If you are a regular at the gym and have been bulking up or getting shredded for a while now, we’re sure you have your own set of gym essentials. Even if you are fairly new to the Strongman routine, these essentials are good to have in your gym bag because sooner or later, you will start using them. Some of this equipment will support you in your ongoing training while others will help you level up.
Let’s get into it!
Importance of Gym Essentials
Putting in the time, effort, and planning into your workout routine is an act of self-love, and so is prepping and getting together the most useful and strategic essentials before you show up for your session. Consider these items your little helpers that will push you to go the extra mile in each set and keep you laser-focused on your goals day after day.
Let’s be honest, being a Strongman requires discipline and tactics, and this applies to your gym bag essentials too. Now, let’s see what the top essentials are which must be found in a Strongman gym bag.
Gym Shorts
Starting with the basics, a pair of durable gym shorts is a no-brainer in your gym bag. If you are ready to elevate your Strongman workouts, we highly recommend investing in the Strongman Shorts V3 from CERBERUS. With performance-enhancing features and injury prevention, these gym shorts will provide you with the ultimate support and confidence. These are available in black and red, so you need not compromise on style.
Gym T-Shirts
When you train as a Strongman, you need something a bit more sophisticated than a regular sweat-wicking T-shirt. This is exactly why the CERBERUS Strongman Grip Shirt was designed with a focus on durability and endurance. It also flaunts a motivational slogan on the back to keep you pumped up!
Weight-lifting Belt
Training as a Strongman or Strongwoman and lifting those massive weights requires you to give your back that extra support and care. This job is best done with a high-quality weight-lifting belt, making it essential in your gym bag. Depending on how much you are lifting, you can choose a belt that will offer ample support and enhance your performance. At CERBERUS, we have a wide variety of weight-lifting belts of various widths. Choose from options such as the Triple-Ply Deadlift Belt V2, Infinity Lever Belt V2, or Classic Olympic Weightlifting Belt.
Elbow Sleeves
You must have heard the old saying, “Prevention is better than cure.” This couldn’t be more true than when you’re training night and day, crushing your workouts and breaking your own record in the gym. To make sure your elbows don’t bear the brunt of your lifting goals, a good pair of elbow sleeves is non-negotiable. Depending on how much weight you are lifting, we recommend you choose a sturdy pair, like the POWER Elbow Sleeves from our collection. Try these in your next session and you will surely feel the difference!
Knee Sleeves
Speaking of making a difference, something as seemingly small as knee sleeves can hugely impact your weighted squats, especially if you have endured an injury. The knee joint is one of the most commonly neglected areas when training at the gym; make sure you err on the side of caution and invest in good knee sleeves that offer ample support and compression. With the right knee sleeves, you can squat with your goal weight in no time!
Wrist Wraps
Another joint that is neglected and often injured easily while training is the wrist. If you have been a Strongman for a while, you would already know that maintaining the right wrist position can change the whole game—it’s crucial for good form. Keep your wrist wraps handy in your gym bag so that the next time you are not distracted by this risk. Choose our EXTREME Wrist Wraps V2 or go for something lighter if you are a beginner.
Knee Wraps
The next essential is again for the knees, but let’s first understand the basic difference between knee sleeves and wraps. The former provides a low to medium level of compression while the latter can add a considerable amount of pressure, in a good way, and support to your knees. If you are looking for added stability, you can choose knee wraps over sleeves. The ULTRA Knee Wraps V2 by CERBERUS is loved by intermediate and pro lifters alike.
Compression Cuffs
Soreness and pain are a big part of the training life, especially if you are dedicated. But this doesn’t mean you need to stop, you just need the right tools to support your recovery. A good compression cuff will do exactly that. Try our compression cuffs for legs if you have any discomfort or joint pain, and see how you will start feeling better in no time. Keep one handy in your gym bag and never underestimate the power of the right compression cuff worn in the right place! Choose from CERBERUS’ 8- or 13-cm wide options.
Drop Pads
If you are training for the big leagues, this one’s especially important for you. Good-quality drop pads are an absolute must-have for serious lifters, as they help them muffle out the noise from when they need to drop the weight to the floor. If you train at your home gym, this is quite useful and helps you stay focused on your performance rather than any auditory stimuli. We offer superior-quality drop pad sets at CERBERUS with shock- and noise-absorption.
Resistance Bands
This is a gym essential that’s relevant for even the beginners, so listen up. On days when you need to put those muscles to work, resistance training can do wonders. Invest in a good set of resistance bands so that you have different resistance levels for all types of workouts. We have both long and short options on our website.
Lifting Straps
If you like to show the bar at the gym who’s the boss, you must add lifting straps to your Strongman kit. The function of these nylon straps is to give you a better grip and help you lift heavier. We recommend you try the Elite Axle Bar Lifting Straps from CERBERUS and push all limits in your next session. These straps get better as you use them and their breaking point is 2 tonnes!
Sweat Towel
Back to basics—no seasoned lifter or Strongman’s gym bag should not have a gym towel in it. When you train like a beast (or even a beginner), you tend to break a sweat and it can also lead to BO. To avoid distractions such as these or to keep sweat from running into your eyes, always keep a sweat towel or two in your gym bag for good measure.
Conclusion
Just like every micro movement matters in Strongman training, so does what you bring with you to each session. Once your gym bag is stacked with all your essentials, you can keep your eyes on the prize and break records! The power of planning and prepping your Strongman gym bag is really just another way of supporting your practice, and we at CERBERUS celebrate that thought. With these essentials by your side, we are sure you will go extra hard and hit all your goals at the gym.