Walmart

Shopping for your little one can be fun, but once you get past the mini blue jeans, baby bodysuits and scaled-down sneakers, there are more serious decisions to make, like where they’re going to sleep.

With so many mattress options and features, choosing a crib mattress can be downright overwhelming. To help you navigate the wild world of crib mattresses, we break down the different types and sizes—and what they mean for safety—so you can focus on the fun … like buying that next life-size animal stuffy for the nursery!

1. Quality
2. Safety
3. Mattress types:
   foam vs. innerspring
4. Crib mattress size
5. Organic options
6. Greenguard
   certification
7. Bells and whistles

1. Quality
2. Safety
3. Mattress types: foam vs. innerspring
4. Crib mattress size
5. Organic options
6. Greenguard certification
7. Bells and whistles

When we had our first baby, my husband and I were pretty smug about our parenting chops because it seemed like our son was always sleeping. Now I know it had nothing to do with us and everything to do with the fact that newborns sleep a lot—as much as 18 hours a day^[1].

Infancy is also a period of rapid physical growth, so it makes sense that your baby’s mattress should be good quality to support their little body through such a crucial time in their development.

Here’s the good news

A quality mattress doesn’t have to break the bank. A good rule of thumb is to buy the firmest crib mattress you can afford—and there are tons of great picks out there in the $60 to $150 range.

While your first instinct might be to buy a plush mattress to cradle your baby, firmness is king for crib mattresses. A firm mattress better supports your baby’s growing body and reduces sagging or indentation that might pose a suffocation risk.

Tip: Firmness is king for crib mattresses

• Firm mattresses are typically denser (and heavier).
• A major advantage to shopping online is how easy it is to compare weights across mattresses.
• You can also look at customer reviews to get a sense of how firm (or soft) the mattress is.

Just be sure to compare mattresses by type, as some high-density foam models are much lighter than dense innerspring ones. (More on the two types of crib mattresses later.)

When shopping in-store, press down on mattresses to gauge firmness. A firm one shouldn’t leave a hand indent and the surface should immediately snap back to its original shape.

You can also test the mattress density by standing it upwards and with your hands centred on either side, press inward. The denser the mattress, the harder it will be to press in.

A firm mattress is one of many factors contributing to sleep safety. The Government of Canada’s website explains that a safe sleep environment consisting of a firm crib mattress with no pillows, quilts, or bumper pads helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)^[2].

Keep in mind, according to the Government of Canada’s “Golden Rules” for safe sleep, the safest spot for baby to snooze is alone on a crib mattress that meets current safety regulations^{[3] [4]}.

Above all, remember that if the crib mattress feels like something you would want to sleep on, it’s likely too soft for your baby.

There are two main types of crib mattresses to choose from: foam and innerspring. Both can be firm if you invest in a good one, so it really comes down to personal preference.

Here are the main factors to consider for each:

Foam

Foam crib mattresses are typically made from polyurethane and the main benefit is that they can be firm and dense while remaining lightweight, like this extra firm Dream On Me model.

Don’t write off the light load—especially if you have a bedwetter on your hands and foresee lots of late-night sheet changes in your future.

Foam mattresses typically range between 5 and 13 pounds (unless you opt for a memory foam one, which tends to be heavier) and average about half the weight of their innerspring counterparts, with a less bulky price tag to match.

If a lighter foam mattress is more your preference look for a density of at least 1.5 pounds per cubic foot to provide the safest bed for your child.

But as a general rule, go for the densest model you can afford.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses feature a core of steel coils topped with layers of padding. Padding can range from synthetic polyester in cheaper mattresses, to more dense natural fibres like coir (made from shredded coconut shells) in higher-end models.

The most common type of innerspring mattress is continuous coil, so-named because the coils are formed from one continuous wire, and they’re popular for their stable and supportive sleeping surface.

Many innerspring mattresses feature steel border rods that run around the mattress edges to prevent sagging. These rods also help keep the mattress in tip-top shape for longer, especially when your toddler finds his legs and won’t stop jumping.

The density of a continuous coil mattress is measured by its steel gauge. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. A gauge of 15.5 or below is recommended for a firm innerspring mattress.

For maximum longevity, choose a mattress like this Sealy Baby Ultra Rest with thick, durable padding and a high coil count of 204. Similar to foam mattresses, the weightier the innerspring mattress the better the quality, generally speaking.

Expect innerspring mattresses to tip the scales at around 15 to 30 pounds.

Crib mattress size is an important component for your baby’s safety. But don’t sweat it—the government has taken some of the guesswork out of choosing your mattress because, in Canada, crib and crib mattress size are standardized for safety reasons.

Legally, full-size crib mattress dimensions have to measure in the following:

But even though mattresses adhere to standard sizing, there can be slight variations, so always check that your crib mattress fits securely in your crib with no more than a 3 cm gap between the mattress and the side of the crib.

According to the Government of Canada, any space larger than 3 cm could cause your baby’s face to become trapped, posing a suffocation risk^[5].

Any new crib mattress you buy in Canada should conform to these standards but to be sure, check the dimensions online (usually found on the mattress product page.)

Mini cribs

When we had our first baby, a full-size baby crib worked because we had a little solarium with a sliding door attached to our bedroom that we converted into a nursery for him, so it was like he was sleeping in our room.

But by the time our daughter was born, we had moved into a two-bedroom apartment and neither bedroom was big enough to accommodate a full-size crib next to our bed. So, after researching our options, we decided to buy a mini crib.

If you are also short on space (hello, tiny urban apartments!), you can rest easy knowing that mini crib mattresses, like this one by Dream On Me, offer the same benefits and features as full-size mattresses. Because these mattresses aren’t standard sizes, you should always check the dimensions of your mini crib before ordering a mattress.

These days, organic crib mattresses are growing in popularity as they typically contain less toxins, making them a healthier alternative to traditional mattresses. They feature an inner core that is made from organic materials like cotton, wool, natural latex, soy bean foam and sustainable fibres like coir and bamboo.

The mattress should be free from chemical flame retardants, which are highly toxic, and instead use organic material like wool that has natural flame resistance.

I really like this organic mattress by Simmons, which has a core that’s 99.9% free of harmful volatile organic compounds (that can cause allergies or harm the respiratory system) and has a certified organic cotton cover that is chemical free and naturally breathable.

Whether you’re thinking about an organic or conventional mattress, picking a Greenguard-certified one means it has low chemical emissions, which translates into healthier air quality for your baby^[6].

The certification process is owned by the Greenguard Environmental Institute, a reputable third party group that rigorously tests products for harmful toxins. There are two certification levels: Greenguard, which ensures the product meets strict emissions limits, and the more stringent Greenguard Gold that also considers safety factors for sensitive individuals including children.

Most crib mattresses certified by the institute have the stricter Greenguard Gold seal. What’s great is that you can buy these mattresses at affordable prices, like this Dream On Me Twilight Coil with Greenguard Gold certification.

Once you’ve determined your preferred mattress type, there are several features you may want to consider to help improve your baby’s sleep or increase the lifespan of the mattress:

Waterproof

For some parents, a waterproof or water-resistant mattress isn’t up for debate because their leaky baby (like one of ours was!) makes it a necessity.

The benefits of a waterproof crib mattress are simple: not only does a protective layer make late-night diaper leaks easy to clean up, but the plastic barrier prevents water from seeping into the core of the mattress where mold and bacteria can grow.

Mattresses that boast food-grade polyethylene plastic covers, like this one from Safety 1st, are best if you want a non-toxic mattress that’s safe for baby and also quickly wipes clean.

Alternatively, you can purchase a regular crib mattress and then get a separate waterproof mattress protector or pad to protect it.

Waterproofing, whether it’s part of the mattress or courtesy of a removable pad, will help keep your mattress stain-free. This is important if you’re passing it down from one baby to the next, or if you’re buying a reversible mattress and plan to get several years of use out of it.

Reversible

A reversible (also called convertible) mattress is essentially two mattresses in one, with a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers.

The plush side is designed to support your child right into his or her toddler bed, so they’re a good value if you know you’ll be using it for the long haul (but totally unnecessary if you plan to skip the toddler bed altogether, and move your tot directly into a single.)

Each child is different, so it’s best to check with your family doctor or pediatrician before flipping the mattress over to the plush side. My favourite is this reversible mattress from Dream On Me, which is 100% waterproof and Greenguard Gold certified.

Antimicrobial

Some mattresses, like this Dream On Me one, have an antimicrobial outer layer that helps stop potentially harmful bacteria dead in their tracks.

Great for babies with allergies, antimicrobial crib mattresses typically have a hypoallergenic and waterproof cover that slows the growth of odour-causing mold and bacteria.

Another bonus: Most are easy to wipe down with a little warm water and mild, child-safe soap. Whether you’ve got a tot with allergies or you’re simply after peace of mind, be prepared to spend a little more for this feature.

Airflow pockets

Some crib mattresses include airflow pockets that boost air circulation in and around the mattress to support your baby’s unobstructed breathing. Because they prioritize air flow, they are also good for babies who tend to be hot sleepers.

But there are tradeoffs: breathable mattresses tend to be less waterproof because they don’t have plastic covers. So, you might want to skip airflow technology if your baby wets the bed often.

This reversible mattress by Dream On Me offers airflow technology on the infant side and waterproofing on the toddler side, making it a great long-term solution.

There’s a lot to think about when buying a crib mattress, but it really comes down to prioritizing what matters most to you. If you want a lightweight mattress, choose a foam one over an innerspring. For a safer option, organic or Greenguard mattresses are the way to go.

Each baby is different so carefully consider special features like waterproofing, antimicrobial covers and air flow technology to fit your child’s unique needs.

With so much to consider, it’s possible that your first purchase might fall short of your expectations. I suggest buying from a reputable store with a good return policy that gives you a chance to test your mattress without having to commit if it doesn’t end up delivering the sweet dreams you had hoped. This will let you shop with more confidence and less worries.

Canadian moms are lucky to have their pick of retailers that stand behind their baby products including Walmart Canada. They have affordable options no matter what type of mattress you decide on, and the generous 90-day return policy with the ability to return by mail and in-store at their locations across Canada (even for purchases made online!) makes it a great place to start your search.

Once you’ve got your crib mattress on lock, continue to explore their selection of bassinets, cribs and toddler beds!

There’s a lot to think about when buying a crib mattress but really it comes down to prioritizing what matters most to you. If you want a lightweight mattress, choose a foam one over an innerspring. For a safer option, organic or Greenguard mattresses are the way to go. Each baby is different so carefully consider special features like waterproofing, antimicrobial covers and air flow technology to fit your child’s unique needs.

With so much to consider it’s possibly that your first purchase might fall short of your expectations. I suggest buying from a reputable store with a good return policy that gives you a chance to test your mattress without having to commit if it doesn’t end up delivering the sweet dreams you had hoped. This will let you shop with more confidence and less worries.

Canadian moms are lucky to have their pick of retailers that stand behind their baby products including Walmart Canada. They have affordable options no matter what type of mattress you decide on, and generous 90-day return policy with the ability to return by mail and in-store at their locations across Canada (even for purchases made online!) makes it a great place to start your search. Once you’ve got your crib mattress on lock, continue to explore their selection of bassinets, cribs and toddler beds!

Article Sources:

1. 1. Caring for Kids, Healthy sleep for your baby and child.
2. 2. Government of Canada, Joint Statement on Safe Sleep.
3. 3. Government of Canada, Safe sleep tips.
4. 4. Government of Canada, Cribs, Cradles and Bassinets Regulation.
5. 5. Government of Canada, Safe Sleep – Cribs, cradles and bassinets.
6. 6. Greenguard, Greenguard Certification Program.

Here are popular New Year’s resolutions ideas for 2020 to inspire you because a new year means new opportunities.

Welcome to a new year, and a fresh start! There’s no time like the present to make good on those resolutions, we have all the items below to help get you on the right track.

1. Get in shape
2. Eat healthier
3. Avoid procrastination
   and stay focused
4. Get more active
5. Reduce stress
6. Get more quality sleep
7. Spend more family time
   with a fun game night!
8. Take on a new hobby

1. Get in shape
2. Eat healthier
3. Avoid procrastination and stay focused
4. Get more active
5. Reduce stress
6. Get more quality sleep
7. Spend more time with family with a fun game night!
8. Take on a new hobby

Looking to kick the workout regime into high gear? Try an interactive workout with the Apple Watch Series 3.

The watch features a smart activity coach that will keep you moving. Your schedule, music, voice calls and more will join you on the go. Its built-in cellular service gives you the ability to manage it all straight from your wrist.

Save money and live better with a device that will constantly keep you on track with your personal fitness goals, schedule, and music.

If you are looking for more fitness tracker options, we’ve got you covered with an array of brands and options for all ages.

Sometimes it can be a challenge to fit in the 6-8 suggested servings of fruit and vegetables per day into your diet, so why not use a juicer to ensure you hit your nutrition goals?

The Oster 1000 Watt JusSimple comes with five speed settings to easily juice a variety of fruit and vegetables.

For more juicers, check out the wide selection available for all budgets and needs.

I always turn to music when I need to concentrate and get things done, and noise cancelling headphones really helps me work distraction-free!

Sony’s Noise Canceling Headphones are lightweight with great bass, offering hours of great performance to keep you cool and comfortable.

If you are looking to tackle some early 2020 fitness goals in the comfort of your own home, the Gold’s Gym Push-Up Stands are a great option.

The pivoting grips workout more muscles in your arms, chest, shoulders, wrists and elbows, and engage muscle fibers for more efficient reps.

The sturdy base features an anti-slip material perfect for triceps dips and different types of push-ups. Lower impact routines are also great for those just starting new fitness routines.

Plenty of great strength and weight training options are available, so don’t wait
for a more active you, start a journey to a better you today.

Commit to more self-care with a personal massager to help with stress relief and muscle aches.

The Shiatsu pillow delivers a deep heated massage that will help melt away muscle tension. The device can also be used to target your neck, shoulders, back or legs, giving you a multi-purpose option for relaxation or muscle pain after a busy holiday season.

Get more stress relief and self-care for less!

The first step to a new you begins with a good night’s sleep. It’s a key factor along with diet and exercise to enhance your quality of life.

A memory foam pillow features a lot of advantages over traditional pillows that enhance your sleeping patterns.

First, it forms to the unique shape of your body, reliving pressure points and aiding with spinal alignment as you sleep. Second, it contains naturally hypoallergic materials that prevent the growth of mould and dust mites. Third, memory foam is very durable, outlasting regular feather or down filled pillows
that tend to lump and flatten over time.

Committing to a healthier you begins with proper rest that will help you live better.

We have a wide selection classic and modern games for hours of family fun. If you are hoping to spend more time together, why not pick a night of the week for family game time?

Scrabble is a fun educational board game that’s perfect for some friendly competition and it reinforces math and logic skills while playing.

If you have a household of gamers, many family-based multiplayer titles are available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch consoles.

Overcooked 2 (Xbox One/Nintendo Switch) was recently recognized as the best family game of 2018, offering zany couch co-op fun in a virtual kitchen.

The Nintendo Switch exclusive Super Mario Party is packed with mini-games that are fun and accessible even if you aren’t a video game veteran. It’s inspired by board games so new players won’t feel to far outside of their element.

It’s more family time together, for less!

With a new year, new experiences await! Introducing a different hobby or interest could be what you need to shake things up. We have a great selection of sports and recreation equipment for outdoor adventures like biking, golf and fishing.

I love hitting the trails on a mountain bike and if you are looking to test out cycling, the Movelo 26” Algonquin Men’s Mountain Bike is a great place to start.

The bike offers a very durable steel frame and 18 speeds of twist shifting that help provide versatility for different terrains. With a budget conscience price,
you can hit the trails for less and enjoy more new hobbies.

The best fitness trackers enhance your workout by helping you meet your fitness goals.

Fitness trackers come in many shapes and sizes with a wide variety of features across brands and models. Finding the right fitness tracker for you is key to attaining your exercise and fitness goals.

To understand and optimize your fitness progress, it’s crucial to know the results of your activities.

Fitness trackers collect data from your daily exercise, giving you insight into the effectiveness of your workouts. These wearable devices also monitor and other key aspects of your health, such as heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Once you understand the effectiveness of your exercising, you’ll know whether you’re on track to meet your fitness goals. Fitness trackers are a great first step to helping you achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle.

What’s the difference between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch?

One common question that often comes up is how do fitness trackers and smartwatches differ? The best way to understand the differences is by looking at their features.

• Fitness trackers focus more on workout patterns, activity monitoring, and health biometrics.
• If your focus is on fitness and health, a fitness tracker offers better features and value.
• Conversely, smartwatches are much like smartphones: great for checking emails, receiving notifications, managing music and receiving calls.
• If your focus is on the latest tech, a smartwatch is better suited for your needs.

Whether you want to track casual jogs around the neighbourhood or your progress towards running a marathon, Walmart Canada has many great fitness tracker options. I’ve prepared a list of my favourite devices, grouped into two categories: one for fitness beginners and another for advanced trainers.

Fitness trackers for running beginners

1. Smart Fitness Tracker
2. Fitbit Alta HR Fitness Tracker
3. Fitbit Ace Kids Fitness Tracker

Fitness trackers for advanced training

1. iFit Vue
2. Fitbit Charge 3
3. Garmin vívofit 3 Activity Tracker

Here are the best fitness trackers if you’re just starting your workout regimen. These models are easy to use and contain advanced features you’ll grow into as your fitness goals evolve, offering great long-term value.

Here are the best fitness trackers if you’re just starting your workout regimen. These models are easy to use and contain advanced features you’ll grow into as your fitness goals evolve, offering great long-term value.

Great for: Getting started with casual jogs around the neighbourhood.

If you’re just starting a new fitness routine, a streamlined solution is the way to go. The Smart Fitness Tracker is a simple-to-use option with a one size fits all design.

The device tracks many body metrics such as steps taken, calories burned, sleep time and more. You can sync this data up to an easy to use “VeryFitPro” App compatible with iOS and Android devices.

If you want a simple and intuitive solution that will get you moving and doesn’t break the bank, consider getting the Smart Fitness Tracker.

Great for: Measuring calories burned and finding the right workout intensity.

Fitbit was the first on the market to introduce us to the world of step counting and calorie burn calculations with on-the-go tech, and it’s still a fitness leader today.

The Fitbit Alta HR is sleek and stylish, containing a digital display that measures your exercise progress, including step counts and calories burned.

All your key metrics and workout results can be synchronized to your Fitbit app. You can also pair the device with your smartphone to receive calls and text notifications on your wrist with unique vibrations and light pattern indicators.

If you’re looking for a quality fitness tracker from a recognizable brand, the Fitbit Alta HR fits the bill.

Great for: Family fitness and getting your kids moving

Don’t forget about the kids! When your little ones see your fitness tracker, they might want to mimic your healthy habits. You can encourage them with their very own device.

Start your family on a new, healthier path with the Fitbit Ace Kids. It’s a brilliant way to gamify workouts by comparing step counts and activity results.

The tracker features a bright display with 10 unique clock face designs to choose from, including many funky and fun styles.

Designed for children aged 8 years and up, the Fitbit Ace rewards your little fitness guru with celebratory messages and achievement badges to keep them motivated. As well, you have the option to open a family account to keep an eye on your child’s goals, activity, and progress.

Commit the entire family to a mantra of better living starting with fitness trackers to keep everyone on the move.

Great for: Meeting your gym fitness goals.

The iFit Vue is a great value option offering many activity stats at the touch of a finger via its easy to use interface.

The device tracks your daily activity, monitors sleep, and has online tools that adjust your workout depending on your sleep and daily activity.

Since it can be difficult to fit in time with a personal trainer, the iFit is the next best thing. It gives you a real-time fitness score to keep you moving and motivated.

The device is also compatible with a selection of treadmills and other exercise equipment to help you accurately track and get the most out of all your workouts.

Great for: Experienced runners and advanced workouts.

The Fitbit Charge 3 has a streamlined, simple to use interface that puts you at the centre of your workout.

The Charge goes further than most fitness trackers with in-depth tracking of your body and fitness progress. It does more than just step count, offering 24/7 heart rate monitoring, precise calorie burn, 15+ exercises, goal progress, sleep time recording and more.

The device is also swimproof and water resistant letting you shower or workout in the rain with it on. Now that’s high versatility and convenience!

If you are training for distance or timed runs the Charge 3 connects to your smartphone’s GPS for real-time pace and distance tracking.

Great for: Tracking your rigorous outdoor adventure fitness goals.

If you are chasing down major fitness milestones like 5K runs and completing full marathons, the Garmin vívofit 3 activity tracker is an ideal companion.

What really sets the device apart from other trackers is its ability to differentiate between walking, running, biking, swimming, and elliptical automatically.

That means no interruption to your workout because you’ve changed exercises; you can go from a walk to a run to a swim and have it all tracked accurately.

In addition to keeping up with your Ironman training regimen, the vívofit 3 also tracks everyday activities like walking. The fitness tracker will encourage you to move around via notifications after long periods of inactivity.

It’s like having a digital fitness coach around your wrist!

With an assortment of fitness trackers, we have what you need to conquer those fitness goals.

Here’s a look at the best exercise bikes to keep you active all year long.

Whether you’ve committed to a “get fit” new years resolution or keeping up with an old one, exercise bikes are an excellent option for year-round fitness goals. Cycling is a low impact way to burn calories, allowing you to work up a sweat without stressing your joints.

There are a few different types of exercise bikes out there, and each of them focuses on different muscles. Let’s cycle through the options!

1. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
2. Fitness Reality 210 Upright Bike
3. Stamina Magnetic 1350 Recumbent Bike
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Recumbent Bike
5. Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1001S
   Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike
7. Stamina Mini Exercise Bike
8. Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Exercise Bike

1. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
2. Fitness Reality 210 Upright Bike
3. Stamina Magnetic 1350 Recumbent Bike
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Foldable Recumbent Bike
5. Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle
6. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B1001S Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike
7. Stamina Mini Exercise Bike
8. Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Exercise Bike

Upright bikes feature high handlebars to keep your posture in an upright position. This results in not just your legs getting a great workout, but your back and abdominal muscles, too.

Upright bikes feature high handlebars to keep your posture in an upright position. This results in not just your legs getting a great workout, but your back and abdominal muscles, too.

This Schwinn 170 Upright Bike has a wide variety of workout options, including 22 programs and 25 resistance levels to pick from.

The 170 also features the latest technology for a modern workout, including a large LCD screen, built-in speakers, USB chargers and even an adjustable fan. It’s a smart workout device, too, capable of connecting to your smartphones via Bluetooth to help track your fitness goals.

You can also sync the machine with the free downloadable RideSocial app to virtually ride beside your friends in real time.

The Fitness Reality 210 Upright Bike is an excellent choice for workouts without the noise.

The machine features Quiet Drive technology, which reduces belt noise for noiseless and uninterrupted workout sessions. It has 24 different resistance levels and 21 pre-set workouts that range from light to heavy intensity.

An LCD display tracks your fitness progress by displaying distance, time, RPM, speed and more.

Recumbent bikes feature reclined seats that are lower to the ground, easing the pressure on your back. The focus on back support means these bikes are great for comfortable lower body workouts.

Recumbent bikes feature reclined seats that are lower to the ground, easing the pressure on your back. The focus on back support means these bikes are great for comfortable lower body workouts.

The magnetic resistance of the Stamina 1350 Recumbent Bike promotes a smooth, quiet workout.

The resistance level can be changed mid-workout via an adjustable knob, allowing for lighter or harder workouts. It features a padded and wrapped vinyl seat for a comfortable workout from start to finish.

The semi-reclined frame also helps target hip, thigh and gluteal muscles in your workout, too.

A foldable recumbent bike is a good option if you’re pressed for space at home.

This Sunny Health & Fitness foldable bike features a large padded seat and an adjustable backrest capable of supporting up to 265 pounds. Its digital monitor tracks pulse, speed, and distance to help keep you apprised of your fitness goals.

Attached resistance bands for both arms and legs mean you can work on your muscle tone as well. This is quite a versatile, space-saving exercise bike.

Using a spinner bike is much like using a traditional outdoor bicycle—the pedals keep going when you stop pedalling. These bikes feature lower handlebars encouraging you to lean forward, and you can lift out of your seat like you would in a spin class workout. Spinner bikes are often used by athletes or those preparing for a cycling race.

Using a spinner bike is much like using a traditional outdoor bicycle—the pedals keep going when you stop pedalling. These bikes feature lower handlebars encouraging you to lean forward, and you can lift out of your seat like you would in a spin class workout. Spinner bikes are often used by athletes or those preparing for a cycling race.

The Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle is a great option for athletes in training.

This spinner bike features multi-grip handlebars that let you adjust your position on the fly. It also comes with a 3-piece crank system to simulate road bike exercises, including uphill cycling and endurance training.

A built-in display reads your pulse and speed, helping to keep your heart rate in the desired zone.

This Sunny Health & Fitness spinner bike has a 30-pound flywheel that simulates real cycling motions.

With its adjustable resistance settings, you can prepare for flat, uphill or downhill riding. The seat and handlebars are also adjustable, enabling you to find a comfortable cycling position tailored to you.

With a durable, heavy-duty steel frame and crank, this spinner bike will stand the test of time as you work to meet your fitness goals!

Mini exercise bikes are great if you value portability or have limited space. These can be placed under a desk or chair and stored away in tight spaces afterwards.

Mini exercise bikes are great if you value portability or have limited space. These can be placed under a desk or chair and stored away in tight spaces afterwards.

This Stamina Mini Exercise Bike can be placed under your cubical or in a storage closet after your workout.

Its smooth pedal system eliminates jerky movements, giving you a smooth workout. You can even work out your arms by placing it on a table and pedalling with your hands.

The large dial on the front lets you easily change resistance for harder or lighter workouts. Above the dial sits a workout monitor that tracks your workout time, calories burned and stroke count.

This electric exercise bike has a powerful motor with 12 different settings to assist your arm or leg workout.

A handy remote control can also control workout settings like time, rotation, and speed.

This bike is a great option for low impact exercises and for muscle rehabilitation.

When it comes to exercise bikes, there are plenty of options to keep you pedalling year-round. From larger machines to space-saving foldable devices, exercise bikes are a great fitness investment.

Good luck on your fitness journey?

We’re here to help get you started on your journey to a healthier and fitter you with Walmart’s master guide to a full body workout.

Walmart speaks with an expert who shares helpful full body workout tips and advice. Fitness coach Tommy Europe offers his best full body workout tips and advice to help you tighten and tone your upper body, lower body and core. Whether you’re a newbie to workouts or you workout regularly, we’ve got expert tips and advice to help you reach your workout goals this year.

Voted twice as one of Canada’s Top Fitness Trainers by IMPACT Magazine, Tommy Europe earned his fitness credentials in the school of hard knocks: as a professional football player.

An 11-year veteran of the game, he is a two-time all-star defensive back in the Canadian Football League. Following Europe’s career with the CFL, he founded Tommy Europe Fitness, and developed the SHRED® training and performance tool—which stands for Strength, Heart, Resilience, Efficiency, Discipline.

Europe applied this SHRED® philosophy to build his own successful business including making the leap into the entertainment industry as a stunt actor. He is also a television personality and fitness trainer to the stars.

1. What are full body exercises?
2. Can I do a full body workout every day?
3. How many times a week should you do
   full body workouts?
4. Are full body workouts good for fat loss?

1. What are full body exercises?
2. Can I do a full body workout every day?
3. How many times a week should you do full body workouts?
4. Are full body workouts good for fat loss?

“Full body exercises are compound movements that require you to use more than one muscle group; they force you to use your core at all times,” explains Europe. “A burpee is a perfect example. Burpees are a full body exercise—your legs get heavy, your arms get heavy as well, especially if you’re incorporating a push-up movement, and it uses your core. There’s even cardio if you’re going for speed.”

Those who are new to full body workouts should consider starting with a compound exercise like the squat or deadlift, suggests Europe. “When people think of squats, they often think of only using the lower body, but everything has to work to make that exercise efficient,” he says.

“Getting proper squat technique takes a while. Beginners should work with a trainer or take a class when they start, to make sure they get perfect form [to help avoid injury],” advises Europe. “You should be sitting into your heels, so the hamstrings and glutes do the majority of the work, and you should be engaging your core.”

Once you’ve perfected your form, you can amp up the exercise by adding weight, such as a barbell, says Europe. “Really focus on speed and control. You want to be controlled the entire way through the movement, so you’re getting the most out of the exercise,” he explains.

“Focus on proper alignment. You should feel a stretch between your hamstrings and glutes—press into your heels, and squeeze your butt as you rise back up,” says Europe.

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“No,” says Europe. He strongly advises against doing a full body workout every day. “Generally if you’re doing a full body workout, you’re using every muscle group; by the end of the workout, you’ve worked the whole body,” he explains. “You should leave a day for the body to recover.”

On off days, Europe recommends active recovery or active rest. “It could be going for a walk, a bike ride or skipping,” he says.

When it comes to working the upper body, arms and shoulders, Europe recommends a dumbbell shoulder press. “You can do these seated on a bench or stability ball or standing,” he explains. “Just don’t arch your back when pressing anything overhead.”

According to Europe, the key to this exercise is technique. “Don’t worry about how much you’re lifting; focus on perfect form,” he advises. “There should be no arching in the back. Smooth, controlled movements work best.”

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According to Europe, you should aim for three full body workouts a week. “A full body workout typically includes six to 10 exercises for general conditioning,” he says. “Try for three sets of 12 to 15 repetitions if you’re trying to put on lean muscle mass, or 15 to 20 reps if you’re looking for more endurance.”

As for timing, Europe says: “It’s different for everybody, but a workout should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, including a warm-up as well. If you have an hour, that’s great, but you can also do it in as little as 20 minutes.”

When it comes to warming up, Europe likes rowing machines and skipping. “I find [these types of warm-up exercises] give you the biggest bang for your buck,” he says. “Warming up gets the muscles loose and gets the body primed and ready for the work you’re going to put your body through and helps avoid injuries.”

According to Europe, the plank exercise is a full body workout staple for working your core. “Core, glutes and hamstrings—everything is working in the active plank position,” he explains.

As for proper positioning, your back should be flat, advises Europe. “Forearms and hands should be flat on the ground, as this disperses weight over a bigger plane,” he says.

For a more advanced workout, you can try a variation on the plank like mountain climbers, in push up position, bringing knees to chest, one side at a time, or use a stability ball. “With the stability ball, your forearms are on the ball, hands flat,” he explains. “Your body is in a straight line, the back is flat, and the core is engaged.”

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“Definitely! Full body workouts can help with fat loss,” says Europe. “You’re using more muscle groups and burning more calories.”

To work the lower body and legs, Europe recommends lunges. “Lunges, step back lunges, walking lunges—by doing things in movement, you’re working the body more efficiently and effectively,” he explains.

“Focus attention on the hamstrings, glutes and quads,” says Europe. “With whichever leg is in front, weight should be on the heel, not the toe. You also want to get the rear knee within an inch of the ground for [a] full range of motion,” he continues. “By keeping the upper body straight, you’re using your core.”

According to Europe, power lunges, lunge jumps and split lunge jumps can all make the lunge exercise more dynamic once you’ve perfected your form. He suggests adding dumbbells or a medicine ball to this exercise routine, depending on your fitness level and experience.

“Using a medicine ball adds more core and coordination,” explains Europe. “Hold the medicine ball in front of you, raise it overhead and go from side to side as you move forward in a lunge motion.”

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According to Europe, lower body exercises that use more muscle groups force the body to use more core and are tougher to do. “The more experienced you are, the more things you can do,” he says.

Final thoughts on building a better you? “Always have a goal,” says Europe. “It could be a goal for your workout, for the week or for the month—having a goal gives you something to look forward to, and everyone works better when they’re working toward something,” he continues. “Whether it’s doing a certain amount of workouts a week, or trying a new exercise to keep your workout challenging, pick a goal and stay with it.”

We asked Europe for his advice on the best abs workout to help build a stronger core. Be sure to check out our article Best Abs Workout for a Strong Core to get the scoop!

Be sure to check out our article Best Arms Workout – Do You Even Lift? to get Europe’s advice on how you can achieve that just-perfect t-shirt look.

Looking to tone and sculpt your shoulders? Be sure to check out our article Best Shoulders Workout – Raise the Roof! to get Europe’s tips and ideas on shoulder exercises to help you look and feel your best.

Be sure to check out our article Best Legs Workout – Don’t Skip It! Europe shares his expert advice on the best leg exercises to help you build strong legs.