How Does Compression Gear Work?

Compression Gear

What is compression gear? Compression clothing offers assistance in medical settings for those who must stand for extended periods of time or have poor circulation.  An article of clothing known as a compression garment is one that hugs the skin firmly. What kinds of compression apparel are offered? The four main types of compression apparel […]

Knee Wraps Vs Sleeves: Key Pros & Cons

Knee Sleeves Or Knee Wraps

What are knee wraps? Knee wraps are compression-style garments used to stabilize and support the knee joints. Knee wraps also aid in reducing the strain and tension put on the quadriceps and knees. What are knee sleeves? Knee sleeves can also be worn after an exercise because they speed up recovery by minimizing pain and […]

How Does Ammonia Work For Powerlifting?

Smelling Salts for Powerlifting

There is a common practice among powerlifters and other athletes to sniff ammonia before a strong lift or during a competition. However, I will explain why so many powerlifters still frequently engage in the practice, what ammonia truly does to your body, and if it is safe to use. The evidence on the usefulness of […]

A Guide To Squat Suits For Powerlifting

Powerlifting Squat Suit

In this article, we will cover all you need to know about squatting in a squat suit, bridging the gap between your raw squats, and trying one out. So, what is a squat suit? Powerlifters can benefit from wearing a squat suit because it supports their hips and increases its level of assistance as the […]

Top 7 Benefits Of Wrist Wraps For Lifting

What Do Wrist Wraps Do

Lifters who are serious about their sport love their gear. This is because having the right equipment will improve performance, reduce fatigue, and keep you from getting an injury. So, how about using wrist wraps? Do they need to be in a weightlifter’s gym bag? A powerlifter, weightlifter, Crossfitter, or bodybuilder will always say “yes” […]

Lever Belt Vs Prong Belt: Which Is Best For You

Lever Vs. Prong Belt

Powerlifting is a fast-growing sport with a bright future. Powerlifting, like a great many others, needs a specialized equipment in order to be adequately practiced. The best powerlifting belt is an example of an item of powerlifting gear that leaves room for personal preference. The lever belt and the prong belt, in particular, are two […]

Jimmy Kolb Road to 900

Written byWade ButcherButch’s Barbell / Team Darksyde IronwearAPF Ohio State Co/chair 1st 600 Bench – June ’09, NASA National, single ply teen 220 700 Bench – Oct ’09, Big Dog Classic, multi-ply teen 220 740 Bench- Feb ’10, APF Ohio Cup, multi-ply teen 220 800 Bench – Oct ’10, Big Dog Classic, multi-ply teen 220 […]

What this sport means to me!

Article by Wade Butcher Some of you know me and some of you may not anyway my name is Wade Butcher. I am the Owner of Butch’s Barbell team located in Columbus Ohio. I am also a proud member of Jon Elick’s Team Darksyde Ironwear located in Circleville Ohio at Ironworx gym. I have been […]

The KATANA Curve by Wade Butcher

My first experience with the super KATANA was wearing a bone stock size 52. In the past having been a denim lifter this was actually quite the change. Some things I noticed immediately and some things it took a while to learn. Immediately upon receipt of the new shirt I was skeptical that it would […]

Road to a Grand, by Adrian Larsen

I started lifting at a young age. But what really got the fire going was in 7th grade. I had to have a surgery on my right leg. I was born with problems with my ankles and hips. At first doctors said I would never walk. Of course once I started to walk then I […]