The Level Up Kit: Taking Your Training to the Next Level
- Mark Potter
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Once you’ve nailed the basics and built a consistent routine, you might find your progress slowing down or your lifts getting heavy enough that your grip starts to give out. That’s where the "Level Up" kit comes in.
I’ve put together this list of advanced essentials and tools to help you break through plateaus and keep your recovery on track. Just like before, if you have any questions about how to use these, just give me a shout.
I’ve linked to products I trust and use. If you buy through these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Essentials
✅ The heavy hitters. These are the supplements and tools that provide the biggest "bang for your buck" as you progress.
1. Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine is one of the most researched and effective supplements out there. It helps your muscles produce energy during heavy lifting, allowing you to squeeze out those extra couple of reps that drive real growth. Just 5 g of this stuff added to water a day is enough, and after a couple of weeks, you should start seeing the benefits.
2. Protein Powder
As your training intensity increases, so does your need for recovery. High-quality protein powder is the most convenient way to hit your daily targets and ensure your muscles have the building blocks they need to repair.
3. Lifting Straps
Eventually, your legs and back will become stronger than your grip. Don't let a tired hand stop you from hitting a personal best. Straps bridge that gap so you can keep pushing (well, pulling really) the weight.
💡 Tip: Don't rely on straps for every set! Use them only once your grip starts to be the limiting factor, so you still give your natural grip strength a chance to develop during your first sets.
✨ Nice to Haves
These aren't mandatory, but they make progress easier and help you manage the increased demands of a tougher programme.
4. Velcro Lifting Belt
A belt provides extra core stability and "intra-abdominal pressure" when you’re squatting or deadlifting. The Velcro version is great because it’s easy to adjust and comfortable for high-rep sets. Just like the straps, you don't need to use it all the time. Save it for the sets when you're a bit fatigued or when things get very heavy.
5. Barbell Clips
Safety first. As you add more plates to the bar, you want to make sure they stay exactly where they are. These clips are much easier to use than the old-school spring versions at the gym. I bought some green ones because they remind me of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
6. Incremental Barbell Plates
Progress isn't always about adding 2.5kg at a time. Sometimes, a 0.5kg or 1kg jump is all you need to keep the needle moving. These small plates allow for "micro-loading," which is the secret to long-term strength gains on the big lifts.
7. Incremental Dumbbell Plates
Most gyms jump in 2kg increments for dumbbells, which can feel like a massive leap. These specialised plates allow you to add smaller amounts of weight to your favourite dumbbell exercises, ensuring you never get stuck at the same weight for weeks.
8. Adjustable Speed Skipping Rope
A fantastic way to level up your conditioning and coordination. Because it’s adjustable, you can tailor it to your height for a much smoother, faster skipping experience compared to the tangled ropes in the gym corner. This one has a thin rope, it's great for speed, but it does sting if you accidentally whip yourself, which is either a good or bad thing depending on your perspective!
9. Smart Body Composition Scale
Weight is only one part of the story. A smart scale helps you track trends like body fat percentage and muscle mass over time, giving you a clearer picture of how your hard work is changing your body.
10. Percussion Massage Gun
Heavy training leads to tight muscles. A massage gun is a nice addition to at-home recovery, helping to ease "DOMS" (delayed onset muscle soreness) and keep you mobile for your next session. This one comes with an app that gives you follow along routines and shows you how to use it.
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