Weight training is at the core of fitness programs and allows people to get rid of excess body fat and develop robust muscle mass through the use of weight training equipment. It is aimed at burning more calories and building strength through a series of intensive exercises focused on specific muscles or covering larger muscle groups.

Weight training equipment is the back bone of the exercise sessions involved and can be divided into two main types: Free weights and weight machines. It is important to get a better understanding of the types of equipment used during exercise sessions and how they help you build a better physique.

Free weights usually make part of the basic weight training equipment for anyone…from beginning trainers to experienced body builders. They come in a large variety of different shapes, sizes and weights and are a relatively low cost solution to start weight training at home.

One of the advantages of free weights is that there are a lot of different exercises that can be done, which cover most of the major muscle groups. It’s also argued that with free weights you get a better weight training workout because exercises aren’t guided by machines and you need secondary muscles to stabilize your movements.

Dumbbells are the most widely used free weights and come in different weights and types. The more popular types are adjustable to allow users to use a variety of weight increments to match their strength and workout goals. Having multiple sets can help you if you’re not an “all rounder” when it comes to fitness. Some muscle groups may be more developed than others and having to change weights on your dumbbells all the time can be de-motivating. Consider buying two sets – One for lighter weights, another for the more developed muscle groups that need a bigger challenge

Weight machines are better for beginners to get into weight training and intermediate trainers as they act like training wheels on a bike by maintaining balance for you. Weight machines are also safer and easier to use and can enable you to lift greater amounts.

Most weight machines work by pulling or pushing a handle or bar with which you can lift a stack of weights, attached by a cable and a pulley system. By using a pin to select the amount of weight in the stack you can build up resistance as you progress in your weight training program and overall fitness. Weight machines can also be adjusted to suit different body types and provide a clear illustration of correct use and posture on each machine.

A few types of weight training equipment do not require weights for exercise, but instead allow you to use your own body weight for resistance. Such equipment includes chin up bars that allow you to exercise the biceps and triceps (front and back muscles of the upper arm) and crunch machines, with which you can exercise the abdominals.

Weight training programs are usually based on a combination of free weights and weight machines and it is important to get to know weight training equipment and which to choose as part of your exercise regime before heading to the gym or buying weight training equipment.

When looking to buy weight training equipment, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Take a little time to do research on the types of weight training equipment available and the different brands out there. You might just want to go for basic equipment, such as dumbbells and a bench, or you need something more advanced such as a home gym set to build muscle.
2. Look for something that suits your needs, which doesn’t necessarily have to be a bulky contraption. It could be portable equipment that is easily adjustable, such as a selecterized dumbbell set, or a bench which can be adjusted into an incline position. Both are compact but can give you great results without taking up too much space.
3. Know how much space is available where you’re actually going to keep the equipment. There is a lot of equipment out there that can be folded up, which makes it tempting to just put away and never use again. When your weight training equipment is in your line of sight every day it will be difficult to ignore and will make you aware that you need to be using the equipment in order to progress. Also, not everyone can afford a lot of space to keep equipment in. If that’s applicable to you, then consider that something like a ‘multi gym’ may be a good solution for you. Multi gyms incorporate a lot of the same mechanisms used in individual weight training machines that focus on specific muscle groups. Although costly, you get a compact home gym with which you can cover most of the important exercises. This kind of equipment is obviously not for the light and beginner/intermediate trainers.
4. Go for equipment that is easy to set up and easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of adjusting. This allows you move from one exercise to the next as quickly as possible to maximize the time, effort and energy you put into your weight training program. If you decide to assemble the equipment yourself make sure #it’s done right. If you’re not much of a DIY guy or you get stuck at any time during assembly, get the job done by a professional. Remember: Safety first!
5. Don’t ignore quality and don’t go for the cheapest option. You’re investing in your health and you shouldn’t jeopardize your health to save a few bucks. There is a lot of weight training equipment out there that is inexpensive but is also dangerous due to weak constructions or bad welding jobs. Don’t put your physical health at risk.
6. Check on warranties and warranty conditions. Weight training equipment isn’t cheap, so better be sure that your dealer’s warranty terms are acceptable to avoid disappointment
7. Buy your equipment of a reputable brand and a reputable dealer with good after-sales service, just in case you need repairs if something does go wrong. Research the best brands in weight training equipment before you buy, as you would with any other product.

Being well informed about weight training equipment is very important, considering the wide variety of products out there and their often heavy price tag. Remember that you’re looking for equipment that fits to your exercise profile and level and that although convenient, if you buy equipment that’s easy to put away you probably will, which is a waste of money. Once you know what weight training equipment you’re after, don’t go for cheap stuff, find the better stores and brands and check warranty conditions.
If you keep these considerations in mind when buying weight training equipment, you’re likely to have a solid base to start going for those results and shape up!

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.