Ep. 4: The Top Gym Accessories Ranked S to F Tier

Top 15 Gym Accessories Ranked

In episode four, Keenan and Jared rank 15 gym accessories from S tier to F tier. Honest takes on what is actually worth buying, what depends on the person, and what is mostly just fun to have. They rate everything from lifting belts and resistance bands to chalk, gym gloves, chains, and blood flow restriction bands.,

THE RANKINGS

S tier: Lifting straps, resistance bands, chalk (liquid), cable cuffs

A tier: Lifting belt, dip belt, foam roller, massage gun, barefoot shoes

B tier: Chains, blood flow restriction bands, weightlifting shoes (S tier for Olympic lifting)

C tier: Wrist wraps, knee sleeves

D tier: Gym gloves, arm blasters (unless growing biceps and staring into the mirror is your only goal lol)

TAKEAWAYS

1. Resistance bands have great value. Ten dollars, takes up no space, and works for stretching, warming up, adding load to lifts, and fixing movement problems.

2. Use a lifting belt only after you know how to brace. It is not a substitute for core strength. If you are still learning to brace, adding a belt just masks the problem. Once your form is solid and your goal is maximum strength, it is a great tool.

3. Liquid chalk over powder chalk. Same result, no mess, and most gyms that ban powder chalk have no issue with liquid. If you have sweaty hands or do any serious pulling work, you need this.

4. If a piece of gear gets you in the gym, it is worth it. Gym gloves ranked low on practicality, but if someone will only train consistently when they have them, that makes gloves S-tier for that person. Use what works for you. Don't worry about what other people think.

5. Flat shoes beat expensive lifting shoes for most people. Vans, Nike Dunks, or any flat shoe gets you 90% of the benefit of barefoot shoes. Weightlifting shoes are worth the investment if you are doing Olympic lifting. For general training, a plate under your heels does the same job.

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