Why the tool matters

Here is a timeline of when we first introduced different tools in our gym:
 
2014

Barbells 
Rings 
Kettlebell 
Resistance bands  
Bumper plates 
Pull up bars 

2015

Trapbars 
Dumbbells 
Sleds 

2016

Squat racks 
Benches
Push up handles
Ab wheel


2017

Centre mass bells
Landmines 
Swiss bars
Split squat stands

2018

Peg board 
Lat pull-down handle 
Open back trap bars 
Pulleys

2019

Plyoboxes/ stools 
Dip stands 
T-bells
Cushions
Stirrup handles 
Compact flange plates 
Belt squat stand

2020

Training bars 
Glute ham rigs 
Pivot arm attachment

2021

Farmers carry handles 
Slide board

2022

Weight vests 
Push/pull rigs 
Squat slant board

2023

Landmine and pulley row attachments 
Belt squat 
Lever squat 
Back extension rigs 
Neutral grip deadlift bars 
Safety squat bars 
Air bikes (from Octane Fitness)
Quad extension


There are 44 different objects in our gym that let clients interact with an external object to get stronger. It’s actually 45. 

No. 45 is you .

The most interesting thing about training is how you learn to use your body to pick up things, jump, land, crawl, lift, throw and just move efficiently. You do this because your body can do these things. The decline of physical capacity is not inevitable. 

Physical decline is a self inflicted wound from an unwillingness to do inconvenient things.  

Why do we have so many objects in our gym? Great results have been achieved with a lot less. 

But as our client base grows and we spend more time in the coaching trenches, having more tools makes it simpler for coaches and clients to get more value for their time, effort and energy. 

Every tool is comfortable in its own way. It can help you work around constraints, injury and fatigue. You can also load a move more effectively and efficiently factoring for limb and torso proportions. 

Constraints: Do you have dodgy backs, sore tendons or a sensitive wrist or shoulders? There is a tool that can help you start moving without pain and build up tolerance and capacity to move more freely. Often racking a dumbbell or kettlebell can be the limiting factor in building a better squat. 

Obsessing over the versatility of a tool is the enemy of doing a move well. 

Comfort: Some people prefer how a swiss bar feels vis-a-vis a barbell. Others squat better with a safety squat bar versus a barbell. Folks with back problems are more comfortable with a belt squat or GHR. More tools means the ability to chart the smoothest course for a client who is just starting out on their strength training journey. 

Leverages: There are no fewer than 20 ways to squat. Throw in different stances, bars, slide or slant boards etc, you have at least 100 different ways to squat. Each subtly different from the other. I am not arguing you need all the tools. After all squatting is squatting. You sit down with your feet firmly planted and stand back up. But sometimes being in a big playground with many toys can be a lot of fun.