Monday, October 16, 2023

Calisthenics

Monday, October 16, 2023

CDOT

1300

Warm Up

Treadmill - 3 mph, 3% incline, 5 min
Hip Hammy Flow
Dumbbell Halos

SIP

Scales - 20 seconds each position
Inversions - headstand hold, handstand hold, handstand hold 
Plank - Accumulate 2 min (40-25-25-25-15 sec)

Calisthenics

10 rounds every 90 seconds

1 neutral grip pull-up
5 push-up
10 air squat

Great movement, about 50 seconds work and 40 seconds rest each round

Cybex Machine Row

12x35
12x55
12x75# stack

40 minutes total workout

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Troy Change Plates


Nice little pick up from Logan Davis.  All were offered at a $1/pound and I opted for the set of (4) Troy plates.  I am not drowning in 2.5# plates and need to stop, but I do like them

(4) Vintage York
(4) York Legacy
(2) Iron Grip
(4) Troy
(2) Weight It Out
(4) Ivanko
(2) International CANADA
(2) Eleiko
(2) Rep Fitness
(2) Rogue Fitness
(2) Kabuki
--
(30) - Yes, I actually have 75# of these little bastards and I never use more than a pair at a time.

Rolling Hills Grip Challenge 2

March 9, 2024

Above the Rest Training Systems

Cheyenne, WY

Event 1: 3" x 4" Saxon Bar Deadlift to Lockout
Powerlifting rules will apply with regard to lockout on this implement. Event will be utilizing a Sorinex 3”x4” Saxon Bar. Rising Bar format with unlimited attempts. 

Event 2: 2 3/8" Napalm Nightmare - 6" lift to Crossbar
Lift will be considered complete when the implement hits the crossbar positioned 6” off the floor. Rising Bar format with unlimited attempts. 

Event 3: Inch Pinch - 6" lift to Crossbar
Lift will be considered complete when the implement hits the crossbar positioned 6” off the floor. Rising Bar format with unlimited attempts.  

Event 4: Rogue Grandfather Clock Deadlift - 6" lift to Crossbar
Lift will be considered complete when the implement hits the crossbar positioned 6” off the floor. Rising Bar format with unlimited attempts.  

Event 5: Wrist Roller Sled Drag
Athletes will roll a wrist roller using a wrist extension technique to drag a sled 25’. Weights will be announced subject to testing. Athletes will be given a time for completing the event, and distances will be taken for incomplete runs. 

  • Saxon Bar 3" x 4" - $150 from Arm Assassin Strength Shop + $65 shipping; $204 Sorinex + $60 Shipping + $20 Tax
  • Napalm Nightmare 2-3/8" - $105 (2 hand) from Arm Assassin Strength Shop
  • Inch Pinch - $15 from Arm Assassin Strength Shop 
  • Rogue Grandfather Clock Deadlift - have these; it is a one handed lift
  • Wrist Roller Sled Drag - train with IronMind implements

Gorilla Strength Equipment - Nickel Pinch Grip Attachment - $19

Nemesis Grips?

John Oka - "jokabug_the_lazy_old_faka" Instagram makes his own implements

email sent to the organizer on IronPodium.  Travis got back to me within days and confirmed all of my questions.

Order 1 - Sorinex - Saxon Bar - Textured or Raw - $280 (with tax/shipping)
Order 2 - Arm Assassin - Napalm Nightmare + Inch Pinch - $136
Order 2 - Arm Assassin - Napalm Nightmare + Inch Pinch + Uprights - $214
Order 2 - Arm Assassin - Napalm Nightmare + Inch Pinch + Uprights + Banner - $239
Order 3 - FBBC - Contest Loading Pins and Contest Cross Guard - $70+shipping
Order 4 - Lowes - Hillman 48-in Orange Reflective Rod - $4 (Left Wall Bay 11)


Vintage Weightlifting Swap Pricing

York

Cast 2.5's - $25
Milled 5's - $45-$55
Cast 5's - $2.50/lb
Milled 10's - 
Cast 10's - $2.50/lb
Milled 25's
Milled 35's
Milled 45's
Milled 20kg - $250

York Deep Dish
45's - $1000
Iron Islands - $1250

International
45s - $150, plus $50 shipping
45s - $180 shipped
35s - $150 shipped
25s - $120 shipped
Single 5 - $25 shipped

Billard
45s - $185-$250

Schisler
45's - $135-$200
25s - $75

Universal
45's - $200
45-35-25-10-5-2.5's - $500
$2/lb-$2.50/lb
45's - $200 shipped
35's - $170 shipped

Hofmann
5's - $40 shipped

Superior Deep Dish Unmarked
45;s - $1.50/lb

Dumbbells
2.5 lb Weider - $25
5 lb Weider - $50
2 kg Berg - $125

Hugo's Cleanout Continues

Original listing around 10/14/2023

Another batch of high end gym equipment.  The Iron Island plates and Legend leg machines sold.  Surprisingly the dumbbells (price reduced twice) and the 100lb and 45kg plates are still available.


Pending  · Legend Fitness Squat Stool, #3143
$175

The Legend Fitness 3143 is a commercial quality Barbell Squatting Stool fabricated from 3 x 3 x 11 gauge steel and fully welded for the highest possible structural integrity. The seat pad is constructed from 2 thick rebond foam with an 8 lb. per cubic foot density rating. This firm padding adds stability to the lifter and holds its shape even under the heavies payloads. Additionally, numerous height adjustments accommodate different size users and lifting styles. Using your squat stool while performing barbell squats on top of a wooden weightlifting platform inside a power cage or squat rack? The 3143 includes thick rubber feet that not only protect the urethane finish and wood underneath, but also keeps the user from sliding while in use. This squat stool is American Made for heavy freeweight training in school weight rooms and commercial gyms.


Legend Fitness Ground-based Grappler, #3220, with Grappler Wide Handles, #3220W
$275

The Ground-Based Grappler is a weighted base plate with two gimbaled sleeves. To make it work, you secure one or two Olympic bars in the sleeves. Then you have the ability to perform a wide variety of upper body and lower body functional training. It is, essentially a floor-based version of our popular Dual Landmine attachment. The Ground-Based Grappler is a multifunctional piece of equipment that allows a wide range of exercises in one small area. Comes only with the wide handles. 


Legend Fitness 3-way bench, #3103
$450

The Three-Way Utility needs no explanation. Simple? Yes. Plain?Hardly. It adjusts from 0 to 85 degrees in a flash, and can be rolled about easily with one hand. Look no further for a bench that sets the standard. Even the seat locks into position for incline work. What are you training? Chest, shoulders, arms, or back? Take a seat on the Three-Way Utility for all this and more.


Legend Fitness Trap Shrugger, #3165
$300

Legend Fitness #3165 Walk-In Trap Shoulder Shrugger - Add strength and size to the trapezius muscles of the shoulders with the Legend 3165 Plate Loaded Trap Shrugger. The trap shrugger allows the user to perform a shoulder shrug using an opposing grip just like using a pair of dumbbells. With the palms facing in toward each other, there is no torqueing of the wrists or arms as heavy lifts are performed. Additionally, the user can simply walk into the frame and grab the handles that remain at a consistent 24.5 high. While the shrug is being performed the hands and arms remain aligned with the trunk and hips keeping the spine erect and eliminating the user from hunching over which is a common site when performing shrugs with a barbell.


Legend Fitness Lat Pulldown/Low Row
$800

2-in-1 tool for massive back development. Fully welded. Exchange one snap link for another to move from deep reaching floor rows to pulldowns. Three-inch thick seat is adjustable for height, as are the upholstered thigh rollers. Load pegs and telescoping surfaces are chrome plated to minimize scratches and rust. Top of fully welded frame features UMHW wear-guards to protect the powder coat finish from the supplied wide-grip lat bar. Weight carriage is finished in our chip-resistant Silver Vein powder coat and weighs 30 pounds. Note that the pulldown bar is 48 inches wide. This is not reflected in the measurements below, so plan accordingly when planning floor layouts.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Abmat

Abmat has come out with some pretty innovative products over the years.  I personally own the original Abmat and the barbell cushions.  I may yet get an Ab Amigo and a banner.

I have been more skeptical of some of the other items like the Barbell Bomb ($45), Preacher Pad ($130), Hip Thrust Pad ($50), Pivot Pad ($135), Split Squat Pad ($30+), Landmine Grip ($40), 1/4 Rings ($40), Heavy Hangers ($85), Zercher Pad ($65), Massage Gun Holder ($100), Chest Up Pad ($65), Floor Press Pad ($225), Roolox Barbell Collar ($88), Atlas Stone Return Ramp ($235), Saxon Grips ($65)

Barbell Jack EVO ($65), Medicine Balls ($105+), Loadable Dumbbell Cushions ($45), Roobox ($275), Wall Amigo ($35), Crash Cushions ($250), HSPU Pad ($40), Log Crash Cushions ($395), DC Blocks Crash Cushions ($175), Box Squat Pad ($150) all make sense to me even if I am not willing to pay for them.

The Dracula Pad for $350 has jumped the shark.  Unfortunately it does look comfortable and would probably suit a lot of folks home gym decor.  


I do respect Abmat for working with designers who are trying to solve a problem.  I do not like doing floor press.  It is uncomfortable.  Well, I think we can fix that.

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Power Lift Used Equipment

I have been a Power Lift fan boy ever since I purchased a used Power Lift GHD from a CrossFit gym.  This behemoth was sturdy, comfortable, a pleasure to use and a pain to move.  I unfortunately sold it due to the large footprint and the minimal use it was receiving in my home gym.

I have tried to purchase Power Lift benches in the secondary market, but have not been successful.

Finally, I looked into adjustable plyometric boxes.  Power Lift offers a really cool design with 2 inch adjustments and a minimal footprint.  I reached out to Mike Richardson and was quoted $1000 for a small adjustable plyometric box plus $290 for shipping.  The price was unfortunately high for a home gym purchase.

Power Lift offers used equipment from time to time including racks, benches, selectorized equipment, plate loaded machines, platforms, misc equipment and misc plates & bumpers.

My most recent interaction was inquiring on Uesaka 45 lb Platinum Bumper Plates.  These have varied back stories.  Ones and twos are typically overstock from custom orders and larger quantities may be pulled out of facilities that are upgrading their facilities.  I am always interested in professional sports teams and sometimes universities.  I am rarely interested in high schools.  When perusing the website on October 11, 2023, the list was impressive and included:



I am a proud supporter of military, law enforcement and first responders and could not help inquiring about the  22nd Special Tactics Squadron and Air Force Prep plates.  Power Lift did not have pictures available as the equipment was in storage, but they could provide the following representative items.



The Air Force Prep program is a gap year for Air Force Academy hopefuls that may need a boost to transition from high school to the rigors of the Air Force Academy.  Cool plates to be sure.

The 22nd Special Tactics Squadron is cool on a whole other level.  These are the "First There" unit out of McChord Air Force Base.  The USAF Combat Control Teams are an elite special operations force who specialize in all aspects of air-ground communication, including air traffic control, fire support, and command, control, and communications in covert, forward, or austere environments.  They are trained in underwater and maritime operations, freefall parachuting and many other deployment methods.

The plates themselves are austere and very much in the spirit of quiet professionals.  I actually started reading Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf after seeing these plates.  So far the story focuses on the process rather than outcomes.  I was exposed to that through Hindu philosophy and believe it is relevant for everybody.


The plates themselves are reasonably priced as well.  Uesaka Platinum Series 45lb Plates retail for $325 each.  Even with a generous discount they would be $162.50 each.  In the secondary markets, I have seen random pairs for $300.  At $112.50 ($2.50/lb) each plus $40 in shipping, plus tax, the plates are a great value for high quality Japanese plates.