Equipment & Tools

Equipment & Tools

Here is a list of equipment and tools that I have to help me on my journey and a brief description of them.

Exercise Equipment

  • Weights
    • Metal Weights: These are generally cheaper and offer more weight variations. Since I’m doing a 5×5 program that involves slowly increasing my weights, I needed a set of these in addition to my bumper plates. I got an affordable set off Amazon. https://amzn.to/3RbtMDl
  • Lifting Accessories
    • Power Rack: This is the heart of my home gym. It stores most of my weights and all my lifting it done within it. I went with the ULTRA GUEGO power rack and pulley system. A power rack was essential to me because not only does it help hold my bar for me to get into squat or benching positions, but it adds multiple layers of safety. As a new lifter, and someone who often lifts alone, I needed something to keep me safe. The pulley system also allows me to perform many additional exercises while also adding weights. It’s like a home gym in a box. https://amzn.to/3sNSAXW
    • J-Hooks: The only thing I didn’t like about the power rack I choose was its J-Hooks. They were shaped weird and didn’t have the greatest weight capacity. I upgraded them and ordered a few pairs of these Yes4All 1000lbs capacity hooks. https://amzn.to/3P9naTb
    • Barbell Clamps: I got a few pairs of these clamps. I hate the metal clamps that weights come with. They’re cumbersome and annoying to use. These clamps are very easy to take on and off and look a lot better than the metal coil versions. Plus, they are cheap. https://amzn.to/3LcRIlM
    • Dumbbells: Theses are great dumbbells. And again, affordable. Are you sensing a theme yet? They are compatible with the metal weights listed above. https://amzn.to/3LfJKZ7
    • Weight Storage: This is a very simple, and affordable, metal plate rack used to store my metal plates. https://amzn.to/47ZqLvT
    • Barbell: I got a spare barbell because swapping weights and moving in and out of my power rack was getting annoying. Having a spare just made life a lot easier. This isn’t necessary, but it sure helped me. https://amzn.to/3LfnNtk
    • Safety Squat Bar: I, like most larger people, don’t have the greatest mobility or flexibility. I also had neck surgery many years ago which makes it near impossible for me to get into position for weighted squats. Since squats are the foundation of my exercise routine, I needed something to help me out. I got the Titan Fitness SSB, and it’s been a godsend. I HIGHLY recommend it. https://amzn.to/45MZk72
    • Adjustable Weight Bench: An adjustable bench allows for more movements and exercises. I also needed a bench that could withstand my weight and the weight I would be lifting. I went with an affordable option. Plus it has wheels, making it easy to move around my gym. https://amzn.to/45FhIyB
    • Resistance Loops: These are simple loops of elastic that I use to help stretch and improve my mobility. Nothing impressive to say about them. They work and are cheap. https://amzn.to/3qWLz6z
    • Gymnastic Rings: One of my fitness goals is to learn how to do a pull-up. As a fat-man a pull-up was never something I would even consider possible. Since I’m changing, I thought it was time to change this mentality. I found a set of exercises I could do with rings to gradually build up to a pull-up. Haven’t gotten there yet but I’m working on it. https://amzn.to/487BMuQ

Tools, Apps, Accessories

  • Fit Log: I normally record my progress for everything I do digitally. I thought it would be a nice change to write things down for a change so I got a log book for working out. It’s a great book that helps track all sorts of things including my exercises, weight, measurements and goals. https://amzn.to/486YfZe
  • Smart Body Tape Measure: A digital body tape measure to keep track of measuring my body. I know I won’t lose weight every week or perhaps months because I’m building muscle. By tacking my body measurements, I can see the improvement I’m making even if the scale doesn’t reflect that. It’s a great motivator. https://amzn.to/3r63Nm8
  • Fitbit Scale/App: I use the Fitbit app to track my steps, my calories burned exercising and all of my food. Whether I’m having a good food day or not, I track everything I eat. Even the oil I used to cook with. I want to know every calorie entering my body so I can keep myself at a calorie negative. If you want to lose weight, you need to track what you eat. The scale is nice because it syncs with the app and tracks my weight while showing me historical weight data. It also keeps me honest. https://amzn.to/45EpkBl
  • Couch to 5k (C25k): This is a great app. It teaches you how to go from no running/jogging experience to where you can run/jog a 5k. It does this by building up your stamina slowly with intervals of walking and running/jogging that gradually increase over time. The basic version of the app is also free and who doesn’t like free? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.c25k&hl=en_US&gl=US