The BEST and WORST Adjustable Weight Benches

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Welcome to the Home Gym Club! Long before the incline bench press became a possibility, George Hackenschmidt set the standard in 1899 by performing a 362-pound strict floor press. That record stood for nearly two decades before it was broken.

Thankfully, we’ve elevated from the floor over the last 125 years. But if you want to really test your strength, give this throwback exercise a try on your next #ChestDay.

What’s in today’s newsletter:

  • Coop ranks the best and worst adjustable weight benches.

  • The GGR squad shares its picks for the top inflatable cold plunge tubs.

  • A nutrition coach reviews a vegan-friendly protein shake from Owyn.

  • A battle for fitness tracking supremacy between Oura and RingConn.

Watch Party

The Best (and Worst) Adjustable Weight Benches

If you had to make a list of home gym essentials, a high-quality adjustable weight bench would certainly be near the top. Whether it’s incline flys, single-arm rows, or even step-ups, this vessel can serve as the foundation for your strength training endeavors.

However, since the market is flooded with both good and bad benches, figuring out exactly which one to buy can be overwhelming.

Luckily, nobody understands the bench game better than Coop. The equipment guru went all-in on identifying the best and worst adjustable weight benches in his latest video for the official GGR YouTube channel.

Which models earned a top-tier rating from our founder? And which ones forced Coop to hand out some abysmal grades? Check out his comprehensive list to avoid spending good money on a bad bench.

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Around the Horn

Best Inflatable Cold Plunge Tubs

Looking to reap one of the many rewards of ice baths but don’t want to spend top dollar on a stainless steel or acrylic cold plunge tub?

You’re in the right place.

GGR’s team of expert product testers hand-selected and tested the best inflatable cold plunge tubs, giving you several high-quality options to experience cold exposure benefits in a lightweight, portable package.

From best for small spaces to best for outdoors, you can find the ideal fit for your budget and recovery needs. No matter which inflatable model you choose, you can look forward to being able to take a dip, drain, and pack up your plunge without much hassle.

Test Drive

Owyn Protein Shake Review

Protein powder is a convenient way to meet your macros, but sometimes you just want a grab-and-go shake that you don’t have to worry about mixing. Fortunately, there are about a million different options, including the wildly popular Owyn Protein Shakes.

Made with three plant-based protein sources—pea protein, organic pumpkin seed protein, and organic flax oil—they’re 100% vegan, gluten-free, non-dairy, and non-GMO verified. Available in five flavors, they cost about $3 each, putting them in the middle range for an RTD (ready-to-drink) protein shake.

To see if they’re worth the hype, the GGR team tested the shakes over the course of a couple weeks, rating them on factors like taste, texture, side effects, and third-party testing. Functional nutritionist and GGR contributor Lindsay Boyers breaks down everything you need to know in her Owyn Protein Shakes review.

Does the formulation and ingredient quality warrant the cost? Or is Owyn (Only What You Need) overpriced?

This or That

RingConn vs. Oura

Are you looking for the best fitness tracker but want one that’s not so in-your-face?

While on-wrist calls and push notifications can be convenient, they can also be distracting. That’s why the GGR team supports the #RingRoute.

Although you sacrifice a colorful screen and a few other features, it’s still an excellent way to benefit from the latest tech without it being front and center in your life. Plus, some form of accountability is better than none.

If a passive health tracking experience sounds more like you, let Senior Staff Writer and certified personal trainer Lauren Strong show you a pair of fantastic options to take your fitness game to another level. Her RingConn vs. Oura comparison pits these two popular fitness rings side by side so you can decide which one belongs on your finger.

Deal Zone

Oura Ring Discount

The Oura Ring has quickly become one of the best fitness trackers on the market, especially for those who want to track their health metrics without wearing a bulky smartwatch. However, while our testers loved its capabilities, it’s certainly not the cheapest option.

While we don’t have an exclusive discount code for immediate savings, the Oura Ring periodically goes on sale throughout the year. We recommend keeping an eye on the Amazon page, where the prices tend to fluctuate the most.

Here are some other potential ways to save on Oura:

  • The Oura Ring is HSA/FSA-eligible, and certain health insurance policies may offer discounts through their marketplace.

  • Current Oura Ring owners may be able to provide a discount code to friends and family.

  • While the normal subscription cost is $6.99 per month, you can purchase an annual plan by paying $69.99 upfront, bringing the monthly cost down to $5.83. New members also receive the first month for free.

Quick Hits

'Cause You Know I'd Walk a Thousand Miles

  • A long-distance runner shares training tips to help you cover all the miles in a 10K.

  • Level up your recovery routine by learning how to cold plunge from a physical therapist.

  • Channel your inner Rocky by adding the best punching bag to your home gym.