Dumbbells and Barbells - Home Gym Basics
If you want to set up an effective home gym with minimum cost, you should consider getting some dumbbells and a barbell. These are classic pieces of gym equipment that have stood the test of time.
They are referred to as free weights because they are not guided by the pulleys, pins or cables of a weight machine. This means that you need to supply the muscle strength both to lift the weight and hold it steady. This calls on the use of a larger variety of muscles and is the reason that many serious weight trainers love to use them.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are used in pairs, one in each hand. They are more versatile for use at home than a barbell and are an ideal first purchase. You will want to be able to vary the weight on the dumbbell to perform different exercises, provide variety and to progress as your strength improves.
You have several options. You can go for a set of fixed dumbbells that are available as sleek chrome or more affordable vinyl plastic. Adjustable dumbbells allow you to add additional weights to them, but some people find that this can become tedious. A Powerblock is a modern system that allows you to quickly change the weight of your dumbbells and it cuts down on storage space.
Barbells
You can add a barbell to your home gym, which will provide some additional variety to your routines and allow you to lift heavier weights. There are various types of barbell available. One of the most popular for home use is the standard barbell, which is about 5 to 7 feet long and weighs around 20 pounds. The type that is usually found in professional gyms is the Olympic barbell. This is slightly larger being about 7 feet long and weighing about 45 pounds.
Barbells can be used to work out larger muscles groups such as the back or smaller groups such as the biceps. If you intend to do a lot of bicep curls, you may want to consider getting an EZ-curl bar. This w-shaped barbell provides a more comfortable position for this exercise.
As with dumbbells, there are fixed barbells available. But the more popular option is to have an adjustable barbell that you can fit weights to. Weight plates are available in sizes from 2.5 pounds right up to 45 pounds. They are held on the bar by collars. If you are buying plates separately, ensure that you get the correct type for your barbell. The holes of plates for an Olympic barbell are larger.
Weights bench
The final piece of equipment that you will need is a weight-training bench to work out on. This should be adjustable with an incline feature. Make sure that it is sturdy, but comfortable to use.