Weight Lifting Equipment For The Beginner

If you're considering exercising with weights at home you need to know what weight lifting equipment to buy. The following paragraphs will describe the basic items that you will need to get started and what it's likely to cost. There will also be some advice on what you can expect to achieve from your exercise.



Before you buy anything you need to think about where you're going to train. You won't need a lot of equipment but you do need somewhere to put it. Many people have space in their garage where they can work out if they don't have room inside the house. I've even come across people who train in their garden shed!

When the newcomer to exercise first walks into a sports equipment store he or she is likely to be confused by all the items on display. Much of the weight training equipment, however, is for specialized exercises and isn't needed by the beginner. The fist item on your shopping list should be a barbell set. This is simply a barbell with a range of barbell plates so that the total weight can be adjusted to suit different exercises. Adjustable barbells have been the staple piece of weight lifting equipment of strength athletes for many years. Expect to pay around $60 for a set with a total weight of 100lbs (45 kg).

For another $40 or so you can add a set of adjustable dumbbells to your basic equipment. I say adjustable as you need to have a large number of the fixed size type in order to have sufficient range of resistance. The beauty of dumbbells is that the arms are free to move in different directions and a wider range of movements are available compared to barbell exercises. A basic dumbbell set with about 40lbs (18 kgs) of discs is about $40.



Although you can lie on the floor to carry out some exercises, a proper weight training bench makes the exercise more effective and comfortable. It is possible to allow the arms to move further back, unrestricted as they would be if you were lying on the floor, thus adding to the range of movement.

Some benches include stands at one end that allow the barbell to be positioned ready for certain exercises such as the bench press and squat. This isn't absolutely essential but it is a worthwhile feature to have as it makes the exercises easier and safer if you are exercising alone.

The basic bench can also be improved upon by buying one that inclines. This feature allows the angle that an exercise is carried out to be altered, varying the effect on the muscles and giving a more all-round development. The very basic benches start off in price at $50. For about $30 more you can have the added benefits of a bench that inclines and has built-in stands. One aspect that hasn't yet been discussed is the sturdiness of the bench that you buy. For serious bodybuilding you will eventually be working up to heavy poundages and a heavy duty bench will be the best buy. If your main aim is to tone the muscles and improve your general fitness then the lighter, cheaper benches will do.

The main aim of your training is also a point to consider when buying the other items such as the barbell and dumbbell set. The more you want to build strength and muscle then the more discs you will need. It isn't necessary to buy a lot of extra discs at first as they can be added as your strength increases. If you intend exercising simply to increase your body tone and perhaps lose a little weight then the lightest barbell or dumbbell set will be sufficient for your needs.

One of the advantages that weight lifting equipment has over many other types of exercise apparatus is that is so versatile. The basic items can be extended as required meaning that one can get started with the bare minimum of equipment and expense. Done correctly, weight training can be an ideal, safe way to develop the physique. In the beginning use very light resistances and learn to do the exercises correctly. If you're doubt about whether this form of exercise is right for you consult a health professional.