Gear I Use

My current training shoes. Leather upper holds up to daily mat work, split-sole design gives good flexibility for footwork drills. Reasonably priced for the quality — I've had mine for 8 months of near-daily use with no significant wear. Sizing runs small; go up half a size.

Essential for any wrestler with a history of ear injuries. The hard outer shell actually protects against cauliflower ear, and the padding is thick enough for comfort without feeling bulky. Adjustable straps work well across different head shapes.

Simple, competition-legal singlet that doesn't ride up during matches. The elastic leg bands stay in place better than cheaper alternatives. I've worn mine through two full seasons — it's held up remarkably well to repeated washing and mat contact.

Essential for warm-ups, accessory work, and days when I can't make it to the gym. The different resistance levels cover everything from hip circles to pull-aparts to lateral walks. Latex-free option available. I keep a set in my bag at all times.

Space-efficient alternative to a full rack. The dial adjustment is fast enough for supersets. The 52.5 lb max per hand covers most single-leg work and upper body hypertrophy — heavier for squats would need a barbell setup. Solid for apartment gyms or traveling.

Cotton blend — they grip without being harsh on the wrists. I use these for heavy deadlift and rows where grip is the limiting factor. The loop design is more secure than slip-through. Machine washable, which matters for daily use.

Leather would be ideal but the nylon works well for the price. Single prong is easier to adjust mid-set than double prong. The 4-inch width provides lower back support without interfering with hip movement for squats. Good for training sessions; I'd upgrade to leather for meets.

The wheel design with wide track prevents tipping. Solid steel construction — no wobble. I use it for standing rollouts as a core accessory after squat and deadlift days. The extra padding on the handles is worth the small price difference from cheaper alternatives.

The multi-density surface actually works better than a smooth roller. I focus on IT bands, lats, and thoracic spine after training. The hollow core keeps it lightweight enough to travel with. 13-inch is long enough for back rolls but not impractical for small spaces.

The compact size is actually useful — I can fit it in my gym bag. Three attachment heads cover most needs: the ball for general use, the conical for targeted trigger points, and the flat for larger muscle groups. Battery life is solid for daily use.

15-20 mmHg compression — useful for long flights and recovery days. The knee-high design actually stays up better than cheaper brands. Moisture-wicking fabric prevents the clammy feeling common with compression gear. I wear them on travel days and after hard training sessions.

The 355 lb lift capacity handles dual monitors, a laptop, and accessories without issue. The stability during typing is better than cheaper alternatives — I can still do push-ups on the desktop without things sliding. Memory presets make switching between sitting and standing heights effortless.

Frees up desk space and lets me position both monitors exactly where I need them. The cable management built into the arm is a small detail that makes a big difference. Assembly is involved but well-documented. Worth the price for the adjustability.

Good adjustability across seat height, depth, armrests, and lumbar. The mesh back prevents the heat buildup of leather seats during long sessions. I've had mine for 14 months and the cushion hasn't compressed like cheaper chairs.

Ultralight folding stand that fits in a laptop sleeve. Adjustable height and angle for proper posture at any desk. When I'm working from a coffee shop or co-working space, this converts any table to an ergonomic setup. The bamboo model looks better than plastic alternatives.

The organizational pockets are genuinely useful — separate compartments for laptop, cables, toiletries, and clothes. The clamshell opening makes packing easier than roll-top bags. Fits under airline seats in personal item mode on most US carriers. Built like it will outlast me.

Best noise-canceling for the price. I use these for focus work and travel — the 30-hour battery means I rarely think about charging. The multipoint connection lets me switch between laptop and phone without swapping Bluetooth. Comfortable enough for 6-hour flights.

Holds aField Notes or A5 notebook plus 5 cards and a pen. The leather ages well — mine is 18 months old and looks better than when I bought it. I use this for meetings where typing would be distracting. The pen loop is sized for most pens without being loose.