Use it all when training.

Some lifters make it a point of pride not to use, or ONLY use, certain pieces of equipment:

• People who join the kettlebells-only cult because they believe the kettlebell is somehow superior to all other heavy objects.

• Those who think if you don’t squat, deadlift, and bench press with a barbell, you’re not “really” strength training.

• Those who believe soft tissue work is a waste of time.

Here’s a better philosophy: There is no best piece of equipment, nor is there a piece of equipment that’s never worth using. There are only tools in your toolbox.

Saying soft tissue work is a waste of time for everyone or that you will only use kettlebells or barbells is like being a carpenter and saying, “forget screwdrivers, I’m only using hammers!” Good luck trying to get really strong in the squat using just kettlebells or dumbbells. You’ll quickly out-grow the amount of weight you can clean and hold in the front rack position. Likewise, if your goal is long-term shoulder health, you probably shouldn’t do all your pressing exercises with barbells. Pressing with dumbbells is a better fit for many.

Every piece of equipment has a particular use:

• Barbells are fantastic for building tremendous levels of strength due to the amount of load you can put on them.

• Dumbbells are awesome for people with banged-up shoulders who need a little more freedom for their shoulders to move during pressing.

• Kettlebells are great for repeated power movements like kettlebell swings, or for loaded carriers.

• Foam rollers can free up restricted tissue, which can help with pain relief and get people moving better.

Why would anyone decide one of these tools isn’t worth putting in their toolbox? As a coach, I want every tool at my disposal to create the best possible plan for my clients. I want to find exercises that fit their current abilities, not force them into exercises they aren’t ready for yet. Using a piece of equipment that’s better suited for your body doesn’t make you a wimp. It’s a sign that you’re intelligent.