Stuff We Like

A Philosophy of Lifting, Living, and Learning

T Nation contributor Dan John is the coach you wish you'd had in high school. He teaches through stories, he leads by example, and after his workouts kick your butt, he'll be there with words of wisdom that'll have an impact in the gym, on the field, and beyond. – Chris Shugart

The Bible of Bodybuilding

True story: I borrowed this book so many times from the library as a 16-year old that it fell apart and I had to pay for it. Although the programs it contains are a bit dated and would kill most mere mortals, there's still something about perusing this book that makes me want to hit the gym with renewed enthusiasm. Sure, a lot of it is bro-science, but hey, those bros were huge. If you haven't read it at least once, then you're just not that into lifting weights. – Chris Shugart

An update of the notorious 1990 book, "Arnold: An Unauthorized Biography."

When this book was originally published in 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't happy. It portrayed Arnold as a man whose "superhuman physique is matched by his ego, drive, ambition, appetites (ALL types), instincts for self promotion, desire for total control over his image, demand for loyalty from friends, and truly Machiavellian cunning."

But Arnold had power. He was the number one movie star in the world at the time and he singled-handedly squelched whatever mojo the book might have had, telling TV producers and magazine editors that he would never again grace them with his presence if they gave the author any air time or print space.

That's why you've probably never heard of the book. Hard covers may be hard to come by, but you can easily download the updated Kindle version. I've little doubt most of what's in this book is true. The author lists over 43 pages of sources. Besides that, a lot of the stuff was commonly known among those of us in the business. (I was even a witness to one minor event.) You may respect Arnold less when you read this book. Then again, you might respect him more. Either way, it's a helluva' read. – TC Luoma 

In Legacy, James Kerr goes deep into the heart of the world's most successful sporting team, the legendary All Blacks of New Zealand, to reveal 15 powerful and practical lessons for leadership and business.

I've purchased more copies of this book to give out to athletes than I can possibly count. The lessons originated with the All Blacks rugby club and have trickled down to professional, college, and high school sports for years now.

I really can't recommend it enough to anyone who coaches athletes or trains/competes as part of a team. Moreover, if you're someone who always trains alone, it'll make you wonder how much better you could be if you were surrounded by top-notch training partners to push you to higher levels. – Eric Cressey

Inspiration and Insights from the World's Greatest Martial Artist

Bruce Lee may have invented metabolic conditioning as his training was a mix of bodybuilding, intense martial arts, and powerlifting. He wrote extensively and his work is profound and loaded with explosive truths. This book is simultaneously a guide to training and philosophy with profound insights on almost every page. – Dr Jade Teta

Lightweight, breathable, and flexible. Seamless, one-piece construction upper, abrasion resistant.

A few years ago I became very frustrated while shopping for some all-around training shoes. They were all either very specialized or designed for 12 year olds with bad taste. Then I discovered NOBULL, a company that makes "no-gimmicks" shoes and apparel for hard-training grown-ups.

This cross trainer does it all, from lifting to running to sled pushing. I have three pair and wear them for everything. The NOBULL Trainer is available in a multitude of colors and patterns, but I love their basic solids. Don't worry, you can still get them in purple camo if you're into that. – Chris Shugart

Seamless construction, non-chaffing, strategic venting. Sweat-wicking fabric is 4-way stretch. Fabric inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the shirt.

Why pay $68 for a T-shirt? Because you'll still be training in it years from now. I bought my first Metal Vent shirt 7 years ago, and after wearing it a couple times per week and washing it hundreds of times, it still looks the same and keeps its shape. The color never seems to fade and the collar never gets stretched out.

The fit is perfect too. Not too clingy, but fitted around the arms so people will definitely know you lift. Lots of colors available too. – Chris Shugart

Sweat wicking, quick drying, machine washable, one size fits all.

I never knew I needed a headband until I tried Dan John's Half-Hour Deadlift Challenge. (Pull 2 reps of 315 pounds every minute on the minute for half an hour.) At the 20-minute mark, my bar was slick with sweat. I tried a regular bandana but it kept slipping. And it looked stupid.

So I picked up a JUNK headband at the CrossFit Games and it did the trick. It fits flat, never slips, never drips, and makes you look like a ninja, not a hippie. Available in dozens of styles and colors. – Chris Shugart

100% Cotton. Ultra soft and comfortable. Tagless, itch-free design. Ribbed collar that won't lose its shape. Athletic fit, order a size up if you're unsure.

I got annoyed with paying 50 to 100 bucks for a workout shirt, so I was thrilled when I found Grunt Style T-shirts. The company's run by veterans and they make an inexpensive, great looking, great fitting T-shirt that comes in a bunch of colors. Best of all, their lifetime "Beer Guarantee." You tear it, spill beer on it, or get "blood stains from defending the American flag from terrorists," they replace it. – TC Luoma

Canvas high-top sneakers. Synthetic sole. Canvas upper. Rubber toe cap.

When I put on my high-top Chucks, I feel a connection to all the greats of the past, but I'm not talking about skinny white basketball players from the 1950's. No, I mean the hundreds of elite lifters, some of who set all-time world records, who pledge allegiance to almighty Chucks. They're just terrific, inexpensive, retro-stylish shoes for doing squats and deadlifts. The thick, flat sole gives you all the stability you need to push up big weights. – TC Luoma

50% Polyester, 47% Cotton, 3% Polyurethane

Hats are essential for the gym. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time fixing your hair before you're about to get it sweaty. So a good hat covers up the mess and allows you to focus on the work.

Why this particular hat? Well, I have one of those faces that doesn't look good in most ball caps. But the fit of this and other prAna hats actually works well. So if you've got a similarly weird-shaped face, you might give this hat a shot. – Dani Shugart

Water-ready polyester webbing upper. Extremely durable and dries quickly after getting wet. The mush-top sole cushions and forms to your foot. Two securing cross straps.

Pack these in your gym bag and slip them on after your workout if you've got errands to run. These are the most comfortable and longest-lasting flip-flops I've ever had. And I'm on my third pair. My first pair lasted over 6 years. Walk your dogs in them, paint your house in them, and do your gardening in them. They'll actually mold to fit your feet. Bonus: They're cute enough to wear with casual summer dresses too. – Dani Shugart