Strava has built its reputation on runs, rides, and swims. Strength training, however, has always felt like an afterthought in the app. Strava is trying to close that gap with its new guided strength workouts, and I spent some time with the beginner session to see whether it delivers.
Strava’s new strength coach feature
The update brings guided workouts directly in the app. Instead of just logging that you lifted, you're walked through each exercise with animations, and you track sets and reps live as you go. Tap into any exercise, and you'll find form guidance, tips, and the specific muscles it targets.
When you finish, everything (every exercise, set, and rep) is saved automatically to your activity through the Workout Log. Your muscle map then updates to show where the effort went, which is a neat way to see at a glance whether you've been neglecting certain areas.
The feature is rolling out to subscribers over the next few weeks, and free users get access to a sample workout, so you can try it before deciding whether it's worth paying for.
My experience with Strava's strength workouts
I started with the beginner workout, and I want to be clear about who it's for: true beginners. There's no equipment required, so you don't need dumbbells, bands, or a gym membership. If you've been lifting for years, this isn't going to challenge you—but that's clearly not the point. For this first workout, it's designed to lower the barrier to entry.
Credit: Meredith Dietz
The interface is clean and easy to use. I especially liked the graphics, which make it simple to follow along without having to pause and decipher what a movement is supposed to look like. Everything worked smoothly throughout, with no glitches, lag, or lost progress.
I have only two real notes:
Exercise instructions sometimes cut off. A few of the written descriptions were truncated with no way to see the full text, so I couldn't always read the full guidance on form.
Switching sides isn't always clear. For movements that work one side at a time, it wasn't obvious when I was supposed to switch. A simple cue or prompt would go a long way, especially for beginners who are already juggling a lot of new information.
Exercise instructions sometimes cut off.Credit: Meredith Dietz
What's coming next to Strava's strength workout feature
Strava says more workout series will arrive before the end of the year, which should give the feature more range beyond that first beginner session. The company is also planning additional ways to log strength work:
Screenshot uploads: Snap a screenshot of text-based sets and reps from a training plan or notes app and import it instantly.
Build-your-own workouts: Create custom sessions instead of relying only on Strava's.
More partner integrations: So strength data can flow in automatically from wherever you already train.
These additions are what could turn this from a nice beginner tool into something I'd actually use. The real test will be whether Strava delivers the variety, progression, and range that lifters need to stick with it over time. For now, if you're new to strength work or curious, the free sample workout is an easy way to try it out. I'll be watching to see where Strava takes it from here.
If you've ever been on your feet all day and your calves felt like two sandbags, you know how tough it can be to find relief. I'm a marathon runner, so I know it well. Training blocks mean high mileage, and calves take a beating on every mile. I've tried foam rollers, massage guns, stretching, and my favorite maneuver: lying with my legs up against the wall.
This week's upgrade is the first recovery tool that seems to do all the work for me, and hey—after a long run, I'm not complaining. It's my first foray into compression boots: the Hyperice Normatec Go.
The Normatec Go is a pair of wearable compression sleeves that wrap around your calves and give you a dynamic air compression massage. Hyperice describes it as a fully portable version of its Normatec line, which pro athletes and recovery rooms have used for years.
The sleeves inflate and deflate in a pulsing pattern (as opposed to just squeezing constantly). Hyperice calls this compression "gapless": There are three overlapping zones of 360-degree compression working through the calf. In theory, the wave of pressure helps push fluid and blood through your lower legs, which is why Hyperice says the massage increases circulation and reduces tension and swelling.
Hyperice also points out that the calf is often called the body's "second heart" because it helps push blood back up from your lower legs. That matches my experience: After a long run, calves are where the heaviness and tightness show up first.
Why I recommend these compression boots
The biggest upgrade over traditional compression boots is that you don't need to set up a whole system. You strap on the sleeves, open the app, pick an intensity, and relax. I've worn them at my desk, on the couch, and while answering emails after a long run. I show up to my next run feeling fresher, and for a marathon runner, that's the whole point of recovery.
A few features make the experience better:
Seven compression levels (40 to 200 mmHg), so you can go gentle after an easy run or firm after a long one
The two sleeves always stay in sync for a symmetrical massage
Bluetooth control through the Hyperice app, so you adjust everything from your phone
1.2 pounds total, and TSA friendly, so they can travel with you
Hyperice recommends sessions of about 20 to 30 minutes. You can go up to 60 after a tough workout, or use a shorter 15- to 20-minute session at medium intensity before a run to warm up your legs.
The Normatec Go costs $379. Full-size compression boots that cover your whole leg usually run well over $1,000, so that's a big difference. These only cover the calves, but if calves are where you need relief, you don't have to pay for coverage you won't use. They're also FSA/HSA eligible.
At the same time, the obvious limitation is that these are for calves only. I suppose it's a testament to the product that I've never been more tempted to spring for full-size boots, so that my quads and hamstrings can experience the same treatment.
The battery life also leaves something to be desired. Hyperice claims they last three hours per charge, but in my experience, you're better off charging between every hour or so of use.
If you're training for a race, spending long days on your feet, or just tired of tight, heavy calves, the Normatec Go is the upgrade I'd recommend. I can't imagine my recovery routine without it now.
This week, Suunto launched its newest addition to its Race line of performance watches, the Race 3S. At $599, it’s lightweight with a premium feel, and to me, its most interesting upgrade is the new silicon-carbon battery, which Suunto says offers up to 38 hours of dual-band GPS, up to 45 hours in Endurance mode, 10 days of training use, and up to 12 days in daily mode. While I usually stick to my Garmin Forerunners, I’ve been personally testing the Suunto 3S and loving it on first impression.
Suunto may be one of the lesser-known fitness watch brands, but its offerings, aimed at hikers and outdoorsy people, have long been well regarded. The company sorts its sports watches into families: Run, Race, and Vertical. Three families of watches, all with several generations of models and a lot of overlapping specs, are enough to leave you staring at a product page, wracked with decision fatigue. This week’s launch of the Suunto Race 3S, the newest member of the Race family, is a good enough reason for me to help you sort it out.
The Suunto Run series: Lightweight and run-focused
Best for: Road runners, 5K-to-marathon trainers, and anyone who wants a watch they forget they're wearing, including overnight. It's also a good first step into Suunto's ecosystem.
In her review of the Suunto Run my colleague Beth Skwarecki calls this watch on of her favorite running watches, pointing to features that not only rival, but maybe even outshine Garmin and Coros watches at a similar price point. Both watches in the Run series, the Run and the Run 2, are known for being easy to wear and simple to use, but still with all the core features of a reliable running watch.
The Suunto Race series: Performance training and racing
Best for: Trail runners, triathletes, and runners who want serious training tools and navigation.
The Race S is the compact option, while the Race 2 has since replaced the original Race and has a bigger screen and larger case. It might best suit people with bigger wrists who want a big display and don't mind the weight.
As of today, the Race 3S is the lightweight premium pick. It combines the Race S's compact size with a titanium and sapphire build, a bigger battery, a brighter screen, and double the storage. Suunto says its battery capacity is 46 percent larger than the Race S's, and its display is 233 percent brighter.
When in doubt, the Race series is the middle of the lineup, and it's a natural sweet spot to land on. If you can't decide between the Run and Race options, Beth's got you covered with an in-depth comparison.
The Vertical series: Built for the backcountry
Best for: Ultrarunners, mountaineers, backpackers, and anyone doing multi-day trips where charging isn't an option. It's also a good fit if you want a watch that holds up to rough use.
The Vertical 2 is marketed as an expedition-grade watch. It weighs about 87 grams and measures 49 mm, and it's available in stainless steel or titanium. It's water-resistant to 100 meters. It has a built-in LED flashlight that the lighter Race and Run watches lack, a redesigned heart rate sensor, and more storage and processing power than the original. Its main selling point is battery life—allegedly up to 65 hours of GPS in Performance mode and up to 250 hours in Tour mode.
The original Vertical is the older model, with a solar-assisted MIP display. It's still sold and often discounted, but the Vertical 2's AMOLED screen is a major step up in clarity.
The bottom line
The Suunto Run series is for runners who want a light, simple watch. The Race series is for performance athletes who want a premium build and strong all-around training and navigation tools. The Vertical series is for people who go far from civilization and want the longest battery life and the toughest build.
The Suunto lineup also includes Core outdoor watches and dive computers like the Ocean, but those are a different conversation. For runners and trail athletes, the choice comes down to Run, Race, or Vertical, and which of them fits how far, how long, and how rough you like to get:
If you mostly run on roads and want a lightweight entry-point watch, look at the Run.
If you race, train across several sports, or run trails and want a premium build, look at the Race 3S, or the Race if you're sticking to a smaller budget. Or you can choose the Race 2 if you prefer a bigger case and screen.
If your adventures last days rather than hours, choose the Vertical 2.
Yesterday the MARQ Gen 3 turned up on Garmin's support pages, and today, the company has made it official. Garmin launched its third-generation luxury smartwatch collection, a lineup of six models priced from $2,500 to $3,100. That sure is a lot of money for a watch. Let's take a look at what exactly you get with the new Garmin MARQ Gen 3.
The new collection consists of the MARQ Athlete, Adventurer, Aviator, Commander, Golfer and Diver. Across all six, Garmin has moved to larger AMOLED displays, added LTE and satellite connectivity, expanded its mapping, and brought in its latest health and fitness features that I detail in my review of Garmin's other recent release, the Fenix 9 Pro.
The hardware follows the luxury formula the MARQ line is known for. Each watch has a 47 mm Grade 5 titanium case, a sapphire crystal lens, and a ceramic bezel inlay. Each is 15 mm thick and carries a 1.4-inch AMOLED display, up from 1.2 inches on the previous generation.
At the bottom of the range, the MARQ Athlete is the entry point at $2,500. It comes on a silicone strap with VO2 max markings on the bezel, and includes Garmin's full collection of running and training features. The MARQ Adventurer costs $2,700 and pairs an Italian leather strap with a compass bezel. This one is aimed at hiking, navigation and climbing, and includes preloaded ClimbPro information.
And so on: The remaining four models are each built around a specific pursuit, as MARQ variants have been since the line debuted. The MARQ Aviator is the flight-focused model, the MARQ Commander is the tactical one, the MARQ Golfer is built for the course, and the MARQ Diver is the one for the water. Garmin's pricing and strap details for these four sit between the Athlete's $2,500 and the $3,100 top of the range.
What else is new about the Garmin MARQ Gen 3?
In terms of software updates, the biggest addition is embedded inReach connectivity. All six watches support LTE calling, messaging and location sharing without a phone nearby, along with satellite messaging and emergency SOS through Garmin Response. Note: These services require a separate inReach subscription.
Garmin has also added a speaker, a microphone, and an LED flashlight. Other upgrades include the ECG app in supported regions, newer health and recovery metrics, and worldwide TopoActive maps with address search. Storage has jumped from 32GB to 128GB, and battery life reaches up to 18 days in smartwatch mode, or seven days with the always-on display enabled.
How the MARQ compares to non-luxury Garmins
What's most exciting is how these changes bring the MARQ much closer to Garmin's latest high-end sports watches, as opposed to being more of an aesthetic purchase. Previously, MARQ buyers were paying a considerable premium for hardware that lacked some features already available elsewhere in the range. Honestly, the earlier MARQ was, in effect, a fancy-materials version of a watch you could get for less, with fewer capabilities.
Now, the MARQ Gen 3 is finally a watch that tops the Garmin lineup with all the features of a Fenix. And for the first time, the MARQ has pluses the Fenix doesn't, like increased storage and on-device mapping features. The question of whether such premium price Garmin has set is worth it? That's still up for debate.
On most runs, I prefer to pay attention to pace and heart rate data from my Garmin, and ignore the rest (even though I love playing with the data later on). But I also believe in trying a fun experiment now and then. So, for my most recent training block, I’ve retooled my watch's data screens around several of the more nitty-gritty metrics available to me— cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, ground contact time, and more—to see what useful insights I could gain.
First, a quick definition, because "running economy" gets thrown around a lot: Running economy is the energy (oxygen) cost of running at a given speed. Two runners can hold the same 8:00 pace, but the one who uses less oxygen to do so is more “economical.” That runner can run the same pace at a lower heart rate, hold it longer, or go faster for the same effort. It's one of the big levers for performance, alongside VO2 max and lactate threshold, and it's one you can improve with training, strength work, and technique.
Technically, your watch can't measure running economy directly and give you one neat number. What it can do is show you how you're producing your speed, so you can spot inefficiencies and then test whether fixing them lowers your heart rate at the same pace. That's the experiment I’m running (pun intended). After my next marathon, I'll break down how my running economy actually improved, and in what ways.
All the running dynamics on Garmin watches
Garmin groups these metrics under "running dynamics." Depending on your watch and accessories, they include cadence, stride length, ground contact time, ground contact time balance, vertical oscillation, vertical ratio, running power, and step speed loss. In all the examples below, I'm using a Garmin Forerunner 970; note that not every Garmin can show all of these data fields.
Cadence works on nearly every Garmin running watch.
Stride length is available on many mid-range and higher watches, sometimes from the wrist and sometimes only with an accessory.
Ground contact time, ground contact balance, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio have historically required a compatible chest strap, but many newer watches now measure these from the wrist.
Step speed loss and step speed loss percentage require an HRM 600 chest strap paired to a compatible watch. They aren't measured when you're moving at a walking pace during a run.
Check your watch's owner's manual (the "Running Dynamics" page) to see what metrics are available for you to rebuild your own data screens.
How I use Garmin data screens to chart my running economy
Keep in mind that while these metrics are useful, there is no universally "correct" cadence or vertical oscillation number. Chasing the oh-so-coveted 180 steps per minute can do more harm than good if you end up overstriding at a fast turnover or running stiff and choppy. Think of everything below as a diagnostic, not a target. Some more tips to make the most of your Garmin data screens, without succumbing to information overload:
Change one variable at a time. I spent a few weeks laser-focused on cadence before getting stressed over anything else.
Use the new data screens on easy runs. Hard workouts are for hard efforts; easy runs are where you can afford to observe more.
Review after the run, not during. Staring at vertical oscillation mid-stride is a great way to trip and fall. Feel free to glance, but don't let the numbers take over your run.
Watch the trends, not single numbers. Again, focus on personal patterns, not any specific number targets.
Keep screens sparse. Three or four fields per screen is plenty. Anything denser is hard to read mid-stride.
Consider keeping your base screen first in the rotation and add the experimental screens after it, so you can flip over on easy runs without losing your usual setup.
Screen 1: Cadence + Stride Length + Lap Pace
Credit: Meredith Dietz
"Run at 180 steps per minute" is one of the most repeated pieces of running advice, and one of the most misunderstood. Cadence naturally varies with pace, so chasing one magic number regardless of how fast you're going can actually hold you back. Pace is the product of cadence and stride length. Seeing those two variables together can help show you how you're getting faster paces (or not).
What I noticed immediately: on easy runs, I naturally fall into a longer stride and lower cadence. It felt relaxed, but it also meant a lot of braking on each landing. Over the past several weeks, I've been nudging my cadence up by about 3 to 5 steps per minute, which shortens my stride slightly at the same pace, and my heart rate at that pace has come down a bit (although cooler weather certainly helps there, too).
The goal is to find your own cadence range and shift it slightly higher, not to force a fixed number. When in doubt, aim for a cadence at each pace that keeps your foot landing close to your body rather than reaching out ahead of it.
Screen 2: Ground Contact Time + GCT Balance + Step Speed Loss
Credit: Meredith Dietz
This screen needs compatible hardware, and if you do have it, it's my favorite for spotting fatigue.
Ground contact time (GCT) is how long your foot stays on the ground each step. Generally, shorter is associated with a springier, more efficient stride, and it tends to shrink as you get faster. GCT balance shows the left/right split.
Step speed loss is the newest of these metrics, and the one most directly tied to economy. Every time your foot lands, it acts a bit like a brake, and your forward speed dips before you push off again. Step speed loss measures how much speed you give up during each footstrike, and the percentage version expresses that loss relative to your running speed. Lower numbers mean less braking and more of your energy going into moving forward instead of fighting yourself.
It's useful for a few reasons:
It captures overstriding. Reaching your foot out ahead of your body increases braking, and this metric shows you the cost. That makes it a great companion to the cadence screen: if raising cadence brings your landing closer to your body, you may see step speed loss drop.
It's a cleaner efficiency signal than bounce. Vertical oscillation tells you how much you move up and down. Step speed loss tells you how much you're slowing down horizontally, which is closer to what actually costs you energy.
It shows fatigue. Like GCT, it can creep up late in long runs as form degrades.
Two other uses I found valuable on this screen:
Fatigue tracking. In long runs, my GCT always creeps up in the final third, well before my pace or heart rate tell me I'm utterly cooked.
Asymmetry flags. A consistent tilt away from 50/50 isn't automatically a problem, since a small imbalance is common. But if yours shifts noticeably on days something feels off, it's worth listening to.
Again, don't stress about small imbalances. Look for changes from your normal.
Screen 3: Vertical Oscillation + Vertical Ratio
Credit: Meredith Dietz
Vertical oscillation is how much you bounce with each step. Vertical ratio is that bounce relative to your stride length, which makes it easier to compare across paces and across runners. Lower generally means less energy spent going up rather than forward.
Personally, this was the most misleading screen in the beginning. I saw my number, decided it was too high, and tried to "run flatter." That just made my stride feel forced and awkward. What worked better was treating it as a trend. The plan is that when I improve cadence and let my stride shorten a touch, vertical oscillation naturally drops on its own. Strength work and a slightly higher cadence should do more for me than any overly contrived form cue about "floating."
Screen 4: Running Power (if you have it)
Credit: Meredith Dietz
The economy framing here is simple: compare power to heart rate over time. In fact, I'm planning to go in and put heart rate on my screen alongside power. Because power responds instantly to changes in effort and terrain, it's a better gauge of your economy compared to pace on hills or extra windy days.
If you can hold the same wattage at a lower heart rate than you could two months ago, that's a real improvement in fitness and efficiency, regardless of what pace says. Just be aware that different power systems calculate the number differently, so stick with one source and don't compare across devices.
Screen 5: Base screen
Credit: Meredith Dietz
Finally, the screen I never removed: pace, heart rate, and lap or average pace (plus a timer and time of day, since this is still my watch, after all). For the sake of these runs, I could judge my form changes by whether my heart rate at a given pace went up or down. At the end of the day, this is how you find out whether any of the tweaks above are making a difference.
How to add or edit data screens on your Garmin watch
You can customize your screens on the watch itself or in the Garmin Connect app. The app is easier if you're editing several screens at once, since the fields are larger and easier to read. Menu names vary by model, so treat these as the general path.
On your watch
Open the activity settings. From the watch face, press Start and select Run. Then hold the Up/Menu button (or tap the screen on touchscreen models) and choose Run Settings.
Choose Data Screens. This lists every screen you cycle through during a run.
Pick a screen to edit, or choose Add New to create one.
Set the layout. Choose how many data fields appear, from one large field to several smaller ones.
Choose your data fields. Select each field slot, browse the categories (Cadence, Running Dynamics, Power, Heart Rate), and pick the metric you want.
Reorder or remove screens back in the Data Screens menu.
In the Garmin Connect app
Open Garmin Connect and tap your watch (usually under More or the device icon).
Go to Activities & Apps, then select Run.
Tap Data Screens and pick the screen you want to edit.
Change the layout and fields, then sync your watch so the changes carry over.
The bottom line
If you have the hardware and a little curiosity, spending a few weeks with running dynamics on your wrist can help you nerd out like you're a true running machine. Look, learn, adjust one thing, and let your heart rate tell you whether it worked. For more, check out these ten hacks every Garmin user should know.
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Garmin watches are my favorite training partner. The brand has long been one of the biggest names in the world of rugged sports watches and fitness trackers, and the Forerunner line especially is a go-to pick for accurate and reliable GPS tracking for runners.
So, looking at the date on my Garmin Forerunner 970, I can see that Amazon's October Prime Day sale is officially over. But if you missed your chance to upgrade your running watch, you're in luck: Two of the most popular Garmin Forerunners are still on sale, even after Prime Day has technically ended.
These Garmin Forerunners are still a great deal right now
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is $161.99, down from $199.99. This is the most basic Garmin running watch you can buy new. Don't be deterred by the word "basic." As my colleague Beth Skwarecki reports, it was good enough for Sabastian Sawe to wear to break the sub-2-hour marathon barrier earlier this year.
The Garmin Forerunner 165 is $199.99, down from $249.99. This is my favorite entry-level running watch. The music version is also on sale; as always, it runs $50 more than the standard.
While it's not a dramatic, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is 5% off, bringing the original price of $449.99 down to $429. Although it isn't the latest and greatest anymore, this is still a fan favorite among Garmin users. It's a step above entry-level options, with dual-band GPS, power meter compatibility, and advanced analytics (like training status).
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Amazon collects data about you based on what you buy. And now, you can get a direct look at what the company has concluded from all that activity.
Amazon's "About You" page, currently in beta after launching this May, uses data from customers' activity to generate details about them in categories like Product Preferences, Interests & Hobbies, and Home & Family. Amazon uses those details to personalize the shopping experience. Here's how to navigate and personalize your "About You" page in your Amazon account.
What Amazon thinks it knows about you
The results can be oddly specific. My editor-in-chief, Jordan Calhoun, shared his page, which includes these entries:
"Likely has 2 adults"
"Owns a PlayStation 5 console"
"Prioritizes plant-based meat alternatives over traditional options"
"Subscribes to multiple streaming services continually"
"Owns a large dog"
"Likely has a cat"
Full disclosure: I try to never use Amazon personally. I pretty much exclusively use it to round up deals for you, my dear reader. That being said, here's what Amazon thinks it knows about me: "Values durable travel gear," "prefers athletic and casual clothing styles," "practices yoga regularly," and "listens to music frequently."
What counts as data
In its Privacy Notice, Amazon lists every activity that provides user data to the company. That includes the obvious, like searching for items and placing orders. It also includes actions you may not realize are being tracked, like interacting with Alexa Voice Service, participating in discussion boards, or linking an Amazon account to a third-party business.
How to view your own "About you" page
On desktop:
Hover over where Amazon says "Hello, [your name]" in the upper right corner.
Under the "Your Account" section, click "Account."
Under the "Ordering and shopping preferences" section, click "Your Shopping preferences."
From here, you can add information of your own, like your shoe size, interests, and dietary preferences. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you'll see a blue hyperlinked option that says, "Manage your information." Click it, and you'll see what dirt Amazon has on you.
On the mobile app:
Tap the hamburger icon in the bottom menu bar, then go to Account > Shopping preferences > About you.
You can edit it, but not opt out
Shoppers can't directly opt out of the "About you" feature. They can, however, customize the data by adding details they want Amazon to know and deleting assumptions they consider inaccurate or too personal.
Importing data from other AI chatbots
On the "About you" page, customers also have the option to "make Amazon even more personal to you" by importing personal data they've shared with other AI agents. Amazon provides a prompt for you to feed to your chatbot to generate a shopping profile, then asks you to copy the bot's response and paste it back into Amazon.
Whether that's worth doing is up to you. Given how much Amazon already infers from your browsing and buying, handing over a profile from another AI service is a choice worth thinking through. Either way, taking a few minutes to review your page and delete anything inaccurate or too personal is a simple way to see and shape what Amazon knows about you.
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Amazon's October Prime Day sale ends tonight, which means you have a few more hours to snag some great deals on my favorite brand of workout headphones: Shokz. If you're unfamiliar with Shokz (and the world of bone conduction headphones in general), I could talk your ear off about the big selling points: better situational awareness, all-day comfort, and ears that stay free and open. If you want to join the club, or need an upgrade, these are the best Shokz deals from this year's October Prime Day sale.
For runners, the OpenRun Pro 2 are down to $109.95 in Rose Gold (originally $199.95). In other colors, they're discounted down to $119.95 (originally $179.95). This beloved bone-conduction model combines Shokz’s signature open-ear design with a bassy sound and long battery life (up to 12 hours), making it one of the most popular choices for outdoor workouts.
The regular OpenRun headphones are also discounted, dropping down to $89.95 (originally $129.95). They offer many of the same benefits of the Pro line at a lower price point, including a lightweight frame and open-ear design geared toward runners and all kinds of outdoor athletes.
For anyone with a smaller head size, the OpenRun Mini have 0.83-inch (21mm) shorter band than the standard size, and they're seeing the same discount—currently available for $89.95 (originally $129.95).
The trendy OpenDots ONE are $60 off
If you've been following the trendiness of clip-on-style earbuds, the OpenDots ONE are 30% off, dropping down to $139.95 (originally $199.95). One of Shokz’s newer designs, the OpenDots ONE sit outside the ear canal, offering a lightweight alternative to traditional earbuds while still maintaining that signature situational awareness. Plus, they're a strong alternative to the pricier Bose Ultra open earbuds.
These swimming headphones are $50 off
Swimmers can save 22% on the OpenSwim Pro, now $179.95 (originally $229.95). Unlike most workout headphones, this bone conduction model has an IP68 rating and is built for use in the water. They support onboard MP3 storage, allowing you to listen to music even when Bluetooth connectivity isn’t available.
October Prime Day FAQs
When is Prime Day in October?
October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
Is Shokz a reliable brand?
Yes, Shokz is one of the best brands when it comes to bone conduction and sports headphones. The OpenRun Pro 2 model especially is a go-to pick for battery life, comfort, and situational awareness.
Do Shokz Prime Day discounts apply to all their product lines, or just select items?
Unfortunately, not all Garmin products are on sale. However, there are many Shokz products on sale, and you can find them all on the Amazon landing page.
What else goes on sale on Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
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Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here, and I've been tracking the best fitness deals—and deals on adjustable dumbbells in particular. I love recommending adjustable dumbbells as a way to save time, money, and precious floorspace when you're trying to strength train at home.
Where buying individual pairs of dumbbells in five-pound increments up to 80 pounds would cost well over $1,500 (and take up your entire home gym), adjustable dumbbells deliver the same versatility for a fraction of that price. Right now, my favorite set, the PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells, is $339.99, down from its usual $399.99 price tag. That's a solid $60 savings.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a "best home dumbbells" list without these PowerBlocks near the top. The futuristic cubic look is stylish, but more importantly, it's a seriously economical, space-saving design—which is the whole point of going adjustable over a traditional rack of individual weights. The weights have flat edges so you can hold them on end on your lap, and unlike a lot of adjustable models, they're compact enough that they won’t bump into each other on shoulder or chest presses. The only real drawback is the frame design: You have to place your hand inside the dumbbell's structure to grip it, which can be awkward, especially if you’re wearing a large watch.
These dumbbells also come in 70-pound and 90-pound versions. If you go with one of the smaller sets, you can also buy expansion sets later to upgrade to the larger versions. The full 90-pound set is also on sale right now, down to $738.65 from an original $869. And if you're not yet sold on adjustable dumbbells as a concept, this 150-pound set of traditional dumbbells is also discounted—down to $149.99 from $189.99.
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As a marathon runner, I take my recovery seriously. After trying out dozens of different products over the years, I've found what actually matters when shopping for massage guns and recovery tools. It's not hyperbole to say that massage guns have changed my life as an athlete—and TheraBody is a brand name I swear by.
TheraBody's signature triangular grip design is a fan favorite for good reason, as it allows for comfortable handling during long massage sessions. As far as Theragun options go, this is the pick for anyone looking for power and durability. Plus, its quiet operation makes it suitable for use in shared spaces without disturbing others. The battery life extends up to 120 minutes on a single charge, ensuring you won't be interrupted mid-session, right when you need it most.
If you're looking for other options, there are more Theragun deals in Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale:
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Amazon's October Prime Day is officially over, but I haven't stopped keeping my eye on all the best deals on home gym equipment that are still active right now. When it comes to building out a home gym, your best strategy for home gym shopping when you don't have a ton of room to work with is to focus on versatility and efficient use of space. That's why I'm keeping a close eye on adjustable dumbbells in particular.
Adjustable dumbbells are a favorite category of mine because they let you go from five-pound to 50-pound weights (or more!) without needing multiple shelves of equipment. Where individual pairs of dumbbells from five to 80 pounds in five-pound increments would cost well over $1,500 (and take up your entire home gym), adjustable dumbbells condense an entire weight rack into a compact, versatile system. Here are the best deals on adjustable dumbbells that you can still snag, at least for the next few hours.
My favorite deal right now is this set of Bowflex Results Series 552 dumbbells, $328.98 for a pair, normally $399.99. If you couldn’t guess from the name, they can adjust from five to 52 pounds. The curved design is stylish, but more importantly, it's a seriously space-saving—which is the whole point of going adjustable over a traditional rack of individual weights.
Here are some more adjustable dumbbells that are still active, even after Amazon's October Prime Day sale has officially ended:
Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells are $169.99 for the 90-pound set, down from $219.99. I'm especially drawn to how this system can configure the weights as fixed barbells, kettlebells, traditional dumbbells, or individual weight plates. Incorporating kettlebell swings and goblet squats without purchasing separate equipment? That's a steal.
These UNNMIIY adjustable dumbbells are also $169.99 for the 90-pound set, normally $259.99. These can adjust from two to 45 pounds per dumbbell, and they have a five-in-one design so you can use them as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even push-up stands.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Amazon's October Prime Day sale has come and gone, but there are still some solid Garmin deals—for now, at least. Garmin is the biggest name in the sports watch world for good reason: They deliver advanced metrics and reliable GPS tracking, usually with a multi-week battery life. There was a time when I ran full marathons totally watch-free, but now I keep my Garmin Forerunner 970 on my wrist at all times. If you want to join the club, or need an upgrade, these are the best Garmin deals from this year's October Prime Day sale that are still live.
These Garmin Forerunners are a great deal right now
The Garmin Forerunner 55 is $158, down from $199.99. This is the most basic Garmin running watch you can buy new. Don't be deterred by the word "basic." As my colleague Beth Skwarecki reports, it was good enough for Sabastian Sawe to wear to break the sub-2-hour marathon barrier earlier this year.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is $100 off its original price
Garmin's Vivoactive line is probably its most underrated, according to my colleague Beth Skwarecki: "It's solidly good at running and fitness tracking, and convenient for everyday use with a touchscreen for most functions (but still uses physical buttons to start, stop, and lap workouts)." The Vivoactive 5 was originally $299.99 and dropped to $229.99 back when the Vivoactive 6 came out. Right now, it's just $198.
This Garmin Instinct Solar 2X is $180 off
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Tactical Watch is one of the brand’s best solar-charged options, and right now it's available for $319.99, down from $499.99. Compared to its predecessor, the Garmin Instinct Solar 2X produces up to 50% more energy from the sun thanks to the Power Glass lens, which is particularly helpful in GPS mode, which can drain the battery quickly. It’s also 0.8 mm thinner and has a built-in LED flashlight, a compass, and an altimeter.
If you're looking for an even more premium tactical watch, a renewed Garmin Tactix 8 is on sale for $919.99, down from $1,030.25. This model is full of dedicated tactical features, like a jumpmaster activity, landmark projection, dual-position GPS format, stealth mode, kill switch, night vision goggle compatibility, rucking activity, and a preloaded applied ballistics solver.
The second-generation Garmin Epix Pro is nearly half off
The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Edition is marked down 47%, bringing its usual $999.99 price down to $529.99. The reason for such a major discount is that Garmin has since merged the Epix and Fenix product lines, and this model was replaced with the Fenix 8 series, which has since been replaced with the Fenix 9 series. Still, the Epix Pro holds up. It's got you covered for tracking your sleep and blood oxygen levels, measuring your VO2 Max, tracking 30 activities, offering a multi-sport mode, plus extras that most running-specific watches don't have, like golfing features, tides, and fish forecasts.
October Prime Day FAQs
When is Prime Day in October?
October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
Is Garmin a reliable brand?
Yes, Garmin is one of the best brands when it comes to rugged sports watches and fitness trackers. The Forerunner line especially is a go-to pick for accurate and reliable GPS tracking for runners.
Do Garmin's Prime Day discounts apply to all their product lines, or just select items?
Unfortunately, not all Garmin products are on sale. However, there are many Garmin products on sale, and you can find them all on the Amazon landing page.
What else goes on sale on Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Amazon's October Prime Day, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7. Already I've been tracking the best deals on home gym equipment, always keeping an eye on compact cardio solutions. Foldable treadmills are all the rage, and with today's deals, you can save even more on existing budget options. Right now, one of the most trusted name in treadmills, the NordicTrack T Series 5, is on sale for $449. That's a 25% markdown from its typical price of $599.
If you are looking for something more high-tech, the T Series 16 is on sale for $1,299, down from its typical price of $1,499. The main draw of this model has got to be its 16-inch touchscreen with a pivot display. Otherwise, the T Series 5 is the perfect starter treadmill for anyone who needs a minimalist option to get your run in, rain or shine.
The NordicTrack ecosystem gives you access to over 10,000 workouts when you sign up for an iFIT membership. For $39/month (or $396/year), you can follow expert trainers through global runs, hikes, strength training, yoga sessions, and more. When you choose a desired workout, your NordicTrack hardware automatically adjusts the speed and incline to match the workout. And for those of us who like to track our progress across multiple platforms, iFIT syncs with your Strava, Garmin, and Apple Health.
Amazon October Prime Day FAQ
When is Prime Day in October?
October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
What goes on sale on Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
Is Prime Day once a year?
Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.
Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. As you're adding item after item to your cart during the sale, you might be tempted by Amazon's "affordable monthly payment system." Also known as "buy now, pay later" (BNPL), the pitch is a tempting one: Buy what you need now, and pay later, "on your own timeline." But as convenient as it sounds, you should think twice before using buy now, pay later options, whether during Prime Day or at any other time.
While BNPL plans can allow you to pay for purchases in installments without interest, they come with a cost that can easily outweigh any big discounts. Let's take a look at the hidden costs of BNPL, and why you're better off paying upfront for all your Prime Day purchases.
How does Amazon's buy now, pay later program work?
To be clear, Amazon doesn't have its own buy now, pay later program, and the company is not uniquely misleading on this front. The process is straightforward: you choose your items, select Affirm (a third-party lender) at checkout, complete a quick application, and receive an instant decision on your loan terms. Individual transactions initiated through Affirm are limited to $25,000, with a daily maximum of $100,000 across multiple purchases—but of course, your Prime Day splurge will be nowhere near that big, right? (Right?!)
The main draw of these programs is the ability to "pay at your own pace." If you are required to pay a down payment, that is due at the time of the transaction. From there, your first monthly payment is usually due one month after your purchase is processed. Each following payment will be due one month later, on the same day of the month.
You can choose your own timeline, usually spanning 3, 6, 12, or 24 months, depending on the purchase amount and your creditworthiness. Unlike traditional credit cards, Affirm shows you the exact payment amount and total cost upfront, and claims no hidden fees or compound interest.
You need a separate Affirm account in addition to your Amazon Prime membership. The application process requires basic information, including your name, mobile phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Affirm performs a soft credit check initially, which doesn't impact your credit score, though they may conduct a hard inquiry for some loans.
BNPL plans are helpful if you really need to finance something big, but whenever possible, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses.
It makes impulse spending easier
The ease of this sort of financing can make expensive purchases feel more affordable than they actually are. When you can buy a $1,000 tablet for "just $67 per month," it's easy to lose sight of the total cost, as well as your overall financial picture. In turn, this makes it all too easy to overspend on items you might not have purchased otherwise. You're better off taking a breath, stepping away from your shopping cart, and setting alerts to be notified when a product hits a price you can stomach, at a time you can afford it.
It can impact your credit score
Despite what you may have heard in the past, BNPL purchases can now affect your credit score. For Amazon specifically, all Affirm payments (including on-time, late, and missed payments) are now reported to the credit bureau Experian. So if you miss payments or default on the installment plan, it will cause damage to your credit score—making it even harder to get approved for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards, and other financing down the road.
You'll have limited purchase protections
When you use a credit card, you get valuable purchase protections like extended warranty coverage, price protection, and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges. BNPL plans generally don't come with these safeguards. This means you're on the hook if something goes wrong with your Prime Day purchase and the retailer doesn't make things right. The smarter move is to only buy what you can afford during a sale, no matter how tempting those deals may seem.
Although installment plans are helpful if you really need to finance something major, it’s best to avoid taking on debt for everyday expenses. Better to wait for a good price for something you truly need and can afford to pay for right now.
The bottom line
If there's a big-ticket item on sale for Amazon Prime Day but it's still out of your budget, consider these two questions before you turn to BNPL through Affirm:
Is this really an essential purchase? BNPL should really only be used on completely necessary purchases that you can’t afford right now, but can afford in six weeks. On that note...
Will I be able to pay this off within six weeks? When a bigger payment gets broken down into smaller installments, you might find yourself overspending in the long run, because it "feels" like you can afford it. Stay on top of how much you’re actually spending—especially if you're considering multiple BNPL purchases—and how it will impact your overall budget going forward.
October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
What goes on sale on Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
Is Prime Day once a year?
Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.
Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7, and as usual, we'll be keeping you updated on all the best deals leading up to and throughout the mega-sale. In order to take advantage of all the discounts Prime Day has to offer, you'll need to be a Prime member. But is the cost of that membership going to be worth it for you?
Millions of Amazon Prime users currently pay $14.99 per month or $139 per year for their memberships—though other plans cost less if you qualify. For example, the Amazon Prime Student program allows young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to get all of the Prime perks for half the cost—$7.49 per month or $69 annually.
For frequent Amazon shoppers, Prime can quickly pay for itself—mostly thanks to the free shipping perk. But how does the math shake out if you aren't regularly ordering from Amazon? Is it worth signing up if you only shop during Prime Day events? If you’re on the fence about signing up for (or renewing) your Prime membership, here’s how to judge whether or not the benefits outweigh the $139 cost.
The benefits of Amazon Prime
Here are the main perks of Amazon Prime that make it worth the cost for so many users.
Free two-day shipping on millions of items: This is the main draw of Prime. If you shop frequently on Amazon and want quick free delivery, the shipping perks alone may make Prime worthwhile. Prime members also get free same-day delivery on over 3 million items in eligible areas. The ultra-fast (and morally suspect) shipping usually costs $9.99 per order for non-members, though you can choose lower-cost or free shipping options if you're willing to place larger orders and wait longer to receive them.
Access to Prime Video: Prime includes unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. If you ask me, the content library isn’t as robust as Netflix or Hulu, but this is still an added value.
Other Prime benefits: You also get Amazon Music for streaming songs, Prime Reading for ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks; Prime gaming, free photo storage, and occasional exclusive discounts/deals.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card: Cardholders get 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods purchases. Prime members who use this card extensively can earn rewards that offset the annual fee.
Number of users: Prime benefits can be shared with other members of your household. The more users, the more value per person.
Is an Amazon Prime account worth it?
Let's say you don't care about Prime Video, Amazon Music, or free e-books, and just want to know if you'll save money you would otherwise be spending on shipping.
For non-Prime members, Amazon requires a minimum order of $35 to qualify for free shipping on eligible items. The average shipping costs for non-members aren't publicly listed, and can vary by item and shipping speed, typically ranging from $5 to $10.
For our purposes, I messed around on my non-shared, non-Prime Amazon account to find an average shipping cost of around $6 per order (assuming the order total fell below the $35 threshold, of course). Of course, shipping costs will vary depending on the item and how quickly you want it, but let’s compare the cost to the appeal of Prime’s two-day shipping option. So, we have the cost of individual online orders (around six bucks) compared to the free delivery that comes with an $139 annual fee. This means the costs you’d save on shipping alone make Prime worth the cost as long as you place more than two dozen orders in a year.
In other words: The $139 annual fee pays for itself as long as you order from Amazon Prime at least twice a month.
Of course, this conclusion is strictly in terms of shipping costs. How it stacks up ethically is between you and the person in the mirror.
And then there's this important caveat: You can still get free shipping from Amazon without a Prime membership, provided your order has $35 or more of eligible items. However, this won't grant you Prime shipping speed—your order will typically take five to eight days to be delivered. But you can place fewer, larger orders and wait a little longer, and still never pay for shipping.
What about Prime Day?
Also worth considering is how much of that membership cost you'll be able to recoup via exclusive Prime Day offers. During the sale, some items will be heavily discounted only for Prime members—but whether the Prime Day price is really a "deal" will vary greatly based on the item you're buying. Some of those "big discounts" aren't any greater than what the item typically sells for. The Prime Day price can even be higher than other sale prices throughout the year. That's why it's important to make sure what you're ordering is something you planned to buy anyway—and that the sale price is actually a true bargain—before you order.
The bottom line
The cost of a Prime membership is a solid value for anyone using Amazon 23 times per year or more—especially if you're also watching shows on Prime Video or purchasing something that is deeply discounted for Prime Day. But if you only shop on Amazon a few times a year and don't take advantage of Prime Day offers or the other benefits, then that $139 annual fee isn't necessarily paying for itself.
Of course, if you are interested in Prime Day bargains, you can always sign up right before the start of the sale and then cancel your membership after Prime day is over—but Amazon doesn't always make it easy on you. For more information about deals and discounts, keep an eye on all of Lifehacker’s Amazon Prime Day coverage.
When is Prime Day in October?
October Prime Day is a two-day event that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
What goes on sale on Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
Is Prime Day once a year?
Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Big Spring Sale happens every spring.
We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Amazon's October Prime Day event may officially be over, but I'm still keeping an eye on all the best discounts for major brands like Peloton, PowerBlocks, Therabody, and more. Below are my favorite fitness deals that are still active even after Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale has ended.
The best October Prime Day deals on cardio equipment
The NordicTrack T Series is a foldable treadmill, normally $799, currently on sale for $616. For cardio, your options get trickier in an apartment setting or a home without a ton of extra space, but foldable equipment like this is a nice solution.
This Sunny Health treadmill is $699.99, normally $899.99. This treadmill comes fully assembled, goes up to 10 mph and a 15% incline, and folds up for storage.
This YOSUDA PRO magnetic exercise bike is $289.99, normally $329.99. With magnetic resistance, you can count on the bike to be quiet enough for a home gym setup.
This Chaoke walking pad is on sale for $149.99, down from $229.99. Designed to fit under your desk and be easy to store, this walking pad still gets up to a decent 9% incline at speeds up to 6.2 miles per hour.
These UNNMIIY adjustable dumbbells are $169.99 for the 90-pound set, normally $259.99. These can adjust from 2 to 45 pounds per dumbbell, and they have a 5-in-1 design so you can use them as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even push-up stands.
These FEIERDUN adjustable dumbbells are $269.99 for the 110-pound set, normally $349.99. These have my favorite type of adjustment mechanism: a one-hand rotating dial.
This cast-iron adjustable kettlebell is $47.99, normally $59.99. This kettlebell starts with a 15-pound weighted handle with four non-weighted removable spacer disks, a five-pound bottom plate, and a center pin to support additional weight plates up to 50 pounds.
The best October Prime Day deals on home gym staples and accessories
These resistance bands are $37.97, normally $49.95. A solid pair of resistance bands like these is the perfect addition to home gyms, travel workouts, or hotel rooms.
This 3-in-1 Plyo Jumping Exercise Box is $59.97, normally $69.99. Two sizes are available: 24 x 16 x 20 inches and 30 x 20 x 24 inches.
The Therabody Prime 6th Gen Deep Tissue Massage Gun is $199.99, normally $329.99. As a marathon runner, it's no hyperbole to say that massage guns utterly transformed my post-workout routine, and TheraBody is a brand name I swear by.
Amazon Prime Day is an annual event held in June or July. Amazon's October Prime Day event, known as Prime Big Deal Days, is a two-day sale that starts Oct. 6 and ends on Oct. 7.
What goes on sale during October Prime Day?
Since Prime Big Deal Days happens in the fall, you're likely to see more deals on gaming and indoor gym equipment. Amazon has already announced some of the 35 categories that will be on sale, including beauty, tech, kitchen, fashion, and home. Some brands Amazon has already mentioned are: Shark, Princess Polly, Soundcore by Anker, UGG, Nest New York, Sony, Tarte, Adidas, and Barefoot Dreams.
Is Prime Day once a year?
Prime Day happens every summer. Prime Big Deal Days (or October Prime Day) happens every October. Amazon's Big Spring Sale happens every spring.
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