Yep, they're terrible. That said, I think the A7 "bench shirts" and other shirts like that are moisture wicking, but they have a special grip section on the upper back for squat and bench purposes, and that section has a lot of grip, so if you're willing to shell out the cash, there are exceptions to the "cotton only" principle.
Good list and thank you for sharing. I agree with almost everything except the 2" x 3" Racks Vs the 3" x 3" Racks. Reason why I disagree, even though you have a fair point with space, is because most Big Companies are putting (WAY) more attachments towards 3" x 3" with 1" hole spacing racks and are phasing out 2" x 3" Racks. Rather we like it or not that is the way the big companies are heading. It is a better investment long term to go with a 3" x 3" with 1" hole spacing Racks. The numbers do not lie and that is currently the way the wind is blowing in the home gym fitness industry. I hope I explained that well as I have no bias or axe to grind. Thank you again for the information.
I can 'testify' to the REP FB-5000. Very pleased with this purchase. Problem with 2x3" is that options and accessories are getting less each year as everyone goes for 3x3.
I see what you did there, and thanks for the info about the REP Fitness bench! And you make a valid point about the accessories and options for 3 x 3 racks versus 2 x 3 racks (someone else in this comment thread made a similar point, and I need to thank them for that as well). It’s not an issue for my preferences, but if someone wants accessories for their racks, then a 3 x 3 rack might indeed be the way to go.
@@TestifySC To help solve some of the spacing issue, I purchased the Bells of Steel 'cheap' sandwich j-cups which fit just perfectly on my Rogue RML rack, and gives you almost 2" clearance from your barbell collars over the std full width j cup (. Still, not perfect, but only on very heavy bench where I get a bit sideways does it snag a little on the tow pins I am using on my straps. Perhaps the most annoying thing about the 2x3 Rogue racks is lack of safety straps (only pin pipe safeties and spotter arms from what I can see). Much prefer safety straps to reduce impact on expensive barbells over the years, though it takes a bit of getting used to to get the heights just right, and you could then mark the holes with a silver sharpie or something for quick switching between squat and bench positions later.
Great advice. Some of us wear a mouthguard to protect our teeth on heavy lifts. If you're like me, you grit and bite very hard when you're maxing out (or just doing volume at a relatively high intensity). Some people bite their tongue or put a necklace or dog tag in their mouth. The latest innovation I've seen cones from Airwaav. The mouthpiece is designed for lifting. It gives you something to safely bite on without being too bulky or interfering with breathing/Valsava. Any cheap mouthguard (think: kids soccer) will do but the Airwaav is like champagne.
Thanks, and absolutely, a mouthguard can be very useful for those who clamp down real hard with their teeth when training . . . might be a topic for a future video! I didn't know about the Airwaav, but I'll have to ask around at the gym - we have a few members who use a mouthguard.
June 1, 2024 Thanks Phil❤I’ve always worn flat hard shoes, it looks unnatural to use some of these lifting heels 22,21mm or the do-win +/-75”, if it matters I’m 6’2” 215 normal anthropometry.. grateful to the community for a trusted ‘unassuming workhorse’. also, am I deadlifting in them too, standing overhead press💭etc🙏🏼
Thanks for the kind words, and while I generally recommend a heel anywhere from 0.5" to 0.75", you've got the most important part, which is the "hard" aspect of the sole. I'm usually not a big fan of anything over 0.75" (like the 22mm/0.87" inch heel you mentioned), although some olympic lifters like them for the ability to get real deep and stay pretty vertical in the front squat/OHS position.
Finally someone that doesn’t push 3x3 racks. I’ve had a Rogue R3 for a long time and it’s more than enough. Like you said easier for everyone in my family to rack and unpack on and more than strong enough. Only downside is the market only makes things for 3x3. So I save money by not buying new attachments I guess 😂
I once spoke to Rogue on the phone regarding the strength of the R3, and they said the uprights are each rated for 10,000 lb. They noted that the weakest points are the j-hooks . . . which are rated for 1,000 lb/hook, so I think we're in good shape :-)
I haven’t used it, but I’ve heard good things from those who’ve used it while traveling as well as from those who have to sneak it into places that won’t allow regular chalk.
We didn't cover it in this video, but for the deadlift, we recommend long socks (preferably almost to the knee) as they decrease the chance of scraping the shins with the barbell and thus bleeding (which is why such socks are required for USAPL and strengthlifting meets). In addition, because it's harder to nick the shins (or re-open a scab that formed after a previous session) with long socks, most people do a better job keeping the bar close to the shins when deadlifting.
Interesting. I had never thought about the moisture wicking shirt being slick but it makes sense.
Yep, they're terrible. That said, I think the A7 "bench shirts" and other shirts like that are moisture wicking, but they have a special grip section on the upper back for squat and bench purposes, and that section has a lot of grip, so if you're willing to shell out the cash, there are exceptions to the "cotton only" principle.
Good list and thank you for sharing. I agree with almost everything except the 2" x 3" Racks Vs the 3" x 3" Racks. Reason why I disagree, even though you have a fair point with space, is because most Big Companies are putting (WAY) more attachments towards 3" x 3" with 1" hole spacing racks and are phasing out 2" x 3" Racks. Rather we like it or not that is the way the big companies are heading. It is a better investment long term to go with a 3" x 3" with 1" hole spacing Racks. The numbers do not lie and that is currently the way the wind is blowing in the home gym fitness industry. I hope I explained that well as I have no bias or axe to grind. Thank you again for the information.
I have a few shirts with the silicone grips on them for benching and squatting. They work great…
I can 'testify' to the REP FB-5000. Very pleased with this purchase. Problem with 2x3" is that options and accessories are getting less each year as everyone goes for 3x3.
I see what you did there, and thanks for the info about the REP Fitness bench! And you make a valid point about the accessories and options for 3 x 3 racks versus 2 x 3 racks (someone else in this comment thread made a similar point, and I need to thank them for that as well). It’s not an issue for my preferences, but if someone wants accessories for their racks, then a 3 x 3 rack might indeed be the way to go.
@@TestifySC To help solve some of the spacing issue, I purchased the Bells of Steel 'cheap' sandwich j-cups which fit just perfectly on my Rogue RML rack, and gives you almost 2" clearance from your barbell collars over the std full width j cup (. Still, not perfect, but only on very heavy bench where I get a bit sideways does it snag a little on the tow pins I am using on my straps. Perhaps the most annoying thing about the 2x3 Rogue racks is lack of safety straps (only pin pipe safeties and spotter arms from what I can see). Much prefer safety straps to reduce impact on expensive barbells over the years, though it takes a bit of getting used to to get the heights just right, and you could then mark the holes with a silver sharpie or something for quick switching between squat and bench positions later.
Great advice. Some of us wear a mouthguard to protect our teeth on heavy lifts. If you're like me, you grit and bite very hard when you're maxing out (or just doing volume at a relatively high intensity). Some people bite their tongue or put a necklace or dog tag in their mouth. The latest innovation I've seen cones from Airwaav. The mouthpiece is designed for lifting. It gives you something to safely bite on without being too bulky or interfering with breathing/Valsava. Any cheap mouthguard (think: kids soccer) will do but the Airwaav is like champagne.
Thanks, and absolutely, a mouthguard can be very useful for those who clamp down real hard with their teeth when training . . . might be a topic for a future video! I didn't know about the Airwaav, but I'll have to ask around at the gym - we have a few members who use a mouthguard.
Recently bought the Mitch Hooper airwaav. Love it. Puts my jaw into proper position and allows me to tighten everything, including my jaw.
Great list - thanks for the knee sleeves tip🙏
Thanks for the kind words, and you’re welcome!
Cheers Phil.
VERY helpful.
Thanks very much - I'm glad it was helpful!
June 1, 2024
Thanks Phil❤I’ve always worn flat hard shoes, it looks unnatural to use some of these lifting heels 22,21mm or the do-win +/-75”, if it matters I’m 6’2” 215 normal anthropometry.. grateful to the community for a trusted ‘unassuming workhorse’.
also, am I deadlifting in them too, standing overhead press💭etc🙏🏼
Thanks for the kind words, and while I generally recommend a heel anywhere from 0.5" to 0.75", you've got the most important part, which is the "hard" aspect of the sole. I'm usually not a big fan of anything over 0.75" (like the 22mm/0.87" inch heel you mentioned), although some olympic lifters like them for the ability to get real deep and stay pretty vertical in the front squat/OHS position.
I wear carpenter gloves (unpadded leather) to do hangs and pullups.
Great great. I wish DC blocks weren’t so stinking expensive!
Thanks, and agreed!
I prefer bear grips to straps.
Somebody hates chucks.
Finally someone that doesn’t push 3x3 racks. I’ve had a Rogue R3 for a long time and it’s more than enough. Like you said easier for everyone in my family to rack and unpack on and more than strong enough. Only downside is the market only makes things for 3x3. So I save money by not buying new attachments I guess 😂
I once spoke to Rogue on the phone regarding the strength of the R3, and they said the uprights are each rated for 10,000 lb. They noted that the weakest points are the j-hooks . . . which are rated for 1,000 lb/hook, so I think we're in good shape :-)
I love liquid chalk, but that’s just me.
I haven’t used it, but I’ve heard good things from those who’ve used it while traveling as well as from those who have to sneak it into places that won’t allow regular chalk.
Yep, people in chuck's drive me nuts!
Even in the world of “shoes other than lifting shoes“ there are far better options than Chucks :-)
Lifts in my socks. Ha
We didn't cover it in this video, but for the deadlift, we recommend long socks (preferably almost to the knee) as they decrease the chance of scraping the shins with the barbell and thus bleeding (which is why such socks are required for USAPL and strengthlifting meets). In addition, because it's harder to nick the shins (or re-open a scab that formed after a previous session) with long socks, most people do a better job keeping the bar close to the shins when deadlifting.