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Let’s be honest. Most people walk into the gym, gravitate toward the same equipment (like the dumbbells or treadmill), and go through the motions. But if you’re serious about sculpting lean muscle, building athletic strength, and reigniting your performance, you need to go beyond the basics.
These five pieces of equipment are often overlooked, but they’re absolute game changers, taking your results to the next level. They’re versatile, functional, and powerful tools that support a stronger, more resilient body—and will prevent you from getting bored with your routine, too.
1 Landmine Attachment
This is one of the most underused tools in the gym, but it should be a staple. The landmine allows for joint-friendly, functional movement patterns that target the core, glutes, shoulders, and back in a unique way. It’s perfect for building strength and power with control.
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Landmine squat to press.
It challenges your entire body while removing stress from your joints. Stand facing the attachment, holding the end of the bar with both hands. Squat, then as you rise, extend your arms overhead.
2 Sliders (or Gliders)
These might look innocent, but don’t let them fool you! Sliders increase muscular time under tension and demand serious core stability. They’re incredible for unilateral work, which improves balance, coordination, and muscle symmetry.
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Slider reverse lunge—you’ll feel this from your toes all the way to your abs. Place a slider under each foot. Slide one foot back and bend both legs to lunge. Change sides with each rep.
“If you’re serious about sculpting lean muscle … you need to go beyond the basics.”
3 Trap Bar
Traditional deadlifts are great, but the trap bar, also known as a hex bar, puts your body in a more natural, safer position, especially for women returning after being injured or who are postpartum. It allows for heavier lifts with reduced strain on the lower back.
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Trap bar deadlift. It builds total-body strength, especially in the glutes and hamstrings.
4 Resistance Bands with Anchors
Forget the mini bands for a second. Anchored resistance bands are elite tools for upper-body conditioning, postural work, and functional strength, plus they’re joint-friendly and easy to use anywhere.
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Banded face pull. This will light up your rear delts, strengthen your upper back, and improve posture—key for anyone sitting at a desk all day. Anchor the middle of the band in front of your face. Pull the handles toward you, allowing your elbows to flare out as you move.
5 Sled
The sled, sometimes called a prowler, is an absolute powerhouse. It’s one of the best tools for strength and conditioning without the wear and tear of high-impact cardio. You can push it, pull it, drag it—whatever it takes to finish strong.
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Sled push intervals using short bursts and a heavy load. It’s one of the most effective metabolic finishers out there.
The right equipment, used with intention, can breathe new life into your training and unlock untapped potential. It’s not about fancy moves; it’s about smart training that supports longevity, performance, and results that last.
Your body is capable of so much more than you realize. Let’s train like you believe it!
Written by Jennifer Van Barneveld-Pe, President of STRONG Fitness Magazine
Jenny photo by Paul Buceta
Jenny hair & makeup by Monica Kalra
