Nicholas Rizzo

Nicholas Rizzo
Nick combines 10+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a background in the sciences in his role as the Fitness Research Director. During his competitive powerlifting years his PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Bodybuilding.com, LiveStrong, Healthline, WebMD, WashingtonPost, and many more. Along the way, collaborating with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.

Articles

Return to work creates exercise boom for least active [Study]
Return to work creates exercise boom for least active [Study]

We wanted to understand how the exercise habits of people who were forced to work remotely during the pandemic were impacted by returning to the office full-time.  To do this, we surveyed 2,494 people[…]

Gym Harassment: 56.37% women harassed while working out
Gym Harassment: 56.37% women harassed while working out

We wanted to understand how prevalent harassment is in gyms and how it impacts members, gyms, and the industry as a whole. To investigate this we surveyed 3,774 gym members (1107 female and 2667 male)[…]

Scientific Benefits of Exercise [Research Review]
Scientific Benefits of Exercise [Research Review]

In 2021, we began a project dedicating a significant amount of time towards researching the scientific benefits of exercise for your health. Reading, reviewing, analysing, and reporting the findings o[…]

Running Boom: 28.76% of runners started during the pandemic
Running Boom: 28.76% of runners started during the pandemic

We surveyed 3,961 current runners to investigate how many began during the pandemic. We wanted to learn about their motivations for running, whether they’ll participate in races, and how they differ f[…]

1/3 gym members won't return after vaccine (11K surveyed)
1/3 gym members won't return after vaccine (11K surveyed)

A year ago, at the start of the lockdowns, we found that nearly 50% of gym members didn’t plan to return to their gyms upon reopening and that more than 10% had cancelled their memberships.  A follow-[…]

Average Gym Membership Cost 2021 [Gym Price Analysis]
Average Gym Membership Cost 2021 [Gym Price Analysis]

We compiled the prices of the different membership plans at 16 popular gym chains in the US (as of January 15th, 2021) to analyse the average gym membership costs in 2021. The comprehensive analysis s[…]

Fitness Trends 2021: New Trends in Fitness [Global Report]
Fitness Trends 2021: New Trends in Fitness [Global Report]

The pandemic has forced drastic changes upon the fitness industry, producing a sizable shift in how people approach staying fit and maintaining the health benefits of regular exercise.   In order to l[…]

39.14% of avid gym members switch to home fitness in 2021
39.14% of avid gym members switch to home fitness in 2021

In our previous study, we found 41.38% of gym members were “avid gym members”, or those who stated gyms, health clubs, fitness centres, studios, or bootcamps were their primary way to stay fit coming[…]

How Will Gym Members Stay Fit in 2021 [Hint:Not the Gym]
How Will Gym Members Stay Fit in 2021 [Hint:Not the Gym]

Although nearly half of gym members said they would return to their gym when it reopened back in April, only a third had returned since August.  With the pandemic only worsening as 2020 comes to an en[…]

COVID's Impact on the Fitness Industry [35+ Stats and Facts]
COVID's Impact on the Fitness Industry [35+ Stats and Facts]

The global pandemic is the biggest disruption the fitness industry has ever faced. To develop a greater understanding of just how the industry is being impacted and shifting, we spent hours researchin[…]

Quarantine Weight Gain: 35.82% Gained Weight During Pandemic [19,903 Person Study]
Quarantine Weight Gain: 35.82% Gained Weight During Pandemic [19,903 Person Study]

In previous research, we found that the lockdown led to people exercising more than they were prior to the pandemic - staying active to enjoy the health benefits of exericse. Additionally, we have fou[…]

A Fifth of Gyms Are Still Closed [6,812 Member Survey]
A Fifth of Gyms Are Still Closed [6,812 Member Survey]

Four months after our initial gyms reopening survey we ran a follow-up survey that found only 30.98% of gym members had returned to their gym to enjoy the benefits of exercising. To learn more about t[…]

Only 30.98% of Gym Members Have Returned [5,055 Member Survey]
Only 30.98% of Gym Members Have Returned [5,055 Member Survey]

Prior to gyms reopening in May, we surveyed 10,824 gym members regarding how they felt about returning to their gyms and their memberships. Four months later, we have surveyed 5,055 gym members to lea[…]

Gyms Reopening: 46.67% of Members Won’t Return [Study]
Gyms Reopening: 46.67% of Members Won’t Return [Study]

In the face of this pandemic, some places are beginning their initial stages of reopening.  During so, people have had to go elsewhere to stay active and enjoy the benefits of exercise. With the disru[…]

50+ Ways Strength Training for Golf Improves Performance
50+ Ways Strength Training for Golf Improves Performance

It is well known that exercise benefits sports performance in a variety of ways. For this study we researched and analysed over 130 scientific studies in order to investigate the effect of strength tr[…]

323,776 Reviews Say "Expensive Workout Shoes Aren't Worth It"
323,776 Reviews Say "Expensive Workout Shoes Aren't Worth It"

The analysis below is based not on our lab reviews, but on expert and user reviews from other sites. To learn more about how we lab test shoes, see our methodology page here, which explains in detail[…]

CrossFit Open 2020 - Expert Predictions
CrossFit Open 2020 - Expert Predictions

With the 2020 CrossFit Open kicking off on October 10th, RunRepeat conducted a survey among journalists and CrossFit experts around the world.  The survey consisted of 14 questions regarding their pre[…]

The Political Divide: Dems and Reps Can't Even Agree on Shoes
The Political Divide: Dems and Reps Can't Even Agree on Shoes

The political divide is seemingly greater than ever. Although we are all citizens of the same country, there are clearly differences in the people that fall on both sides of the aisle. Which begs the[…]

Sprint Interval Training: Burn 40% More Fat Than HIIT in 60% Less Time
Sprint Interval Training: Burn 40% More Fat Than HIIT in 60% Less Time

From fitness gurus and gym trainers to that one colleague who never shuts up about Crossfit, all will tell you exactly what you need to do to lose weight.  We all know the benefits of exercising - des[…]

33 Couples Yoga Poses to Take Your Relationship to the Next Level
33 Couples Yoga Poses to Take Your Relationship to the Next Level

From Instagram gurus, major publications, family and friends to your work colleagues, it is hard to go very long without hearing about yoga. We get it. Yoga is a great form physical activity to reap t[…]

Stronglifts 5x5 Workout - Best Strength Training Programme for Beginners
Stronglifts 5x5 Workout - Best Strength Training Programme for Beginners

The fitness industry is littered with fad workouts that tell you what to do, how to do it, and promise amazing results. They come. They go. And a new one is born. The 5x5 workout is not one of those f[…]

78 Science Backed Benefits of Weightlifting for Seniors
78 Science Backed Benefits of Weightlifting for Seniors

The ageing process is a daunting and inevitable one.Which is why effort and action must be taken to improve the overall health, longevity, and quality of life. Despite this, 80% of adults are not enga[…]

The Complete Science-Backed Guide to Lifting Shoes: Barefoot and Beyond
The Complete Science-Backed Guide to Lifting Shoes: Barefoot and Beyond

Why do we wear shoes? I mean, it isn’t like cavemen used to camp outside for 2-3 days to cop the freshest pair of shoes from the Air Jordan Hunter Gatherer collection. Yet, they seemed to have done al[…]

Guides

Best cross-training shoes
Best cross-training shoes

Lift heavy, jump higher, and strengthen those targeted muscle groups with a new pair of cross-training shoes. Yes, you can do all those workout regimens wearing just one dependable hybrid training kic[…]

Best gym shoes
Best gym shoes

If you take your workouts seriously, you simply cannot afford to compromise when it comes to your gym shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes not only impedes your performance but also increases your chance of[…]

Best cheap gym shoes
Best cheap gym shoes

Whatever fave way you like to sweat, there’s no need to spend a fortune on a new pair of gym shoes. In fact, if you’re on a tight budget, you can still score good quality workout kicks from popular br[…]

Best Adidas gym shoes
Best Adidas gym shoes

With almost 100 years in the making, Adidas continues to be one of the trusted brands in the athletic footwear industry. As a frontrunner in innovative shoe technology, the Three Stripes keeps adjusti[…]

Best Nike hiit shoes
Best Nike hiit shoes

If you need shoes that can handle the heat of punishing workouts, the Nike HIIT shoes will definitely fit the bill. The intense nature of this cardiovascular training regimen pushes your body to the l[…]

Best Nike gym shoes
Best Nike gym shoes

Having the right gym shoes is a key foundation to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you’re building muscles with weightlifting routines or executing a CrossFit workout of the day, the ideal footwear[…]

Best Nike cross-training shoes
Best Nike cross-training shoes

From the do-it-all Nike Free Metcon series to the ever-popular Nike Metcon models, Nike offers several of the most highly-rated cross-training kicks that can handle multiple exercises. Whatever hybrid[…]

Best cheap workout shoes
Best cheap workout shoes

Whether you enjoy lifting weights, doing aerobic exercises, or clocking up miles on the treadmill, having the right pair of shoes is key to keeping your feet comfortable. And if you’re on a budget, no[…]

Best Reebok crossfit shoes
Best Reebok crossfit shoes

When CrossFit, one of the biggest, if not the biggest and most exciting, fitness movements of our time, announced its 10-year partnership with Reebok in 2010, it marked a remarkable revolution in the[…]

Best Reebok workout shoes
Best Reebok workout shoes

Reebok is one of the OGs of athletic footwear. Its entry into the fitness market in the 80s ushered in some of the best Rebook workout shoes in history such as the iconic Workout Trainer - a gym-focus[…]

Best Reebok training shoes
Best Reebok training shoes

Reebok is one of the oldest manufacturers of athletic footwear in the world. Its deep roots can be traced back as far as 1890 when they first introduced their spiked sports shoes. Since then, the bran[…]

Best Adidas training shoes
Best Adidas training shoes

From powerlifting to all-around trainers, Adidas offers some of the superbly high-quality training shoes in the business. As a trusted brand in the athletic footwear industry, you can be sure to get g[…]

Best Nike weightlifting shoes
Best Nike weightlifting shoes

When it comes to superb support and stability for a tough weightlifting workout, Nike is hands down one of the best and most trusted brands out there. From the weightlifting-focused design like the Ni[…]

Best Nike crossfit shoes
Best Nike crossfit shoes

CrossFit is a fitness phenomenon that appeals to many athletes all around the world. To become good at it, you will need a special type of CrossFit-specific shoes that can handle the rigorous training[…]

Best Nike workout shoes
Best Nike workout shoes

Whether you need a new pair that can handle your high-impact workouts or all-around gym shoes for studio fitness classes, Nike offers some of the best-rated workout shoes on the market. The Swoosh mod[…]

Best powerlifting shoes
Best powerlifting shoes

Many workout programmes include a form of weightlifting in their exercise lineups. In effect, many training shoes, especially those from big brands like Reebok and Adidas, have features that support w[…]

Best shoes for skipping rope
Best shoes for skipping rope

There are loads of training shoes for skipping rope to choose from. And there are also loads of features to consider to get the right pair.  It can be tedious, which is exactly the reason why we came[…]

Best hiit shoes
Best hiit shoes

High-intensity interval training isn't for the faint-hearted. It's truly high-intensity, and you will surely sweat it out. To do well in this programme, you need the support of good training shoes tha[…]

Best Nike training shoes
Best Nike training shoes

Nike fans looking for a pair of versatile and dependable training shoes for gym workouts, non-stop jumping, and hardcore weightlifting need not look far. A brand known for its stylish trainers and per[…]

Best crossfit shoes
Best crossfit shoes

A Crossfit session involves a lot of different movements: from a warmup run to a series of box jumps, from holding a plank to lifting 400 lbs. That’s why Crossfit shoes must live up to a large span of[…]

Best workout shoes
Best workout shoes

Workout shoes, also called cross-training shoes or cross-trainers, are engineered to accommodate a wide range of training activities. This guide will present the best workout shoes we have tried and t[…]

Best weightlifting shoes
Best weightlifting shoes

Also known as lifters or squat shoes, weightlifting trainers stand out with their wide non-compressible platforms, raised heels, and sturdy uppers to keep you stable under the heaviest loads. Whether[…]

Best training shoes
Best training shoes

Training shoes are designed for every imaginable activity at the gym: jumping, lifting, rowing, and more. Some trainers are more geared towards weightlifting (wide sturdy base with a raised heel), whi[…]

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

Nike Air Zoom TR 1
82
Good!
Altra Solstice XT 2
80
Good!
Reebok Nano X3 Adventure
77
Good!
Adidas The Total
90
Superb!
Nike Zoom SuperRep 4
74
Decent!
New Balance Minimus TR
79
Good!
Nike SuperRep Go 3
81
Good!
Adidas Dropset 2
90
Superb!
Nike Air Max Bella TR 5
82
Good!
Nike MC Trainer 2
77
Good!
Nike Metcon 9
82
Good!
New Balance DynaSoft TRNR v2
65
Bad!
Adidas Powerlift 5
88
Great!
Reebok Legacy Lifter II
90
Superb!
Reebok Legacy Lifter III
87
Great!
Reebok Nano 2.0
89
Great!
Under Armour TriBase Reign 5
81
Good!
Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2
83
Good!
Adidas Dropset Trainer
88
Great!
On Cloud X 3
87
Great!
Nike Savaleos
85
Good!
Nike Legend Essential 3
70
Decent!
Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer 5
85
Good!
Nike Free Metcon 5
86
Great!
Reebok Nano X3
88
Great!
Reebok Nano X2 TR Adventure
86
Great!
Nike Metcon 8
88
Great!
Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3
81
Good!
NOBULL Impact
89
Great!
Reebok Nano X2
89
Great!
Reebok Nano X1
88
Great!
Nike Legend Essential 2
81
Good!
Nike Romaleos 4
92
Superb!
Nike Flex Control 4
88
Great!
NOBULL Outwork
94
Superb!