Latest news with #Agostino
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The best weight benches in 2025: Tested for every fitness level
A workout bench is the backbone of any at-home gym setup. From chest presses and bicep curls to tricep dips and dumbbell rows, this simple tool unlocks countless muscle-building workout routines. Whether you're a serious weightlifter or simply looking to boost muscle mass, it's worth doing the research to find the best weight bench for your fitness needs. Besides helping you perform upper-body weightlifting movements, like a bench press or chest fly, sports performance coach Raymond Agostino, PT, DPT, notes that workout benches can also be used for lower-body exercises, such as weighted step-ups and hip thrusts. If you're looking to add a weight bench to your home gym, Agostino recommends looking for an adjustable one — ideally, with incline, flat and decline positioning options. To keep you comfortable and stable while you lift, he encourages choosing a bench with strong padding and a nonslip base. As for how heavy-duty your bench should be, it ultimately depends on your priorities. Agostino notes that a heavier base will be sturdier and better for plyometric exercises, though moving it around may be more challenging, a potential dealbreaker if you're short on space. Clearly, when it comes to building a home gym, a weight bench is a must-have. To help you identify the right option for your space, we tested eight benches at both home and commercial gym setups and gathered expert feedback from trainers, powerlifters and casual exercisers. We focused on features like adjustability, weight capacity, ease of assembly and foldability to determine the best weight benches to buy in 2025. Best overall weight bench More weight benches we like for 2025 Types of weight benches Factors to consider when purchasing a weight bench How we chose Other products we tested FAQs Meet the experts Workout benches offer functionality far beyond upper-body workouts. According to McKenzie, they can be used to train nearly every muscle group, making them a staple for any home or commercial gym. While commonly associated with chest exercises like dumbbell presses or barbell benching, weight benches can assist with a wide variety of movements, such as rear-foot elevated split squats, box squats or hip thrusts. An adjustable bench can also be set to a decline position for sit-ups or used flat for planks to target your core. The type of weight bench you choose plays a significant role in the exercises you can perform. Some benches offer specialized features, while others are more bare-bones. Here's a breakdown of the different types of benches to consider for your home gym: Flat benches: A straight, one-piece bench primarily used for lifting heavy weights. Someone focusing heavily on benching with an Olympic bar and plates, for instance, may prefer the stability of a flat bench that doesn't incline or decline. Adjustable bench: A bench with a seat and a backrest that can incline or decline independently. Most adjustable benches offer a range of seat and backrest angles, enabling lifters to target multiple muscle groups with precision. Foldable benches: These benches are often adjustable and are designed to fold down for easy storage, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Just keep in mind that the folding mechanism may compromise a bench's stability, resulting in a lower weight capacity compared to non-folding options. FID bench: Short for flat, incline and decline, an FID bench is an adjustable bench designed to accommodate these three key positions. Many adjustable benches qualify as FID benches. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for targeting multiple muscle groups. Olympic bench: Designed for heavy lifting and competitive powerlifting, an Olympic bench is built to handle loads of 1,000 pounds or more and is typically wider and offers more stability than standard benches. While they can be adjustable or flat, the flat design is the gold standard for serious lifters. Olympic benches typically include a barbell and an integrated rack for bench pressing, offering a complete setup for maximum strength training. When it comes to choosing a workout bench, you'll want to consider several factors, including the types of workouts you plan on doing and where you plan on using the bench. For example, McKenzie notes that if you plan on using the bench in a multi-function space, like a bedroom or living room, you may want to prioritize a bench that's easy to move or fold. On the other hand, if you're outfitting a dedicated home gym, a heavy-duty, more stable bench may be a better investment. Here are some additional factors to consider when purchasing a weight bench: Frame: Umo Callins, MS, RD, CPT, a board-certified sports dietitian, says that the frame is the most important feature to look for to ensure a stable and quality option. She recommends opting for steel or cast iron frames whenever possible. "The fewer pieces it has for assembly, the better. Durability is [also] very important, so make sure to choose a brand that's reputable and well-made," she says. Safety features: McKenzie recommends looking for nonslip feet to prevent sliding. If you opt for an adjustable bench, choose one with locking mechanisms to keep the bench from moving or collapsing while you're using it. "Everyone has seen those videos online of what happens when an adjustable bench is not locked properly," Agostino says — you don't want to play a starring role! Stability: Agostino recommends benches with wide, sturdy bases to prevent tipping. "Avoid benches with thin, wobbly legs or overly narrow bases, as they tend to be unstable and unsafe," he says. He also recommends staying away from benches that feel flimsy or lack secure adjustability, advising, "If your first thought is 'I don't know about this,' then you should probably avoid it." This is particularly true if you plan to use the bench for exercises where you'll be moving on and off the bench during an exercise, like step-ups or plyometric jumps, where stability is incredibly important for safety. Weight capacity: Benches vary in how much weight they can support, so it's crucial to check the load capacity. For example, if you weigh 250 pounds and can bench press an equal amount, you'll need a bench that can handle at least 500 pounds. Even if heavy lifting isn't in your current plan, opting for a bench with a higher weight capacity is a smart investment — giving you room to grow as your strength improves. Storage and transport: If space is limited, a collapsible or wheeled bench is ideal. McKenzie highlights that these types of benches are easy to store and maneuver, making them ideal for compact home gyms or multi-functional spaces. Lighter-weight benches are also advantageous when frequent repositioning is necessary, ensuring your workout setup stays flexible and efficient. Foldable designs can be tucked away when not in use, while wheeled options offer effortless mobility without compromising stability. Comfort: Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing comfort when selecting a weight bench. A padded seat can make a significant difference in the quality of your workout, ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Callins further advises steering clear of aluminum frames or benches with thin foam pads, as they can compromise both comfort and support during use. Value: While budget certainly plays a role in purchasing home gym equipment, Agostino suggests investing in a quality weight bench that can grow with you on a fitness journey. "Don't sleep on the importance of a good bench," he says. "A good quality bench should last for years. Opting for quality means it'll last years and support a variety of exercises as your fitness goals evolve." To identify the best workout benches, we tested eight models over several months in home gyms and a commercial gym. Our testing process included a diverse range of users, including certified personal trainers, professional bodybuilders, daily weightlifters, casual gym enthusiasts, a postpartum parent and an older adult returning to exercise. This comprehensive approach allowed us to evaluate how each bench performed across different fitness levels and needs. As an active weightlifter and registered nurse, I personally tested each bench to evaluate its features. To ensure well-rounded recommendations, I consulted certified personal trainers to identify critical factors to consider when choosing a weight bench for a home gym. Our final picks reflect a combination of hands-on testing, expert insights and user feedback. While it didn't make our top list, the Sole SW116 is worth considering if you prioritize comfort — and don't mind the hefty price tag. Our testers liked the bench's smooth adjustment mechanism and commercial-grade cushion pad. However, at nearly $700 ($600 when on sale), its performance didn't outshine our best overall pick — the Dick's Sporting Goods Ethos Bench, which costs less than $300 — making it hard to justify the cost. Plus, with a total weight capacity of 500 pounds, the Sole SW116 isn't ideal for more heavy-duty lifting. We also tested the BowFlex 4.1S Adjustable Weight Bench, which is proven to be a solid option for a home gym. However, it didn't offer any standout features that would warrant a specific recommendation. It's also currently out of stock. Adjustable benches offering flat, incline and decline positions are the most versatile, making them a good option for most home gym users. When paired with a weight cage and barbell for more serious weightlifting, a flat bench may be a better option for added stability and higher weight capacity. Many weight benches offer a weight capacity ranging from 500 to 1,000 pounds. That said, every weight bench has a different weight capacity, so always check the listed weight limit before use. The bench should list a user weight and a weight limit for a combined weight capacity. Look for a steel frame, sturdy base, nonslip feet and secure locking mechanisms to keep you safe while lifting. Adjustable weight benches vary in how they're adjusted. Some models have an open bracket system, while others may have a more precise pin mechanism with a knob for loosening and fastening the pin. When cleaning exercise equipment, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In general, most workout benches can be cleaned using a damp cloth and mild soap. Metal frames should be thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent rusting. Raymond Agostino, PT, doctor of physical therapy and sports performance coach, owner of Agostino Athletics in Fort Myers, Fla. Noelle McKenzie, correctional exercise specialist, certified personal trainer and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York City Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO of WorkoutHealthy Umo Callins, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CPT, a board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach based in Oklahoma City, Okla. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
CNBC
23-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Personal finance app Monarch raises $75 million despite 'nuclear winter' for fintech startups
The personal finance startup Monarch has raised $75 million to accelerate subscriber growth that took off last year when budgeting tool Mint was shut down, CNBC has learned. The fundraising is among the largest for an American consumer fintech startup this year and values the San Francisco-based company at $850 million, according to co-founder Val Agostino. The Series B round was led by Forerunner Ventures and FPV Ventures. Monarch aims to provide an all-in-one mobile app for tracking spending, investments and money goals. The field was once dominated by Mint, a pioneer in online personal finance that Intuit acquired in 2009. After the service languished for years, Intuit closed it in early 2024. "Managing your money is one of the big unsolved problems in consumer technology," Agostino said in a recent Zoom interview. "How American families manage their money is still basically the same as it was in the late 90s, except today we do it on our phones instead of walking into a bank." Monarch, founded in 2018, saw its subscriber base surge by 20 times in the year after Intuit announced it was closing Mint as users sought alternatives, according to Agostino. Unlike Mint, which was free, Monarch relies on paying subscribers so that the company doesn't need to focus on advertising from credit-card issuers or sell users' data, said Agostino, who was an early product manager at Mint. The startup aimed to make onboarding accounts and expense tracking easier than rival tools, some of which are free or embedded within banking apps, according to FPV co-founder Wesley Chan. Chan said that Monarch reminds him of previous bets that he has made, including his stake in graphic design platform Canva, in that Agostino is tackling a difficult market with a fresh approach. "What Val is doing, it's the successor to anything that's been done in financial planning," Chan said. "It's frictionless, it's easy to use and it's easy to share, which is something that never existed before. That's why he's growing so quickly, and why the engagement numbers are so high." The company's round comes amid a period of muted interest for most U.S. fintechs that cater directly to consumers. Monarch is one of the few firms to raise a sizeable Series B; other recent examples include Felix, a money remittance service for Latino immigrants. Fintech firms raised $1.9 billion in venture funding in the first quarter, a 38% decline from the fourth quarter that "signals deepening investor caution toward B2C models," according to a recent PitchBook report. Roughly three-quarters of all the venture capital raised in the quarter went to companies in the enterprise fintech space, PitchBook said. "The sector is still in nuclear winter" as it faces a hangover from 2021-era startups that "raised way too much money and had zero progress and wrecked it for everybody else," Chan said. "That's fine with me, I love nuclear-winter sectors."
Perth Now
08-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Serious concern at high diabetes rate among Indigenous
Early intervention is key to tackling disproportionate rates of diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, health organisations say. Almost one in six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have diabetes, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released on Wednesday. The numbers are a serious concern but no surprise for Jason Agostino, senior medical adviser at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. "One in six adults with diabetes, and that being higher in remote areas is shocking," he said. "They're some of the highest rates of diabetes in the world and three times higher than non-Indigenous Australians." The data found one in five people who had diabetes indicated through blood or urine test results did not report that they had been diagnosed with the condition. This means a portion of the population is missing out on early intervention, Dr Agostino said. Early detection is important, he said, with a number of Aboriginal community-controlled health clinics offering screening for diabetes from the age of 10. "The earlier we can pick it up, the better we can do for that person, for them to live a long and healthy life," Dr Agostino said. The Institute of Urban Indigenous Health chief executive Wayne AhBoo said the data reinforces the importance of preventative health checks. "What that means is that we're picking up any early signs of chronic disease, which we can then help and address for our mob, or we can confirm if somebody does have a chronic disease and then provide the necessary treatment," he said. The institute has been running their Deadly Choices program in southeast Queensland for 15 years, which focuses on healthy lifestyle choices and encourages people to get their annual health check and other health initiatives. Mr AhBoo said a recent expansion of the initiative into NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT is already having a positive impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. "In the short period of time since July last year to January we've seen a 21 per cent increase in health checks," he said. Alongside early intervention measures, Dr Agostino said there must be an effort to address social determinants of health. "Diabetes is influenced by whether you have access to clean drinking water, if you've got access to healthy and affordable food, if you've got space you can do healthy activities like exercise," he said. "There's a lot to be done on the prevention side but unfortunately the way our health system is funded, much more is spent in hospitals than it is in primary care."
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NHLer, U.S. Olympian Re-Signs With German Club
American forward Kenny Agostino, 33, has signed a one-year contract extension with ERC Ingolstadt, the DEL club announced on Monday. Last season, his first with the club, Agostino had 53 points and 38 penalty minutes in 62 regular-season and playoff games. Ingolstadt finished first in the DEL regular season but was eliminated in the semifinals by Kölner Haie. 'Last season made me want more, and I'm looking forward to returning to Ingolstadt and playing again with the team and the fans,' said Agostino, who added, 'My wife and I also really enjoy Ingolstadt and the region, which of course made the decision easy in the end.' 'Kenny has exceptional qualities, is a difference-maker on offense, and was one of our most productive forwards last season,' said Ingolstadt sports director Tim Reagan. 'He will continue to play this role in the future.' Kenny Agostino moves from Düsseldorf to Ingolstadt Veteran American forward Kenny Agostino, a former NHLer and Olympian, will remain in Germany but is moving from Düsseldorfer EG to ERC Ingolstadt, the latter DEL team announced on Friday. Agostino was a fifth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2010 and then attended Yale University for the next four years, helping the Bulldogs win the NCAA title in his third year. After turning pro, he played 86 NHL games for the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 30 points. In 2016-17 with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, he had 93 points in 75 combined regular-season and playoff games. For the last three seasons, Agostino has played in Europe, first with the KHL's Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and then in Düsseldorf, where he played the 2023-24 season. In 2022, he was chosen to represent the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, scoring one goal in four games. Agostino is the second former NHLer and Olympian that Ingolstadt has re-signed from last year's squad, joining Canadian defenseman Morgan Ellis. Ex-Hab, Canadian Olympian Signs Contract Extension In Germany ERC Ingolstadt finished first in the DEL regular season and, with the playoffs about to start, announced on Friday that an important piece of this year's team will be returning in 2025-26, in the form of Canadian defenseman Morgan Ellis.
CBC
06-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Rocket Mortgage to wind down Canadian operations to focus on the American market
Social Sharing Rocket Mortgage, the U.S.-based lending company, is leaving Canada as the company focuses on growing in the United States. But, the company's other Windsor-based business will continue to operate and maintain its downtown Windsor footprint. The company said in a statement it has started to wind down operations and expect the process to be complete June 27. "We want to assure our clients that all loans in process will proceed without issue, and we remain committed to supporting them through this transition," the company said. "While this means stepping away from our lending business in Canada, we thank our team members who have helped us expand over the last five years." Ward 3 Coun. and Downtown BIA board member Renaldo Agostino said while Rocket Mortgage Canada is ceasing its operations, the Rocket Innovation Studio in downtown Windsor isn't going anywhere. "My thoughts are with the employees from the Rocket Mortgage side of things that are being displaced and [I] certainly want to see those people get jobs right away," he said. "But mostly it's just getting rid of the myth where people think that Rocket is leaving downtown, and it's certainly not." Agostino said businesses closing is not "the end of the world" but the biggest impact will be losing relationships with a lot of members who he says have done a lot for downtown, from community clean ups to volunteering for events. "When one door closes, another door opens … There's just some jobs being lost and my focus is trying to help those people that have lost their jobs to find new employment," he said. "We have a lot of companies that are working very hard to bring new businesses into Windsor and it's the downtown core…Our job is to give businesses the environment to make money. And if they're in an environment where they make money, they're going to stay." Rocket declined to comment on how many employees will be affected by the closure. While there will be roles for some team members at its other Canadian businesses, the Vancouver-based Lendesk and Rocket Innovation Studio, the company said the majority of Rocket Mortgage Canada team members will receive severance packages including health coverage and career transition services.
