I’m a Sucker for a TOP 10 List

Sep 12

The emails that I actually open in my inbox generally have to do with a list of some sort. I’m a sucker for a good ranking or a list.

Just today, I looked through the NYTimes top 50 restaurants of 2025 listed by state, even though #1 we don’t eat out at fancy restaurants, ever, and #2 I wouldn’t be likely to choose a restaurant because it was on this list.

I just love lists. Another one of my favorite lists comes from the Southern Living Magazine emails. I recently read the “7 Misused Southerner Sayings“.. You know things like “Bless Your Heart”, “Fixin’ To”, and “God Love ‘Em”.

So, since I’m a “list fan”, I thought I would come up with a list of my own for you.

We’ve made our “gym home” the YMCA since putting our gym in storage temporarily. With the nationwide membership, we’ve been able to check out several Y’s across the states we’ve visited. We’ve already been to 2 completely different Y’s here in Boise, and I think that’s the appeal… they are all unique in their own way, yet still familiar 🤔. Ok, here we go… 🥁

7 Pieces of Equipment I Like Using at the Y (that I didn’t have at home):

1- Indoor Running

“I’m not a runner, but here I am running.”

I’ve gotten more into running lately than ever before. And while I used to do most of my runs on the road, I’ve learned that I actually run better, longer, and faster on a treadmill or inside on a running track.

It makes sense, a treadmill keeps you at a steady pace and takes away the hills, curbs, street crossings, and the HEAT!

The indoor track at the YMCA in Boise is cool because you get the feel of running on the road w/o the obstacles. When I go for a treadmill, I try to find one with the slatted belt (vs the solid belt). One thing I don’t do is get involved with the screen on these newer treadmills.

You can watch movies, YouTube, who knows what, and I’ve seen people waste 10 minutes picking something to watch before they even get moving.

I’m definitely old school when it comes to running. I like to run with nothing in my ears and use it as a time to think.

2- Dual Pulley Seated Row

“Back Gainz Train”

This probably should’ve been #1 because it’s definitely my favorite machine right now.

I’ve used plenty of single-pulley seated row machines, but having the handles separated adds a bit of extra 🔥 in my opinion.

This machine is great for hitting your pulling muscles (especially your lats)! Since you’re seated with your feet against a foot plate, you are able to keep your back in a really neutral position.

I also like the dual pulley because of the range of motion you get as opposed to a single handle that stops at your stomach. If you see one of these machines, give it a try for sure!

3- Cable Push Down

“Tricep 🔥”

Want to see your triceps? Find a cable pushdown machine! Bands are good, but cable pushdowns are absolute 🔥. You can use a rope attachment or a short bar attachment to hit your triceps from different angles.

If you try this one, be sure to stand close to the machine and keep yourself BRACED! I like to go for about 15 reps in a row (on my first set) and generally notice the reps plummet set after set as the triceps fatigue.

4- Bayesian Curls

“Weird Name / Great Bicep Burn”

If you usually do dumbbell or barbell curls with your elbows down by your sides, try mixing in these curls. This version pulls your elbows slightly behind you and creates constant tension on the biceps from the cables. This angle allows you to work different parts of the biceps and also keeps you honest in your curls! Stretch your arms out behind you and don’t let your elbows move while you curl!

5- Squat Rack Cage (aka Power Rack)

“Safety First”

This one brings me back to my days working out at Rice U, and reminds me how refreshing it is to have true safeties around you.

If you’ve never squatted in a cage, it might feel off at first, but once you do it a few times, I bet you’ll appreciate the ‘cage’ as much as I do. The benefits of the cage is the safety it offers. Having a solid safety there for you gives you extra confidence to go for that next rep.

You can also use the safeties to ensure proper depth by giving you a visual target to reach for (just try not to tap the safeties with the barbell, or it will throw you off balance).

6- Ski Erg

“Ouch!”

This one is definitely a love/hate. I’d always wanted to try it, and once I did, I understood why it’s so good. What doesn’t this thing work? Lats, tris, delts, quads, glutes, calves, abs, grip… WOW. Try skiing for just a few minutes, and you’ll get the idea quickly.

7- Narrow Grip Pull Up Bars

“My 1st Pull-Up”

I got my first true pull-up using a narrow-grip pull-up bar back in my Rice U days. These are usually attached to the top of squat racks and have a rubber coating on them.

Unlike a straight pull-up bar, the neutral grip puts your shoulders in a more natural position, which is often more comfortable. It also gives you stronger pulling leverage since your elbows stay closer to your sides. This position recruits more biceps too — which helps a ton!

BONUS - Rock Climbers Hanging Grip 🔥

Talk about a humbling experience. I tried to hang freely from a set of rock climbing grips with just my fingertips gripping the ‘rocks’ and WOW, I came down quickly.

While I can’t wait to pull my old equipment out of storage, I will admit it’s been fun to try out some new equipment and even new gyms on this journey.

When I think about my fitness journey as a whole, there have been so many eras. I guess I’m in my Y era 🤣.

This one has been full of navigating access to barbells, squat racks, matching dumbbells, wiping down others’ sweat, finding a clear and clean spot for some darn push-ups, and using locker rooms again… as well as the bonus of all the new equipment we get access to!

Have a great weekend! We hope to get some hiking in and check out the local fair in the park.

Blakley

Blakley Bonds https://www.digitalbarbell.com