There are over 45 million gym members in the U.S., yet every year over $12 billion is wasted on unused gym memberships. If you like weight training, the gym can seem like a chore if you have to pay exorbitant membership prices to train in cramped conditions and wait for equipment. More people are now skipping the commercial gyms and buying equipment to train with at home.
Free Weights
Barbells and dumbbells are the perfect choice for home weight lifting equipment. An Olympic barbell and dumbbell set with 300 lbs. of weight will cost you in the region of $500, as of February 2011. This may seem like a lot, but bear in mind that with these you can perform hundreds of exercises for every muscle group. They can be stored easily and put together quickly when you want to use them.
Power Rack
A power rack, or cage, has four vertical pillars with two horizontal safety bars that act as spotters if you drop the bar. With the power rack, you can perform exercises like squats and bench presses safely, as the safety bars will catch the barbell if you fail a lift or need to drop the bar. Many power racks also come with chin-up bars and dip attachments so you can add these exercises to your training. Some power racks are over 8 feet tall, so ensure that the one you choose will fit in your home.
Adjustable Exercise Bench
An exercise bench will add more variety to any training program. With an adjustable bench, you can do various chest and shoulder presses, split squats and other supported exercises that couldn't be done otherwise. Weight benches can range in price from $50 to over $300 dollars, as of February 2011. Beginners and intermediate lifters will be fine with a lower-priced bench. Advanced lifters may want to consider a more expensive heavy-duty bench.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells, which originated in Russia, are cannonball-shaped weights with a handle. They can be used for strength training, but their main benefit is they are an extremely effective cardiovascular workout tool. The unusual shape and weight distribution of a kettlebell makes it perfect for swinging and explosive movements. Prices start at around $60 for a 26-pound kettlebell, and increase in price the heavier the bell. They do not take up much room, so they're perfect for keeping in the home.
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