The Champion's Path: Recommended Equipment

One of the first questions I get from parents and athletes is, "What equipment do I actually need to do this program?" It's a great question. You don't need a massive commercial gym to build a monster on the mat. You just need the right tools, and you need to use them relentlessly.

This list is broken down by priority. Start with Tier 1 and add pieces as you can. I’ve provided two options for most items: a Budget-Friendly choice that gets the job done without breaking the bank, and a Higher-Quality option for those who are in it for the long haul and believe in the "buy once, cry once" philosophy.

The best equipment in the world is useless without a world-class plan. The best plan is useless without the right tools. Here's how to get your armory set up.

Tier 1: The Foundation (Non-Negotiable)

If you're serious about building a dominant wrestler, you need these items. This is the bare minimum.

1. Barbell

The single most important tool in our arsenal. It’s the foundation for building real strength and power. A standard 45lb Olympic barbell is what you need.

• For the Little Guys: https://amzn.to/3IMprV1 A 5 pound bar. Safe for learning technique.
• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/3U6rsxx - A solid, no-frills barbell that will handle the demands of our training for years.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-olympic-wl-bar-cerakote - A bar with better knurling (grip), spin in the collars, and whip. You can feel the difference, especially on the Olympic lifts.

2. Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are essential because they allow an athlete to safely drop the weight on failed lifts, which is a non-negotiable for training the Olympic lifts.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/4ofjMa6 - Standard, durable rubber bumper plates. Get a set that goes from 10lbs up to 45lbs.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/4l8mxHz - Competition or training plates. They are more durable, have less "bounce," and are thinner, allowing you to load more weight on the bar.

3. Squat Rack with a Pull-up Bar

This is your safety and versatility hub. It's for squats, presses, and pull-ups. A power rack with safety pins is the best option.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/4lWls6V - A simple, sturdy squat stand or half-rack with a pull-up bar. Make sure it has safety spotter arms.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/4l8mxHz - A full power rack. It's safer for heavy solo lifting and offers more versatility for attachments.

Tier 2: The Game Changers (Highly Recommended)

Once you have the foundation, these items will dramatically expand your training capabilities and accelerate your progress.

4. Dumbbells or Kettlebells

Crucial for unilateral work (training one side at a time) to fix imbalances, and for a huge range of conditioning movements.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/40LN9a2 - Metal Dumbells. These non-rubber coated ones run cheaper but still get the job done.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/3UEXHnG - A full set of individual rubber coated dumbbells or kettlebells. The protects the dumbell, you and the floor, and reduces noise.

5. Plyometric Box (Plyo Box)

We use this to build explosive power and jumping ability. A non-negotiable tool for developing athletic horsepower.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/3UEXHnG - A sturdy, well-built wooden box.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/4osWQEy - A soft foam plyo box. It's much safer for missed jumps and protects your shins.

6. Gymnastics Rings

For building a rock-solid upper body and core with dips, rows, and push-ups. The instability forces your stabilizer muscles to work overtime.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/3UArQEK - A standard set of wood or plastic rings with straps.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/45enF6y - Straps are easy to adjust at different lengths.

Tier 3: The Elite Upgrades (For the Obsessed)

These are for the athletes and families who are all-in. They take your training environment from great to elite.

7. GHD (Glute-Ham Developer)

The undisputed king for building a bulletproof posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, lower back) and an iron core.

• Budget-Friendly Option: https://amzn.to/41bTLyw - A reliable sturdy GHD.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-abram-glute-ham-developer-2-0 - A larger, commercial-grade GHD for maximum stability, and easy to adjust.

8. Cardio Machine (Rower, Bike, or Ski Erg)

For targeted engine-building and conditioning that spares your joints from the impact of running.

• Budget-Friendly Option: - A quality air bike from a secondary brand or a used Concept 2 Rower.
• Higher-Quality Option: https://amzn.to/45h7tkV - A brand new Concept 2 Rower, Ski Erg, or a Rogue Echo Bike. These are the gold standards for a reason—they're durable and reliable. My personal go-to is the Assault Bike for its ability to create a world of hurt.

The Final Word: The Best Gym is the One You Use.

Don't get paralyzed by this list. Start with Tier 1 and show up every single day. Consistency with the basics will always beat having a fancy gym that collects dust.

This equipment is just a pile of metal and rubber without an intelligent plan. If you're ready to put these tools to work with a world-class system, the Champion's Circle provides the daily workouts you need.

➡️ Join the Champion's Circle Now!