Workout Accessories You Need To Have in Your Gym Bag
There are no doubts lifting weights raw (without any gym accessories) is totally badass, but using gear can help you safely lift more weights with better form. Using gym accessories can take your gains to the next level.
We use gym accessories mainly to remove the secondary (weaker) muscles from the exercises. For example, in bent-over barbell rows, your forearms and grip strength might give up before your lats.
Lifting Straps
In the above example, using lifting straps can eliminate your grip and forearms while performing the bent-over rows and you can focus on contracting your lats. You can choose between lifting straps or weightlifting hooks.
Wrist Wraps
Performing exercises with heavy weights can take a toll on your wrists. Lifting heavy dumbbells in chest presses or overhead movements like military presses can cause injury if the weight gets imbalanced.
Weightlifting Belt
Your lower back is a weaker muscle group and can take a beating in pulling movements or when you lift heavy weights. Using a weightlifting belt can also help you generate thoracic pressure which can help you lift heavier weights for more reps.
Knee Sleeves/Wraps
If you don’t have a workout partner, using the knee sleeves can get you the support you might need in squats. Knee sleeves or wraps (depending on your preference) can also take off pressure from your knees during your sets.
Weight Dip Belt
Once you start getting better at the pull-ups or dips, the law of diminishing marginal utility kicks in. You should add resistance by using the weight dip belt and your back, chest, and triceps will see significant gains.
Fat Gripz
Forearms are one of the most overlooked muscle groups. Using a thicker bar can add size and strength to your biceps and forearms. Most gyms don’t have access to thicker barbells, but you can add a pair of Fatgripz to any barbell or dumbbell handle and make them harder to lift.
Arm Blaster
Most people make the mistake of using momentum while performing the biceps curls. Using an arm blaster restricts you from using momentum and will give you an incredible bicep pump. Arnold used the arm blaster to develop the peak in his biceps.
Elbow Sleeves
Elbow sleeves play the same role for elbows which the knee sleeves play for the knees. Some people use the elbow sleeve just so they can lift heavier weights while the others use it for pain relief and support.
BFR Training Bands
Blood flow restriction training in mostly unknown to people. In this advanced training technique, bands are tied to your target muscle group. The blood is allowed to enter the muscle as you lift the weights but is restricted from leaving the muscle while you perform your set. BFR training will give you a pump like you’ve never experienced before.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can be of great help in warming up your muscles before your workouts or while you’re at home or traveling and don’t have access to weights. Some resistance bands can also be used in exercises like the deadlifts, leg presses, and bench presses. You can also check out our guide of the best resistance bands of 2020 right here.
How many of these workout gears do you own?
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