I got this v-handle to replace the default handle on my Matrix rower, which I hated. I also have a history of elbow tendonitis, which tended to flare up during long rowing sessions. I wanted a way to row with a neutral grip, and I'm thankful that this handle fits the bill. It is made of aluminum and hence is very light (a mere 1.3 pounds). It is actually lighter than Matrix's default plastic handle. The knurling is on the passive side, but I find it to be just right for long rowing sessions. I'd recommend this handle to anyone else looking for a neutral grip options for their rowers.

Thus far I see two reviews for this belt: one glowing and the other panning it. My opinion of it falls somewhere in the middle. Let me explain. If one considers comfort to be an important part of the "build quality" of a belt squat belt, then this has to be downgraded on that score. For when the weights get heavy, it definitely digs into your hips, causing great discomfort. Of course, I might simply be a p**sy who lacks "the mindset" here. But why choose an equipment that causes pain unnecessarily when there are better options out there (the Spud Inc pillow belt, for example)? When build quality is considered as rugged construction, on the other hand, this belt is up to the task. It looks very stoutly built and reinforced in all the places that matter. I found a DIY workaround the discomfort problem (e.g. I wrapped face cloths with duct tape on either side of the belt that hang over my crotch area (where the real discomfort happens!), as well as utilizing my old Rehband knee sleeves in novel ways). If you are averse to such DIY hacks, and you want to do belt squats, I'd advise buying a more comfortable belt.

This is a budget friendly rack that can, with some tinkering (see pic), store the usual hex dumbbell set going from 10 lb to 50 lbs in 5 lb increments. For that weight range, its build quality is perfectly adequate to the task. I found mine on FBMP for $30, which was a steal. If you need to store heavier dumbbells, I'd look elsewhere, as this rack will quickly run out of real estate.

Couple of years ago, while trying to knead out a knot in my back using my wife's Thera Cane, I nearly broke the thing. That's when I went in search of something similar, but of more robust build quality. After seeing this "hook" at a local Big 5 Sporting Goods, I tried it out in person. One thing was for sure: this thing will NOT break. That had me sold on it. I only use the large hook to target areas in my back that are out of reach, but it comes with a small booklet illustrating how the various other nubs and appendages could be used to relieve knots in other parts of one's body. Finally, it would be a great bludgeoning weapon if the zombie apocalypse ever happens.

This was an impulse Amazon buy, but it's one that I actually use regularly and find helpful during "pull" days. It is a simple connector that allows you to "choose your own rowing adventure" via various handles and cable attachments - which I own a variety of, like your run-of-the-mill gym nerd. It works best in conjunction with swivel shackles, which I already owned. It's not a necessity, but a "good to have."

Given my "old man shoulders," I can only bench using a Swiss bar. I've used the thick grip bar from Black Widow for years, and then this bar became available secondhand at a good price, and I went ahead and bought it, too. (Now I alternate between the two bars every other month.) I like the two angled grips, which allow for both regular and close grip presses. The two neutral grips, however, are either too narrow or too wide for me. (Someone who's of a bigger build might find the outermost neutral grip to be useful.) The bar is stout (nearly 65 lbs empty) and very corrosion resistant. I did zero maintenance on it since acquiring it couple of years ago and it looks as good as the day I got it. At the time of this review, the bar is unavailable new. If one is able to find it secondhand at a decent price (say, $150 or cheaper), I'd recommend it. Otherwise, there are better Swiss bar options out there.

This is an old school commercial weight tree that has a helpful seventh post at the top for smaller change plates. The bottom two pegs are slightly staggered, which doesn't bother me, but I don't see any functional reason they might have opted for that design choice. I was eyeing a Rogue six post weight tree on FBMP when this one popped up. At 1/3 of the price (listed for $50) of the Rogue tree, I couldn't pass it up. (Plus, in being a fully welded commercial piece, it is more robust than Rogue's could be.) It's apparently an extremely rare piece and I haven't been able to find any information about it online. So, one's determination of its "value" will depend on what one is able to find on the secondhand market.

This bench is not to be confused with a similar utility bench (also discontinued) manufactured by a different company, Flex Fitness. It is a fully welded commercial equipment that is rock solid and designed to take a beating. Unlike the other "Flex" bench, however, it is light enough to be moved around if necessary. The tripod design of the base offers great stability while also providing ample clearance for your feet positioning. I got a great deal on it through the secondhand market (FBMP), and I wholeheartedly recommend it if you're lucky enough to find it for a decent price near you.