Strength Accessories

Which strength accessory do you need?

The right choice depends on how you train now and where you run into limitations. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You have a cable trainer or functional trainer and want to be able to do more exercises: Cable accessories such as a lat bar, tricep rope, rowing grip or ankle bands turn one cable connection directly into a broad exercise station. By varying grip width and position you load different parts of back, shoulders, biceps and triceps. Also view our range of functional training stations if you do not yet have a cable trainer.

You want to squat heavier but the bar is pressing uncomfortably on your neck: A squat pad or bar pad places a soft buffer between the bar and your neck and shoulders. Immediately noticeable comfort during heavy squats, lunges and hip thrusts. Indispensable if you regularly train with heavy weights on the neck.

Your grip is the limiting factor during deadlifts, rows and pull exercises: Lifting straps or powerlifting straps take over the grip load so your back and leg muscles can work heavier than your grip can handle. One of the most direct performance improvements for heavy pulling movements.

You want to add weight to dips and pull-ups: A dipping belt makes weighted dips and pull-ups possible. You hang extra weight plates on the belt, which considerably accelerates progression at these exercises. Combine with a power rack or dip station for the ideal setup.

You want to improve your explosiveness, grip and functional strength alongside pure strength: Battle ropes, grip trainers, core sliders and agility materials are compact and quick to store. Ideal as a supplement to your regular strength training for a more complete athletic development.

You want to safely and tidily store your weight plates and loose weights: Collars and clip locks lock weight plates on the bar so they cannot shift. Storage racks keep your training space organised. Also read our blog create and set up your own home gym for tips on a well-considered home gym setup.

What types of strength accessories are there?

Cable handles and bars

Lat bars, rowing grips, tricep bars, straight bars and foam grips are the most commonly used cable accessories. They fit on virtually every cable trainer with a standard carabiner hook connection. By varying bar and grip position you load different muscle groups and add dozens of exercises to your cable training.

Tricep ropes, ankle bands and strap handles

Tricep ropes are indispensable for tricep pushdowns and face pulls. Ankle bands make cable exercises for legs and glutes possible. Strap handles are ideal for unilateral exercises where you train left and right separately for a better balance between muscle groups.

Protection and support

Squat pads and bar pads protect your neck and shoulders during heavy squats and hip thrusts. Weightlifting belts and powerlifting belts support your lower back at maximum lifts. Lifting straps give extra grip during deadlifts and rows. Dipping belts make weighted dips and pull-ups possible. Together these accessories form the safety foundation for heavy training.

Functional training tools

Battle ropes, grip trainers, core sliders and agility materials add explosiveness, stability and functional strength to your training schedule. Compact and multifunctional, ideal as a supplement to strength training for a more complete athletic development.

Collars, clip locks and storage solutions

Collars and clip locks are essential for safe training with a barbell. They lock the weight plates so they cannot shift during dynamic exercises. Storage racks and chains keep your home gym organised and safe. Also view our range of weight plates for the right plates for your setup.

Weight stack extensions

With extra weight stacks and adapter plates you make your strength station or cable trainer heavier without having to purchase a new machine. Ideal for advanced athletes who outgrow the maximum resistance of their existing machine.

What to look for when buying?

Compatibility with your equipment

The most critical criterion for cable accessories is the connection. Most cable accessories use a standard carabiner hook or D-ring connection that fits on virtually every cable trainer. Check the specifications of your machine and the accessory in case of doubt before ordering.

Material and durability

Choose accessories of steel, nylon or high-quality rubber. Cheap cable handles of lesser quality wear out quickly and give an uncomfortable feeling when used. Invest in quality, especially for accessories you use at every training session.

Weight class and maximum load

Check the maximum load capacity for protective accessories such as lifting straps and dipping belts. A lifting strap that is too weak for your training weights no longer offers safety. Always choose a model that comfortably exceeds your current and expected training weight.

Fit and comfort

Squat pads, weightlifting belts and dipping belts are in direct contact with your body. Check the size and adjustment range before ordering. A poorly fitting belt or pad works counterproductively and can limit your freedom of movement or safety.

Our advice: First look at how you train now and where you run into limitations. Missing variety in your cable training? Choose a lat bar or tricep rope. Does the bar chafe during squats? Buy a squat pad. Is your grip becoming the limiting factor during deadlifts? Purchase lifting straps. One well-chosen accessory is often enough to directly noticeably improve your training experience. Combine with a fitness mat for a complete and safe home training environment. Also read our blog starting with strength training for more tips.

Who are strength accessories suitable for?

• Beginners who want to complete their first strength training setup with the most essential safety and comfort accessories.
• Advanced athletes who want to add more variety to their cable training or want to train heavier with extra support.
• Home athletes who want to expand their existing equipment without purchasing extra large machines.
• Strength athletes and powerlifters who need protective and support accessories for maximum lifts.
• Athletes who want to develop functional strength alongside regular strength training via battle ropes, grip trainers and agility materials.

Do you want to further expand your strength training? Also view our range of dumbbells, kettlebells and weight benches for a complete home gym setup. Also read our blog the 12 best strength exercises at home for training inspiration.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our fitness specialists by phone on +31 85 773 00 57, send an email or visit our fitness store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about strength accessories

Which cable accessories fit on my cable trainer?

Most cable accessories such as lat bars, tricep ropes and ankle bands use a standard carabiner hook or D-ring connection that is compatible with virtually all cable trainers and functional trainers. Check in case of doubt whether your machine has a standard connection before ordering.

Do I need a lifting strap?

A lifting strap is useful once your grip becomes the limiting factor during exercises such as deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, barbell rows and lat pulldowns. If you notice your back or legs can do more than your grip can handle, straps help you get the maximum out of the exercise.

What does a weightlifting belt do?

A weightlifting belt supports your lower back and abdominal muscles at maximum lifts such as deadlifts, squats and overhead press. The belt increases intra-abdominal pressure which stabilises your spine under high load. Use a belt only at maximum weights, not at every set, so your core continues to strengthen itself.

What is a dipping belt and who is it suitable for?

A dipping belt is a wide belt with a chain on which you can hang extra weight plates for weighted dips and pull-ups. Suitable for athletes who no longer experience their bodyweight as sufficient resistance at these exercises and want to progress further with extra weight.

Are collars really necessary?

Yes, always. Collars lock weight plates on the bar so they cannot shift during the exercise. Without collars plates can slide off during dynamic movements such as squats and deadlifts, which is directly dangerous. Always use collars, even with lighter weights.

What is the difference between a squat pad and a bar pad?

In practice both terms are used interchangeably for the same product: a soft cuff that you slide over the bar for more comfort during squats, lunges and hip thrusts. Some models are more specifically shaped for one of these exercises. Check the length and thickness of the pad in relation to the exercise for which you want to use it.