Chin up to pull up ratio: is there a magic ratio?

Chin up to pull up ratio: Is there a magic number?

Leave a Comment / Calisthenics / By

Chin ups vs pull-ups – the great debate! When we start training it’s one of the first things we try (and fail) – or at least it was for me! Throughout my training history I’ve ALWAYS found chin ups easier than pull-ups and most people find the same. Even if you’ve frantically trained your chin up attempting max set of pull-ups can be humbling. So what is the ideal ratio of chin ups vs pull ups? Let’s jump in and take a look. At a glance… Chin ups and pull ups are very similar, with chin ups being a little […]

Chin up to pull up ratio: Is there a magic number? Read More »

Kustom Kit bench review

Kustom Kit Gym Equipment Adjustable Bench Review

Leave a Comment / Weight Benches / By

So you’ve had enough of prosumer and entry commercial gym equipment and want to delve in to full on, no holds barred commercial specification merchandise? Or maybe you have a very specific design or colour in mind? Well the great news is that Kustom Kit can help you out. 100% British made, commercial grade gym equipment with each piece made to order. Here’s what you need to know about their Deluxe Adjustable Weight Bench… At a glance… Kustom Kit bench is awesome – check it out here! A full commercial level, 600kg rated adjustable bench Best bits: Highly customisable and built in the UK

Kustom Kit Gym Equipment Adjustable Bench Review Read More »

Should I use chalk for deadlifts?

Should I use chalk for deadlifts?

Leave a Comment / Gym Chalk / By

Personally i think MOST people who want to get stronger SHOULD use chalk when deadlifting occasionally. Chalk serves to dry our hands out and make our grip on the barbell really strong and consistent – it does not LIFT or ASSIST with the lift at all, it simply DRIES our hands… Here’s all you need to know about deadlifting with chalk! At a glance… Chalk absorbs moisture from our hands and equipment increasing the friction in our grip  It is therefore ideal for deadlifts where the bar will be heavily loaded and we’re reliant on our grip to complete the

Should I use chalk for deadlifts? Read More »

The best alternatives to chalk for weightlifting

The BEST alternatives to chalk for weightlifting…

Leave a Comment / Gym Chalk / By

Chalk is a fantastic tool when lifting weights to give your grip a helping hand (if you excuse the pun) – BUT for some people regular chalk just isn’t an option. Some gyms ban it and some people just find it agitates their skin too much. Here are some awesome chalk substitutes you can use for weightlifting! At a glance… The best alternative to regular chalk powder for weightlifting is liquid chalk Liquid chalk creates less mess and is therefore more discrete in use and can ‘fly under the radar’ in many commercial settings which frown on regular chalk use

The BEST alternatives to chalk for weightlifting… Read More »

At what weight should I use a belt for deadlifts?

At what weight should I use a belt for deadlifts?

Leave a Comment / Belts / By

Wearing a belt is REALLY personal – me? I love my belt and wear it for the main compound lifts with my FAVOURITE lift being the deadlift… Before we dive right in just remember that lifting weights can be dangerous if not done properly so if you are unsure or uncomfortable please speak with your doctor or coach to get tailored advice.  At a glance… Belts typically become useful when deadlifting around double your bodyweight You can still deadlift regularly and HEAVY without a belt – so don’t feel pressured to wear one if you don’t want to Belts are

At what weight should I use a belt for deadlifts? Read More »

What is the difference between a rig and a power rack?

What is the difference between a rig and a power rack?

Leave a Comment / Rigs & Racks / By

When you’re looking for home gym equipment trying to decipher the subtle differences between specifications and equipment becomes an art! One with a VERY steep learning curve! So you might know your Westside hole spacing from your standard fare, but what about rigs vs racks? Just what are the differences?! Daisy chains?  Lost? Let’s run through the key differences between squat or power racks and rigs. At a glance… Racks are typically better for home gyms Rigs are usually aimed at the commercial market, designed to have multiple stations set up side by side Rigs are also typically taller than

What is the difference between a rig and a power rack? Read More »

Can you put a squat rack outside? Yes, but…

Can you put a squat rack outside? Yes, but…

Leave a Comment / Rigs & Racks / By

So you’ve heard of a GARAGE gym – now what about a GARDEN gym?! If you’ve got more space outside than you do inside then setting up a squat rack outside might be a great way to start working out at home. Here is all you need to know about putting a squat rack outside! The best squat rack for outdoors is… I like the MLSR3 Bulldog Series squat rack for garden gyms in the UK for a few reasons: Of course if you want a permanent fixture then check out the full rack options, but for me a simple

Can you put a squat rack outside? Yes, but… Read More »

Want a TV for your garage? Just do it!

Finding the BEST TV for your Garage: GUIDE

Leave a Comment / Stand alone equipment / By

Introduction I use my garage almost every day – whether it’s the home gym, storage or the gardening tools – for one reason or another I ALWAYS end up in there! One of the best things I’ve done in there is installing a TV on the garage gym wall! It might seem daft initially, but having the TV on in the background is AWESOME for catching up on programs and sports while using the gym or working in the garage. It’s nice to have some company when I’m in there! Here’s what you need to know if you’re thinking of

Finding the BEST TV for your Garage: GUIDE Read More »

Weight belt bruising: the causes and CURES!

Weight belt bruising: the causes and CURES!

Leave a Comment / Belts / By

Do you have bruising on your abdomen caused by your weight belt? You are not alone. Many of us weightlifters have ended up with all manner of weird and wonderful bruises from our weight belts! Some more hardcore lifters wear them like a badge of honour – the rest of us tentatively try to avoid them! Here’s all you need to know about weight belt bruising. At a glance… Bruising from wearing a weightlifting belt is common It is usually caused by the belt being TOO TIGHT It can also be caused by the belt being TOO WIDE for the

Weight belt bruising: the causes and CURES! Read More »

What if your weight lifting belt hurts your stomach?

What if your weight lifting belt hurts your stomach?

Leave a Comment / Belts / By

A lifting belt CAN be uncomfortable (particularly if new) and if you’re not used to wearing one it can hurt some your stomach area unintentionally! BUT the upshot is wearing a belt when weightlifting helps increase the intra-abdominal pressure when lifting. In English – you can get higher pressure in your core when lifting weights by providing a solid hoop (the belt) to hold your stomach in. So the reward for wearing a belt is generally higher weights lifted – the secret is knowing just WHAT is causing your stomach pain and fixing it so you can keep wearing the

What if your weight lifting belt hurts your stomach? Read More »

Scroll to Top