The Best Strength Training Accessories You’ve Never Heard Of (And Why We Swear By Them at CGPT)

The Best Strength Training Accessories You’ve Never Heard Of (And Why We Swear By Them at CGPT)

 

If you’ve ever stepped into a big-box gym and felt overwhelmed by the sea of machines, cables, and sweaty benches, you’re not alone. But at CGPT, we’ve designed a strength training experience that’s focused, personalised, and incredibly effective - right down to the tools we use.

 

While most people are familiar with barbells, dumbbells and resistance bands, it’s often the lesser-known accessories that make the biggest difference. These aren’t gimmicks. These are evidence-based tools that, when combined with expert guidance, can help you get stronger, lift more safely, and see results faster.

 

So what are these underrated strength training heroes? And why do we use them with our clients every single day?

 

Let’s dive in.

 

1. Wrist Wraps & Wrist Straps

 

Let’s start with the two things that get forgotten until they start hurting: your wrists.

 

Wrist wraps offer support during pressing movements like bench press, overhead presses, and even certain squat variations. They help keep the wrist in a neutral, stable position - especially important if you’re lifting heavier loads or dealing with mobility limitations. Wrist wraps don’t make you weaker - they give your joints the backup they need to perform at their best.

 

Wrist straps, on the other hand, are ideal for pulling exercises - think heavy rows, deadlifts, or assisted pull-ups. They’re designed to reduce grip fatigue, allowing you to focus on the target muscles (like your lats or hamstrings) instead of worrying about your hands giving out first.

 

Many of our clients come to us after years of avoiding certain exercises due to discomfort or injury risk. These small but mighty accessories - combined with our coaching - often unlock whole new movements they never thought they could do safely.

 

2. Fractional Plates

 

Fractional plates are the 0.25kg, 0.5kg, and 1kg metal discs that look almost too small to matter until you realise they’re the secret to long-term progression.

 

The average gym goer is stuck in a pattern of jumping from 5kg to 7.5kg, or 10kg to 12.5kg, which can sometimes be too large of a leap - especially for beginners or those coming back from injury.

 

With fractional plates, we can increase load more gradually, which keeps clients progressing consistently and reduces the risk of plateaus or overload.

 

This level of precision is why CGPT programs are so effective. We don’t just guess or go by feel - we plan and track every kilo, every rep, and every phase of your training.

 

3. Lifting Wedges

 

Tight calves? Limited ankle mobility? Struggle to squat to depth without your heels lifting off the floor?

 

Enter the lifting wedge.

 

These simple rubber wedges - placed under your heels - instantly change your squat mechanics by elevating your heel and increasing your ankle range of motion. This means:

 

·       Better depth in squats

·       Improved posture and positioning

·       Less strain on knees and lower back

 

We often introduce these wedges during early training blocks with new clients to help build confidence and improve form especially if they’ve been avoiding squats due to discomfort.

 

Over time, as mobility improves, we may phase them out. But for many, they become a permanent part of their lifting toolkit.

 

4. Resistance Bands (The Right Way)

 

Yes, everyone has seen a resistance band but not everyone is using them to their full potential.

 

At CGPT, we don’t just hand you a band and tell you to do a few bicep curls. We integrate bands strategically to:

 

·       Add resistance to bodyweight movements

·       Create variable tension for exercises like push-ups or squats

·       Assist with pull-ups as you build strength

·       Improve joint control and stability during warm-ups or rehab

 

Our trainers know exactly how to dose and progress band work, making it far more effective than the YouTube workout you tried at home during lockdown.

 

5. Slant Boards

 

These flat, angled boards are used to train with an elevated heel or toe position and can be a game-changer for clients with joint issues or mobility limitations.

 

We use slant boards for:


·       Knee rehab: They allow for controlled quad-focused movements with reduced knee strain.

·       Calf strengthening: Perfect for controlled heel raises.

·       Ankle mobility: Encouraging proper alignment and joint loading during lower-body exercises.

 

They’re especially useful for clients managing patellofemoral pain or coming back from meniscus injuries. Think of them as a form meets function upgrade.

 

Why These Tools Give CGPT Clients a Real Edge

 

If you’ve ever wondered why training at CGPT gets better results than training on your own at a commercial gym, this is part of the reason.

 

Most commercial gyms leave you to your own devices. You might pick up a few cues from a YouTube video or copy what someone else is doing nearby but there’s no real strategy, no feedback, and no personalisation.

 

At CGPT, your trainer knows your injury history, your goals, your mobility limitations, and your current training block. And they know exactly how to use these tools to help you progress safely and confidently.

 

This is pro-level training without the ego, along with these accessories, help us bridge the gap between physiotherapy and performance.

 

How We Use These Accessories in Real Life Training

 

To give you a feel for how some of our trainers use these tools in everyday sessions, here are a few examples from our team:

 

·       Tim uses fractional plates with his clients returning from injury so they can rebuild strength without overreaching.

·       Sophie incorporates slant boards and wedges in her programming for postpartum clients needing controlled lower-body loading.

·       Laurence loves resistance bands to activate key muscles during warm-ups especially for those with desk jobs and tight hips.

·       Jon often uses wrist straps for clients wanting to focus on heavy rows and Romanian deadlifts without grip limitations.

·       James brings out wrist wraps during advanced pressing phases where joint support makes a huge difference in form and output.

·       Adam tailors accessory use based on client feedback, always adapting the program to suit their weekly needs and lifestyle.

 

This isn’t cookie-cutter programming. It’s tailored strength coaching built on experience, science, and your goals.

 

Ready to Train Smarter, Not Just Harder?

 

Whether you're new to lifting or have been training for years, using the right tools under the guidance of the right coach can fast-track your results and protect your body for the long haul.

 

At CGPT, we’ve built a space that’s focused on your progress. We invest in the accessories that matter (so you don’t have to) and we teach you how to use them properly. You won’t find gimmicks here just proven, practical tools used by a team of highly qualified personal trainers who genuinely care.

 

Want to experience the CGPT difference?

 

Come in for a consult. Let’s get started with a movement screen, set some goals, and see what the right tools (and the right trainer) can help you achieve.

 

Check out our website: www.chrisgympt.com

Email Andrea to book your first session: andrea@chrisgympt.com

 

 

Bibliography

 

Behm, D.G., Drinkwater, E.J., Willardson, J.M. & Cowley, P.M., 2010. The use of instability to train the core musculature. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 35(1), pp.91–108. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1139/H09-127

 

Comfort, P., Allen, M., Graham-Smith, P. & Matthews, M.J., 2011. Kinetic comparisons during variations of the power clean. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(12), pp.3269–3273. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318212dda3

 

Cormie, P., McGuigan, M.R. & Newton, R.U., 2011. Developing maximal neuromuscular power: Part 1 – Biological basis of maximal power production. Sports Medicine, 41(1), pp.17–38. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2165/11537690-000000000-00000

 

Schoenfeld, B.J., 2010. The mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and their application to resistance training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), pp.2857–2872. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e840f3

 

Wernbom, M., Augustsson, J. & Thomeé, R., 2007. The influence of frequency, intensity, volume and mode of strength training on whole muscle cross-sectional area in humans. Sports Medicine, 37(3), pp.225–264. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737030-00004

 

From Podcasts to Policy: What the Menopause Movement Means for Women & Training

February 20, 2026
From Podcasts to Policy: What the Menopause Movement Means for Women & Training If you feel like menopause has suddenly become a weekly conversation - you’re right. It’s in: · Podcasts · Workplace policies · Instagram · Pharmacy campaigns · Telehealth clinics And for many women, the overwhelming feeling is: “Finally - someone is talking about this.” That visibility is critical, but there’s an important distinction: Awareness changes conversation. Training changes physiology. You’re Not Imagining It The shift is real. More women are: · Recognising symptoms earlier · Seeking answers sooner · Expecting better support That alone is a positive change. But the next step is where things often stall. Awareness vs Action Understanding symptoms is one thing. Responding to what’s happening in the body is another. Common experiences include: · Sleep disruption · Energy dips · Anxiety · Weight redistribution · Brain fog These are complex and multifactorial. But one consistent finding: Exercise - particularly resistance training - can positively influence many of these systems. What Strength Training Actually Supports Research shows strength training can: Improve insulin sensitivity Helping regulate blood sugar and energy levels (1) Support sleep quality Exercise has been linked to improved sleep outcomes in midlife women (2) Assist with stress regulation Physical training influences stress response systems (3) Improve body composition Supporting lean mass and reducing fat accumulation (4) This isn’t a cure-all, but it is a powerful foundation to establish and work from. The Psychological Benefit (Often Overlooked) For many women, the biggest shift isn’t physical - it’s psychological. Strength training provides: · Measurable progress · A sense of control · Confidence in a changing body In a phase that can feel unpredictable, that consistency can really mean all the difference. Why Strength Training Is Different to Cardio-Only Approaches Cardio definitely has it’s value. But on its own, it doesn’t: · Build significant muscle · Improve bone density to the same extent · Provide the same structural resilience Strength training complements cardio, but also fills critical gaps. What This Looks Like at CGPT At CGPT, training is: · Structured · Progressive · Supervised · Individualised There’s no pressure to “keep up.” Just a focus on: · Building strength · Moving well · Progressing consistently Where to Start If you’re exploring this space, these guides are a useful next step: Strength Training During Menopause Menopause Strength Formula Or simply: Start with a conversation. If this has sparked your interest, we’d love to invite you in for a complimentary intro session at CGPT. It’s a relaxed, friendly chat with one of our senior trainers where you can get a feel for the space, ask any questions, and talk through what you’re looking for - without any pressure to commit. Just a simple, supportive starting point to see if it feels right for you. Want to find out more? Email Andrea today. Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding menopause-related concerns. Bibliography 1. Bird, S.R. & Hawley, J.A. (2017) ‘Update on the effects of physical activity on insulin sensitivity’, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 2. Kredlow, M.A. et al. (2015) ‘The effects of physical activity on sleep’, Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3). 3. Stranahan, A.M. et al. (2008) ‘Running induces beneficial effects on stress’, Neuroscience, 156(4). 4. Westcott, W.L. (2012) ‘Resistance training is medicine’, Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(4).

Menopause, Muscle and Metabolism: Why Strength Training Is the Missing Piece in the National Conversation

February 15, 2026
Menopause, Muscle and Metabolism: Why Strength Training Is the Missing Piece in the National Conversation The menopause conversation is louder than it’s ever been. But it’s also incomplete. Most headlines focus on: · Hot flushes · Mood changes · Hormones All very valid. But far less attention is given to three critical areas that directly influence long-term health: Muscle. Bone. Metabolism. And this is where strength training becomes essential - not optional. The Muscle Decline Nobody Notices Until It’s Advanced Muscle loss is gradual, but significant. From midlife onwards, women can lose muscle mass each decade if it’s not actively maintained (1). Oestrogen plays a protective role in muscle function. As levels decline, muscle becomes harder to maintain without targeted stimulus (2). Why this matters goes far beyond appearance: · Muscle supports joint stability · Improves glucose control · Reduces injury risk · Supports daily function and independence Strength training directly counteracts this decline. Studies consistently show resistance training improves muscle mass and strength in postmenopausal women (3). Bone Density: The Silent Risk Bone loss accelerates during menopause due to hormonal changes (4). This isn’t something you feel immediately - but over time, it increases fracture risk. Here’s the key distinction: Walking is beneficial - but not sufficient on its own. Bone responds best to: · Load · Impact · Resistance Strength training provides that stimulus. Research shows weight-bearing resistance exercise can significantly improve or maintain bone density in postmenopausal women (5). This is one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies available. The Metabolism Myth A common statement: “My metabolism is broken.” What’s often happening is more specific: · Loss of muscle · Increase in fat mass · Reduced energy expenditure Muscle is metabolically active tissue. Less muscle = lower baseline energy use (6). Strength training helps by: · Preserving lean mass · Supporting insulin sensitivity · Improving body composition This reframes the conversation from “metabolism is broken” to: Muscle needs to be maintained. Why Supervised Training Really Matters in Midlife This isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about training smarter. Considerations include: · Joint health · Recovery capacity · Progressive loading · Technique Unstructured programs can lead to: · Plateaus · Injury · Frustration A structured, progressive approach ensures: · Safe progression · Consistent results · Long-term sustainability The Local Reality Women across Hawthorn, Camberwell, Richmond and Toorak often share a similar experience: · They’ve tried gyms before · They’ve done classes or cardio · They’ve been inconsistent - not from lack of effort, but lack of structure What’s often missing is: · Clarity · Progression · Accountability Strength training - done properly - provides all three. How CGPT Approaches This At CGPT, the focus isn’t trends or extremes. It’s: · Progressive strength training · Individualised programming · Consistent, structured sessions No chaos. No guesswork. Just a clear, repeatable system. Where to Go From Here If you want to understand more about starting strength training in midlife: Why Your 40s Are Not Too Late to Start Strength Training The Benefits of Strength Training During Menopause Or, simply: Start a conversation about structured strength training. If this has sparked your interest, we’d love to invite you in for a complimentary intro session at CGPT. It’s a relaxed, friendly chat with one of our senior trainers where you can get a feel for the space, ask any questions, and talk through what you’re looking for - without any pressure to commit. Just a simple, supportive starting point to see if it feels right for you. Want to find out more? Email Andrea today. Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health or exercise routine. Bibliography 1. Mitchell, C.J. et al. (2012) ‘Sarcopenia, dynapenia, and the impact of advancing age on human skeletal muscle size and strength’, Frontiers in Physiology, 3. 2. Collins, B.C. et al. (2019) ‘The role of estrogen in skeletal muscle’, Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, 47(2). 3. Peterson, M.D. et al. (2010) ‘Resistance exercise for muscular strength in older adults’, Ageing Research Reviews, 9(3). 4. Eastell, R. et al. (2016) ‘Bone loss during menopause’, Endocrine Reviews, 37(4). 5. Zhao, R. et al. (2015) ‘The effectiveness of resistance training on bone density’, Osteoporosis International, 26(2). 6. Wolfe, R.R. (2006) ‘The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease’, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(3).

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Perimenopause? And What It Means for Your Training

February 10, 2026
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Perimenopause? And What It Means for Your Training If it feels like perimenopause has suddenly appeared everywhere - podcasts, workplace policies, group chats, late-night Google searches - you’re not imagining it. In Australia alone, the conversation has moved from quiet frustration to national focus. A Senate inquiry, workplace guidelines, and increasing media coverage have pushed menopause firmly into the spotlight. Globally, high-profile figures and platforms have accelerated the conversation even further. And for many women in Hawthorn, Camberwell, Kew and surrounding areas - this shift is landing at a very specific moment: peak career, full schedules, and a body that feels… different. This isn’t hysteria. It’s overdue recognition. But here’s the part that often gets missed: Awareness alone doesn’t protect your muscle, bone density, or metabolism. Strength training does. Why This Surge Is Happening There isn’t one reason perimenopause is everywhere right now. It’s a combination of forces. 1. Policy and workplace legitimacy (Australia) Menopause is now being discussed as a workplace issue - linked to productivity, retention, and employee wellbeing. That shift has moved it from “private health topic” to something openly acknowledged in professional environments. 2. Celebrity and media normalisation From global TV specials to podcasts, menopause has become mainstream content. When high-profile figures talk about it, it stops being niche. 3. Women asking better questions Women in their 40s and 50s are more informed - and less willing to accept vague answers or dismissal of symptoms. 4. Social media shortening the gap Many women now recognise symptoms through short-form content before they ever speak to a doctor. That accelerates awareness dramatically. All of this creates one thing: visibility. But visibility doesn’t equal strategy. The Gap Nobody Is Talking About Enough Most of the conversation focuses on: · Symptoms · Hormones · Supplements · Treatment pathways All very important. But far less attention is given to what’s happening physically beneath the surface: · Gradual loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) (1) · Declining bone density (2) · Changes in insulin sensitivity and fat distribution (3) · Reduced recovery capacity These changes are not theoretical - they’re measurable. And importantly: Strength training is one of the few interventions consistently shown to positively influence all of them. This isn’t a controversial statement. It’s widely supported across exercise physiology and menopause research. What Perimenopause Actually Changes in the Body At a high level, perimenopause is driven by fluctuating oestrogen levels. That impacts: Muscle Oestrogen plays a role in muscle protein synthesis. As levels fluctuate, maintaining muscle becomes less automatic (4). Bone Bone turnover increases, meaning bone breakdown can outpace rebuilding - raising long-term osteoporosis risk (2). Metabolism Changes in body composition - particularly increased fat mass and reduced lean mass - can occur even without major lifestyle changes (3). Recovery Sleep disruption and hormonal shifts can affect how quickly the body recovers from training or stress. None of this means decline is inevitable, but it does mean doing nothing is no longer neutral. What This Means for Women Looking For Training Solutions For many women locally, the challenge isn’t motivation - it’s structure. You’re: · Time-poor · Managing work and family · Already active, or trying to be · Unsure what actually works now Random gym sessions or cardio-heavy routines often stop delivering results. What becomes more effective is: · Structured sessions · Progressive overload (gradually increasing strength demands) · Consistency over intensity · Supervised training to ensure progression and safety This is where strength training shifts from “optional” to foundational . How CGPT Fits Into This Conversation At CGPT, the approach isn’t reactive or trend-driven. It’s: · Structured · Evidence-informed · Individualised · Calm and consistent There’s no need to overhaul everything overnight. But there is value in: · Training with intention · Progressing strength safely · Building muscle and resilience over time If you’re already reading about menopause everywhere, the next logical step isn’t more content. It’s action. Where to Start If you’re curious about how strength training fits into this phase, these guides are a useful starting point: The Benefits of Strength Training During Peri-Menopause and Menopause Strength Training During Menopause: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Or, if you’d prefer something more direct: A conversation about personalised structured strength training is often the simplest place to begin. If this has sparked your interest, we’d love to invite you in for a complimentary intro session at CGPT. It’s a relaxed, friendly chat with one of our senior trainers where you can get a feel for the space, ask any questions, and talk through what you’re looking for - without any pressure to commit. Just a simple, supportive starting point to see if it feels right for you. Want to find out more? Email Andrea today. Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or qualified healthcare provider regarding menopause, symptoms, or treatment options. Bibliography 1. Cruz-Jentoft, A.J. et al. (2019) ‘Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis’, Age and Ageing, 48(1), pp. 16–31. 2. Daly, R.M. et al. (2018) ‘Exercise for the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women’, Bone, 115, pp. 172–180. 3. Lovejoy, J.C. et al. (2008) ‘Increased visceral fat and decreased energy expenditure during menopause’, International Journal of Obesity, 32(6), pp. 949–958. 4. Sipilä, S. et al. (2020) ‘Estrogen-related muscle changes’, Frontiers in Physiology, 11.