Stuff We Like

Here's another upgraded classic from Reigning Champ. This detail-obsessed company has taken the venerable hoodie and reworked every aspect of it. From its rugged flatlock seams to its premium cuffs, this is not your typical athletic pullover made by some ten-year old Chinese kid. Don't let your next ex-girlfriend run off with this one.

Not gonna lie, these are some pricey sweatpants. But there's a reason Reigning Champ's motto is "Respect the details. Master simplicity." They've mastered the art of taking classic athletic apparel and giving it the premium, high-end treatment. These suckers are literally handcrafted. They'll last forever. Every detail is accounted for, from the woven drawstring to the slanted, jersey-lined front pockets. These are your new favorite sweatpants. You just don't know it yet.

Set includes two bands: 45 and 65 pounds of total resistance at full stretch. Proprietary Dura-Stretch technology.

Whether you're training at home or adding accommodating resistance to your big lifts at the gym, bands are a must-have accessory. Problem is, most latex bands have limited uses and they uncomfortably dig into your body. Standard bands can even wear out, lose elasticity, break, and snap the ever-lovin' shit out of you.

But not these bands. Designed by T Nation contributor Nick Tumminello, NT Loops are made of a practically bulletproof fabric. They're 3 inches wide so they won't pinch, cut into your body, or move around during training.

At 50 inches, these are the most versatile bands on the market. Throw this two-loop set into your Amazon cart and you'll be throwing them into your gym bag forever. – Chris Shugart 

Double-walled vacuum insulation, won't sweat. 18/8 stainless steel.

You people who carry around a plastic milk jug full of water look silly. And if you reuse that cheap jug, you may even be ingesting obesogens and mucking up your hormones. And you look silly. Did I mention that?

If you really need to be THAT hydrated, at least ditch the plastic jug and grab yourself one of these bad boys. Yeti is known for its premium, almost indestructible line of coolers and now they're getting into the drinkware market.

This big beast will keep your fluids ice cold (or piping hot) for hours. And if you drop a weight plate on it at the gym, it'll probably survive, stand back up, and punch you in the throat for being clumsy. – Chris Shugart

Includes suspension training strap, indoor/outdoor anchors, travel pouch, and a 35-page workout guide.

When Christian Thibaudeau was training a pro bodybuilder at the T Nation gym, we were surprised to see him pull out the TRX. Weren't these things just for grannies and people who train in their spare bedrooms? Nope. Turns out that anyone can benefit from the challenge of suspension training.

You can pretty much train your whole body with the versatile TRX. And unlike most of the other copycat suspension trainers on the market, the TRX is built for abuse and able to handle 350 pounds of resistance. So it's even good for fat powerlifters. Um, I mean STRONG powerlifters. – Chris Shugart

High-density foam roller with molded edges.

Way back in 2004, T Nation introduced meatheads to the foam roller. Since then, it's been used – and sometimes abused – by just about everyone who has ever stepped foot into a gym. Initial claims about foam rolling "breaking up scar tissue" have been dispelled, but it's still great for relieving tightness and speeding recovery after a workout.

These days, the foam roller market is huge. You can buy bumpy ones that look like off-road truck tires and even ones that vibrate. (Your girlfriend likes that one.) And you know what? None of that crap is necessary.

All you need is a firm (but not too firm) roller with a fairly smooth surface. No bumps or ridges or batteries required. This one from AmazonBasics is made from molded polypropylene to maintain shape and firmness with heavy use. We kinda like the red-flecked one because it looks like a crime scene, but other colors are available. – Chris Shugart

French maritime pine bark extract, 95% OPCs.

This stuff, also known as pycnogenol, will give you an unstoppable boner. There ya go. What else do you need to know? I'm done here.

Yeah yeah, it's really good for your prostate too. That's why I started using it. It can also help treat high blood pressure, control glucose levels, reduce DHT, improve skin elasticity, and make your joints feel better. But let's talk about those boners.

An enlarged prostate can affect erection health, and pine bark extract keeps that persnickety gland in check. It also increases nitric oxide levels, which is likewise good for stiffer stiffies. Put them both together and you have something that feels a bit like taking a light dose of Viagra.

But I take it for prostate health. No, really. – Chris Shugart

SuperFabric guard plates, flexible mesh base layer, multi-environment outsole lug pattern.

Think of these as classic Chucks, but juiced up on steroids just like your favorite all-natty Instagram trainer. High-carbon lateral and medial guards add protection on the sidewalls. With just the right blend of flexibility, padding, traction, and support, you'll be wearing these for more than squats. Like doing ninja stuff. They look like they'd be great for ninja stuff. – Chris Shugart

Light and flexible design, ROPE-TEC technology, welded toe bumper.

Sometimes you want a flexible, versatile shoe that does anything you want it to do. You know, like your side piece. This shoe is clearly aimed at CrossFitters, but if you like to do a little running, rope climbing, and box jumping to balance out your heavy lifting, this shoe can handle it. – Chris Shugart