Smart Strength Gear for Lifters of All Sizes.
Struggling to find lifting gear that actually fits and performs? We review and recommend the best belts, shoes, and accessories designed for smaller-framed athletes, women, and anyone who doesn’t fit the “one-size-fits-all” mold.

Do Weightlifting Shoes Actually Help?
If you’ve spent any time at the gym, you’ve probably seen someone wearing solid, high-heel shoes and wondered — do weightlifting shoes actually help — and do you really need them? This article breaks down what they do, who they’re for, and whether you actually need them. What Are Weightlifting Shoes? Weightlifting shoes are designed…

Weightlifting belt size: How to choose one for your body
Finding the right weightlifting belt size isn’t just about picking the correct length for your waist. The width and thickness of the belt also play a big part in how it fits and performs during lifts. The wrong belt can dig into your ribs or restrict movement. The right one disappears into the lift, offering…

Should You Use Lifting Straps?
Lifting straps are one of the most debated accessories in the gym. Some lifters swear by them, others avoid them like the plague in the name of building grip strength. The truth probably lies somewhere in between. In this article, we’ll break down when straps are genuinely helpful, when you should train without them, and…

Lifting Gear That Actually Helps (even recreational lifters)
Introduction Walk into any gym, and you’ll see a spectrum of accessories — belts, straps, sleeves, shoes, gadgets — often worn by lifters of all levels. Some look like seasoned competitors, others like weekend warriors. With so much lifting gear available, many non-competitive lifters wonder: do I actually need any of this? The short answer…