Free Programs and Spreadsheets
Gear reviews and recommendations for lifters looking to take their performance to the next level. Only the best products are featured here!
Find the best knee sleeves, shoes, and more. List of approved equipment by fed.
Resistance bands just might be one of the most versatile training tools available. Everyone from hardcore powerlifters to gymnasts and bodyweight training enthusiasts can benefit from their versatility.
That’s why I was super excited when Rubberbanditz offered to send me some of their products to try out and review for Lift Vault.
[Read more…]Deadlifting can be one of the most rewarding experiences in lifting. That is, if you can get the safest, highest quality equipment. There’s so much to consider when shopping for your deadlift bar with so many options on the market.
Here are the best deadlift bars available today, along with a buying guide, to help you choose the right bar for you.
[Read more…]Gyms are beginning to reopen around the world, but frequently with restrictions and safety precautions. Some of the most common safety measures are social distancing, capacity limits, and requesting that members wear face masks. This is especially true of indoor gyms, which are more conducive to the spread of COVID-19 when compared to outdoor gym spaces. [Read more…]
The Signature Gold wrist wraps by Titan have been my preferred choice of powerlifting wrist wrap for the last several years. [Read more…]
If you’re looking to save on lifting gear at Iron Rebel, Lift Vault has you covered. Copy the discount code LIFTVAULT10 below and enter it at check out to save 10% on your order. [Read more…]
This is a collection of reviews for Strength Shop’s 7mm Inferno Knee Sleeves. They’ve been getting a lot of attention, as even though they’re in the $50 price range, they are getting comparisons to well respected knee sleeves like SBD and Titan’s Yellow Jackets.
[Read more…]Mark Bell’s Sling Shot has become synonymous with a big bench press and has quickly become one of the most interesting – and fun – pieces of gym equipment available.
Due to their overwhelming popularity, several variations were made. This can make it tricky to know which Sling Shot you should buy. Fear not: it’s not nearly as tricky as it looks. [Read more…]
IPF and USAPL approved list of gear, updated for 2023 to 2026.
I am not affiliated with the IPF or USAPL in any way. This page is based on my best understanding of their published equipment rules.
Understanding what equipment is approved for use is an essential part of any powerlifting competition. If a piece of gear is not approved for use in a given powerlifting federation, an athlete will not be permitted to use it on the platform.
This guide covers all approved powerlifting gear for the IPF and USAPL.
[Read more…]Rehband Knee Sleeves have long been a popular choice amongst lifters and often used as a benchmark against which other knee sleeves are compared (see: Rehband Knee Sleeves vs. SBD Knee Sleeves).
Nordic Lifting Knee Sleeves have been gaining in popularity though, especially as a more budget conscious option.
Today we’ll be comparing: [Read more…]
To perform as well as possible on maximum effort attempts, using chalk is crucial for lifts like the bench, squat, deadlift, snatch, and clean & jerk. Simply put: to be your best, you need some chalk. [Read more…]
Knee sleeves serve many important functions: they help prevent injury and they help add a few pounds onto the squat. What’s not to like?
Two of the most popular knee sleeves for lifting, especially powerlifting, are the SBD knee sleeves and Rehband knee sleeves.
Both are IPF approved, made of high quality neoprene, and stitched to last for years.
So which is better? Let’s take a look. [Read more…]
Released in 2016, the Lever Belt by SBD quickly became a popular choice for powerlifters based upon the reputation of SBD to release some of the world’s finest lifting products. It also continued the reputation of SBD making some of the most expensive lifting products available.
The SBD Lever Belt is most often compared to the Inzer Forever Lever Belt, another phenomenal piece of lifting equipment that stands apart from the pack at a lower price point.
So is the SBD Lever Belt worth it? Or should you save (quite a few) dollars and go with the Inzer Forever Lever Belt?
Both are high quality belts that will drastically improve your ability to keep a tight, braced core during heavy lifts. While the SBD lever belt may be the highest quality belt available, it is likely not “twice as good for twice the price” as the Inzer lever belt – they’re really both fantastic.
If you want the best of the best, with the SBD Lever Belt.
If you want a superb belt at half the cost, go with the Inzer Forever Lever.
The SBD Lever Belt is available from Anderson Powerlifting.
Both the 10mm and 13mm Inzer Lever Belts are available from Amazon.
Unfortunately, SBD knee sleeves are not sold on Amazon.
The best alternative to SBD knee sleeves that are available on Amazon are probably the Stoic Knee Sleeves.
SBD Knee Sleeves are considered by many to be the best knee sleeves available (checkout SBD vs. Rehband knee sleeves and SBD vs. the STrong knee sleeves).
They can be purchased through the vendors below.
If you prefer to order through Amazon, check out our Top 5 Knee Sleeves, most of which are available through Amazon.
Here is a list of vendors that sell SBD knee sleeves: [Read more…]
In the world of lifting, the SBD knee sleeve was the undisputed champion for maximum support in the squat.
In 2016, Mark Bell’s STrong Knee Sleeve became IPF Approved, setting them up to battle with SBD for the title of “Best Knee Sleeves” in the industry.
You can purchase STrong knee sleeves from Amazon and SBD knee sleeves from Starting Strongman.
So which is better?
Wrist wraps have long been used by bodybuilders, olympic lifters, and powerlifters to add extra support to the – you guessed it – wrist joint.
While mostly commonly used for pressing movements like the bench press or military press, wrist wraps also aid in supporting the bar for the back and front squat.
Make sure you check your federation’s rules for equipment before purchasing – although generally most wrist wrap lengths are acceptable (list of approved equipment by federation).
Here are some of the most popular wrist wraps for lifting, all of which are IPF and USAPL approved. [Read more…]
Ammonia smelling salts, aka “nose tork,” triggers the flight or fight mode in your brain, which in turn releases adrenaline and gets you amped before a heavy lift.
Lifters most commonly use nose tork before heavy top sets and 3rd attempts in powerlifting meets, though they can be regularly used in training. Aside from irritating the nose and lungs, they do not pose any significant health risks in small doses.
If you’re looking for where to buy the best nose tork so you can crush some PRs, look no further. [Read more…]
Looking for solid, well-reviewed powerlifting books to help you get stronger?
Whether you’re a novice, intermediate, or advanced lifter, there is always something to learn about programming, periodization, technique, or accessory movements to help you reach your goals.
This should serve as en excellent resource for folks just starting out and also more experienced lifters that are trying to switch things up in order to break through a plateau.
Below are some of the best books available for getting stronger!
Want to read on Amazon Kindle? Start your unlimited 30 day free trial today!
For your reference, here are the most accurate lists of approved equipment by federation to ensure you’re buying gear you can actually use on the platform!
For non-equipped or raw lifters, the knee sleeve is one of the most important pieces of equipment available to allow powerlifters to move more weight and support the knees in the squat.
Below you’ll find the best knee for a variety of use cases. Choose the one that makes sense for your needs!
[Read more…]Squat shoes are an essential piece of lifting equipment for any athlete that cares about maximizing performance in the squat, snatch, or clean & jerk. Its benefits in maximizing mobility and stability are well documented, both in scientific studies and on the platform.
[Read more…]