NEW SPONSORSHIP! & What PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT is WORTH the $$$!?! Belts, Knee Sleeves, Wrist Wraps??

[@altemple5322]

So many opportunities to do the old black and white cut away on this one!!! Always great stuff Brian, Thanks

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

People said they hated that so I stopped doing it

[@bmstylee]

Brian those were gold. I miss them.

[@finbarrnolan123]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial never stop the B&W brother!!

[@Devidentbotw]

OGs love the Black and White edits but we're here for the content. Just keep doing what you do.

[@pWin317]

Congrats on the new sponsor! I've had a 150lb Cerberus sandbag in my room for months because of your sandbag videos. When I finish some garage gym sessions I come inside to lift the sandbag in air conditioning lol.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Haha However you need to get it done! Thanks for the support brother!

[@DestinysJesus]

Just got my Cerberus sandbag from your recommendation excited to get some more gear

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you so much for doing that! You will not be disappointed

[@jakewalker412]

Commenting for the Algo! You deserve the sponsorship for all the hard work and great info you provide!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you so much Jake! I truly appreciate you saying that

[@vocalg1]

Elbow compression sleeves are very very beneficial for certain lifts, for example, bench pressing Military pressing, and also skull crushers.

[@19ninetynine24]

Aaaaaaww fuck yeah! Cerberus are headquartered in my city of Inverness in Scotland and I love their stuff. Awesome company

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Scotland is one of my favorite places in the world to visit! I’m envious of you brother!

[@markom001]

Congrats, Brian! They chose wisely :)

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I really appreciate that brother and thank you so much for checking out the video

[@beau7160]

congrats on the new sponsorship and thanks for the discount code. digging the break down of knee sleeves. they like the idea of getting a hug. headed to Cerberus site now.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you so much my friend! I truly appreciate you saying that!

[@GrenadeGrips]

I became a Cerberus fan boy when I got into strongman. The knee sleeves are by far my favorite. It really does feel like a hug to keep my old ass knees warm and protected. And completely agree about straps. Build some calluses and grip strength before getting straps.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

You and I both Jeremey! Old school lifters used to be proud of their calluses and grip strength…maybe gloves are going to make a comeback like in 1989

[@GrenadeGrips]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial God, I hope not. They sgould stay in the 80 with the Otomix pants and stringer tanks.

[@ojs9068]

Nice stuff Brian, congrats on another sponsorship my man. For me, the number 1 thing I've used it your breathing and bracing video(s), saved my lower back numerous times.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I truly appreciate that my friend and I am so glad that the breathing and bracing videos helped! Is the number one most important thing in lifting in my opinion

[@comically_large_chungus]

I pull hook grip so I use straps on any multiple rep set of deadlifts to save my thumbs. I don't use straps on any back work rn because I just do cable stuff for back work.

[@mariopejovic]

another great video and congrats on new sponsor! as always, tons of great information. I understand your point on straps, but as someone with hand/finger injury, I realized I'd rather use straps above certain weights on deadlifts and be able to train often and actually use my hand for a 7 days a week, rather to "suck it up" and be unable to hold my bodyweight. I'm not a strongman/powerlifter, I just lift weights for my general health. but like you said in other comment, its case by case basis. no point to "man up" if it hinders your training or quality of life, imho

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I completely agree with you on this Mario and thanks so much for checking out the video and leaving a comment brother!

[@Mr.Ciobanu]

I have the Cerberus strongman short, knee/elbow sleeves and straps, pretty fucking cool. The pants are a bit too much for casual use, but the knee sleeves are GG. Only problem is they get a bit funky, but ill take it

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

That is a good review man! Thanks for checking out the video

[@Kerbalf]

My order of purchases (over the last 2 years or so) have been: 1) Knee sleeves 2) Straps 3) Soft velcro belt 4) chalk 5) Hard belt. For sure try out chalk before trying straps lol. I still think straps are essential but still... Your videos on breathing and bracing have been very helpful since I've been training with the hard belt (2 weeks ago hahah).

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Why do you consider straps essential?

[@dodgerboyjedward]

@Whotube same here. I hate switch grip, and I'm not competing in powerlifting, so I figure I'd rather do straps than switch grip. Perhaps I'm making a poor choice, but going double overhand as long as I can then throwing straps on seems to make the most sense to me.

[@awwwshucks443]

Switch grip can give people imbalances as well when not as experienced. No point in going that route if you don’t have competition goals IMO

[@Angel_Ripoff]

I'm a big fan of knee & elbow sleeves. Keeping those joints warm & supported sure makes a huge difference when moving heavy things. I hope to be lifting even when I'm a very old man, so taking care of the joints is a big deal.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I very much agree angel! I didn’t always feel that way but the years have shown that taking care of your joints is a very smart idea haha

[@getyourfitonproductions]

Thanks for the video...I liked what you said about arm sleeves.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you for checking it out my friend

[@taylorbetit1980]

I would have made wrist wraps top 3 personally. I get wrist tendinitis a lot and they keep my wrists from getting so bad they don't recover by the next pressing day. Plus you can get them stupid cheap and it'll keep you from getting discouraged by the wrist pain. It's a great value really.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I know they help a lot of people. I just have never really felt a difference with them unless benching in the 455-500 range. Since I don’t really do that anymore, that’s why they didn’t make my list. But solid points brother

[@JohnAlexanderICT]

"Part of me dies, a little bit....." Classic!!!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Haha

[@ev721]

Been using Cerberus sleeves for years now, don't have to convince me 😉

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I am definitely a fan so far!

[@awwwshucks443]

Straps are also useful for folks with CTS. No reason to limit your back or core development if you have CTS. If you compete for sure things are different

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I definitely agree that if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, you should use straps more often than someone without. But then someone like Miles who has cerebral palsy and his body collapsing in on itself doesn’t feel the need to use them. So I think it definitely has to go on a case by case basis. It is just my contention that the average gym goer uses them way too often

[@awwwshucks443]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial for sure... Grip takes a super long time to develop too. I think a great compromise for newer or less trained people is to always go as far as you can before your hands waste fried then use straps. Just keep doing that and eventually you won't really need them aside from heavy rows, deads, and obnoxious finishers like walking lunges to failure.

[@lmsm2015]

Thanks for the info

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@bmstylee]

For me straps are an essential. Between deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, chin-ups, and 4 days of rolling my grip gets plenty of work. So being able to give it a rest once in a while is helpful.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

If they help you, then I think you should use them.

[@facu23996]

Great video Brian, this information is very appreciated. Could you make a video about supplements in the future?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Sure thing, I have made a video about supplements when I first got sponsored by 1st Phorm that you can check out but my list is definitely updated since then. A lot of stuff cut out and a few things have been added

[@TheBesnokuce]

I never saw the point in knee sleeves (the heavy ones). I'm a knee wraps guy. Maybe heavy sleeves serve a purpose during some medleys in a strongman contest or crossfit games where you need extra support for a prolonged period of time (wraps would probably unwrap at some point). In all other cases knee wraps are just better. Now I personally don't have some crazy heavy/long wraps either. I can choose how heavy I want to wrap (even my heaviest wrapping isn't as heavy as some knee sleeves and thus I also don't need someone else to wrap my knees) and I find it more comfortable to be able to put them on and off quickly and easily. I can also wrap my sheens for deadlifting and it works quite well (once again you can decide how hard to wrap). I even used them for blood occlusion training. Lastly, buying a pair of wraps was cheaper than buying knee sleeves. Due to their greater versatility and everything mentioned, I find knee wraps much better than knee sleeves, but to each their own. Great video Brian as always!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

You make some very good points my friend, very good points!

[@jeremyjarvis8100]

It's the best equipment well worth it.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Can definitely add a lot of longevity to a.career!

[@gregorytorricellas873]

Good stuff… weird question, ever wear the compression shorts for grappling?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

They are a little thick for grappling and honestly, a little warm. But I always wear some sort of compression shirt underneath of my feet shorts. But typically thinner like an under armor material or the compression shorts that come with a diamond cup

[@gregorytorricellas873]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial my hips get achy sometimes working guard . Was thinking maybe they’d help with that … the funk generated from the heat would probably not win any friends though . Haha

[@timgroh299]

Does any of the videos go through the different belts? I have been beltless for years but your opinion on when and why to use belt makes sense

[@captain593]

I tried using gloves a couple times for deadlifts, and honestly I couldn't tell a difference with or without them.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Just trust me on this one my friend, you don’t want to use gloves. All they do is detach your body from the barbell and having that bare skin on the iron Will serve you much better.

[@GERGtheNERD]

Elbow sleeves, while definitely give me a lot of pop out of the front rack for a push press or something, make my biceps feel... weird? Not quite a pain, just a butt load of pressure than can get distracting. Not sure if that's just the brands I've used (numerous "entry level" brands) or how I'm wearing them, or what's going on.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I’ve personally never experienced or heard of this but if I come across a solution, I will be sure to share it brother!

[@neversate]

Last one is a dip belt for weighted pull ups and dips

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

That’s a must. I would just recommend a chain though. It is like 1/6th the cost

[@uncle.saagnik]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial As I mentioned dip belt here,can you discuss what's the proper hand placement for doing diamond push ups?

[@themannest1990]

What are your thoughts on wrist wraps and soft belts?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I honestly think wrist wraps are not worth the money for the majority of people using them. When I was benching over 500 pounds I wouldn’t even use them until there was over 455 on the bar. And I honestly haven’t spent enough time with soft belts to build a true opinion. A lot of my friends like them a lot but I didn’t want to add another layer around my core

[@randygentry2442]

The internet has made the pond a ocean….I consider myself a noob

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I completely agree brother!

[@zakkai]

For someone who's grip is a big limiting factor, mostly because of overuse of straps, are there any exercises for grip that you would recommend (in addition to lifting without straps? )

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Farmers walk my friend. Try to work your way up to body weight in each hand

[@zakkai]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial I want to but my gym doesn't have handles or heavy enough dumbbells

[@fabzee7952]

What about grip shirts?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I can only speak for myself, but they did absolutely nothing for me personally. I know some people who like them on the log and H stone - But I think the effects are minimal and the money could be better spent on coaching to have better technique

[@bryanklabik1500]

Where can we find your NeverSate merchandise? I looked on the loyal brand but could only find one shirt.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Unfortunately, I stopped working with that company and I need to come up with some new designs to give to a new company.

[@hby7768]

Hi Brian, I've been watching your breathing videos, how tight is too tight for the belt, how loose should I keep it? Any tips on how to gauge the ideal range for the belt?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

It definitely changes by individual preference but if it is too tight that you can’t get a full belly breath of air, then the belt can actually hinder you. When you have it on in a relaxed state, you should be able to get some fingers between the belt and your body. But once you get your air and brace it down, your fingers were in there, the person should be screaming to get them out because of how much pressure there is

[@nathanmiller1]

There's a chalk ninja sneaking around the commercial gym I go to right now. He probably comes late at night when no one's around to identify him to the manager.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Chalk ninjas rule the world

[@richardpeterson4440]

For me it’s knee sleeves. I love my Cerberus triple ply knee sleeves. I can get them over my calfs and they provide great support. I do have a minor tear in my left meniscus however so I am biased.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I have not tried the triple ply ones yet but I’ve heard good things from a couple people now

[@allcleanenterpise]

My bad I'll check the "Garage gym tour"

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I answered on your other comment brother

[@rickardgunnerfeldt2494]

What about wrist wraps?

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Even when I was benching over 500 pounds, I didn’t think they were any use whatsoever until I got above 455. I think they are largely overrated. That said, it is only my opinion. If you feel like they help you, then use them. But I personally do not think they are worth spending money on until you are a very advanced lifter

[@allcleanenterpise]

Is the gym in the background at your house!? You still run your gym for the Neversate crew?!

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Yes, This gym is in my garage. And NEVERsate is open as it always has been but now I let the members go for free because I don’t coach on a steady basis

[@whynotsquat8315]

Brian, what would you suggest for a person who is used to using straps too much for deadlifting and is currently running your DARKHORSE program which incorporates stuff like block pulls and high volume of deadlift variations? And I want to get rid of straps just as you suggest.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I would say to try to keep the straps out on your maximum effort portions. If the banded work is hard to hold onto then I would say that you could use the straps for that. But definitely keep it to a minimum. Just slowly start to wean yourself off, even if it means just doing an extra set or two Without them where you would normally have them on and you’ll be shocked at how quickly your grip can catch back up

[@whynotsquat8315]

@@BrianAlsruheOfficial Excellent, thank you!

[@Marcus_PG]

third ! 😀 good video Brian

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thanks for checking it out Marcus!

[@GhostSamaritan]

I wear gloves because I tend to rip open the skin on my hands and it's not so fun to bleed all over the gym equipment.

[@kyleallen7383]

question on your not using straps for deadlifts even when you did 750+; did you do double overhand, hook grip, or over/under? if I have to hook or do over/under I personally would rather just use straps; but I'm also not training for any competitions

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Over under my friend. I am much stronger with a mixed grip than double overhand with or without straps

[@Bmxae]

You're underestimating how much elbow and knee sleeves add to a lift. I have those same knee and elbow sleeves and I didn't even get a tight size. I would say they add 10-20% on lifts. Sleeves store and release mechanical energy, the same way tendons do. They basically work as an additional huge tendon when places under load.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I think you are way overestimating. Those percentages make sense for wraps but not sleeves at all. According to your calculations, if I have a 600 pound squat without sleeves, I will have a 720 pound squat with them… it would also mean that every single raw lifter who can hit 800 pounds (which is a ridiculous amount of individuals in the world) would be doing 1000 with sleeves on… I respect your opinion, but you are way off base on this one

[@BurstingVeins1]

I would definitely put belt as number one. I have a herniated disc with sciatica in my back that put me completely out of lifting for several months. Then I got a support belt and a hard belt, and it's completely fixed my back issues and I have zero pain lifting again.

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

My friend, I have broken my back twice. Please trust me when I say that the belt is not saving you, you need to learn how to use your transverse ab The way that it is designed by breathing and bracing correctly. If you don’t get that down, you were just going to continue to re-injure yourself whether you have a belt on or not. Please take this seriously

[@donaldkasper8346]

Chalk. I don't like calluses on my hands, so gloves for me.

[@20mim20]

When i read gear i thought of a totally diff thing 😂

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

So your mind just completely erased the “ protective” Part of The title? Haha

[@awwwshucks443]

Gains protection 😂

[@willwhittington9890]

Don’t think I have, or will ever see, anyone rowing 360-400lbs 😅 and I’m a very small fish in a very big pond 😂

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Look back at my videos of when I was strong. Myself and multiple others in my gym were rowing over 400

[@willwhittington9890]

Oh for sure, man. You know some very big fish 😂

[@LatimusChadimus]

Schweet

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

Thanks man!

[@Klepzeiker1984]

I have SBD gear, love it. I dont have the belt, but it wil come

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I started out with SBD knee sleeves as well like eight years ago and I would say the Cerberus ones that I saw in the video or probably the closest feeling out of any other brand that I’ve tried. I definitely like them both

[@Klepzeiker1984]

I now have the belt also, perfect gear. And Cerberus is also perfect

[@do_odman]

if only gloves were suddenly cool again...

[@surrendertoji]

Had my eyes on cerberus for a while now, might pick something up soon

[@BrianAlsruheOfficial]

I can honestly say that I have been happy with everything that I’ve gotten from them thus far.