The American Barbell Power Bar has a shaft made from precision grade alloy steel
Exercise Equipment

Best Powerlifting Barbell

Rogue Fitness now has the Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar available. This specially curved bar reduces stress on the shoulders, biceps, and back, while enabling scapular retraction and superior joint centration. Let’s look at who makes the best powerlifting barbell. What’s a powerlifting barbell (Also called a power bar or power barbell)? It’s a tough, stiff Olympic sized barbell used for lifting big weight – think heavy squats, heavy deadlifts, and big bench presses. Shown here is the Rogue Ohio Power Bar – it is our top pick for best power bar. These bars are big so they can hold a lot of weight, but they also have some very important differences as compared to the type of Olympic barbell you [Read more …]

CrossFit Open Workout 19.4 Strategy Guide
Exercise

CrossFit Open Workout 19.4 Strategy Guide

The CrossFit Open 2020 starts soon – find out more. Today’s post is from coach Ben Dziwulski – head coach at WodPrep. Ben is a CrossFit wizard – check out his advice and courses on all things CrossFit. CrossFit Open 19.4: Ultimate Workout Strategy for Rx, Masters, Scaled CrossFit Open 19.4 is here, and it’s a great week for a first bar muscle up…. or maybe a pull-up, if you’re going after 19.4 scaled. In week 4 we have three movements, and some programmed rest. Let’s take a look at the workout, and then talk strategy. CrossFit Open Workout 19.4: For Time (12 minute time cap, this includes 3 min rest!) 3 rounds: 10 snatches 95/65 lbs 12 bar facing [Read more …]

CrossFit Open Workout 19.3 Strategy Guide from WodPrep.com
Exercise

CrossFit Open Workout 19.3 Strategy Guide

The CrossFit Open 2020 starts soon – find out more. Today’s article is from Ben Dziwulski @ WODPrep.com, be sure to check them out. Week 3 is here! And strict gymnastics have officially arrived in the 2019 Open. Who’s ready? CrossFit Open Workout 19.3 For Time (10 minute time cap): 200 ft. Dumbbell overhead lunge 50 DB box step-ups 50 Strict HSPU 200 ft. handstand walk Men: 50 lb dumbbell / 24 inch box ​ Females: 35 lb dumbbell / 20-in box For a full breakdown of the 19.3 workout standards, including the scaled and masters modifications, head to games.crossfit.com Link to full-length 19.3 strategy video: Overhead Dumbbell Lunges: Be aware of the lines and markings on the floor. Remember, [Read more …]

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Aging & Health

Can you “catch up” on sleep?

Can you use the weekends to “catch up” on missed sleep? A new study published in the journal Current Biology seems to indicate that you can’t.[1] In this study, a number of participants were split up into three groups. Two groups slept only 5 hours per weeknight, and the other slept 9 hours per night. One group that slept less during the week were allowed to sleep as much as they wanted on the weekend – to “catch up”. This didn’t prevent that group from gaining weight – due to metabolic dysregulation from the lost sleep. The researchers concluded that: “Weekend recovery sleep did not prevent weight gain or reduced insulin sensitivity” Insulin sensitivity is an important factor in maintaining [Read more …]

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Exercise

Sandbag Training

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 …]

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Exercise Equipment

Concept2 SkiErg – Buyer’s Guide

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
Cross Training Shoes

Best Weightlifting Shoes for 2022

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 …]

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?
Cross Training Shoes

Nike Metcon 4 XD vs Nike Metcon 4

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 …]

Rogue Dumbbells with an athlete
Exercise Equipment

Best Dumbbells For Your Home Gym

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 …]

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Exercise Equipment

Weight Bench Buyer’s Guide

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 …]