What you need to start

Depending on whether you're training at home, at the gym, or on tour, you will need access to different kit. You'll find everything you need here to get you up and running.

These are UK links. If you're outside the UK, search for something similar in your region.

Where do you train?

Pick one to see exactly what to buy.

The kit

  • Suspension trainer

    It uses your bodyweight, leverage and gravity in place of an external weight. It's very safe, and it demands whole-body recruitment to stabilise, so we can train specific lines of tension that transfer straight into performance.

    What I use: TRX GO

    Club approved: Flintronic Trainer

  • Slide pad

    It lets you train with control through the entire range, which is how you find and plug the energy leaks in your chain of movement. That matters enormously for musicians.

    What I use: Tumble Trak Large Slider

    Club approved: A piece of cardboard or a tea towel on a smooth floor

  • Fabric glute band

    Fabric rather than rubber, because fabric doesn't pull at the skin (or the hairs on your legs). We use it for warm-ups and some lower-body progressions.

    What I use: Light Primal band

    Club approved: Houselog bands

  • Loop resistance bands

    In a gym, you only need a light one for warm-ups and a few progressions. At home or on tour they're your secret weapon. Anchored at different heights, they give you the pulling and pressing lines of a cable stack.

    What I use: TRX or Bulldog

    Club approved: Fitbeast bands

  • Band anchor

    To anchor your bands at home or when travelling.

    What I use: At home: Anchor Gym Mini. Travelling: Slim Panda Door Anchor

  • Kettlebell or dumbbells

    Dumbbells are better for pure strength work. Kettlebells are better if you want to get into conditioning work later. Starting out: women 6–10kg (13–22lb), men 12–16kg (26–35lb).

    What I use: Kettlebell: Bulldog Box or Wolverson Black Series. Dumbbells: anything is good.

  • Mat

    Any yoga or exercise mat makes some exercises more comfortable and a bit cleaner.

    What I use: Any yoga or exercise mat

Want to spend less? Go Club approved.

Most items have two options. Club approved is a cheaper option that at least one Training Club member is using. Like with anything, the more expensive stuff is generally better, but you don't need it in the beginning and going Club Approved is totally viable.

What it costs: building the whole tour setup from scratch on the Club Approved route costs around £60 ($80). It may be less, or slightly more if you add free weights.

Any questions, ask me in The Forum.

Chris x