish time. This means they might structure a workout program to post a qualifying time that will get them into a major event, like the Chicago Marathon or the New York City Marathon.
“If you’re putting together a marathon training plan to try to get into one of the major marathons, you’re probably going to average 80 miles per week across 12 weeks [960 total miles],” says Whitaker. “Some weeks might be 65, and some might be 95, but it’s going to average around 80. At that level, you’re going through a tapering and peaking process, where your total volume will drop down at the end of the training plan.”
How to Estimate Your Marathon Pace
The real question is: When you’re running along the actual marathon course, how fast should you be moving? More importantly, how can you get an estimate of what your final time should look like?
Just because a half marathon is the closest established distance to a full marathon, it’s not the best way to gauge your eventual marathon time and establish your pace. Instead, it’s more energy-efficient to go on a 5K test run early in your training and to calculate a marathon finish time from that data point.
“If you run a 5K and extrapolate that to a marathon time, that’s a good starting point to work from to establish what you need to do in your training to build toward a faster pace,” says Whitaker. “By the time you’ve completed the training cycle, chances are you’re going to be faster than that by the time you’re ready to run a marathon. Once you reach peak fitness, both your 5K and your marathon are going to be even faster than what we can predict based on that test 5K.”
Take a 5K or 10K Test Late
If you’re an inexperienced runner who is preparing to run in your first marathon, taking a test run too early in your training is not going to give you an accurate projection of what your eventual time will be. That’s because your body composition and your running efficiency are going to be totally different as you get closer to race day. In this case, you should take a test run much later in your preparation.
“I like for people to do a 5K close to the end of their training cycle,” Whitaker says. “A 10K will work too, but you would back it up a little bit further from the race date. Now that you’ve gone through the training cycle, you’ve built your aerobic base, you’ve done a lot of good training, and your 5K will be much faster than it ever would have been months ago. Everyone wants to do a marathon and qualify for the Boston Marathon, and a 5K test will let them know if that’s going to be a reasonable goal this time. For a lot of people, it can take more than three years of training to qualify for Boston, if they ever do. A test run will let them know if it’s even in the cards.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some final wrap-up questions, right from our readers.
What is a full marathon?
A full marathon is 26.2 miles long.
How many hours can you run a marathon?
The world record for a marathon is now just a shade over two hours; it is held by Kelvin Kiptum, who broke the record of Eliud Kipchoge at the 2023 Chicago Marathon by finishing in 2:00:35. For comparison, the average marathon time across all ages and genders is a far more manageable 3:48:20.
Where did 26.2 miles come from?
The 26.2-mile marathon distance has its roots in the 1908 London Olympic Games. The organizers of the event extended the race distance to cover the ground from Windsor Castle to White City Stadium so that the event could conclude in front of the royal box occupied by the British royal family.
Is it possible for someone who has never run before to train and run a full marathon within one year?
It is possible for someone who has never run before to run an efficient and strategic marathon in one year. If you have little to no running experience, it is recommended that you begin training for a marathon when you are at least six months away from the event. If you are already relatively fit and have running experience, you can be prepared to run a marathon in 12 weeks.
How can I avoid injuries while training for a marathon?
The easiest way to avoid injuries while training for a marathon is to slowly and gradually increase your training volume and mileage, while including consistentrest days in your training cycle. Make sure you’re doing strength training and warm-ups, too.
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
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When targeting your cardio training, the best stair climbers can be great for generating intense workouts in a short amount of time. According to studies, a 185-pound athlete can burn up to 252 calories in 30 minutes on a stair climber — equivalent to a vigorous strength-training session. (1) The best affordable stair climbers can deliver the same training potential without totally emptying your wallet.
Stair-stepping machines can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to consider a bevy of factors beyond the price tag when searching for your ideal workout machine. To help you get a leg up on your journey, we’ve gotten hands-on with a handful of top silhouettes and consulted with our in-house team of experts to compile this guide to our favorite affordable stair climbers on the market today.
The 6 Best Affordable Stair Climbers of 2024
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level-1 instructor. She reviewed the research we cite and the stair climbers we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Affordable Stair Climbers
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To make our list of the best affordable stair climbers, we got hands-on with 22 different equipment silhouettes from top brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine our top picks. Below are some of the categories and components we looked at to make our list.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology.
Price: Finding an “affordable” stair climber can be subjective from budget to budget. We did our best to find silhouettes that hovered around the average $1,450 price tag we’ve associated with high-quality cardio machines, knowing that tech features, durability, available resistance, and other factors can greatly influence the final cost of each product.
Product Dimensions: Any piece of the best home gym equipment — stair climber, squat rack, or another silhouette — can only be useful if it actually fits within your space. We made sure to include all the available product dimensions for each chosen stepper, highlighting which profiles we feel are more compact and space-friendly than others.
Stepping Pattern: According to Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and our expert reviewer, you need to move in multiple planes of motion in order to improve your health. As such, we highlighted a variety of stair climbers that feature a more upright stepping motion akin to climbing a flight of stairs, placing emphasis on profiles that combined strides of other machines, like ellipticals or treadmills.
Available Resistance: Climbing steps for reps can be a calorie-burning effort in itself, but it can be beneficial to seek out a machine that makes ascending each level more of a challenge. Where relevant, we made note of the available resistances strewn across each machine in order to outline which profiles we felt were better suited for more intense training regimens and which were better kept for low-impact workouts.
Best Affordable Stair Climber Overall: NordicTrack FS10i
NordicTrack FS10i
This machine is a stair climber, elliptical and treadmill all in one. It has 24 levels of digital resistance, and you can change your stride to work with the resistance in tread, elliptical, or stair climber mode.
Specs
Price: $1,999
Product Dimensions: 58.5″ L x 29.5″ W x 74″ H
Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Resistance Levels: 24
Warranty: 10-year frame
Pros
Features a 10-inch HD touchscreen for streaming iFIT workouts
Adjustable resistance and incline for varied training setups
Stride length adjusts automatically to your gait
Cons
Heavier machine at 284 pounds
Longer arm swing limits where you can place this machine
Only one set of handlebars
While the near-$2,000 price tag of the NordicTrack FS10i may not scream “affordable,” we think it’s one of the best values in the category thanks to its adjustable stride, which essentially combines three machines into one — a stair stepper, elliptical, and treadmill. Plus, we rated the adjustability at 4 out of 5 since changing between movements is automatically toggled during motion.
“While it’s a learned skill set to swap between stepping and gliding mid-workout,” said our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor, “I felt I could master it after just a few sessions. I’d use this FS10i for stepping and elliptical work more than running though, as it can be awkward to jog without ever lifting your feet from the oversized pedals.”
Like other NordicTrack equipment, the FS10i is compatible with the iFIT training platform, which offers over 17,000 on-demand workouts across multiple fitness disciplines. Also, the iFIT integration brings AutoAdjust technology to your training — when following along with a trainer-led session, the machine can automatically toggle your resistance and incline in-step with your on-screen instructors.
BarBend lead video reviewer Jake Herod on the NordicTrack FS10i.
The FS10i features long, swinging handlebars attached to each leg for added upper-body engagement during training. However, our tester did note they would’ve appreciated a static set of handlebars at the center for less-intense workouts.
From a durability standpoint, our tester rated the FS10i at 5 out of 5. “There was no sense of wobbliness or instability while I tested this cardio machine, and it feels really well-built,” they added. However, this stable makeup does compromise the portability. We scored the FS10i at 3.75 out of 5 for the category given its 284-pound weight and somewhat awkward profile that’s less maneuverable than other steppers we’ve tried.
We also recommend having ample room to house this machine given the movement range of the arms. You don’t want to continuously hit a wall or other structure during training, so it may be best to have this in a dedicated training room over a side corner of your office or living room.
Best Compact Affordable Stair Climber: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978
The SF-S0978 from Sunny Health and Fitness can be an excellent piece of fitness equipment for athletes training in tighter quarters given its 1.45-square-foot footprint. Plus, the included resistance bands can be great for engaging the upper body as you step through your workouts each day.
Specs
Price: $89.99
Product Dimensions: 16.3” L x 12.8” W x 13.6” H
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Resistance Levels: N/A
Warranty: 1-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components
Pros
Takes up just 1.45 square feet of space
Included resistance bands allow for more upper-body engagement
Front toggle adjusts step height for more or less range of motion
Cons
Hydraulic cylinders can overheat after 15 minutes of use
No upright arms or handles for added stability
Lower weight capacity at 220 pounds
Climbing machines don’t need to be monstrous silhouettes that consume an entire room. The best mini stair steppers shrink down their footprints closer to that of a milk crate than a standard sofa, including the SF-0978 from Sunny Health and Fitness. With just a 1.45-square-foot footprint and a price tag below $90, it’s easily one of our favorite compact profiles from the category.
Our tester rated the portability and footprint of the SF-0978 at 4 out of 5, stating, “I like how the entire frame is lightweight enough for easier storage in-between workouts. Plus, the resistance bands for upper-body work are removable, so you can easily wrap those up and tuck them away after your sessions.”
The SF-0978 also earned a 3.5 out of 5 for ergonomics thanks to a front toggle that can change your stepping range of motion. The foot pedals are also oversized with a rubber texture for added traction. However, we do caution those with balance issues search for a Sunny Health and Fitness model with upright handlebars — there are no added stabilizing components across this design.
From a build perspective, we rated the SF-0978 at 2 out of 5 given its lower weight capacity. Larger athletes may find the 220-pound rating to be too low for their needs.
Plus, we noticed that, according to the user manual, the hydraulic shocks that support your stepping intensity can only be used in 15-minute clips. Longer training sessions can lead to overheating and potential damage, so if you’re an individual that prefers longer, grueling workouts, it may be best to pay a little more for a more resilient structure.
Best Premium Affordable Stair Climber: CLMBR Connected 02
CLMBR Connected 02
The CLMBR Connected 02 features adjustable handles for alternating grip positions, as well as a sturdy frame capable of holding up to 350 pounds. Additionally, there’s plenty of tech strewn across the profile, including an integrated app delivering on-demand classes, challenges, guides, and more.
Specs
Price: $3,995
Product Dimensions: 35” L x 32” W x 88” H
Weight Capacity: 350lbs
Resistance Levels: 11
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Pros
Resistance across the handles and pedals for a full-body workout
Features a 21.5-inch HD touchscreen for streaming interactive programming
Bluetooth connectivity for headphones, fitness trackers, and heart rate monitors
Cons
Foot pedals may be too small for larger-footed athletes
Very short warranty for the price
Assembly is difficult, according to our tester
If you’re looking for a stair climber with all the bells and whistles, the CLMBR Connected 02 may be just the ticket. Yes, the near-$4,000 price tag may be off-putting to some budgets (trust us, it really taxed our definition of “affordable”) but the included tech and full-body training experience were enough to have us include it in this guide.
Unlike other stair steppers that just focus on the lower body, the CLMBR Connected 02 parcels its 11 resistance levels across both the pedals and handlebars. This can be great for creating an engaging workout experience that takes you out of the more basic motion planes of, say, treadmills, rowing machines, or ellipticals.
We rated the tech capabilities at 5 out of 5 thanks to the CLMBR Connected 02’s integrated 21.5-inch HD touchscreen. You can pair to the CLMBR app (subscription sold separately) for trainer-led workouts, and the display features Bluetooth connectivity so you can sync your headphones, heart rate monitor, or fitness tracker to the machine.
“I also like that you can still operate the CLMBR in manual mode if a CLMBR app subscription is out of your budget,” added our tester, a CrossFit Level-1 instructor. “You can still generate a worthwhile workout experience, although I will say the interactive programming was worth the $39.99 monthly charge.”
Outside of the higher price point, the main drawback we found with the CLMBR Connected 02 was the warranty coverage, which we rated at 3.5 out of 5. In our experience, most high-end cardio machines offer at least 10- or 15-year support for the frame, if not more, so a one-year coverage plan is definitely below the standard.
Still, though, we were happy with the durability of the machine, as it felt extremely sturdy during trials. We scored the durability at 4.5 out of 5 and foresee minimal issues with the extruded aluminum framing.
Best Budget Affordable Stair Climber: MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
This simple, compact vertical climber can be a great budget-friendly option for full-body training. The MaxiClimber classic also folds up neatly to just 3.02 square feet, which can be ideal for storing your equipment in less spacious environments.
Specs
Price: $299
Product Dimensions: 35.82” L x 28.3” W x 86.52” H
Weight Capacity: 240lbs
Resistance Levels: Manual
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Pros
Wallet-friendly cost at less than $300
Foldable frame for easier storage
Our tester noted an easy assembly process
Cons
Resistance cannot be adjusted
Height capacity of 6’2” may be too short for some
There are no bumpers at the base, requiring more step control
While the term “affordable” can mean many things to different individuals, we can all agree that there’s perks to finding budget-friendly cardio equipment. With its sub-$300 price tag, easy assembly, and worthwhile workout potential, the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber is our pick for wallet-conscious athletes looking for an affordable exercise machine.
The MaxiClimber is a bare-bones piece of equipment in that you essentially have a frame, two handles, and two pedals. Resistance is determined by your bodyweight, so there aren’t any extra toggles to decipher mid-training.
A small LCD display at the center of the console showcases steps taken and calories burned, nothing more. Sure, some athletes may want a stair climber compatible with the best fitness apps, but for less than $300, we’re willing to make that sacrifice.
The MaxiClimber also stands out given its compact footprint and foldable frame. We scored the dimensions at 5 out of 5 thanks to its foldable design and 33-pound weight. It can be easily maneuvered into position or into a closet once you’re done sweating — other heavy machines may require assistance in order to rearrange your training space.
Our tester getting ready for a workout with the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
We rated our overall workout experience at 3 out of 5. “I honestly think that most athletes can get by with the bodyweight resistance featured on this MaxiClimber,” noted our tester. “However, the lower weight capacity and 6’2” height limit may be too small for taller athletes.”
From a durability perspective, we also scored the MaxiClimber at 2 out of 5. Yes, the frame is stable enough to support athletes up to 240 pounds, but there are a handful of plastic components that can become damaged and worn through extended use.
Plus, we found that there is no bumper mechanism at the base of the pedal track, meaning you’ll need to pay close attention to how intense you step down while training if you want to protect this stepper’s integrity over time.
Best Affordable Stair Climber for Streaming: BowFlex Max Trainer M9
BowFlex Max Trainer M9
The BowFlex Max Trainer M9 features a 10-inch HD touchscreen that’s compatible with the JRNY platform for trainer-led workouts. Additionally, JRNY integrates with top entertainment streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, which can be great for getting in a workout without the added intensity of an instructor-led course.
Specs
Price: $1,999.99
Product Dimensions: 76” L x 31” W x 50” H
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Resistance Levels: 20
Warranty: 3-year parts, 60-day labor
Pros
JRNY app integration offers both trainer-led workouts and entertainment services
Vertical orientation helps preserve floor space
Textured foot pedals for more traction during low-impact workouts
Cons
Stride length cannot be adjusted
Display interface can glitch at times
Can be loud during training sessions
Stair climbing, while enjoyable, can get monotonous at times, especially if you aren’t set up with trainer-led courses or entertaining media in front of you. Thankfully, many of the best cardio machines come with built-in displays capable of streaming such services. For our money, the BowFlex Max Trainer M9 is one of the best in the category.
This climber is integrated with JRNY, a fitness app that offers both on-demand training and streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more (though you’ll need your own subscriptions).
In terms of the tech capabilities, I’d rate the Max Trainer M9 at 4 out of 5. The service has a good array of trainer-led workouts that make the sessions all the more enjoyable, and I do appreciate how JRNY is compatible with apps like Netflix and Hulu for more streamlined entertainment. Other platforms only offer training-based programming, so if you want to take in your favorite series or movie, you’d need to set up in front of your television.
The BowFlex Max Trainer series uses a vertical orientation, giving your workouts a hybrid elliptical-stepper motion
However, I have had some experiences with lagging or glitchy interfaces. You can still get to where you want to go, but the process is less seamless than other silhouettes I’ve tried, including many of the best treadmills with screens.
The Max Trainer M9 also earns some praise given its vertical orientation. In total, you’ll need 16.36 square feet of space to properly house this profile, which is less than your standard two-seater sofa. (2) We rated the footprint and portability at 5 out of 5, too, given the M9’s simple maneuverability — just lift up the back base and wheel the machine into position.
As a final note, I’d recommend placing this elliptical/stair climber machine in an area that doesn’t need to be completely quiet. The flywheel can be noisy at times, which may be a detriment to those living with other roommates or children.
Best Affordable Stair Climber Elliptical Hybrid: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
The SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness can be a budget-friendly pick for home gym enthusiasts thanks to its approachable price point and space-saving footprint. Plus, the lightweight 69.3-pound frame can be moved easily within your training space, giving you plenty of versatility to set up in a comfortable position.
Specs
Price: $379.99
Product Dimensions: 42” L x 23” W x 60.5” H
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Resistance Levels: 8
Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 180-day other parts and components
Pros
Vertical orientation creates an upward and forward motion plane
Lighter 69.3-pound frame is easy to maneuver into position
On the lower end of costs at roughly $380
Cons
LCD monitor does not feature preset workouts
Can experience some instability during workouts
Low 220-pound weight capacity
If you take any time searching for a dedicated stair stepping machine, you’ll likely encounter a slew of elliptical/stepper hybrid models that feature a middle-ground motion plane. These machines can be excellent for creating efficient, low-impact workouts, and at the “affordable” range, the SF-E3911 from Sunny Health and Fitness is tough to beat.
I’ve used this stepper/elliptical hybrid in the past and view it as a worthwhile piece of gym equipment, especially for those training in tighter quarters. I rated the overall footprint at 4.5 out of 5 thanks to its compact dimensions and seamless maneuverability. You can easily wheel this SF-E3911 into position in front of your television and store it neatly in a corner when training isn’t top of mind.
From a tech perspective, the SF-E3911 earned a 3 out of 5 given its basic LCD console and lack of preset programming. In essence, you’re constantly training in manual mode, so be sure to keep your willpower in-check if you’re looking to turn to this exercise equipment each day across your fitness journey.
That said, the SF-E3911 does feature a device holder across the center console, so streaming trainer-led sessions isn’t completely out of the question with this silhouette.
I’d also score the durability at 3.5 out of 5. Granted, I could easily accomplish my intended sessions with this profile, but you do notice some unwanted sway when trying to tackle high-intensity intervals. Plus, the weight capacity is listed at 220 pounds — a lower rating than other stair climbers we’ve tested in the past.
Still, though, I think there’s plenty of value, which I scored at 4 out of 5, in this SF-E3911 silhouette if you take it at face value. Sure, this brand isn’t known for tech-heavy silhouettes, but if you’re just looking for an efficient machine that can help you reach your targeted calorie burn day in and day out, it can easily suffice.
According to Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and our expert reviewer, “Stair climbers are exceptional at boosting your heart rate, increasing muscular endurance in the lower body, and even potentially building some strength in the legs. Even a short, 10-minute workout on a stair climber can send your heart rate soaring.”
Regardless of price point, below are some of our favorite benefits associated with this low-impact cardio workout discipline as it relates to your personal fitness goals and aspirations.
Emphasis on Lower-Body Training: While there is room for stair climbers to engage upper-body muscle groups in motion, the main emphasis lies in targeting the glutes, hamstrings, calves, and quads. This can be a great and refreshing way to hit your legs on a machine that’s more compact than a treadmill or elliptical.
Approachable for All Fitness Levels: We all walk up and down steps each day, so taking that movement into the gym can be a far more approachable endeavor than, say, asking a beginner athlete to perform certain mileage splits atop a treadmill or maintain a certain wattage across an entire rowing machine session. Meier states, “Stair climbers are great for anyone looking to get an intense workout in a short amount of time.”
Potential for HIIT Training: While stair climbers are inherently low impact given that your feet never leave their respective platforms, you can still generate a gauntlet of HIIT sessions that can be excellent for ramping up your heart rate. For an added dose of intensity, it can be beneficial to opt for a stair climber with adjustable resistance levels.
How Much Do Affordable Stair Climbers Cost?
When it comes to “affordable” stair climbers, the price range can be all over the place given that “affordable” can be subjective to your personal budget. The price can also be influenced by the amount of tech features, stride capabilities, and durability of the machines themselves. For this particular round-up, the average price sits at roughly $1,450, which we believe is a good starting point for those interested in purchasing any new fitness equipment. Read below to compare the prices of each affordable stair climber included in this guide.
Best Affordable Stair Climber Overall
NordicTrack FS10i
$1,999
Best Compact Affordable Stair Climber
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-S0978
$89.99
Best Premium Affordable Stair Climber
CLMBR Connected 02
$3,995
Best Budget Affordable Stair Climber
MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
$299
Best Affordable Stair Climber for Streaming
BowFlex Max Trainer M9
$1,999.99
Best Affordable Stair ClimberElliptical Hybrid
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3911
$379.99
What to Consider Before Buying an Affordable Stair Climber
As with any piece of home gym equipment, there are multiple layers to your purchasing process with affordable stair climbers. Of course, price is a major factor to consider, but you should also ensure that your chosen profile can support your frame, fitness goals, and other wants and needs.
After all, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial team member and our expert reviewer, states, “A machine is only good if you’ll use it.” Below are some of the main components we recommend thinking through when searching for that ideal affordable stair climber.
Product Dimensions
There’s no sense in purchasing a stair-stepping machine if it can’t fit within your available space. In addition to the actual footprint of the machine (dimensions are commonly listed on the individual product page,) you should also plan for some extra room around the profile itself to allow for easier entry and exit as well as any arm swing that needs to occur in a given step motion.
Typically, we’ve found that cheaper stair climbers come with more compact dimensions, but it’s always a good rule of thumb to take some measurements of your available floor space and adjust your search in relation to those metrics.
Our tester moving the NordicTrack FS10i
If you’re struggling to picture a stepping machine in your home gym, a quick way to determine whether you have enough room is to imagine the exercise equipment as a piece of furniture. For example, your standard loveseat measures 58 inches long by 38 inches wide, or 15.31 square feet. (2) If you can fit a loveseat in your training area without much reconfiguring, you can likely fit a stepper in the same location.
Height and Weight Capacities
A machine that’s too small or weak for your frame likely won’t get the use it deserves. As such, finding a stair climber with a durable enough weight capacity is an absolute must, especially if you plan on using the profile on a regular basis. On average, most stair climbers can support up to 280 pounds, with larger, more expensive profiles capable of 300 pounds or more. Set the weight rating against your own weight to ensure a machine can support your training efficiently.
It can also be beneficial to look at any height capacities listed for your stair climber. These metrics are typically listed on dedicated climbers that feature sliding rails for your hands in addition to the foot pedals. Elliptical-stepper hybrids that engage your upper body but don’t see you reaching upward rarely carry height ratings, so if you’re interested in this particular profile, you won’t need to worry about height as much.
Functionality
When thinking of your stair climber’s functionality, you’re looking at the stepping pattern of the machine. Stair climbers typically fall into three camps: where your motion is literally as if you’re climbing a flight of stairs; where your motion is more rock-climbing-esque with total-body engagement; and where your motion is similar to the gliding stroke of an elliptical.
While there’s no right or wrong answer here — calories and high-intensity workouts are achievable with any of the three designs — you will need to think about which motion plane interests you most, and which you’d likely want to use most often in a given routine.
The handlebars featured on the MaxiClimber Vertical Climber
If you’re interested in the gliding elliptical-stepper motion, we recommend looking at one of the best compact ellipticals over lengthier, traditional silhouettes. The compact design of these machines is typically made possible through a vertical orientation, which gives each step that stair-climbing feel.
Available Resistance Levels
Having a stair climber with multiple resistance levels can be helpful when trying to up the ante every now and again in training. Added resistance can also be a vital must-have if you’re looking to use your stepper for muscle gain across your lower body.
“This wouldn’t be in the same way you could build muscle strength and power through doing loaded exercises like squats,” adds Meier, “But you may still feel stronger in your legs when it comes specifically to climbing movements like walking uphill or climbing stairs.”
Price
Stair climbers can vary greatly in price depending on their tech features and overall footprint. Logically, a larger machine will cost more than a compact under-desk elliptical, right? If you’re looking for an “affordable” stair climber, though, we recommend starting at prices around $1,450 — the average cost we determined from testing. Of course, you can find silhouettes more or less than this median number, but that’s where your personal definition of “affordable” comes in.
Affordable Stair Climber FAQs
What is the best affordable stair climber?
The best affordable stair climber can be subjective, as every athlete has different fitness needs. For our money, though, we recommend the FS10i from NordicTrack thanks to its automatic stride adjustment, iFIT integration, and stable frame that showcases no swaying or wobbliness during workouts.
How much do affordable stair climbers cost?
Determining how “affordable” a stair climber is depends highly on your personal budget. In our findings, though, we’ve determined that you can expect to pay roughly $1,450 for a worthwhile stair stepper with room to go below or above this median price tag depending on your wants and needs.
Do affordable stair climbers really work?
To answer whether an affordable stair climber really works, you’ll need to first examine your own fitness goals and aspirations. If you’re looking for an efficient cardio discipline that can also promote muscular endurance and strength across your lower body, then yes, stair climbers can be a suitable option. If you’re more invested in strength training or want a total-body workout plan, there are other machines and fitness picks that can be better attuned to your goals.
References
Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities. Harvard Health. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights
Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
We receive free products and receive commissions through our links. See disclosures page.
Have digestive issues? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that 10 to 15 percent of the adult American population suffers from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, while nearly 18 percent of Americans experience bloating at least once a week. (1)(2) This can make it challenging when trying to find the best protein powders to meet higher protein needs since many supplements contain fillers, artificial ingredients, and sugar alcohols that can cause stomach upset.
In this review, we’ve identified top picks that help minimize digestive side effects by evaluating many factors including the protein source, amount of protein, macronutrient profile, taste, solubility, and price to help you be able to make an informed choice. In addition to following a low FODMAP diet to minimize digestive issues, choosing one of the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs can keep your stomach woes at bay.
The 10 Best Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs of 2024
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine.
About Our Expert
The products on our list have been assessed by Chrissy Arsenault, MBA, RDN, a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience in health and wellness, using notes from Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., a registered dietitian with 10 years of experience in the clinical setting. They looked into the products to assess their formulation and overall quality. However, everyone’s body is different, so before you try any new products, it’s best to consult your doctor.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best protein powders for sensitive stomachs, we’ve tested nearly 100 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
We also worked with a third-party accredited lab of our own to rate and score a handful of picks, analyzing each product’s purity and label accuracy. Ratings for areas including the presence of metals, pesticides, phthalates, bisphenols, and overall label accuracy were based on how well each protein sample compared to others in the sample pool.
For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.
Side Effects: For sensitive stomachs, minimizing side effects like bloating, gassiness, constipation, and diarrhea while meeting protein needs is important. Our product testers rigorously tested all the products on our list to make sure they have minimal digestive side effects.
Source of Protein: The source of protein is important to consider for optimal digestibility, especially for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. We’ve gathered picks with sources like whey protein isolate and casein that are more easily digested for those who are prone to digestive issues.
Amount of Protein: We’ve ensured the products in our review contain sufficient protein for meeting dietary needs, supporting muscle growth, and achieving fitness goals. The picks on our list contain at least 20 grams of protein, so that they can satisfy the USDA recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. (3)
Macronutrient Profile: Depending on your health goals, you may need higher or lower carbs or fat content. We’ve included a range of products with various macronutrient profiles to help cater to your needs.
Taste: While taste can be subjective, we’ve rounded up the best-tasting protein powders for sensitive stomachs so that you don’t have to settle for something that doesn’t satisfy your palate.
Solubility: We’ve evaluated each protein powder to make sure it mixes well in water, dairy alternatives, and milk. No one likes clumpy textures, so the picks on our list rank highly on solubility, making them easy to enjoy.
Price: The picks on our list range from $0.88 to $5.00. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, we cater to health goals like weight gain or weight loss with protein powders that fit the bill.
Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs Overall: Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
With 8 different flavors and 28 grams of whey protein from hormone-free, grass-fed cows, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent way to hit your protein macros.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $2.00
Protein Per Serving: 28 grams
Calories Per Serving: 130 to 140 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate, Unflavored, Strawberry Milkshake, Cinnamon French Toast, Mocha, Vanilla Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Pancakes, Peanut Butter, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Sugar Cookie, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Third-Party Testing: Informed Choice, Various Laboratories
Pros
Readily digestible whey protein isolate
No additives
Smooth and frothy texture
16 decadent flavors to choose from
Cons
High in sodium
Lower in fat and carbs than other powders for those bulking
For those with sensitive stomachs, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is one of the best whey protein powders available. Compared to standard whey, isolate is lower in fat, carbs, and lactose content because of how it is processed and filtered. This means that Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is more readily digestible for sensitive stomachs, including those with lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (4)
Our testers put their stomachs to the test to evaluate this pick for any undesirable side effects. This pick received a sparkling rating of 5 out of 5 stars for minimal digestive issues. Our tester, who is a Certified Personal Trainer, states, “I experienced no side effects like bloating or tummy rumbles! I feel full, but my stomach isn’t upset like it is when I drink other protein powders.”
In addition to its suitability for sensitive stomachs, the formulation is solid. Whey protein isolate retains immune-boosting ingredients while yielding higher protein content. Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who is a Registered Dietitian, states, “I love that this protein powder has 28 grams of high-quality protein without the unnecessary fluff like artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and preservatives.” While it lost some marks for being a little lower in carbs and fat and higher in sodium, this protein supplement received a 4.5 out of 5 for its superb formulation quality.
We know that products that are more digestion-friendly aren’t always as tasty or soluble. However, Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate comes in 16 different decadent flavors and easily mixes in a blender bottle. Pro tip: We think this powder is delicious when mixed in a blender with ice and some oat milk to enjoy as a high protein milkshake.
BarBend worked with an accredited lab to gather testing data on heavy metal content in Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate.
Lastly, in our independent testing, we rated Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate at an overall B grade, given the fact that this powder ranked in the top 25 percent of all tested supplements for heavy metals. It’s one of the cleaner options out there while also being nutritious and delicious for sensitive stomachs.
Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
Dig into this easily digesting grass-fed whey isolate that provides 25 grams of protein with each lean 110 calorie scoop. It comes in three tasty flavors at a cost-effective price making it a solid choice for nearly anyone.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.33
Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
Calories Per Serving: 110 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Milk Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Blueberry Muffin, Cinnamon French Toast, Unflavored, Vanilla Oatmeal Cookie, Vanilla, Peanut Butter
Third-Party Testing: No
Pros
Less than 4 grams of carbs, depending on flavor
Good protein-to-calorie ratio
Many flavor options
Cons
Contains artificial sweeteners
High in sodium
Not third-party tested
Following a low-carb diet can help you maintain your blood sugar levels and even support weight loss. (5) But when you’re watching your carb intake, it’s tough to find the right protein powder that isn’t too high in carbs or sugar. Jacked Factory Authentic ISO is a great low-carb protein powder for sensitive stomachs because many flavors have just 1 gram of carbs, although certain flavors can have as much as 4 grams. That’s a very low amount of carbs given that a serving of carbs is considered 15 grams according to the American Diabetes Association. (6)
Overall, the formulation received a strong score of 4.25 out of 5 stars for its balanced protein-to-calorie ratio and its high-quality protein source: whey protein isolate. Whey isolate is considered a higher-quality protein for sensitive stomachs because it has minimal lactose content while providing high protein content. (4)
Furthermore, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., states, “I like this protein powder quite a bit because it has a short and simple ingredient list and a hefty dose of protein in every scoop.” Where this protein supplement lost marks was its inclusion of artificial sweeteners, high sodium content (up to 410 milligrams of sodium per serving depending on the flavor), and lack of third-party testing to independently verify the product’s purity, safety, and efficacy.
As far as practical considerations go, this protein powder has a thicker texture but earned a score of 5 out of 5 for mixability. “This powder is on the thicker side, but mixes pretty well,” our tester says. For best solubility, though, we recommend mixing it in milk or a dairy alternative like oat milk for 10 seconds, rather than mixing it with water. Overall, if you’re on a low-carb diet, we think Jacked Factory Authentic ISO is one of the best low-carb protein powders for sensitive stomachs to try.
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
KOS Organic Plant Protein
This protein powder packs 20 grams of plant-based protein plus various superfoods, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains enzymes to aid digestion and promote gut health.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.78 to $2.14
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Calories Per Serving: 140 to160 calories
Protein Source: Plant Protein Blend (Pea Protein, Flax Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Quinoa, and Chia Seed)
Plant-based protein sources like pea protein don’t contain all essential amino acids to make up a complete protein, compared to animal-based protein sources like whey. However, consuming enough complete proteins is important for overall health, gaining muscle, and athletic performance. Despite being made with 100 percent plant-based, vegan ingredients, KOS Organic Plant Protein uses a protein blend of pea, flax seed, pumpkin seed, quinoa, and chia seed to provide the same nutrients that a complete protein would. It’s one of the best vegan protein powders for sensitive stomachs we’ve found.
KOS Organic Plant Protein has a clean formulation, which we scored 4.75 out of 5. This protein shake is a great choice for sensitive stomachs, since it’s dairy-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and doesn’t contain sugar alcohols, which may cause digestive upset in some individuals since they aren’t fully absorbed in our digestive system. (7)
An open container of KOS Organic Plant Protein
Moreover, this plant-based protein powder also contains a digestive enzyme blend, which may support healthy digestion – although the blend is proprietary. (8) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., agrees and states, “KOS has digestive support in mind with digestive enzymes and exclusion of your typical suspects that trigger GI upset in some people.” It’s also USDA Organic and certified non-GMO, meaning it’s free from pesticides and genetically modified ingredients.
Plant-based protein powders aren’t known for having a great texture, and unfortunately, KOS Organic Plant Protein is no exception. We still scored this product’s solubility a 4 out of 5 stars, though. Our product tester, who is a Certified Personal Trainer, states, “I thought the texture was pretty good for a plant-based protein powder, but there was some residue at the bottom of the shaker. I attribute this to the larger serving size, though.” We think KOS Organic Plant Protein is worth trying if you’re vegan, often get an upset stomach, and have higher protein needs.
Best Protein Powder for Athletes with Sensitive Stomachs: Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein
Onnit’s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
Onnit’s Grass-Fed Whey Isolate
A grass-fed whey isolate includes added ingredients for digestion like seven digestive enzymes and a probiotic (lactobacillus acidophilus). It’s also gluten-free, sugar-free, and soy-free.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.50 to $2.00
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Calories Per Serving: 110 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Vanilla, Mexican Chocolate
Third-Party Testing: No
Pros
Complete amino acid profile to support muscle gains and workout recovery
Contains a digestive enzyme blend and probiotics
Balanced macronutrient profile
Cons
Limited in flavor choices
Texture can be watery
Contains some fillers
In the sports nutrition world, Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein reigns supreme as one of the best whey isolates for sensitive stomachs. Protein supplementation is important for athletes because studies show that it can help athletes improve their strength and build muscle. (9) As an athlete, you may have higher protein needs of up to 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day – and Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein can supply 20 grams per serving to help meet your protein intake. (10)
Aside from the high protein content, this pick boasts a balanced macronutrient profile consisting of 2 grams of highly digestible fat from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and only 3 grams of carbohydrates. We scored this product’s formula 4.5 out of 5 stars. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., states, “I like the macronutrient ratio for this product for athletes since it’s high in protein and with just a little bit of carbs and fat. And I like that there’s an enzyme blend to support digestion.”It also contains probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help promote gut health and is naturally found in foods like yogurt. (11) And lastly, since the source of protein is whey protein isolate, it’s more readily digestible for sensitive stomachs due to the way that it’s filtered. (4)
Onnit Whey Protein being tested by our team.
Where the formulation lost points, though, was in its inclusion of low-grade fillers like silicon dioxide, xanthan gum, and maltodextrin. Fillers are undesirable because they don’t contribute any nutritional value like vitamins and minerals do.
If you’re an active athlete, you might be taking Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein on the go as a pre-workout or post-workout shake with water in a blender bottle and need it to blend well. Our tester notes, “I like the flavor, but the texture is a little thin. This means there are no clumps when you need to quickly mix and drink a shake, though!” While some may not enjoy the thin texture, we like that this shake is a convenient, non-clumpy option for busy athletes. Moreover, note that there are only two flavor choices: chocolate and vanilla. So, if you’re a flavor enthusiast, this protein shake may not be the best choice.
Best Natural Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Legion Whey+
Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder
Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder
An all natural, non-GMO, fat-free whey that’s cheaper than many competitors, Legion Whey Isolate Protein Powder is made from 100 percent grass-fed whey protein isolate from sustainable dairy farms in Ireland. It’s also higher in calcium compared to other powders on the market.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.66
Protein Per Serving: 22 grams
Calories Per Serving: 100 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Birthday Cake, Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Cereal, Cocoa Cereal, Cookies and Cream, Fruity Cereal, Honey Cereal, Mocha Cappuccino, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Banana, Unflavored, Vanilla
Third-Party Testing: Labdoor Certified
Pros
Naturally sweetened and flavored
Available in 15 delicious flavors
Whey protein isolate from grass-fed cows
No added sugars
Cons
Stevia may taste bitter to some
Contains some fillers
Higher metal content than other picks
Taking a protein supplement can sometimes feel unnatural – especially compared to whole food sources of protein like lean meats. Fortunately, Legion Whey+ is an all-natural protein powder for those who prefer more natural ingredients. It contains natural sweeteners (like stevia) and natural flavors, with no artificial flavors or sweeteners that some avoid when living a natural lifestyle.
Legion Whey+ scored 4.75 out of 5 for its formula. Out of the different types of protein available, whey protein isolate is one of the highest quality sources for sensitive stomachs since it’s more easily digested with the whey protein concentrate being “isolated”. (4) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., notes, “This protein powder contains 20 grams of protein and is clinically dosed to support muscle building and workout recovery.” It also contains no added sugars. The USDA recommends limiting your added sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your daily calorie intake for blood sugar and weight management. (3)
Barbend tester trying Legion Plant Protein.
With 15 different delicious flavors to choose from, we know you’ll find a flavor that you enjoy. Our product tester, who is a Certified Personal Trainer, gave this pick a score of 4.5 out of 5 for taste and states, “I tried the Cinnamon Cereal flavor. The flavor is not as decadent as I would’ve liked, but in fairness, I have to try the other flavors too.” One downside on taste to note is that natural sweeteners like stevia can have a bitter aftertaste to some.
BarBend worked with an accredited lab to gather testing data on the overall purity of Legion Whey+ protein powder.
Although this pick’s ingredients are completely natural, in our independent testing, we rated Legion Whey+ at an overall C grade. This means that this powder ranked in the top 50 percent of all tested supplements for heavy metal contaminants, so there are likely better options out there that contain fewer metals.
Best Whey Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate
This product is clean and simple with 27 grams of whey protein isolate per serving and under one gram of carb and fat.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.21
Protein Per Serving: 30 grams
Calories Per Serving: 110 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Unflavored
Third-Party Testing: No
Pros
High-quality protein source: whey protein isolate
Loaded with BCAAs
Great protein-to-calorie ratio
Good value for your money
Cons
Only available in plain, unflavored
Contains sunflower lecithin, a filler
We think Bulk Supplements is hands down one of the best whey protein powders for sensitive stomachs. With only two ingredients – whey protein isolate and sunflower lecithin – this pick does not disappoint. Whey protein isolate is a whey protein concentrate that is high in protein but low in carbs and fat due to its processing. Compared to regular whey, it’s much more digestible in the body. (4)
As a registered dietitian, I love the transparency that Bulk Supplements provides around this product’s amino acid profile as well. It contains all essential amino acids, including branched-chain amino acids, making it a complete protein to fuel your workouts. Not many companies list the amino acids that are included in a protein supplement and their respective quantities. I would rate the formula a 4.75 out of 5, with marks deducted only for the inclusion of sunflower lecithin, which is a filler used for emulsification. Otherwise, 30 grams of protein to 110 calories is an excellent protein-to-calorie ratio.
Since this product is only offered in unflavored, it might not be the best choice for those who like to experiment with different flavors. I would give this product a 3 out of 5 since it doesn’t taste like much of anything. However, as a registered dietitian, I like mixing unflavored protein powders in smoothies with frozen fruit, ice, and oak milk for a nutrient-dense meal that’s well-balanced in macronutrients. You can also sneak in unflavored protein to snacks like Greek yogurt or oatmeal.
While this product isn’t third-party tested, in our independent testing, we rated Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate an A. This means that this powder ranked in the top 10 percent of all tested supplements for purity and label accuracy. With one of the best prices per serving on our list of picks, Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate is a clean whey protein with no BS for those with sensitive stomachs.
Best Casein Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Naked Micellar Casein
Naked Micellar Casein
This slow-digesting protein powder contains, at max, three ingredients, making it one of the cleanest shakes you can add to your regimen. Naked Micellar Casein provides between 26 and 27 grams of protein per serving, allowing your muscles to fuel up, grow, and recover properly throughout the day.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.32
Protein Per Serving: 26 grams
Calories Per Serving: 110 calories
Protein Source: Micellar Casein
Available Flavors: Unflavored
Third-Party Testing: Gluten-Free Certification Organization, independent testing for heavy metals and gluten
Pros
Contains slowly digesting casein protein
Made from growth hormone-free skim milk
Excellent protein-to-calorie ratio
No additives
Cons
Not as mixable
Doesn’t taste great
Casein is a type of protein found in cow’s milk that is slow digesting and provides a steady supply of amino acids throughout the night. Studies show that whether you’re an athlete or looking to lose weight, taking about 40 grams of casein protein can be beneficial for muscle growth and repair during sleep compared to faster-digesting proteins such as whey protein. (12) With only one ingredient – micellar casein sourced from American farms – Naked Micellar Casein gets our vote for one of the best casein protein powdersfor sensitive stomachs.
BarBend tester dumping scoop of Naked Casein.
As a registered dietitian, I like that this product has such a clean label. It’s free from additives, sugar alcohols, fillers, and artificial sweeteners and flavors that could typically cause gastrointestinal upset — in other words it’s ideal for sensitive stomachs. The full amino acid profile is also disclosed on the label, which is nice to confirm that all essential amino acids (including branched-chain amino acids that support workout recovery) are included. Moreover, this formula has a nice protein-to-calorie ratio of 110 calories per 20 grams of protein, making it a low-calorie option to drink at night for recovery. For these reasons, I would give this product a 5 out of 5 for its formulation.
Most casein proteins aren’t known for their taste and texture, unfortunately. We gave this product’s solubility and taste a score of 4 out of 5. Our product tester states, “Since it’s unflavored, it tasted pretty bad on its own so I would recommend mixing it with something else like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla to give it some flavor.” You could also consider using it as the base for a smoothie since the solubility isn’t too bad. “It’s harder to shake thoroughly, but pretty standard for a casein powder and dissolves decently well,” our tester adds. If you’re looking for a casein protein to drink at night for recovery, give Naked Micellar Casein a try.
Best Budget Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein is a tried and true mainstay of fitness supplement programs.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $0.88 to $1.28
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Calories Per Serving: 120 calories
Protein Source: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein)
Great value for your money (especially with bulk buys)
21 different flavors to choose from
Highly rated taste
Excellent solubility
Cons
Contains artificial sweeteners
Low-grade fillers
Doesn’t disclose the exact quantities of protein in the blend
We get it – supplementing with protein can get expensive. When you’re already spending a lot of money between your gym membership and the best pre-workouts, choosing a protein powder that won’t break the bank can be an important consideration. Fortunately, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein can cost as little as $0.88 per serving when buying the bigger 10-pound bag. While the 2-pound bag is still an economical option, the 10-pound bag offers even more savings if you know what flavor you enjoy.
Despite the cheaper price per serving, Optimum Nutrition didn’t skimp on the quality of the formulation for sensitive stomachs. Overall, we gave this formulation a score of 4 out of 5. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “I like this product because you get 24 grams of protein with plenty of essential amino acids included.”However, Optimum Nutrition doesn’t disclose how much of each protein source goes into the blend, which was a miss. “It also contains artificial sweeteners and fillers, which can cause GI distress in some people,” Bourgeois adds.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey in testing garage.
With 21 different flavors to choose from, you’ve got a ton of variety here. We rated the taste a 5 out of 5, and over 200,000 customers on Amazon agree. Our product tester states, “I tried several flavors but get a new favorite every time I try one! Even the flavors I normally wouldn’t pick, Optimum Nutrition does a really good job with. Even my husband and kids liked it, and they’re picky.” Moreover, five different product testers rated the solubility a 5 out of 5 stars. It mixes well with water, milk, and dairy alternatives in a blender bottle.
Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard Whey Protein Vanilla Ice Cream finished in the top 10 percent of all proteins tested for heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenols.
Additionally, in our independent testing, we gave Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein an A score. This means that this powder ranked in the top 10 percent of all tested supplements for purity and label accuracy out of more than 150 tested protein supplements. This means you’re not compromising on quality just because it’s a budget pick.
Best Tasting Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
For athletes wanting a complete protein solution for post-workout needs, MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate can be just the ticket. A majority of the calories within this formulation are designed to help promote post-workout recovery, and the ingredients contain no added sugars or fat per dosage.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $1.20
Protein Per Serving: 22 grams
Calories Per Serving: 90 calories
Protein Source: Whey Protein Isolate
Available Flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Milkshake, Chocolate Mint, Cookies and Cream, Mocha, Pistachio, Salted Caramel, Strawberry Milkshake, Unflavored, Vanilla, Vanilla Ice Cream
Third-Party Testing: No
Pros
Delicious and decadent flavors, supported by a 5 out of 5 score for taste from our testers
Readily digestible whey protein isolate
Low in carbs and fat
No added sugars
Cons
Contains artificial ingredients
Good value for your money
Not third-party tested
If taste is an important consideration for you, you’ll want to try MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate. While other brands out there have boring flavors like vanilla and chocolate, this protein shake offers milkshake and ice cream flavors that will transform the best protein shakes into decadent desserts. We rated this product a 5 out of 5 for taste. Our product tester tried the Cookies and Cream flavor and excitedly notes, “This is something I’d envision the Cookie Monster would want to eat if he wanted to get jacked. There’s little cookie chunks in it, although it tasted more like cookies than cream!” Others also agree that it’s the best-tasting protein for sensitive stomachs, with thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon to speak to its great taste. Whether you mix this product in water, oat milk, or even as a sweet treat with some low-fat ice cream, you won’t be disappointed.
From a nutritional perspective, I would rate this product a 3.75 out of 5 as a registered dietitian. The protein source is whey protein isolate, which goes through a purifying process that removes lactose and retains high protein content. (4) It’s also low in carbs and fat with no added sugars, offering a very desirable macronutrient profile for those who are looking to lose weight. Although, if you are looking for the best meal replacements, the carbs and fat may not be high enough to count as a meal.
Our tester with MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
Where I deducted points was due to the inclusion of artificial ingredients like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. While these artificial sweeteners typically make a protein shake taste better compared to stevia, which can be bitter, I normally try to recommend more natural ingredients that are easier on the stomach.
Lastly, this product isn’t third-party tested to verify its quality and purity, but the company does disclose all ingredients and nutritional information on the label for review. It’s also pretty cheap for the amount of protein you get. Overall, if you’re a taste and flavor aficionado, you’ll want to get a bag of MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate.
Best High-Calorie Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs: Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Dymatize Super Mass
Dymatize Super Mass keeps calories high, packing plenty of carbs and protein per serving. This is also a budget-friendly option for those who can’t spend a ton on their supplements.
Specs
Price Per Serving: $4.75 to $5.00
Protein Per Serving: 52 grams
Calories Per Serving: 1,280 calories
Protein Source: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Micellar Casein)
Available Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla
Third-Party Testing: Informed Choice
Pros
Calorie-dense, great for bulking
Contains creatine monohydrate
Includes a vitamin blend
Cons
Contains fillers and artificial ingredients
High in saturated fat and cholesterol
Mass gainers provide a lot of liquid calories so that you can achieve a calorie surplus and put on weight. If you’ve been working out for a while but need some TLC to put on some pounds, mass gainers may help you gain weight and muscle. For sensitive stomachs, we think Dymatize Super Mass Gainer is one of the best mass gainers on the market with a whopping 1,280 calories per serving and 52 grams of protein. This means you don’t have to shove your face with large meals all the time to put on the mass you’ve been looking for.
As a registered dietitian, what I also like about this product is that it contains a little bit of creatine monohydrate, which can help fuel more energy to your muscle cells during high-intensity exercise like the best HIIT workouts. (13) Creatine may also even help you get some extra reps in and support muscle mass and strength gains. (14) It contains a vitamin blend, which is helpful if you are planning to replace your meals with this mass gainer. Overall, I’d give this formula a 4 out of 5 for its purpose of gaining mass.
However, where this product lost marks was in its high saturated fat and cholesterol content, as well as fillers and artificial ingredients. To some extent, fillers are necessary for mass gainers to work so many calories into the formula. But, 3 grams of saturated fat and 130 milligrams of cholesterol might put some strain on your heart health over the long term. According to the American Heart Association, consuming too much saturated fat can increase your levels of “bad” cholesterol and thus, your risk for heart disease. (15)
While our product tester only tried this mass gainer for four days, he gave it a 4.7 out of 5 for lack of side effects and his overall experience. “I like this product because it tastes good and I’ve had no digestive issues while taking it. It’s about on par with the Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass Weight Gainer,” our tester states. As a registered dietician, I recommend you try Dymatize Super Mass Gainer for a couple of weeks, though, to evaluate the effectiveness since achieving calorie surplus and weight gain takes some time.
Benefits of Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs
Supplementing with protein powders offers many advantages, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs. They can help address digestive concerns and support overall health and fitness goals. Some of the benefits of taking protein powders for sensitive stomachs include minimizing digestive symptoms, promoting muscle growth and recovery, and helping individuals meet their daily protein requirements.
Minimizes digestive symptoms: Choosing protein powders that are designed for sensitive stomachs may help to reduce digestive issues such as gassiness, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Whey protein isolate is virtually lactose-free given the filtration process it goes through, while casein is easy on the stomach since it’s digested more slowly. (4)(12)
Promotes muscle growth and recovery: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, so selecting a high-quality protein powder can help support faster recovery and muscle gains. (16)
Helps you meet your protein needs: Whether you are fairly sedentary or have elevated protein needs, finding the right protein powder can help you meet your protein needs. According to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, a sedentary individual should get at least 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, which is at least about 20 grams of protein per meal or snack depending on how many times you eat in a day. (3)
How Much Do Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs Cost?
While prices for protein powders for sensitive stomachs can vary depending on your dietary needs and personal preferences, the picks on our list range from $0.88 to $5.00 per serving.
The cheapest pick on our list starts from $0.88, but if you are following a specialty diet like a vegan diet or have specific fitness goals like weight gain, you may want to opt for a more premium option that will best fit your needs.
Best Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs Overall
Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate
$2.00 per serving
Best Low-Carb Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Jacked Factory Authentic ISO
$1.33 per serving
Best Vegan Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
KOS Organic Plant Protein
$1.78 to $2.14 per serving
Best Protein Powder for Athletes with Sensitive Stomachs
Onnit Grass-Fed Whey Protein
$1.50 to $2.00 per serving
Best Natural Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Legion Whey+
$1.66 per serving
Best Whey Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Bulk Supplements Whey Protein Isolate
$1.21 per serving
Best Casein Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Naked Micellar Casein
$1.32 per serving
Best Budget Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
$0.88 to $1.28 per serving
Best Tasting Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
MyProtein Impact Whey Isolate
$1.20 per serving
Best High-Calorie Protein Powder for Sensitive Stomachs
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
$4.75 to $5.00 per serving
What to Consider Before Buying Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs
Don’t see a pick on our list that meets your needs? We’ve got you covered, whether you’re shopping on Amazon or in the protein aisle of the store. When selecting a protein supplement, it is important to ensure it meets your dietary needs and supports your digestive health.
Source of Protein
Different types of protein vary in digestibility. There are many types of proteins out there, from brown rice protein and collagen protein to whey protein and pea protein. Typically, dairy-free and lactose-free options like casein, whey protein isolate, and egg white protein powders offer the best digestive benefits and are good choices to consider for sensitive stomachs.
Nick testing Transparent Labs Whey Isolate Powder.
Whey protein isolate is helpful for digestion since lactose is removed in the process, while casein is a slower-digesting protein that’s helpful to take before bedtime. (4)(12)
Amount of Protein
Check the product to make sure it contains enough protein. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight for a sedentary adult. (3) However, if you have higher activity levels as an athlete or if you’re wondering how to gain weight, you may need as high as 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (10) As a Registered Dietitian, I typically recommend trying to choose a protein powder that contains at least 20 grams of protein.
Ingredient List
Look for a short and simple ingredient list, with ingredients that you can pronounce and recognize. Rather than artificial sweeteners that can cause digestive problems in some, try to choose a product that contains natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Also, try to avoid products that contain low-grade filler ingredients, since fillers don’t contribute any nutritional value.
Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Fiber
Digestive enzymes, probiotics, and dietary fiber are nice to have rather than mandatory, but they can be helpful for sensitive stomachs. Digestive enzymes may help support digestion in individuals with sensitive stomachs, while probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. (8)(11)
Our tester scooping KOS Vegan Protein Powder
Moreover, getting enough dietary fiber – especially soluble fiber – can help slow down gastric emptying and support feelings of satiety. (17) While there are no specific daily recommendations for digestive enzymes or probiotics, the USDA recommends 31 to 34 grams of fiber per day for men and 22 to 28 grams of fiber per day for women. (3)
FAQs: Protein Powders for Sensitive Stomachs
What is the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs?
While what is considered the best protein powder for sensitive stomachs is highly subjective depending on your needs, we think Transparent Labs Whey Protein Isolate is an excellent choice. Since this product’s protein source is whey protein isolate, its processing and filtration process reduces fat, carbs, and lactose content, making it well-suited for individuals with lactose intolerance, IBS, and other digestive conditions.
How much do protein powders for sensitive stomachs cost?
Protein powders for sensitive stomachs on our list range from $0.88 to $5.00 per serving. Our lowest-priced pick is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, which costs $0.88 per serving. Those with special dietary needs or specific fitness goals, though, may prefer a more premium product to best meet their requirements.
What are the best protein powders for IBS?
Protein powders for sensitive stomachs on our list range from $0.88 to $5.00 per serving. Our lowest-priced pick is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, which costs $0.88 per serving. Those with special dietary needs or specific fitness goals, though, may prefer a more premium product to best meet their requirements.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.
Mäkinen K. K. (2016). Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. International Journal of Dentistry, 2016, 5967907.
Quinten, T., Philippart, J. M., De Beer, T., Vervarcke, S., & Van Den Driessche, M. (2014). Can the supplementation of a digestive enzyme complex offer a solution for common digestive problems?. Archives of Public Health, 72(Suppl 1), P7.
Pasiakos, S. M., McLellan, T. M., & Lieberman, H. R. (2015). The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review. Sports Medicine, 45(1), 111–131.
Nunes, E. A., Colenso-Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick-Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo-Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 13(2), 795–810.
Scarpellini, E., Basilico, M., Rinninella, E., Carbone, F., Schol, J., Rasetti, C., Abenavoli, L., & Santori, P. (2021). Probiotics and gut health. Minerva Gastroenterology, 67(4), 314–325.
Kim J. (2020). Pre-sleep casein protein ingestion: new paradigm in post-exercise recovery nutrition. Physical Activity and Nutrition, 24(2), 6–10.
Wax, B., Kerksick, C. M., Jagim, A. R., Mayo, J. J., Lyons, B. C., & Kreider, R. B. (2021). Creatine for Exercise and Sports Performance, with Recovery Considerations for Healthy Populations. Nutrients, 13(6), 1915.
Nissen, S. L., & Sharp, R. L. (2003). Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Physiology, 94(2), 651–659
Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7, 51.
Salleh, S. N., Fairus, A. A. H., Zahary, M. N., Bhaskar Raj, N., & Mhd Jalil, A. M. (2019). Unraveling the Effects of Soluble Dietary Fibre Supplementation on Energy Intake and Perceived Satiety in Healthy Adults: Evidence from Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised-Controlled Trials. Foods, 8(1), 15.
“Drink more water” is among the most common weight loss advice — but a new study indicates it might not be that big of a deal.
Last updated on June 14th, 2024
Want to lose fat? Drink more water. That’s what you’ll hear from just about every personal trainer, diet pamphlet, or online guru. But a new study analyzing the effects of increased water intake on obesity is casting doubt on the whole idea.
Credit: Yuri A. / Shutterstock
If you’re trying to change your body composition or lose fat, you need as many factors working in your favor as possible. We’re going to unpack this study, assess its merit, and give you our practical interpretation so you can know just how much water is enough to assist your weight loss efforts.
About the Expert
This article was written by Jake Dickson, BarBend‘s Senior Writer. Dickson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science as well as personal training accreditation from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
What the Study Says
The paper in question is a Mar. 2024 systematic review and meta analysis published in the journal Nutrients.
Titled “Water Intake and Adiposity Outcomes among Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials” (1), authors Chen et al. set about analyzing the effects of water consumption in studies of overweight or obese patients trying to lose weight.
Methods: The scientists collected existing papers that met their inclusion criteria of increasing water intake or substituting caloric beverages for waterto aid weight loss efforts.
The authors amassed eight individual studies tallying a total of 1,034 participants, all of which passed their inclusion criteria of being either overweight or obese. Here’s what they determined after looking at the evidence:
Between all studies that either increased subjects’ water intake or substituted caloric beverages like soda for water, cumulative average weight loss landed around .72 pounds.
In studies which specifically swapped sugar-laden drinks for water, subjects lost roughly 1.78 pounds on average.
In studies which specifically swapped “artificially sweetened” beverages for water, subjects lost about four pounds on average.
Put Simply: Drinking water instead of other beverages created positive trends in weight loss, but the differences aren’t as substantial as you might think.
From the Authors: “water intake may not significantly impact [body fat levels] among overweight and obese individuals. However, replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water might offer a modest benefit in inducing weight loss.”
Limitations
Systematic reviews and meta analyses are generally considered to be top-shelf forms of scientific evidence, but that doesn’t mean this paper shuts down the case for water intake as it relates to weight loss.
While Chen & colleagues did examine a total of 1,034 participants, they did only collect eight studies in total — a relatively small amount given the broad applicability of this research. Moreover, this study did not directly conduct any long-term experiments on drinking water instead of soda or another calorie-dense beverage. It examined existing data and inferred conclusions.
Should You Drink Water for Weight Loss?
Yes. But not because water has any directly-applicable properties that createfat loss. Fat loss is simple thermodynamics — internally, you need to expend more energy than you burn, and sustain that “energy deficit” over time.
Here’s where the study stands on the firmest ground:
Water intake by itself didn’t significantly influence body fat levels, but drinking water instead of sweetened or sugary beverages did. In real-world terms, this makes perfect sense. If you opt out of an eight-ounce glass of soda, you’ll reduce your caloric intake by about 120 calories.
This information is only actionable if you’ve got a sense how many calories you should eat per day; the amount of energy you require to maintain your weight at your current physical activity levels. Try out BarBend‘s calorie calculator to see where you’re at:
If you’re struggling to maintain your weight or are gaining weight, you are in a calorie surplus, and shaving some of that excess energy off your “budget” by drinking water instead will likely create meaningful change.
More Science on BarBend
FAQs
Does water help with weight loss?
According to this 2024 meta analysis, water has a very modest effect on weight loss in overweight or obese individuals. However, substituting calorie-dense beverages like soda or alcohol for water is a practical way to enter a calorie deficit, provided you’re making sensible meal choices in the kitchen as well.
How much water should you drink to lose weight?
Your water intake regulates many bodily processes and influences performance; one study showed a five-percent decrease in both strength and endurance among athletes who didn’t hydrate properly. (2)
To ensure you’re hydrating properly, the Mayo Clinic recommends men consume 3.7 liters, and women 2.7 liters, of water per day.
Does coffee dehydrate you?
You may have heard that coffee can have a dehydrating effect — but studies indicate that the hydrating properties of coffee and water are quite comparable. (3)
References
Chen, Q. Y., Khil, J., & Keum, N. (2024). Water Intake and Adiposity Outcomes among Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 16(7), 963.
Savoie, F. A., Kenefick, R. W., Ely, B. R., Cheuvront, S. N., & Goulet, E. D. (2015). Effect of Hypohydration on Muscle Endurance, Strength, Anaerobic Power and Capacity and Vertical Jumping Ability: A Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 45(8), 1207–1227.
Maughan, R. J., Watson, P., Cordery, P. A., Walsh, N. P., Oliver, S. J., Dolci, A., Rodriguez-Sanchez, N., & Galloway, S. D. (2016). A randomized trial to assess the potential of different beverages to affect hydration status: development of a beverage hydration index. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 103(3), 717–723.
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Whether you’re on the hunt for new pants, a bottle of ketchup, or one of the best treadmills for your home, Walmart has the goods. In addition to groceries and home goods, this megastore has become a reliable source for finding high-quality fitness equipment. The retailer offers free shipping on a number of products and its website is brimming with helpful customer reviews, making it a solid resource for those in search of their next cardio machine.
How do we know? Because that’s what we did. After years of using these treadmills ourselves, we scoured the site to see which of our top picks were ready to ship. No matter if you’re looking for a no-nonsense machine to boost your step count or your latest marathon is around the corner, check out what our team of certified fitness pros had to say about the best Walmart treadmills.
The 6 Best Walmart Treadmills of 2024
About Our Expert
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level 1 instructor. She reviewed the research we cite to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations.
Best Treadmills Video Review
In our video below, Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, dives deep on some of the best treadmills we have tested, including our pick for the best Walmart treadmill, the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Check out what he had to say about the 1750, along with other models that have earned high marks from our team.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Walmart Treadmills
After pounding the tread on over 30 treadmills, the BarBend team of marathon runners, certified personal trainers, and CrossFit coaches knows what separates the studs from the duds. We used a multi-point system to score each machine on a scale of 1 (yikes) to 5 (yippee) across 13 categories, including durability, tech capabilities, value, and more.
A BarBend tester on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
For more information on how we test products, check out BarBend’s equipment testing methodology and scroll on to take a look at how we built out our list of the best Walmart treadmills.
Price: In order to accommodate a wide range of features, specs, and budgets, we chose treadmills with current prices that range from $349 to $2,499. On models that push the upper limit of that range, you’ll find immersive touchscreens and less-common capabilities like decline. Treadmills closer to the low end prioritize smaller footprints and more narrow speed and incline ranges.
Tech Capabilities: Because the onboard technology closely tracks the price range, we made sure to include some no-frills models, as well as the kinds of tech-laden treadmills that Capritto says can spice up your training. “If you are someone who wants to run/walk indoors but finds the treadmill hopelessly boring, opting for one with a TV screen might be your golden ticket to a good time!”
Incline Range: “If you plan to use your treadmill to train for outdoor events such as a marathon or a hike, incline is essential,” says Capritto.On our list, we included budget-friendly models with limited inclines — around 3 to 9 percent — and pricier models with ranges from -3 to 12 percent.
Durability: Buying a new treadmill is a big investment, so we only recommended models that have the steel frames and quality builds that we think can stand up to your preferred mode of training.
Footprint and Portability: For those short on space, we included a few of the best portable treadmills we’ve tested. All the models on our list range from 103 to 340 pounds, but, as Capritto notes, sometimes a higher overall weight can bring more stability. “The best treadmills tend to weigh 250 pounds or more, because they’re designed to withstand sprinting speeds without wobbling or shaking.”
Best Walmart Treadmill Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose.
Specs
Price: $1,999
Incline Range: -3%-12%
Max Speed: 12mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Product Dimensions: 65” H x 80” L x 38” W
Product Weight: 340lbs
Display: 14” touchscreen
Pros
The 14-inch touchscreen is integrated with iFIT
Its 3-percent decline can help simulate outdoor running
Google Maps integration allows you to train on real-world routes
Roomy and cushioned 60-inch belt deck
Cons
iFIT programming costs an additional $39.99 per month
Large footprint and difficult to move
Touchscreen only streams iFIT
Why is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 the best treadmill at Walmart? Because its specs and features read like a Christmas list for serious, tech-savvy runners. Plus, our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto says that its sub-$2,000 price tag only solidifies its place among the best home gym equipment. “The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is a tried-and-true treadmill,” she says. “I truly do think this is one of the best buys for the money.”
Our tester on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
With so many boxes checked on her list of must-haves for a quality treadmill, Capritto thinks the 1750 can power some serious training. “It has a 3.5-CHP motor that powers speeds up to 12 miles per hour, allowing the most serious runners to sprint to their heart’s desire,” she says. Our team gave the 1750 a 5 out of 5 for seven of the 12 categories we rated, including adjustability and ergonomics.
A BarBend tester raising the incline on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
Not only can the belt deck on this durable machine dip down to -3 percent decline, the incline and speed ranges can both adjust automatically thanks to iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature. With an iFIT subscription — $39.99 per month after your initial 30-day free trial — you’ll have over 17,000 scenic runs and studio classes at your fingertips via the crystal-clear 14-inch HD touchscreen.
iFIT’s programming consistently earn 5 out of 5 ratings from our team. Certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, also noted how the decline on the 1750 maximizes iFIT’s capability. “I did a scenic run on iFIT called Hawaiian Endurance Series, and when my treadmill automatically adjusted into a decline it felt really cool — it was like I was actually in Hawaii, running down the hill I saw on screen,” Meier said.
The 14-inch touchscreen on the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
However, as Capritto points out, this supercharged treadmill is not a space-saving model. “The main drawback for this machine is its footprint,” she says. Our team rated the 1750’s footprint and portability 3.5 out of 5. “It’s large and heavy, so definitely ensure your space can fit it before purchasing it,” Capritto adds.
Best Walmart Treadmill Under $1,000: ProForm Carbon TLX
ProForm Carbon TLX
Adjusts up to a 12% grade so that you can feel like you’re hitting real hills. With an iFIT subscription you can hit trails around the world from the comfort of your own home.
Specs
Price: $949
Incline Range: 0%-12%
Max Speed: 10mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Product Dimensions: 59.1” H x 74.3” L x 35.1” W
Product Weight: 249lbs
Display: 7” LCD
Pros
Its $949 price falls roughly $250 below the average range
Compatible with iFIT
The 60-inch belt deck is the ideal length for running
Cons
Must supply your mobile device to use iFIT
Monthly iFIT subscription costs $39.99
No heart rate sensors on handlebars
Walmart has no shortage of budget-friendly treadmills, but our team thinks the ProForm Carbon TLX is one of the best that we’ve tested. Despite costing around $250 less than the average running treadmill, it still features the 60-inch deck our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto, recommends for running strides.
“For a commercial treadmill experience at home, you’ll want to look for… [a] motor with at least 3.0 CHP, speeds topping out at 12-15 miles per hour, incline range of up to 12 percent, [and a] large running deck measuring 20 inches wide by 60 inches long,” she says. We think the ProForm Carbon TLX is one of best treadmills under $1,000 because it hits the important benchmarks that Capritto looks for in quality running treadmills.
Our tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.
If those marks look familiar, it’s because you saw them in the TLX’s spec list. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scored its value 5 out of 5. “At this price, you’re getting such a great machine,” they said.
While its tech capabilities garnered a 4.25 out of 5 from our tester, they were quick to point out that you’ll need to supply the screen to capitalize on its iFIT integration. “Even though there’s no built-in touchscreen — just an LCD display for metrics. Once I got my phone connected, though, I could still use iFIT’s SmartAdjust feature to automatically adjust speed and incline based on my class,” they said.
Our tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.
Although an iFIT subscription requires an additional $39.99 monthly subscription, BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier thinks its robust library — over 17,000 classes — and the quality of the programming has it nipping at the heels of another popular fitness app. “I’d recommend [iFIT] over basically any other brand’s programming,” she says. “It’s definitely giving Peloton a run for their money.”
Best Folding Walmart Treadmill: Echelon Stride Sport 2
Echelon Stride Sport 2
When folded flat, this treadmill shrinks down to just 6.5 inches high. Its 12-percent incline can diversify your training, plus the Echelon Fit app offers live and on-demand classes.
Specs
Price: $598
Incline Range: 0%-12%
Max Speed: 10mph
Weight Capacity: 300lbs
Product Dimensions: 50” H x 65” L x 28” W
Product Weight: 138.9lbs
Display: LED
Pros
Foldable treadmill shrinks down to just 6.5 inches high
Its 12-percent incline can diversify your training
Echelon Fit app offers live and on-demand classes
Cons
Must connect your own device to access Echelon Fit
Access to virtual workouts starts at $11.99 per month
Some customers reported damage during shipping
Echelon’s AutoFold hydraulic system made the Stride Sport 2 a no-brainer as our pick for the best folding Walmart treadmill. Certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member Kate Meier has been auto-folding her own Echelon treadmill flat for years. “Having the capacity to fold flat will make owning a treadmill easier for a lot of people who are short on space,” she said. “It can be stowed away under a bed or just stashed in a corner against the wall.”
Meier on the similar Echelon Stride.
With so many similarities in design and features, she feels that her ratings and experience on the Stride can easily apply to the nearly-identical Stride Sport 2 — like the 5 out of 5 for footprint and portability. “All it takes is pressing two buttons and the hydraulics gently lower the console down to the deck,” Meier explained. “I usually grab the handle and use the two pairs of transport wheels — horizontal and vertical — to roll it into storage.”
Despite its minimal profile, the Stride Sport 2 has a 12-percent incline, a max speed of 10 miles per hour, and a 60-inch cushioned belt deck. You can adjust these settings with the tap of a button, which unlocks interval or hill training. “I also loved the 12 incline settings, along with quick-adjust buttons in the handrails,” Meier noted, rating her Stride’s similar adjustability and ergonomics 5 out of 5.
The Echelon Stride folded flat.
While the Echelon Fit app is stocked with over 15,000 on-demand workouts, you’ll need to connect your own device via Bluetooth to operate as the screen. Access to this library of classes starts at $11.99, but you’ll need a “Premier” membership for full functionality. Another perk (or shrewd ploy…) is the five-year warranty you’ll get with an active membership. That’s much better than the measly one year of coverage that comes with your purchase.
Best Walmart Treadmill for Small Spaces: SuperFit 4.75 HP 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
SuperFit 4.75HP 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill
SuperFit 4.75HP 2 In 1 Folding Treadmill
This compact, budget-friendly treadmill takes up just 12.49 square feet of floor space, plus its handrail can fold down to operate as an under-desk treadmill.
Specs
Price: $399
Incline Range: N/A
Max Speed: 10.5mph
Weight Capacity: 265lbs
Product Dimensions: 47” H x 58” L x 31” W (unfolded); 6.5” H x 61” L x 31” W (folded)
Product Weight: 106lbs
Display: LED
Pros
Takes up 12.49 square feet of floor space — roughly the same as a recliner (1)
Handlebars can fold down to operate as an under-desk treadmill
Its $349 price tag is well below average
Cons
Smaller-than-average belt deck may be too short for running
Only comes with 90-day return policy — no warranty
Not recommended for use on carpet, as the motor can overheat
The unique design of the SuperFit 4.75 HP 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill allows it to be used as both a jogging treadmill or a walking pad. Raise the handrail up and you can reach up to 10.5 miles per hour — about a 6-minute-mile pace. Fold it down flat and you can get up to 3 miles per hour while using the remote control to adjust your speed.
Our tester on the similar SuperFit 2.25 HP Treadmill.
Several of our testers (including yours truly) have stepped aboard the 2.25 HP SuperFit model, and while they are identical in a few areas, there are some key differences. For instance, despite measuring about 2 square feet larger than the 2.25 HP model, its 12.49 square-feet footprint only takes up about half the floor space as most treadmills we’ve tested. (recliner)
The 4.75 HP motor on this SuperFit treadmill powers speeds up to 10.5 miles per hour, but as Capritto notes, the 49-inch running belt may prohibit any intense running workouts. “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length,” she says.
One area we feel our ratings on the 2.25 HP option apply is IN their identical adjustability and ergonomics — or lack thereof. “There’s no incline function, so that really limits the training you can do,” one of our testers noted, rating its adjustability 3.5 out of 5. “The belt is ‘layered,’ but the deck isn’t cushioned, so there’s not much shock absorption.”
Our tester adjusting the handrail on the similar SuperFit 2.25 HP Treadmill.
What the SuperFit 4.75 HP and its less-powerful 2.25 HP sibling lack in adjustability, they make up for in value. “For the price, this machine is great for home use and helps work in some moderate cardio to your day,” they said of the 2.25 HP model when rating its value 4.25 of out 5. “It’s been great in my home office and is easily one of the best under-desk treadmills I’ve used.”
Best Budget Walmart Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400
This budget-friendly treadmill can reach up to 10.5 miles per hour and even 4.37-percent incline. Its nine preset workout programs can also provide some structure to your workouts.
Specs
Price: $349
Incline Range: 0%, 2%, 4.37%
Max Speed: 10.5mph
Weight Capacity: 220lbs
Product Dimensions: 50″ H x 62″ L x 25.5″ W
Product Weight: 103lbs
Display: LCD
Pros
At $349, it’s one of our favorite treadmills under $500
Nine preset programs provide structured training
Foldable deck reduces footprint by about 42 percent.
Cons
Incline must be adjusted manually
Its 49-inch running deck may be too short for running strides
The 220-pound weight capacity is 80 pounds less than the industry standard
At just $349, the Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the best treadmills under $500 we’ve tested. With a 4.3-percent manual incline, 2.2 peak horsepower motor, and nine preset programs on the LCD screen, this well-rounded treadmill can help you break a sweat without breaking the bank.
Our tester on the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400.
In fact, our tester, a certified personal trainer, rated their workout experience a 4 out of 5. “I don’t think it’s good for marathon training or anything, but for just staying active and burning a few calories, it brings a lot to the table,” they said. “That said, I’d much sooner call this a walking treadmill than a running treadmill.”
Why is that? Its 49-inch deck falls well short of the 60-inch length BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends for running. “Walkers and joggers can get away with shorter decks, unless they are really tall individuals.” After using it regularly for several months, our tester concurred. “The deck length just isn’t meant for advanced runners,” they said.
Our tester adjusting the manual incline on the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400.
What really stood out to our tester, though, was its footprint and portability, which they scored a 5 out of 5. When you fold the deck upright, its 62-inch length shrinks to 36 inches, making it ideal for those tight on space. “The hydraulic soft-drop folding was actually very helpful,” our tester highlighted. “Just give it a tap and it basically lowers itself.”
After trying it out herself, our Capritto noted that anyone scouring Walmart for their first treadmill may have found their match. “It’s one of the least expensive models I’ve ever tried, and I recommend it as a starter treadmill or for people who only plan to use their treadmill occasionally,” she says.
Best Smart Walmart Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
The NordicTrack 2450 is one of the most high-tech treadmills on the market. It features a 22-inch touchscreen display that can tilt to your comfort level, and rotate 360 degrees. Your purchase includes a free month of iFIT, and all of your trainer-led classes offer automatic adjustments to the incline, decline, and speed settings.
iFIT integration enables automatic speed and incline adjustments
Decline capabilities help mimic outdoor terrain
Cons
At $2,499, it’s nearly $1,000 more than the average treadmill
After 30-day free trial, iFIT costs $39.99 per month
Difficult to move
Between its iFIT integration, automatic speed and incline adjustments, Google Maps-powered routes, Bluetooth speakers — oh yeah, and the 22-inch HD touchscreen — calling the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 “smart” is quite the understatement. Tech capabilities, dynamic programming, customizations, and adjustability all earned ratings of 5 out of 5 from multiple testers on our team.
Jake Herod, NASM-CNC, also noted the high-tech experience the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 can provide when he took it for a spin in the BarBend gym. Check out the highlights (and lowlights) in his review below.
With such a huge display, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is easily one of the best treadmills with screens. “Streaming iFIT classes on that huge touchscreen is truly immersive,” said one tester, a CrossFit Level-1 trainer. “I loved the running classes and I was even able to tilt and pivot the screen to take strength and yoga classes off to the side.” With over 17,000 on-demand workouts at the ready, it’s no surprise that iFIT’s programming consistently earns scores of 5 out of 5 from our team.
Our tester on the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
While you can easily tap the quick-select buttons to adjust your speed and incline, iFIT’s SmartAdjust takes hands-free training to another level. During select classes, the speed and incline of your machine can automatically change to match the terrain of your scenic workout or respond to your trainer’s instruction in a studio class.
Our tester also noted how its ActivePulse technology can make adjustments based on your target heart rate.
Our tester adjusting the settings on the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
As BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto pointed out, a lot of commercial treadmills can gobble up floor space — the 2450 earned a 3 out of 5 for footprint and portability. However, she said that while some folding treadmills may omit key features in the name of saving space, the 2450 is not one of them.
“Take the NordicTrack Commercial 2450, for instance,” she says. “It has a 3.6 CHP motor, 22-inch touchscreen display, incline and decline, and RunnersFlex deck cushioning, and it still folds up to free up precious floor space.”
Aside from their value, tech capabilities, and diverse training options, BarBend expert reviewer says that at-home treadmills can cut out the middleman: the gym.
Our tester on the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
“Home treadmills offer the opportunity to run and walk in the comfort of your own home,” she says. Check out a few of the benefits of the best Walmart treadmills.
Free Shipping: Walmart will ship each of these treadmills for free. Some also come with options for expert assembly (at an additional charge).
Additional Coverage: Along with the manufacturers’ warranties, Walmart offers additional three- and four-year protection plans that cover the following: mechanical and electrical failures; item failures during normal use or from normal wear and tear; and other common malfunctions.
Convenience: Without having to worry about inclement weather, commute to a gym, or find a babysitter, home treadmills can remove some of the barriers to regular cardio exercise. “This can be particularly beneficial in situations in which walking and running outdoors isn’t safe, such as in bad weather or where there isn’t a pedestrian-friendly infrastructure,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto. “Having a treadmill at home may encourage a person to exercise more frequently, which is almost always a good thing.”
Incline and Decline Training: Anyone planning to train for hikes or even marathons can benefit from the variety that the best incline treadmills can unlock. As Capritto notes, Walmart offers running machines with limited and expansive ranges. “Budget-friendly models typically have incline ranges of 3 to 9 percent, while more cash can get you from 9 to 15 percent.”
Onboard Technology: Firing up virtual workouts or entertainment on a built-in touchscreen or compatible mobile device could be the at-home fitness boost you’ve been looking for. “Having the opportunity to watch a movie or TV show while exercising can be the ticket to motivation for many people,” says Capritto. Walmart also offers exercise machines with Bluetooth audio and LED displays that can display basic stats.
How Much Do Walmart Treadmills Cost?
From decline capability and huge touchscreens to foldability and slim profiles, treadmills at Walmart cover a wide range of features. The $349 to $2,499 price range reflects that diversity of options. Take a look at how much the best Walmart treadmills might set you back.
Best Walmart Treadmill Overall
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
$1,999
Best Walmart Treadmill Under $1,000
ProForm Carbon TLX
$949
Best Folding Walmart Treadmill
Echelon Stride Sport 2
$598
Best Walmart Treadmill for Small Spaces
SuperFit 4.75HP 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill
$399
Best Budget Walmart Treadmill
Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
$349
Best Smart Walmart Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
$2,499
What to Consider Before Buying a Walmart Treadmill
Before snagging a new machine from Walmart, our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto recommends establishing the kind of treadmill workouts you want to tackle, then familiarizing yourself with what’s out there. “Any treadmill can suffice for walking and maybe light jogging, but not every treadmill will perform for running, sprinting, and hill training.”
The console of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
“Treadmills come in motorized and manual options; with and without touchscreen displays; large and compact models; tech-infused and basic designs,” she adds. “Finding a treadmill that’s just right for your needs–your Goldilocks–will require some research and knowledge of treadmill specifications.”
Intended Training
Whether you plan to add a few steps to your daily count or are training for your latest marathon (why don’t ya brag about it…), make sure the features and specs on your treadmill matches your fitness goals. If you plan on doing more than walking, Capritto recommends double-checking the measurements of the belt deck.
Our tester on the ProForm Carbon TLX.
“A comfortable running deck for walking is 16 to 20 inches wide by 50 to 55 inches long,” she says. “For running, and especially sprinting, you’ll want a deck of 20 inches wide by 60 inches long.”
Programming
If you experience any trouble with motivation or how to structure your own home workout, most treadmills at least offer a handful of preset workouts to provide some structure. Capritto also notes that integrated programming from the best fitness apps may be a good option.
The 22-inch touchscreen on the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
“Many treadmills come with large screens to stream fitness classes, such as Peloton and iFIT,” she points out. “These smart treadmills are more expensive, but the immersive component can keep you motivated to exercise. I wouldn’t call it a necessity, but it’s definitely a fun perk.”
Available Space
While some compact treadmills are designed to be space savers, many treadmills can gobble up large amounts of floor space — think anywhere from recliner to two-seater sofa. (2) Capritto says that it’s worth it to dig out your tape measure and plan out where your new treadmill will live. “Check the overall length, width, and height of the machine in its assembled position and folded position if applicable,” she says. “And triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit!”
Portability
Don’t let the thumbnail images on Walmart’s website fool you — treadmills are bulky pieces of machinery. Consider how often you’ll need to relocate your machine because, as Capritto highlights, it can be tough to do on your own. “If you need a treadmill that you can move on your own, you’ll likely need something that weighs less than 200 pounds and has mounted transport wheels,” she says.
Our tester folding the deck of the NordicTrack Commercial 2450.
While more budget-friendly models may be lightweight and easy to move, many of the best high-end treadmills can push 250 pounds or more. All of the treadmills on our list either fold upright or completely flat, reducing their footprints by roughly half. Consider whether a foldable electric treadmill might help you maximize your space.
Walmart Treadmills FAQs
What is the best Walmart treadmill?
Our top pick for the best Walmart treadmill was a bit of a no-brainer: the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. With a -3-percent decline and 22-inch HD touchscreen, it’s designed to get the most out of its onboard fitness app, iFIT. Between the auto-incline feature and Google Maps integration, this well-rounded treadmill is one of the best out there.
Which treadmills are the most reliable?
In our years of running, jogging, and walking on over 30 treadmills, we’ve found that treadmills from brands like NordicTrack and ProForm are durable and provide a variety of training options. Other budget-friendly options from companies like Sunny Health & Fitness may lack the technology of higher-priced machines, but have also proved to be reliable treadmills.
How do I choose a treadmill for my weight?
Most treadmills feature weight capacities around 300 pounds, so your first step is to find that specification. Smaller or more budget-friendly options may not quite reach that threshold, but higher-end models can even exceed it. Make sure to look for a machine that supports your body type and desired training.
What size treadmill is best for running?
As our expert reviewer Amanda Capritto explains, the best treadmills for running feature a belt deck at least 60 inches long. “Shorter individuals may be able to get away with a shorter deck; taller individuals may need to look for a deck even longer than 60 inches, although this can be tough to find and will cost you more money,” she explains. “As for width, 20 to 22 inches is ideal in order to accommodate arm motion while running and potential side-to-side movement that can occur when sprinting.”
References
Minasian, K. (2018b, September 7). How to measure your space for a recliner. Living Spaces. https://www.livingspaces.com/inspiration/ideas-advice/shopping-basics/how-to-measure-your-space-for-a-recliner
Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
Got 90 days? Mitchell Hooper has a plan to help you add up to 100 pounds to your deadlift.
Last updated on June 13th, 2024
If you’ve got a three-digit deadlift, you might think that the exercise is as simple as picking the weight up. And it is — unless you pull 1,000+ pounds like 2023 World’s Strongest Man winner Mitchell Hooper.
Hooper is known for his world-class pulling prowess, a skill he’s carved and cultivated by competing against some of the best strongmen on the planet. On Jun. 11, 2024, Hooper made his fans on YouTube an offer they couldn’t refuse; follow his advice and you’ll put 100 pounds on your deadlift 1-rep max in three months’ time.
“Strength sport athletes don’t spend a lot of time doing high-volume work,” Hooper said. While the deadlift may not be as volume-intensive as squatting or as responsive to frequency as the bench press, Hooper still emphasizes the importance of building work capacity early on.
For 4-5 weeks, perform high-volume deadlifting (Hooper recommends 4 or 5 sets of 8) to build up work capacity and refine your technique while fatigued.
“Progressive overload is non-negotiable,” Hooper noted. “But how you progress is just as important.” You may consider modestly reducing your rest between sets here to improve endurance.
2. Expose Weaknesses
When it comes to deadlift variations, Hooper isn’t necessarily a fan of partial range-of-motion pulls like the rack pull. “The amount of weight you need to use is going to be so taxing on your nervous system.”
Hooper also recommends deadlift accessory work such as back extensions (if you have trouble maintaining a neutral spine) or even hip thrusts (if you’ve got a weak lockout) depending on where you struggle in your pulls.
3. Plan a Taper
Heavy-duty strength training is all about periods of broadness that taper into a narrow, specific focus, such as setting a new 1-rep-max deadlift. “Your peaking cycle’s length will depend on factors like your training age, current strength levels, your genetics, and your ability to recover,” Hooper said. Stronger lifters with more experience need more time to sharpen down to high-intensity training.
Over the course of 6 to 16 weeks, gradually reduce your training volume while increasing intensity to focus on driving adaptations within your central nervous system. Gradually remove variations and accessory training and focus directly on your standard deadlift technique.
Hooper also recommended taking a deload before attempting a 1-rep max to flush out existing fatigue and allow the training you’ve accomplished to “settle in” and take effect.
How To Deadlift
If you’re Mitchell Hooper, the rules of deadlifting are likely etched into the very strands of your DNA. Mere mortals may need a technique primer before aiming at a new 1-rep max.
Note: This tutorial will teach you how to perform the conventional deadlift. Check out our sumo deadlift guide if that’s your preferred method of deadlifting.
Stand with your shins an inch or two away from a loaded barbell with your feet under your hips and your toes pointed mostly forward.
Push your butt back and hinge over, reaching down to the bar until you can grab it just outside your shins with an overhand, mixed, or hook grip.
Use the bar to “pull” yourself into position, flattening your back and pushing your knees forward if needed in order to bring your chest up.
Check your posture; your shoulders should be on top of the bar, your back should be flat, and your feet should be fully in contact with the ground.
Deadlift by pushing straight down into the floor with your legs such that your hips and shoulders rise at the same rate.
After the bar passes your knees, thrust your hips forward and come to a standing position with your arms relaxed and shoulders hung away from your ears.
“Once I started intermittent fasting, something shifted in my head,” Plemons says.
Last updated on June 13th, 2024
Jesse Plemons has a bone to pick with Ozempic. “It’s unfortunate that I decided to get healthy when everyone decided to take it,” Plemons told the Los Angeles Times in a June 13, 2024 interview.
Plemons’ physique transformation and newfound commitment to healthy habits didn’t come in a pill — Ozempic, a diabetes medication, is making waves as the next big thing in fat loss — it came from intermittent fasting.
And, no, he’s not talking about any sort of religious practice. We’re going to dive into what Plemons had to say about intermittent fasting (IF), then explain the ins and outs so you can get started for yourself.
About the Expert
This article was written by BarBend Senior Writer Jake Dickson. Dickson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, personal training accreditation from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and has practiced intermittent fasting personally for over a decade.
Editor’s Note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen and/or diet, consulting with a trusted medical professional is always a good idea. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for consulting a qualified medical professional.
What Is Intermittent Fasting?
Plemons had some choice words for the impact of intermittent fasting on his weight loss: “Several people talked to me about it … I gave it a shot and was surprised by how quickly it was effective,” the Civil War star told the Times.
Intermittent Fasting, or IF, is a type of diet centered around time-restricted feeding. Here’s the rundown:
IF is designed around constricting your food intake to a specific period over the course of a 24-hour day.
Most IF protocols consist of an eight-hour feeding window and a 16-hour fast, which includes the time you spend asleep.
Benefits of IF are purported to include enhanced fat loss (1), regulation of blood sugar and other health markers (2), and increased growth hormone secretion (3), among others.
From the Expert: “A 16/8 fasting split is standard, but there’s flexibility to it,” Dickson says. “You can get away with a seven or nine-hour feeding window if need be, but don’t overcomplicate things.”
Plemons discussed his frustrations with the Ozempic trend and how his recent commitment to healthy habits, including weight loss, may be misconstrued by fans. “What [motivated me] was getting older,” he noted.
Ozempic’s active ingredient semaglutide has been shown in scientific studies to create, “substantial, sustained weight loss,” according to a 2022 paper. (4)
How To Start Intermittent Fasting
Like most specialty diets, IF talks a big game and has some scientific basis backing it up as well. If you want to try intermittent fasting for yourself, you’re in luck — it’s extremely simple. There’s really only one step:
Determine your feeding window: Most people will break their fast around lunchtime or early afternoon and feed until the evening. You can try eating between the hours of noon and 8:00 p.m.
That’s all there is to it. However, consider the impact that time-restricted eating can have on your lifestyle and workouts:
Expect to eat fewer, larger meals during your feeding window. If you have a scant appetite, this is where calorie-dense options high in carbs and healthy fats come in clutch.
If you typically eat breakfast right when you wake, you can begin your feeding window in the morning and eat until early afternoon. Otherwise, consider drinking plenty of water or coffee, which has been shown to have appetite-suppressing effects. (5)
From the Expert: “It took me a few weeks to adjust to not eating breakfast right when I wake up,” Dickson notes. “Now, I hardly ever get hungry in the mornings. You just need to push through until your body adjusts.”
You can do your workouts in a fasted state if you wish. Studies show doing cardio workouts fasted isn’t harmful (6), and the same goes for strength training (7) — but it would be wise to consume some protein within an hour or two after hitting the weights to ensure you don’t lose muscle.
Fasting and Fitness
Jaw-dropping body transformations are familiar territory for character actors like Plemons who morph themselves into gripping supportive roles on the silver screen. Plemons is set to appear in director Yorgos Lanthimos’ Kinds of Kindness, which hits theaters on Jun. 21, only half a year after his previous offering, Poor Things, vacuumed up awards throughout the spring.
However, the health benefits of weight loss go far beyond landing roles in prestige projects — “modest” fat loss has been shown to improve many cardiovascular health markers, while a strength training routine can delay or halt age-related muscle loss; (8)(9) something you can’t get out of a pill or capsule.
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References
Tinsley, G. M., Forsse, J. S., Butler, N. K., Paoli, A., Bane, A. A., La Bounty, P. M., Morgan, G. B., & Grandjean, P. W. (2017). Time-restricted feeding in young men performing resistance training: A randomized controlled trial. European journal of sport science, 17(2), 200–207.
Halberg, N., Henriksen, M., Söderhamn, N., Stallknecht, B., Ploug, T., Schjerling, P., & Dela, F. (2005). Effect of intermittent fasting and refeeding on insulin action in healthy men. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 99(6), 2128–2136.
Ho KY, Veldhuis JD, Johnson ML, Furlanetto R, Evans WS, Alberti KG, Thorner MO. Fasting enhances growth hormone secretion and amplifies the complex rhythms of growth hormone secretion in man. J Clin Invest. 1988 Apr;81(4):968-75. doi: 10.1172/JCI113450. PMID: 3127426; PMCID: PMC329619.
Garvey, W.T., Batterham, R.L., Bhatta, M. et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med28, 2083–2091 (2022).
Correa M, SanMiguel N, López-Cruz L, Carratalá-Ros C, Olivares-García R, Salamone JD. Caffeine Modulates Food Intake Depending on the Context That Gives Access to Food: Comparison With Dopamine Depletion. Front Psychiatry. 2018 Sep 6;9:411. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00411. PMID: 30237771; PMCID: PMC6135917.
Schoenfeld BJ, Aragon AA, Wilborn CD, Krieger JW, Sonmez GT. Body composition changes associated with fasted versus non-fasted aerobic exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2014 Nov 18;11(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s12970-014-0054-7. PMID: 25429252; PMCID: PMC4242477.
Keenan S, Cooke MB, Belski R. The Effects of Intermittent Fasting Combined with Resistance Training on Lean Body Mass: A Systematic Review of Human Studies. Nutrients. 2020 Aug 6;12(8):2349. doi: 10.3390/nu12082349. PMID: 32781538; PMCID: PMC7468742.
Wing RR, Lang W, Wadden TA, Safford M, Knowler WC, Bertoni AG, Hill JO, Brancati FL, Peters A, Wagenknecht L; Look AHEAD Research Group. Benefits of modest weight loss in improving cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2011 Jul;34(7):1481-6. doi: 10.2337/dc10-2415. Epub 2011 May 18. PMID: 21593294; PMCID: PMC3120182.
Law TD, Clark LA, Clark BC. Resistance Exercise to Prevent and Manage Sarcopenia and Dynapenia. Annu Rev Gerontol Geriatr. 2016;36(1):205-228. doi: 10.1891/0198-8794.36.205. PMID: 27134329; PMCID: PMC4849483.
