Top 10 Gifts for the Retired Powerlifter/Strongman

Top 10 Gifts for the Retired Powerlifter/Strongman

I’ve been involved in the iron game in one way or another for nearly 32 years now. After buying my first copy of Strength and Health magazine with Kaz on the cover, I was hooked. Getting bigger and stronger was almost an obsession. When I watched the 1983 USPF Senior Nationals and saw some of the legends of powerlifting on the platform, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I spent a lot of time from then on trying to find ways to get more massive and strong.

Even though it’s more than 10 years since I’ve been on the platform, I still follow the game from time to time and still train to stay in some kind of good physical shape. As any retired powerlifter or strongman can tell you, at some point your body will REALLY start to remind you that you’re not as young as you used to be! But, you can still be active to some extent regardless of previous injuries or current aches and pains.

With that being said, we’re at the threshold of another holiday season and elitefts™ has some great gifts for everyone. Here’s a list of gift ideas for the retired powerlifter or strongman (in no particular order):

1. elitefts™ Foam Roller

Let’s face it—as we get older, EVERYTHING hurts at one point or another. Instead of walking around the house like Fred Sanford, use the foam roller for aches and pains.

$19.95
EFS Foam Roller 36×6
Work out the kinks with our tough roller.
A-EFSFOAMROLLER-366
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2. Econo Prowler

I finally tried a Prowler for the first time this past summer just as the Dallas/Fort Worth area was on the verge of setting a new record for consecutive 100-degree days. Yes, I’m a crazy old man and this thing kicked my ass. But, even if you’re no longer trying to gain strength or muscle mass, this is a great conditioning tool…and yes, that definitely includes all you 308 and super heavy weights out there.

$279.99
Quick Ship Econo Prowler
The Prowler 2′s little brother. Smaller, but just as nasty.
Custom made for EFS DSWS-R-PE-BLACK
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3. Equi-Block

Like I said, as you get older, more things get achy, sore, and stiff. This stuff will take the edge off.  There’s an extra bonus – you get to go around town with that “old man” smell.

$22.99
Equi-Block
Equi-Block
Jacks A-LEBDT
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4. EFS Strong(er) Wristbands and Shirts

You may not lift as much as you used to, but you’re still strong(er) than the dork at the gym who has “invisible lat syndrome” and parades around the place after doing 275 x 5 half squats with terrible form. The t-shirt and wristbands will send an “I’m strong(er) than you” message and will remind you of the good old days.

$14.95
EFS Stronger T-Shirt

A-STRONGERT
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5. EFS Econo Core Blaster

I’ve found myself paying more attention to core work than I used to. This item is very portable and great not only for core work, but can be used for other movements. It’s great to take with you if you travel for work.

$99.99
Core Blaster: Econo Core Blaster
Turn any plate or Prowler into a core blaster!
Custom made for EFS DSWS-R-COREB-ECONO
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6. Spud Ab Straps

Again, you need to pay even more attention to the core and abs now that you’re older. If you can’t see your toes without sitting down, there’s a problem. The ab straps are a great way to work the midsection without having to grip a rope from behind your head—especially if you have tight or inflamed shoulders! Hats off to Marc Bartley.

$24.95
Spud Inc – Short Ab Strap
The stubby for chubby
Spud Inc A-SAS
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7. Relief Pack

Cold therapy is a great thing, and even more so in your “twilight years.” This is great for your daily workouts, especially for those times when you forget that you’re not as young as you used to be and really push it in the gym.

$15.75
Relief Pak – Standard
Standard
Fabrication Enterprises DSFE-11-1000
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8. Stretch Aide

I was pretty flexible back in the day, to the point that I could do a full split at nearly 400-pounds of bodyweight. Getting under a standard squat bar was easy. Now, I’m about as flexible as a crowbar, and worse in cold weather. Using a stretch aid will help all lifters, young and old(er).

$25.50
Stretch Aide
A product that anyone can use regardless of age or fitness level.
PowerMax DSPM-TA1780
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9. TK Waist Band

Why not? I mean, women have Spanx. What do us guys have? Seriously, though, this will keep the back and midsection warm during activity. Just don’t be one of those idiots who believes it’s for weight loss. Remember, spot reducing is a myth unless you’re a plastic surgeon.

$29.95
TK Waist Band (Tommy Kono)
Fits any size waist.
A-TKWAISTBAND
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10. Kettlebells

Again, I’m paying more attention to overall conditioning as I get older.  Kettlebells are another way to stay in great shape without beating up your joints. Put your ego in check and don’t start too heavy, or you’ll be surprised by extreme difficulty and soreness. A 50-yard field goal LOOKS easy until you try it.

$45.99
York 30 lb Kettlebell
York 30 lb Kettlebell
York DSYB-15130
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Well, there you go. A few gift ideas from elitefts™ that will satisfy the retired lifter shuffling around the house complaining about the pain in his back, or how the younger generation of lifters don’t respect the history of the sport. I think even Santa would use some of these items to stay in shape during the year—especially after being on the tail end of 12 reindeer and eating cookies all night.

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