When many guys hear about bodyweight training (BWT) for the first time, they often make the mistake of thinking it requires zero equipment.
The idea of “wow, bodyweight training at home with zero equipment” sounds great, doesn’t it?
But the truth is, having a few key pieces of equipment can make your BWT journey far more effective and enjoyable.
As a BWT coach for men over 40, I’ve seen firsthand how the right tools can transform a simple workout routine into a powerful, results-driven fitness program. That’s why I want to share with you 8 must-have pieces of equipment that have made my life and the lives of my Grey Top Warrior (GTW) clients so much better.
These fitness hacking tools are designed to help you get the most out of your BWT sessions, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to take your training to the next level.
By incorporating these tools into your routine, you’ll be able to target specific muscle groups, increase the intensity of your workouts, and achieve your fitness goals faster than ever before.
So, if you’re ready to supercharge your BWT journey and experience the incredible benefits of having the right equipment at your fingertips, keep reading.
In this article, I’d like to share 9 simple fitness hacking tools that men over 40 absolutely love, and show you how each one can help you unlock your full potential in the world of bodyweight training.
Fitness Tools – Tabata Timer
A Tabata timer is an essential tool for bodyweight training, particularly when performing isometric holds.
Timing your workouts and rest periods is crucial for optimizing workout efficiency. At Grey Top Warriors (GTW), we recommend the 10 in 10 Philosophy: choose ten exercises, work for 45 seconds, and rest for 15 seconds.
In just 10 minutes, you’ll have completed an intense, heart-pumping workout. So, please never say you have no time to get in shape ever again.
Don’t worry if you can’t complete all 10 exercises for the full 45 seconds initially; track your progress and aim to improve each time. And record what you achieve in your progress trackers. You do have progress trackers, right? If not, get in touch.
Habit App
I wrote a full article on the HabitShare App recently. If you missed it, Click HERE.
Tracking your habits and staying accountable is key to achieving your fitness goals. The HabitShare App offers a unique solution to help you stay consistent and overcome self-sabotage.
By aligning the rational and emotional parts of your brain, this app makes it easier to stay on track with your health and fitness goals. As an added bonus, you can use it to support various areas of your life, not just your workouts. You can track and increase your intake of fresh water if this is an area you need to work on.
If you’re struggling to hit at least 7 hours of sleep per night, HabitShare App can help you.
Pull-Up Bars
Being able to perform 4 sets of 20 strict-form pull-ups is a testament to your fitness level as a man over 40. However, most men in our age group struggle to complete even one set of 5 with perfect form.
Obviously, to increase your pull-up ability it’s vital you have a bar at home. Because a pull-up bar is an excellent tool for building upper body strength through compound bodyweight exercises.
There are four main types of pull-up bars: a freestanding frame in your garden, a wall-mounted bar, a tree-mounted bar, and a doorway-mounted bar. Additionally, a pull-up bar is perfect for attaching gymnastic rings.
Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings are my personal favourite piece of equipment for three main reasons:
a) They are gentler on your joints, making them perfect for men over 40.
b) They are more challenging, so they allow you to reduce your workout time.
c) They offer a better range of motion, helping you achieve your goals faster.
You can use gymnastic rings to train your chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps, and back. Trust me; you’ll love training with gym rings and wish you had discovered them sooner.
Fitness Tools – Weight Vest
As you progress in your bodyweight training and gain strength, adding resistance becomes necessary. A weight vest is a simple way to make any exercise more challenging, helping you increase strength and endurance.
There are alternatives to a weight vest including a weighted rucksack, cat litter bags, or bags of rocks. Use your imagination, but eventually you’ll need to add in some weight somehow. A weight vest makes it super simple.
Weight vest come in a variety of weights, and the good ones allow you to modify the weight as you please.
Parallettes
Parallettes are an affordable, useful, and portable tool for bodyweight training. Some types can even fit in your rucksack, making them perfect for outdoor workouts or travelling.
Parallettes allow you to improve your range of motion for exercises like pike push-ups, regular push-ups, and handstand holds against a wall. They are also great for anyone with wrist issues.
I think mine cost me $4, so price won’t be a factor. Although the fancy ones can be $20 or $30, all the way up to $100.
Fitness Tools – Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are versatile and portable, making them ideal for warming up and assisting with challenging exercises like pull-ups.
They come in a variety of colours and thicknesses. The thicker ones offer more help, compared to the thinner ones. You can buy a single band, but probably best to invest in a set.
The cheaper ones might fail after a few months, whereas the better quality ones should last you at a few years.
They can be used to target different muscle groups and are an essential tool for anyone doing bodyweight training.
Fitness Tools – Blender
A blender may seem like an odd choice, but it’s a must-have for making highly nutritious, low-fat meals in minutes.
If you’re looking to cut body fat, intermittent fasting is a simple approach, and a blender makes it even easier. Wash your fruits and veggies, skin or peel, chop, and throw them in. In a couple of minutes you have a mighty nutritious meal in a glass.
Who said eating healthy takes up too much time?
Proper nutrition is crucial for fitness success, and a blender makes healthy eating more convenient, faster, and cheaper.
GTW Progress Tracking System
The Grey Top Warriors progress tracking system is the crown jewel of our training approach, setting us apart from 95% of other alternatives.
Millions of people fail to achieve their training goals each year due to a lack of understanding of the progressive overload principle. This is why the GTW system helps men stay motivated and see results. All because they use science to track their progress and achieve their goals.
I wouldn’t say you’re wasting your time by training without the Grey Top Warriors progress tracking system, but you’re at a serious disadvantage without it.
Final Thoughts on 9 Simple Fitness Tools Men 40+ Love
Incorporating these fitness tools into your routine can help you achieve better results and enjoy the process of building a stronger, healthier version of yourself.
Remember, building muscle is a journey, and every effort counts.
Now, if you’re 100% serious about getting in shape then you should join the Primer Level Program. Check out the details below…
Keep training hard (mentally & physically),
Greg ‘Take No Prisoners’ Noland
CEO & Founder
Grey Top Warriors
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