HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR THE MEATHEAD IN YOUR LIFE

HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR THE MEATHEAD IN YOUR LIFE
By Shane Robert

The holiday season is fully upon us. Everywhere you go, to paraphrase the song, there is a reminder that the big days are approaching fast and you likely have some gifts to buy. If one of those gifts is intended for a meathead, it can be hard to find something that is affordable, depending on your definition of affordability, of course. Equipment, for example, is not likely to be a gift that fits the definition unless you really love the person. With the exception of products like the Agile Rack, most (big) equipment purchases will run you quite close to, or exceeding, $1000. That doesn’t mean gifting for these people is hopeless, rather most meatheads just lack imagination and a good gift simply takes a little thought.

Below are my suggestions for good (and affordable) gifts for any lifters in your life with the iron flu.

BOOKS (more narrative based and less textbookish)

Powerlifting Basics, Texas-Style by Paul Kelso
This is a very fun read by the inventor of the trap bar. It tells the story of a south Texas high school powerlifting team and imparts training wisdom through the cast of characters. It is more than just a novel or a training manual—it’s a heartfelt homage to powerlifting and the community surrounding it. 

Never Let Go by Dan John 
Technically a memoir about the first few decades of Dan’s extensive training career, this book provides many ideas on life and lifting. In classic Dan John style, each chapter is easy to read and the complex ideas are presented in simple, digestible prose.  

The Complete Keys to Progress by John McCallum
Most of the current crop of lifters will never have heard of John McCallum, which is to their detriment. This book is technically a compilation of magazine articles that were in Strength and Health magazine in the 1960s to early 1970s. Despite being a monthly column, each article is related to the next and is written in a narrative style with a revolving cast of characters. The philosophy of simple, hard training is reinforced throughout the book.

Muscle, Smoke, and Mirrors by Randy Roach
This book is an in-depth exploration of the history of bodybuilding, strength training, and physical culture. Roach traces the roots of physical culture from its early beginnings in the 19th century, through the rise of strongmen, and into the golden age of bodybuilding. Packed with anecdotes, interviews, and lesser-known stories, the book reveals the struggles, rivalries, and triumphs that defined the world of bodybuilding, nutrition, and strength sports.

EQUIPMENT

Expand Your Hand Bands

These little things are basically heavy-duty rubber bands or some version of those stupid bracelets like LiveStrong that were popular some years ago. They go around your fingers and you spread your fingers apart. This provides work for the antagonist gripping muscles that get so much work in the gym and makes your elbows feel a lot better.

Wrist Straps 

Some days your grip is tired. Some days you want to go a little heavier than your grip can handle. This is where straps are useful. Every lifter should have a pair of straps in their bag. I prefer the all-cotton version as I think they grip the bar better than their nylon counterparts, however, any type of strap will get the job done.

Liquid Chalk

Chalk is an absolute necessity in the gym. If you want to lift heavy weights, sweaty hands will hinder that. Many commercial gyms don’t allow chalk because of the mess. Liquid chalk solves this problem. It is chalk dissolved in alcohol. Once the alcohol dries off, in a matter of seconds, your hands are chalked and ready to grip with no chalk dust or mess. 

Bands 

When I talk about bands, I mean the kind that look like giant rubber bands, not the kind with handles or thin and floppy aerobics bands. These bands can attach to the bar to accommodate or serve as standalone resistance when gym access is limited. Perfect for people who travel a lot.

Dip belt

These belts allow you to add resistance to dips and pullups and, if it is the correct kind of belt, make it easy to perform belt squats, a fantastic accessory movement for any squatter, but especially for home gym trainers. I am loath to give specific brand recommendations. However, in this case, the IronMind belt is the gold standard here.

Pulling Sled

This is the most expensive option on the list, though can still be found for under $100, but probably the most valuable. Sleds can be used to train literally any body part and are great for rehab needs. Truly, sleds are so versatile that every gym should have one. As a supplement to leg training, there are few options as great as sleds. If budget is a concern, a sled can be made in many ways, for example with an old tire. Search for homemade sleds online and you will find many options. 

Gift-giving for lifters can feel daunting to those who aren’t. In reality, there are many, many great, and cheap, options available. I, for one, always appreciate books but, if reading isn’t a pastime for your giftee, the equipment list is there to help guide you. 

Happy gifting!