Fall is officially here, and there’s no better time to give your wardrobe a seasonal refresh. From cozy layers to cold-weather essentials, REI is kicking off autumn with some seriously impressive deals to help you gear up for the months ahead.
The retailer is offering discounts of up to 50% on some of our favorite outdoor apparel brands, including Patagonia, Vuori, Arc’teryx, and The North Face. Planning a fall getaway or weekend adventure? You’ll want to check out REI’s camping essentials section with up to 30% off items like tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and more.
There’s plenty more deals where that came from! Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite REI styles. Keep scrolling to check out the deals that are actually worth shopping for fall.
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Olivia is a Deals Writer at Tom’s Guide. She loves all things lifestyle, shopping, and sourcing the best deals from some of the top brands, retailers, and websites around. From fashion and beauty to smart home and tech, she has an eye for finding practical, stylish, and reasonably-priced items that help make life simpler (and a little more aesthetically-pleasing). Olivia has over five years of experience writing lifestyle, commerce, and branded content for Patch.com. In her free time, she enjoys trying out new exercise classes, binge-watching the latest viral TV shows, cooking, spending time with family, and taking long walks with her dog, Gus.
I’ve run 17 marathons, and one thing I’ve learned you can’t mess around with is your nutrition. As the mileage grows in marathon training, so does the importance of fueling correctly during runs and supporting your recovery.
Most of this can certainly be done with your regular diet, and I think it’s important not to overuse supplements, but I do use them when fueling my longest and hardest workouts, especially during my peak mileage weeks in marathon training.
Over the past month of training for the Frankfurt Marathon, I’ve been running around 80 miles a week, which is my highest consistent mileage, and I’ve been relying on supplements more than usual to help me keep going.
There are three main categories of sports nutrition products I use — energy drinks and gels for fueling my runs directly, a recovery drink to get key nutrition in after hard workouts, and electrolytes for hydration before/after very long, sweaty runs.
This is just my direct fueling for runs, and it comes on top of trying to eat as healthy a diet as possible with lots of vegetables and carbs, and popping a Costco multivitamin in the morning too.
Energy — Maurten Drink Mix 320 and Gel Mix 480
(Image credit: Future)
Carb drinks and gels are the products I use most regularly in training, fueling before and during long, hard workouts, and I’ve found Maurten’s products to be the best for me.
That’s because they don’t give me any stomach problems, which I don’t find is always the case with other gels and drinks.
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Maurten’s Drink Mix 320 contains 80g of carbs in a 500ml drink and has long been my go-to before a long workout and during marathons. I’ve used it a lot in training for Frankfurt.
However, on race day I plan to try the relatively new Maurten Gel Mix 480, which packs 120g of carbs into a 350ml soft flask, so I’ve practised with this in my long runs.
The Gel Mix has a texture between a gel and a drink, and makes following a high-carb strategy during runs a bit easier than carrying lots of gels or drinks.
Maurten’s products are very expensive, so sometimes I’ll use cheaper options during training, but when it comes to my key workouts and race day, Maurten has been my go-to for years now.
My toothpaste use also goes up during marathon training, by the way, because when you’re consuming high amounts of what is essentially pure sugar, you’ve got to look after your teeth.
Recovery — SiS REGO Clear Recovery
(Image credit: Future)
For most of my marathon training weeks, I don’t use a dedicated recovery product; instead, I just make sure I eat a good meal containing lots of protein, carbs and vegetables, but when doing double workout days or 20+-mile runs, I like to use the SiS REGO Clear Recovery powder.
It contains 20g of protein and 21g of carbohydrates and mixes with 500ml of water into a clear shake that’s quite refreshing to drink, especially compared with thicker protein powders.
While it’s not as essential as the carbs I have during workouts, I feel it helps to kickstart my recovery after sessions, so I’m ready to run the next day, or even later that day.
I live and run in London, so electrolytes aren’t as essential for me as they are for those in hotter climates, so I don’t use them all that often, but when I do, I like to use the Precision Fuelling & Hydration 1000 Electrolyte sachets or tablets.
I’ll dissolve one sachet in 500ml of water ahead of my longest runs and sometimes afterwards as well, which helps replace the sodium lost in sweat. For anything under 90 minutes, I don’t tend to use electrolytes, though.
There are a lot of electrolyte options out there now, and mostly I find just going with one that tastes good is a solid approach, but I like the PF&H products for their especially high sodium content and clear nutritional info.
Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.
Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.
Many people feel like they don’t achieve enough of a burn during bodyweight workouts, but I can promise you that’s down to poor programming. You can use the art of calisthenics (working with your bodyweight) to your advantage by choosing the right exercises and workout format for your goals. It’s about intensity.
Recently, a 40-year-old friend DM’d me and asked if I could design a short bodyweight routine she could do when she works from home. And this is exactly what I sent her. Just remember, this routine was designed with someone in mind. If you experience pain or feel unwell, stop immediately and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Watch: 20-minute bodyweight workout
If you’re working with an injury or health condition, I recommend seeking advice before starting this routine.
Triceps dips: Use a sofa or bench and place your hands flat roughly shoulder-width apart. Extend your legs away from you. Keeping your back straight, bend your elbows and lower your butt toward the ground. Pause, then press upwards.
Deficit push-ups: Start in a push-up position with your core engaged and hands elevated on bars, blocks, or books. Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the ground between the blocks, pause at the bottom, then drive upward. Avoid letting your hips sag and try to move your torso as a unit.
Spiderman plank: Start in a plank position with your shoulders stacked over your wrists and your butt aligned with your shoulders. Brace your stomach. Bend your right knee and draw it forward with control to tap your right elbow. Return to plank, then repeat on your left side.
Sprawls: Start in a plank position as above. Jump your feet to land just outside your hands, drop your butt, and lift your chest and hands, as if sitting in a low squat. Return your hands to the ground, then jump both feet back into a plank.
What are the benefits?
Many people assume bodyweight workouts can’t get you any real gains.
Many people assume bodyweight workouts can’t get you any real gains. Actually, bodyweight exercises are functional and will help you build a base level of strength and muscle, especially at the beginning stages of working out.
But also remember, gymnasts and calisthenics masters are some of the strongest, most powerful, and athletic people on the planet; they predominantly work with their bodyweight, and while they might not have the same maximal strength as, say, powerlifters, they are strong compared to their weight and size, called relative strength.
If you haven’t quite got to a bench press yet, start with push-ups. If you can’t squat with a barbell, squat with your bodyweight. Focus on form, control and depth, and take your time with the movements; this will turn any bodyweight workout into a more challenging and rewarding experience.
Now, what’s the workout?
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The workout:
It’s very simple: start with 20 reps of your four bodyweight exercises back-to-back, then take a brief reset. Drop by 2 reps to 18, then to 16, and so on, until you either hit the 20-minute timer or get to 2 reps per move.
As I mentioned, slow the tempo of each move down to increase overall intensity. Try adding small pauses in the non-moving part of the exercise, called holding an isometric contraction, which means you create tension without moving the muscles through their full range of motion.
If the dips feel like too much, bend your knees; if the deficit push-ups are too challenging, take away the blocks or use your knees. You can also perform Spiderman planks on your elbows if you have issues with your wrists. And most importantly, good luck…
Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified trainer, a level 2 Reiki practitioner and fitness editor at Tom’s Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course.
Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future, such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3.
Having coached at fitness studios like F45 and Virgin Active and taken on both 1:1 and group, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, and kettlebells.
She also coaches mobility and flexibility classes several times a week.
Sam has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
Over the past 10 months, I’ve made a serious commitment to improving my skincare routine. From upgrading my products to targeting problem areas and using daily red-light therapy on my face with my Shark CryoGlow mask, the benefits of clear skin have been tenfold.
That said, by focusing on my face and neck, I’ve missed 90% of my skin — especially key areas that could use some TLC. I didn’t know that using blue and red LED light therapy would help my skin concerns — ranging from hyperpigmentation and stretch marks to cellulite — not just on my face.
Enter CurrentBody’s LED Light Therapy panel. Priced at AU$1,359.99, CurrentBody’s full-body panel features modes designed for anti-ageing, clearing, and skin recovery. Utilising blue and red lights across its settings, the panel holds 544 LED bulbs and can be attached to its accompanying stand, worn directly using the provided straps, or flexibly positioned to wrap around target areas.
The 45cm W x 22cm L x 33cm H panel is larger than most LED face masks — and more expensive — but it promises noticeable results in eight weeks with 3 to 5 weekly sessions of up to 20 minutes.
Raring to go, I unboxed the panel with three main questions in mind for my two-month review period: Would it help clear my skin, could it effectively target specific body areas, and would it justify the price tag? I put it to the test to find out.
How it works
(Image credit: CurrentBody)
Unlike an LED mask, which primarily targets the face, the CurrentBody panel can treat almost any area of the body. Whether you want to focus on your hands, feet, back, or legs, the panel easily adjusts to suit your focus area.
I tested the panel for eight weeks, averaging three sessions per week. Although I initially started with five sessions a week, I dialled back to better accommodate my work-from-home schedule. My primary target areas throughout the trial were my back, shoulders, and upper thighs.
CurrentBody’s panel features two primary presets — Anti-Ageing and Clearing — which can both be run on high or low modes. It harnesses four specific light wavelengths: blue (415nm), red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm), and deep near-infrared (1072nm). The Anti-Ageing mode relies primarily on red, near-infrared, and deep near-infrared light to penetrate deeper skin tissue, whereas the Clearing mode uses a blend of blue and red light targeting the upper dermal layers.
Throughout my testing, I opted for the Clearing setting on high mode for all my target areas. According to the manufacturer, this 20-minute session is recommended for both face and body at a minimum distance of 15cm. Eye protection is required when using this setting on the face, and a pair of goggles is included in the box.
For most sessions, I used the provided stand with the device. When targeting my legs, I propped it up on my desk and stood in front of the panel. As for my back, I took turns either wrapping it over my shoulders or using the stand on my desk. I didn’t use the included straps, but they were easy to slide on and off the device if you prefer closer proximity.
The results: did it actually work?
Image 1 of 2
Using CurrentBody LED light on my shoulder (Image credit: Tom’s Guide / Lucy Scotting)
As for my results? They speak for themselves: it worked. After consistent use, my skin tone evened out, texture bumps softened, and my cellulite began to fade (even if it did not disappear completely). These findings align with what I’ve learned from long-term LED therapy: while the first eight weeks lay the groundwork, continuous commitment is key to lasting results.
In terms of time commitment, using the panel was a little bit more taxing than using an LED mask. When wearing a mask, the sessions are typically shorter — around 5 to 7 minutes — and they’re often wireless and hands-free, so you can get on with your day.
CurrentBody’s panel sessions can last anywhere from 10-20 minutes, and depending on your preferred area, you could be stuck in a particularly uncomfortable position while the lights do their thing.
Sure, it’s a sacrifice you might be willing to make, but with my 20-minute sessions, I did miss being able to get on with another task like I would if I were wearing a mask. However, in those instances, you could opt for a lower mode setting that supports skin contact, so you can be mobile or plan your session around staying still, i.e. watching Netflix or answering emails.
Final take
(Image credit: CurrentBody)
In a world muddled with short attention spans and instant gratification, LED therapy is for those with a considerable amount of patience. If you expect clear skin within the first week, light therapy isn’t for you. However, if you’re in it for the long haul, then you might have more promising results.
At AU$1,360, CurrentBody’s panel is an investment in tackling stubborn skin concerns — not a magic wand. If you’re ready to trade up to 20 minutes of multitasking or your mornings for real results, it delivers.
Ultimately, its value depends on your commitment. As an extension to an established LED routine or an alternative to expensive clinical visits, the CurrentBody panel makes a compelling case. Without consistency, however, the investment will largely go to waste.
As for my take, I thoroughly enjoyed using CurrentBody’s LED panel and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Will I be adding it to my skincare routine? The jury might still be out on whether I’ll use it every week, but one thing is certain: skincare shouldn’t stop at the neck — and if you’re ready to commit the time, your skin will thank you from head to toe.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — the Fitbit Air is one of my favorite fitness trackers to launch this year. At $99, it’s super affordable, it’s extremely comfortable to wear, and the Google Health app is excellent. Yet my one gripe has been that, while it looks a lot more discreet than a Whoop or Garmin Cirqa, I’d still take it off if I was going out with friends.
That is, until now — along with the Fitbit Edge, Google quietly released some new premium metal bands for the Fitbit Air, and they look beautiful. Move over, Oura; there’s a new device that looks like jewelry — read on to find out more.
Fitbit Air Metal Mesh band: when is it coming and what will it cost?
The Metal Mesh band is made from stainless steel and will be available in champagne gold or polished silver. On its own, it’ll cost $70, but you can also buy one that is paired with an Obsidian Fitbit Air for $149. This gives users the option to buy a more expensive-looking version of the tracker, but even with just the band itself, you won’t be able to see the little pebble when it’s on your wrist.
(Image credit: Google)
Of course, I’m yet to see the band up close, but they definitely give the Fitbit Air a premium facelift. The finely woven metal bands allow the device to disappear onto the wrist and look more like jewelry than any of the bands it launched with. At first glance, you probably wouldn’t even notice the tracker, making it more like the Oura Ring in terms of discreet fitness tracking.
(Image credit: Google)
The new bands will be available on October 27, when the Fitbit Edge launches. I, personally, can’t wait to get my hands on the Champagne gold band, but let me know what you think of the new launches in the comments below, and whether $70 is too much to spend when the tracker itself only costs $99.
Until then, I’ll sit here patiently waiting for Google to release the armband we’ve all been asking for.
Jane McGuire is Tom’s Guide’s Fitness Managing Editor, which means she looks after everything fitness-related – from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past ten years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone.
Temperatures aren’t getting any warmer for the rest of the year! You’ll probably need some new outerwear to get you through this season safe and dry. Luckily, a bunch of jackets from brands like Columbia, The North Face and Carhartt are dropping in price right now.
I’ve searched Amazon’s sale with up to 55% off jackets, so just keep scrolling and pick your favorite. From rain jackets to cozy hoodies and fleeces, there’s something for everyone here.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the size and color you select. Check out any different color options available in your size to find the best deals.
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Millie is a Deals Editor at Tom’s Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.
Fans of the Fitbit Charge 6, listen up—Google just launched the new $179 Fitbit Edge, and it replaces the Charge in the brand’s fitness-tracker lineup.
But where does it fit in Google’s smartwatch lineup? And should you choose the Fitbit Edge or the $99 Fitbit Air? Read on to find out more
What is the Fitbit Edge?
(Image credit: Google)
Google hasn’t released a Fitbit Charge since 2023, and at a glance, the Fitbit Edge seems to be replacing the budget fitness tracker.
On paper, it has a lot of the same features as the Charge: a small display, a week of battery life, built-in GPS, and the ability to track your workouts, sleep, and stress from your wrist. It won’t give you as many apps or notifications as a smartwatch, but it will do all the basics when it comes to keeping an eye on your health and fitness goals.
Design-wise, it looks more modern, with rounded edges compared to the Fitbit Charge 6’s boxier look. It’s also slightly bigger at 39.2 x 25.6 mm, compared to 36.7 x 23.1 mm on the Fitbit Charge 6.
(Image credit: Google)
The Fitbit Edge costs $180/£160 and comes in four different colors in the active band option: olive green, black, white, or pink.
The olive version has an olive aluminum casing, and the pink Fitbit Edge has a champagne gold casing. Like the Fitbit Air, there’s also a special edition Stephen Curry band, which is more expensive. Like the Fitbit Air, it’s easy to swap between bands, and from the looks of things, there are plenty more options coming soon.
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Like the Fitbit Air, if you want to unlock the Gemini-powered health coach, or some of the more advanced sleep features, you’ll need to pay for a Google Health Premium membership.
This is an extra expense, but in my testing, the Fitbit Air has the best AI-powered health coach out there, so if you use it, it’s worth it.
You can pre-order the Fitbit Edge now, for release on October 27.
Should you buy the Fitbit Edge or the Fitbit Air?
(Image credit: Google)
Here’s the big question, though: should you buy the Fitbit Edge or the $99 Fitbit Air? The answer really depends on how much you want your fitness tracker to have a screen.
I’m yet to test the Fitbit Edge, but will, of course, be following up with a full review once I get my hands on one. The Fitbit Air, on the other hand, is one of my favorite fitness trackers of 2026.
Part of the appeal when it comes to the Fitbit Air is its low cost and its comfortable design. For $99, you’re getting an excellent fitness tracker that’s seriously comfortable. However, you obviously can’t see any live feedback during your workouts.
The Fitbit Edge seems to be in the middle. It won’t give you all the notifications and apps as the Pixel Watch 5, but it will give you more than the Fitbit Air, which doesn’t have a screen, an ECG app, or built-in GPS.
Unlike the Google Pixel Watch 5, the Fitbit Edge will work with Android and iOS.
We’ll be testing the Fitbit Edge soon, so keep an eye on Tom’s Guide!
Jane McGuire is Tom’s Guide’s Fitness Managing Editor, which means she looks after everything fitness-related – from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past ten years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone.
We’re just off the back of Amazon’s October sale, Prime Big Deal Days. But if you missed out, don’t worry — there are still plenty of Asics running shoe deals that are absolutely worth shopping.
You’ll find some massive discounts on certain models — like the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 for $69 (56% off.) Sure, it’s an older shoe, but it still offers great support, especially if you tend to overpronate.
Note: Prices can vary depending on the size and color you choose — check out any different color options in your size to find the best deals.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Millie is a Deals Editor at Tom’s Guide specializing in deals content. She also covers the latest tech news and and creates how-to articles about everything from phones, streaming devices, and headphones to apps and video games. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, gaming on her Nintendo Switch and creating digital art.
The Coros Pace 4 is $200 cheaper than the Pro model and has the same software features, and has proved just as accurate during my testing too.
The Pace 4 Pro offers a larger, brighter display, longer battery life, a sturdier design and more internal storage as its key upgrades on the standard Pace 4.
The Coros Pace 4 and Coros Pace 4 Pro are two of the best sports watches I’ve tested over the past year, and I’ve racked up hundreds of miles of running with both of them during marathon training.
They share a lot of identical features, running the same software and both offering offline maps and the same training analysis features. Both have also proved reliably accurate in my testing.
There are some key differences that make the Pace 4 Pro worth considering over the Pace 4, even though it costs $200 more, with the main ones being its superior battery life and more attractive design.
I’ll dive into those differences below and compare the accuracy of both watches during my testing. For more details on either watch, check out my Coros Pace 4 review and my Coros Pace 4 Pro review.
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: Price
(Image credit: Future)
The Coros Pace 4 Pro costs $449 in the U.S. and £389 in the U.K., which is a big jump in price from the Coros Pace 4, which is $249/£229 for the standard watch and $279/£249 for the aluminum model.
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: Design and display
(Image credit: Future)
While there are also differences in battery life, the main reason I’d consider upgrading to the Coros Pace 4 Pro is its design.
This is the best-looking Coros watch yet, in my opinion, and it also uses sturdier materials than the Pace 4, with a titanium bezel and sapphire crystal screen.
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The screen on the Pro is also noticeably bigger and brighter than the one on the standard Pace 4, and this is done without making the Pace 4 Pro thicker or much heavier.
It’s still a light watch that’s comfortable to wear 24/7, and fits well on my thin wrist. The Pace 4’s even smaller design might still appeal more to some people, though.
(Image credit: Future)
Another plus is that the Pace 4’s front has a wider variety of colors. The Pace 4 Pro is currently only available in black and white, whereas the Pace 4 comes in black, white, yellow and ultraviolet, along with a special Jakob Ingebritsen edition that’s black and gold.
The Pace 4 Pro does have a lot more storage than the Pace 4, though, with 32GB compared with 4GB. This is handy if you plan to download a lot of maps or music onto the watch, but 4GB is enough if you just need maps for your local area and any spots you plan to visit.
For me, the Coros Pace 4 Pro’s design makes it a better watch to wear all the time, and the large screen means your stats are clearer and easier to read at a glance during activities, as are the offline maps.
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: GPS & heart rate accuracy
(Image credit: Future)
I’ve done a lot of running with both watches, using the Coros Pace 4 for six months, including running the London Marathon and racking up a few hundred miles with the Pace 4 Pro over the past month or so.
During that time, the GPS accuracy on both watches has been nigh-on impeccable. I use both in the most accurate multi-band mode, and even in tricky conditions such as under skyscrapers in city centers, they both produce reliably accurate GPS tracks and consistent distance and pace stats.
I also ran with both watches at the same time, comparing them to the Garmin Forerunner 970 as well, and they produced almost identical GPS tracks and distance stats. I wouldn’t base your decision on picking between them on GPS accuracy.
(Image credit: Future)
The same goes for heart rate accuracy; they have been similarly accurate for me over extended testing when comparing their readings to a chest strap heart rate monitor.
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Click to expand (Image credit: DC Rainmaker Analyzer)
Neither is perfect — I find both the Pace 4 and Pace 4 Pro will throw up the occasional incorrect spike in heart rate on runs, and lag behind a chest strap in strength workouts — but both have mostly been very reliable during my training and matched a chest strap during races.
I wouldn’t say either is better than the other, and you could use either to guide your training, but for the most accurate results I’d still pair a chest strap with both watches.
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: Battery life
(Image credit: Future)
The larger design of the Pace 4 Pro has been put to good use with regard to battery life. It lasts up to 21 days in watch mode compared to 19 on the Pace 4 (seven days vs. six days with the screen always-on), and offers 30 hours of multi-band GPS tracking compared to 24 on the Pace 4.
I found the difference in battery life to be heightened with my real-world use. I have the screen always on for both and run every day using the most power-intensive GPS mode.
With that usage, the Coros Pace 4 Pro has been lasting me seven days on a charge, whereas the Pace 4 lasts five days.
Both are impressively long-lasting given their small sizes and AMOLED displays, but opting for the Pace 4 Pro might save you a couple of trips to the charger a month.
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: Specs compared
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4
Header Cell – Column 0
Coros Pace 4 Pro
Coros Pace 4
Price
$449/£389
$249/£229; $279/£249 (aluminum)
Size
47.6 x 11.8mm
43.4 x 11.8mm
Display
1.47in 466 x 466 AMOLED
1.2in 390 x 390 AMOLED
Bezel
Titanium
Plastic or aluminum
Screen
Sapphire crystal
Glass
Weight
51g
40g
Water resistance
5 ATM
50m
Battery life (watch mode)
Up to 21 days
Up to 19 days
Battery life (multi- band GPS)
30 hours
24 hours
Navigation
Offline maps
Breadcrumb
NFC payments
No
No
Mic/speaker
Mic & speaker
Mic
Storage
32GB
4GB
Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Coros Pace 4: Verdict
(Image credit: Future)
The Coros Pace 4 is the better value watch of the two, since it matches the Pace 4 Pro on key features and is just as accurate, but the design of the Pace 4 Pro is a noticeable upgrade that many will appreciate.
As someone who wears a sports watch 24/7, the bigger, brighter screen of the Pace 4 Pro and more attractive design feels worth the extra outlay, with longer battery life a welcome bonus. It’s also easier to read stats and use maps during activities on the larger display.
If you only use a sports watch during workouts, or prefer your wearable to be as small and light as possible, the Coros Pace 4 makes more sense, and it comes in a couple more vibrant color options, too.
Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.
Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.
I wish all my clients would ask me how to build strong hips that feel open and free because the answer isn’t necessarily what you might think.
Years ago, the gold standard was stretching. But now, the tide is turning in favor of weighted mobility routines, dynamic stretching and more controlled weight training. If you can, loading your mobility warm-ups will help you build strength, control and stability that carries over to all exercise.
It’s hard to convince people to stick to a consistent mobility routine, but I’m hoping these quick tips will convince you to make more space in your week for low-impact movement.
Recently, a 60-year-old client asked me for strong hips, and I gave her this advice. Just remember, this routine was designed with my client in mind. Seek medical advice personalized to you before starting a new regimen.
My 60-year-old client asked me how to get stronger hips, so I recommended two things straight away
I recommend thinking about two things in particular for strong hips.
1. Planes of motion
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The planes of motion refer to sagittal, frontal and rotational movement, which means movements front-back, side-to-side, and rotation. To keep your hips truly strong and healthy, you must target as many of them as possible, which means moving in all directions.
I’ve included a short video below to show you some examples of movements you can try, but as a general rule of thumb, think about lifting and lowering your legs (the job of the hip flexors), internally and externally rotating your hip joints, abducting your hips, which means moving your leg away from your midline, plus adducting, which means bringing the limbs closer.
2. Loading the hips and force production
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Loading your movements with resistance bands, kettlebells, dumbbells, loop bands, barbells and props like Pilates balls will increase the intensity and resistance your joints and muscles work through, but the exercises themselves should remain low-impact.
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Think about longevity and the ability of your hips to withstand impact. That is your key to injury prevention. You don’t need heavy weights, either; you just need to move slowly and with control, using rep ranges between 6-10 and sets between 2-4.
Sometimes, you can feel an exercise more with a lighter weight, full control and range of motion. It doesn’t take away from the movement when the quality improves. I’ve included a short warm-up example below that you can use with just a loop band.
I recently spoke with a bone loading expert (our chat will be published in the next few days, at the time of writing), who told me that the best way to build strong bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons is to produce high force using low-impact movement.
That includes pushing hard against a stationary object or holding positions using heavy loads. Consider this the next time you turn to a HIIT routine!
Avoid “just” stretching
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Your hips help you raise your knees. But they need to rotate, adduct, abduct, stabilize, protect, control and help produce force, too. So just sitting in a stretch for a few minutes, while beneficial for short-term flexibility, isn’t going to cut it if you want to build truly strong, mobile hips.
Think about how long many of us sit during the day; our hips respond really well to movement, so when you take a break from your desk, use that opportunity wisely. I’m not saying don’t stretch at all, just don’t depend on it to fix all niggles and tightness. Staying stationary can cause weaknesses and underactive muscles, which in areas like the hips can lead to back pain.
Also, much of the existing research on the stretch reflex indicates we need to sit in stretches for much longer than we realize to allow muscles to feel safe enough to relax. While your reflex prevents any sudden force or overstretching by inhibiting it, stretching for over 30 seconds gently signals to your muscles and nervous system that your body is safe, allowing you to benefit from the stretch properly and relax into it.
So, if you do plan to stretch, give yourself enough time to settle into it. I recommend Yin yoga, which is a slow, static form of yoga that encompasses this.
Verdict
Overall, it really is as simple as choosing 3-6 low-impact exercises you enjoy, performing 6-10 reps and 2-4 sets of them, and loading them appropriately using equipment you like using. Use as much range of motion and slow, controlled movement as you can, and focus on producing force against resistance without high-impact joint work.
Over time, progress movements accordingly or switch them out. Move your hips in all directions, and try to focus on the ones you don’t like or aren’t good at, as this is a sign your hips need it!
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Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified trainer, a level 2 Reiki practitioner and fitness editor at Tom’s Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course.
Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future, such as Live Science, Fit&Well, Coach, and T3.
Having coached at fitness studios like F45 and Virgin Active and taken on both 1:1 and group, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, and kettlebells.
She also coaches mobility and flexibility classes several times a week.
Sam has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11.
