I definitely have some kind of strange sports equipment fetish.
Ever since I was a kid I have always loved going to sports stores and poring over cricket bats, lacrosse balls, swimming goggles, snooker cues and all types of equipment that I would mostly never use, but wanted to possess.
When I was into basketball, I used to love leafing through catalogues and fantasising about the latest “gooseneck system with fibreglass backboard and authentic breakaway rims”. More recently my attention has shifted to fitness equipment and power racks, bumper plates, prowlers and kettlebells have become my new objects of desire. I’ve visited www.roguefitness.com countless times to mentally equip my dream gym.
Looking at pictures of cool fitness equipment is one thing, but getting to actually try out new gear always gets me juiced. I recently spent the weekend in London to celebrate my birthday and took the opportunity to visit CrossFit Central London. Not only was it the chance to get in a workout in an otherwise fairly debauched weekend (paleo it was not), but I got my mitts on some pretty cool gear.
I actually visited these guys 1 year ago when they were situated in a small room in an office building. They have since graduated to a much larger location and have loads of space for their toys (see the pics below).
The pull-up rack they have is a thing of beauty with multiple options for pull-ups, hanging rings and even rope climbing (something I had always wanted to try but never got the chance).
There was a ton of other stuff I wanted to try out (glute ham developer, prowler, 32kg kettlebells, high rings), but I was totally spent after the following workout:
4 rounds
8 pistols (or single leg squats) per leg
8 single arm kettlebell swings per arm (24kgs)
20 burpees
It took me over 14 minutes and was a real burner. For me 20 burpees is almost the equivalent of running a marathon – no fun whatsoever.
If anyone is in London and wants a great gym, I would highly recommend CrossFit Central London. Check out their web site for more details.
Thanks for the good report mate! Glad you enjoyed your time with us and welcome back anytime to play with the toys to your hearts content!