Are you considering adjustable dumbbells? View Black Iron Strength® Adjustable Dumbbells here.  No denying that dumbbells are an integral part of a workout routine. Dumbbells not only work out your biceps, but also are effective for working out your back (deadlifts) and abdominals (crunches and side bends). In addition, dumbbells are effective useful for lower body exercises, such as calf raises and lunges. Even though dumbbells are an essential tool for working out, they take up a lot of space. For example, a two-tier dumbbell rack, which holds 10 pairs is typically eight feet long and two feet deep. You are looking at...

One of the questions that we get most often from people looking to buy a kettlebell is - why are Black Iron Strength® kettlebells more expensive than traditional kettlebells? We think that this is a very fair question. No doubt there is a substantial price difference, but there are unique features that account for the price difference. I like to say that we added a high-performance motor to a rowboat. View: Black Iron Strength® Kettlebells. What are the unique features of the Black Iron Strength® kettlebells that account for the cost difference? This video highlights the revolutionary features: Rotating handle with premium IGUS...

In today’s era of modern strength training, an old time strongman’s training secret is being rediscovered - thick bar or fat bar training. Research has shown that people, who train with thick bars or fat bars, will develop greater muscle growth and increased strength gains. Many gym goers are unfamiliar with thick bar training, but the benefits are undeniable. If you are not training with thick bars, you are limiting your workout gains. Once you incorporate thick bar training into your workout, it will become clear why this training technique was so important to strongmen. View: Black Iron Strength® Thick...

No doubt - the last thing anyone wants to touch is a toilet seat…. Guess what...when you pick up that Dumbbell, it has 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. FitRated did an independent study on how clean fitness equipment is (1). The researchers performed the test in multiple gyms. The findings were disturbing to say the least. That is not a misprint, but an ‘eye opener’ as to just how filthy those dumbbells, barbells and cable attachments can be. Keep in mind - this equipment is in a fitness area where there are generally antibacterial soap dispensers, antibacterial wipes and/or...

When going to the gym or hitting the weight room - what is your overall goal? Naturally, a ‘top of mind’ goal is to ‘GET FIT’. Of course, you are not thinking ‘GET SICK’! That is a silly thought, but not if you think about how many people touched those handles on the equipment you are working out on and the GERMS they left behind. Gyms and weight rooms are a haven for germs. Although using gym wipes is a good practice, the bottom-line is that germs continue to live on the equipment. A gym should be a place where...

Are all cable attachments the same? Why are some cable attachments more expensive than other cable attachments? This is an important question when we are all looking for the best value for our money. Whether purchasing the cable attachment for a fitness center or home gym, what factors should you consider? Knowing that not all cable attachments are the same, this will help you make an informed decision when buying cable attachments for your home gym or fitness center. What are the five factors to consider when purchasing Cable Attachments?  Positive grip Durability Maintenance and cleaning Ergonomics and biomechanics Finish on the cable attachment Positive...

Are you considering purchasing a cable machine for your home gym? Does the fitness center you are a member have cable machines? If you are new to cable attachments, consider including them in your fitness routine. Cable attachments are versatile and give you a wide range for upper body movements. Recently, when I was at the gym, someone asked me,  ‘Why use cable attachments?’ My response was, ‘Why not, don’t limit yourself!’ Let’s discuss the basics! Learn what are cable attachments and what are some of the more popular attachments that will find in the gym or consider purchasing for...

A Brief History “The reemergence of the kettlebell as a training tool of prominence in recent times has spawned a great deal of buzz about this supremely time-honored strength/conditioning medium”. J. Dellinger continues on to share that, despite a lack of documented info on kettlebells, there is traceable data to show that this type of strength training instrument has been used throughout the world, including Russia, Ireland, China, India, and Egypt. It’s no wonder that countries are competing for the original acknowledgement of this amazing, yet pragmatic “ring-weight”. The Textbook of Weightlifting, published in 1910 contains four exercises, which used the kettlebell....

Polarity is a word that should be in every serious athlete or body builders’ vocabulary, and no, we are not talking about the obvious state of opposites attract, we are talking about taking your workout to a new level with the Black Iron Strength® Poles Apart® Adjustable Dumbbell Training System. This tower of strength, utilizing the magnetic power of 80 lbs. of pull per side, separates this adjustable dumbbell training system from all others. The Black Iron Strength® Poles Apart® Adjustable Dumbbell Set is a patented, revolutionary technology because it provides the convenience of multiple dumbbells in a compact space. However,...

In today’s busy world, most people are always on the move, and rarely think about what we touch when we are out and about.  Imagine the number of places you visit on a daily basis- from daycare to your kid’s school, the local coffee shop, your doctor or dental office, the grocery store, and place of employment to name a few.  Chances are, your hands would have touched many counters and objects or even made skin to skin contact with another person at almost every destination or pit stop. With colder weather approaching, people are bringing their activities indoors along with...

Copper is making its debut in a highly necessary place, your gym and health club! Black Iron Strength® knew the hot spot meter for germs was high on the touch points at the gym and they are using Antimicrobial Copper CuLEAN® on their weight products to go to combat. These areas where you grip are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria, including Norovirus and microbes like MRSA. Read on to see how Antimicrobial Copper in your gym can lead to a healthier YOU. The Nitty Gritty Grip How many Americans are going to the gym each day? The Bureau of Labor Statistics...

In last month’s blogs, we covered the crucial history and reemergence of the kettlebell. We also introduced Tom Grace, President of Black Iron Strength®, and developer of the Modern American Kettlebell. This month, we will will dive into the reasons why the 100% premium solid steel kettlebells are exactly what you want to add to your company fitness center, home gym, or if you are a professional trainer, you will want to highlight these kettlebells in your fitness portfolio. Black Iron Strength® kettlebells are manufactured in the USA, making their kettlebells the highest quality available in the worldwide market. A distinguishing...

Bringing Instruction to the World Michael Skogg is a world-renowned kettlebell coach, educator and author. He is a leader in the fitness industry and an inspiration to all who have trained and learned from him. Michael is also a contributing writer for STACK Media/Magazine, the number one training resource both online and print, designed specifically for the development of the young athlete. Michael Skogg was introduced to kettlebells by a Highland Games competitor over twenty years ago while stationed in Scotland with the U.S. Military. He was frustrated with his training program, which often left him injured and sore. His long history working...

Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Training Bars are the highest quality available on the market. The patented rotating sleeves are a standout feature and only available on Black Iron Strength® Thick Bars. Get bigger and stronger and elevate your thick bar training with Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Training Bars. Automatic training When utilizing thick bars, you are training your grip the entire time, freeing you up from doing additional grip exercises. Exceptional results are noted around the world in champion bodybuilders, athletes, UFC fighters, Military, NFL, CrossFit and Special Forces soldiers. Weightlifting is a true exam of human ballistic limits (explosive...

The holidays are upon us, and if you’re like most of us, you’re more than likely indulging in peppermint mochas and holiday treats while promising yourself that you will work hard to get in shape in 2017. While we all try to start off the New Year with a promise for better health and fitness, let’s be honest here, it is difficult to stick with our resolutions. Over 90% of New Year’s resolutions are broken by the end of January! Why do most New Year’s resolutions fail? The most common reasons that our resolutions fail is that they were either too...

Looking to beat the 'Winter Blues'! With the dark and cold winter months upon us, we can expect seasonal depression, also known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), to be an issue. With less sunshine during the winter months, we often give our system a boost with vitamin D rich foods or supplements, which can help. The biggest thing we can do, however, is kick those ‘winter blues’ and add a daily dose of exercise to include cardio and strength. Maintaining an existing exercise and training regime will also help curb those ‘oh so sweet cravings’, which will ultimately help maintain...

Outfitting a workout area with free weight equipment is a challenging undertaking. There are many factors to consider when choosing equipment. Whether the equipment is for personal use at home, a fitness facility for employees, a public gym, or an athletic performance center for a sports team, there are important factors, which are relevant to each of these locations. In this article, we will examine the top five factors that everyone, who is outfitting a workout area, needs to consider when purchasing free weight equipment. SPACE When equipping your facility, the amount of space that you have to work with is one...

By Adam Estelle, Project Engineer for the Copper Development Association Fitness Centers are turning to Antimicrobial Copper touches surfaces to protect athletes 24/7. Superbugs can be career enders for athletes, whether they’re on a little league team or a professional team. Simple daily actions such as opening doors and lockers, flushing toilets and turning on faucets expose athletes to surfaces that can harbor bacteria for weeks or even months. To combat these often antibiotic-resistant bacteria, fitness centers have begun installing antimicrobial copper touch surfaces by Black Iron Strength® on strength equipment due to its scientifically proven ability to kill greater than...