Strength Training at Home

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1/20/13 8:52 P

Thanks everyone!

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1/19/13 9:04 A

If your goal is truly to gain strength, definitely ditch the rubber coated pink dumbbells. You really have two options. You can do what JEN said and get yourself a barbell, a bench, some plates and a safety rack or you can look into serious bodyweight exercises like those mentioned in the books You Are Your Own Gym or Convict Conditioning. Barbell training is the fastest, most effective way to strength train. If you elect that path, I recommend the book Starting Strength.

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1/19/13 8:19 A

I would start with bodyweight exercises. A lot of the best moves are bodyweight only!

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1/19/13 7:51 A

I agree. 2 pound weights are completely useless, except for certain exercises, which are done as a compliment after shoulder injury.

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1/19/13 7:37 A

I would no suggest getting 2pound dumbbells. Think about it, you lift way more than that every day. Yeah, for some exercises I'm still using 10s, but I could bench more than that my first time out. If money and space are issues, bands would be great. I have a bench, a bar that loads to 110 and a rack along with plate load able dumbbells. Love it

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1/19/13 5:20 A

There are so many body resistant exercises, that you really don't need to buy anything to get in a good strength workout. With push-ups, lunges, a variety of core exercises, cans of Campbell Soup for light weights, you don't need anything.

That being said, if you want to purchase something, suggest you get resistance bands, a jump rope and/or hula hoop, and weights. The former is cheap, the last can be expensive depending on how much and what you get.

Consider your size, sex, motivation level, and fitness level, you may want to start with as low as 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 pound weights. Look into ones where you purchase one weight, but it is adjustable and can be made into several different weights. I prefer equipment which is convertible!

Good luck and best wishes.

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1/19/13 1:19 A

A set of weights. I use 2, 5, and 8 pounds.

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1/19/13 12:04 A

stretch bands are good. I also bought a box of weight plates and bars for 25 bucks at walmart. I love them too.

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1/19/13 12:02 A

I agree with Zorbs - bands are great!

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1/19/13 12:00 A

resistance bands are the most cost/space efficient for home use.

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1/18/13 11:33 P

I want to start strength training at home. What equipment or tools do you recommend?

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