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Equipment Reviews

Honest, no-nonsense reviews to help you find the right gear for your training.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on these pages are affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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11 reviews in Lifting

★★★★☆ £8-£20

Barbell Pad Guide: Make Hip Thrusts Comfortable Without Sacrificing Performance

Best barbell pads for hip thrusts and lunges. Compare foam density, grip, and fit to find the right pad for your training.

Best for: Hip thrusts and barbell lunges
★★★★☆ £15-£40

Best Deadlift Slippers for Powerlifting

The best deadlift slippers for competition and training. Minimal sole, maximum ground feel, and IPF legal.

Best for: Deadlifts and minimalist lifting
★★★★★ £15-£50

Dip Belt Guide: Add Serious Weight to Your Dips and Pull-Ups

Best dip belts for weighted pull-ups and dips. Chain vs strap compared, plus our top picks for progressive overload.

Best for: Weighted dips and pull-ups
★★★★☆ £20-£80

Gym Bag Guide: Find the Right Bag to Carry All Your Training Gear

Best gym bags for lifters and athletes. Duffel vs backpack compared, with our top picks from £20 to £80 for every budget.

Best for: Carrying all your training gear
Essential
★★★★★ £3-£15

Gym Chalk Guide: The Cheapest Way to Instantly Improve Your Grip

Best gym chalk for deadlifts and pull-ups. Block vs liquid chalk compared, plus gym-friendly options and our top picks.

Best for: Deadlifts, pull-ups, and any grip work
★★★★★ £25-£80

Knee Sleeves Guide: Keep Your Knees Warm and Supported for Heavy Squats

Best knee sleeves for squats and leg work. Compare 5mm vs 7mm neoprene sleeves from SBD, Rehband, and budget brands.

Best for: Squats, lunges, and leg pressing
★★★★★ £25-£100

Lifting Belt Buyer's Guide: The #1 Accessory for Heavy Compound Lifts

Find the best lifting belt for squats and deadlifts. We compare lever, prong, and Velcro belts across every budget — from £25 to £100.

Best for: Heavy squats and deadlifts
Essential
★★★★★ £60-£200

Lifting Shoes Guide: Why a Raised Heel Changes Everything for Squats

Best lifting shoes for squats and Olympic lifts. Compare Nike Romaleos, Adidas Adipower, and budget options from £60 to £200.

Best for: Squats, Olympic lifts, and pressing
★★★★★ £5-£25

Lifting Straps Guide: Stop Letting Your Grip Hold Back Your Gains

Best lifting straps for deadlifts, rows, and pulls. We compare lasso, figure-8, and hook grip straps from £5 to £25.

Best for: Deadlifts, rows, and pulls when grip fails
★★★★★ £10-£40 (set)

Resistance Bands Guide: The Most Versatile Piece of Kit in Your Gym Bag

Best resistance bands for warm-ups, rehab, pull-up assistance, and home training. Loop bands vs tube bands compared.

Best for: Warm-ups, rehab, assisted pull-ups, and home workouts
Essential
★★★★☆ £8-£30

Wrist Wraps Guide: Protect Your Wrists on Heavy Pressing Days

Best wrist wraps for bench press and overhead work. Compare stiff vs flexible wraps and find the right pair for your training.

Best for: Bench press, overhead press, front squats

Frequently Asked Questions

What gym equipment do I actually need?
For a commercial gym, just bring a water bottle and a towel. Optional but useful: lifting straps, chalk, resistance bands (for warm-ups), and a gym bag. A belt and lifting shoes are worth investing in once you're squatting and deadlifting heavier weights.
What equipment do I need for a home gym?
Start with adjustable dumbbells and a pull-up bar — these two items unlock hundreds of exercises. Add a weight bench next, then a barbell and plates. A power rack is the ultimate upgrade for safe heavy lifting at home. Budget around £500-£1000 for a solid starter setup.
Are the reviews independent?
Yes. Some links on our review pages are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our ratings or recommendations — we recommend what we'd genuinely use ourselves.

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