Barbella Box is a monthly fitness subscription box for women. It is marketed for a CrossFit lifestyle but I think it works for any woman who likes to work out (especially if heavy lifting and/or kettlebells are involved).
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Barbella Box
The Subscription Box: Barbella Box
The Cost: $49.99 a month
COUPON: Save $5 off with code MSA5!
The Products: Apparel, fitness gear, accessories, snacks, and supplements
Ships to: The US for free, Mexico, and Columbia for an additional shipping cost
Barbella Box September 2018 Review
I haven’t received this box for a little while so I was curious to see what was in store:
There was a card (one-sided) describing the items as well as a little bit of product literature.
Rx Coffee (4 oz) – Listed Value $8.50
It’s a little unclear which variety this is, or which grind, and they all have different prices, so I’ve just taken the value from the information card. Rx Coffee is sustainably sourced and fresh roasted. I am not a coffee drinker but my husband is, and he’s had this brand several times before, thanks to subscription boxes. He is always happy to receive more. If you subscribe to fitness boxes, coffee seems to come rather often, so just be prepared for that.
Pulse Skincare Sore Muscle Rub (2 oz) – Retail Value $19
I finally got back into seriously attempting to lift weights last week after most of a year (following an abdominal hysterectomy) of not doing so, so I did have some delayed-onset muscle soreness. I think this helps as well as any product of this type. It does smell better which is a point in its favor, but it’s kind of expensive. I guess you just have to weigh which aspects are more important to you and go from there. (This is also advertised as working for menstrual cramp relief but I obviously can’t test that.)
Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs (1 oz) – Listed Value $1.30 (buy 24 bags for $17.99)
These seem to be sold out from all online sources so I’ve taken the value from the information card. (If you really want to try them, there is a huge display in my local Whole Foods, so it’s worth checking if you live near one.) These are made mostly from cassava flour and the starch really just makes them kind of dissolve in your mouth. For what it’s worth, they don’t really taste like cheese (at least not to me; I still eat the real thing so I would know) but if you are vegan or have a dairy allergy, this may be as close as you get.
So this is what happens when I try to take pictures at my house. Let’s do it again:
Vull Sport Triple Threat Zip Up – Estimated Value $63
Well, this is worth more than the cost of the box right here. It isn’t available in the red and black combination online, but there is one in the exact same design but different colors, so I figure the value is accurate. This is not the softest hoodie I’ve got, but it is reasonably warm. I think of this more as a warm-up jacket to be worn over light exercise clothes because it has the outerwear sizing problem of fitting precisely and not being loose enough for layering.
Wod Bod Suds Soulshine Soap (5 oz) – Retail Value $8
A lot of subscription box soaps are super floral but this is a little more herbal mixed with citrus. I could do without the lemongrass (lemongrass is just not a scent I like) but luckily the grapefruit and bergamot balance it out. I do occasionally like to use bar soap instead of shower gel and keep both in my shower (but I never have to buy bar soap thanks to subscription boxes). This is handmade all-natural and I feel like it did a good job of getting me clean after a workout.
Barbella Yoga Strap – Listed Value $6.99
This is exclusive to the box but I think that is quite a reasonable value for a yoga strap. I had been thinking about buying a second yoga strap to take to the office and now I don’t have to. (I have bad plantar fasciitis in one foot right now and I use the yoga strap for stretches to work my heel and the back of my leg.) Anyway, this came at just the right time for me so I am happy.
Country Archer Herb Citrus Turkey Bar (1.5 oz) – Retail Value $3
This item is just not for me since I’ve been a vegetarian for over 25 years. My dad was in town when I was photographing this box and I gave it to him. He was a fan. So if you do eat meat, it is worth a try. This is made from antibiotic-free turkey and also has some collagen peptides added. It is sweetened with dates, so it’s not strictly savory.
Verdict: I calculated a value of $109.79 for the September Barbella Box. This does meet the stated $80-120 value, which deserves mention because not every fitness box does that. The most expensive product, the hoodie, has already gotten quite a lot of use, and I’m happy to receive another yoga strap and many of the other items were useful as well. I did have to give the coffee and turkey bar away, but they were not high-value items and I still feel like the box was a good value even without them.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? It is available as a one-time purchase here. If you sign up for a subscription, you will start with the November box.
Coupon - Save $5 off with code MSA5!
Value Breakdown: At $49.99 for this box, you are paying approximately the following per item:
- Coffee $3.87
- Muscle Rub $8.65
- Paleo Puffs $0.59
- Hoodie $28.69
- Soap $3.64
- Yoga Strap $3.18
- Turkey Bar $1.37
Check out all of our Barbella Box reviews the Fitness Subscription Box Directory!
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What did you think of the September 2018 Barbella Box? Do you get any fitness subscriptions?
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