Could This Barbell Be the Star of Your Home Gym?

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Welcome to Home Gym Club! In Greek mythology, Medusa is one of three Gorgon sisters known for having venomous snakes for hair that would turn people into stone. Although her mother’s name was Keto, we doubt the goddess of sea monsters was a trendsetter for the famous high-fat, low-carb diet practiced in modern times.

What’s in today’s newsletter:

• Coop gets his hands on the limited-edition Titan Medusa Barbell.

• Learn how to make budget-friendly DIY ankle weights.

• Our expert product testers review the Hampton Jelly-Bells.

• An RD compares two top synbiotic supplements.

Watch Party

LIMITED-EDITION Titan Medusa Barbell Unboxing

Considered a barbell connoisseur (amongst other titles), Coop couldn’t wait to get his hands on the limited-edition Medusa model from Titan Fitness. Featuring a special green cerakote finish and unique end cap that pays homage to one of the most prominent figures in Greek mythology, this bar boasts an impressive aesthetic that’ll surely stand out in your garage gym.

But as any seasoned lifter knows, an attractive design doesn’t necessarily guarantee a quality performance. In the latest video on the official GGR YouTube channel, Coop examines every aspect of the Medusa to determine if Titan delivered another limited-run winner following last year’s highly successful Moby Dick Bar.

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Trainer’s Corner

An Expert Guide to DIY Ankle Weights

As much as my GGR teammates and I love testing and reviewing the best Olympic barbells or the best squat racks, not everyone has access to top-of-the-line equipment. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, availability, or another reason, that shouldn’t stop you from doing everything possible to make progress toward your strength- and muscle-building goals.

With decades of combined experience working out in home and commercial gyms, we’ve learned an important lesson: Sometimes it’s better to do it yourself.

If you’re looking for an easy DIY project to help take your lower-body workout routine to the next level, you may be surprised at how quickly you can make DIY ankle weights. With the help of GGR’s DIY guru Sam Presley, I put together a comprehensive guide that includes a list of materials and step-by-step instructions so you can produce a pair of homemade ankle weights that won’t slip or cause any chafing.

So, wake up the right side (aka the creative half) of your brain, find a comfortable space, and get ready to flex your DIY muscles!

Test Drive

Hampton Jelly-Bell Weights Review

Urethane-coated dumbbells and weight plates can prevent scapes, scuffs, and overall damage to your home gym flooring. And if you’ve invested in horse stall mats or another high-end flooring option, you want to keep everything in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

However, does Hampton Fitness provide enough value to warrant an eye-popping $74 for a pair of 5-pound dumbbells? GGR Senior Staff Writer Lauren Strong answers that question (and more) in her in-depth Jelly-Bell Weights review.

Featuring first-hand insight from GGR Everything Lead Reviewer Lindsay Scheele, find out whether the juice is worth the squeeze with the Jelly-Bells. Just don’t let the array of color options distract you from the sky-high sticker price.

This or That

Ritual Synbiotic vs. Seed

If you’re searching for the best probiotic to boost your gut health and overall wellness, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Ritual and Seed. But these aren’t your typical probiotics—they’re synbiotics, designed to fuel your digestive system with prebiotics (in both) and postbiotics (in Ritual).

Flipping a coin might settle what’s for dinner (we’ve all been there), but it’s hardly the method for choosing a daily supplement. So, how do you choose between these two top contenders?

GGR called upon a registered dietitian to walk you through the key similarities and differences between Ritual Synbiotic vs. Seed so you can confidently make an informed decision. Save the coin flip for something less important, do your due diligence, and set your gut microbiome up for success.

Deal Zone

Titan Fitness Coupon Code

Titan Fitness has earned a reputation for producing rock-solid cardio and strength training equipment at reasonable prices. However, budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts are always looking for ways to save money—especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday rapidly approaching.

Luckily, the GGR team of certified personal trainers and home gym equipment shopping experts spent hours tracking down the best Titan Fitness discounts. Plus, we have personally used and tested dozens of products from Titan, so we know the entire Titan experience from ordering products to putting them in our home gyms.

While there is no specific Titan coupon code, and there isn’t a Titan military discount, there are a few ways to save on Titan Fitness home gym equipment:

• Flash sales: Log onto Titan’s home page and look for flash sales.

• Shop around the holidays: Titan nearly always offers sales year-round near major holidays.

• Enjoy free shipping: Titan Fitness always (yes, always) offers free shipping!

• Finance big purchases: While it won’t save you money, financing may make larger pieces of equipment a little easier on your budget. Titan offers financing on its website.

• Check out the brand’s sales page for all kinds of discounted items.

Quick Hits

Sweat Out Your Worries

• Feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Learn how exercise and stress go hand-in-hand so you can get some well-deserved relief.

• Looking to level up your recovery routine? Find out whether the benefits outweigh the potential dangers of red light therapy.

• Master the art of barefoot running with expert technique tips from a competitive runner.