Strength training chains

Heavy steel links give this equipment a solid, industrial feel, with a noticeable clink as they move. You usually attach the chains to a bar so part of each chain rests on the floor. As you raise the bar, more links leave the ground, making the load feel gradually heavier; lowering it reverses that change.

Chains are used for strength training when you want resistance to change through a movement rather than stay constant. They can be added to squats, lifting a bar from the floor, and bar presses, helping you practise steady control as the bar becomes heavier on the way up. You can also use a chain alone for carries or simple lifting movements.

They suit you if you already feel comfortable handling a bar and want a different way to vary resistance. Chains store in a fairly small area, but you need clear floor space, secure attachments, and a surface that can tolerate contact. You can scale them by adding or removing chain lengths. A securely loaded backpack offers a quieter everyday alternative.