Accessories For Your Gym Bag
Chalk & Bag
Use this anytime for any workout with free weights from day one onwards.
Chalk enables a good non-slip connection with the barbell. It also helps prevent callus problems.
I recommend you order the chalk and bag as chalk can get quite messy when you have it loose without a bag.
Replenish Your Chalk
Just the chalk ball, which will most likely last around 6 months! Excellent value for money.
Adidas Powerlift 4 Unisex
Once you've lifted in proper weight training shoes, you'll never want to go back to anything else. Adidas have made plenty of different styles of their Powerlift shoes. They are up to date, stylish and are great for training because they:
1. Securely lock your foot into position for lifts.
2. Enable excellent force transmission against the ground, as the soles do not deform.
3. Give a natural support to the arch of your foot.
* They frequently go into sale about 2-4 times a year, so check sites for a bargain.
** ORDER 1/2 size bigger than you’d normally use as they come up tight.
*** Not to be confused with powerperfect or adipower - all different shoes
Sport Tape X EAB
Used on the thumb for the hook grip.
I use the black 5.0 x 4.5, and usually buy a pack of several rolls.
Strength Shop Wrist Wraps
These are used in pressing & bench pressing.
I will advise when to add these.
The range of £7.99-£11.99 should be fine.
7mm Knee Sleeves
These neoprene knee sleeves don't perform any more of the lift for you, but they do keep your joints warm (which I found makes lifting smoother) and add a bit of support.
I use this make of sleeves for squats and pressing.
I currently use SBD knee sleeves and have also used Rehband (photo).
These brands cost a bit more, but they have a good solid reputation.
I've had mine for several years and they haven't broken or lost any stitching, they are also machine washable.
Rogue Lifting Straps
Used to maintain a double overhand position, add when at 85-90% warmups and use for working weight sets.
*Used when grip starts to fail on pulling lifts.
WEIGHT TRAINING BELTS
Before adding a belt it's important to get good at breathing and bracing during the lifts.
In strength training every time we perform an exercise, for each rep we take a big breath in and hold it to set up this braced effect.
This process is called the Valsalva and that held breath (for each rep) enables us support the spine and lift safely and effectively.
It is therefore important to get good at the bracing technique first, before the belt is added and I will advise when to purchase /add it to lifts.
**I will also help select the right size and type of belt for you to get.
Pioneer Lifting Belt
*I will advise which width/spec of belt and when to add it to certain lifts so that you get the maximum benefit from it.
Most people use a 3” belt, some with smaller waists will use a 2” or taller people (6ft +) may like a 4”.
Pioneer Adjustable Lever Belt
A 3” and 10mm thick adjustable lever belt. This will be heavier than the single prong belt - so bear in mind if you fly/travel a lot. It is handy for fast removal and wearing the belt, but less useful if you will share you belt with someone else.
Fractional Plates
Used for micro loading. We’ll use these in pressing lifts first to just make jumps of 1kg or as needed.
Your gym should have plates that go down to 1.25kgs already.
Therefore with fractional plates I advise just getting the following:
2 x 0.5kg plates
4 x 0.25kg plates
* ensure that they are the ones with the hole wide enough to fit olympic bars (2”)