Equipment Crew- Part IV

[Michiganian]

I had umbilical hernia surgery back in 2006. I think I may have been down for about a month. I don't recall it slowing me down all that much after it got repaired.

The staff told me I'd be on a 20 lb. lifting restriction for two weeks. The surgeon said six.

Good luck and speedy recovery.

Thanks!

I've had issues with sciatica about 10 years ago. I saw a chiropractor briefly and he helped the issue.

A chiropractic was no help for mine at all. What's kept it at bay is, as the DO who originally diagnosed me told me, keeping my abs strong and my hams stretched.

I've always toyed around with getting a reverse hyper as it looks like it would basically do the same thing.

I don't know about a reverse hyper, but, I think my back hyper bench is good for it.

[BiGx5MurF]

I don't know about a reverse hyper, but, I think my back hyper bench is good for it.

Regular use of reverse hyper, and strengthening my QL muscle, all but eliminated lower back pain for me.

[Synthetickiller]

I've been meaning to write a number of reviews of equipment, but the state of the forum is a complete mess.

[urbanlifter]

Got better for a while, then BOOM we are full of spam again! Any new pieces that you are especially happy with?

[CW47]

This thing looks pretty neat. Sounds like it's just a prototype right now, so who knows if it'll ever be released...

[Mech6]

This thing looks pretty neat. Sounds like it's just a prototype right now, so who knows if it'll ever be released...

I've made trolleys like this before (for my 2x3 uprights) but I admit I didn't think of making a smith out of them. However, this one is actually missing a crucial feature of the smith which is being able to stop the barbell at any point along it's path. Starting from the bottom like in the video is not great. I'd also make it that you can remove the barbell easily so it's not on there permanently. Lol, now I have to go make my own. Probably my next project once I get some free time seeing as I already have the trolleys.

[keyboardworkout]

Got better for a while, then BOOM we are full of spam again! Any new pieces that you are especially happy with?

I don't think there are any moderators that consistently check this forum.

[CW47]

I've made trolleys like this before (for my 2x3 uprights) but I admit I didn't think of making a smith out of them. However, this one is actually missing a crucial feature of the smith which is being able to stop the barbell at any point along it's path. Starting from the bottom like in the video is not great. I'd also make it that you can remove the barbell easily so it's not on there permanently. Lol, now I have to go make my own. Probably my next project once I get some free time seeing as I already have the trolleys.

Yeah, I thought it was a pretty good idea, but is obviously not fully fleshed out to the level of functionality that most home gym owners would want. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

I don't think there are any moderators.

Fixed.

Only half joking...

[thedickus]

I've made trolleys like this before (for my 2x3 uprights) but I admit I didn't think of making a smith out of them. However, this one is actually missing a crucial feature of the smith which is being able to stop the barbell at any point along it's path. Starting from the bottom like in the video is not great. I'd also make it that you can remove the barbell easily so it's not on there permanently. Lol, now I have to go make my own. Probably my next project once I get some free time seeing as I already have the trolleys.

Good catch, I just assumed it had the normal smith machine locking mechanism. If you could design something like that to turn a barbell into a removable smith on a power rack that would be genius and something I think could have a great impact on home gyms.

[urbanlifter]

Standing calf raises on a Smith would be nice, otherwise completely useless.

[Michiganian]

Standing calf raises on a Smith would be nice, otherwise completely useless.

A Smith machine would be useful for that. I have a terrible time maintaining balance doing standing calf raises. Then again: They're good for forcing me to improve my balance--so there's that.

I used to use the Smith machine at my old gym for doing incline benches to as near-failure as I could (and, sometimes, failure--which was the point) and doing seated presses to as near-failure as I could. Now, with the safety spotter arms on my short squat stand, I've no need for one.

Since I've no room for one: That's a good thing

[bisonp]

A chiropractic was no help for mine at all.

Took me a while to realize that. Further research revealed that there is a reason why real medical schools don't have chiropractic programs. It's quackery.

Also, surgery typically only addresses the symptoms. Long term results are the same as doing nothing, but it can provide much faster relief.

Learning this is what set me down the path of increasing core strength and being smarter about how I do everyday things. It takes a concerted effort but has been effective for nearly 20 years now. I still do stupid things and strain my back occasionally but the penalties aren't severe or long lasting. A strong core is a healthy and injury-resistant core.

As I approach 50 strength training has gotten frustrating. Injuries happen easily and unexpectedly and are hard to recover from. Last fall I purchased a PhenoX Maverick Bar to help work around various issues and reduce joint stress. I am now considering a reverse hyper as well. A big investment for a specialized movement, but if it keeps my back healthy it will pay off.

[digitalconsul]

You can buy equipment from amazon

[Greybird2]

Standing calf raises on a Smith would be nice, otherwise completely useless.

I got a Smith machine about a year ago to help with feeling uneven with benches and shoulder presses. Couldn't even get my arms in a position to do BNP, especially the right. Worked perfect. I would actually recommend a smith machine. Another tool is all it is.

[Synthetickiller]

I really need to make a review repository since threads get lost here due to all the spam...
I'm actually looking forward to this piece as I've been looking for a similar solution for a while now. Sorinex's version is really bad & elitefts's stand alone model, which the design is great, the price is triple & takes up significantly more floor space. So, I'm left with Rogue, lol.

[Greybird2]

Coop reviewed the Rogue pad. Looks pretty good with a landmine row to go with it. He actually said he preferred the Sorinex version although it looked not even in the same ball park as the Rogue version.

[Mech6]

Coop reviewed...

No thanks. It's become so cringy it's impossible to watch now. Plus, soooo many errors/mistakes.

[Greybird2]

No thanks. It's become so cringy it's impossible to watch now. Plus, soooo many errors/mistakes.

It is. Somehow he has been forced to admit he is paid, sponsored, getting free equipment. So that is good. He does get videos out to see stuff. Gluck does too.

[CW47]

In this case I thought it was a fair review. He said that it does what it's designed to do (chest supported rows with a landmine) exceptionally well. He recommended it over the Sorinex pad IF that's what you're primarily going to use it for. But recommended the Sorinex for those that are looking for more versatility. It's lighter, easier to store and attach to the rack, and is about the same price.

Though I haven't used either piece, I can't say I disagree with any of those points. That said, if I was looking to buy one I'd probably go with the Rogue personally, since I don't see myself using an attachment like this for incline presses, curls, flyes, or anything else other than rows really.

I primarily watch these equipment reviews so that I can learn more about the product and see it in action. Reviews are always subjective based upon the persons expectations, needs, etc., and I really don't care about what reviewers actually think aside from the basics of "does it do what it's designed to do", and "is it made decently or will it fall apart within the first year of use". And even these things I'll take with a grain of salt. So I guess going in with that mindset, I'm not really bothered by any of the channels that put out reviews like this. They still often give me information that I otherwise wouldn't have had.

[urbanlifter]

In other news, saw something cool today! Buddy Capps has FINALLY decided to make a 29MM PowerBar, and it looks like they've added room to the sleeve.

[CW47]

Just got email notification that my Snode DB's have shipped. They initially estimated they would ship by May 31st, but I was honestly expecting a significant delay since I know they've received more orders than expected. So this was a nice surprise.

Should have my hands on them early next week hopefully.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

In other news, saw something cool today! Buddy Capps has FINALLY decided to make a 29MM PowerBar, and it looks like they've added room to the sleeve.

If they add a stainless steel option at some point then I'm in!



Edit: On second thought, that 29MM red cerakote looks like it could use a new home as a second bar to the AB in the near future maybe and competitive price too...

[bisonp]

No thanks. It's become so cringy it's impossible to watch now. Plus, soooo many errors/mistakes.

It's COOP! from GARAAAAAAGE gym reviews.

Yeah, it can be pretty cringy, and he really reaches at times to find "downsides" because he doesn't really understand the cost/value relationship in manufacturing while often remaining ignorant of real downsides, like the cheap easily broken cam followers in Nuobells. He still has his moments though and is able to get his hands on most anything.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

It looks like the Arnie plates are becoming pretty common these days with their availability in stock remaining on their page...maybe they'll become more scarce and sought after again with time.