Tip #1 Ask yourself what you want to achieve first

Although it’s tempting to get into weight training equipment head first and buy whatever you think looks good, it makes little sense. Sit down for a second and:

1. Think about what you want to achieve and set your goals
2. Consider what level of commitment you’re willing to put in, in terms of time and money
3. Decide what type of exercises you require: Is it your intention to lose weight, to maintain a healthy fitness level, do you want to keep your body in shape, tone muscle, or do you want to bulk up?
4. Are you familiar with gym equipment and do you know which ones are likely to bore you and end up collecting dust?

Formulate an answer to these questions and then look into the options that are relevant to your choice.

Tip #2 Sometimes simple is better

If you plan on keeping up a level of general fitness, manage your weight, tone muscle and flexibility then there’s really no need to go all out when it comes to weight training equipment. You could simply choose to go for:

• A step
• An adjustable bench (adjustable to incline/recline)
• Two sets of dumbbells, a heavier set for exercising larger muscle groups (such as squats and lunges) and a lighter set for lighter exercises (such as overhead and side lifts)
• A stability ball and mat

Even if you add a few smaller items such as resistance bands and tubes, you have a good set of equipment for less than $400 usually, which is relatively little for weight training equipment.

Tip #3 – A home gym does not necessarily require a lot of equipment or space

The term ‘home gym’ has two interpretations. The most obvious is simply the place where you exercise and do your weight training, but ‘home gym’ can also refer to a compact unit of weight training equipment which is designed to cover many different exercises. Such home gyms are often referred to as ‘multi gyms’ – Compact equipment that can easily be placed in a spare bedroom, basement or garage, for those of us who don’t have the amount of spare space it takes to build a home gym made up of several machines.

The most popularly purchased multi-gyms are usually made up of the following:

• At the center of the multi-gym is an adjustable bench to sit on, which can usually be adjusted to recline
• As with popular gym machines, there are stacked metal weights with a pin selection that allow you to change resistance
• Pull-down bars, mainly used for the lat pull-down back exercise
• Press bars, for pull and push exercises for shoulders, arms and back
• A leg curl system, covering the hamstrings at the back of the thigh
• A leg extension system, covering the front of the thigh
• A seated cable row system, covering the back and arms (mostly biceps)

Although multi-gyms may not be the cheapest weight training equipment out there, there’s a lot of sense in going for this type of home gym:

• You save precious space at home
• You can cover a large number of exercises and muscle groups
• You save money when compared to buying weight training equipment for individual exercises

Buying weight training equipment can be tricky, so first determine what you really need before spending your cash. Consider how much equipment you really need and don’t forget that a home gym doesn’t necessarily need to be a hall full of equipment.

Advanced vs Old School

There are so many weight training machines that you can choose to buy and which cover all areas of the body. Often there are different types of machines that will help you exercise the same muscle groups and the choice is beyond belief. So are the prices. A simple power rack (metal frame used to support exercises such as squats using a large barbell) sells for as much as $300 and you can imagine the price tags on the more advanced stuff.

So how can you avoid breaking the bank on weight training equipment? Simple: Go back to basics!

The ancient Greeks, known for having founded the Olympics games for athletes, were the first to start the practice of weight training as we know it today. Hippocrates, a Greek philosopher, described the principle of weight training by stating “That which is used develops, and that which is not used wastes away”. Weight training gained in popularity in the 6th century, however, when athletes started competing with each other by lifting heavy stones.

Weight training equipment in the form of dumbbells and free weights

The heavy stones of back then have been replaced by weights in the form of dumbbells. Dumbbells is one of the most basic forms of weight training equipment, and despite the introduction of various types of machines, these weights have remained popular. Dumbbells are versatile in the number of exercises than can be done with them (often in combination with a bench), they are flexible to use (weight increments can often be changed by adding/removing weight plates) and are the cheapest type of weight training equipment out there.

Although other more advanced weight training equipment may have its own benefits, what’s generally accepted about free weights (such as dumbbells) is that they make for better weight training. Weight machines limit a user’s motion, while the use of dumbbells and other free weights requires the user to depend on other muscles to stabilize and smoothen the movement, thereby improving overall strength.

Tips to consider when buying dumbbells for weight training

1. Make sure you go for dumbbells with which you can vary the weight attached to the bar. There are several types of dumbbells and some have a specific amount of weight on each end which cannot be adjusted. The most versatile types of dumbbells will allow you to change the number of weight plates on each side as required.Having the ability to alter the amount of weight on your dumbbells allows you to easier cover several muscle groups, some of which can handle less than others when you start your weight training routine. Another advantage is that as you build up muscle and improve your strength, you’ll be able to continue using dumbbells with heavier weights to build resistance.
2. Buy two sets – One heavier set for the muscle groups that need more resistance and a lighter set for muscle groups which can’t yet take on a lot of resistance. This will save time in between exercises for different muscle groups. It’s important to maintain a steady pace when going through your exercise routine, and having to change weights often is a downside of using dumbbells mainly. By buying two sets you can greatly save on time otherwise spent changing weights.
3. Buy a bench, which will multiply the number of exercises you can do and will help you cover more areas of your body to help get you in shape and toned from top to toe. Make sure you choose a more advanced model that will allow you to incline or recline the back rest.
4. Buy a stability ball, which is a cheap accessory and can help you achieve better results. Weight training can be done while sitting on lying stretched out on a stability ball, which can help you strengthen your core and improve your balance. Note that stability balls will be slightly different from brand to brand. Make sure you go for a thicker ball, to avoid punctures and to help you feel more secure while lifting weights
5. Remember to exercise safely with dumbbells. Because they’re free weights and not controlled by any machine or rack, it is important to develop a feel for dumbbells and take precautions to prevent injury. The most obvious precaution is making sure the weights are attached to the bar properly. The second is to wear sturdy footwear to avoid having a dumbbell fall on an exposed toe. The third is to get professional advice on how to use dumbbell weight training techniques properly.

Dumbbells is one of the most basic weight training equipment out there, but makes part of the weight training program from beginners to experienced body builders. If you’re serious about weight training at home, dumbbells are the perfect first step on the road to better fitness levels.