| Holiday Must-Haves for Lifters

Author / Ben Skutnik

3 - 5 minutes read

The holidays are just around the corner and that means it’s time to get your wish list sent off to Santa. If there is someone in your life who has getting jacked on the top of their list, they need the right tools to get there. While you might not be able to drop the dime to fully outfit their garage with goodies, these few items will deliver the most bang for their buck on the journey to Gainsville.

Adjustable Dumbbells

There are several models of adjustable dumbbells out there and I’m not here to tell you which is best. But in terms of maximizing the use of a single piece of equipment, these are on the top of the list. In our house, between my wife on Jacked Street and me on Grindstone, the only equipment that gets used more than these is our barbell and rack. People tend to get caught up in the initial price of these, but when you factor in how you can use them for everything from rear felt raises to Bulgarian split squats, you can see how they are actually pretty economical.

Heavy Sandbag

Getting huge boils down to one thing: lift heavy stuff often. There is nothing more primal than just picking up something heavy off the ground and moving it. But a heavy sandbag is more versatile than that. You can pick it up off the ground, you can squat with it in a bear hug, on your shoulder, you can toss it over your shoulder. You can also use it as a pad when you’re doing banded dumbbell floor press. If you’re Jacked to Be wishlister is on Dragon Slayer, this is an absolute must have for them to reap the most of those benefits.

Bands and BFR Cuffs

If you’re just looking for stocking stuffers for your loved one, you can’t go wrong with some bands and BFR cuffs. Whether they’re just dipping their toe into the S&C world with Lean and Able or if they’re a seasoned vet riding Field Strong for a decade plus, bands can find themselves in every program for a solid pump. And if you’re chasing a pump, BFR cuffs are a must have.

If you’re in the Power Athlete Discord, you already know the buzz about BFR training making a comeback so equip your lifter to take full advantage with our Power Athlete BFR cuffs.

Fueling Gains

Of course, having the right tools is only part of the equation. The key to making the most of their training isn’t just how hard they lift—it’s how smart they fuel. Our Nutrition Protocols for Leaning, Bulking, and Anabolic Optimization are designed to align with their goals, whether it’s shredding fat, building slabs of muscle, or priming their body for explosive performance. These aren’t cookie-cutter plans; they’re detailed guides to help them eat for their specific needs and crush their targets.

If the lifter on your gift list is ready to take their gains to the next level, these protocols are the ultimate gift. Nutrition is the foundation of every great training plan, and with the right approach, they’ll have everything they need to build their best self this holiday season.

The Gift of Strength

A great way to support someone’s training journey is by giving them access to a program that matches their goals. Whether they’re just starting out or have been training for years, a subscription to one of our Training Programs provides the structure and guidance they need to keep progressing.

It’s more than just a program—it’s an opportunity to join a community of athletes, get advice from experienced coaches, and stay motivated throughout their training. This holiday season, consider giving the gift of a structured plan that helps them build strength, reach their goals, and keep pushing forward.

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AUTHOR

Ben Skutnik

Ben, a former All-American swimmer at the Division III level, discovered a passion for training and performance that led him to earn an M.S. in Exercise Physiology from Kansas State and pursue a Ph.D. in Human Performance at Indiana University. Along the way, he coached swimmers to National and Olympic Trials and served as a strength coach for post-grad Olympians. Now a clinical faculty member at the University of Louisville, Ben combines teaching, sports science, and shaping the next generation of strength and conditioning coaches.

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