Community

More in Behind the Seams

Our vision is to create products for serious athletes in the gym & fitness environment, athletes who understand that a healthy athletic body has gone through many hours of blood, sweat and tears! Athletes who knows and appreciate the feeling of pain that you have to overcome in order to get results! Athletes who are proud to live the Better Bodies lifestyle!

In the early eighties Better Bodies was founded by Mr Brian Moss, a very famous “fitness guru” in New York. Better Bodies started as a modeling agency for fitness models and became very successful and well known in US. T-shirts with Better Bodies logotype was made as promotion and the demand for Better Bodies garments went crazy– on consumers request a small collection was made!

Today Better Bodies is one of the major brands in the gym- & fitness textile industry world wide! Swedish Fitness Trading AB is the company behind Better Bodies, a company with over 20 years experience and great resources that works with development, design, marketing, sales and distribution in several countries.

The importance with our products is that they should inspire to, and deliver, the Better Bodies lifestyle!

First when that requirement is fulfilled a new product can be launched. This means that new products are launched all through the year and in addition to that we have items that follows season after season just because neither us or our consumers can be without them!

“Better Bodies lifestyle – the lifestyle of fitness”

The Company

More in Sustainability

In today’s day and age, we are becoming increasingly cognizant of our environment, and the effects that we have as humans have on it. Have you ever put thought into the fabric that you wear and what it takes to make it or what happens to it once it has reached the end of its lifecycle? Probably not and that is okay because we have.

Better Bodies is a brand built on the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. A healthy mind, a healthy body, and a healthy planet. The use of the Tencel fabric, which is a material from Lenzing Fibers is just one more piece of the puzzle to our commitment to the environment.

Tencel uses the natural cellulose in the wood pulp of fast growing trees that do not need pesticides to grow. The most commonly eucalyptus or beech trees. The result is a fully biodegradable fiber which is economical in its use of energy and natural resources.

The process used to extract the cellulose fiber from the raw material is done in a closed system using a safe and biologically decomposable chemical substance. The closed system means that 99.5% of the solution is recycled and reused, while the remaining .5% is broken down by a biological sewage treatment plant.

Aside from the environmental benefits, this fabric is ideal for athletic wear. Tencel can absorb three times its body weight in moisture, which is significantly more than that of polyester or cotton. It is cool and gentle to the touch and reduces body temperature. Also this material resists bacterial growth which means no smell, so no need to worry about stinking up your gym bag.

The Chelsea T-Back, is one of our hottest new tanks which is made in this award winning (The European Award for the Environment) environmentally friendly fabric. This week we also add the Madison T-Back to our assortment which is another tank which is made of this fabric.

Donna Bruns, Head of Buying and Design says, “While Tencel lyocell arguably is on of the most environmentally sound viscose fabrics, we continuously monitor the developments in this particular area to ensure that we always have the most sustainable alternative in our product range.”

Tencel - An Environmental Friendly Material

More in Ambassadors

Swedish Figure Champion and Better Bodies Ambassador Jackie Masete gives her best tips around how you'll get as strong as possible during the month.

**Focus on base exercises such as deadlifts, chins and squats. These are the ones that gives pure strength! Take your time and dare to try something new, maybe sumo deadlifts or stiff deadlifts might be your next favorite.

**Take the opportunity to spend some time working on your technique. When that's in place, you'll reach your strength goals faster without getting any injuries on the way. Try using a lighter weight and focus on muscle mind connection. It will be worth it in the long run.

**When you have the technique in place, make sure you put on some extra weight on that barbell. You have to challenge yourself to develop. But make sure to periodize your scheme with lighter weeks as well, then you can give it your very best both in mind and physically when the heavy week approaches

**Is your grip to weak? Work on it! But sometimes it's also a good idea to use tools such as lifting straps to enable to max out in the most heavy lifts.

**Probably the most important point on this list. If you really find that what you´re doing at the gym (or outside of it) is fun and thrilling you'll lift more and heavier without thinking of it. And everything has a greater point when it's done with joy! Now is the perfect time to set up a fun challenge, try to say hi to a new person at the gym every day, or give a compliment on their technique. Spreading positive energy will always get back to you, I promise!

5 Tips For A Strong March with Jackie Masete

More in Lifestyle

Follow our Norwegian Better Bodies ambassador and bikini fitness competitor Karianne Ramberg during one day. Karianne is working within the field of mental health and as a fitness coach, and she’s especially passionate about how the body and mind interact.

 My alarm goes off at the same time as my brain goes FML and I hit the snooze button. I probably hit that button about three times before I drag myself out of bed. As you might guess I'm not exactly a morning person.

I work within the child protective services in Norway, specifically with adolescents who lives at institutions. I ”move in” with them for four days, have seven days off, move back in for three days and get another seven days off. I truly love working with all these awesome adolescents! That's  also the reason why I'm usually able to get up as late as around 8:30 AM.

 At this point I have cuddled all the fur of my dog, let her out in the backyard, and it's time to make breakfast. I always make oatmeal, and this must be my absolute favorite meal of the day. I just love oatmeal. Try my recipe and you will see why!

Sugar Free Sweetener (if you have a sweet tooth)

Mix the oats, cinnamon, and cardamom (add spices to liking). Add water and heat it up in the microwave or on the stove. As it starts to boil add 1–2 tablespoons of peanut butter and mix. When it's all done, sprinkle with sweetener and frozen raspberries. Mix the protein with water or milk, drink on the side or use it as topping. Bon appetit!

 I enjoy my oatmeal under the blankets on my couch while I watch my guilty pleasure on TV, Dr Phil (yeah... I know, I know).

 Now, it's Kira's (my dogs) time. We usually head up into the woods for a one hour power walk. Besides boxing on a punching bag, this is my favorite type of cardio. There is just something peaceful with being outside in the fresh air with my best friend.

 It's time for the first lunch of the day. My lunch usually consist of lean meat, rice, and whatever vegetables I have at hand.

As soon as I’m done eating I start meal prepping for the next 3–4 days.

Sometimes I prep every meal besides breakfast, or just some of them. It all depends on how busy my schedule is going to be the upcoming days. Meal prepping saves me so much time and makes it easier to eat healthy. Not to mention how it helps me keep focus on whatever task I’m doing. A hungry mind is a distracted mind.

 It's time for my lunch number two. Three lovely crispbreads with boiled eggs. Yummy…

 Kira and I patrol the neighborhood. We take this very seriously.

 Dinner time! I like to mix it up and be creative when it comes to my dinners. I eat everything from tacos (with homemade salsa, fat free quark/greek yogurt, and guacamole) to lean meat/fish with rice/pasta/sweet potatoes, and vegetables. There are so many delicious and healthy food options out there, and plenty of creative meal options to make. As we say in Norway “the only boundary is our creativity”.

 I turn up the music as I start to get ready to hit the gym. I dance around from one room to the other as I gather up my things. Kira is super excited about my pre-workout dancing and always joins in. She's not so impressed by my singing for some reason though... We pick out my training outfit for the day and head over to the gym.

 The PWO has kicked in and it's game time!

 I have my post workout shake and a medium sized banana. Sometimes I treat myself a little extra and have a protein chocolate bar instead.

 Trying to walk down the stairs from the gym.

 I'm home enjoying some fat free quark/greek yogurt mixed with sugar free lemonade and cinnamon while I work with my online coaching clients. I love to end my day with this as I get so inspired by all the amazing people out there who are taking control of and changing their lives.

 I curl into bed as after using every little bit of willpower that I have by not letting Kira join me in bed. If you saw her eyes you would know what I'm talking about. True willpower…

One Day With Fitness Athlete Karianne Ramberg

Men’s Physique Pro and World Champion Pontus Koskelainen gives his best tips around how to reach your training goals in a smooth, fun and effective way.

An important thing is to set milestones on your way to your long term goal. It makes you more aware of the progress you make and keeps your motivation high.

If you're motivated everything will go both easier and faster, and you will experience more excitement during your way. I use different techniques to get motivated. One of them is watching other athletes and people I find inspiring on Youtube. I often do this right before going to the gym.

To be prepared is to take responsibility for what you're doing. I plan my upcoming training session while drinking my pre-workout at home before going to the gym so that it kicks in when I start my session.

I use different outfits and gym gear depending on what session I will be training. For example I like to wear tights for leg sessions and I always use a pair of lifting straps during my back sessions.

Find your way to stay focused during your gym session. I always bring a pair of headphones to the gym. I like to get into the zone when I train. Find music that "get's you going"! For me hardstyle is the genre of choice.

I find that whatever goals you have in training, the right nutrition is what makes them attainable. Keep focus on eating mostly quality food in enough amounts, and if needed, complement with selected supplements. I always bring an intra workout and a post workout shake (BCAA’s or hydrolysed whey) to the gym and I make sure to eat a proper meal, preferably within 45 minutes after the training session.

I’ve found that no matter what you do you can’t make everyone happy. You will have people doubting and questioning the way you travel your journey. Remember it’s your journey – be you!

Reach Your Training Goals - Pontus Koskelainens 7 Best Tips

Bryant and I met 7yrs ago (2012) at a dance club in Dallas. We both had and still have a mutual love for EDM/House Music. He was new to the area after recently moving for Arizona for work and I was a working single mom of my soon to be 2yr old son, Jayden. Our “dates” started off as workout sessions in the gym. He had already been a part of the fitness industry for 10yrs working various corporate positions for large gym chains, and I was all very green to it all. Bryant literally laid the foundation of who I am today as a Fitness Professional. After seeing each other for a little while we decided to move in together. Fast forward to 2014 we had our daughter, Blyss. Then shortly after on Valentines Day, 2015 Bryant proposed to me on stage in front one of our favorite DJs, Paul Van Dyk which was completely spontaneous!! Then 4yrs later here we are spontaneously getting married!!

Between us becoming engaged to now I began competing again at the amateur level and after only 3 figure shows (2 of them National Level) I arose to become an IFBB Figure Pro at the 2016 NPC Nationals in Miami. I’ve placed Top 5-10 in every Pro Show since. Also after taking a 5yr break from competing Bryant came out of retirement and started competing again in the Classic Physique Division. Taking 2 back to back overalls his first year back in 2017. Bryant is still fighting himself up the ranks to earn his IFBB Pro Card as well.

Besides family life and competing we also own a very successful personal training business, Polished Symmetry and Aesthetics Personal Training. We offer a variety of services like one-on-one Personal Training, group training, competition prep, posing and more... This is what we do full time and how we provide for our family 🙂

I thought our outfits for our late decided wedding would be perfect in representing who we are as a couple and what we love to do!!

I’ve been apart of and have been a representation of 

 the last 3 years. Bryant and I absolutely love the brand!! We share it with others, wear it to local events, (and our own wedding) buy as gifts for ourselves and others because they are comfortable, unique and trendy!

The Love Story

More in Products

The year was 1986. She walks through New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, on her way to the gym. Her head is high, her back straight. It’s not arrogance, but confidence. She looks strong and fit, but not for anybody else; She trains for herself!  She was not to be messed with, and something about her walk projected that to those around her. Men might have catcalled her as she walked by, but if they did, they’d have regretted it. She was independent, and had no need for anyone else to make her feel complete.

It was this persona of a strong, powerful, female New Yorker in the late 80s that the designers at Better Bodies wanted to channel when they decided to create the first camo tights several years back.

Better Bodies Tights were already a best-selling category, and at the time, there was a brand-wide effort to begin reconnecting new pieces with Better Bodies’ original New York heritage, (read the story about the 

). The designers wanted to create a new pair of tights that the female New Yorker persona would have wanted to wear, and try to inject her confidence and attitude into the women of today. According to designer Donna Bruns, “we wanted to channel their inner badass.” How were they going to do it? Camo. “when it comes to looking at camo, we think it’s a vital part of the brand,” says Bruns, “It gives the feeling of our roots, and where we came from in 

Our New Yorker from ’86 would have worn camo, and the Better Bodies design team hoped that today’s strong, independent women would love it as well. Thankfully, they did, and the camo long-tights became Better Bodies’ best-selling tights almost immediately. “There is something about the camo, when I put them on and I’m heading to the gym, I feel like a soldier going to war,” says Better Bodies ambassador Kamilah Powell.

Adding to their popularity was the fact that they were squat-proof. Women noticed, and the positive reviews began to pile up.

After releasing the original white camo tights, other colors followed, and eventually, other styles as well…

Next were the Camo High Tights. Women had been asking for the camo tights that were high waisted, and Better Bodies obliged. Starting with green camo, the selection soon included new colors, even a more subtle look of black on black camo with glass printing. The new high tights offered something extra, as well. Donna Bruns explains, “we changed the material to a lighter, looser material, and added compression, so they don’t just look amazing but there is a functional component as well.” Women noticed and appreciated the adjustments in the fit that were offered with the high tights. “They fit in all the right places, and I can do any exercise in them,” says Better Bodies ambassador Karianne Bentzen, “and up until then I’d always had a problem squatting in tights.”

The success of the camo tights over the past several years has had a drastic impact on the Better Bodies brand.

As their popularity grew, they were seen more and more often outside of the gym. “You do see this progression of gym wear into athleisure and streetwear,” Bruns says, “but I was pleasantly surprised to see how easily adapted the camo tights were to streetwear.” The ambassadors may have lead the charge. “I wear them all the time,” says BB ambassador Ashley Jenelle, “inside the gym, outside the gym, wherever. I live in them.”

The camo tights link the old to the new, the gym to the street, and the women who wear them to the brand’s New York heritage. Not only are they one of the most popular pieces in the Better Bodies lineup, but they’ve influenced the trajectory of the Better Bodies brand. The styles and colors will continue to evolve, but one thing is certain: the camo tights are an iconic piece of the Better Bodies story, and the story of the women who wear them.

The True Story Of The Better Bodies Camo Tight

More in Events

 For the 4th time Better Bodies Challenge was held in Stockholm City Conference Centre, this time on March 23rd.

Our goal with Better Bodies Challenge is to create a competition that is inclusive and open to those that want to try out a fitness competition as well as an event day with lots of inspiration and fun together for everyone in the Better Bodies community!

The day started with a bootcamp with Better Bodies ambassador Anna Stålnacke at Gymmet Stockholm in Sweden. She made sure to give a group of strong people a really spicy leg workout before the fitness show at Stockholm City Conference Center. The number of athletes who was competing for the medals were about 200 and they all gave their best!

Everyone presented amazing physiques and you could feel the energy in the whole arena! A big crowd supported the athletes competing and mingled in the Better Bodies booth area during the day.

We truly wanted to show appreciation for all the athletes that have been working hard to get up on stage so this year we made sure all competitors received a Better Bodies goodie bag plus also a surprise clothing item during the registration, which was very welcomed and much appreciated from the athletes. And what could better wrap up the event day than with an after party at our Better Bodies HQ in Hammarby Sjöstad!

We put great value in to offering an open door concept where we welcome and include everyone that wants to be a part of the Better Bodies family!

 to all the approx. 100 people showing up to our office this evening, to our DJ’s making the whole floor shake and also thank you to NOCCO, Barebells and Snackbros for giving us the best snacks to celebrate the day with! We look forward to invite you all to an event like this soon again. We are already looking forward to Better Bodies Challenge 2020 and hope you will join us next year! Best regards from the whole Better Bodies Family!

Better Bodies Challenge 2019-Recap

Some of the most inspiring physical transformations have come out of New Year’s resolutions. We're closing out the first quarter of the year, and now we're here to check in on your resolutions. Whether you've fallen off, or stayed on track, reaching your next goal is going to take more hard work, dedication, and a fair amount of sweat to further improve and become the best version of yourself. It will be worth it.

That being said, there will be ups and downs. Listen, that’s normal. We’re human, not perfect. To help keep you going when you’re feeling stuck in a rut, we've made a list of workout motivation tips. Read on for some inspiration on how to kick ass and work hard all year long.

Whatever your goal might be, write it down -  look at it every morning and throughout the day when you need to find your motivation. Let it fuel you to make it to the gym when you're tired, or when you're tempted to veer off your diet plan.

Whether your goal is to gain strength, lose weight, prepare for a competition, or simply be more active - if you’re in the gym, you’ve got a goal. Taking a few minutes to sit down and create a list of 

 you want to reach this goal is crucial. Get specific!

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your ideal body won’t be, either. It’s going to take time to reach your goals. A great way to do that and maintain motivation is to break your long-term goal down into smaller, more achievable goals. Focusing on accomplishing these short-term goals will keep you on track toward reaching your long-term, ultimate goal.

It’s good to start small in order to make your new habits stick. If you immediately jump into eating super clean, fatiguing yourself in the gym for 2 hours every day, and quitting all of your bad habits 

, you run the risk of getting burnt out. When you burnout it's a big time progress killer. Thus, make small changes and keep up with them consistently help in adopting an improved lifestyle. When it comes to getting healthy, slow and steady wins the race.

If your obstacle is committing to working out, make a pact with yourself,  at the same time every single day you'll do something active. Whether that’s to go to the gym, take a walk, or stretch.

Even on your rest days, you should make an effort to include low-intensity activities  like a walk or light yoga. This is called active recovery. You’re still moving, but you’re not pushing yourself to your limits. Active recovery can aid in building the habit of  physical activity everyday.

It happens to the best of us. You’re keeping up with your diet and exercise, things are going well- and then all of a sudden they’re not. You’re not losing weight, gaining muscle or getting stronger. You feel stuck. What’s happening? You’re plateauing.

When you hit a plateau, your body is telling you that you need to switch it up. Whether that’s cutting or adding extra calories, trying a new routine at the gym, reducing or increasing training intensity, or exploring a different tactic like intermittent fasting or carb loading. You’ve got to introduce another element to your routine. It doesn’t have to be a big change, but it’s got to be something. Source out a trusted registered dietitian, when considering a new diet.

Everyone need a little positive reinforcement on occasion, and it's okay to reach out when you're having a difficult time staying on track. People want you to succeed (and if they don’t, it’s time to seriously reconsider your relationship with them). Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and admit you need some encouragement. You can find an online community to support you, your friends, significant other, family, etc.,- reaching for support could be the factor that helps you reach your goal(s).

You’re not going to get anywhere tearing yourself down for not living up to expectations of perfection. It’s not about perfection- it’s about consistency. There will be times you make less than healthy choices. That’s okay! 

 Pick yourself back up. Keep making healthier choices. Recognize that you slipped and why, pick back up and move forward.

We want you to succeed. If you have questions, reach out to a certified Personal Trainer and/or certified Dietitian you trust.

Time to make some serious progress in 2019!

Be the Change You Wish to See in Yourself

For those of you who don’t know me, I am Erika Boström, the Marketing Director for SF Group and also the Brand Manager for Better Bodies. I have been with the company for 15 years and the past few years I’ve been out on two rounds of maternity leave. My 3 year old daughter and 1 year old twins keeps me busy when I’m not working.

I am so excited to be back full speed at the office and I am looking forward to get to know all of you!

I wanted to reach out and say thank you for being a great ambassador for Better Bodies! Whether you’re new or have been with us for several years you’re an important part of the core of our brand. It’s important that you’re up to date on what is going on - so going forward, you’ll receive a monthly update from me where I’ll give you a run-down of any important events, releases, news, as well as anything you can do to help us spread the message!

Better Bodies is a gym and lifestyle brand that targets everyone who lives the fitness lifestyle. 

We want to inspire and engage those who takes their training seriously.

An important piece of that is our website

 (which all of you are or should be familiar with). We have a lot of things in the works including everything from a refreshed website with an entirely new technical structure, to a serious mission to create more content than ever before and get it posted and shared through our website, email newsletters, and social media. If you aren’t very familiar with our website/social media or aren’t signed up for our email newsletter, be sure to make that happen so that you have access to all the information needed to fully contribute to our brand and the rest of the

Better Bodies community. This way you can also engage with others in the community whenever and wherever possible.

I’d love for you to pass along any feedback, personal stories (that could make good/relevant content for our site), or anything else you have for our team. We’d love to be in touch!

I'd also like to mention that we have an open door concept. If you find yourself in Stockholm or Dallas where we have offices, don't hesitate to stop by and say hi!

If you own any of the below items, please try make some current content with them. We’d also love to hear your opinion of these specific items.

BBW: Performance LS Hood, Gracie Hotpants, Chrystie Shiny Tights, Astoria Curve Tights

BBM: Harlem Oversized Tee, Tip-Off Tank, Hamilton Shorts

April 27 - Better Bodies Content Shoot in Dallas, TX

Ambassador Update April 2019

"These are quite possibly the most versatile leggings Better Bodies have ever made. They can easily be worn in the gym or to a date night."

For decades we have been designing and producing tights for those who are looking to transform themselves through fitness. Over the years our tights assortment has grown tremendously and the tights we release are always tested and approved by those who will be using them the most. Some styles stick around for a long time, other styles are reinvented and released in better versions than their predecessors. An example of a long-lasting item is the 

. These have been one of our best sellers for years. To meet the current trends and needs we also made a high waist version with a thicker gym compression fabric and the 

 jumped right up on our list of best-selling tights.

Whatever you are looking for in a pair of tights, we have it! As the examples with our camo tights above, sometimes we make products that we know will be loved a little bit more and last a little bit longer on the market. The 

 are also among these tights. They are made in the extremely durable and squat proof Better Bodies Gym Compression Fabric and comes in three solid colors.

"I absolutely love the fit and quality of this legging! Squat approved and fits to my body like a glove. Also, I'm a huge fan of the cut lines in the glute area, accents just right! Perfect to go hard in the gym, sprints on the track, or sports casual to the movies"

? Don’t let the solid color choices fool you, the fabric is heat embossed and the seams are placed in the right places - together this gives these tights a stylish shiny look that enhances your hard-earned curves.

"I have them in black. I really like them. They fit really well in the waist without being too tight. They are the perfect leggings to wear to the gym or to throw on a cute t-shirt and run some errands in!"

 are tights that can withstand the hardest workouts as well as look great if you choose to dress them up for casual wear.

Chrystie Shiny Tights

Better Bodies is official clothing partner to Throwdown events and we will have a booth at Sweden Throwdown May 4-5th. Hope to see you there!