https://proofofchalk.com/blog/Guides on chalk friendly gyms, gym rules and lifting when you travel.enMon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://proofofchalk.com/blog/why-do-gyms-ban-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/why-do-gyms-ban-chalk/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Why so many gyms ban chalk, in the gyms' own words. Mess and cleanup come up again and again, and some clubs allow liquid chalk or chalk on platforms only.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/texas-method-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/texas-method-review/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of the Texas Method by Mark Rippetoe. How the volume, light and intensity days work, weekly progression, who it suits, the drawbacks and what to change.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/sumo-vs-conventional-deadlift/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/sumo-vs-conventional-deadlift/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How the sumo and conventional deadlift differ in stance, grip, range of motion and muscles used, what the research shows, and how to choose the style that suits your body and goals.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/stronglifts-5x5-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/stronglifts-5x5-review/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of Mehdi Hadim's StrongLifts 5x5. How the A and B workouts work, how weight goes up, what happens when you fail, who it suits and what to change.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/starting-strength-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/starting-strength-review/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength novice program. How the A and B days work, how the three phases change, who it suits, its drawbacks and what to add.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/rpe-rir-explained/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/rpe-rir-explained/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What RPE and RIR mean in strength training, how the 1 to 10 scale matches reps left in the tank, how to use it to pick weights, and how to get better at rating sets.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/raw-vs-equipped-powerlifting/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/raw-vs-equipped-powerlifting/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The difference between raw (classic) and equipped powerlifting, what gear each division allows under IPF and USPA rules, how knee sleeves and knee wraps fit in, and which division a first timer should pick.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-meet-commands/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-meet-commands/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What each powerlifting referee command means on the squat, bench press and deadlift, when it is given, what earns a red light for missing it, and how to practice commands in your own gym.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/madcow-5x5-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/madcow-5x5-review/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of the Madcow 5x5 intermediate program. Where it came from, how the heavy, light and medium days work, weekly progression, who it suits and what to change.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-an-olympic-weightlifting-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-an-olympic-weightlifting-gym/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to find a gym where you can snatch and clean and jerk. Where to search, the equipment to look for, the questions to ask on a tour and how to tell a real weightlifting club from a gym with a few bumpers.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-deload/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-deload/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What a deload is, signs you need one, how often lifters take them, and simple ways to cut volume, weight or effort for a week without losing progress. Sourced from recent research.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/dots-vs-wilks-score/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/dots-vs-wilks-score/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What DOTS, Wilks and IPF GL points are, how each formula compares lifters of different bodyweights, which federations use which, and a worked example showing how the scores line up.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-la-fitness-allow-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-la-fitness-allow-chalk/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000LA Fitness does not state a chalk policy publicly. What its FAQ and club pages do say, how liquid chalk fits in, and how to get a straight answer at your club.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-crunch-fitness-allow-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-crunch-fitness-allow-chalk/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Crunch Fitness does not state a chalk policy publicly. What its FAQ does say about deadlifts and wiping down, how liquid chalk fits in, and how to ask your club.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/531-boring-but-big-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/531-boring-but-big-review/Mon, 26 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of Jim Wendler's 5/3/1 Boring But Big. How the 5x10 sets work, what weight to use, what a week looks like, who it suits and what to change.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-accessory-exercises/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-accessory-exercises/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The best accessories for the squat, bench press and deadlift, matched to where each lift fails, plus how many sets and reps to do and how to fit them into your week.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-guest-pass-rules/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-guest-pass-rules/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How gym guest passes work, what LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness say about guests, and what to check before you bring a friend.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-age-requirements/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-age-requirements/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Minimum gym ages vary by chain, club and local law. What LA Fitness, Crunch and Anytime Fitness say, what parents should ask, and how teens can start lifting safely.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gzclp-review/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gzclp-review/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000An honest review of GZCLP, Cody Lefever's beginner linear progression. How the tiers work, what a week looks like, how it progresses when you stall, who it suits and what to change.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/24-hour-gyms-for-lifting/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/24-hour-gyms-for-lifting/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to find a 24 hour gym that suits serious lifting, what 24/7 access usually means, the rules that still apply at night, and gyms that say they are open around the clock and allow chalk.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/which-gyms-allow-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/which-gyms-allow-chalk/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A plain list of gym chains and what their own policies say about chalk, with links. Life Time allows it on platforms, many chains say no, and most never say.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-to-bring-to-the-gym-for-lifting/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-to-bring-to-the-gym-for-lifting/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A practical gym bag list for lifters: the basics every gym expects, the lifting gear worth carrying, what to check before your first visit, and what to leave home.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-is-a-monolift/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-is-a-monolift/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A monolift lets you squat without walking the bar out. How it works, how it differs from a walkout, what USPA and IPF rules say about it, and how to find a gym that has one.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/power-bar-vs-olympic-bar-vs-deadlift-bar/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/power-bar-vs-olympic-bar-vs-deadlift-bar/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How a power bar, an Olympic weightlifting bar and a deadlift bar differ in stiffness, knurling, diameter and spin, and which one to look for at your gym.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/planet-fitness-lunk-alarm/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/planet-fitness-lunk-alarm/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000The Lunk Alarm is a purple and yellow siren Planet Fitness uses to flag grunting, dropping weights and judging others. What the rules say and what it means for lifters.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/lifting-belts-and-straps-gym-rules/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/lifting-belts-and-straps-gym-rules/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Most gyms allow belts, straps, wraps and gloves. What each one does, when it helps, the few places that restrict outside gear, and how straps help when chalk is banned.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-squat/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-squat/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to add weight to your squat: brace properly, pick a stance that suits you, hit depth, squat often enough, and use accessories that fix your weak point.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-deadlift/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-deadlift/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to pull more: set up the same way every rep, brace, push the floor away, fix your grip, choose conventional or sumo, and add the accessories that matter.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-a-powerlifting-meet/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-a-powerlifting-meet/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Where to find powerlifting meet calendars in the US and Canada, how to pick a federation and a first meet, what to register for, what gear you need and what happens on meet day.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-a-powerlifting-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-find-a-powerlifting-gym/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000What makes a gym good for powerlifting, where to search, what to ask on a tour, and the red flags that mean you will be fighting the rules every session.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-day-pass-guide/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/gym-day-pass-guide/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How gym day passes and drop-ins work, what to bring, how to find a lifting gym that sells them when you travel, and the questions to ask before you pay.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/can-you-film-at-the-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/can-you-film-at-the-gym/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Most gyms let you film your own sets, but many ban filming other people, and some restrict phones in locker rooms. How to film without trouble and what to ask.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/can-you-drop-weights-at-the-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/can-you-drop-weights-at-the-gym/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Most commercial gyms ask you not to drop weights, and a few write it into their rules. What Planet Fitness, Equinox and others say, and where drops are fine.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/bumper-plates-vs-iron-plates/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/bumper-plates-vs-iron-plates/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Bumper plates are rubber and built to be dropped. Iron plates are thinner and cheaper but not made for drops. Calibrated plates are for meets. How to tell them apart.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/best-powerlifting-programs/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/best-powerlifting-programs/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A fair comparison of popular strength programs: Starting Strength, GZCLP, 5/3/1, nSuns and the Texas Method. Who each one suits, how it progresses, and what to watch for.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/anti-slip-bench-mat-guide/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/anti-slip-bench-mat-guide/Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Why lifters slide on benches and machine pads, what towels and chalk can and cannot fix, and an honest look at the PR Grip mat, from the company that runs Proof of Chalk.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-deadlift-platform-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-deadlift-platform-gym/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A practical checklist for judging a gym for heavy deadlifts: platforms, plates, drop rules, chalk, hours and crowding.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-gym-etiquette-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/powerlifting-gym-etiquette-chalk/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Plain rules for using chalk without getting it banned for everyone, from where to chalk up to how to clean the bar.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/liquid-chalk-vs-block-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/liquid-chalk-vs-block-chalk/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How liquid and block chalk differ, why gyms treat them differently, and what a few chains say in their own words.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/lifting-on-the-road-find-a-gym/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/lifting-on-the-road-find-a-gym/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to find a gym that fits your training when you are away: search, check the rules, day passes, 24/7 access and packing chalk.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-ask-your-gym-about-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/how-to-ask-your-gym-about-chalk/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000A short script for asking about chalk and deadlift drops, who to ask, when, and what to do with the answer.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-planet-fitness-allow-chalk/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/does-planet-fitness-allow-chalk/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Planet Fitness has no written rule that names chalk, but it bans outside equipment and many clubs turn chalk away. What is written down and what to do.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/chalk-friendly-gyms-how-to-find-one/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/chalk-friendly-gyms-how-to-find-one/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000Four ways to find a gym that allows chalk, and how to tell a real yes from a guess before you buy a membership.https://proofofchalk.com/blog/best-way-to-chalk-up-for-deadlifts/https://proofofchalk.com/blog/best-way-to-chalk-up-for-deadlifts/Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000How to chalk your hands for deadlifts without making a mess: how much to use, when to apply it, and how to clean up.