But when is Black Friday, and what exactly is it? 

Whether you’re on the hunt for Christmas prezzies or just fancy treating yourself to some new fitness kit, here’s everything you need to know about the global shopping extravaganza if you didn’t already, and how to bag the best deals.

What is Black Friday?

Originating in the US, Black Friday has evolved into something of a global phenomenon. Unofficially kicking off the holiday shopping season, the retail frenzy has become a pre-Christmas tradition, with most major brands and department stores slashing prices and offering promotions on goods to convince people to splurge with their last paycheck before the holiday season. 

Now’s your chance to get huge savings on big-ticket items, like this Polygon Siskui T7 mountain bike:

Polygon Siskui T7 Full-Suspension Mountain Bike – was £2,000, now £1,399 (save £601), gooutdoors.co.uk

Coined in Philadelphia some time in the ‘60s, the term Black Friday refers to how retailers moved from the red and ‘into the black’ – in other words, turned profitable, thanks to the sales and promotions on offer. The ‘80s and ‘90s saw the widespread adoption of the event as retail giants like Target and Walmart fuelled the shopping frenzy, offering huge, unmissable discounts on big-ticket items. 

Before long, the scene shifted from crowded stores to the digital world – following the nature of the market – and that’ll be why Black Friday remains a highly anticipated day, with retailers across the board drawing hordes of eager shoppers to online marketplaces and department stores alike. 

There are already plenty of bargains to be found, such as up to 70% off Myvitamins at Myprotein.com:

Vimto Multivitamin Gummies – were £16.99, now £10.99 (save 35%), myprotein.com

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday traditionally takes place every year on the day after Thanksgiving in the US. So it’s like the American version of the Boxing Day sales in the UK.

Black Friday normally falls on the fourth Friday in November, and since this is typically most people’s last pay cheque before the Christmas holidays, it’s become known as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

This year, officially, Black Friday will take place on 29 November, but you can expect big deals from as early as 21 November.

There are already some great bargains to be had on high-end fitness kit too, with over £600 off brands such as Echelon:

Echelon Stride-6 Auto-Folding Treadmill – was £1,599, now £972 (save £627), echelonfit.uk

How long do Black Friday deals last?

Black Friday deals typically start on the day after Thanksgiving, which is 29 November this year. While the length of these sales varies among retailers, the deals often extend beyond the Friday and continue on for a good week or so. Many stores, especially online retailers, launch early Black Friday promotions ahead of the main day and some continue to do so through the weekend that follows.

In recent years, the trend has shifted towards week-long or even month-long Black Friday events. It’s pretty standard these days to see Black Friday deals at the advent of November. Online retailers are also known to introduce flash sales or hourly deals. If there’s something in particular you are looking to buy in this year’s Black Friday sales, it’s worth checking your preferred store’s promotional calendars or signing up for its newsletter, as the duration can vary. That will help ensure you get enough time to grab a good bargain or two, but more on that below…

Check out this deal from Wahoo Fitness:

Wahoo Fitness KICKR Snap Indoor Bike Trainer – was £249.99, now £149.99 (save £100), ukwahoofitness.com

When is the best time to shop Black Friday deals?

The best time to shop Black Friday deals is typically on the day itself: the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, as mentioned earlier, many retailers initiate sales earlier in the week, and online deals may start even earlier. 

Some of the most sought-after deals are available during doorbuster events, often in the early hours of Friday. Then there’s always Cyber Monday, the following Monday, which originally came about as the Black Friday of online shopping, but now seems to have been merged into the same Black Friday weekend. To maximise your savings and grab the best deals, try to be strategic, plan ahead and monitor pre-sales – doing so will help you capitalise on specific time-limited promotions.

Grab your dream bike this Black Friday with up to 30% off bikes at Ribble Cycles:

Ribble Gravel AL e – Enthusiast – was £2,999, now £2,699 (save £300), ribblecycles.co.uk

How to bag the best Black Friday deals

It might be easy to dismiss some of the sales you spot during Black Friday as underwhelming, with reduced sale prices not seeming all that cheaper than usual. This is common, as some retailers will overegg their RRP prices on price tags or stickers so that the reductions seem more appealing (a practice known as “price anchoring”).

However, if you’re well prepared, eagle-eyed and willing to put the effort into finding some bargains, it’s more than possible to save some decent dosh on the items on your list and make the most of this pre-Christmas shopping bonanza.

Here are seven top tips for grabbing the best Black Friday bargains:

1. Plan ahead

Start by making a list of the items you want to purchase. Whether it’s tech gadgets, clothing, home appliances or boring Christmas gifts like socks for your uncle Bob, knowing what you’re looking for will help you stay focused and avoid splurging unnecessarily on impulse buys.

2. Set a budget

Before you dive into the Black Friday sales, decide how much you’re willing to spend. Sticking to a budget will prevent overspending and eventual buyer’s remorse.

3. Do your research

Look up the products you plan to buy in advance. Read reviews, compare prices and familiarise yourself with the regular retail prices of the items you’re interested in. This way, you’ll recognise a genuine deal when you see one.

4. Follow your favourite retailers’ socials and newsletters

Many retailers send out exclusive deals and early access offers to their newsletter subscribers or social media followers. Sign up for your favourite stores’ newsletters and follow them on their social platforms. That way you’ll be the first to know about any Black Friday promotions they might be doing.

5. Use price comparison tools

Online price comparison tools and browser extensions can help you find the best prices across various retailers. They provide real-time price comparisons, helping you identify the most cost-effective option. Coupert is a particularly good one.

6. Get up early or stay up late

Black Friday sales often start at midnight or in the early hours of the morning. If you’re serious about scoring the best deals, set your alarm early. Make sure you have the right browser tabs open, ready to be one of the first to shop.

7. Consider Cyber Monday

If you don’t find what you’re looking for on Black Friday, don’t forget about Cyber Monday, which takes place the following Monday. Originally created to encourage consumers to take advantage of the online deals and discounts available after the Thanksgiving weekend, this is essentially just a continuation of the Black Friday sales but with a focus on online shopping. Still, it’s worth having a look to see if your top retailers have made any further markdowns. 

Related content:

• Best home gym equipment
• Best exercise machines
• Best cheap home gym equipment

The post Black Friday 2024: how to get the best fitness deals for men this year appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Whether you’re looking for joggers, hoodies and jackets, or swim trunks, running shorts or underwear, Lululemon has got you covered. The company even produce some great backbacks, polo shirts, yoga mats, hats and caps. So whatever fitness apparel you’re looking for this winter, check out our picks of the best Lululemon Black Friday deals, below and bag yourself a bargain.

These are the best Lululemon Black Friday deals in 2024

• Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeved Shirt – was £68; now from £44 / was $78; now from $38 (save up to 52%)
• Beyondfeel Running Shoe – was £148; now from £114 / was $158; now $99 (save up to 33%)
• Surge Jogger Regular – was £108; now £74 / was $118; now $84 (save up to 32%)
• Drysense Half-Zip – was £88; now from £34 / was $98; now $64 (save up to 61%)
• Down For It All Vest – was £148; now from £89 / was $168; now $119 (save up to 40%)

Metal Vent Tech Short-Sleeved Shirt

Save up to 52%

Was £68; now from £44 / was $78; now from $38

This high-performance technical tee is available in seven colors, as well as seven sizes, from XS to 3 XL.

Beyondfeel Running Shoe

Save from 33%

Was from £148; now from £114 / was $158; now $99

With a weight of just over 300g and a 10mm drop, these Beyondfeel shoes would be a great choice for a daily trainer. Four of the 10 colorways are now discounted by a third for Black Friday.

Surge Jogger Regular

Save 32%

Was £108; now £74 / was $118; now $84

With five colors and seven sizes, these lightweight running joggers have zips at the cuffs so they’re easy to put on and take off during warm ups.

Drysense Half-Zip

Save up to 61%

Was £88; now from £34 / was $98; now $64

The half-zip design, generous cut and anti-odor technology make this and excellent choice for a training top.

Down For It All Vest

Save up to 40%

Was £148; now from £89 / was $168; now $119

This insulated goose-down vest is available in seven colors and six sizes.

Related content:

• Best early Black Friday deals
• How to avoid shopping scams on Black Friday
• Best Amazon Black Friday deals

The post These are the best Lululemon Black Friday deals we’ve found appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Amazon has already been running some early Black Friday deals, so there have been plenty of early opportunities to get some kit on the cheap. You can expect the big deals action to continue over the weekend, up until Cyber Monday.

It’s worth remembering that Amazon offers a lot of exercise and fitness kit on its online shelves, including dumbbells and resistance bands, sports watches and fitness trackers, and even treadmills and exercise bikes.

Amazon UK is going to be one of the best places to grab a fitness product Black Friday deal, and you won’t have to hunt around for the best ones, because we’ll have them all here in one place to make sure you don’t miss out.

Here are some of the best Amazon UK Black Friday deals we’ve found

• Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein – save 20% (now £22.51)
• Warrior Whey Protein – save 16% (now £10.05)
• Nature’s Aid Vitamin E 1000iu – save 60% (now £5.76)
• Amfit Nutrition Protein Bars – save 19% (now £12.33)
• SiS Go Running Gels 5 x 60ml – save 24% (now £5.35)
• Surreal High Protein Cereal Variety Pack – save 15% (now £24)
• Eisenlink 4-36kg Adjustable Dumbbell – save 15% (now £203.91)
• Mobvoi Home Treadmill Pro – save 27% (now £218.49)
• Yaheetech 3-Tier Dumbbell Rack – save 19% (now £53.29)
• Google Fitbit Charge 6 – save 29% (now £99.99)
• Garmin Forerunner 255 – save 30% (now £202.89)
• Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor – save 23% (now £58.99)
• Athlyt 9kg Neoprene Dumbbell Set – save 27% (now £32.92)
• ArcticFit LED Running Vest – save 15% (now £29.74)
• Braingain 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells – save 15% (now £339)

NUTRITION DEALS

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey

20% off

Was £28; now £22.51

With 24g high quality protein per serving, Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard was already aptly named. Now there’s 20% off, bringing each serving well below £1, making it supreme value too.

Warrior Whey Protein

16% off

Was £11.99; now £5.76

Warrior may not be a nutrition brand you’re familiar with, but with 36g whey protein per 50p serving, we don’t think it will stay that way for long.

Nature’s Aid Vitamin E 1000iu

Save 60%

Was £14.45; now £5.76

With 60% slashed off these 1000iu Vitamin E soft gel capsules, there’s no reason why you can’t get your essential vitamins and minerals this winter.

Amfit Nutrition Protein Bars

Save 19%

Was £15.27; now £12.33

At £1 a bar, this box of 12 x 60g protein bars in cookies and cream flavor is not only exceptional value for money, its also a great way to get your post-workout protein – and it’s a delicious snack too.

SiS Go Running Gels 5 x 60ml

24% off

Was £7.00; now £5.35

We’re big fans of these Science in Sport variety packs. Each 60ml gel delivers 22g of carbs and is low in sugar, and now for Black Friday you can pick them up for around £1 each.

Surreal High Protein Cereal Variety Pack

Save 15%

Was £24; now £20.40

Surreal cereals are a great way to pack in your day’s protein by breakfast. This variety pack has cocoa, frosted, cinnamon and peanut butter flavors, and not only is it reduced by 15% for Black Friday, you can knock an extra 10% off with a subscribe and save option.

FITNESS EQUIPMENT DEALS

Eisenlink 4-36kg Adjustable Dumbbell

Save 15%

Was £239.99; now £203.91

This sleek and stylish adjustable dumbbell gives you a wide 4-36kg weight range in 2kg increments. Changing weights is quick and easy and we love the wide textured handle grip too. There’s also a 4-20kg set at almost half the price.

Mobvoi Home Treadmill Pro

Save 27%

Was £299; now £218.49

For just over £200 you can now get yourself a fully featured smart wearable-compatible treadmill, courtesy of Mobvoi. The Pro model features a compact yet robust foldable design with a carbon steel frame and has a top running speed of 12km/h.

Yaheetech 3-Tier Dumbbell Rack

Save 19%

Was £65.99; now £53.29

If you’ve got an extensive dumbbell collection cluttering up your floor, you (and your significant other) will no doubt appreciate the convenience of a dumbbell rack. This three-tier option is super-sturdy and will accommodate all but the biggest collection of free weights.

FITNESS TECH DEALS

Google Fitbit Charge 6

Save 29%

Was £139.99; now £99.99

Thanks to Black Friday you can now get a Google Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker plus six months premium membership for under £100. Available in coral, obsidian or porcelain, the Charge 6 is the ideal way to track your progress towards your fitness goals.

Garmin Forerunner 255

Save 30%

Was £289.99; now £202.89

Garmin’s Forerunner range is tailor-made for anyone who takes their running seriously. The Forerunner 255 has all the tracking features and recovery insights you could need – and for Black Friday it’s just over £200.

Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor

Save 23%

Was £73.50; now £58.99

In our test to find the best heart rate monitors, the Polar H10 came out on top in terms of accuracy. And for Cyber Week you can now pick up this reliable tracker for under £60. We’d buy one in a heart beat.

Athlyt 9kg Neoprene Dumbbell Set

Save 27%

Was £44.99; now £32.92

There are lower weights on offer but we think these 9kg Athlyt neoprene dumbbells offer the best bang for your buck. If your just getting into strength training these are a good starter weight, and they won’t damage your floors either.

ArcticFit LED Running Vest

Save 15%

Was £34.99; now £29.74

Already something of a steal, this hi-viz run vest is now superb value at under £30. It features build-in LEDs, a phone holder and a 500ml soft water bottle – everything you need to take your running further.

Braingain 40kg Adjustable Dumbbells

Save 15%

Was £399; now £339

If your strength gains are growing faster than your bank balance, you’ll want free weights that cover a wide range but don’t cost a fortune. That’s exactly what you get with this pair of Braingain adjustable dumbbells – 17 different weights from 5kg to 40kg, enough to suit most people’s training needs.

Do you need an Amazon Prime membership for Black Friday deals? 

While Amazon Prime members receive early access to certain deals and exclusive discounts, having a Prime membership isn’t required to access Black Friday deals on Amazon. 

Non-Prime members can still enjoy substantial discounts during the Black Friday period. However, for those seeking extra perks like expedited shipping and early access to ‘Lightning Deals’, an Amazon Prime membership can prove beneficial, especially during the holiday shopping season. If you’re not already a member, it’s probably not worth buying a Prime membership just to access early Black Friday deals, unless you know for sure the price is outweighed by the savings.

Related content:

• How to avoid shopping scams on Black Friday
• How to get the best Black Friday deals
• Best sports watches for the gym

The post Best Amazon UK Black Friday deals for fitness products appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Black Friday marks the start of the festive shopping season in the US and now the dishing out of discounts on a host of desirable products has crossed the pond and is every bit as much a fixture in the UK. That means wherever you are, you’ll be able to pick up heavily discounted gym and fitness gear.

There are still a few days to go until Black Friday – which this year falls on 29 November – but there are already plenty of great deals to be had, which we’ll bring to you here as soon as we find them.

From dumbbells to rowing machines, you can get kit that’ll give your cardio-blasting, strength-building training sessions a boost for a whole lot less. It’s ideal if you’ve already got your sights set on upping your fitness game in 2024, or you’re planning to stay in good shape over the festive period.

Deals continue until Cyber Monday, so even if you miss the big event itself, you’ll still get the chance to make some serious savings. All of the big-name retailers will be getting in on the Black Friday action, including Amazon and Best Buy.

So if you’re looking for the best place to find out about the latest Black Friday gym and fitness offers, bookmark this page and we’ll keep you up to date.

Best Black Friday deals we’ve found so far

• Echelon GT+ Blue Connect Bike – was £899, now £576 (save £323)
• Shokz OpenRun – was £129.95, now £89 (save 32%)
• Polar Pacer Pro – was £299, now £179.40 (save 40%)
• Myprotein Impact Vegan Protein – was £18.99, now £9.05 (save 53%)
• Peloton Bike starter package – was £2,389, now £1,889 (save 21%)
• Mobvoi Home Treadmill – was £289.99, now £164.99 (save 43%)
• Under Armour Infinite Pro Storm – was £135, now £94.50 (save £40.50)
• Google Fitbit Charge 6 – was £139.99, now £99.99 (save 29%)
• Garmin Forerunner 255 – was £289.99, now £202.89 (save 30%)
• Polygon Siskiu T7 29in Full-Suspension Mountain Bike – was £2,000, now £1,399 (save £601)

Echelon GT+ Blue Connect Bike

One of the best deals we’ve found so far is for Echelon’s limited edition blue GT+ exercise bike. With more than a third knocked off the price for Black Friday, and with a free 30-day trial subscription, this sleek and compact indoor bike is even better value than ever.

Echelon GT+ Blue Connect Bike – was £899, now £576 (save £323)

Shokz OpenRun bone conducting headphones

Much of the Shokz range is discounted this Black Friday – some by as much as 32%. Our pick of the bunch are the run-focused OpenRun bone conduction headphones. Available in four colors and two sizes and with an impressive battery life, they’re the ideal running headphone to accompany your cardio sessions.

Shokz OpenRun – was £129.95, now £89 (save 32%)

Polar Pacer Pro

If you’re in the market for a fully featured gps running watch, we don’t think you can do much better than the new Polar Pacer Pro. Now with a whopping 40% off, it offers even better value for money, alongside its exceptional performance.

Polar Pacer Pro – was £299, now £179.40 (save 40%)

Myprotein Impact Vegan Protein

One of the best-value deals we’ve seen so far is Myprotein offering up to 80% off almost everything on its site, including its vegan protein ranges. If you’re looking to stock up on post-workout nutrition, you can’t go wrong with any of the products here, including vegan choices like the Impact Vegan Protein, with more than 50% off.

Myprotein Impact Vegan Protein – was £18.99, now £9.05 (save 53%)

Peloton Bike starter package

Black Friday is the perfect time to pick up big-ticket items at superb discounts. One of the highlights we’re found is the Peloton Bike starter package, which includes cycling shoes, water bottle, weights and bike mat. At full price this is a great value bundle, but with £500 off it’s an absolute steal!

Peloton Bike starter package – was £2,389, now £1,889 (save 21%)

Mobvoi Home Treadmill

While the big names in home fitness may be slashing hundreds off their hardware, there are still great savings to be had among the lesser known brands. One such company is Mobvoi, whose treadmills normally come it at a fraction of the price of those by the likes of Peloton and Echelon. This Black Friday they are about the price of a pair of running shoes!

Mobvoi Home Treadmill – was £289.99, now £164.99 (save 43%)

Under Armour Infinite Pro Storm

If you’re looking for a lightweight running shoe that won’t break the bank, Under Armour has got you covered this Black Friday. Among its many discounts is this HOVR+ cushioned Infinite Pro Storm, available in three colour and now down to below £100.

Under Armour Infinite Pro Storm – was £135, now £94.50 (save £40.50)

Google Fitbit Charge 6

Thanks to Black Friday you can now get a Google Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker plus six months premium membership for under £100. Available in coral, obsidian or porcelain, the Charge 6 is the ideal way to track your progress towards your fitness goals.

Google Fitbit Charge 6 – was £139.99, now £99.99 (save 29%)

Garmin Forerunner 255

Garmin’s Forerunner range is tailor-made for anyone who takes their running seriously. The Forerunner 255 has all the tracking features and recovery insights you could need – and for Black Friday it’s just over £200.

Garmin Forerunner 255 – was £289.99, now £202.89 (save 30%)

Polygon Siskiu T7 29in Full-Suspension Mountain Bike

The Siskiu T7 has to be one of the best value full-suss MTBs on the market right now. Rockshox 140mm suspension, 29in wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and 150mm dropper post is the kind of spec that’s unheard of at this price. You’d normally be hard-pushed to buy just a frame of this quality for the price this bike is available for during Black Friday.

Polygon Siskiu T7 29in Full-Suspension Mountain Bike – was £2,000, now £1,399 (save £601)

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• The best kettlebells for home workouts
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The post These are the best early Black Friday deals 2024 appeared first on Men's Fitness.

If you’re preparing for the biggest shopping day of the year on 29 November, you need to be aware of the potential scams and know how to protect yourself. If you don’t, you could end up with a nasty dent in your wallet. Or worse, become the victim of online payment fraud.

With the help of industry experts, we’ve compiled the most common Black Friday shopping scams and ways to avoid falling victim to them.

Common scams to look out for

No matter what you’re shopping for, don’t think you’re ever immune to the threat of cybercrooks.

Steven Dick, co-director at The Fitness Group, says scams in any industry – even the fitness sector – are an issue all year round but particularly so on Black Friday.

“Scammers are all too aware that it’s the time of year that people are likely to be looking to spend more than they otherwise would,” Dick says.

“The tactics which are used to deceive purchasers are very crafty and can catch anyone out.”

Here are the typical scams all shoppers should be aware of when buying anything online during this year’s Black Friday:

Phishing emails

Watch out for emails that claim to offer exclusive deals. While many retailers will promote their Black Friday bargains via email, cybercriminals can mimic popular sellers by creating a fake but very similar email address and then replicating the format and language style of genuine emails from the retailer. 

“The fraudulent email will contain a link to a fake website where its sole purpose is to steal your information,” explains Stuart Deavall, digital marketing manager at NetGiant. “A simple way to tell if a website is secure is to check whether the site has a security certificate, which should be evident by a small padlock next to the URL.”

Fake websites

Anne Cutler, cybersecurity evangelist at Keeper Security, warns that it’s common for cybercriminals to set up malicious fake “online stores” whose only purpose is to steal payment card data and other personal information. 

“Stick with retailers that are well known or that you’ve done business with before,” she says. “If the website and deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.”

Bait-and-switch tactics

It’s worth having your wits about you, even when shopping on the high street. Some sellers may advertise a specific item at a low price, but when you visit the store, they claim it’s sold out and try to upsell a more expensive alternative. 

“Stick to trusted retailers and always read reviews beforehand,” advises Dick. 

Smishing  

Another common scam that’s growing in popularity is ‘smishing’ – the act of using SMS text messages as a trap, whereby scammers will pose as a business, claiming that a parcel is being delivered to your address. 

“This scam could be easier to fall for during Black Friday, when you may have made multiple orders on different sites, and are waiting for goods to be delivered,” says Deavall.

“The criminal may send a link for you to click through; if it’s unclear who the sender is, based on the URL, you shouldn’t open the link.”

To report a suspicious text to your mobile provider, the UK Government recommends forwarding any texts that don’t feel legit to 7726 for free. In the US you can report fraud on the Department of Justice website or via the Internet Crime Complaints Centre.

Malicious mobile apps

Fraudulent mobile apps are also very common during the Black Friday sales season, says Cutler. In the same way that fake websites look almost identical to their authentic counterparts, mobile apps will masquerade as the real deal with no intention of sending you the item you paid for.

“Designed to look like legitimate shopping apps, these platforms can contain malware, steal personal information and deceive users into making purchases that never arrive.”

Customer support impersonation

Another prevalent scam used by online crooks involves fraudsters claiming to be customer support from large companies, especially popular retailers where you might have made a Black Friday order. 

“Watch out for text messages claiming that you’ve made multiple expensive purchases that you need to verify,” warns Deavall.

“The aim of the scam is to lure you into responding that you haven’t authorised the transaction, which can then lead to you resetting your password.”

During this process, the imposters can gain access to your sensitive information and steal passwords and login details.

Tips for avoiding Black Friday scams

Now you’re aware of the common tactics scammers use to try and con you into taking your money, here are some of the best ways to be more vigilant when shopping online:

Read the small print

Scammers might promote irresistible deals such as cheap gym memberships, but they often come with hidden fees or long-term commitments. Read the fine print, and be wary once again of providing your personal details.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi

Although you may see a great Black Friday deal and want to make the most of the bargain there and then, it’s always a wise idea to wait until you can make the purchase using your private WiFi connection or mobile data. 

“Any public network is open to abuse, meaning there is always the chance that a fraudster is monitoring your activity and can log your payment details,” says Deavall.

“The bottom line is that, even if you miss the deal, there will always be alternative offers to take advantage of, with some retailers waiting until Cyber Monday to make their best and final reductions.”

Look out for unsecured websites

Ensure the website you’re buying products from has a secure URL, for example, one which starts with ‘https://’, and avoid making purchases on unencrypted or suspicious sites. This will go a long way in helping you protect your personal and financial information.

Don’t give in to pressure

Be aware that scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming deals are available for a limited time. 

Dick recommends not to rush into purchases. “Take your time to research and make informed decisions,” he says.

Be sceptical

Lastly, Cutler recommends not being too trusting and be determined to not let the scammers win.

“Keep your eyes open, practise good cyber hygiene and employ a healthy dose of scepticism when seeking out the hot holiday deals this season.”

Related content:

• Best home gym equipment
• Best exercise machines
• Best cheap home gym equipment

The post How to avoid shopping scams on Black Friday appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Amazon Prime Day is an annual event exclusive to Amazon Prime members. It has rapidly become a significant retail holiday eagerly anticipated by millions of shoppers worldwide. Typically held in mid-July, Prime Day features a vast array of deals across nearly every product category imaginable. It’s a 48-hour shopping frenzy during which members can take advantage of significant discounts, exclusive product launches, and various limited-time offers.

One of the highlights of Prime Day is the opportunity to score substantial savings on fitness-related products. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to kickstart your health journey, or simply aiming to upgrade your home gym, Prime Day is an excellent opportunity to find deals on everything from fitness equipment and apparel to supplements and gadgets. The event often includes deep discounts on high-ticket items such as treadmills, exercise bikes and smartwatches, as well as essential workout gear like resistance bands, yoga mats and weights.

The appeal of Prime Day for fitness deals lies in the breadth of options available and the potential to save considerably on quality products. For those looking to invest in new fitness technology, Prime Day often sees the lowest prices of the year on top brands such as Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple. In essence, Amazon Prime Day provides a prime opportunity for fitness fans to gear up and enhance their routines without breaking the bank.

The first Prime Days of 2024 fall on 16 and 17 July. We’ve rounded up some of the best deals we’ve found below.

These are the best Prime Day US fitness deals we’ve found

1. 38% off Ninja Blender and Food Processor

This Ninja blender has a 1600-Peak-Watt motor to power through the toughest ingredients. We think it’s a great choice for whizzing up smoothies and protein shakes, packing enough power to break up frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, seeds and ice. The dough blade is useful for making toritllas, bread, cookie dough, while the nutrient extraction cup is great for extracting all the vitamins and nutrients from any fruit and veg.

2. 44% off Ninja AF150AMZ Air Fryer XL

This Ninja XL air fryer is an ideal way to cook quicker, cheaper and healthier. Its 5.5 quart capacity gives you plenty of room to whip up healthy meals for two, by roasting , frying, baking or reheating. We love the dehydrate function, which helps reduce food waste and is great for making dried fruit snacks for taking to the gym. Plus the fact that the Ninja allows you to reduce fat by up to 75% compared to traditional air frying methods.

3. 27% off Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

We think the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has everything beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike would need to start tracking their fitness progress. That includes personalizes heart rate zones, advanced sleep tracking, BIA sensors and plenty of health and wellness insights. Plus the watch can recognize and track more than 90 exercises.

4. 20% off Lifepro 6-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbells

These are some of the best-value adjustable dumbbells we’ve seen this Prime Day. Two 5-in-1 dumbbells each offer weights of 5lb to 25lb in 5lb increments, with textured steel handles form improved grip and handy storage trays. Maximum weights of 15lb, 25lb, 43lb and 95lb are also available.

5. 40% off JBL Tune Flex Ear Buds

These waterproof and sweatproof ear buds would be a great choice for adding a soundtrack to your workouts. They feature Active Noise Cancelling with an Ambient Aware mode, allowing you to tune into your surroundings when you’re outdoors. We love the 12mm drivers with JBL’s Pure Bass sound, too, for great sounding audio whatever you listen to.

6. 38% off Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

If you’re looking for a fitness tracker that doesn’t take over your lower arm, we think Fitbit’s Charge range is the way to go. Packing all the features you need for fitness tracking into a svelte wristband, its performance by far outweighs its small size. Seven-day battery life, 50m water resistance, 24/7 heart rate tracking and 40-plus exercise modes – and now all for less than $100.

7. 21% off CAP 150lb Dumbbell Set with Rack

Already pretty good value, this CAP dumbbell set is now a steal for Prime Day. We reckon this should see most beginners well on their way to a fulfilling fitness journey, with five sets of weights ranging from 5lb to 25lb in 5lb increments. The space-saving rack also makes this a worthwhile investment.

These are the best Prime Day UK fitness deals we’ve found

1. 32% off Fitbit Versa 4 Smart Watch

If you’re looking for a fitness wearable this Prime Day, we don’t think you can do much better than the Fitbit Versa 4. It features a six-day battery life, 50m water resistance mode and all the features you’d want for regular fitness tracking. That includes 40-plus exercise modes, SpO2, GPS and sleep tracking and 24/7 heart rate monitoring.

2. 17% off Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE

The Mobvoi Home Treadmill is down by £50 this Prime Day, making it fantastic value. It’s a great option for keeping active while you work, with an innovative workstation mode that allows it to fit under most desks. The feature we really like, though, is its compact folding design, making it much easier to store than most other treadmills on the market.

3. 47% off Jotoro X2Pro Exercise Bike

We reckon the Jotoro X2Pro is an excellent choice if you live in an apartment block or your studio is close to others’ bedrooms, because of its near-silent operation. Its easy-access magnetic resistance knob gives your loads of workout variability. As well as its build-in screen showing time, distance, calories, power, load and RPM, you can also add your own screen and connect to your favorite apps via Bluetooth for a more immersive experience.

4. 16% off NordicTrack T Series Treadmill

We love the 10% incline feature on this NordicTrack treadmill, making a great choice for hill reps. There’s a 136kg weight limit too, as well as 20 preset workout apps, a lifetime frame and 10-year motor warranty and 30-day iFit membership, giving you access to an array of live studio workouts.

5. 50% off POC Ventral Road Bike Helmet

The POC Ventral Helmet is one of the best in the business, and a firm favorite for enthusiast road riders. It’s Mips protection gives you peace of mind in the event of a spill and its huge vents keep your head cool when you turn up the heat. We’re big fans of its aero performance too, plus the fact that it’s available in a wide choice of eye-popping colors. And with more than £130 off it’s now fantastic value.

6. 17% off Whoop 4.0 plus 12-month subscription

It’s very rare to find reductions on these popular Whoop band subscriptions, but Prime Day has come up trumps again. Whoop is one of the most insightful fitness trackers around, and despite its lack of screen, quietly goes about gleaning the most useful insights to help you tailor your training, fitness and wellness goals. If, like us, you value meaningful training tips, you’ll be happy to re-subscribe when your year is up.

7. 38% off Goosehill Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboard

SUPs have been all the rage for the past few years, and this set offers incredible value. As well as being available in a range of colours, the Goosehill Sailor SUP comes with a storage backpack, 3-piece paddle, coiled SUP leash, removable center fin, repair kit and double-action pump. This complete ISUP package will get you anywhere you want to paddle easily and comfortably. We think this is one of the best inflatable SUP deals around at the moment.

The post These are the best Prime Day fitness deals we’re tempted to snap up ourselves appeared first on Men's Fitness.

The New Year is upon us, and that means big January savings on all kinds of health and fitness products.

Whether you’re looking for strength training kit, fitness wearables, kitchen appliances, or high-end cardio machines, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite products in this New Year Gift Guide.

We’ve picked out the top-rated bits of kit from the numerous reviews we’ve published this year, to bring you this list of the best fitness gear you can buy this January. Our experts have got their hands on all these products and can recommend each and every one. So you can rest easy in the knowledge you’re buying the best.

New Year Gift Guide product picks

• Nutribullet 600 Series Blender – amazon.com
• Jabra Elite Active 8 Earbuds – amazon.com
• Pulseroll Vyb Pro Vibrating Foam Roller – amazon.com
• Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Titanium – amazon.com
• Jordan Fitness Premium Urethane Dumbbells – jordanfitness.com
• TRX Rubber Coated Kettlebell – trxtraining.com
• WaterRower Original Series – waterrower.com
• JaxJox 22.6kg DumbbellConnect – amazon.com
• Assault Bike Classic – amazon.com
• TRX RIP Trainer – amazon.com
• 1MORE Fit Open Earbuds S50 – amazon.co.uk

Nutribullet 600 Series Blender

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RRP: $79.99 / £69.99, nutribullet.com

Buy now

Offering incredible value for money, the Nutribullet 600 would make a great little gift and it won’t break the bank. The 600W motor makes short work of whizzing up shakes and smoothies, as well as fruit, veg and nuts, and we like the combination of the 23oz / 680ml and 17.3oz / 511ml cups with a detachable handle for healthy nutrition on the go.

The post New Year Gift Guide 2024 appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Looking for the perfect gift for family, friends or loved ones this Christmas but not sure where to start?

Huawei’s latest line-up of wearables and audio gadgets offers something for everyone on your list – from fitness enthusiasts to the more style-conscious gadget fans. Plus, there’s an additional 10% off on all purchases at the Huawei UK Store in the lead-up to Christmas.

From medical-grade smartwatches to noise-cancelling buds, here are some of Huawei’s top picks to fill your stockings with this festive season.

HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series

Get a free pair of FreeBuds SE 2

Offer: Get a free pair of FreeBuds SE 2 with every purchase. For HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 46mm Brown and WATCH GT 4 41mm Milanese, there’s an exclusive Christmas bundle with an additional festive coloured strap. Prices start from £229.99.

Fusing gorgeous design with innovation, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 Series is, quite frankly, a beast of a smartwatch. Reminiscent of a luxury time pieces, it’s bursting with clever features: from calorie management, accurate heart rate monitoring to sleep and stress tracking. Compatible with both iOS and Android, it’s a sleek and stylish offering that is perfectly suited to those who like to put their health first.

Get this deal!

HUAWEI WATCH GT 3 Pro (46mm, Black)

Save £60

Offer: £239.99

Striking the perfect balance of sporty and sophisticated, the GT 3 Pro combines a chic titanium body with advanced health tracking. Take, for instance, its 30M water resistance, TruSeen 5.0+ heart rate monitoring and SpO2 measurements, which can see it accurately tackling everything from undersea adventures to your more irregular daily fitness tracking.

Boasting a battery life that’s nothing short of exemplary, this classic-looking smartwatch is an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Get this deal!

HUAWEI WATCH Fit 2

Save £40

Offer: £89.99

Sporting a unique 1.74-inch Full View Display, the WATCH Fit 2 boasts some impressive health tracking features for the price – including over 97 sports modes as well as SpO2, which measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood, offering insights into your overall cardiovascular health.

Get this deal!

HUAWEI WATCH D

Save £50

Offer: £299.99

This medical-grade smartwatch offers everything that anyone needs to accurately measure health and on a level that you’ll not find in other smartwatches. It’s clever blood pressure monitoring is the stand out performer here, inflating the strap to give you an accurate read out wherever you are, and without needing regular calibration.

It also has plenty of other health tracking features including ECG. With over 70 workout modes and precision GNSS positioning for more precise GPS performance, it also monitors sleep, stress and oxygen levels, making it an ideal companion for those looking for that deeper level of health tracking.

Get this deal!

HUAWEI WATCH Buds

Save £100

Offer: £349.99

If you really want to make an impact with your gifting this holiday season, look no further than the HUAWEI WATCH Buds: an original 2-in-1 smartwatch and earbuds combo. The one-of-a-kind wearable allows you to store and charge the included earbuds inside the device itself by flipping up the watch face.

It also features all the standard fitness tracking tools you’d expect from a high-end smartwatch, including sleep reports, and SpO2 measurement, combined with AI noise-cancellation earbuds. A truly innovative design that’s also functional, durable and stylish.

Get this deal!

HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i

Save £25

Offer: £64.99

Delivering high-quality audio with active noise cancellation, the FreeBuds 5i earbuds are more than just a stocking filler for music enthusiasts. These buds blend high-fidelity audio and multiple levels of active noise cancellation while supporting innovative features like dual device connection and fast charging – all while providing up to 28 hours of music playback.

A smart choice for the music lover in your life who’s always on the go.

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HUAWEI FreeBuds 5

Save £30

Offer: £109.99

The Huawei FreeBuds 5 should be at the top of the wish list of those who love their earphones with an easy-going, open-fit design. Boasting an impressive high-resolution sound, these ergonomic earbuds feature a distinctive droplet-shaped design that makes them both comfortable and smart-looking. Meanwhile, their effective ANC helps to block out annoying external sounds.

Get this deal!

The post Promotion: Boost Your Fitness With Huawei This Christmas appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Despite originating in the US, Black Friday is an event that’s become prominent in the majority of the Western world – from the UK to Australia.

While it now involves shoppers eagerly awaiting their November payday to splash their cash in retailers’ online stores, Black Friday was traditionally an in-store-only affair. That was before the internet became the preferred way to shop, and throngs of shoppers would line up outside high-street shops in the early hours to bag some bargains on slashed-price items. 

The advent of e-commerce has certainly added a new dimension to the shopping extravaganza, but which Black Friday deals are better – those found online or in physical stores? 

We’ve asked the experts to find out which way is the best way to shop the Black Friday sales in 2024.

Online or in-store: what’s the difference?

Shopping for Black Friday sale items online is fundamentally different to browsing the shelves of physical stores and this often comes down to the different experience and exclusivity each offers.

There’s a certain thrill in physically nabbing a deal in a real shop but we also can’t ignore the convenience of online shopping.

“On the one hand, we have the experience of a store that gives you the gratifying sensation of taking something home; it’s immediate and reliable,” says Andhi Ermawan, founder of myprosandcons.com.

 “Yet on the digital side of things, we have the probability of better comparing prices from the comfort of your home without being pushed or pressured into the feeling that an item will be taken by someone else should you put it back on the shelf.”

Customer preference and free time are also big factors. Whether it’s online or in-store shopping, it ultimately comes down to whatever works best for you.

Online or in-store: which is the best for deals?

If you don’t mind how you shop the Black Friday deals this year, it might be worthwhile to know which type of shopping is going to grab you the best bargains. Is it online or in-store?

Clay Cary, an e-commerce analyst at couponfollow, explains how in-store discounts are usually around 20% off during Thanksgiving week, reaching 37% on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. 

“Online deals, on the other hand, average a 34% discount,” he says. “Be aware, though, that not all of these deals are genuine because some retailers inflate RRPs to make discounts seem more appealing.”

Andy Barr, a retail expert and co-founder of the online price-tracking website alertr, explains that brick-and-mortar stores generally offer slightly better discounts because they have more excess stock that they need to get rid of – mostly to make way for new products. 

“This can lead to a limited amount of products having drastic discounts just to sell the products quickly,” he says.

“However, in-store shopping is often incredibly competitive, with lines to get into a store and no guarantee that you will get the product you want.”

This is where online Black Friday deals shine: you can look at multiple sites and products to compare their prices and ensure you’re saving as much as possible.

Related content:

• How to avoid shopping scams on Black Friday
• How to get the best Black Friday deals
• Are Black Friday deals really worth it?

The post Which Black Friday Deals Are Better: Online Or In-Store? appeared first on Men's Fitness.

As the holiday season fast approaches, bargain hunters and shopaholics are readying their wallets in preparation for the retail event of the year: Black Friday. While it traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season in the US, the post-Thanksgiving sale frenzy has become popular in the UK in recent years, too.

Anyone familiar with Black Friday will know that bagging decent deals isn’t easy. It’s something that requires a bit of groundwork and plenty of persistence. Even then that doesn’t always guarantee you a genuine bargain.

Black Friday has become synonymous with stressful sales, too-good-to-be-true discounts and, on rare occasions, mass brawls in shipping malls. So many shoppers now find themselves asking if the best Black Friday deals are really good enough to warrant the hassle. So let’s see if they are.

Is Black Friday worth the hype?

The hype surrounding Black Friday is impossible to ignore. With retailers advertising huge discounts and limited-time offers, it’s easy to become ensnared in the bargain bonanza. However, while there are undoubtedly savings to be had, it’s worth exercising caution. Diana Howard, personal finance deals expert at CouponBirds, says it’s important to approach the event with a discerning eye.

“The pressure to find the best [Black Friday] deals in a limited timeframe can create a sense of urgency and impulsivity,” Howard explains. “This can result in overspending and potentially buying items that weren’t originally on your shopping list. 

“Also, the crowds and competitive nature of Black Friday can lead to a less enjoyable shopping experience. It can be emotionally and physically draining.”

So are the deals actually worth the effort you need to make to get them? Well, that all depends on your individual circumstances. As Howard says, if there are specific items you’ve been planning to buy and you’ve done your research, Black Friday can be an opportune time to make those purchases at a discounted price. 

“However, if the process of navigating crowded stores or staying glued to a screen for online deals is too stressful or time-consuming, it might be better to look for deals at other times of the year,” she adds.

Are Black Friday deals really deals?

While Black Friday can offer some pretty impressive bargains, are they actually as good as they seem? Shoppers should be aware of those retailers who inflate ‘before’ prices to dupe shoppers into thinking they’re getting great deals. This is something known as ‘price anchoring’, one of a number of tactics often employed by unscrupulous outlets during Black Friday. There are also numerous Black Friday scams it’s worth being aware of.

According to Howard, price anchoring is a pretty common psychological tactic used by retailers to make discounts seem more significant. “They might artificially inflate the original price to create a perception of a larger discount,” she warns. 

To ensure you’re getting a genuinely good deal, Howard recommends checking current and historical prices of items you’re interested in across multiple retailers, using price comparison tools and reading reviews from reputable sources.

“Remember, the key to successful shopping, especially during events like Black Friday, is to plan ahead. Do your research and stick to your budget,” she says. “Don’t be swayed solely by the excitement of the sale. Make sure the purchases align with your long-term financial goals.”

The post Are Black Friday Deals Really Worth It? appeared first on Men's Fitness.