Gornation Calisthenics Equipment Review: A Complete Guide for Home Workouts
After two years of calisthenics and street workout training, I've invested in numerous Gornation products to build my home gym setup. As a 6'1″ athlete with a weightlifting background who transitioned to bodyweight fitness, I've thoroughly tested these products and can provide insights for those looking to start their own calisthenics journey.
Parallettes: Perfect for Travel and Floor Work
The first Gornation products I purchased were their travel-sized parallettes. These compact training tools are ideal for push-ups, L-sits, and handstand training without having to place your hands directly on the ground. Their portable design makes them perfect for those who train in different locations.
I also invested in their higher parallettes, which provide more height off the ground. These are particularly beneficial for beginners working on planche training and L-sits, as well as for deficit push-ups when your feet are on an elevated surface. The additional clearance makes various movements more accessible and provides more versatility in your workouts.
Dip Bars: Versatile Training Station
The Gornation dip bars are sturdy and versatile. Beyond the obvious dip exercises, they're excellent for Australian pull-ups and front lever training. The package thoughtfully includes tape to protect the bars and your hands during intense training sessions. These bars are suitable for taller athletes, which is important since many calisthenics products aren't designed with height in mind.
Essential Accessories
Liquid Chalk: This product is a game-changer for grip. Unlike traditional chalk, the liquid version is less messy while providing excellent grip enhancement. It dries within seconds after application and is essential for any serious calisthenics athlete.
Wrist Wraps: After wrist surgery, I found these wraps to provide crucial support during workouts. The design allows you to easily adjust the tightness by twisting in different directions, ensuring proper blood circulation throughout your training session.
Wrist Bands: These are particularly useful for front lever training and exercises requiring a false grip, which can irritate the wrists. The quick application makes them convenient during training sessions.
Hand Grips: While I don't use these as frequently anymore (I prefer managing my calluses through proper maintenance), they're valuable for athletes struggling with painful calluses that might cut workouts short.
Weight Vest: Progressive Overload
The Gornation weight vest (I have the larger version) is perfect for outdoor workouts when you don't have access to traditional weights. The modular design allows you to add or remove weight blocks as needed, making it easy to adjust the resistance based on your fitness level and the exercise you're performing.
Dip Belt: Superior Design
For weighted pull-ups and dips, the Gornation dip belt is the best I've used. It's lightweight yet durable, and the design makes it comfortable even when adding substantial weight to your exercises. When you have access to weights, this is the perfect tool for progressive overload in your training.
Pull-Up Bars: Wall and Door Options
I've tried both wall-mounted and doorway pull-up bars from Gornation. While both are sturdy and well-made, I'd recommend ceiling mounting for the wall version if possible. When mounted on a wall, the proximity limits certain movements like ring exercises and hanging leg raises since your back hits the wall. The doorway version works well for individuals who can't make permanent installations or who need more leg space.
Power Tower: The Ultimate All-in-One Station
Gornation's power tower is their most comprehensive product and what ultimately allowed me to cancel my gym membership. Despite my height and long arms, the tower accommodates my frame well. It includes:
- A pull-up bar (though taller users may need to bend their knees slightly)
- Dip station attachment that's stable even under heavy loads
- Push-up bars at the bottom
- Pegs for adding weights to enhance stability during explosive movements
The build quality is exceptional, and it's designed to handle advanced exercises like muscle-ups while remaining stable.
Final Verdict
Gornation products represent an excellent investment for anyone serious about calisthenics training. The build quality, thoughtful design features, and versatility make them stand out in the market. Despite shipping from Germany to the US, delivery is surprisingly fast (2-3 days), and their customer service is responsive and helpful.
Whether you're just starting your calisthenics journey or looking to build a comprehensive home gym setup, Gornation's equipment line provides everything you need at reasonable prices with durability that ensures long-term value.
