The best kettlebells have become very popular workout tools because of how versatile they are. They can be used for total-body movements as well as isolation exercises. Kettlebell workouts can help you burn calories and train multiple muscle groups in a short period of time, and you can use heavier weights to help increase power and strength that transfers to other exercises.

The DMoose Kettlebells come in ten different sizes, ranging from 9lb up to its heaviest version at 70lb, and the prices range from $26 to $200. They all have their own color to identify the weight, and are covered with a powder-coat finish to help support your grip. The shape of the handle and horns of the bell allow the user to grip it in whichever way they prefer for the chosen exercise.

Design and build quality of the DMoose Kettlebells

This was the first full set of kettlebells I’ve owned, but I’ve used a variety of them over my two decades of training. DMoose sent me each of the ten kettlebells they have available. It took two days for them to arrive once they were shipped. Each kettlebell came in their own box with extra wrapping and styrofoam to provide protection during shipping. The box was labeled to show what weight came in the box. I was able to simply pull them right out of the box and get to work.

These iron kettlebells are solid pieces made of a gravity cast with a powder coat finish, and they have the numbers engraved on the sides in both pounds and kilograms. The DMoose logo is on the other side. They all come in the same color, but have their own color stripe on each horn (side of the handle) to help identify the weights.

They are durable weights as well. You wouldn’t need to worry if they were to slip out of your hand. The weights and logos are the same color as the kettlebell itself, but are engraved so can still be seen.

Features of the DMoose Kettlebells

A novice trainee may think that if they have seen one kettlebell, then they have seen them all. However, kettlebells are like weight plates or dumbbells. They each have their own features that make them stand out. Consider the training environment you have access to as well as how you plan on using them when choosing the right kind for you. That said, the DMoose Kettlebells will be suitable for many trainees.

Cast iron

These kettlebells are made of cast iron, which makes them suitable for indoor and outdoor workouts. They are also easier to take care of. Maintaining the look and condition of these kettlebells will be as easy as a basic washcloth and cleaner or water, depending on what you are cleaning off of it. The powder coat will also help protect against rust.

Wide handles for easier grip

I particularly appreciated the wider handles, which will suit athletes with larger hands, and they will be more comfortable for beginners to use. The handles are also slightly thicker than other kettlebells, which should be more suitable for stronger lifters that want to focus on grip.

Superior shape

The shape of the bell (weight) allows the user to hold it by that side as well if that is preferred for a certain exercise such as goblet squats. They are gravity-cast for uniformity. So, even though each weight is a different size, they will have similar shape. This will also be beneficial if you are performing movements like swings or pullovers, because the weight will be even throughout the range of motion.

How they perform

I took the weights to my home gym and started putting each of them through their paces. These weights didn’t feel awkward in my hands, and I used them for a wide variety of exercises such as swings, goblet squats, pullovers on a bench, and even triceps extensions. The weights were up to the challenge. 

While they shouldn’t be slammed down for obvious reasons, I did drop one from arms’ length onto the rubber matted floor of my home gym and there was no damage to the kettlebell or the floor. You don’t have to be gentle with these weights. Cleaning them was easy as well. A simple damp cloth was all I needed to remove the chalk and sweat.

This was my first experience with these kettlebells, and this is DMoose’s first version of these weights. Even two months after I first received them, they are still in great shape and show no signs of damage after regular use. They have been a part of my warm-up routines and full-body kettlebell workouts. I expected them to be durable and easy to use, and they were.

Some users might want to have access to all ten weights, but others may just want to choose a few to provide the support they need for their workouts.

I would suggest choosing one light, one moderate and one heavy weight based on your strength levels. That way, you can train for endurance, power, or hypertrophy or mix them up for high-intensity interval training. This sample workout can help you break these kettlebells in pretty well.

Are DMoose Kettlebells worth buying?

This is a terrific set of weights to use for any kind of training. High-quality kettlebells can be easy for the beginner to use and durable enough to last until that same trainee becomes an advanced athlete. Buying a set like this can help you perform drop sets or supersets with different exercises quickly.

Whether you’re looking to learn how to use them or need to take your training sessions to the next level, these weights will work. This set from DMoose is as high-quality as you can find. 

How we test the best kettlebells

For Roger’s testing, he received the entire range of DMoose kettlebells. He tested them in his home gym, putting them through their paces with everything from swings to squats. Roger took particular note of the grip comfort and how they felt for full-body workouts.

Put them to the test with this kettlebell workout

• Swing with low weight x 20 reps
  No rest
• Swing with moderate weight x 10 reps
  No rest
• Swing with heavy weight x 5 reps
  30 secs rest
• Swing with heavy weight x 5 reps
  No rest
• Swing with moderate weight x 10 reps
  No rest
• Swing with low weight x 20 reps

Beginners can perform this for one round, while more intermediate and advanced can go for two or even three rounds.

Related content:

• Benefits of kettlebells
• Best kettlebell exercises for fat loss
• Different types of kettlebells

The post DMoose Kettlebells review: my new go-to kettlebell set appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Fitness writer Roger Lockridge puts Skratch Labs’ Hydration Sport Drink Mix to the test.

Recovery from exercise or a long day of work is just as important as getting the energy to start. Having an electrolyte drink can help with that recovery. Skratch Labs’ Hydration Sport Drink Mix comes in eight flavors. It can be purchased either in a box of multiple flavor samples, or in a 20-serving resealable bag of a single flavor. See how it compares to the other best electrolyte drinks in our round-up.

Skratch Labs’ Hydration Sport Drink Mix performance

These drinks are designed to promote recovery and supply electrolytes that were lost from sweating during prolonged activity, such as working out or even just doing outside chores in the heat.

I tested this drink in both situations and found it to not only be refreshing, but effective at increasing energy. It was beneficial as an intra-workout and recovery drink, and it was refreshing after several hours of lawn work.

Taste and solubility

The pineapple flavor was my personal favorite, but the other four I tried (Lemon & Lime, Orange, Strawberry Lemonade, and Fruit Punch) were all tasty as well – without being overly sweet. It mixes very well with just a spoon or a shaker cup, and there is no leftover powder at the bottom when you’re finished. On top of that, it’s a simple formula with less than ten ingredients.

Skratch Labs also makes other sports nutrition products such as Energy Chews, Wellness Hydration Drink Mix, Crispy Rice Cakes, and more.

What other electrolyte drinks are worth considering?

I’ll stick by the claim that Skratch Labs electrolyte drinks cannot be beaten for taste, but I’m also aware that flavor won’t be everyone’s top priority.

For example, if you want an electrolyte drink which is going to last you throughout a long endurance session, Gu Hydration tablets might be a better bet. These have a notably positive flavor which I felt had a lot more staying power compared to other electrolyte drinks, especially considering that you’re meant to mix them into 750ml of water.

Another option that’s worth consideration is MyEndurance Hydr8. This electrolyte drink is packed with vitamins, minerals and sodium, yet is available at almost a fifth of the price of Skratch Labs’ mix. There is only one flavor to choose from mind you: orange. But come on, who doesn’t like orange?

For most people though, Skratch Labs Hydration Sport Drink Mix will likely be one of the best options out there.

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Does your grip give out before your legs do when you deadlift? It can be frustrating to know you’re capable of lifting more weight, only to have it slip out your hands before your target muscles are worked effectively.

It’s well worth doing targeted exercises to improve your grip (think farmer’s carries and shrugs – anything that involves holding heavy weights in each hand). But everyone, no matter their grip strength, can also benefit from using lifting straps.

My own lifting (and hence my strength training in general) developed significantly when I started to use them. Because I began to do so in tandem with targeted dumbbell shoulder and arm exercises to improve my grip strength (I found chin-ups and seated curls particularly good for this), I quickly started to benefit from both mutually beneficial approaches.

They created a kind of synergy where my grip strength was being slowly developed by targeting exercises and being immediately bolstered from using lifting straps. Within a month I could feel that I was maxing out when my arms and shoulders failed (or at least was achieving the number of reps I needed to) – not when my grip gave way.

Lifting strap designs

Lifting straps have a loop on one end that you feed the other end through. They’re then placed around your wrist, with the long end of the strap going around the handle – usually a barbell – you would normally hold. This takes a lot of the strain off your forearms and helps you to keep holding on, so you can execute your desired number of reps.

While most fitness enthusiasts or athletes use lifting straps with barbells, they can be used with other fitness tools too. Hefting heavy dumbbells can certainly be helped with lifting straps. And they can can give you better purchase on the handles of resistance machines too.

Lifting strap variations

Looking at most lifting straps designs, you’d be forgiven for thinking their design is fairly ubiquitous. But there are quite a few variations in size, shape, material and more. The length and width of the strap can vary significantly (the DMoose straps are 24in / 61cm long; Gymreapers are just 18in / 45.7cm). Some designs have extra padding (the NoCo straps have plush suede pads; Rogue Ohio’s straps have none). And material plays a big part in design too (there are nylon, cotton, PVC, synthetic suede and neoprene designs, as well as Schiek’s easy-to-clean leather option).

Then there are those that eschew the standard strap design altogether. JerkFit, for example, has gone for a glove-like design with its popular Death Grips. They have short padded tongues that wrap around the handle in a similar way, with the glove giving you plenty of purchase. Whatever their design, though, all lifting straps create a comfortable, secure and grippy interface between you and your weight handle to ease your grip effort and stop your hands fatiguing before your arms do.

It’s such a cheap and simple piece of equipment. Yet it’s also so very effective. I can’t think of another piece of fitness kit that offers such bang for your buck. So I suggest buying a pair today and enjoying an immediate power-up in your quest to lift bigger and better.

How to use lifting straps

Step 1

Hold the strap at both ends.

Step 2

Slide the non-looped end of the strap through the loop on the other end to make the hole that your hand goes through.

Step 3

Slide your hand into that hole, with the palm up so the remaining portion of the strap can go over the palm. That portion should be in the direction of your thumb. If the strap is going in the same direction as your left thumb, it should go in the left hand, and vice versa. Repeat with the other strap for the right hand.

Step 4

Take the strap of the working hand and wrap it around the handle of the object you intend to lift.

Step 5

You can wrap the strap around the bar as much as you like, but just one loop is fine.

Step 6

Now take a grip of the looped strap, so it sits between your hand and the bar. Make sure the strap is secured before you begin the lift. Do not attempt to lift with a loose strap.

Try these Gymreapers lifting straps

Illustrations: Peter Liddiard / Main image: Gymreapers

Related content:

• Barbell hip thrust benefits
• How to use lifting straps
• Barbell arm exercises

The post How to use lifting straps when you need to bolster your grip appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Schiek is one of the more popular companies in the training accessories space. You may have seen its adverts with former Mr Olympia winners Jay Cutler, Phil Heath and Brandon Curry. Its most recent lifting straps – the 100 LLS – are made of real leather, which gives them an old-school look that I really like. But does that heritage look mean outdated performance, though? I put them through their paces through hundreds of dumbbell, barbell and resistance machine reps to make sure they’re not all form over function.

Schiek 1000 LLS design and build quality

These lifting straps come in two colors – black and tan – and both look as good as they perform. The design is simplicity itself and the leather is easy to clean. They’re 21in (53.4cm) in length and 1.5in (3.8cm) wide. The company logo is stitched on and there’s no padding on the inside for the wrist, but the strap itself shouldn’t irritate the skin or pull any hair. 

These can be used in any training environment, but if you train in hot conditions you may want to give an extra tug or two on the handle before you begin your set. Keep in mind that if your equipment has aggressive knurling, such as a powerlifting barbell would, it may impact your straps as well. 

Beginners or people that focus on general fitness training will be satisfied with the Schiek 1000 LLS due their simplicity. Advanced lifters will find these to be dependable as well. I have a pair in my gym bag for when I travel, and they’ve lasted me for several years. I find them easy to use with machine handles or dumbbells.

For the advanced lifters, they should hold up through harder workouts. If a strap does happen to break, Schiek has great customer service, with a no-quibble strap replacement policy. 

How the Schiek 1000 LLS compares

When comparing the JerkFit Death Grips to our two top-rated lifting straps – the DMoose and No Conformity straps – there are a few differences. Length-wise, at 21in / 53.3cm they fit between the two (the DMoose are 24in / 61cm and the NoCo 20in / 50.8cm). At no point did I feel they weren’t long enough.

Their leather construction makes them easier to wipe clean after every use, as opposed to washing every so often. Like the NoCo there are two colors to choose from – black and tan. But the DMoose straps have plenty more color options. They’re significantly cheaper than the Shiek straps too – though I’ve no doubt the leather 1000 LLS straps will still be around long after the DMoose straps have started to fray. And even if they did give out, you’ve got the peace of mind from that no-quibble guarantee.

User experience

There’s no extra padding on these Schiek straps, but even after long, heavy sets my hands never felt beaten up. For me the leather felt like enough padding on its own. I liked the extra width, too, which stopped the edges of my palms rubbing on knurled handles.

The leather construction may be a love-hate thing for some. While it adds to the visual appeal of these straps, I did find they could become slick with sweat. It’s not the most breathable material and during sweaty sessions it does become noticeable. That said, I didn’t feel it impacted my performance or decreased

How we test the best lifting straps

Our tester Roger Lockridge is an experienced product reviewer of all manner of fitness kit. He tested these lifting straps over at least a month at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges. Roger assessed each pair in terms of grip, comfort and durability. He then provided an overall score, taking availability, value and ranges of colors, sizes and other options into account.

Related content:

• Barbell hip thrust benefits
• How to use lifting straps
• Barbell arm exercises

The post Schiek 1000 LLS Leather Lifting Straps review: I love the classic leather styling appeared first on Men's Fitness.

When I set out to test some of the best lifting straps on the market, I thought this would be a fairly straight-forward procedure. After all, they’re just straps, right? Usually lengths of padded material, with one end designed to be wrapped around your wrist, the other around the handle of a barbell, dumbbell or machine. The idea behind them is that they’ll allow you to lift heavier weights because you won’t be limited by a potential lack of grip strength. While the idea with the JerkFit Death Grips is the same, the design and application is a little different.

JerkFit Death Grips design and build quality

This is a different type of strap because of the way it’s applied. JerkFit Death Grips could almost be considered more of a lifting glove than a strap. You secure the wrist wrap as you would a glove, and the strap itself provides extra protection for the palm. It wraps around the object you intend to hold just once.

There are other grips on the market that use this method, but these grips in particular are simple to use and feel strong enough to last for years’ worth of workouts to come. The tongue is short, and it won’t wrap around as many times as your traditional lifting strap would, but this is by design. 

These are also different because of the material. They are made of PVC with neoprene padding. You’ll know you’re holding something, but there won’t be any discomfort from the pressure of the weight or resistance. These would be one of the best lifting straps for lifters who use machines in training or want to maintain a solid hold of cable attachments. Of course, they can work for barbells too, or even heavy dumbbells. I found that the skull on the strap really caught my eye and helped get me in the zone. 

The largest size is designed for those with wrists over 8in (20.3cm) in diameter, but an extra-large option would have be nice for the bigger lifters out there. There’s a lack of support for the thumb, but that’s a minor inconvenience because you’ll still have a solid hold of whatever you’re using. 

How it compares

When comparing the JerkFit Death Grips to our two top-rated lifting straps – the DMoose and No Conformity straps – there are some notable differences. Firstly our two top grips come in just one size – 24in / 61cm for the DMoose and 20in / 50.8cm for the NoCo. The Death Grips give you small, medium and large options.

However, there’s a lack of color options, with just the black PVC and neoprene gloves available. (I have to say the eye-catching skull design more than makes up for that though.) However, the DMoose has nine different designs, so might appeal more to those who like to rock a more individual look in the gym.

Of course, price will play a big part in your decision making. While the Death Grips are just a little more than the NoCo straps, they are almost four times the price of my favorite, the DMoose straps. That being said, they are a more robust design which I’ve no doubt will last longer.

User experience

In terms of user experience, though, both types work flawlessly. In fact the Death Grips are probably quicker to apply than traditional straps. That thick wad of neoprene padding is one of the comfiest I’ve tested too, and offers one of the most secure-feeling holds.

Overall they feel really well suited to resistance machines and this is probably where I’d use them most. But I found them a no-nonsense strap that just got the job done with barbells and dumbbells too.

How we test the best lifting straps

Our tester Roger Lockridge is an experienced product reviewer of all manner of fitness kit. He tested these lifting straps over at least a month at various weights and through a range of exercises at high rep ranges. Roger assessed each pair in terms of grip, comfort and durability. He then provided an overall score, taking availability, value and ranges of colours, sizes and other options into account.

Related content:

• Barbell hip thrust benefits
• How to use lifting straps
• Barbell arm exercises

The post JerkFit Death Grips review: my go-to grip for machine work appeared first on Men's Fitness.

The best lifting straps can be a highly effective accessory for strength training. Lifting straps are wrapped around the wrist, with the other end wrapped around a barbell, handle of a dumbbell or a machine handle. They allow you to train larger muscle groups with heavier weights because you won’t be limited by a potential lack of grip strength. They won’t take up much space in your gym bag, either.

If you want to work on your grip strength and train muscles effectively, use your natural grip for warm-up sets. Save the straps for the heaviest weight that you feel may require straps for support. Straps should only be used when your grip is hampering your ability to progress in a certain lift – usually barbell exercises like deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts and bent-over rows.

A good lifting strap will be comfortable, durable and simple to use. The six straps on this list meet all those criteria. If you try any of these straps for yourself, you can be confident they’ll serve your training needs for a long time to come.

 These are the best lifting straps

The DMoose lifting straps emerged as our top choice, thanks to their plush padding and solid breathability. We also found their extra length to be particularly useful in the battle for more grip.

1. DMoose Lifting Straps

At 24in / 61cm, DMoose makes some of the longest straps around. They have a plush 4mm of padding too, for when you need that extra comfort on big lifts. Made from breathable cotton, they won’t get slick when you sweat, either. For those that like to make a statement, these straps come in nine color variations – including our favorite, the stars and stripes.

• Read our full DMoose Lifting Straps review

2. No Conformity Lifting Straps

With extra nylon reinforcements around the stress points, you can be sure these straps from No Conformity – or NoCo – won’t give out on you. Reinforced edges mean they won’t fray any time soon either. If comfort is your priority, they have you covered there too, with suede wrist padding that feels soft against the skin.

• Read our full No Conformity Lifting Straps review

3. Schiek 1000 LLS Leather Lifting Straps

Schiek’s 1000 LLS are one of just a few lifting straps made of real leather. It’s a touch of luxury that translates into dependable strength and comfort in the gym. It doesn’t make these straps particularly pricey, ether, but it does make them easy to clean. Dependable customer service means you’re guaranteed a replacement should a strap eventually break.

• Read our full Schiek 1000 LLS Leather Lifting Straps review

4. Gymreapers Lifting Straps

Gymreaper’s padded lifting straps feel much more premium than their low price suggests. Neoprene padding means they can be used for any handle, regardless of knurling. There are nine different color schemes available, and although they are shorter than most, they can still be secured to any handle with ease. A lifetime guarantee is an added bonus.

• Read our full Gymreapers Lifting Straps review

5. JerkFit Death Grips

The JerkFit Death Grips are more of a lifting glove than a lifting strap, but they do the job just as well. They’re made from PVC with neoprene padding, giving you decent grip and comfort in equal measure. They come in three sizes, too, so are suitable for lifters with wrists as large as 8in / 20cm.

• Read our full JerkFit Death Grips review

6. Rogue Ohio Straps

These straps are a redesign of Rogue Fitness’s Ohio straps and are an improvement on a classic. Made from 100% cotton, the straps are breathable enough to avoid getting slippery during sweaty sessions. Their webbed design is comfortable enough to negate the need for padding too. There’s also a nylon version if you prefer.

• Read our full Rogue Ohio Lifting Straps review

What are lifting straps made of?

Lifting straps are usually made of cotton, nylon or leather, and they’re applied on pulling movements such as the deadlift, bent-over rows, pull-ups and even shrugs.

Some lifters also used them for biceps curls – though we’d recommend saving them for your heaviest lifts. Most lifting straps are 12in-18in / 30.5cm-45.7cm long, and some have padding on the wrist portion for extra comfort.

Follow instructions on how to wash or care for the straps so they last you as long as possible. Many straps require hand washing, so you can clean them gently without damaging them.

Related content:

• How to use lifting straps
• Resistance bands vs weights
• Best dumbbell exercises

The post We enhanced our strength training routines with the best lifting straps appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Many coaches and athletes extol the benefits of using cold water for recovery alongside stretching exercises. Fortunately, you don’t have to fill an entire bathtub or buy a massive container to sit in to try it out for yourself. There are smaller, cheaper and more portable options that allow you to ‘enjoy’ the cold tub experience. One of those is the Ice Pod from the Pod Company. 

I was able to test this tub out for several uses and found it to be a great asset. It was simple to set up and didn’t take more than a few minutes to fill up. It didn’t take long to dissemble, either. 

How big is the Ice Pod? 

When inflated and standing, the Ice Pod weighs 7lb / 3.2kg, stands 29in / 73.7cm tall and is 32in / 81.3cm diameter. It can hold up to 79 gallons / 300 litres of water. The average adult can easily step over the wall of the tub to get inside. You can also drop on your knees or sit down completely inside the tub with your legs bent. The Pro version has double insulation to keep water cold even longer than the standard version. 

Sets up in minutes 

Once you open the package up, you can blow up the top of the pod within a couple of minutes. A pump makes this process even quicker. Then, you slide the eight legs into their slots and stand it on its feet. You’re now ready to fill it up with water. 

You can either fill up a bucket and pour it into the pod or use a hose. I used the latter option, and filled the pod in less than 10 minutes. You can add ice to maximise the cold temperature if you like. I filled it with water from a well which was more than cold enough. When you’re ready to drain it, there’s a tap attachment that makes it much easier than pulling the water out of the pod manually. 

Ice Pod comfort

The Ice Pod (buy now) can accommodate a person up to 6ft 9in / 2m 6cm tall or up to 300lb / 136kg in bodyweight. I’m 5ft 9 inches / 1m 75cm tall and weigh 250lb / 113kg and was able to fit inside with no trouble.

When I sat on the floor of the pod, the top of my shoulders was at the top of the water. I’d sit for 5-10 minutes a session and use it for several different sessions throughout the week. I found that I was noticeably less sore in the days following intense training and had more energy later in the day than days I didn’t use it. 

Disadvantages 

There are a couple of minor inconveniences with the Ice Pod. You’ll likely lose water once you step in and out of the top, which means you’ll need to replace it if you wish to use it again. Then again that’s true of most portable ice bats.

There’s also no storage case included, so you’ll have to find your own way of storing it once it’s dry. I found a simple tote bag worked fine. 

Is the Ice Pod worth it? 

If recovery is a priority and you believe in the power of cold water, then a portable ice bath like the Ice Pod is a must-have. It’s simple to set up and use, has enough room even for the tallest folk, and is easier on the wallet than a larger cold tub that would have to stay in place permanently.

I’ve found using the Ice Pod for 5-10 minutes a day after training has been hugely beneficial. It’s now a regular part of my recovery protocol. 

Related content:

• Ice Barrel 400 review
• The science of ice baths
• Lumi Recovery Pod Max review

The post The Ice Pod Review: My Pick For A Portable Ice Bath appeared first on Men's Fitness.

The robust DMoose 2-in-1 set gives you the versatility of both dumbbell and barbell training through a wide weight range, writes Roger Lockridge.

The DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell set is designed to allow home gym owners with limited space to reap the benefits of both barbell and unilateral dumbbell training. The set converts from one of the best adjustable dumbbells to a top-notch barbell with only a few changes. It also offers a wide 4-90lb / 2-40kg weight range in 16 weights for you to train with.  

This 2-in-1 design means you can train your entire body with the benefits that come with free weights without the hassle of storing barbells, plates and dumbbells.  

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell 

The dumbbell version of the DMoose 2-in-1 has a pretty large footprint, but serves as a quality resistance training tool. Despite looking unwieldy, I found I could perform various single-arm exercises with it with ease – including dumbbell rows, lateral raises and overhead triceps extensions. If you wanted to go all the way with single-sided training, you could add in split squats and chest presses too.

It may not be the best option for dumbbell biceps exercises such as concentration curls due to its length, but I hammered out hammer curls with no problem. I’d be careful not to drop it, though, as I’m not convinced how sturdy the plate selection mechanism is. 

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Barbell

By simply adding in the extra pieces to the dumbbell and storage plates, you can switch out the DMoose from a dumbbell to a barbell in no time, to add plenty of variety to your training. Now you’ve got the option of shoulder presses, barbell rows, bench presses and squats to add to you repertoire. Or if you have half an hour to spare, you could tackle our 30-minute dumbbell workout.

It’s useful for isolating your shoulders in a dumbbell workout with front raises or upright rows and worked well with biceps movements like the barbell curl with a wide or close grip. Though not the widest, the handles are quite comfortable to hold with a patterned silicon grip that gave me plenty of purchase. 

DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell/Barbell performance 

My DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell and Barbell set showed up in one box with extra styrofoam for protection. The dumbbell came pre-assembled, and my package included the barbell pieces as well as instructions. It only took me a couple of minutes to set the whole thing up.

I already have a full home gym, but I can see where a beginner or someone with a smaller exercise room could benefit from having the DMoose 2-in-1. I started with a variety of the best dumbbell exercises to test it out, including single-arm rows and pullovers for back, overhead extensions and hammer curls for arms, and single-sided dumbbell press and lateral raises for shoulders. The dial lets you easily select your desired weight while it’s in the stand. So transitioning from one exercise to the next is quick and intuitive.  

After testing the dumbbell out, I added the extra pieces to make the barbell. Again, changing weights was straightforward, allowing me to transition from rear delt rows to shoulder presses, front raises and barbell curls with ease.  In the hand the whole unit felt robust, with no real plate rattling to speak of. 

Should you buy the DMoose 2-in-1 dumbbell/barbell set? 

If you’re starting a home gym and want access to several weights without the space commitment, this would be a great place to start. Beginners would also benefit from having a barbell on hand for when they’re ready to progress. It may not be the same as having a pair of dumbbells, but unilateral training does have its benefits. 

It does come with a hefty price tag, but build quality is good and there’s plenty of value in the set’s versatility. You may be able to find less expensive options, but I doubt they’ll have the quality of the DMoose. With its 2-in-1 set, you’re getting a versatile training tool that will last with the proper care. 

DMoose 2-in-1 dumbbell/barbell technical specs

The post DMoose 2-in-1 Adjustable Dumbbell/Barbell Review: I Value Its Versatility appeared first on Men's Fitness.

Rogue Fitness is one of the most recognized brands in the fitness world. It’s best known for its range of weights, but its accessories are high quality as well. Its lifting straps are a case in point; Rogue has redesigned its classic Ohio Straps and the newer version is better than the original.  

Rogue Ohio Straps features

The 20in / 50.8cm-long straps are made of cotton and are webbed to provide enough comfort so that padding isn’t necessary on the wrist. Even if you have sensitive skin, these should be comfortable enough to use with no problem. It’s also strong enough that you can feel confident performing each rep while using them. There’s also a nylon version of these best lifting straps if you prefer.

Both will be suitable for beginners and reliable for advanced lifters. The loop is smaller than many straps, which makes it a little more difficult to slide the strap in. That may be an issue for newer fitness enthusiasts, but you can keep the strap in the loop, so you don’t have to reinsert it in the future. The Ohio Straps are not reinforced at the common breaking points or at the ends, but they’re still made to last and feel pretty robust.

The red and white Rogue logo is emblazoned on the top. It’s a shame there are no colours other than black, but that’s a minor grip on a $15 / £23 strap set. As an nice bonus, the straps are part of Rogue’s ‘3 Ships Free’ offer, which makes them even better value. If you want something simple that does the job time and time again, the Rogue Ohio Straps are well worth a look. 

Related content:

• Barbell hip thrust benefits
• How to use lifting straps
• Barbell arm exercises

The post Rogue Ohio Straps Review: I’d Pick These If I was Starting Out appeared first on Men's Fitness.

One of the fastest growing accessory brands is Gymreapers, and one of its biggest sellers is its lifting straps. Gymreapers’ premium padded lifting straps are designed for both comfort and performance. They can be used for any handle, regardless of knurling, and they’ll hold up until the end of the workout.

Gymreapers Lifting Straps features

There are nine different color schemes available and they cost less than many other brands (so you can buy multiple pairs to match outfits, if that’s your thing). The neoprene material is supposed to provide comfort, which it does, and the straps do have extra padding where it matters most.

The company logo with their trademark skull is right on the top. They do look good and perform well under the toughest conditions, putting them up there with the best lifting straps. Beginners and those with sensitive skin would be wise to test them out with lighter resistance to make sure they feel comfortable with them.

These are durable enough to be used by strongman competitors in training or competition if the organisation allows them.

The Gymreapers lifting straps are 18in (45.7cm) long, which is shorter than many other brands, but you can still secure the strap to the handle without any trouble. I found these to be beneficial for using on cable attachments and smaller handles. Of course, they’ll work on barbells and machine handles as well. 

The company also stands behind its product by offering a lifetime replacement guarantee. The straps are available on both gymreapers.com and on Amazon, where they have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 from more than 16,000 reviews.  

Related content:

• Barbell hip thrust benefits
• How to use lifting straps
• Barbell arm exercises

The post Gymreapers Lifting Straps Review: My Pick For Smaller Hands appeared first on Men's Fitness.