The articles that we've listed here are reviews
on different types of weight training equipment and accessories,
the pros and cons of aeach, and guides on where to buy them.
If you're a seasoned lifter, then you know exactly what you're
looking for and can use the reviews to find what you're searching
for quickly and easily.
If you're a newbie to strength training, you
may not be sure of what types of weight lifting equipment
is best for you. Here's a quick outline...
Freeweights
The majority of experienced weight lifters prefer
free weights, such as barbells and dumbells. If building muscle
mass is your focus, then free weights are your best investment.
Dumbells are safer than barbells in that you don't need to
have a spotter when using them. Barbells may require a second
person in case you take on weight that is too much for you.
Although a great choice, free weights also
have a disadvantage. You may find that some exercises are
difficult to execute and there is really no free weight exercise
that can duplicate a lat pull down machine, for your back
muscles. Leg workouts are also tricky as the amount of weight
that your legs can handle is normally a significant amount
more and would require the assistance of a spotter, which
is not required with an in home gym.
When it comes to cost, free weights are cheaper
than other forms of weight lifiting equipment, such as home
gyms for example. However, having said that, depending on
how much weight you're going to purchase, and then add the
cost of a lifting bench, there may not bee too big of a difference
between the two.
Home gyms
A multi-station home gym will tone and strengthen
your muscles just like the machines at a commercial gym. To
start with the disadvantages, home gyms restrict your plane
of movement when working out. For example, lifting a set of
dumbells fits around your physique and goes with your natural
movement patterns, whereas a home gym is a fixed platform
and limits your natural movement, which means you are fitting
yourself to the machine. Antoher disadvantage is that you're
limited to the amount of weight you can lift. If you are a
seasoned weight lifter, and have been lifting for a number
of years, it's best that you stick to free weights.
On the flip side, home gyms are much safer
than free weights as they don't require a second person to
spot. While it is difficult to work your legs with free weights,
home gyms include pull down and various attachments to work
your legs and other muscle groups. The largest advantage,
however, is the convenience that they provide, and their ease
use. Simpy pull the pin to alter the weight and there is no
lugging of heavy plates in between exercises.
In terms of the amount of space, free weights
or a home gym requires, little differentiates the two.
Gimmicks
Something to definitely keep in mind... If a
weight lifting product requires an infomercial and/or a celebrity
to endorsement, it most likely isn't genuine weight lifting
equipment. Although there are some exception, those that want
to increase their strength, tone, or build muscle mass should
stick to free weights, a good quality home gym, or a commercial
gym membership.
With these thoughts in mind take your time
with the followingn review articles to look at some weight
lifting equipment in detail...
Review Articles on Weight Lifting Equipment
