Whats the best (or worst) equpiment you bought or used

rubadub

I have gymnastic rings on the way to me, discussed here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055149676

A few people posted and highly recommended them. Are there any other items out there that people would recommend or warn not to get? e.g. stuff that ended up lying unused in a corner.

Good things I have bought:
Hybrid bicycle.
Rubber coated work gloves for chinning & pullups, also gives good grip on the barbells.
Chinning bar.
Slimguide bodyfat calipers
"Heavygrips" 200 & 250lb
weights in general.
Mini-blender for protein shakes.
Tricep bar- great for one arm shrugs due to low centre of gravity of weights.

Things I probably would not buy if I could go back.
Ab wheel -only since the rings can do the same effect, good otherwise.
heavygrip 300lb -way too hard!
Cheap bench -not bought by me, but I would get a decent stable one.
push up bars -good if you have no bench since you can go really deep.

Vegeta

tricep bar, what exactly is that???

Degsy

Vegeta wrote:

tricep bar, what exactly is that???

Argos sell 'em as a package with an EZ bar,i've never used one myself though

amazingemmet

Chin up bar ftw

pwd

Speed rope is good. Excellent exercise, takes up sod all room and is dirt cheap. The only possible drawback is that you need a bit of space to use it, and need to be on a ground floor or outside really.
Hard to get one the right length if you're above average height though. you can stretch some of them.

Vegeta

Degsy wrote:

Argos sell 'em as a package with an EZ bar,i've never used one myself though

cool i can see that would be handy for close grip bench or skull crushers. I just use the EZ curl bar for both though

oh and if you get a few quid together, get a power cage or power rack. Squats, benching, rack pulls, chin ups etc etc. best bit of kit i ever bought. tank you Mickk

rubadub

Degsy wrote:

Argos sell 'em as a package with an EZ bar,i've never used one myself though

Yep York excurl & tricep is €20, BUT they are hollow, I think the tricep is only rated to 40kg, though I have had 80kg on it. Ez is rated to 60kg I think. They did sell reebok solid ones. You usually hold the 2 handles in the middle, for shrugs you hold it with one hand midway, this means the weights hang down lower and are more stable, like lifting a suitcase. It also means your other hand can assist with lifting since you are usually lifting relatively heavy plates for shrugs.

BrianD3

Best thing: dipping belt, only cost about 30 euros and I have gotten great use out of it. Although I had to replace the chain with a hevier duty one afte the original one broke.

I'd also recommend a power cage. You might spend a few hundred on one but it really is worth it. The power cage is a great yet simple piece of equipment

Worst thing: free standing punch bag. Rubbish. Thankfully I bought this 2nd hand so didn't pay too much

spiral

Doorway pullup frame, bar , weights and 2 bumperplates.
Just for fun a capatains of crush no. 2 still cant quite close it!!

BossArky

Pull up bar I don't own one, just love it in the gym.

Leg Curl :mad: Never seem to get the correct settings on this. Usually end up with more bruises on my shins than work done by muscles.

justsomebloke

worst: vinyl weights set from argos. seriously avoid like the plague and get the cast iron sets in stead

agentgreen

jsb wrote:

worst: vinyl weights set from argos. seriously avoid like the plague and get the cast iron sets in stead

Are theses any use? http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=30001&langId=-1&catalogId=1500000801&productId=1500119829&Trail=C%24cip%3D1500008202.Sports%2Band%2Bfitness%3EC%24cip%3D1500008243.Home%2Bgym%2Bequipment%3EC%24cip%3D1500008247.Weights%2Band%2Bdumbells&categoryId=1500008247&clickfrom=image

rubadub

spiral wrote:

Just for fun a capatains of crush no. 2 still cant quite close it!!

When doing it with a single hand try tensing/clenching your free hand up tight as you can. Do it standing and flex the abs too. I was seeing this recommended in a dragonsdoor article and it improved my strength on my grippers a lot.

vinyl weights set from argos

Yeah, the bars on most of those sets are hollow too, so are rated to much lower max loads than solid ones. The % resale value of iron ones is far higher too.

My gymnastic rings arrived today- no customs charges (UK guys were getting charged). Look top quality, bigger than I imagined even though I saw the photos, hopefully will be on my "good list"

crotalus667

rubadub wrote:

"Heavygrips" 200 & 250lb
.

Where did you buy them and how much did they cost ??

the best bit of kit was cast iron weight set from Argos,

The worst hmmm was the Macy pull-up/dip/leg raise machine from Argos there’s nothing rely wrong with it , I got it for the pull-up part, spent over 200 on it for me it was a waste of money it’s huge bulky and goes too close to the ceiling , I would have been better off getting a door frame one of mickk (I might pm him later about getting one)

someothername

jsb wrote:

worst: vinyl weights set from argos. seriously avoid like the plague and get the cast iron sets in stead

haha! id say the very same.....
few years back a family member bought a set for me .... i think they are still in the box! :rolleyes:

rubadub

crotalus667 wrote:

Where did you buy them and how much did they cost ??

http://www.heavygrips.com/
I got 200,250,300 for about €45 delivered. Might be cheaper now with the weak dollar. 300lb is too hard for me, if I was getting 3 it would be 150,200,250, only 2 it would be 200,250

"captains of crush" is another brand, they are not equivalent though, I think a 200 captain of crush is like a 250 heavy grip. Some forums discuss the difference

davyjose

amazingemmet wrote:

Chin up bar ftw

+1

davyjose

jsb wrote:

worst: vinyl weights set from argos. seriously avoid like the plague and get the cast iron sets in stead

I dunno; they set me on the road to working out. I couldn't afford the cast iron ones at the time.

EileenG

Best: swiss ball. I use this a lot. Also, an old workman's tool box. I use this for step-ups, dips, as a box for box squats, a seat for seated work, and to keep all my collars and small plates when I'm finished.

A real bike.

A heart rate monitor.

I'd love a power rack.

Oh yeah, and lots of Guns 'n Roses on my MP3.

Worst: Thigh master! Special K watch. Air glider (though handy if I'm injured). Pink dumbells (I use them for cooking!). Pink rubber bands. Pilates ball.

Gavin "shels"

Best: Chin-up bar


Worst: Hand grips

Full plastic version of these.

GerryRyan

Best investments so far:

1) any pairs of running /gym shoes I've bought over the years
2) chin-up bar (Argos job, but getting the LIDL one tomorrow)
3) heavy bag
4) decline Sit-Up Bench
5) DB and BB set - but need more plates now

6) Infinite Intenstity (book by Ross Enamait)

7) Sledge Hammer (12lb)
8) Old Tractor Tyre

9) Any whey supplements
10) egg-timer (sounds weird - but comes in useful for circuits)

Worst:

cheap hand grippers
Press-up bars/handles (you can get the same effect with 2 chairs)
Heart - Rate Monitor watch
Ankle strap-on weights (don't ask)

Next time I get wages:

Belt and chain for chinning / dipping
Good quality bench
Weights Gloves

tribulus

My lever belt, my knee sleeves
Chalk!

Worst items were lifting gloves and also ankle weights

Hanley

I love all my stuff....

Bests:
wrist wraps
knee and elbow sleeves
lever belt
deep heat
Adidas Adistar Weightlifting Shoes
Cons
bands (so versatile)
chalk
Leoko competition bar and plates
ER combo bench/squat rack

Worsts:
nothing springs to mind as TOTALLY useless, I've learned from everything really.

crotalus667

rubadub wrote:

http://www.heavygrips.com/
I got 200,250,300 for about €45 delivered. Might be cheaper now with the weak dollar. 300lb is too hard for me, if I was getting 3 it would be 150,200,250, only 2 it would be 200,250

"captains of crush" is another brand, they are not equivalent though, I think a 200 captain of crush is like a 250 heavy grip. Some forums discuss the difference

Thanks, I think im definitely going to order some

crotalus667

Hanley wrote:

Adidas Adistar Weightlifting Shoes

Hanley would you recommend these for anyone or just some one competing ?? Where do you get your's ?? Im assuming you cant just walk into most sports shops and get them ??

Hanley

crotalus667 wrote:

Hanley would you recommend these for anyone or just some one competing ?? Where do you get your's ?? Im assuming you cant just walk into most sports shops and get them ??

How much do you squat?

DAVE_K

2) chin-up bar (Argos job, but getting the LIDL one tomorrow)

Off-topic I know but are LIDL selling these today - i've had a look on their web-site and can't see them there

rubadub

DAVE_K wrote:

Off-topic I know but are LIDL selling these today - i've had a look on their web-site and can't see them there

They are no longer on the site. Google has it cached
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:AjQYsX5dZd0J:www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20070924.p.ChinningBar+lidl.ie+chinning&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2

has nice padded sections, I have to wear gloves on the argos one. Also it looks like it twists from both sides. On the argos one it goes out one side only, so if you go to do wide grips when one hand is on a thinner bar than the other, I would prefer a symetrical bar.

It is not on special anymore but I would say they are still in the shops, maybe ring them.

I got my ringtraining rings, and they seem great. Pullups and chins feel great as your arm rotates. Dips are very hard! in a good way, the site says they work your lats hard. I feel I do not work my lats & chest well enough and these were hitting them well. I can do about 8 dips normally but really struggled to get 3 on the rings, should get better with practise. I think they would be a good idea for women who are "scared" of weights, sneaky way to get them lifting heavy without even realising it! Female friends keep asking me how I lost weight, second you mention weights they switch off as though they not even allowed do them!

Another on my good list is getting runners fitted in www.amphibianking.com

DAVE_K

thanks for that rubadub. I've got someone dropping into one today on the off chance.

spiral

Hanley
Leoko plates and bar that must have thrown you back a good few quid !!

justsomebloke

EileenG wrote:

Pink dumbells (I use them for cooking!)

seriously I think you need to expand on this point:D

Hanley

spiral wrote:

Hanley
Leoko plates and bar that must have thrown you back a good few quid !!

Yeah they're horrendusly expensive. Tis lucky my gym has them!!

crotalus667

Hanley wrote:

How much do you squat?

not much 50kg (ok you can stop laughing now:rolleyes: )
I was just looking at them on a us site $199 that's a bit steep (not that I wouldent go there) I see alot of guys in the mags useing work boots would you recomened this ??

ps


the 50kg includes the bar on the smith machine yes I know the smith machine is crap because it reduces the use of supporting muscles , but it’s all I have in the gym im currently in , Im planning on joining a decent gym in town soon, i.e. Pinnacle , Hercules , or Powerhouse

Roper

Best piece of kit I ever bought/ buy regularly are medicine balls. Versatile, hard wearing- deadly!

Also I bought a Concept 2 rower for the gym last month and it is savage!

Hanley

crotalus667 wrote:

not much 50kg (ok you can stop laughing now:rolleyes: )
I was just looking at them on a us site $199 that's a bit steep (not that I wouldent go there) I see alot of guys in the mags useing work boots would you recomened this ??

ps


the 50kg includes the bar on the smith machine yes I know the smith machine is crap because it reduces the use of supporting muscles , but it’s all I have in the gym im currently in , Im planning on joining a decent gym in town soon, i.e. Pinnacle , Hercules , or Powerhouse

Dude, no no no.

Adidas weightlifting shoes aren't going to increase your squat. Work boots aren't going to increase your squat. Training in Hercs isn't going to increase your squat.

Do you know what will? Paying your dues.

Spend time under the bar. Work your fcuking arse off. Stop worrying about what footwear you're using (I squatted 182.5kg in a pair of €40 Cons), Stop worrying about different protein blends and macronutrient timing.

Worry about more important things like can you do another rep? Are you bitching out? Are you training hard enough.

That's how you increase your squat. Not with fancy shoes.

I'm goign off on one but it REALLY gets to me when people start thinking "oh all need to do to get stronger is train in Hercs". It's not that fcuking simple. The guys in there would be the strongest regardless off where they train.

It comes down to consistency and dedication. Don't worry about atmosphere, shoes, weak point training and all that crap til you can at least squat 1.5x or closer to 2x bodyweight.

I can believe your worried about what shoes you wear and you squat in a smith machine. I don't care if you don't have a rack. Clean the bar and front squat, heavy leg press and core work. Split squats. Deadlifts. RDL's. Hit em hard and hit em heavy.

rubadub

Hanley wrote:

I squatted 182.5kg in a pair of €40 Cons

I noticed you listed them already. These are converse all-stars I presume? -for those who dont know- they have very flat soles on them. I noticed these in pictures in some ebook about training. You can get fake converse in dunnes for about €8 they are not the boot ones just "low cut".



Are flat soles recommended for weightlifting? I thought some wear ones with higher heels. €8 is not much to fork out- I have a "throw away" pair for doing painting, going to muddy festivals etc.

Hanley

I wear hi-tops



They're a great all round shoe if you're only gonna get one pair to train in.

They've flat super solid soles that dont' squish about under weight. They're ultra solid construction wise. I'vehad mine over 2 years at this stage and they're still rock solid.

I wouldn't worry too much about a heal. It's only a minor issue. 1000lb+ squats have been done in cons so something's obviously right about them!

crotalus667

Hanley wrote:

Do you know what will? Paying your dues.
Spend time under the bar. Work your fcuking arse off.

Im a firm believer in paying dues , I lift 5-6 times a week and I like to think I lift heavy for what I am capable of lifting.

Hanley wrote:

Worry about more important things like can you do another rep? Are you bitching out? Are you training hard enough.

I don’t bitch out I go to failure on at least the last set of every exercise.

Hanley wrote:

I'm goign off on one but it REALLY gets to me when people start thinking "oh all need to do to get stronger is train in Hercs".

I never thought that, I just looked at joining as an option because of where it is and of course it’s reputation (ps your entitled to go off on one if you feel like it;) )

Hanley wrote:

I can believe your worried about what shoes you wear and you squat in a smith machine.

I use the smith machine out of necessity as there are no free weights in the gym I use (with the exception of dumbbells) , that’s the main reason I want to join another gym, the reason I am thinking about footwear is simple: ankle support ,stability and grip going form the smith machine to free weights (to be honest my level stability is worse than a toddler’s :rolleyes: )

Hanley wrote:

I don't care if you don't have a rack. Clean the bar and front squat, heavy leg press and core work. Split squats. Deadlifts. RDL's. Hit em hard and hit em heavy.

I intend to, the thought of hitting em hard and heavy is what makes me get up in the morning ,im due for reassessment in 2/3 weeks so Im going to have dl and rdl’s added (no leg press in the gym)


I don’t know how this reads back but I was just trying to answer a few points , by no means Hanley am I trying to start an argument , on the contrary I have the utmost respect for you, and I recognise that you have paid your dues

Malteaser!

Best thing I have for the gym is my wrist wraps that Hanley got me a while back, I used to get pains in one of my wrists if I benched anything over 20kg but that's completely gone now!!

As for bad things, I've literally bought nothing else for the gym or training other than my membership so that question doesn't really apply!!

kevpants

crotalus667 wrote:

I use the smith machine out of necessity as there are no free weights in the gym I use (with the exception of dumbbells) , that’s the main reason I want to join another gym, the reason I am thinking about footwear is simple: ankle support ,stability and grip going form the smith machine to free weights (to be honest my level stability is worse than a toddler’s :rolleyes: )

You can do dumbbell front squats. If you study the technique and make sure your back is right and use your trunk to steady yourself even medium weights here will help you no end. In fact it's hard not to do front squats with bad technique, you just fall over! These will really hep your toddler issues too!

Squatting is really about technique it's not about just strong legs there is so much else involved and the smiths machine is just miselading you. You aren't really squatting. I'd prefer to just do bodyweight squats to using a smiths.

GerryRyan

Ok, thread's going a bit off-topic - but if you really want to strengthen the legs using solely bodyweight or dumbbells - look up Pistols.

I'm not saying they're superior or should replace any squatting movements, it's more of a skill to work on than an exercise for raw strength.

http://www.beastskills.com/Pistol.htm

Very few people I know can do a single rep of this - so it must mean something.

Hanley

ThatGuy wrote:

Ok, thread's going a bit off-topic - but if you really want to strengthen the legs using solely bodyweight or dumbbells - look up Pistols.

I'm not saying they're superior or should replace any squatting movements, it's more of a skill to work on than an exercise for raw strength.

http://www.beastskills.com/Pistol.htm

Very few people I know can do a single rep of this - so it must mean something.

IMO they're not that great for strength. As you said, more of a skill move.

i thought one of my friends to do these in about a week. First time he attempted it he fell on his ass. By the end of the week he could knock out a couple of reps. That's why I consider it more skill than strength.

Oh and btw, I hadn't done pistols in about 6 months and then tried em out in my bedroom about 3 weeks ago. I knocked out 6 reps on both legs. I don't know if that means anything, but all the improvement there came thru heavy barbell squatting.