fitmuncher: July 2026

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Walmart Has a Full-Sized Above-Ground Pool on Sale for $99 Amid a Striking Summer Heatwave

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Funsicle 14ft Adventure above-ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool, $99 (was $178)

Funsicle 14ft Adventure above-ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool, &dollar;99 (was &dollar;178)

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Why We Love This Deal

The heat’s on, and as temperatures soar into the triple digits across the country, you may be looking for new ways to cool off. Make sure you cover the basics—get your window AC unit and misting system hooked up, and always have a cooling towel ready. The next step would be adding a swimming pool to your yard, and now, thanks to a special Walmart deal, a bestselling above-ground model is going for under $100.

Walmart is selling the Funsicle 14-foot Adventure above-ground swimming pool for just $99, a 44% discount from its normal price of $178. This pool features a sturdy metal frame and rises nearly 3 feet high, giving you plenty of depth for relaxed swimming and cooling off on hot summer days. And this isn’t some clearance section castoff: The pool has solid reviews, is a certified bestseller, and Walmart has sold over 2,000 in just the last 24 hours.

Funsicle 14ft Adventure above-ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool, $99 (was $178) at Walmart

The Funsicle 14ft Adventure above-ground Metal Frame Swimming Pool.

Courtesy of Walmart

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What Shoppers Should Know

Size: 14 feet
Height: 33 inches
Capacity: Up to 7 people
Also Includes: Water pump and filter

This pool has a metal frame structure that supports the waterproof three-ply tarp fabric that holds in the water. Once you set up the frame and tarp, you just fill it up with your garden hose, turn on the water pump, and the pool is ready. But keep in mind you’ll need a step ladder (sold separately) to safely enter and exit the pool. Even so, both the pool and the ladder ship for free, so you can get a summer-ready setup for around $150—an excellent value.

This Funsicle pool includes a rudimentary filter and pump, and you’ll need to regularly empty the filter to keep debris out of the water, but otherwise it’s very low-maintenance. At this price point, however, I wouldn’t expect this pool to last much more than a season or two without proper care (you’ll definitely want to put it away for the winter). If you’re looking for a more robust above-ground pool, consider the Intex XTR ($749), a durable, top-rated option that’s also a bit deeper than the Funsicle model.

What Shoppers Are Saying

Overall, shoppers have been really pleased with this pool, and it has earned lots of rave reviews. Shoppers noted it’s easy to set up, “very sturdy,” and an ideal size for both kids and adults to enjoy. Many reviewers were amazed by how much they loved it. One called the pool “a life changer for our family” and said, “We swim just about every day.” Another stated the pool “transformed the backyard into a little vacation spot.” Some shoppers did have issues with leaks, but the company was very responsive to their comments—always a good sign.

With most of the country baking under serious heat, people are going to be looking for ways to cool off, and this $99 above-ground pool is a very attractive option. Snag yours before Walmart sells out.

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Personal Trainer Warns This Popular Gym Supplement Can Sabotage Your Sleep and Trigger Daily Anxiety

Since I started lifting nearly a decade ago, caffeine has been a permanent fixture in my supplement stack. In my early twenties, I avoided coffee entirely. I was never the college student pulling all-nighters with a mug next to my laptop. But that aversion changed the moment I attempted to put more than 200 pounds on my back uncaffeinated.

Enter the energy drink and pre-workout era. Was it the pinnacle of health? No. Did it make my training sessions significantly more explosive and enjoyable? Absolutely. When you are 22, hyper-energetic, and resilient, the consequences of a high-stimulant lifestyle rarely register.

The real reckoning arrives when you transition into corporate life, only to find yourself pounding 300 milligrams of caffeine at 5:00 PM while expecting to achieve deep, restorative sleep just a few hours later. It's a recipe for physiological disaster. Now, with 30 right around the corner and after listening to countless sleep optimization podcasts, the tables have turned. I cut off my caffeine intake strictly at 1:00 PM, dim the overhead lights at sunset, and banish screens an hour before bed. Oh, how the tables have turned.

If this cycle of exhaustion sounds familiar, your pre-workout powder is likely the culprit.

The Stimulant Trap

"Pre-workout is one of the first things I ask clients to cut when they're struggling with sleep or anxiety," says Maggie Morgan, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and former powerlifter. "The stimulant doses in some of them are high enough to disrupt sleep even when taken in the early afternoon."

The efficacy of caffeine itself is undisputed. Extensive clinical research confirms that it enhances physical endurance, high-intensity output, and cognitive focus. By sharpening alertness and short-term memory, it has become America's favorite performance aid. Over 90 percent of U.S. adults consume it regularly, averaging a daily intake of more than 200 mg.

However, while caffeine genuinely supports athletic performance, you do not need to extract it from a $50 tub of neon powder.

Rethinking the Pre-Workout Blend

"Most products are essentially expensive caffeine blends with under-dosed 'performance' ingredients and no transparency on dosages," Morgan says. "If you want a real pre-workout, start with sleep, food, and hydration. If you still want a boost, black coffee works."

If you choose to keep a pre-workout in your rotation, transparency is paramount. Audit the label for exact caffeine dosages, completely avoid proprietary blends that mask ingredient ratios, and meticulously track how the formula impacts your sleep efficiency and resting heart rate. A high-quality stimulant has its place on an occasional, max-effort training day, but it should never serve as a chemical crutch for chronic under-recovery.

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One of Adidas's Newest Everyday Running Shoes Just Got Its Price Slashed to $56

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

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Adidas Zenboost Running Shoes, $56 (was $100)

Adidas Zenboost Running Shoes, &dollar;56 (was &dollar;100)

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Why We Love This Deal

Adidas is a giant in the shoe game, and that's partly because they cater to all kinds of budgets. We see this especially with the brand's running shoes—the selection is vast, from the $305 Adizero Prime to the $60 Runfalcon. However, Adidas has also become known for its epic sales, and one of them is live right now. The athletic apparel retailer is offering an extra 30% off tons of running gear, including the new, well-cushioned Zenboost.

Adidas Zenboost Running Shoes are on sale for only $56, which is $44 off the original $100 price tag. These kicks are marked down to $80, and then when you use the code SAVE at checkout (through July 6), that drops down to a mere $56. They're very new, so there aren't a ton of reviews, but early feedback is very positive. They already have a perfect five-star rating, with one user calling them the "baby brother of the Hyperboost." They come in sizes from 4 to 18 and several colors that are all eligible for the extra 30% off offer.

Adidas Zenboost Running Shoes, $56 (was $100) at Adidas

Courtesy of Adidas

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What Shoppers Should Know

Fit: True to size
Sizes: 4 to 18
Best for: Road running
Weight: 7.41 ounces

Running shoes with large midsoles and extreme cushioning were once scoffed at. But with the rise of high-stack styles from Hoka and Brooks, among others, it feels like they’re the norm, and

The Zenboosts have a super-cushioned midsole that will support your every step while you’re on the go. They also feature a durable rubber outsole that makes them ideal for road running. As for the upper, it’s made from a lightweight textile to help your feet breathe. With all this in mind, these running shoes are best for longer runs on the pavement. If you’re a hardcore runner with ultra-marathon aspirations, getting shoes specifically designed for those extreme demands is a better idea—this isn't the shoe for you. But these trainers are great for hitting everyday miles.

In terms of pricing, under $60 is a solid deal for modern running shoes. You can find more budget-friendly options, but it likely won’t be from a brand with as much credibility as Adidas.

What Shoppers Are Saying

Whether you’re running on the treadmill or walking around the neighborhood, the Zenboosts should work for you. “A great shoe for the gym and casual use as well,” one reviewer said. “I also use it for my runs of 4 miles or less.”

Another shopper applauded these kicks for their comfort and impressive breathing room. “Very comfy shoes,” they said. “Clean look and very comfortable sole throughout. I also like the spacious toebox.”

The Adidas Zenboost Running Shoes are an extra 30% off at Adidas right now. Enjoy that temporary sale while you still can.

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Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Ego's Giant 56V Battery That Powers Yard Tools for Well Over an Hour Is Nearly $80 Off

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Ego Power+ 56V 7.5 Ah Battery, $346 (was $424)

Ego Power+ 56V 7&period;5 Ah Battery, &dollar;346 (was &dollar;424)

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Why We Love This Deal

We’re still seeing the Hormuz fiasco increase prices, and one consequence of this is that many homeowners are finally making the shift to powerful battery-powered lawn equipment, such as Ego Power+’s 56V mower. But electric options still need power, and that’s led Ego’s 56V 4.0 Ah Battery at 40% off to be one of the most sought-after deals among Men’s Journal readers this summer. The question then becomes, what if you need a bigger battery?

The Ego Power+ 56V 7.5 Ah Battery is a massive 14-pound battery capable of running your mower for over an hour, and it now costs under $350. If you look at the battery on Amazon, where it still costs nearly $440, you’ll see that the battery hasn’t had a price this low in over 6 months. But the question remains, is bigger actually better? Here, we'll be taking a closer look at it, so we can arrive at what’s truly best for you and your equipment.

Ego Power+ 56V 7.5 Ah Battery, $346 (was $424) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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What Shoppers Should Know

Voltage: 56V
Capacity: 7.5 Ah
Compatibility: Ego Power+ 56V tools, including its powerful lawn equipment.
Best Use Case: This is the battery to get if you want to get the whole yard done with just one battery.

The big deal about this battery is that you can get well over an hour of mowing out of it without charging or swapping batteries. And at 56V and a 7.5 Ah capacity, you’re getting 420 watt-hours of power, an extreme amount that tracks with this performance level.

But what about cost? With this massive battery, you’re paying about 82 cents per watt-hour, not bad, as anything under $1 per watt-hour is considered good. For comparison, the aforementioned 4 Ah battery is now up to $189, making it a technically worse deal at 84 cents per watt-hour. In this case, bigger really is better in every single way except for upfront costs.

How to Choose the Right Battery for Your Lawn Equipment

That being said, the deals are extremely close. If it were me, I’d use the following decision tree to pick the best battery for my use case:

If I wanted the absolute most convenient mowing experience possible, I’d choose the 7.5 Ah battery.
If I had at least one other working battery and didn’t mind switching batteries, I’d buy the 4 Ah battery.
If I had no other working battery and a small yard, I’d buy the 4 Ah battery.
If I had no other working battery and a large yard, I’d buy the 7.5 Ah battery.

What Shoppers Are Saying

This battery is largely supported by Walmart shoppers, who have given it more than 4,500 5-star ratings over time. One reported, “I have ~3k sq ft of lawn which I can go over multiple times before running out of juice with a single 7.5A battery using the mulching or high suction blades.”

Meanwhile, an Amazon shopper said they “bought this battery and now the mower runs for almost 2 hours without stopping!”

The Ego Power+ 56V 7.5 Ah Battery is down to less than $350 right now, but that likely won't be for much longer. Prices on these batteries tend to fluctuate, so scoop yours up while the price is still low.

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Osprey's $165 Travel Backpack Is Nearly 60% Off During REI's 4th of July Deals Sale

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

In This Story

Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack, $70 (was $165)

Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack, &dollar;70 (was &dollar;165)

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Why We Love This Deal

During REI's 4th of July Deals event, you'll find things like Yakima cargo roof boxes for under $500, $35 rain jackets, and half off a ton of brand-name hiking boots. But the bigger story is what REI has done with its Outlet section. This sale, which runs through July 6, has dropped Outlet prices by as much as 60%, and that doesn't just mean products that are nearly sold out. For example, there's a highly-rated Osprey travel backpack that's almost $100 off and fully in stock in three cool colors.

The Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack is just $70 at REI right now, a 57% discount off its normal $165 price tag. Five of its nine total ratings are of the five-star variety, and reviewers say it hits all the marks for sensible organization, durability, and style, too. You can choose from navy, gray, and red, and all three are selling at the same price.

Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack, $70 (was $165) at REI

The Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack

Courtesy of REI

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What Packers Should Know

Capacity: 20 liters
Materials: Bluesign-approved 450-denier recycled polyester, PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR), TPU coating
Compartments: External zippered pocket, interior document sleeve and pockets with lanyard, laptop compartment (up to 16 inches), external side stretch water bottle pocket
Weight: 1 pound, 12.6 ounces
Colors available: Red Mountain, Venturi Blue, Tan Concrete

This bag has a simple look from the outside: a single front zippered pocket, another zipper holding the main compartment closed, and padded straps with a sternum strap.

Inside, there’s a padded laptop compartment, key lanyard, and pockets of various sizes designed to keep all of your gear in place and easily accessible. It’s made of a great, do-it-all material: 450-denier recycled polyester with a PFC-free durable water repellent and TPU coating.

What Customers Are Saying

Many reviewers mentioned that this bag works well as a personal item for air travel. One noted that it has “enough room to fit a laptop, tablet, over-ear headphones, and a bulky change of clothes.” We’d add that the spacious external pocket and interior organizational panel make it easy to grab items mid-flight without having to maneuver this bag all the way from under the seat in front of yours.

Others found that this bag is great for commuting. It’s a “great little daily commuter,” one wrote, also noting that they’ve received a ton of compliments on it. Another wrote that this bag is “very comfortable to wear when bicycling or hiking,” so if biking or walking is part of your commute, it’s a worthy companion.

The Osprey Transporter Panel Loader Pack isn’t the biggest bag, but its utility as a bag for commuting and travel could make it the best one you own. REI warns that this item has been discontinued and that you should “shop now for best selection”—good advice considering how much of a bummer it would be to miss out on a bag this good at a price this low.

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