Arnold and Lebron Create Ladder Supplements
You’ve probably heard about the supplement company Ladder Supplements, backed by powerhouse names like Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James. They launched with a promise that their supplement company was unlike anything else out there.
But is it truly different from the hundreds of other brands you can buy right now?
In my experience as a certified sports nutritionist, the real value of a supplement isn’t in the celebrity endorsement, but in the quality and trustworthiness of the ingredients. I took a deep dive into Ladder Supplements to see if the products live up to the hype.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Celebrity Founded, Expert Driven: Ladder Supplements was created out of LeBron James’s need for a clean, trustworthy supplement, and he brought in names like Arnold Schwarzenegger to build the brand.
- NSF Certified for Sport: This is Ladder’s biggest differentiator. Every product is third-party tested to be free of over 270 banned substances, making it a safe choice for competitive athletes.
- Premium Price Point: The cost per serving is higher than many competitors. You’re paying for the NSF certification and the convenience of single-serving packets.
- Subscription-Focused Model: The brand was acquired by The Beachbody Company (now BODi) and is primarily sold through a direct-to-consumer subscription service.
Big Names for Ladder Supplements
The lineup of founders for Ladder Supplements is undeniably impressive. But what does each person actually bring to the table for supplement users?
LeBron James – The entire concept for Ladder Supplements started with LeBron. After suffering from severe cramps in the 2014 NBA Finals, he sought a supplement line with cleaner ingredients and higher quality standards that he could trust. His involvement provides instant credibility, especially for athletes who need products that are both effective and safe for competition.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – Arnold is a legend in the fitness world. However, his previous supplement venture with MusclePharm, the “Arnold Series,” was largely considered a failure by consumers who criticized the product formulas. With Ladder, his role seems focused more on brand prestige rather than formulation, which may help rebuild trust with skeptical buyers.
Cindy Crawford & Lindsey Vonn – Bringing in a supermodel and an Olympic gold medalist skier was a clear move to broaden Ladder’s appeal beyond just hardcore gym-goers. While their names may not carry the same weight in the supplement industry as LeBron’s or Arnold’s, they signal that the brand is targeting a wider “health and wellness” audience. This strategy aims to capture a piece of the growing female supplement market.
No One-Size Fits All Approach?
Ladder’s main claim is that its products are designed to fit your individual needs. While the product line is simple, its key differentiator isn’t a unique formula, but a verifiable certification that many top brands lack.
The core lineup includes:
- Whey and Plant-Based Proteins
- Pre-Workout Energy Powder
- Superfood Greens Powder
While these product categories are common, Ladder’s commitment to quality is backed by a crucial detail: every product is NSF Certified for Sport. This is a big deal.
The NSF Certified for Sport seal means that every batch of a Ladder product has been tested by a third party for over 270 substances banned by major athletic organizations. It also verifies that the ingredients listed on the label are actually in the product at the stated amounts. For competitive athletes, this certification is non-negotiable for safety and eligibility.
However, this certification comes at a price. Here’s how Ladder’s Whey Protein stacks up against a popular competitor.
| Feature | Ladder Whey Protein | Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Per Serving | 26g | 24g |
| NSF Certified for Sport? | Yes | No (Informed Choice certified on some products) |
| Approx. Cost Per Serving | $2.25 – $2.50 | $1.50 – $1.75 |
You are paying a premium of 50% or more for Ladder. The key question you have to ask yourself is whether the peace of mind from the NSF certification is worth the extra cost.
It’s a Subscription Brand
Instead of hitting retail shelves, Ladder Supplements operates on a direct-to-consumer subscription model. This approach gained steam after the company was acquired by Openfit in 2020, which later merged with The Beachbody Company (now known as BODi).
This business model is designed to create convenience and foster brand loyalty. You take a quiz on their website, and it recommends a bundle of products that are then delivered to your door each month.
While this is convenient, many customer reviews mention that pausing or canceling the subscription can be difficult. From my experience, this is a common issue with subscription services. I always advise my clients to set a calendar reminder a few days before their renewal date to decide if they want to continue, preventing any unwanted charges.
A Challenging Road Ahead for Ladder Supplements
Ladder Supplementshas strong points, but it faces major hurdles in the incredibly crowded supplement market, an industry that Grand View Research valued at over $177 billion in 2024.
The celebrity endorsements get attention, but the high price is a significant barrier for many consumers. While the NSF certification is a massive plus for serious athletes, the average gym-goer might not be willing to pay the premium.
So, is Ladder Supplements worth it? It depends entirely on who you are.
- It’s a great fit for: Competitive athletes, first responders, and anyone who undergoes rigorous substance testing. The NSF certification provides critical peace of mind.
- It’s probably not for: The budget-conscious supplement user. You can find high-quality products with similar formulas from brands like Myprotein or Bulk Supplements for a fraction of the price if you don’t require NSF certification.
Ultimately, Ladder Supplements does offer a high-quality, trustworthy product. But its success will depend on convincing enough customers that its premium for certification and convenience is a price worth paying.
FAQs About Ladder Supplements
What is Ladder Supplements?
Ladder is a sports nutrition company founded by LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Cindy Crawford, and Lindsey Vonn. It focuses on creating high-quality, clean supplements, particularly for athletes.
Are Ladder Supplements third-party tested?
Yes. This is their biggest selling point. All Ladder products are NSF Certified for Sport, which means every batch is tested for over 270 banned substances and to verify label accuracy.
Who owns Ladder Supplements now?
Ladder was acquired in 2020 and is now owned by The Beachbody Company, which has been rebranded as BODi. The brand is integrated into their broader health and fitness platform.
Is Ladder only available through a subscription?
The company primarily focuses on a monthly subscription model. However, you can typically make one-time purchases on their website, though often at a higher price per serving than the subscription rate.
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