Rogue Fitness Goliath Pro Crowned Best New Home Gym
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2026 Men’s Health Fitness Awards: The Best New Gear for Lifting, Running, Recovering, and More
Men’s Health’s annual Fitness Awards bring together the most innovative, high‑performance equipment and apparel that are shaping the way athletes train and recover. The 2026 edition, released on MSN’s health portal, showcases a diverse lineup of products that earned the publication’s seal of approval for excellence in design, functionality, and value. Below is a comprehensive summary of the award winners, grouped by category, with brief insights into what makes each item stand out—and a quick guide to where you can find more information.
1. Lifting & Strength‑Training
| Category | Awarded Product | Why It Stood Out | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best New Home Gym | Rogue Fitness Goliath Pro | A modular, steel‑frame system that supports everything from Olympic lifts to cable workouts. Its heavy‑duty construction and customizable attachments make it a “future‑proof” gym for serious trainees. | [ Rogue Fitness Goliath Pro ] |
| Top Dumbbells | Rogue Echo Hammer 20 lb | Features a smooth, ergonomic handle and a hollow‑core iron core that eliminates wobble. The Echo Hammer’s balanced design improves grip strength and reduces joint stress. | [ Rogue Echo Hammer ] |
| Best Resistance Bands | TRX X‑Band | A unique blend of cable‑suspension training and resistance bands, offering over 60 exercises for full‑body conditioning. The X‑Band’s durability is highlighted by the use of high‑density EVA foam and industrial‑grade rubber. | [ TRX X‑Band ] |
Key Takeaway: Men’s Health praised Rogue Fitness for its commitment to quality craftsmanship, while TRX’s hybrid approach to resistance training earned a nod for versatility.
2. Cardio & Running
| Category | Awarded Product | Why It Stood Out | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best New Running Shoe | Adidas Ultraboost 24 | The shoe’s updated Boost midsole offers an even more responsive ride, while the Primeknit upper improves breathability. Men’s Health highlighted the shoe’s comfort over long distances and its striking colorways. | [ Adidas Ultraboost 24 ] |
| Top Track & Field Gear | Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 | A staple for distance runners, the Pegasus 38’s Zoom Air unit and lightweight mesh upper deliver a “soft‑but‑quick” feel. It’s also praised for its affordability relative to performance. | [ Nike Pegasus 38 ] |
| Best Smart Running Watch | Garmin Forerunner 965 | The Forerunner 965 adds a new pulse‑oximeter, advanced training plans, and solar charging, positioning it as a comprehensive tool for serious runners. Men’s Health highlighted its battery life and integrated music controls. | [ Garmin Forerunner 965 ] |
Key Takeaway: Running gear continued to blend cutting‑edge material science with accessibility. The Ultraboost 24’s new foam chemistry set a benchmark for comfort, while the Forerunner 965’s feature set pushed wearable technology toward all‑in‑one training ecosystems.
3. Recovery & Mobility
| Category | Awarded Product | Why It Stood Out | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Massage Gun | Theragun Prime | The Prime’s dual‑motor system offers up to 3,000 pulses per minute, and its “Deep Impact” mode is tailored for heavy‑muscle groups. Men’s Health emphasized its quiet operation and long battery life. | [ Theragun Prime ] |
| Top Foam Roller | Hyperice Hypervolt Foam Roller | Constructed from dense EVA foam, the roller’s vibration‑assisted mode aids in fascia release and blood flow. The product’s ergonomic design supports user comfort during use. | [ Hyperice Foam Roller ] |
| Best Stretch Band | FitGear StretchBand 6 in. | Made from neoprene‑reinforced rubber, the StretchBand is ideal for dynamic warm‑ups and rehab. Its wide range of resistance levels is praised for versatility. | [ FitGear StretchBand ] |
Key Takeaway: Recovery equipment won big by combining user‑friendly designs with performance‑driven technology. The Theragun Prime’s high‑speed motors and the Hypervolt’s vibrational support illustrate the trend toward multi‑modal recovery tools.
4. Tech & Wearables
| Category | Awarded Product | Why It Stood Out | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Smart Bike | Peloton 2‑Crown Cycling | Peloton’s updated smart bike now features a more robust frame, a larger screen, and advanced rider‑feedback algorithms that adapt to performance. Men’s Health noted its home‑gym integration and community features. | [ Peloton Bike ] |
| Top Indoor Rowing Machine | Concept2 Model D | The Model D’s new seat cushion and updated rowing algorithm deliver a smoother experience. Its durability and data‑tracking capabilities are highlighted by the fitness community. | [ Concept2 Model D ] |
| Best Fitness Tracker | Apple Watch Series 9 | The Series 9 brings a new low‑power mode, a redesigned display, and advanced health metrics (e.g., sleep, ECG, blood oxygen). Men’s Health praised its seamless integration with iOS ecosystems. | [ Apple Watch Series 9 ] |
Key Takeaway: Wearables continued to prioritize data‑driven insights and cross‑platform connectivity. Apple’s new low‑power mode and the Peloton’s social‑centric design reinforce the move toward holistic, connected fitness experiences.
5. Apparel & Accessories
| Category | Awarded Product | Why It Stood Out | Where to Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Compression Gear | Under Armour ColdGear Compression Vests | These vests use a proprietary fiber blend that maintains body temperature while providing compression support, making them ideal for endurance athletes in cooler climates. | [ UA ColdGear Vests ] |
| Top Athletic Socks | Balega 5‑Day Running Socks | The socks combine moisture‑wicking microfiber with breathable knit panels, delivering a “second‑skin” feel that reduces blister risk during long runs. | [ Balega 5‑Day Socks ] |
| Best Sports Bra | Lululemon ABC High‑Support Sports Bra | Lululemon’s ABC line now offers a “recycled polyester” blend and a patented “S‑Band” to secure the bra against sagging. The product’s sustainable focus and performance were key review points. | [ Lululemon ABC Sports Bra ] |
Key Takeaway: Apparel winners reflect the growing importance of performance‑enhancing fabrics and sustainability. The Under Armour ColdGear’s dual‑layer design and Lululemon’s recycled material usage signal a market that values both functionality and environmental responsibility.
How to Make the Most of These Awards
- Identify Your Priority: Are you focused on building strength, improving speed, or recovering faster? Men’s Health’s categories are neatly segmented so you can quickly match a product to your goals.
- Research the Product Lineage: Many of the winners (Rogue, TRX, Thermagun) have extensive histories. Explore their websites to understand how each new model improves upon its predecessors.
- Check Availability & Pricing: While the awards spotlight performance, actual purchasing decisions often hinge on budget. Look for seasonal sales or bundle deals—particularly around Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
- Read User Reviews: Men’s Health’s article is a great starting point, but user testimonials on sites like Amazon or the manufacturers’ own forums can uncover real‑world insights, especially regarding durability and after‑sale support.
- Try Them Out First: If possible, visit a specialty sports store or gym that stocks the gear. A hands‑on test—especially for shoes or equipment—provides a tangible sense of comfort and usability.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Men’s Health Fitness Awards illustrate how the fitness landscape is increasingly converging technology, design, and sustainability into single, purpose‑built products. From Rogue’s iron‑clad Goliath Pro that will dominate home gyms, to the Theragun Prime’s high‑speed massage tech that speeds up recovery, each winner demonstrates a clear commitment to helping athletes perform better, recover smarter, and stay motivated.
For the latest and most detailed information on each product—price, availability, and feature breakdown—visit the links provided in the table above. Whether you’re a seasoned powerlifter, a marathon enthusiast, or someone simply looking to upgrade your daily workout gear, these award‑winning items are worth a closer look.
Read the Full Men's Health Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/2026-men-s-health-fitness-awards-the-best-new-gear-for-lifting-running-recovering-and-more/ar-AA1SnhAo ]