Sports Latest Update April 05, 2026

ATG Equipment Review 2025: Is the Knees Over Toes Guy's Gear Actually Worth It?

In this comprehensive ATG Equipment review, we cover the full product catalog, build quality, pricing, customer service, shipping, and honest pros and cons — so you can decide which products are worth adding to your training setup.

8/10

Overall Rating

 

TL;DR: ATG Equipment (atgequipment.com) is the official equipment brand of Ben Patrick — better known as the Knees Over Toes Guy — and the exclusive gear partner for the ATG Online Coaching program. The store sells purpose-built tools for knee rehabilitation, tibialis training, posterior chain development, and full-body mobility work. Products range from $30 accessories to $525 rack systems. Core items like the Slant Board, Tib Bar, Ham Roller, and ATG Buddies are consistently well-reviewed. A 30-day refund policy, USA-based customer support, and same/next-day shipping apply across the range.


What Is ATG Equipment?

If you've spent any time in the fitness world over the past few years, you've almost certainly come across Ben Patrick — the "Knees Over Toes Guy." His ATG (Athletic Truth Group) training methodology turned decades of conventional wisdom on its head by championing full-range knee movements, backward walking, tibialis training, and progressive loading through positions that most coaches once told athletes to avoid. The results — particularly for knee pain relief and athletic longevity — built a global community of millions.

ATG Equipment (atgequipment.com) is the physical product arm of that movement. It is the only brand that designs, curates, and sells equipment specifically tailored to the ATG methodology, with Ben Patrick's direct input on every product. This isn't a generic fitness store that slapped a brand name on commodity hardware — it's a product lineup built from the ground up to serve a specific, evidence-backed training system.

In this comprehensive ATG Equipment review, we cover the full product catalog, build quality, pricing, customer service, shipping, and honest pros and cons — so you can decide which products are worth adding to your training setup.

Apply Code HALIE At Checkout To Save Money At ATG Equipment


Who Is ATG Equipment For?

ATG Equipment caters to a specific but rapidly growing segment of the fitness world:

  • People recovering from knee pain or knee injuries — the ATG methodology is specifically designed around rebuilding knee health through progressive loading.
  • Athletes seeking injury prevention — from high school sports teams to professional athletes looking to extend longevity.
  • Home gym owners — most ATG products are compact, space-efficient, and purpose-designed for home use.
  • Personal trainers and coaches — who coach clients through the ATG program and need the right tools.
  • Older adults and recreational exercisers — who want to maintain joint health, mobility, and functional strength without expensive clinic visits.

Ben Patrick himself has stated that the ATG Slant Board would be his number-one equipment pick if starting from scratch — a statement that reflects the brand's philosophy of maximum impact per piece of equipment.


The ATG Equipment Product Lineup

1. American-Made Slant Board

The cornerstone of ATG training. The ATG Slant Board features a 25-degree angle and is constructed from 18mm, 11-ply birch wood — a significant material step up from the foam and rubber wedges common on the market. The firm, non-slip surface provides stable feedback during VMO squats, knees-over-toes squats, split squats, calf raises, and Jefferson curls.

User reviews consistently highlight how this product outperforms cheaper alternatives in terms of stability and long-term durability. A former LPGA Tour player wrote that the slant board had become an essential daily tool for managing chronic knee pain and preparing young athletes for practice. The wood construction means it holds its form indefinitely, though some long-term users note the grip surface can wear smooth over extended use.

Best for: VMO squats, ATG split squats, calf raises, ankle mobility work.


2. ATG Tib Bar

The Tibialis Anterior — the often-neglected shin muscle — is central to the ATG approach to knee health and athletic deceleration. The ATG Tib Bar is a plate-loaded bar that rests across the top of the foot, allowing seated tibialis raises from a hanging-feet position. It is built from solid iron with thick foam padding, sized for standard Olympic plates.

The tib bar is widely recognized as one of the most effective single tools for reducing shin splints, improving ankle dorsiflexion, and building the first line of defense against knee and ankle injuries. Reviewers consistently note its solid build quality and durability, calling it one of the more affordable premium tib bars on the market.

Best for: Tibialis anterior raises, ankle strengthening, shin splint prevention.


3. ATG Ham Roller

Nordic hamstring curls are one of the most evidence-backed exercises for hamstring injury prevention — and one of the hardest to perform without equipment. The ATG Ham Roller solves this problem with a compact, portable roller that anchors your feet to the floor for bodyweight Nordic curls. Ben Patrick himself uses a fleet of them to coach groups of high school athletes simultaneously, noting that the ham roller makes group Nordic training accessible without the space or cost of traditional hamstring curl machines.

The ham roller is USA-made and built to handle high-volume use in group settings. It is considerably more affordable than a GHD machine and requires almost no storage space.

Best for: Nordic hamstring curls, posterior chain development, team training.


4. ATG Buddies (Portable Heel Raisers)

The ATG Buddies are compact rubber heel raiser blocks designed for portability — you can take them to any gym, outdoors, or on the road. They serve the same function as the Slant Board for exercises like ATG squats and split squats but fit into a bag. The firm rubber construction provides significantly more stability than foam wedges, and they come with a travel case.

Reviews highlight the noticeably better stability compared to generic squat wedges, with users reporting improved confidence and positioning during movements. The trade-off versus the Slant Board is a slightly smaller contact surface, but the portability makes them an excellent companion product.

Best for: Travel, gym-bag mobility training, squat support on the go.


5. ATG Mobility Box

The ATG Mobility Box is a height-adjustable step platform (ranging from 2 to 24 inches) with support poles for assistance during split squats and step-ups. Its genius is in progressive overload: beginners can start at 2 inches with pole support and gradually increase height and reduce assistance as strength and range of motion improve. Ben Patrick describes it as the equipment he envisions in every gym in the world for measurable mobility development.

Reviews describe it as extremely well-built — "built like a tank" — and as a must-have for anyone seriously following the ATG program.

Best for: ATG split squats, Patrick step-ups, progressive mobility loading.


6. ATG Back Extension Machine

A folding 45-degree hyperextension bench built from steel with thick foam padding and adjustable incline settings. Back extensions and reverse hyperextensions are foundational ATG movements for posterior chain development, and the ATG Back Extension machine delivers a dedicated, space-efficient solution for home gym owners.

Customer reviews note that the back extension is genuinely light (easy to move and store), doesn't shift during loaded exercises, and represents exceptional value compared to commercial equivalents. Some taller users (6'3"+) have noted they'd prefer a slightly larger rear foot pad, and the incline adjustment is described as functional but not effortless.

Best for: Back extensions, reverse hypers, posterior chain training.


7. NordStick (Door-Anchored Nordic Curl Strap)

The NordStick slides under any standard door and provides a foam-padded ankle anchor for performing Nordic hamstring curls without a bench or partner. It is made of premium foam, nylon ribbon, metal, and rubberized plastic — all in a product that weighs almost nothing and fits in a drawer.

For anyone who wants to do Nordic curls without owning a bench, the NordStick is one of the most cost-effective solutions in the ATG lineup.

Best for: Home and hotel Nordic curls, budget-conscious knee rehab.


8. Backward Treadmill

The most ambitious — and most discussed — product in the ATG lineup. Backward walking is one of the most powerful low-impact tools in the ATG system for rebuilding knee health and tibialis strength. The ATG Backward Treadmill provides a motorized platform specifically designed for backward walking with variable resistance.

Honest assessment: This product generates more mixed reviews than anything else in the catalog. Satisfied users — particularly older adults and those with moderate knee issues — report excellent workout intensity and improved knee health. However, multiple reviewers have flagged concerns about stability for taller/heavier users (above ~6'2" and 200+ lbs), noise levels, and assembly quality variance. To the brand's credit, ATG's customer service team has responded promptly to negative reviews with full refunds and follow-up support videos in documented cases.

Best for: Low-impact backward walking training, knee rehabilitation — but research user reviews carefully before purchasing if you are taller than 6' or heavier than 200 lbs.


9. ATG Pull-Up and Squat Rack + Parallettes

For those building a more complete ATG home gym, the brand also offers a USA-made pull-up and squat rack ($525) and USA-made parallettes ($149). These are premium-priced items positioned for serious home gym builders committed to the full ATG system. ATG Online Coaching members receive a 20% discount on all ATG Equipment purchases.


10. ATG Shoes, Apparel & Accessories

Rounding out the catalog are foot-shaped, flat, flexible ATG Shoes designed for natural foot mechanics, USA-made athletic socks, a Back Bench for shoulder and chest mobility, a Reverse Squat Strap for hip flexor and lower abdominal training, and the USA-made Buddy Sled for sled drag exercises.


Build Quality & Materials

Build quality across the ATG Equipment lineup is generally strong, particularly for the USA-made items. The Slant Board's 11-ply birch construction, the Ham Roller's steel frame, and the solid iron Tib Bar all reflect a brand that prioritizes durability over minimizing production costs.

It is worth noting that not all products are American-made. The ATG Buddies, for example, are manufactured in China — a transparency the brand states explicitly on the product page. Ben Patrick has publicly committed to progressively expanding USA manufacturing across the lineup, and the brand's more recent additions reflect that direction.


Pricing Overview

Product Price (Regular) ATG Member Price
ATG Slant Board (USA-Made) Market price ~20% off
ATG Tib Bar ~$60–$80 ~20% off
ATG Ham Roller (USA-Made) $129 $103.20
ATG Buddies ~$40–$50 ~20% off
ATG Mobility Box ~$150+ ~20% off
ATG Back Extension $299 $239.20
ATG Pull-Up & Squat Rack (USA-Made) $525 $420
ATG USA Parallettes $149 $119.20
ATG Buddy Sled (USA-Made) $285 $228
ATG NordStick ~$30–$40 ~20% off

ATG Online Coaching members receive a 20% discount on all ATG Equipment purchases, which meaningfully improves value for anyone already subscribed to the coaching program (currently available for around $20–$30/month).


Shipping, Returns & Customer Service

ATG Equipment's policies are among the clearest in the home gym equipment space:

  • Shipping: In-stock orders ship same or next business day. Email notification sent at shipment.
  • Returns: 30-day refund policy for defective or damaged items. Submit a photo of the defect to support@atgequipment.com to initiate.
  • Customer service: 100% USA-based team, available by email and phone at (866) 284-4357. The brand explicitly states "No AI" in their customer service — a noteworthy commitment in 2025, signaling that every interaction involves a knowledgeable human representative familiar with both the products and the ATG program.
  • International shipping: Available, but customs duties and taxes are not collected at checkout — international buyers pay applicable fees upon receipt.

Multiple product pages document cases where the support team proactively issued full refunds and sent replacement items for quality issues — a meaningful signal of post-purchase commitment.


Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Purpose-built for the ATG methodology — every product is designed to serve specific ATG program exercises, not generic fitness
  • Strong build quality on core items — Slant Board, Ham Roller, Tib Bar, and Rack are consistently praised for durability
  • USA manufacturing on key products — with a stated commitment to expanding domestic production
  • 20% member discount — significant savings for ATG Online Coaching subscribers
  • Same/next-day shipping on in-stock items
  • Genuine human customer service — knowledgeable, responsive, and backed by documented refund follow-through
  • Affordable entry points — accessories like the NordStick and Buddies start under $50
  • Transparent about manufacturing origin — products clearly labeled as USA-made vs. imported

❌ Cons

  • No free returns policy — returns are for defective/damaged items only, not change of mind
  • Backward Treadmill quality inconsistency — has generated more mixed reviews than the rest of the lineup, particularly for larger users
  • Not all products are USA-made — some accessories are manufactured overseas
  • International buyers pay customs on receipt — no upfront transparency at checkout
  • Premium pricing on rack and large equipment — competitive but not budget-friendly for casual users
  • Member discount requires ATG coaching subscription — adds a prerequisite cost to access the best pricing

ATG Equipment vs. Competitors

Criteria ATG Equipment Tib Bar Guy Slant Board Guy Freak Athlete
Brand connection to ATG program ✅ Official ❌ Third-party ❌ Third-party ❌ Third-party
USA manufacturing ✅ Key items ⚠️ Mixed ⚠️ Mixed ⚠️ Mixed
Product range ✅ Broadest ⚠️ Moderate ⚠️ Limited ⚠️ Moderate
Member discount ✅ 20% ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No
Customer service reputation ✅ Strong ✅ Good ✅ Good ✅ Good
Slant board quality ✅ Excellent ✅ Good ✅ Good ✅ Good

The competitive landscape for ATG-style equipment has grown substantially. Brands like Tib Bar Guy, Slant Board Guy, and Freak Athlete offer strong alternatives for individual products — sometimes at lower prices or with unique design innovations. However, ATG Equipment's direct connection to Ben Patrick and the ATG program means the products are precisely calibrated to program requirements, and the member discount makes the official store the most cost-effective option for active ATG coaching subscribers.


Final Verdict: Is ATG Equipment Worth It?

For anyone training with the ATG methodology — whether through the online coaching program, Ben Patrick's YouTube content, or his books — ATG Equipment is the most logical starting point for building your tool kit. The Slant Board, Tib Bar, and ATG Buddies are near-universally praised and address the most foundational training needs of the program. The Ham Roller is one of the best-value Nordic curl solutions on the market. The customer service track record is genuinely impressive for a specialty fitness brand.

The Backward Treadmill deserves more careful consideration and a thorough read of current reviews before purchasing, particularly for larger athletes.

For shoppers who are not following the ATG program specifically, many of these products still represent excellent home gym additions — but the value proposition is strongest for those embedded in the ATG system, especially with the member discount.

Overall Score: 8.4 / 10

Criteria Score
Build Quality (core items) 9/10
Product Range & Specificity 9/10
Value for ATG Members 9/10
Value for Non-Members 7.5/10
Customer Service 9/10
Shipping & Policies 8.5/10

🔗 Shop ATG Equipment at: atgequipment.com — ATG Online Coaching members save 20% on all purchases.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ATG Equipment?
ATG Equipment is the official equipment brand created by Ben Patrick (the "Knees Over Toes Guy") to support the ATG (Athletic Truth Group) training methodology. It sells purpose-built tools for tibialis training, knee rehabilitation, posterior chain development, and full-range mobility work.

Do I need to be an ATG Online Coaching member to buy from ATG Equipment?
No. The store is open to anyone. However, ATG Online Coaching members receive a 20% discount on all ATG Equipment purchases, which makes the coaching subscription financially attractive if you plan to buy multiple products.

Is ATG Equipment made in the USA?
Some products are USA-made — including the Slant Board, Ham Roller, Sled Strap, Parallettes, and Squat Rack. Others, like the ATG Buddies, are manufactured overseas. Each product page clearly states its origin.

What is ATG Equipment's return policy?
ATG Equipment offers a 30-day refund policy for items that arrive defective or damaged. To initiate a return, contact support@atgequipment.com with a photo of the issue. The team is 100% USA-based and human-staffed.

What is the best ATG Equipment product for beginners?
Ben Patrick himself has said the ATG Slant Board would be his single first purchase if starting the program from scratch. For budget-conscious beginners, the NordStick (door-anchor Nordic curl strap) and ATG Buddies (portable heel raisers) offer high value at lower price points.

Does ATG Equipment ship internationally?
Yes, ATG Equipment ships internationally. However, customs duties and taxes are not collected at checkout — international buyers are responsible for paying applicable fees upon receipt of their shipment.

How does ATG Equipment compare to other tib bar and slant board brands?
ATG Equipment's core advantage over third-party competitors is its direct alignment with Ben Patrick's training methodology and the ATG program. For active ATG coaching subscribers, the 20% member discount often makes it the most cost-effective option even when individual competing products are similarly priced.


This review is based on independent research, aggregated customer feedback from ATG Equipment product pages and fitness community forums, and publicly available information from atgequipment.com and atgonlinecoaching.com. We have no sponsored or affiliate relationship with ATG Equipment.

Apply Code HALIE At Checkout To Save Money At ATG Equipment

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