Stop Fumbling in the Gym.
These Hacks Change Everything.
Queen Princess Hicks breaks down 3 gym hacks that'll make you look like a pro — and train like one too.
"Hey Hey Fit-Family — being truly fit and snatched in today's hustle and bustle is not just a 1, 2, 3 thing. You're going to have to not only find time, but create it out of thin air."
And when you do carve out that time, you need to make it count. Not just a few beads of sweat on your brow — but the kind of session that shapes those curves, builds those pecs, and actually drives a real difference in your body. That's the iLivFIT way.
This week, we're stepping inside the gym. Yes, the actual gym. And look — while living fit sometimes means the park, the living room floor, or wherever you can find space, the gym still holds power. But let's be real: the primitive ways of stacking rusty plates, clamping ancient chains, and wrestling with contraptions just to set up the workout? That is not the move.
I took the time to put my son on a few new tricks this week. And now? I'm handing them straight to you, Fit-Family.
The Legendary Clip Hack
Those little metal collars are absolutely everywhere in the gym — and somehow, almost everyone is wrestling with them like it's a full workout before the workout even starts. Trying to pull the hinge out, yanking on it sideways, fighting it with both hands... I've seen it all. But there's a way easier method, and I call it the Push Method.
Here's the secret: push to clip it on, and push again to unclip it. That's it. Where most people go wrong is they try to open the clip by pulling the hinge outward. Instead, use the outside of the collar to push the latch open — and like magic, it releases instantly. No grunting, no wrestling. Just smooth, effortless loading and unloading so you can get to the actual work.
Push to clip. Push again to unclip. Never pull the hinge out — push the outer latch instead.
The Band + Weight Weighted Vest Hack
You've seen it. Someone strapping on one of those enormous weight belts, trying to walk across the gym, mount a pull-up bar, and then somehow unmount without losing a limb. It's almost comical. Almost. But there's a cleaner, smarter, more versatile solution — and it uses something you probably already own: a thick resistance band.
Here's how it works. Take your resistance band and thread it through the open holes of a weight plate. Then, strap one side over each shoulder like a backpack. Boom — instant weighted vest. Hands completely free. Now pull-ups, dips, and other bodyweight movements aren't just in your wheelhouse — they're weighted bodyweight movements. That's an entirely different level of resistance training, and it costs you zero dollars in extra gear.
Use a thicker band for stability. Thread through the plate hole and shoulder-strap both ends. Keep the plate snug against your chest for pull-ups or your back for dips.
The Skinny Plate Space Hack
This one is so basic, so simple, and yet — almost nobody uses it. I call it the skinny plate inclusion, and it has a whole range of applications once you know it exists.
The idea is this: when you're loading up heavy weight on a bar or a sled, you lose finger access. Everything is packed so tightly together that getting your hands in there to pull a plate off becomes a battle. The fix? Slide a thin 2.5lb or 5lb plate in between the heavier ones. That tiny gap is all you need to get your fingers in, grip the plate cleanly, and load or unload without the struggle.
It works beautifully on weighted sled pushes and pulls. It's a lifesaver on heavy hip thrusters. And here's the bonus application: place a skinny plate flat on the ground when you're loading a deadlift or hip thrust bar. It gives the weight just enough elevation to roll onto it, creating space to pull the plate off cleanly — instead of forcing it against the floor. Simple physics. Big results.
Use a 2.5lb or 5lb plate as your spacer. It adds barely any weight but gives you the finger room to load and unload safely every time.
Join Us Every Saturday — Wherever We Are
If this was helpful to you, then here's what I need from you: follow us on social, subscribe to our website, and come JUMP IN with us. Every Saturday, my son and I show up somewhere new — bootcamps, soulful yoga sessions, outdoor circuits — and you are invited to every single one. From fit hacks and trainer reviews to full class invitations, this is what iLivFIT is all about. Hit the link below to find out where we'll be next weekend.
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If you're reading this, there's a very real chance you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or — like millions of Americans — a little bit of both. And I have exactly what you need. We've curated a proven program designed to help you lose 15 pounds in a month or less, tailored to your body type. All I need you to do is answer a few quick questions below. Tell us about your body and find out if this system is the right fit for you. I would not lead you in the wrong direction — that's the iLivFIT promise. Give it a few honest answers, and your entire trajectory changes. I think that's a pretty fair trade.
Find Out If This Is For You"Stop trying to get in shape. Forget the crazy diets.
Just LivFIT — it's the only way to be healthy for a lifetime."
— Queen Princess Hicks · iLivFIT
