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I have noticed that there is an increase of lifters on here setting up their own home gym. I thought it may be a good idea to review some of the products I have at PTC.
Seeing as my equipment will get used and abused by more lifters than any home gym, I thought I could give you guys a heads up.
I will not comment on stuff that my clients or I have not used.
Seeing as my equipment will get used and abused by more lifters than any home gym, I thought I could give you guys a heads up.
I will not comment on stuff that my clients or I have not used.
Olympic bars
First up has to be Olympic bars.
I have used many cheap Chinese ones in Gyms like Mikes gym etc and they are dreadful. Finding a straight one is an issue, and the thought of it breaking has me cringing when I lift.
If you are buying a bar for a power rack, get a cheap one, as ultimately it will get damaged. Its not what they were intended for. Its why I have no power rack at PTC. I have a squat rack with saddles, a bench press with saddles and a squat stand where the plate rests upon the support, not the bar.
If you plan on doing the powerlifts, squat, bench and deadlift, a power bar with bush bearings is best. It is thicker and has less whip than a weightlifting bar. I have 3 of these in the gym.
For the quick lifts like cleans and snatches, you cant beat a good weightlifting bar. The only one I have used is the Zhang Kong bar. It has needle bearings, fine knurling and is extremely whippy.
It costs around $1000, an Eleiko or Ivanko IWF standard bar costs $1800. Australian Barbell company also make a needle bearing bar for around $500. Dont be confused with the ABC bars I currently have in the gym. The knurling on these is deliberately aggressive for maximum grip when deadlifting. They are power bars. ABC can knurl your bar at varying degrees, their needle bearing Olympic lifting bar is a very mild knurling that wont tear your hands apart. ABC make their own bars, you can choose needle bearings, bush bearings, power bar, Olympic lifting bar, black, chrome etc.
If your money doesnt stretch far enough, the ABC bar is a fantastic bar. My ABC powerbars have held up perfectly for years, and they will continue to do so for many more years. Remember I already owned 3 ABC bars, I lusted after a ZK bar.
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Bumper Plates
I have used many cheap Chinese ones in Gyms like Mikes gym etc and they are dreadful. Finding a straight one is an issue, and the thought of it breaking has me cringing when I lift.
If you are buying a bar for a power rack, get a cheap one, as ultimately it will get damaged. Its not what they were intended for. Its why I have no power rack at PTC. I have a squat rack with saddles, a bench press with saddles and a squat stand where the plate rests upon the support, not the bar.
If you plan on doing the powerlifts, squat, bench and deadlift, a power bar with bush bearings is best. It is thicker and has less whip than a weightlifting bar. I have 3 of these in the gym.
For the quick lifts like cleans and snatches, you cant beat a good weightlifting bar. The only one I have used is the Zhang Kong bar. It has needle bearings, fine knurling and is extremely whippy.
It costs around $1000, an Eleiko or Ivanko IWF standard bar costs $1800. Australian Barbell company also make a needle bearing bar for around $500. Dont be confused with the ABC bars I currently have in the gym. The knurling on these is deliberately aggressive for maximum grip when deadlifting. They are power bars. ABC can knurl your bar at varying degrees, their needle bearing Olympic lifting bar is a very mild knurling that wont tear your hands apart. ABC make their own bars, you can choose needle bearings, bush bearings, power bar, Olympic lifting bar, black, chrome etc.
If your money doesnt stretch far enough, the ABC bar is a fantastic bar. My ABC powerbars have held up perfectly for years, and they will continue to do so for many more years. Remember I already owned 3 ABC bars, I lusted after a ZK bar.
Bumper Plates
Next is bumper plates.
I only have Eleiko and ABC bumpers, so I have no experience with cheap ones. One of my clients got some cheap ones off ebay, only to find they are not all the same height, which defeats the purpose of using bumpers to protect your bar and spread the load.
My next set will be ZK plates. They are expensive but should last forever. My Eleiko bumpers are over 30 years old.
Buy quality, buy once.
Make sure you use bumpers if you have bought a quality bar that you plan to drop.
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Kettlebells
I only have Eleiko and ABC bumpers, so I have no experience with cheap ones. One of my clients got some cheap ones off ebay, only to find they are not all the same height, which defeats the purpose of using bumpers to protect your bar and spread the load.
My next set will be ZK plates. They are expensive but should last forever. My Eleiko bumpers are over 30 years old.
Buy quality, buy once.
Make sure you use bumpers if you have bought a quality bar that you plan to drop.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells has to be next.
I have had KB's at home for a few years now, before I opened PTC.
Initially I got the ABC ones as that was all I could find. These are excellent quality and have performed flawlessly for years. I have no issues recommending this product to anyone. The only drawback is the lack of options. They are limited from 8kg to 40kg, and miss quite a few categories in between.
Lately I have been buying Australian Kettlebells. Their range extends from 4kg to 64kg with increments all the way through. They also offer the option of having a series of KB's that are all the same size, regardless of weight.
I havent had the oppurtunity to test these out, as I already had ABC KB's in 8-12-16-20-24-32-40kg sizes. I have since added AK 10-12-28-48-52-56-64.
I may get some 4-6-36 from AK in the future, and maybe even double up on some of the existing KB's I've got. I may try the pro series from AK. If I do, I will update this post.
The true benefits of the AK ones are they are proving resilient in the heavy weights. My 64kg KB cops and absolute beating, with zero problems to date.
That is the best endorsement I can give them. I hate equipment failures.
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Gripping Implements
I have had KB's at home for a few years now, before I opened PTC.
Initially I got the ABC ones as that was all I could find. These are excellent quality and have performed flawlessly for years. I have no issues recommending this product to anyone. The only drawback is the lack of options. They are limited from 8kg to 40kg, and miss quite a few categories in between.
Lately I have been buying Australian Kettlebells. Their range extends from 4kg to 64kg with increments all the way through. They also offer the option of having a series of KB's that are all the same size, regardless of weight.
I havent had the oppurtunity to test these out, as I already had ABC KB's in 8-12-16-20-24-32-40kg sizes. I have since added AK 10-12-28-48-52-56-64.
I may get some 4-6-36 from AK in the future, and maybe even double up on some of the existing KB's I've got. I may try the pro series from AK. If I do, I will update this post.
The true benefits of the AK ones are they are proving resilient in the heavy weights. My 64kg KB cops and absolute beating, with zero problems to date.
That is the best endorsement I can give them. I hate equipment failures.
Gripping Implements
The absolute master at these is Ironmind. Dont even bother getting anything made by others.
I have the Captain of Crush grippers in Guide-Sport-Trainer-#1-#2-#3. These are superbly made and effective for crushing grip.
I also have the Rolling Thunder handle. Those of you that have used it at PTC comps know how humbling it is.
I also have there Wicked Wrist roller.
All this stuff is first class and will greatly enhance your grip. I encourage everyone that lifts weights to strengthen their grip,remember to train your weaknesses.
I got all my stuff direct from Ironmind in the USA years ago, but most of my clients have been getting all their gripper needs from Rick at AK now. He has stuff in stock all the time. Weigh up the US dollar, freight and time, do the math, and get your product from the supplier that best suits your needs.
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Weightlifting Shoes
I have the Captain of Crush grippers in Guide-Sport-Trainer-#1-#2-#3. These are superbly made and effective for crushing grip.
I also have the Rolling Thunder handle. Those of you that have used it at PTC comps know how humbling it is.
I also have there Wicked Wrist roller.
All this stuff is first class and will greatly enhance your grip. I encourage everyone that lifts weights to strengthen their grip,remember to train your weaknesses.
I got all my stuff direct from Ironmind in the USA years ago, but most of my clients have been getting all their gripper needs from Rick at AK now. He has stuff in stock all the time. Weigh up the US dollar, freight and time, do the math, and get your product from the supplier that best suits your needs.
Weightlifting Shoes
Without a doubt the best product you can buy if you are serious about squatting and the Olympic lifts. I first got a pair 2 years ago, and they were the first pair I'd seen.
Most of my clients have scoured the internet to find some. Personally, I would never buy shoes over the internet, I am fussy with fit, especially if I have a big weight on my back.
Clients to have purchased a pair are
Max
Nick
Spiros
Pat
Trish
Ryan
Louie
Each one has greatly improved their squat performance from wearing these. You can now buy them in Melbourne. Rick at AK has the ZK brand in stock. Nick recently bought a pair and they look trick.
The ebay ones have dried up, though they do come up now and again. They are over $200 on there, Rick sells his for around $200, and you can try them on first. Most of the cheaper ones on ebay are second hand, Louie and Ryan paid close to $300 for theirs, new.
An absolute must if you love the quick lifts and squatting. I cant stress this enough.
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Power racks, squat racks and benches
Most of my clients have scoured the internet to find some. Personally, I would never buy shoes over the internet, I am fussy with fit, especially if I have a big weight on my back.
Clients to have purchased a pair are
Max
Nick
Spiros
Pat
Trish
Ryan
Louie
Each one has greatly improved their squat performance from wearing these. You can now buy them in Melbourne. Rick at AK has the ZK brand in stock. Nick recently bought a pair and they look trick.
The ebay ones have dried up, though they do come up now and again. They are over $200 on there, Rick sells his for around $200, and you can try them on first. Most of the cheaper ones on ebay are second hand, Louie and Ryan paid close to $300 for theirs, new.
An absolute must if you love the quick lifts and squatting. I cant stress this enough.
Power racks, squat racks and benches
Nothing to really report here. My squat rack does the job, but its nothing special. I hate power racks, and I havent found one I would ever buy, hence why there isnt one in my gym.
I will not buy sub standard equipment to stick in my gym. The squat rack does the job, but it has failings. Its too light, hole adjustments are too widely spaced, the uprights need to be adjustable for sideways movement.
My flat bench is a peach, that is Spiros', not sure of the brand.
My bench press has issues, too hard to spot, the saddles stick out too far.
Understand I am being picky. Just because I bought it I'm not going to bullshit to you guys.
The "rack" that Howie built is excellent, but only if its custom made for one user. Varying height clients makes it not perfect.
If anything changes, I will provide updates.
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Old school barbells and dumbbells
I will not buy sub standard equipment to stick in my gym. The squat rack does the job, but it has failings. Its too light, hole adjustments are too widely spaced, the uprights need to be adjustable for sideways movement.
My flat bench is a peach, that is Spiros', not sure of the brand.
My bench press has issues, too hard to spot, the saddles stick out too far.
Understand I am being picky. Just because I bought it I'm not going to bullshit to you guys.
The "rack" that Howie built is excellent, but only if its custom made for one user. Varying height clients makes it not perfect.
If anything changes, I will provide updates.
Old school barbells and dumbbells
Its going to be sad but by the time alot of you guys read this, the sale at AK will be over. These things give me a hard on. They take up little space, as durable as anything out there, adjustable, extremely challenging and oh so cool to look at.
Sean has already purchased a set, I really cant believe why everybody doest have them.
To the best of my knowledge, the only place you can get these is at Australian Kettlebells. I made my own fat bar 2 years ago.
I absolutely love them.
Fat handles for BIG forearms, up to 60mm diameter.
Get some....now. I'll be getting at least another set.
Sandbag
Sean has already purchased a set, I really cant believe why everybody doest have them.
To the best of my knowledge, the only place you can get these is at Australian Kettlebells. I made my own fat bar 2 years ago.
I absolutely love them.
Fat handles for BIG forearms, up to 60mm diameter.
Get some....now. I'll be getting at least another set.
Sandbag
Only those that have used one can understand what an absolute prick of a thing it is to train with. Every single client detests using it. Every one.
This gives me great pleasure in dragging it out.
If you are limited for time and space, this is the only piece of equipment you need. I say time as well as space because I dont see how anybody could train with one for longer than 30 minutes if theyre fair dinkum.
this will kill you, and its range of exercises is unlimited.
The only one strong enough on the market is made by Ironmind. I got mine from the states. Again, I know Rick from AK stocks them, as he and I have pretty much the same ideals for training, you will find plenty of stuff at his place that I use.
This product is the real deal.
Highly recommended.
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Dumbbells
This gives me great pleasure in dragging it out.
If you are limited for time and space, this is the only piece of equipment you need. I say time as well as space because I dont see how anybody could train with one for longer than 30 minutes if theyre fair dinkum.
this will kill you, and its range of exercises is unlimited.
The only one strong enough on the market is made by Ironmind. I got mine from the states. Again, I know Rick from AK stocks them, as he and I have pretty much the same ideals for training, you will find plenty of stuff at his place that I use.
This product is the real deal.
Highly recommended.
Dumbbells
I have around 25 pairs. Nothing special here, I pretty much get what is on sale. These dont cop too much of a hard time, so they will last forever.
Clients report that the nicest ones to use are rubber ended, hexagon shape with a chrome thickish handle. I only have 1 pair of these.
You can get them at Australian Barbell Company and other fitness suppliers. They only go to around 40kg I think.
I do prefer fixed DB's to adgustable ones.
Second hand ones in the local trader are your best bet.
Always handy to have a few sets around, but not critical.
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Weight Plates
Clients report that the nicest ones to use are rubber ended, hexagon shape with a chrome thickish handle. I only have 1 pair of these.
You can get them at Australian Barbell Company and other fitness suppliers. They only go to around 40kg I think.
I do prefer fixed DB's to adgustable ones.
Second hand ones in the local trader are your best bet.
Always handy to have a few sets around, but not critical.
Weight Plates
The only consideration here is where you intend to use them. You can get metal or rubber covered. If your plates never touch the floor or you have rubber mats, metal are fine. If you lift on a concrete floor, stick with rubber coated.
Do not use these on the quick lifts unless you use them with bumper plates.
These are not calibrated like some bumpers, so brand name isnt that important. I have seen cheap chinese ones fall apart in the hub, and the weights can be out by an unacceptable margin.
All my plates are rubber coated from ABC and they have performed flawlessly.
I highly recommend them.
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Torsonator
Do not use these on the quick lifts unless you use them with bumper plates.
These are not calibrated like some bumpers, so brand name isnt that important. I have seen cheap chinese ones fall apart in the hub, and the weights can be out by an unacceptable margin.
All my plates are rubber coated from ABC and they have performed flawlessly.
I highly recommend them.
Torsonator
I have only had this for one day, but 25 clients have tried it already.
For a home gym, it is as versatile as a barbell. It offers a stack of exercises that are beneficial to a home gym. Most guys stop lifting at home because they get bored. To stop boredom, you need a stack of different equipment.
The Torsonator provides much needed variety to a home gym, without taking up any space. Its not a machine, it rotates 360 degrees, so you still need to balance it, it smashes the core like nothing else. They only cost around $200 and change I think.
The 4 pronged one I have at PTC is a must have for any PT studio or commercial gym. The ability to provide a tough workout for 4 clients at once while using minimal equipment and space is reason enough to buy it.
Add the fact it is perfect for unilateral training and so many variations for pressing movents, and I regret the fact I didnt get one sooner.
The single best piece of equipment for a home gym after a BB and sandbag.
I love it.
For a home gym, it is as versatile as a barbell. It offers a stack of exercises that are beneficial to a home gym. Most guys stop lifting at home because they get bored. To stop boredom, you need a stack of different equipment.
The Torsonator provides much needed variety to a home gym, without taking up any space. Its not a machine, it rotates 360 degrees, so you still need to balance it, it smashes the core like nothing else. They only cost around $200 and change I think.
The 4 pronged one I have at PTC is a must have for any PT studio or commercial gym. The ability to provide a tough workout for 4 clients at once while using minimal equipment and space is reason enough to buy it.
Add the fact it is perfect for unilateral training and so many variations for pressing movents, and I regret the fact I didnt get one sooner.
The single best piece of equipment for a home gym after a BB and sandbag.
I love it.
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