(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best sports & outdoors gymnastics

>Should I still be using dumbbells for squats, and how? Should I do deadlifts?

For the moment I would stick with the squat progression. That should get you a decent ways wigthout having to use weights at all. If you get to the point where you can do a full deep step up then grab a small dumbell (like 2.5-5lb) and hold it in your hands while you do the step up, slowly increase the weight as you get comfortable with a given amount of weight.

I am of the opinion that you would be perfectly fine using a barbell to do barbell squats and deadlifts, but that's really up to you and your parents.

>some other weird machine where you lift yourself up to bars, but there's a footrest under you that just holds your weight (so I don't feel any exercise happening).

Is this an assited pullup/dip machine? If so there will be a stack of weights in it somewhere where you can select the weight with a pin. This is how much assistance the machine will give you. You should be able to either take the pin out so that the machine provides no assistance, you may also be able to fold up the foot rest thing so that it's just completely out of the way.

You might also see if the gym has a cable cross machine or a power cage as these will often have pullup bars on them.

>How do I use the smith machine for rows? I've read around here and r/Fitness that it's great for them, abd I know to put the bar to my waist, but should I put any weight on it or leave it as a blank bar?

It doesn't matter if there is weight on the bar or not for you if you are doing rows as you are not moving the bar. The bar is staying fixed so that you can hang (horizontally) off of it.

You can also use a squat rack and a barbell in a similar fashion. this video illustrates it pretty well.


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The rings people are talking about are things like this or like this. If you're in the USA you should be able to get a pair on amazon for between $15-20. These are great as you can hang them off of just about anything and instantly have something to do pullups, rows, dips and just about any other exercise on. If you have any sort of income form allowance/mowing lawns/babysitting/etc. rings are an extremely valuable purchase and probably one of the most useful things you can have to workout with.

Good luck and please ask if you have more questions.

Here's my "asshole with too much disposable income" version. .

• Toto Toilet Seat
  
• Inada Massage Chair
  
• "Fitness" Pole
  
• Parallettes
  
  The toilet seat is wonderful - I mean we're piping in and heating up water for the express purpose of making going to the bathroom a much better and toilet paper free experience. It even has a pink button for girls I never press.
  
  
  The chair costs far less (and I bought mine in person for substantially cheaper than amazon sells it) than many people will spend on inconsequential upgrades for a car. It is soothing to know that on-demand you or anyone you choose to let use the chair can access a pleasant, therapeutic experience for the price of a dime's worth of electricity.
  
  The parallel bars gave me access to press handstands, something I can do on concrete in public now without fear. I do street performance of acroyoga for fun and it's incredibly inviting to be able to be at ease playing acrobatically in public. The pole is crazy difficult, humbling, and a party in 4 square feet. AMA!

I am new to "grip" training (been powerlifting/bodybuilding) for few around 6 years. "SUPER GRIPPERS" look awesome to me being adjustable. I dont care for certifications, i just really want to get stronger forearms as possible for me. My question is; are they good as they seem to be? Currently looking at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZXYP9XV/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1I1RXXZ29LZB1&psc=1.

And should i also include something like a "hand exerciser"? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KH3L7KC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

​

Thanks to anyone taking their time to reply. Btw, I will also be using various fat grips everyday

Besides the obvious - barbell, plates, and cage?

• Powerlift 2 lifting shoes. The .5 inch heel is simply fucking magic for those with limited ankle flexibility. If I could go back in time to when I started and give myself one recommendation, it'd be to buy a pair of lifting shoes. They're worth every penny.
  
  
• A knock-off lever belt, 'cause fighting with the normal ones is a pain in the arse. I may break down and get an Inzer, but only if this one dies for some reason.
  
  
• A pair of wooden rings that I hang from the pull-up bar of my cage. Good for ring pushups, flies, rows, and of course weighted dips.
  
  
• A dip belt for use with the above mentioned rings and pull-up bar. Honestly, it's not terribly difficult to make one of these with a piece of chain, some pipe insulation for padding, and carabiners (if I can do it, pretty much anyone can) but I'm lazy.
  
  
• Straps, really great for shrugs.
  
  
• A flat bench.
  
  
• A combination pec deck, lat pull-down, leg extension machine that I can't find the link for.
  
  
• A white board and sharpies for my lifts on a given day.
  
  I also have an assortment of wrist and ankle weights, a 40lb weight vest, and an ab wheel.

I'm not sure what you mean by soft grips. There are two main types of grips though.

You have towel grips, which are made of exactly what it sounds like.

Then you have synthetic grips which are like a rubber feeling thing. Those are like the grip on your current racket. Some are more rubbery feeling, some have holes, etc... There are many types and you usually have to try a bunch out to find one you like.

The towel grips will probably beat your hands up more if you're already having problems. I think most people only move to towel grips at higher levels. You need grip powder to help hold it. There's a learning curve there, so I would recommend just staying with synthetic grips for now.

You can also help by padding under your grip. So you strip away the grip so that you see the wood, then many people put this product:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victor-Cushion-Wrap-GR-50-Under/dp/B01CQVGTR8

You can find this as a first aid product as well, you don't need to buy the Victor brand stuff. Basically you put a layer of saran wrap on the bare wood to protect it from moisture, then you put a bit of this cushion wrap to give it a bit of padding/squish, then you put a thin overgrip on it. The grip grip will have a bit of give to it now and it won't feel as hard in your hand.

Plus I just find the grips that come on rackets are not great. I was just demoing a racket and even though it was brand new one and the grip was pristine, it still scraped up my thumb far more than my own rackets would.

Thanks folks.

I think I'll go with the rings, just hoping that they will easily fit inside my 44l backpack.

I presume any rings will do, but want to double check that these are fine : http://www.amazon.co.uk/fitnessXzone-Gymnastic-Rings-Upper-Strength-y/dp/6030588184/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thanks again! :)

I tend to agree, and if I'm doing more than like 10 pull ups I always wear hand protection to avoid ripping, and it's just more comfortable. I've tried a few, and now I've ended up with these Bear Komplex grips. I love 'em!

Hi there!

I've removed this post under Rule 5: No advertising

We appreciate your good intentions, but this is not the proper outlet as of now. You are welcome to re-post this in the Daily Discussion Thread. Here is a copy of your post for your reference:

>I've had these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ETR4FEQ) for a year now and they're amazing. Unfortunately, I'm moving and just realized I can't take them with. If you're in SF, come take them off my hands. I'm asking $25 (https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/spo/6288622383.html) but would do it for free if you're from this community.

Cheers x

A2S2 W11D3. Deadlifts were good. 365lb for 10, despite feeling like I got hit by a truck. I think I need to start driving my hips through earlier. Close grip bench press also picked up some bonus reps, but that one felt heavy. Assistance and cardio were unremarkable.

Tried out Sportsmediq Liquid Chalk instead of my usual stripper grip Dry Hands. It feels a little grippier when pulling double overhand, but once I started pulling hook grip, it didn't matter. Dry Hands is still the stealthier option if that's your main concern (it dries clear, as opposed to liquid chalk which... looks like chalk), but chalk might be the better option for maximum grip. Maybe if I have more time, I'll just put chalk on one hand and Dry Hands on the other and pull double overhand until something fails.

Are you talking about something like this?

Power Monkey Ring Thing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX2WDS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KAKUCbYE6KZ7K

To he honest, I'd never heard of something like this until now. I can't wait to have it one day! Great advice.

I hang my rings over a large tree limb. Before I started I scouted several parks. You could also possibly use the swings in a park. But I'm a bit uncomfortable taking the kids area.
Not sure of the height you need. I just eyeballed it and bought [these] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009PVCMSS/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
I hope I don't need a trainer. I'm just taking things slow and being careful. There are lots of resources online and books. Search youtube. I've been enjoying Sam Tribbles videos. I found a really basic workout online from gold medal bodies. They also offer some sort of online course you can do. Though, I haven't really looked into that yet.
I've gotten pretty good at the 1st GMB workout. Now I'm researching a new one.
I'm also looking at doing aerial yoga. the Omni-Swing looks interesting. There is something about doing the aerial arts that gives me a really good lasting high(Joke Intended but still serious). Plus I feel like I've been getting a good workout and I've hurt my back several times doing regular weights. I think body movement stuff is really the way to go for me.

OP, I want you to follow this routine:

http://www.nick-e.com/reddits-bodyweight-fitness-recommended-routine/

It's all body weight fitness and you don't need any weights. What you'll need is fitness rings and a pull-up bar you can hang in the door way. Those two items are inexpensive and I think both items are 25-30. That routine takes about 45-1hr and it starts off light. If you use your knees, I would suggest getting a gym mat or use pillows.

But very important all this means nothing if you do not have a good diet consisting of lots of protein. And it also helps to walk/jog 30min a day.

If you have any questions, PM me. Sorry, I'm at work spitballing what I know.

Last, checkout r/bodyweightfitness


Wacces Exercise Fitness Gymnastic Rings https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FMZBK4S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jAeAxbTRB8G1R. $20

Sunny Health & Fitness Door Way Chin Up https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016BNDXI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zBeAxbQASAYPB $12

Im looking to purchase some rings and have no idea what makes a good set. https://www.amazon.com/Reehut-Gymnastic-Adjustable-Straps-Buckles/dp/B01LXMBUPQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
This has good reviews but I'm not sure since it is half the price of most of the other rings on Amazon. Any help is appreciated!

Mad Rock crash mats are primarily for bouldering. Like to be light/portable and protect from falls onto sharp rocks so it's not going to get any softer. My friends have them for climbing. They work well for that, but yeah, too hard for aerial.

I got a mat from "We Sell Mats" on Amazon that's actually pretty decent considering it came from Amazon with free shipping. Quite a bit softer than the Mad Rock mats, but still sturdy.

would you trust your face to equipment that is supposed to support like 30# of resistance?

$36 wooden rings. Well reviewed.

http://www.amazon.com/Free-Shipping-Wood-Fitness-Rings/dp/B00I4FZ43Q/


$22 plastic rings. Also well reviewed.
http://www.amazon.com/Ironcross-Gymnastic-Rings-Gymnatics-Gym/dp/B009PVCMSS/

I use gloves for kettlebells but mainly to prevent blisters and ripping of skin due to the constant rotation of the kettlebell during high-rep moves. I used to use normal lifting gloves with wrist support, but didn't like them. They keep your fingers + wrist in a rigid shape with less mobility so I would actually burn out my grip trying to hold onto my bell. I switched to minimal leather gloves which are smooth and allow the handles to glide, helping to prevent skin rips in the palms while not restricting my finger + wrist mobility. There are also gymnastics handgrips which are just like a layer of leather to cover the palms so you don't tear them up while doing high reps of pull-ups, etc. I also don't use the gloves all of the time - just when I know I'm doing high-reps of a move for a period of time (like swinging/snatches/etc. for 2 mins straight).

My situation is almost identical to the OP's.

Yellow belt, six months in, and just beginning to get the idea of knowing various waza.

I have implemented the following to help me practice at home:

1. I bought two of the mats in link below, which are really good for practicing on, doing ukemi, shadow uchikomi, and so on. The mats are tough and dense (they do not give much), but they cushion you from the hard floor. They also fold up in a couple of seconds, and are really light. Also, they did not break the bank, being CDN $140 (depending on the colour you get)
   
   https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B072BN45BW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   
   
2. In order to try to counter developing bad habits when doing uchikomi at home, I suggest the following:
   
   

• Tell your Sensei that you want to video (on your phone) him/her doing various waza
  
• Then have someone/your Sensei film you while you execute the same waza under their watchful eyes, using correct technique
  
• Each time you practice at home, video yourself at various points
  
• Compare the video of you practicing with the video of you and your Sensei from the dojo
  
• Take some of the 'home' video in to the dojo (or post it) so that your Sensei can critique it
  
  3, I am also in the process of making a Grappling Dummy for home use
  
  4, In addition to looking at Judo waza in different books and videos (and asking my Sensei about the variations that I see in these books for various waza), I used to keep a kind of Judo Diary.
  
  During each practice, I would make a mental list of what I needed to remember, and would type it out when I got home.
  
  As an alternative to typing, I sometimes record myself speaking my notes onto the computer; or, if there was a lot to remember from that particular practice, I might dictate into my 'phone on the way home.
  
  If there was a tonne of useful stuff from one class, as well as potentially dictating on the way home, I might video someone doing and explaining the technique in the class.
  
  Or, I might choose to just focus on remembering one technique well, rather than trying to remember several badly.
  
  As I have become more familiar with learning what I need to learn (i.e., learning that I need to be aware of Tai Sabake, Tsukuri, Kuzushi, Kake and so on for each waza), I find myself remembering things better, although not perfectly.
  
  I think that recording some form of structured, correct and accurate record of the various waza (such as video, keeping a diary and so on) is essential at first.
  
  The real difficulty for me is actually putting what I have learned into practice!
  
  Good luck with this.

OK thanks! One last thing: looking at the rows, I see what MrZparkle was saying: I seem to need some rings, right? Would these be okay? And once I get to the horizontal rows, would I need a low-down bar or something, or should I use the rings?

It seems like this would be harder on rings, since I'd have to use effort to keep my arm position correct, rather than just grabbing a bar.

I bought one on Amazon a couple years ago. We bring it to parties. The kids love it (and adults do too).

https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Sports-Multi-Colored-Parachute-Diameter/dp/B001HA0J30/

My nephews have a swing set that would be perfect for hanging some rings, been looking at Rogue and EXF. Anybody have any experience with these or can recommend another brand? I'm wary of the rubberized grip on the EXF rings longterm in the sun.

http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-rings

https://www.amazon.com/EXF-Rings-Crossfit-Gymnastics-Training/dp/B001G7UQFU

Thanks so much for the feedback! I was afraid that the dimensions might be weird because there wasn't anything to scale the parallettes with. /u/iggy_koopa recommended these, how do you think they compare against the ones you recommended?

Have had these for a month now and am very happy with them.

Good question! I set up mine on my pull-up bar handles and it works out to be just about the width of my shoulders.

I use this pull-up bar: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0798J8ZP1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and these rings: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KHPSXJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The rings are threaded through a long piece of nylon fabric that allows you to adjust the height. The instructions in the packaging are easy to follow. I have no doubt you'll be able to figure it out!

I bought these (30 bucks is cheap)https://www.amazon.ca/Reehut-Gymnastic-Adjustable-Straps-Buckles/dp/B01KHPSXJM/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=gymnastic+rings&qid=1566449277&s=gateway&sprefix=gymnastic+r&sr=8-3 and I have had zero issues with them, though I got my brother a set of $45 dollar wooden ones and they are much nicer. I wouldnt worry about the rings breaking, there isnt really much that can break with them.

They're a little pricey, but these ones are what I got. They've been working really well.

Just got 2 of theses for myself for a BJJ gift. BalanceFrom GoGym All-Purpose 4'x10'x2 Extra Thick High Density Anti-Tear Gymnastics Gym Folding Exercise Aerobics Mats (Black) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B072BN45BW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_orB4DbP8P9STV

My gift to you

For my back, I really just do lots of deep, powerful bends. I do dropbacks, Viparita Chakrasana work, etc. That combined with pull-ups and I really don't feel like I need much more than that. YMMV

These parallettes are 9" off the ground, 24" long: http://www.amazon.com/The-Beam-Store-24-Inch-Parallettes/dp/B001TP3B2Y/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=301W7IOI8560K&coliid=I195JPCIB6ULO5

Anyways, if your rope is going to be exposed to the elements, I would suggest staying away from those manila ropes. One of my fitness instructors mentioned that once they start to wear out, they can splinter and get stuck in your hands and arms. Sounds REALLy uncomfortable.
I...don't know if I would use the rope to make monkey bars. I would think the flexibility of the rope would taco your hand in the wrong direction and be pretty uncomfortable. I don't know for sure.
Piping would probably be cheaper.
Also, if you have a anchoring beam, I would recommend getting a pair of gymnastic rings and some nylon slings or loops that are similar to TRX. But TRX is kinda overpriced.

Here and Here

That was a total smart ass answer. Pardon me, I couldn't resist.

You can buy anything on Amazon.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001HA0J30

This is in the US store:
https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-BFGR-01PP-All-Purpose-Anti-Tear-Gymnastics/dp/B072BN45BW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=238OMKT4XXML1&dchild=1&keywords=jiu%2Bjitsu%2Bmats%2Bfor%2Bhome&qid=1570891445&sprefix=jiu%2Bjitsu%2Bmats%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-4&th=1

Can't attest to their quality. Just search Jiu Jitsu Mats on the amazon store, should see quite a few options.

$10 a bottle. This is the one I use. A bottle lasts me about 3-4 months.

https://www.amazon.com/REEHUT-Gymnastic-Adjustable-Straps-Buckles/dp/B01KHPSXJM

These are Amazon's black friday deal $18 with the coupon.

Gymnastic grips

Wooden gymnastic rings for dips, pullups, and other skill based work. Plus you can take them with you when you travel!

http://www.amazon.com/Wooden-Gymnastic-Rings-Gymnastics-Crossfit/dp/B005CVGCJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372447874&sr=8-1&keywords=wooden+gymnastic+rings