Our Fitness Methodology

About Our Testing Methodology

Our comprehensive reviews consist of proprietary testing as well as in-depth research and customer and expert interviews.

Over the course of our testing procedures and evaluations, each product is scored in a variety of categories including but not limited to features; performance; cost; delivery, returns, and warranties; brand reputation; and customer reviews.

The categories we evaluate vary depending on what consumers care about each product type. For example, convenience and portability may be important for a fitness product like a yoga mat, but not matter for a sleep product like a mattress.

How We Score Products

We assign each product a score of 1 through 5 for each of the categories we test in. That score is then averaged to produce a cumulative score out of 5 for each product, with 1 being extremely poor and 5 being exceptionally good.

Fitness Equipment

Criteria we evaluate:

1. Experience and effectiveness: We test this product during a full workout or full use and provide results. Factors may include workout intensity, intensity level options, how effectively it delivers on the intended workout / use, etc.
2. Tech capabilities: Capabilities such as heart rate tracking, bluetooth capabilities, app connectivity, etc.
3. Delivery and assembly: How quickly does the product arrive? How easy is it to assemble? Does it require professional assembly? Are the necessary tools included in packaging?
4. Portability: Weight and dimensions - will this product fit in a run-of-the-mill home gym? Can it be easily stored? Electricity outlet requirements?
5. Durability: How long can you expect to keep this product running in your home gym? Does it get beat up quickly? For example, for a treadmill: Does the tread need greasing/oiling often? For a bike: Do the handles need taping often?
6. Ease of use: Can a beginner use this product? How easy is it to turn on and get started with the workout? How long does it take to get to a workout? What is their user interface like?
7. Value: Evaluating price, experience and durability in one metric
8. Customer reviews: What are customers saying about this product? Are there common issues/complaints among reviews?
9. Customer service: How long does it take customer service to answer the phone? Can you access customer service via a website? How many days does it take to resolve the issue?
10. Warranty, financing and returns: Are there financing options? What is the process for returning the item?

Fitness Accessories and Products

Criteria we evaluate:

1. Experience and effectiveness: We test this product during a full workout or full use and provide results. Factors may include workout intensity, intensity level options, how effectively it delivers on the intended workout / use, etc.
2. Durability: How long can you expect to keep this product running in your home gym? Does it get beat up quickly? What if we drop this product on the ground?
3. Value: Evaluating price, experience and durability in one metric
4. Customer reviews: What are customers saying about this product? Are there common issues/complaints among reviews?
5. Design: Is this product aesthetically pleasing? Are there customization options?
6. Portability and storage / design: Weight and dimensions - will this product fit in a run-of-the-mill home gym? Can it be easily stored?
7. Delivery and assembly: How quickly does the product arrive? How easy is it to assemble? Does it require professional assembly? Are the necessary tools included in packaging?

Fitness Apps

Criteria we evaluate:

1. User Experience: Does the app deliver on its intended use during a full use period (i.e. a single workout or workout program)? Does it have a simple interface that’s easy to navigate? Are there any bugs that inhibit use?
2. App effectiveness: We test this product during a series of full workouts or for the duration of a program and provide results. Factors may include workout intensity, modification options, how effectively it delivers on the intended workout / use, etc.
3. Tech capabilities: Does the app use your phone’s capabilities in a unique way? Does it integrate with other fitness tech such as a heart rate monitor or wearable? Do these features function as designed, or are they finicky?
4. Design: Is the app easy to navigate? Can you find all the functions you need quickly? Does it provide an intuitive user experience overall?
5. Value: Does the cost of the app align with the features it offers? Is this comparable to other products in its category? 
6. Customer reviews: What are customers saying about this app? Are there common issues/complaints among reviews? What rating does it have on consumer review sites, such as the App Store, Google Play, Trustpilot, etc.? 

Fitness Tech and Wearables

Criteria we evaluate:

1. Experience and effectiveness: We test this product during a full workout (or full night’s sleep) and provide results on how well it delivers on the intended use.
2. Tech capabilities: Bluetooth capabilities? Heart rate monitor? Sleep monitor? Breath/meditation guidance?
3. Design: Is it a sleek design or bulky? What are the face/screen dimensions? How readable is the screen? Is the screen readable outside in the sunlight? Does it provide an intuitive user experience overall?
4. Comfort: Does it fit well on small/large wrists? Can it work 24 hours/day or does it need to be taken off at night? Is the band comfortable? Are there other band options available for purchasing?
5. Durability: How long can you expect to keep this product? Does it get beat up quickly? What if we hit this product against the wall or drop it on the floor?
6. Value: Evaluating price, experience and durability in one metric
7. Customer reviews: What are customers saying about this product? Are there common issues/complaints among reviews?