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
180 degree back extension
Neutral grip deadlift bars
Safety squat bars
Air bikes (from Octane Fitness)
2024
Weldless pull up bar
Ladder squat
Sandbags
Chains
Nunchuck grips
Tribells
Muscle up/ isometric bar
Cambered fat neutral grip bar
Surfer grips
2025
Indian clubs
Boomerang/spider bars
90 degree neutral grips
Shoulder rotation sticks
Free standing belt squat
Trapbar 4.0
Our list is up to 53 tools in our gym.
There’s a simple idea behind why we have these many:
Versatility comes at the cost of comfort
The older I get and the longer I coach, the more I seem to value a deeper and stable squat over a heavier one.
I know those three things are not mutually exclusive. A heavy squat can be stable and deep. But if I had to choose depth, stability or weight, I prioritise the first two.
A versatile tool is not always the best or most comfortable way to do all or most moves. Every tool excels in certain positions for a move.
Ab wheels are built to be compact. But tweaking it with a longer rod and more room to hold it makes it much more comfortable and challenging.
A ladder squat is more comfortable for
some than a barbell since your upper back does not have to remain in hyper extension through the movement.
A belt squat is great for folks who don’t like a load bearing down on their spine.
Neutral grips are parallel. But people seem to tolerate varying degrees of shoulder rotation, only fair a 90 degree neutral grip exists alongside a parallel neutral grip.
The more comfortable it is to perform and scale a movement, the easier it is to become stronger with the pattern. And that gives you the confidence to build tolerance for positions you are not as proficient at.
And that’s why choosing the right tools matters.
