Emma Mattison Fitness logo

Knowledge Archive

The Blog

Science-backed insights on strength, mobility, longevity, and nutrition for adults over 40.

Browse by

01

Products

Sleep Products

7
eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea
Products · Sleep Products

eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea

My 90-day eXciteOSA review: what changed in James’s snoring and breathing, what didn’t, the science, cost, and who it may fit.

Sep 19, 2026
Pulsetto Review: What Our Brain Scans and Sleep Data Show
Products · Wearables

Pulsetto Review: What Our Brain Scans and Sleep Data Show

My Pulsetto review uses six before-and-after EEG brain scans plus Muse sleep data to explore high beta activity, deep sleep, and key limitations.

Aug 29, 2026
eXciteOSA Review: Daytime Therapy for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea
Products · Sleep Products

eXciteOSA Review: Daytime Therapy for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea

An honest eXciteOSA review covering daytime tongue therapy for snoring, mild sleep apnea, baseline tracking, research, and first impressions.

Jun 15, 2026
Muse Deep Sleep Boost Review: What’s New With Muse Enso and Muse S Athena
Products · Sleep Products

Muse Deep Sleep Boost Review: What’s New With Muse Enso and Muse S Athena

Muse Deep Sleep Boost and Enzo bring new AI-powered sleep features to Muse S Athena. Here’s my practical review and what I’m still testing.

Apr 8, 2026
Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)
Products · Sleep Products

Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)

Muse Athena combines EEG + fNIRS for focus training and sleep tracking. Here’s what stood out, what’s annoying, and who it’s worth it for. Muse Athena review.

Feb 25, 2026
Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)
Products · Wearables

Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)

Muse S is an EEG sleep headband that tracks sleep stages and offers soundscapes & meditations. Here’s what we learned testing it—and who it’s for. Muse S headband

Feb 25, 2026
Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time
Products · Wearables

Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time

Muse makes brainwave feedback accessible at home. Here’s how the Muse 2 and Muse S work for meditation and sleep—and who should skip them. Muse headband review.

Feb 9, 2026

Wearables

11
eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea
Products · Sleep Products

eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea

My 90-day eXciteOSA review: what changed in James’s snoring and breathing, what didn’t, the science, cost, and who it may fit.

Sep 19, 2026
Pulsetto Review: What Our Brain Scans and Sleep Data Show
Products · Wearables

Pulsetto Review: What Our Brain Scans and Sleep Data Show

My Pulsetto review uses six before-and-after EEG brain scans plus Muse sleep data to explore high beta activity, deep sleep, and key limitations.

Aug 29, 2026
Pulsetto Research Review: Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Really Work?
Products · Recovery Tools

Pulsetto Research Review: Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Really Work?

Does Pulsetto really work? Review the research on vagus nerve stimulation for stress, sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.

Aug 3, 2026
Pulsetto Review: My Honest Experience Using a Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device for Sleep, Stress, and Pain
Products · Recovery Tools

Pulsetto Review: My Honest Experience Using a Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device for Sleep, Stress, and Pain

An honest Pulsetto review from Emma Mattison on sleep, stress, pain, app features, safety, and whether this vagus nerve device is worth it.

Jul 9, 2026
Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)
Products · Sleep Products

Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)

Muse Athena combines EEG + fNIRS for focus training and sleep tracking. Here’s what stood out, what’s annoying, and who it’s worth it for. Muse Athena review.

Feb 25, 2026
Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)
Products · Wearables

Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)

Muse S is an EEG sleep headband that tracks sleep stages and offers soundscapes & meditations. Here’s what we learned testing it—and who it’s for. Muse S headband

Feb 25, 2026
Pedometer Accuracy: What’s Actually Reliable (and What’s Not) for Step Tracking After 40
Products · Wearables

Pedometer Accuracy: What’s Actually Reliable (and What’s Not) for Step Tracking After 40

Pedometer accuracy varies by technology and placement. Learn which step counters are most reliable—especially at slow walking speeds—and why.

Feb 25, 2026
Apple Watch Alternative for Android: My Honest Anyloop Band 2 Review (Under $50)
Products · Wearables

Apple Watch Alternative for Android: My Honest Anyloop Band 2 Review (Under $50)

Looking for an Apple Watch alternative for Android? Here’s my honest Anyloop Band 2 review—features, setup, and what the accuracy can’t promise.

Feb 18, 2026
Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time
Products · Wearables

Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time

Muse makes brainwave feedback accessible at home. Here’s how the Muse 2 and Muse S work for meditation and sleep—and who should skip them. Muse headband review.

Feb 9, 2026
Best Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap: What to Avoid, What to Buy, and Why Accuracy Matters
Products · Wearables

Best Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap: What to Avoid, What to Buy, and Why Accuracy Matters

Best heart rate monitor chest strap. Confused by heart rate monitors? Learn why wrist trackers miss the mark, why chest straps win, and my top picks for accuracy and value.

Feb 3, 2026
Heart Rate Monitor for Cardio Training: How to Use Heart Rate, RPE, and the Talk Test
Products · Wearables

Heart Rate Monitor for Cardio Training: How to Use Heart Rate, RPE, and the Talk Test

Use a heart rate monitor for cardio training, RPE, and the Talk Test to dial in cardio intensity safely. Learn what to track, how to combine them, and how to progress gradually.

Jan 15, 2024

Equipment

10
eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea
Products · Sleep Products

eXciteOSA Review: 90-Day Results for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea

My 90-day eXciteOSA review: what changed in James’s snoring and breathing, what didn’t, the science, cost, and who it may fit.

Sep 19, 2026
TRX Suspension Training Home Kit Review: What You Get, What It Costs, and Who It’s Best For
Products · Equipment

TRX Suspension Training Home Kit Review: What You Get, What It Costs, and Who It’s Best For

TRX Home Kit review: what’s in the box, door anchor pros/cons, travel setup tips, and how to buy it for less without sacrificing quality. TRX Suspension Training Home Kit

Feb 12, 2026
Home Gym Equipment Essentials: The Minimal, Versatile Setup I Recommend for Beginners and Beyond
Products · Equipment

Home Gym Equipment Essentials: The Minimal, Versatile Setup I Recommend for Beginners and Beyond

home gym equipment essentials. Start training at home without wasting money. Here’s the minimal equipment I recommend—step, bands, dumbbells—plus options for tracking and planning.

Feb 5, 2026
Best Adjustable Kettlebell: Basic vs Competition Style (Plus What I’d Buy and Why)
Products · Equipment

Best Adjustable Kettlebell: Basic vs Competition Style (Plus What I’d Buy and Why)

Wondering if an adjustable kettlebell is worth it? I compare basic vs competition styles, real-world pros/cons, and who each option fits best. best adjustable kettlebell

Feb 5, 2026
Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts: Types, Safety Tips, and Latex-Free Options
Products · Equipment

Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts: Types, Safety Tips, and Latex-Free Options

Best Resistance Bands for Home Workouts: Learn the main types of resistance bands, what to buy first, latex-free options, and safety tips to prevent snapping, rolling, and wasted money.

Feb 4, 2026
Uncover the Top Stationary Cycling Benefits for Adults 40+ - A Road to Healthier Aging
Products · Equipment

Uncover the Top Stationary Cycling Benefits for Adults 40+ - A Road to Healthier Aging

Discover the transformative stationary cycling benefits for mature adults. From boosting cardiovascular health and weight management to improving mental wellbeing, stationary cycling is your key to vibrant, active aging. Begin your health journey with Emma Mattison, your online personal trainer and functional aging specialist.

Jul 28, 2023
The Ultimate Stationary Bike Brands Showdown: Comparing Echelon, Peloton, Xterra, and Schwinn
Products · Equipment

The Ultimate Stationary Bike Brands Showdown: Comparing Echelon, Peloton, Xterra, and Schwinn

Looking for the perfect stationary bike brands for your fitness journey? In this comprehensive review, NASM-certified personal trainer Emma Mattison compares Echelon, Peloton, Xterra, and Schwinn. Explore their features, pros, and cons to find the ideal bike based on your budget and fitness goals. Book a free 15-minute phone consultation with Emma to discuss your fitness needs. Invest in your health today!

Jun 19, 2023
Sizing Yoga Balls: The Right One For You!
Products · Equipment

Sizing Yoga Balls: The Right One For You!

Unlock the potential of yoga balls for exercises, stretches, and balance training! Emma Mattison, a certified personal trainer specializing in functional fitness for mature adults, shares expert insights and top recommendations. Start your fitness journey today! #YogaBalls

Apr 21, 2023
The Best Exercise Balls: Trusted Brands & Ball Accessories
Products · Equipment

The Best Exercise Balls: Trusted Brands & Ball Accessories

Discover the top brands of exercise balls in our latest MyZeniverse™ blog post. From vibrant yoga balls to must-have accessories, we

Apr 21, 2023
RESISTANCE BANDS VS WEIGHTS : Which Is Better? Certified Trainer Explains
Products · Equipment

RESISTANCE BANDS VS WEIGHTS : Which Is Better? Certified Trainer Explains

Are resistance bands better than weights for strength training? What are the benefits of using resistance bands instead of weights? In this article, I

Dec 29, 2022

Protein & Supplements

12
Equip Chocolate Mint Prime Protein Review: Mint Ice Cream?
Products · Protein & Supplements

Equip Chocolate Mint Prime Protein Review: Mint Ice Cream?

Equip Chocolate Mint Prime Protein review: I taste the new flavor, break down protein, sodium, potassium, sweeteners, and whether it is worth buying.

Aug 29, 2026
Equip Prime Bar Review: Are These Dairy-Free Beef Protein Bars Worth It?
Products · Protein & Supplements

Equip Prime Bar Review: Are These Dairy-Free Beef Protein Bars Worth It?

Are Equip Prime Bars worth buying? I review their taste, ingredients, beef and collagen protein, and whether they are a good dairy-free option.

Jul 9, 2026
Beef Protein Isolate Review: Is Equip Foods Prime Protein a Good Dairy-Free Option?
Products · Protein & Supplements

Beef Protein Isolate Review: Is Equip Foods Prime Protein a Good Dairy-Free Option?

My honest review of Equip Foods Prime Protein beef protein isolate, including muscle-building science, collagen comparison, taste, and ingredients.

Mar 19, 2026
Best Supplements for Athletic Performance Over 40 (The Top 4 I Recommend)
Products · Protein & Supplements

Best Supplements for Athletic Performance Over 40 (The Top 4 I Recommend)

Boost strength, endurance, and recovery after 40 with 4 evidence-backed supplements: creatine, beta-alanine, ashwagandha, and rhodiola rosea. Best supplements for athletic performance over 40

Feb 16, 2026
How to Increase Bone Density: 8 Practical Steps That Actually Work
Science · Exercise Methods

How to Increase Bone Density: 8 Practical Steps That Actually Work

Learn 8 practical, science-backed ways to increase bone density: weight-bearing exercise, strength training, nutrition, supplements, and fall prevention. How to increase bone density.

Feb 16, 2026
How Much Protein Do Seniors Need? The Evidence-Based Range for Adults Over 65
Products · Protein & Supplements

How Much Protein Do Seniors Need? The Evidence-Based Range for Adults Over 65

How much protein do seniors need? Higher protein can help adults 65+ protect muscle and bone. Learn the ideal grams/kg range, how to calculate it, and best food sources.

Feb 2, 2026
How to Improve Bone Density in Seniors: A Guide by Emma Mattison, Functional Aging Specialist
Products · Protein & Supplements

How to Improve Bone Density in Seniors: A Guide by Emma Mattison, Functional Aging Specialist

Discover actionable steps to enhance bone health in the elderly with

Sep 3, 2023
Boosting Athletic Performance After 40: Natural Supplements Guide
Products · Protein & Supplements

Boosting Athletic Performance After 40: Natural Supplements Guide

Discover how to enhance your athletic performance after 40 with our guide on natural supplements. Stay active, strong, and naturally boost stamina and strength as you age.

Aug 25, 2023
Optimal Protein Consumption for 40+ Adults: Fueling Your Muscles By Emma Mattison
Products · Protein & Supplements

Optimal Protein Consumption for 40+ Adults: Fueling Your Muscles By Emma Mattison

Discover how optimal protein consumption can fuel muscle health for adults over 40. Certified personal trainer Emma Mattison shares insights into quality protein sources, balanced diet tips, and more for combating age-related muscle loss.

Aug 8, 2023
A Deep Dive into the Best Protein Powders for Adults 40 and Beyond By Emma Mattison
Products · Protein & Supplements

A Deep Dive into the Best Protein Powders for Adults 40 and Beyond By Emma Mattison

Join NASM-certified personal trainer Emma Mattison as she examines the best protein powders for adults 40 and beyond. Compare Sunwarrior, Garden of Life, Optimum Nutrition, and Vega based on nutritional profiles, allergen info, and research. Optimize your fitness journey with the right protein powder for you!

Aug 3, 2023
Choosing the Right Collagen: A Detailed Guide on Fish, Bovine, and Other Collagen Sources
Products · Protein & Supplements

Choosing the Right Collagen: A Detailed Guide on Fish, Bovine, and Other Collagen Sources

Unearth the benefits of different collagen sources like fish and bovine, understand their dosage, and make an informed choice for your health and beauty needs.

Jul 20, 2023
Chocolate Muscle Building Smoothie with Collagen
Science · Muscle Growth

Chocolate Muscle Building Smoothie with Collagen

Delicious, healthy, muscle building AND good for your tendon and ligament health!" As a sweet tooth and former emotional eater, I

Apr 11, 2023

Recovery Tools

4
Pulsetto Research Review: Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Really Work?
Products · Recovery Tools

Pulsetto Research Review: Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Really Work?

Does Pulsetto really work? Review the research on vagus nerve stimulation for stress, sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.

Aug 3, 2026
Pulsetto Review: My Honest Experience Using a Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device for Sleep, Stress, and Pain
Products · Recovery Tools

Pulsetto Review: My Honest Experience Using a Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device for Sleep, Stress, and Pain

An honest Pulsetto review from Emma Mattison on sleep, stress, pain, app features, safety, and whether this vagus nerve device is worth it.

Jul 9, 2026
Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits: What the Research Says (Plus Reddit Takes + My Real Results)
Products · Recovery Tools

Infrared Sauna Blanket Benefits: What the Research Says (Plus Reddit Takes + My Real Results)

Infrared sauna blanket benefits—sleep, recovery, skin, and safety. Here’s what the research says, what Reddit gets right, and my honest results.

Mar 3, 2026
EMS Glute Trainer Review: What Electrical Muscle Stimulation Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Glutes
Products · Recovery Tools

EMS Glute Trainer Review: What Electrical Muscle Stimulation Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Glutes

Testing the Midrex Aqua Lift EMS glute trainer: what EMS can and can’t do for glute “toning,” strength, and shape—plus my real experience.

Mar 3, 2026

Brain Training Products

6
Myndlift Review 2026: Brain Snapshots, Muse S Athena, and At-Home Neurofeedback Explained
Products · Brain Training Products

Myndlift Review 2026: Brain Snapshots, Muse S Athena, and At-Home Neurofeedback Explained

Myndlift review 2026: brain snapshots, Muse S Athena, EEG, fNIRS, and at-home neurofeedback explained in plain English.

May 11, 2026
Muse Deep Sleep Boost Review: What’s New With Muse Enso and Muse S Athena
Products · Sleep Products

Muse Deep Sleep Boost Review: What’s New With Muse Enso and Muse S Athena

Muse Deep Sleep Boost and Enzo bring new AI-powered sleep features to Muse S Athena. Here’s my practical review and what I’m still testing.

Apr 8, 2026
Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)
Products · Sleep Products

Muse Athena Review: The EEG + fNIRS Headband That Finally Trains Focus (Not Just Relaxation)

Muse Athena combines EEG + fNIRS for focus training and sleep tracking. Here’s what stood out, what’s annoying, and who it’s worth it for. Muse Athena review.

Feb 25, 2026
Myndlift Review: Turning a Muse Headband Into Guided Neurofeedback Support (and What It Can’t Do)
Products · Brain Training Products

Myndlift Review: Turning a Muse Headband Into Guided Neurofeedback Support (and What It Can’t Do)

Myndlift pairs Muse EEG with guided neurofeedback and brain maps. Here’s our experience, what it may help with, and key limits to know. Myndlift review

Feb 25, 2026
Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)
Products · Wearables

Muse S Headband Review: EEG Sleep Tracking, Deep Sleep Insights, and Who It’s Actually For (40+)

Muse S is an EEG sleep headband that tracks sleep stages and offers soundscapes & meditations. Here’s what we learned testing it—and who it’s for. Muse S headband

Feb 25, 2026
Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time
Products · Wearables

Muse Headband Review: The EEG Meditation Device That Shows Your Brainwaves in Real Time

Muse makes brainwave feedback accessible at home. Here’s how the Muse 2 and Muse S work for meditation and sleep—and who should skip them. Muse headband review.

Feb 9, 2026

Weightloss

1
Withings Body+ vs RENPHO: Smart Scale Accuracy, Cost, and What Really Matters
Products · Weightloss

Withings Body+ vs RENPHO: Smart Scale Accuracy, Cost, and What Really Matters

Withings Body+ vs RENPHO: neither is truly “accurate” for body fat—but both can help track trends. Here’s how to choose and use one correctly.

Feb 12, 2026

Latest Articles

Utilizing Your FSA for Online Personal Training: A Comprehensive Guide to Flexible Spending Account

Utilizing Your FSA for Online Personal Training: A Comprehensive Guide to Flexible Spending Account

Use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for online personal training! Learn how in this blog post by Emma Mattison – NASM, CPT, CNC, and Functional Aging Specialist. Maximize your benefits and start your journey to a healthier lifestyle today. #FSA #PersonalTraining #HealthAndFitness

Jul 25, 2023
Affordable Online Personal Training: Funding Options for Your Fitness Journey | Emma Mattison

Affordable Online Personal Training: Funding Options for Your Fitness Journey | Emma Mattison

Discover creative and helpful ways to fund your online personal training. Explore government programs, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), workplace wellness programs, insurance reimbursements, payment plans, community programs, and even crowdfunding. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Emma Mattison, a functional aging specialist and NASM-certified personal trainer, to make your health a priority today!

Jul 16, 2023
Maximizing Fitness: The Power of Improving Your Aerobic Base

Maximizing Fitness: The Power of Improving Your Aerobic Base

Enhance your fitness journey and improve aerobic base. In this article, Emma Mattison, a NASM-certified personal trainer, explores the benefits of aerobic base training, provides guidance on how to train it, and highlights the key differences between aerobic base training and threshold training. Unlock your full potential and achieve optimal fitness!

Jun 22, 2023
Boosting Grip Strength for Older Adults: Exercises & Benefits - MyZeniverse™ Blog

Boosting Grip Strength for Older Adults: Exercises & Benefits - MyZeniverse™ Blog

Explore the critical role of grip strength for older adults in our latest MyZeniverse™ blog. Discover expert tips on improving grip strength, the associated health benefits, and how it can enhance the quality of life for those over 40.

Apr 26, 2023
5 Great Yoga Ball Exercises for Functional Fitness

5 Great Yoga Ball Exercises for Functional Fitness

Exercise balls, yoga balls, stability balls, physio balls, and Swiss balls: they all are refer to the same piece of equipment... the large inflatable, sturdy ball that can be incorporated into an exercise or rehab/prehab routine. Exercise balls can be an excellent, functional way to incorporate mindful movement. In this article, I

Apr 21, 2023
Superhero Senior Sunday: Gold Medalist in the Golden Years, "It

Superhero Senior Sunday: Gold Medalist in the Golden Years, "It

This month for Superhero Senior Sunday, I decided to feature an entire event of INCREDIBLE mature adults! If you are over 50 and looking to be inspired by the incredible will and feats of others, or you

Apr 2, 2023
Superhero Senior Sunday: The Colorful Life of Peggy Molnar & Succeeding with Multiple Sclerosis

Superhero Senior Sunday: The Colorful Life of Peggy Molnar & Succeeding with Multiple Sclerosis

Written by Emma Mattison, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Functional Aging Specialist, and MS(c) Exercise Physiology. Founder of the Academy of Superior Online Coaching (ASOC).*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.Welcome to our inaugural Superhero Senior Sunday! The first Sunday of

Mar 5, 2023