Latest news with #Metcon
Business Wire
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Balfour Beatty-led JV Achieves Prestigious Platinum Envision Certification for RDU's Park Economy 3 Expansion
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Balfour Beatty, in joint venture with Metcon, proudly announces that the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority's Park Economy 3 Expansion project has earned Platinum Envision verification from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, the highest level of recognition for sustainable infrastructure development. The collaboration between our team (Balfour Beatty-Metcon), the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and our project partners exemplifies how innovation and creativity can create infrastructure that balances operational needs with environmental responsibility. Share As the construction partner on this groundbreaking project, the Balfour Beatty and Metcon joint venture team collaborated with RS&H, North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to implement innovative sustainability practices throughout the 7,000-space parking expansion. "This prestigious certification represents our unwavering commitment to sustainable construction practices," said Trent Johnson, Balfour Beatty operations director in the Carolinas. "The collaboration between our team, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and our project partners exemplifies how innovation and creativity can create infrastructure that balances operational needs with environmental responsibility." Key sustainable elements of the project include: State-of-the-art solar panels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure Carefully designed site plans to minimize environmental impacts on surrounding land North Carolina's first submerged gravel wetland stormwater management system The Park Economy 3 project marks the third infrastructure development in North Carolina to receive Envision verification and the first to achieve Platinum status. It also represents the first airport project in the state to earn this distinguished certification. "We're incredibly proud of this achievement and the innovative approach the entire team took toward incorporating sustainable practices into the project," said Michael Landguth, president and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. "This Platinum certification demonstrates RDU's commitment to growing responsibly while minimizing the impact on the environment. The Park Economy 3 Expansion will not only meet our travelers' needs, it also serves as a model for sustainable airport development across the country." About Balfour Beatty US Balfour Beatty is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company performs heavy civil, rail and a broad variety of vertical construction in select local geographies. The company is held by Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY), who is a global leader in international infrastructure with interests in Hong Kong, UK and US. Balfour Beatty US is ranked among the top domestic building contractors in the United States by Engineering News-Record. To learn more, visit
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tested 7 of the best ‘all-rounder' trainers for walking, running and weights – my favourite are super sleek and stable
I FOLLOW a hybrid training routine - I walk, run, lift weights and do some high-intensity exercise. Finding a pair of trainers to wear for all four activities has been a struggle. 13 I want something sturdy, but not too firm, and I definitely need a bit of bounce. Enter - hybrid footwear. It's the word on every fitness lover's lips these days. From the TikTok 'hybrid girlies' to fitness competitions like Hyrox and super serious 'hybrid athletes', it sounds far more technical than it actually is. In short, hybrid fitness refers to a training schedule that encompasses both strength and cardio -based exercise, rather than simply focusing on just one element. Think walking, jogging, HIIT classes and traditional gym workouts. The thing is, when you love a mix of different exercises, it can be tricky to know what to wear on your feet. After all, running, walking and weights tend to require different shoes. Running trainers need to be softer and bouncier and weightlifting ones typically demand flatter, harder soles for better stability. So which hybrid trainers are the best? As a personal trainer, fitness instructor and all-round exercise enthusiast, I tested seven pairs, and these are the ones I'd recommend to carry you through all of your workouts… How to find the perfect running trainer for you with a gait analysis 1. Nike Pegasus Plus, £164.99 (4/5) Pros: Love the look Bouncy for runs and walks Snug fit Cons: Expensive Might be too tight for some, especially around the toe box 13 13 NO trainer roundup is complete without a pair of Nikes and these Pegasus' hit the spot in terms of grip, comfort and support. Nike's Metcon trainers are often seen as the brand's staple gym shoe, allowing for a mix of movements, but I did a Hyrox competition (a combination of running and weighted moves) in a pair of Metcons once and I wouldn't do it again. They simply are not comfortable to run in. To be a true pair of hybrid trainers, they need to be comfortable for the full mix of exercises, including running. The stretchy FlyKnit on the upper part of these Nike Pegasus Plus trainers hugs my feet so I always felt supported during my workout. The rubber sole, which Nike says is 'high-abrasion', has serious grip, not just for running on tarmac, but also for fast-paced movements on gym floors, such as jumps. I did a 30-minute workout consisting of a stationary bike, pull ups, weighted squats and sit ups, and these were a dream to wear. An hour walk in these Nike Pegasus Plus was also very comfortable, and I definitely wasn't in a rush to take them off. 2. Puma Deviate Nitro 3, £149.99 (5/5) Pros: Super versatile Great grip and stability Super snug without being uncomfortable Nice amount of cushioning Cons: Toe box is narrow, so may be annoying for some people 13 13 THESE are a little different to your usual hybrid trainer as they look more like a running shoe. But they were literally made for Hyrox, hence the huge 'Hyrox' down the sides. I pushed a heavy sled in these, did several walking lunges, as well as a little treadmill run and I can confirm, these are fantastic. Would I lift heavy weights on a squat rack in these? No. That's because the heel is too spongy for me and I want to feel flatter against the floor. But for lighter weights and exercises that involve more movement, these are brilliant. They don't slip off at the back, they're comfortable and they look great too. These are also some of the snuggest trainers I think I've ever worn. They look sleek, they're stable and there's zero slippage. It's a big thumbs up from me! I didn't think I would like these as much as I did but honestly, these are so comfortable and they're great for a range of different exercises. They are definitely my winner! 3. Under Armour Dynamic 2, £90 (4/5) Pros: Excellent grip and stability Sock-like upper fits like a glove Cons: Only good for very short runs Tight toe box 13 UNDER Armour says that these are ideal for running and weightlifting. Having tried both exercises while wearing these, I can confirm that is correct. These have plenty of bounce and cushioning for running (although I wouldn't run long distances in these as they aren't bouncy enough) and they have great grip on the sole. I felt really connected to the ground during squats and other weight-bearing exercises. I also loved the sock-like upper area which was really comfortable to put on; it felt soft around my feet, without digging in and rubbing. But, definitely go up half a size on your usual. My toes felt the pinch in my normal size 6! We tested 10 of the best running trainers By Alice Fuller (Health Features Editor) and Lucy Gornall (Health Writer) KEEN to get out and complete your first 5km run? Whether you're a seasoned walker, following the NHS 's Couch to 5km or eager to try parkrun, you'll need a good pair of trainers. We love running, and between us, we've tried endless pairs in a bid to suss out the best on the market. It can be a bit of a minefield trying to work out which ones are most suitable for you, so we've put together a list of our winners and losers. It's important to remember that everyone is different, and getting your running style (or gait) analysed in a specialist shop is always a good idea. But if you want a bit more guidance before you head to your nearest store, here are our ratings for 10 of the most popular styles. Nike Journey Run Women's Running Shoes (4/5) Brooks Ghost Max 2 (4.5/5) Asics NOVABLAST 4 (4.5/5) Hoka Women's Clifton 9 Shoes (4/5) New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3 (4.5/5) Asics Gel Nimbus 26 (4/5) Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Running Shoes (4/5) Nike Invincible 3 Women's Road Running Shoes (3.5/5) On Cloundmonster 2 (4/5) Adidas Ultraboost 22 (3.5/5) 4. Hoka Mach 6, £140 (4/5) Pros: Great amount of cushioning Versatile Gusseted tongue stays in place Cons: Tight fit so for those with wider feet, these might not be ideal A little bulky 13 13 A FEW years back, Hoka didn't carry much street cred. Now it's one of the coolest brands you can be seen in. These Mach 6 trainers are great for casual running, walks or speed training (so, avoid super long runs in these). And while they are cushioned, I didn't experience that rocking sensation as I did with other hybrid trainers. This makes them ideal for the gym and sturdy enough to handle HIIT style and light weighted moves as my feet felt balanced and stable on the floor. These are also nice and snug with just the right level of padding around the foot. 5. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, £220 (3.5/5) Pros: Fantastic for running Great range of colourways Carbon-plated Cons: Very expensive Not good for gym or weighted moves 13 13 IF you're more heavily focused on running, with a side-interest of other activities, then these lightweight Adidas trainers are a wise choice. For running, I loved these and the rocker point in the midsole helped to propel me forward. These also have a carbon plate inside the sole (which explains the high price point). This supposedly helps with running efficiency and speed. While running in these is great, I also found them comfy to wear in the gym for plyometric and high intensity exercises such as squat jumps and mountain climbers. The bouncy rubber sole makes every movement feel really light and easy. Just avoid heavy weight lifting in these. Don't want to stand out on the streets like I did? There are other colour options aside from bright yellow. Tip: I would go up half a size to a full size from your usual with these as they run a little small. 6. R.A.D. R-1, £130 (4.5/5) Pros: Look great Super versatile Made sustainably Cons: Not ideal for longer runs 13 COULD these be the prettiest shoes ever? Before I'd even put these on, I fell in love with the lilac and white of these R.A.D. R-1 trainers. Made for gym, run and HIIT training, these are a lot lighter than they look. The chunky platform offers lots of cushioning but they aren't as 'bouncy' as running trainers. This is a good thing - when you're racking up reps in the gym, too much bounce can cause you to feel unbalanced. As it was, I felt very supported and not once did I feel as though my footwear wasn't appropriate as I did a mini workout of running, dumbbell squats and kettlebell exercises. These are pretty planet friendly too. According to Rad (which stands for Rally Against Destruction), the SwellFoam N2 in the midsole is made from a 50/50 sugar cane and fossil composition combo. 7. Brooks Ghost 16, £135 (4.5/5) Pros: Great support around the ankle Stable during weighted moves Reasonably priced Great grip Cons: Not as bouncy as I'd like for running ALTHOUGH predominantly for road running, these shoes are also ideal for a mixture of workouts as they aren't over-the-top bouncy and they don't come with that super bulky sole which seems to be commonplace now in modern running trainers. I went for a little jog in these before hitting a small circuit-based workout and felt stable and supported the whole time. These are lovely to run in. Plus, the RoadTack rubber outsole provides good grip and traction, which is essential for stability during moves such as lunges and squats. There are also so many colours to choose from, from pale and understated to bright and bold. Price wise, they're on par with my other hybrid trainer choices. However, to avoid having to faff around with any returns, order a half size up from your usual as these do come up slightly small. Sun Health's favourite workout gear FROM leggings to sports bras - everybody has their go-to workout gear. These are our favourites. Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Leggings "I have a workout set from Girlfriend Collective that's my go-to - the Paloma Racerback Bra and Compressive High-Rise Leggings. They can be expensive unless you get them on sale, but this set has lasted loads better than other sportswear I've bought. The leggings haven't lost any elasticity since I got them four years ago and the bra is super comfy and supportive. Plus, all of Girlfriend Collective's activewear is made out of recycled materials!" Lizzie Parry, Head of Health Sweaty Betty Power Leggings "I try to vary my workouts with a mix of cardio and weight training each week. I've tried and tested lots of different leggings but always seem to come back to the Power Leggings. They don't fall down when you run, and I love the fact that whatever the colour there's no risk they will go see-through when I'm squatting. They can be expensive, but I tend to only buy them in the sale or when I spot a discount code, and they do last really well." Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor Shock Aborber Ultimate Run Bra "I've had this longer than I care to admit, but it really is the best sports bra I've tried. It is incredibly supportive while not digging in like some others do. The size range isn't the best, it is very adjustable. Plus, it comes in so many colours!" Vanessa Chalmers, Assistant Head of Health Handheld & Foldable Desk Fan "I mostly do spin classes and there's no way I'd do it without a portable fan attached to the bike in front of me! The aircon is rarely strong enough and any spin-goer will know it's a sweaty affair, which becomes unbearable after a while. This fan has three speed settings and is easily adjustable to the height you want it at." Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter Free People Righteous Runsie "I absolutely love this. While it's designed for running (as the name suggests), I find it perfect for everything I do - from yoga to weight training. It's really lightweight and the fit is incredibly flattering and sculpting without causing any discomfort or chafing."
Miami Herald
23-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Nike rival hits sneaker giant where it hurts
I've been wearing the same shoes to the gym since 2013. Not the same pair, of course - I upgraded with every new release. But my feet have been firmly planted in Nike Metcons for over a decade. From box jumps to sled pushes, they've carried me through it all. You could call me a Metcon diehard. I probably would've called myself that, too. That is, until now. Related: Fans of giant yoga brand are walking away: here's why About two years ago, I started noticing more lifters in the gym wearing a different shoe - bold, clean designs with that all-caps branding across the side: NOBULL. I'd seen them pop up more and more, mostly tied to CrossFit workouts and hardcore lifting sessions, but I never gave them much thought. To me, Nike (NKE) owned the gym floor. One day, I was chatting with my close friend when he casually mentioned that his uncle had acquired NOBULL. That got my curiosity going fast. That offhand comment sent me down a rabbit hole. Turns out, the brand had just been acquired by Mike Repole - the co-founder of Vitaminwater and BodyArmor - a guy who's made a career out of taking on Goliaths. In 2023, Repole's investment group bought NOBULL and quickly merged it with TB12, the wellness and performance company founded by future NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady. What followed was a rebrand and repositioning campaign that felt loud in all the right ways. NOBULL wasn't just for the CrossFit crowd anymore. It was going after the gym generalist, the weekend warrior, the strength-curious. People who just wanted to feel strong, move better, or show up consistently. People like me. And for the first time in over ten years, I didn't buy the newest Metcons. I bought NOBULLs. NOBULL's shift wasn't accidental. Under Repole's leadership, the brand began positioning itself as the modern training shoe for a broader, more mainstream audience, while still catering to its CrossFit community. The TB12 merger added credibility and an entirely new wellness vertical. Now, NOBULL had more than just sleek footwear - it had science-backed recovery gear, nutrition, and performance coaching. Thus began the journey from a footwear company to a full-scale health and wellness brand that supports movement, recovery, mindset, and lifestyle. Related: Popular fitness tracker's latest update outrages users That kind of pivot puts pressure on Nike, whose dominance in the gym space has come from being everything to everyone, but also nothing truly personal to anyone. The Metcon line, once revolutionary, hasn't had a cultural moment in years. Meanwhile, NOBULL has grown louder, not just in product drops but in personality. The brand has collaborated with athletes, leaned into bold marketing, and redefined its customer. In short, it started acting less like an underdog and more like a contender. Nike may still dominate in numbers, but brand loyalty is emotional, and that's where NOBULL is sneaking in. For years, Nike thrived on routine. A new Metcon dropped, and the faithful showed up. But routines crack when a brand stops stepping up in the ways that matter. NOBULL, by contrast, has shown it knows its audience. It speaks to performance without preaching, leans into utility without sacrificing aesthetics, and, most importantly, listens. The result? NOBULL is landing with lifters, runners, casual gym-goers, and anyone who wants a shoe that can actually keep up. Stable for lifting, responsive for movement, and durable enough to take a beating - no athlete label required. And while Nike likely isn't sweating this one customer's switch, it should be watching the wave behind it. This isn't just about sneakers. It's about showing up every day and trying to be better than yesterday. In the gym, it's always me vs. me - and the right gear makes that battle a little easier. I am proud to say that after more than a decade with Nike, I've officially converted to NOBULL. And I'm not going back. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
