Buzz
As some of you have probably noticed, I've gotten more serious about lifting over the last year or two. During this period, I’ve invested in a few things that were somewhat on the expensive side. Looking back, I probably should have asked for them as gifts for either a birthday or the holidays. But at that time, I didn’t know exactly what I’d need. So, here's a gift guide for the 'me' from the past, who might just be you.
It's important to note that fitness-related gifts can sometimes feel awkward, but your gift-giver gets a free pass if you specifically ask for something that would truly benefit you. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you can make a direct request—or if you're receiving cash gifts that you can combine to get what you need—here’s what might be worth asking for.
A lifting belt
If you're into powerlifting, or any strength sport that involves heavy lifts (like squats and deadlifts), you'll eventually find yourself wanting to invest in a belt. While a belt doesn’t directly protect your back, it can assist in stabilizing your torso, allowing you to lift heavier and get more out of your leg workouts.
In powerlifting, most people wear a leather or faux-leather belt, typically the same width all the way around, and secured with either a buckle or lever at the front. Olympic weightlifters, on the other hand, usually prefer belts with velcro or padding. If you plan on competing, be sure to check your federation's rules to ensure that the belt you select meets their competition standards. There might be specific restrictions on its size, for example.
When it comes to powerlifting, you'll need to make a few decisions:
The thickness, measured in millimeters. A 10mm belt works for most people, but if you're looking for something extra sturdy, 13mm belts are available as well.
The width, measured in inches. While many belts are 4 inches wide, if you're not very tall, a 3-inch belt might feel more comfortable, especially for deadlifts.
The closure style. Single prong buckles are quick and easy to adjust. Lever belts are fixed once you set them, but they're simple to put on. Double prong buckles, as I’ve heard, can be a bit of a hassle.
Some popular belt brands require custom orders, so plan ahead. Ideally, you’ll want to try on a belt before purchasing one. Ask around at your gym to see what people recommend, and see if you can test out their belts to get a feel for them.
I decided to go with this belt in 10mm thickness, 3 inches wide, with a single prong buckle, in a maroon color with white stitching. I really appreciate the fact that the belt has holes spaced every half-inch, which makes it more adjustable (as opposed to the more common inch-spacing).
Lifting shoes
If you’re still using running shoes or cross-trainers for your gym workouts, now could be the perfect time to upgrade.
We have a detailed guide on the major types of lifting shoes, but once again, it’s important to try on different options if you can. Think about what you specifically want from your new shoes. In particular:
Do you need a raised heel? If you're into Olympic weightlifting or if you have difficulty reaching depth in your squats, then a raised heel is a must. Go for proper weightlifting shoes. If not, the choice between a raised or flat heel is yours to make.
Do you prefer something thin and flat? Shoes like Chucks, Vans, and other flat options are excellent for deadlifts. Some people like using flat shoes for squats, while others prefer something different.
Are you planning to do more than just lift in these shoes? There are hybrid models, like Metcons, that blend cross-trainers and lifting shoes. If you do CrossFit, for example, you might want a slight heel for squats and thrusters but prefer not to change shoes when you need to run or climb a rope during your WOD.
If you're focused solely on Olympic weightlifting, specialized lifting shoes will be your main focus. Crossfit, however, often benefits from a versatile Metcon shoe. For powerlifters, starting with a solid pair of Chucks and then upgrading to lifting shoes seems to be a common path.
Personally, I began with a pair of all-black hi-top Chucks, and eventually moved to Nike Romaleo weightlifting shoes to improve my performance.
The ideal gym bag
If you're looking for a more personal gift but one that's not too specific to a particular sport, think about the ultimate gym bag. Picture the size, zippers, and compartments that suit your needs best, then drop a few hints to the person buying you a gift. There’s a bag for nearly every setup. Consider these questions:
Will your gym bag need to hold shoes or wet/dirty clothes? Some bags feature separate compartments for those items.
Do you need a bag that fits as a carry-on for travel? A compact bag designed for this purpose could be essential.
What pockets do you really need? I personally like having a dedicated pocket for my training journal and other important papers. Small zipper pockets are great for keys and other minor essentials.
What additional bags might you pack inside? If your gym bag lacks a shoe compartment, you might need a separate shoe bag. Those who shower at the gym might appreciate a toiletry kit. To prevent your bag from feeling like a bottomless pit, packing cubes can help organize your gear.
I use the Adidas Defender III bag. One of the end pockets is dedicated to my shoes, and the other holds my notebook. For traveling, I carry packing cubes and a shoe bag for any extra shoes I need, although these aren’t part of my regular routine.
A membership at a top-notch gym
When you first start working out, chances are you joined the gym nearest to your home or work. However, as you progress and your fitness goals become more specific, you may find yourself craving more specialized options.
It’s worth asking around to find a gym where you’ll truly feel at ease: a place with lots of weightlifting platforms? A powerlifting gym where you can freely use chalk and drop your deadlifts? Or perhaps a Crossfit box with an excellent coach? Many gyms are happy to offer a free first session, or at least allow you to buy a day pass, so you can try it out and see if it suits you.
Don’t forget to ask your friends about their gym experiences—where they train, where they’d like to train, and which coaches and trainers they think are exceptional.
I took the classic advice to heart—that your gym should be either super close or super nice—and I’ve managed to have both. There’s a budget-friendly commercial gym near my house that doesn’t break the bank, which makes it possible for me to also be a member of a weightlifting gym across town.
For another example, I don’t train at a powerlifting gym, but I know people who do. Based on their suggestions, I decided to gift my husband (with his enthusiastic approval) a package of coaching sessions at one. Remember, the person giving the gift should know exactly what the recipient wants. And if you're the recipient, don’t hesitate to ask for precisely what you need.
