We have some fresh equipment at the gym. Every couple of years we refresh the medicine balls. There’s a bunch of new MB’s in the gym, and this is your warning: they are extra, extra bouncy! They come with much more pop than we’re used to on our well-used and worn down balls. All of the new balls are 4LB, 6LB, and 8LB — continuing to highlight the importance of light and fast medicine balls over heavier weights.
I said to my trainer friend recently; “what’s up with everyone wanting a 12 pound medicine ball for slams but no one will go up to the heavier kettlebell on squats?”
Seriously? Save that energy for the big lifts and keep those medicine ball throws light and snappy!
There’s also some new bands at the gym, sandbags and, finally, a set of 27.5 pound dumbbells.
A couple years ago I purchased “in-between” dumbbells - and I had mixed feelings. They’re expensive and take up prime real estate. However, they incentivize people to go heavier, and it gives you the confidence to do so. Our current set has 7.5, 12.5LB, 17.5LB, and 22.5LB. Now, we’ve added 27.5’s for those times when the 25’s are too light and the 30s are too scary.
Now, there’s no place to hide.
See you in the gym!
—Justin Miner