Stuff We Like

Two-pack, 3 ounces each, pocked-sized pouch

The commercial gym I attend frowns on using chalk. I use chalk anyway. (Cue "Breakin' the Law" by Judas Priest.) I'm not an asshole about it though. I totally understand why they wouldn't want a fine mist of magnesium carbonate wafting through the air and dusting up all the surrounding equipment. What I do is sneak in a chalk sock. This is a small permeable sack filled with lifting chalk. Just squeeze it a few times and you'll get the perfect amount of magic strength dust onto your sweaty palms. No waste, no mess, no crop-dusting everything (and everyone) around you. These made by Spider Chalk are refillable and come with premium chalk that's extra tacky and long lasting.

– Chris Shugart

Weight range from 5-90 pounds per hand.

Have you ever purchased dumbbells for your home gym? Even cheap ones average out to about a dollar per pound. A 50-pound dumbbell? That'll be 50 bucks. Oh, and you probably want two, right? Now imagine the cost of buying a complete set. Also, I hope you have a very spacious garage or basement. But PowerBlock solved that problem years ago with their clever adjustable dumbbells. With this particular set, you can go from 5 to 90 pounds in less than two seconds. And space won't be a problem. Your mini fridge full of Natural Light has a larger footprint. The Elite set replaces 28 pairs of dumbbells or 2565 pounds of free weights for a fraction of the price.

– Chris Shugart

Solid rubber, 19 degree gradient, up to 35 MM heel elevation

There's a time and place for elevating your heels during squats, like if you're working around a mobility issue or you just want more quad emphasis. So what do you do? Well, you probably grab two weight plates and stick them under your heels. Problem is, it's uncomfortable and slippery, and that sharp drop-off is unnatural. Enter these awesome little ramps, recommended to us by T Nation contributor Calvin Huynh. These rubber wedges are damn handy. Unlike a lifting shoe, you can adjust how high you want your heels by just moving up or down the ramp. The high-density rubber won't compress even under heavy loads. Bonus: They'll easily fit into your gym bag.

– Chris Shugart

14-inch diameter, durable vinyl soft-shell, moisture resistant

Those discount medicine balls your gym has sitting around are probably too small and yet too heavy for true velocity work. And most of them flatten like a gluten-free pancake every time they hit the ground. See, most medballs are under 10 inches in diameter. That's okay for some movements, but unnaturally narrow for others. All standard Dynamax balls are 14 inches, no matter the weight. That just feels right ergonomically. It probably has something to do with the natural "power position" of your body. Every Dynamax medball is handmade in America. The soft-shell is grippy and ridiculously durable. I've even used mine outdoors on rough terrain without a single tear. These things will absorb thousands of high-velocity impacts and retain their shape and balance.

– Chris Shugart

Soy free, gluten free, paleo, and vegan. 4 pack (48 shells).

Soft corn tortillas aren't that bad for you, but once they're fried up in junky oils, they definitely move over into the cheat-food category. That's why I was shocked when I read the ingredient list of these shells. They're remarkably "clean." To avoid all grains, they're made mainly with cassava (a starchy root) and pumpkin. They're actually paleo-approved, if you're into that. Now, they are NOT low carb, but the calories and carbs are roughly the same as a standard corn taco shell (about 120 calories and 14 grams of carbs per two-shell serving). And instead of canola oil, they're made with avocado oil. Crunchy tacos are back on the menu!

– Chris Shugart

Organic brown rice, gluten free, lightly salted.

I know, I know. Rice cakes are like eating nutritionally-void packing peanuts, right? Well, I think rice cakes have gotten a bum rap. They're perfectly fine, and rice has been a bodybuilding staple since dudes were hoisting globe barbells over their heads at Venice Beach. Think of rice cakes not as a stand-alone food, but as a vehicle for other good stuff, one that adds some crunch to a bland diet. That's why I prefer these rice cakes from Lundberg: they're extra crunchy and don't have that Styrofoam texture. They're more like extra-thick crackers. With just two ingredients – brown rice and a pinch of salt – and only 60 calories each, they'll elevate your snacking game.

– Chris Shugart

Certified gluten free and vegan.

Hey, if you're going to snack, you might as well put some vegetables into your body while you're at it. These are made with cassava, butternut squash, pumpkin, and cauliflower. You can eat 20 of them for 110 calories. I wouldn't say they're nutritionally perfect, but they sure beat your standard-variety pretzels and chips. Just try not to eat the whole dang bag at once.

– Chris Shugart

Gluten free and vegan.

You've seen those studies about how eating peppers can temporarily give your metabolism a mild boost, right? Well, that's not why I eat this stuff. I eat it because it's damn tasty. Made with jalapeno peppers and cucumbers, it brings the heat along with a touch of sweetness (without added sugar). While they call it a "sandwich spread" I've never actually put it on a sandwich. Instead, I stir a dollop into rice and use it as a topping for boring chicken breasts. Your eyes will water and your forehead will bead with sweat, but you'll be smiling.

– Chris Shugart

Organic and lactose-free. 0g sugar, 5g protein, 40 calories.

When I impulse-purchased a can of this at the store, I was just looking for a convenient boost to get me through an afternoon of errand running. I was not expecting to be blown away by the flavor. I actually double-checked the ingredients to make sure I hadn't grabbed something packed with sugar. Nope! It's sweetened with monk fruit extract and contains a little MCT oil (extracted from coconut oil), a bit of whey protein, and L-theanine – a non-essential amino acid known for its nootropic effects. And of course, being espresso, there's also 180mg of caffeine. I tried the caramel, but it also comes in plain and vanilla. And those little 6-ounce cans are just adorable, aren't they?

– Chris Shugart

One size fits most, mesh trucker style, 60% cotton, 40% polyester.

There's this saying: "If you see a woman adjusting her ponytail between sets, then you know that shit is about to go down!" Or maybe ponytails are just really annoying and always coming undone during tough workouts? I don't know, I'm a bald dude. But I once spoke to a woman (no, really) and she told me that these caps rock. They have a nifty slot in the back for ponytails and messy buns. Perfect for that 5AM gym sesh.

– Chris Shugart

Printed on Gildan DryBlend tee.

As Dave Tate says, it's not about how you look; it's about how your total looks. Not competing in powerlifting? Then tell the world that you're focusing on strength right now. And pizza. Available in black, gray, and red.

– Chris Shugart

Medical grade silicone wedding rings

If you're as devilishly handsome as I am, you know how annoying it is when you don't wear your wedding band to the gym. Hey ladies, can't a guy just work out without constantly being asked for his digits? Yeah, okay, that doesn't happen. But wearing a wedding ring to the gym is a hassle: it's constantly clacking against the bars and it can even be dangerous if it affects your grip. Enter QALO rings. These are high-quality silicone bands designed for lifters, outdoorsy types, and hard workers. They're comfortable, clank-free, and super affordable. I've worn one for years, and the new styles and colors available today are pretty badass.

– Chris Shugart