Do You Even Lift Bro‪?‬ Presented by Garage Gym Experiment

Summary

The podcast episode features a lively discussion between Kyle and Michael, focusing on various aspects of the fitness industry, particularly the nuances of brand management and marketing strategies within niche markets like fitness expos. The conversation revolves around a specific incident involving REP Fitness, which faced consequences for not obtaining permission to use Arnold Expo's branding on their merchandise. This led to a broader discussion on the importance of adhering to brand guidelines and the potential financial implications of such oversights. They also touched on upcoming events like HomeGymCon and shared their personal experiences and insights on product reviews and the dynamics of community engagement within the fitness industry.



Outline


00:00 Controversy and Exclusion: Rep Fitness at the Arnold Expo
07:48 Possibility of Participation: Strongman and Grip Competitions
20:22 The Future of Kabuki Strength
26:38 Favorite Cable Attachments for a Cable Tower Setup
32:52 Mount Rushmore of Cable Attachments
39:13 Angles90 Handles: Love or Hate?
48:07 The Frustration with Affiliate Links
54:15 DIY Pieces That Should Be Brought to Market

Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/

Follow Kyle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGCfbYPyFpITa0mbwbTmhA

Follow Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygym

Summary

The conversation covers the announcement of Rep Ares V2, the frustration of Rep Ares V1 owners, Rep's approach to new product releases, the use of affiliate links by influencers, the controversy between Garage Gym Reviews and The Strength Co, and the influx of Chinese equipment manufacturers in the home gym market. We also cover topics such as buying knockoff products, supporting American companies, the ethics of buying knockoffs, controversy over GymPin's product and upgrading equipment.



Takeaways


Rep's announcement of Ares V2 has generated excitement and anticipation, but also frustration among recent buyers of the Ares V1.


Rep's approach to new product releases has varied, with some products being teased out and others being announced without warning.


The use of affiliate links by influencers can feel spammy and may not always align with the best interests of the consumer.


The controversy between Garage Gym Reviews and The Strength Co highlights the influence of affiliate links in product recommendations.


The home gym market is seeing an influx of Chinese equipment manufacturers, which can lead to a flooded market and potential issues with quality and originality. 


Buying knockoff products can be tempting due to their lower prices, but it raises ethical questions about supporting the original creators and American companies.


The home gym community is divided on the issue, with some prioritizing cost savings and others valuing supporting the originators.


The availability of knockoff products on platforms like Alibaba makes it difficult for consumers to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit items.


Upgrading equipment can be a personal choice driven by aesthetics, functionality, or a desire for change.



Chapters


00:00 Rep Ares V2 Announcement


02:48 Disgruntled Rep Aries V1 Owners


06:33 Rep's Approach to New Product Releases


08:51 Affiliate Links and Influencers


10:46 Garage Gym Reviews and The Strength Co Controversy


15:34 Chinese Equipment Manufacturers and Flooded Market


36:30 Supporting American Companies


39:35 The Ethics of Buying Knockoffs


42:52 Controversy Over Mammoth Belt Squat Kickstand


45:13 Jim Pin's Competing Product


50:39 Upgrading Equipment


55:47 New Equipment Purchases


01:04:09 Live Episode at Home Gym Con



Follow

Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/

Follow Kyle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGCfbYPyFpITa0mbwbTmhA

Follow Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygym

Episode Outline


(00:00) Introduction and Personal Updates
(02:47) Benefits of Outdoor Activities
(06:10) Balancing Content Creation and Training
(08:53) Thoughts on Content Creation
(13:37) Hot Takes and Questions from the Community
(23:45) New Product Debuts at Home Gym Con
(26:08) Exciting and Innovative Equipment
(30:01) Modular Storage System
(33:19) Overcomplicating Lifting
(39:18) Drama in the Home Gym Space
(52:32) Drama with Steadfast Lifting
(57:09) HomeGymCon Plans

*Use code dyelb to save on ⁠HomeGymCon

Episode Outline


(1:36) HomeGymCon Prep
(4:40) Marketplace
(13:43) Content in 2024
(21:40) Barbell Collections
(40:05) Other Updates


Follow


Follow ⁠⁠@nicelikemike__⁠⁠ on IG
Follow ⁠⁠Kyle⁠⁠ on YouTube
Follow ⁠⁠Kyle⁠⁠ on Instagram

*Use code dyelb to save on HomeGymCon



Episode Outline


(0:00) Introduction and Return to Podcasting
(3:00) Home Gym Con and Content Strategy
(8:00) Challenges of Moving Home Gym
(13:00) Dealing with a Flood
(18:00) Challenges of Content Creation
(20:00) Black Friday Equipment Purchases
(25:00) Training and Goals
(35:00) Training for Spartan Race
(45:00) Holiday Plans and Content Creation
(48:14) Capturing Memories and Content
(51:01) Goals for the New Year
(55:36) Looking Forward to Home Gym Con
(56:05) Favorite Christmas Movies
(59:55) Wrapping Up and Returning to Podcasting


Follow


Follow ⁠@nicelikemike__⁠ on IG
Follow ⁠Kyle⁠ on YouTube
Follow ⁠Kyle⁠ on Instagram

(Get Tickets Here for 2024 Here)



Mike & Kyle chat about their HomeGymCon experiences.


(0:00) Intro
(4:07) Mike's Journey to HGC
(8:44) Kyle's Journey
(10:24) Prior Weekend Plans
(22:52) Testing equipment for the first time
(30:18) The Sadness After