Equip Yourself for Success
Fit Dad Gear Guide
In my experience, home workouts are THE KEY for promoting accessibility, flexibility, and therefore CONSISTENCY. I highly recommend that everyone invest in at least some basic home fitness equipment. Here is the gear that I use and trust in my own fitness journey - as well as an app loaded of dozens of my own home workouts.
Kettlebells
Some of the most versatile, high-value fitness tools, period. I recommend starting with 1-2 bells that you can overhead press 6-8 times (for many men, 12-16Kg may be a good starting point). Consider adding a heavier bell (something that would be challenging to goblet-squat) for two-handed swings, squats, and rows. As you get stronger, your collection will grow!
I use bells from Rogue (probably the best overall value) and Kettlebell Kings (very popular/iconic brand with a nice-feeling powder coat).
You can use Use DRDADBOD10 at kettlebellkings.com.
Lebert Fitness Equalizer Bars
Versatile tools for building full-body strength and muscle with your own bodyweight. I love them for inverted rows (back/biceps), dips (triceps/chest), and push-up variations (chest/shoulder/triceps). What’s awesome about these is how many exercise options are possible for total beginners as well as highly-advanced exercisers. I use the standard size, but you are over 5’10” or taller I recommend going with the XL.
Find them here and use code DRDADBOD at checkout.
Gorilla Mats
I’ve had this mat for years (and feature it in most of my outdoor workouts) - it’s a beast! I’m sure the manufacturer would say I’m not “supposed” to keep it outside, but I can say that it’s held up impressively through multiple years of midwest rain, ice, and snow! Find them here and use code DRDADBOD.
Vivobarefoot shoes
The only shoes I wear for kettlebell and strength work! I love the stability of feeling close and connected to the ground when I lift. I wear the Primus knit (black pair) and Primus lite (blue pair). (I don’t run in them, though - I use Brooks Adrenaline series. Be sure to check out their sizing guide - I went 0.5-1.0 sizes down from running shoes.) Find them here and use DRDADBOD20 (December only - then it’s DRDADBOD10).
Rhone workout apparel
I wear Rhone literally every day. The shirts (I’m 5’9”, 175 and wear a medium) fit me better than Lululemon (too tight) and the Mako shorts were recently voted “best athletic shorts” by Men’s health.
Here are some of my favorites:
Kettlebell/lifting: Atmosphere tee, Reign short/longsleeve, Mako shorts
Running: Swift shorts/tank
Athleisure: Reign short/longsleeve tees, Mako shorts, Warmup Tech Joggers
Work: Commuter shirt and pants
Casual/Cozy:Hardy Flannel
They also make a number of great polos for golf!
Shop HERE or use DRDADBOD20 at checkout.
Playbook (my workout app)
Playbook is a collection of dozens of my own home workouts, organized by equipment and duration. Most workouts are full-body, use 1-2 kettlebells or dumbbells and take 15-30 minutes. I recommend hitting 3 full-body workouts per week, plus a few sessions of the cardio of your choice! Join Playbook and try a free 7-day trial.
Melin Hats
I don’t have any codes for these - I just think they are awesome. I’ve owned multiple “Hydro A-Game” hats for 2+ years, and put them through the wringer. they hold their color and shape very well. I hand-wash them in the sink or bathtub, and let them air-dry - presto, like new!