Garage Gym and Strength and Conditioning Gear that has my standing recommendations:
I'll be using this page to list all my standard recommended products, that I've been suggesting to clients and using with my clients for years. This page is also a way to support QSC and my family as any link listed on this page is an affiliate link, so I'll receive a commission on the product if you follow any link on this page. It'll be a mistake if it isn't an affiliate link! I would love to get commission on these products that I always recommend to all my clients and my family and business appreciate the support!
Anytime you consider buying any gym gear from Rogue or American Barbell, please keep QSC in mind and click through the buttons below :)
Anytime you consider buying any gym gear from Rogue or American Barbell, please keep QSC in mind and click through the buttons below :)
1. The Sling Shot Hip Circle: This is a must have. One of the first things I always introduce clients to and order they buy on thier own. It is the easiest and best way to warm up the glute/glute med and hips for Squatting and Deadlifting. Strengthinging those specific muscles is often overlooked, and will keep you making progress on your main lifts and keep your back feeling great while you're at it. :)
amzn.to/3FLfsKv
amzn.to/3FLfsKv
2. The TP Therapy Foam Roller: This is the exact foam roller that I have, and it has survived for years with all of my clients and myself using it daily. The things just works well, not too soft and not too firm, and lasts forever. Recovery and Trigger Point is key for being able to continue training to get the good stuff.
amzn.to/3BtiMbJ
amzn.to/3BtiMbJ
3. TP Therapy Grid Stick: Another great, durable tool from TP Therapy. This thing is indescructible, and they have a travel version that is even easier to travel with which is a great travel hack. This thing works great on the Hip Flexors and upper quad area, and you can also get the calves very well with this tool. It's particulary good when you need some tissue work but it isn't practical to get on the ground to do it at that moment.
amzn.to/3jet614
amzn.to/3jet614
4. The AbMat: The best way to do sit ups and build that ab strength. It also makes for a great pad for things like split squats as well. I use this often and would have one at any workout. AbMat is the name of the company that makes the best one. I bought mine from Rogue, but they sell on Amazon as well :)
amzn.to/3W9C9Pl
amzn.to/3W9C9Pl
5. LAX ball: This is an often overlook tool, but it is key for working on diffuclt muscle knots. Everybody that trains seriously should have a handful of these for recovery. They can make a world of difference when the foam roller can't get enough pressure on a specific spot. The manufacturer shouldn't matter too much with these but definitely get 2 or 3 because these can be hard to locate when you need them at times :)
amzn.to/3HyZR2Q
amzn.to/3HyZR2Q
6. The Hypervolt Massage Gun: I know this one works well as I've had one for a couple years. This thing is heavy, durable, and powerful. It works very well particularly for the Glute Med area, as well as quads, calves, groin, glutes, and IT band. Having a partner helps a lot when trying to access the upper back. This massage gun has lasted for years and I've never had a problem with it. I use it often, as it is a quick way to get rid of muscle knots and tightness, and it can really help your body feel a lot better. It works well before and after lifting or any physical activity. Feel free to shop around for others through my affiliate links below, I just know for sure the Hypervolt is good.
amzn.to/3jgYXxQ - the newer version of mine.
amzn.to/3HNFdwj - slightly smaller more pocket friendly version - I haven't used this exact one myself before, but the reviews are good and it's the same manufacturer as mine.
amzn.to/3jgYXxQ - the newer version of mine.
amzn.to/3HNFdwj - slightly smaller more pocket friendly version - I haven't used this exact one myself before, but the reviews are good and it's the same manufacturer as mine.
7. Rehband Knee Sleeves: They make great knee sleeves, I've had my pair exclusively for years. They're great for heavy squatting and Olympic Weightlifting. They do make tolerating higher intensity and volume a bit easier.
amzn.to/3G23uxi
amzn.to/3G23uxi
8. Cook Bands: (Gray Cook of Functional Movement Screen) Anybody that's trained with me will be familiar with this type of band. They last for years even with commercial use, and are great for various core and stability building exercises that focus on rotation and anti-rotation. I use them for something almost every time I train, both for myself and for my clients. They are color coded for resistance - I use the Orange one the most often, also the Magenta.
amzn.to/3HPwgTe
amzn.to/3HPwgTe
9. Training Shoes (Reebok Nano and Nike Metcon's are common examples): You need nice and flat, and stable, shoes for weightlifting, running shoes and tennis shoes are not flat and do not allow for greatl stability either front to back or side to side when weightlifting. You just need some shoes with a flat bottom at the very least. I have a lot of experience with Reebok Nano's and suggest them, I also suggest often Nike Metcon's for those who prefer Nike, I've never owned a pair but my wife has and liked them. They are an all around training shoe that's suitable for any gym activity, including limitefd amounts of running and jumping.
amzn.to/3YBLp0k
amzn.to/3YBLp0k
10. Real Weightlifting Shoes: This becomes necessary when you are really getting in to Olympic Weightlifting. If you want to get better at these lifts, invest in a proper set of weightlifting shoes. I can't recommend that strongly enough. It's like night and day lifting with lifters vs. not having lifters. Linked below are actually the same pair of shoes I've had for the last few years. They last a long time. These shoes are on the starter and cheaper end of the spectrum but they're solid. It only goes up from there.
amzn.to/3FDVIIE
amzn.to/3FDVIIE
11. RX Smart Gear Jump Ropes: These are my favorite ropes I've ever tried. My gym uses them almost exclusively. They have a great sizing guide tutorial video, as well as a host of different types of ropes. Mine are the steel cable version in different thicknesses. I find myself using the "Hades" rope most often, but many prefer a lighter rope than that. Here's a link to their Amazon Store.
amzn.to/3G29WEy
amzn.to/3G29WEy
12. Whey Protein (Ascent): I used to work at a Vitamin Shoppe for a few years - I learned enough to know that I am not a fan of most supps - however, the right Whey Protein is a great one, as long as it's high quality, made in certified facilities and tested, and not full of artifical ingredients. This one meets all of those requirements and I've used it for years.
amzn.to/3FRPhD2
amzn.to/3FRPhD2
13. PH Buffered Creatine: The most well studied athletic supplement with decades of research behind it. Extremely safe, and this form has zero stomach discomfort or side effects. Creatine is a naturally occuring compound of amino acids found in beef, chicken, and other proteins. It helps with max strength and power.
amzn.to/3HNTXLz
amzn.to/3HNTXLz
14. American Barbell California Bar! I have 3 of these now. If you're going to get a barbell, my standing order is to get the American Barbell California Bar. It is an excellent bar, from the Cerakote finish to the knurling to the sleeves, the bushings, the diameter, and tensile strength, they are all exactly what most garage gym athletes need. This thing will last forever, it's been my exclusive bar for myself and all my clients for 5+ years and it's still in great condition. There are many reasons for this and I'll link to an in-depth product review when I finish creating it, but this is a quality bar!
shrsl.com/3u9g6
shrsl.com/3u9g6
* My affiliate links for the American Barbell and Rogue Fitness stores *