Tim - Fit at Midlife

Sandbag Training

December 22, 2021 Tim Comments Off

With so many forms of exercise available today, zeroing in on the optimal workout routine can be daunting. But it turns out that while the latest high-tech machines and exercise fads may have considerable merit, with workouts as in life, the best things are often free or at least nearly so. In the case of sandbags, the fact that these pieces of ultra-simple exercise equipment can often be constructed for just a few dollars belies the incredibly robust workouts that they can provide. With sandbag exercises, you get far more than you pay for, at least if you are only counting the dollar cost. But as we’ll see, the cost in energy, effort and focus required for sandbag training rivals [Read more …]

Concept2 SkiErg – Buyer’s Guide

June 2, 2020 Tim Comments Off

Let’s take a look at an innovative piece of endurance exercise equipment – the Concept2 SkiErg. This unique piece of equipment lets you get the health benefits of Nordic skiing exercise anytime, anywhere. Looking for SkiErg Black Friday deals? Concept 2 equipment is rarely on sale at discounted prices – even on Black Friday – your best bet is to look to minimize sales tax, or to find free shipping. In fact, Rogue has the SkiErg available as part of it’s “5 for $5” shipping deal right now – buy any 5 qualifying items and they all ship for only $5. This is the cheapest way to get a SkiErg. Is the SkiErg the right piece of exercise equipment for [Read more …]

Nike Romaleos 4 versus Reebok Legacy Lifter versus Adidas Adipower 2

Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2022

December 20, 2021 Tim 4

Why look at the best weightlifting shoes for 2022? Lifting heavy weights requires the proper footwear. Many people lift using normal sneakers or running shoes – and that is a big mistake. They should be using proper weightlifting shoes, like the Nike Romaleos 4 shown here instead. We’ll review who makes the best weightlifting shoes for 2022, and tell you why they are the best. Best Shoes For Squats? Weightlifting shoes are the best shoes for squats. The raised heel (which is very firm) minimizes the ankle range of motion needed. The solid heel ensures you are stable with hundreds of pounds on your back or in your hands. These are the best shoes for Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, and the [Read more …]

Grip strength is important for ruck events - the rucksack will spend a lot of time on your back - but you may have to carry other items, sometimes called "coupons"

GORUCK Training – How to Prepare for the PT at Ruck Events

December 1, 2020 Tim Comments Off

A common question about GORUCK challenge events – what sort of PT ( Physical Training) challenges are likely to happen? And how can you prepare? Most of the following exercises may be required with or without your loaded rucksack. For “Light” events there’s usually a lot of PT without the ruck – but it’s better to be over-prepared in this regard. HINT: It’s best to train with your rucksack! Also note that this sort of dynamic exercise with a loaded rucksack is best done with a chest strap and a hip belt or waist belt on your rucksack. Why? Because it lets you tighten down the ruck such that it won’t be moving around excessively. Secondly, this is also the [Read more …]

Use “Exercise Snacks” To Improve Your Cardio Fitness

February 27, 2019 Tim Comments Off

A new study published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism shows that cardio fitness can be improved measurably with surprisingly little activity. The study showed that climbing 3 flights of stairs, 3 times per day, with several hours of rest in between resulted in measurable improvements in cardio fitness.[1] The concept of breaking up exercise into short, manageable chunks results in what are known as “Exercise Snacks”. By breaking up fitness into short, infrequent bouts you can more easily incorporate exercise into your daily routine. The study used 24 young adults with sedentary lifestyles and a control group of peers. The group that vigorously climbed 3 flights of stairs 3 times per day, with 1-4 hours of rest [Read more …]

New for 2019 is the Nike Metcon 4 XD - Nike's latest take on it's ultradurable cross training shoe. How does it compare to the Nike Metcon 4?

Nike Metcon 4 XD vs Nike Metcon 4

April 6, 2020 Tim 1

Fans of the Nike Metcon line of cross training shoes have a new footwear option for 2019: the Nike Metcon 4 XD. The Nike Metcon 4 XD is still available online from Rogue Fitness. But, if you want these shoes – you better get them quick. They are not making them since the release of the Nike Metcon 5 earlier this year. How does this versatile cross training shoe stack up against the Nike Metcon 4? How has Nike improved upon what is arguably the best cross training shoe for lifting weights? That’s what we’ll talk about here. Let’s review what is new and improved on the Nike Metcon 4 XD. We’ll also explain all the newest options, as shown [Read more …]

Best Dumbbells For Your Home Gym

August 27, 2024 Tim 1

Let’s look at the best dumbbell choices for your home gym or garage gym. Dumbbells are a staple of every gym and fitness center worldwide. Because they work. These affordable and versatile fitness tools have been used in strength training since the beginning of time. But, before you splurge on purchasing a full set of dumbbells for your home gym, take a few moments to figure out what the best option will be for you. We’ll present a variety of options here to meet any budget (and available space.) Where to buy dumbbells online? We’re an affiliate of Rogue Fitness and Amazon. Affiliate sales help us to bring great information about health and fitness to you. We’ve reviewed all the [Read more …]

The Nike Metcon 5 Mat Fraser edition cross training shoe is the ultimate shoe for CrossFit training

Nike Metcon 6

July 28, 2020 Tim Comments Off

When will Nike release the Nike Metcon 6 Cross Training Shoe? Nike Metcon 6 Release Date 7/28 at 10 AM Eastern The Nike Metcon 6 Mat Fraser edition will be launched today 7/28 at 10am Eastern. I’ll have a FULL HANDS-ON REVIEW minutes after the launch – subscribe to my YouTube channel to see it first. People are very interested to know about possible release dates for the Nike Metcon 6 cross training shoe. I now have access to a pair of this unreleased Nike cross trainer. It’s a Mat Fraser special edition too. Out of respect for Nike, and the people that work hard on these products, I am not releasing my hands on review video until the shoe [Read more …]

REP AB-5000 Adjustable FID Bench - the best FID bench for home gym or garage gym.

REP AB-5000 ZERO GAP Adjustable Bench Review

December 22, 2021 Tim Comments Off

New for 2019, Rep Fitness has launched their latest product – the REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench (Rep Fitness). This adjustable bench is our top pick for a full FID (Flat, Incline, Decline) bench for home and garage gyms. This article will serve as our comprehensive review of this versatile piece of strength equipment. Long term review update: This is a great bench – tough, versatile, incline adjustments are a breeze, and while it is a tad on the heavy side (because it is so beefy) it’s easy enough to move when you need to. It has worked out as well as I’d hoped – and I highly recommend this bench as the most robust, versatile heavy duty bench [Read more …]

Weight Bench Buyer’s Guide

December 22, 2021 Tim Comments Off

Let’s talk about weight benches, also sometimes called workout benches. We are also going to look at adjustable weight benches – because they are the most versatile. Having a stable, comfortable weight bench is an essential for a variety of exercises including the mighty bench press. And while it’s true that the bench press has fallen out of favor in recent years because it’s not a “functional exercise”, it’s still a huge mass and strength builder without equal. Take that, CrossFit. (Actually, recently the bench press made a rare appearance in a CrossFit WOD – so maybe they’ve come to their senses.) Let’s look at what makes the best weight bench – whether for your home gym, garage gym, or [Read more …]