ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Marty Gallagher, J.P. Brice, and Jim Steel discuss “tools of the trade” that support safe, heavy training. We start with belts—how intra‑abdominal pressure, belt width, and buckle type (lever vs. prong) affect squats and pulls—and outline when novices should begin using one. Next are wrist wraps for bench and overhead work, plus knee sleeves for warmth and proprioception on squats. We compare strap types (loop, lasso, figure‑8) for deadlifts and high‑rep pulls and review barbell collars for securing plates on Olympic barbells. The message is consistent: gear amplifies good technique; it does not replace it. Use equipment strategically on top sets or high‑tension work, monitor elbows and knees for load tolerance, and rotate grips and implements to manage stress. For operators, select durable gear, maintain spares, and pair with rubber gym flooring and clear policies for safety and longevity.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
What belts, straps, wraps, sleeves, and collars do—and when each helps.
How to choose belt width/buckle, wrap length, strap style, and sleeve thickness.
Smart usage: save gear for top sets, don’t mask technique faults with tightness.
Facility practices for stocking durable accessories and keeping lifters safe.
KEY TOPICS
Bracing mechanics and belt selection
Wrist stability, knee warmth, and grip security
Safe free‑weight setup: collars, platform etiquette, and flooring
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: Should beginners use a lifting belt?
A: Yes—once technique is consistent. Use the belt to enhance bracing on challenging sets, not to cover weak positions.
Q: Are straps “cheating” on deadlifts?
A: No. Use them for volume pulls or high‑rep work to train the posterior chain without grip becoming the limiter; keep some strap‑free sets to maintain grip strength.
Q: How tight should wrist wraps and knee sleeves be?
A: Snug enough to provide support and warmth without numbing fingers or limiting range; reserve extra‑stiff wraps for heavy singles or test days.
SHOP THE EPISODE
Made in USA Leather Weightlifting Belt (durable support for squats and pulls)
https://www.ironcompany.com/made-in-usa-leather-weightlifting-belt?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
Olympic Spring Collars with Plastic Grips – IRON COMPANY
https://www.ironcompany.com/olympic-spring-collars-with-plastic-grips-iron-company-ic-oly-collars?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
Schiek 1000‑BPS Padded Lifting Straps
https://www.ironcompany.com/schiek-1000-bps-padded-weightlifting-straps?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
Grizzly Elastic Neoprene Knee Sleeve
https://www.ironcompany.com/grizzly-fitness-elastic-neoprene-knee-sleeve?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
Ergonomic Barbell Pad (hip thrust/squat comfort)
https://www.ironcompany.com/ergonomic-barbell-pad-hip-thrust-pad?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep107
IRON COMPANY — gym equipment & gym flooring (trusted since 1997) https://www.ironcompany.com
Start here (podcast hub + resources):
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast
Shop equipment:
• Cardio Equipment (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals): https://www.ironcompany.com/cardio-equipment
• Free Weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells): https://www.ironcompany.com/free-weights
• Gym Flooring (rubber rolls, mats, tiles): https://www.ironcompany.com/rubber-gym-flooring
• Strength Equipment (benches, racks, cages): https://www.ironcompany.com/strength-training-equipment
Training guides:
https://www.ironcompany.com/articles
Government & GSA buyers:
https://www.ironcompany.com/gsa-and-cmas-bid-information
