Choosing the best weight set can seem impossible at first, especially if you are a relative beginner to weight lifting. Simply the amount of equipment to choose from can be overwhelming. However, if you choose wisely and with purpose, your equipment can provide strength-training workouts for many years to come. Strength training helps to develop the larger muscle groups in the body and increase muscle mass. The equipment you choose should not only fit your goals, but your time availability and lifestyle as well.
You may first consider purchasing an olympic weight set. This type of set up is geared for the more serious strength trainer. Usually, olympic weight sets can come in 300 pound sets, 400 pound sets, or 500 pound sets, which generally include a 45 pound, 7 foot bar and two collars. By adding an olympic weight bench, you can complete your set. Using a set such as this will allow you some variety with your weight lifting routine, though you need to make sure you pay particular attention to your technique to avoid injury.
Another option is using a free weight set. Free weights do not require any specific movements, so these can provide more flexibility in the types of items that you purchase, as the term free weights set covers a wide range of devices. Dumbbells or barbells can be one of the best free weight options, and are discussed below. Kettlebells, which are sand filled spheres that have an attached handle, can complement barbells and dumbell weights. Medicine balls are weighted balls, weighing from 2.2 pounds to 15.5 pounds. Exercise balls are also a popular choice and can be used for numerous exercises, but most often are used for abdominal workouts. Wearable weights are another option, available from 2 pounds to 20 pounds, and increase calorie burning while performing other exercises, such as walking, running, cycling or aerobics. Free weights are perhaps the most unrestricted weight sets.
If you are looking to lift more conservatively and with more structure, consider a weight bench set. With a bench set, you will be able to perform a variety of exercises while making sure that you are following prescribed and proper form and technique. Benches give you the ability to do exercises such as curls, squats, pull downs, and presses on a single machine. Most are adaptable in weight and type of exercise, while still providing the benefits of the exercise and minimizing injury.
A dumbbell weight set can serve to be the most cost effective way to build your muscle strength and size. Dumbbells are weights that have short bars with a ball or a disk attached at each end, which should not be confused with barbells, which are a bar that has detachable weights on the end. Dumbbells are convenient, reliable, and versatile, and they can work your upper body muscles, lower body muscles, and your abdominal muscles. Dumbbells are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, including chrome, pro-style, neoprene, hex, or rubber hex. When using a dumbbell weight set, you may want to use an adjustable workout bench as well (one that can decline, lie flat, and incline), and purchasing a dumbbell weight rack along with your set can provide a place for storage. It could be said that dumbbells provide the most bang for their buck!
If you are looking for cheap weight sets, you certainly want the “cheapness” to be in the price, not in the quality! Any of the sets above can be considered a cheap set with regards to pricing, if you know where to look. You can begin by looking at EBay and Amazon, as they list not only new sets, but pre-owned sets as well. Biz Rate and Overstock can also carry some good deals. Also, check out Fitness Blowout, iFitness Direct and Warehouse Fitness. Do not overlook your local fitness shop, which may offer some great deals as well.
When beginning a strength training regimen, there are a few other items to consider purchasing along with your weight equipment. A weight lifting belt can be used to provide more support for the lower back muscles, and using a weight lifting belt can lower the chance of an injury. Gloves help to prevent blisters and calluses, and if you opt for the weighted gloves, you can add some extra work to your exercise program. Using an exercise mat (made from carpet or foam) can provide a little more comfort for floor exercises while protecting your floor, particularly if you are prone to dropping weights!
No matter which type of weight set you choose to use, you should have some realistic goals in mind. Are you interested in losing weight, toning your muscles, building size, or simply gaining a healthier lifestyle? Once you have some goals in mind, write them down. Those who write down and commit to their goals are much more likely to reach them. Take some beginning measurements, and chart your progress as you go so you can see how you are growing and developing.
Before you begin, run your exercise program by a doctor. Make sure your doctor is aware of your plans, and make sure you are in good enough physical health to strength train. Another person you may want to consult is a personal trainer. Though some of the weight lifting equipment listed above poses little risk of injury, most of the equipment carries many risks. Knowing how to lift properly and how much weight to lift is very important. A personal trainer can provide some needed guidance in these areas, even if for just a session or two.
The type of lifting equipment you choose to purchase should fit you, your personality, and your exercise goals. Strength training can be tailored to fit what you want and need, and as it has the potential to be extremely beneficial, you can reap the rewards for many years. Overall, before you buy, know as much as you can about the best weight set for you.
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