Jeff Rizzo, aka YouTube vlogger RizKnows, knows health and fitness gear so well because he lives it — and loves it. The man exercises up to three times a day (three!) and has a true passion for optimizing workouts with precise gear. So when we asked him a question like “What makes a good running shoe?” the answer came back with features measured in millimeters, along with consideration for factors like arch support, lockdown and tread. Read on to find out more about his own exercise routine, how he keeps fitness trackers straight, and which foods can crack his steely will.
You’re in great shape! What’s your weekly workout routine?
Thank you 🙂 I just love working out and I’m lucky enough that I also love the foods that are nutritious for your body (aside from jelly beans and trail mix…huge weakness of mine). Most days I wake up, drink copious amounts of coffee, and then go workout. I typically workout 1–3 times per day depending on the products I have on hand. I will lift once per day, maybe run, maybe row, maybe do CrossFit. I just have fun with it all!!
What’s an underrated piece of workout or gym gear you think more people should know about?
Adjustable dumbbells. For a reasonable price, you get dumbbells from 5LB to 60LB in most cases. That’s a great start for any home gym.
What makes for a good running shoe?
Many things! Of course, your feet are different so you may prefer something I do not, but since the average runner travels between 3 and 4 miles, I look for features like a soft yet responsive outsole, good arch support (or at least the option to take out the insoles and replace with SuperFeet), breathable upper, good lockdown, tread that is optimal for the conditions, and a comfortable fit. The heel-to-toe drop is important also, but everyone runs at a different angle so I typically look for something between 8mm and 12mm. I am trying to find shoes that help people increase their cadence and decrease the stress on the rest of their body. The goal should be to run effortlessly.
The world of fitness trackers can be dizzying. What are the things people should think about when deciding which one to get?
They should consider what they want out of the device firstly and then go searching for the right product. Two major buckets though: (1) more features and (2) simplicity. For people who want more features, they should look into the Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Alta, Garmin Vivosmart HR, and Polar A360. For simplicity, they should consider the Garmin Vivofit 3, Fitbit ChargeHR, and Misfit Ray.
How should people psyche themselves up to exercise? In other words, how to make it a habit?
Find something you love so that you look forward to it. Otherwise it will not be sustainable. Get a personal trainer. They motivate, coach, and educate. I have a lot of respect for (certain) trainers.
What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to food or anything else?
73% dark chocolate almonds, frozen yogurt, cinnamon or coconut jelly beans, trail mix.
If someone asked you right now to anoint a “Gadget of the Year,” what would you choose and why?
Fenix 3 HR. Best fitness technology device on earth. Wearing mine right now.
Let’s say someone forced you to unplug from everything —YouTube, your fitness gear and all that. What’s the first thing you would do?
Ask Kit.com for a job because I have bills to pay!
If you could ask anyone to make a kit, who would it be and why?
Probably Elon Musk because he’s real life Iron Man.
Show us your emojis!
Awesome, Jeff. Thank you!
Don’t forget to follow RizKnows on Kit for essential fitness recommendations and other stuff (coffee!) key to his active lifestyle.