IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper, Trainer (100 lb)
A made-in-USA torsion-spring hand gripper rated at about 100 pounds, with knurled aluminum handles - grip training that fits on a desk or in a gym bag.
$34.95Check it out
For Him / Her / Kids
Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe — the barbell manual for learning the big lifts
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd Edition by Mark Rippetoe (Paperback)
Reviewed by the WhyToBuyThis team · Updated September 2026 · How we choose
Perfect for
- Barbell lifters
- Learning technique
- New to strength training
- Under $35
Check it out
Price: $26.50
Price may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything extra.
- Great gift ideaChosen for real-world gifting
- Hand-pickedCurated, not scraped
- Honest reviewThe catch, not just the hype
Why this gift works
Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training is Mark Rippetoe's instruction manual for six barbell lifts - the squat, press, deadlift, bench press, power clean and power snatch. It explains the mechanics of each lift, how the body adapts to training, and how to program the lifts for steady progress. This is the 3rd edition, third revision (2017): a 360-page, 11-by-8.5-inch paperback from The Aasgaard Company with new photographs and improved illustrations.
Lifting well starts with technique, and this book breaks each lift down step by step. It suits someone who has started barbell training, or wants to, and cares about doing the lifts right.
Who is this gift for?
Great for
- A new barbell lifter
- A home-gym owner
- Someone returning to lifting
Think twice if
- They train on machines
- They want a bodybuilding plan
The catch
It covers six barbell lifts only - not bodybuilding or machine training - it assumes access to a barbell, rack and plates, and at 360 large-format pages it is a reference, not a gym-bag read.
Skip if they train mostly with machines or classes, or already own it.
Key specs
| Author | Mark Rippetoe |
|---|---|
| Edition | 3rd edition, third revision (2017) |
| Publisher | The Aasgaard Company |
| Format | Paperback, 360 pages |
| Size | 11 x 8.5 in |
| Lifts | Squat, press, deadlift, bench press, power clean, power snatch |
| ISBN | 0982522738 / 9780982522738 |
Worth knowing before you buy
- Another Amazon listing exists for this book; this link is ISBN 0982522738.
- It is published by The Aasgaard Company.
Why we like it
- Step-by-step lift technique
- Explains the mechanics, not just the moves
- Programming for steady progress
- Large photos and illustrations
What to look for in a strength training book
- Their training. Barbell books suit lifters with a rack; machine users need a different guide.
- Technique detail. Step-by-step cues and photos matter most for learning lifts.
- Edition. Get the latest revision - here, the 3rd edition.
Questions people ask
The squat, press, deadlift, bench press, power clean and power snatch.
Featured in these gift guides
More gifts they'll like
More gifts for gym lovers →Under Armour Undeniable 5.0 Duffle Bag, Medium (Black/Metallic Silver)
A 58-liter water-repellent gym duffle with a vented pocket for shoes or sweaty clothes, bottle pockets and a removable padded shoulder strap.
$37.50Check it out
Harbinger Padded Cotton Lifting Straps (Pair, Black)
A pair of 21.5-inch cotton lifting straps with cushioned NeoTek wrist pads - they take the grip load on heavy deadlifts, rows and shrugs.
BudgetCheck it out
BlenderBottle Classic V2 Shaker Bottle (28 oz, Black)
A 28 oz shaker bottle with a loose BlenderBall wire whisk, a screw-on lid, a flip cap that stays open and a carry loop - dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
BudgetCheck it out
MISSION Max Plus Cooling Towel (Charcoal)
Wet it, wring it, snap it - a cooling towel MISSION says drops up to 30 degrees below average body temperature, with UPF 50+.
$17.99Check it out
RENPHO Rechargeable Muscle Massage Gun
Percussive relief for gym knots and desk-hunch shoulders alike.
$89.98Check it out
Gift etiquette
Not sure how much to spend?
Get a typical spending range for any relationship and occasion - and see what's actually expected.
Ready to check it out?
See the latest price and full details on Amazon.
Check it out
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything extra.