Ever since people realized that they can actually do something about their physique, the fitness world skyrocketed. Everyone’s looking for ways to lose weight, be more toned, get muscular, and so on. But, not everyone likes the idea of crawling out of their comfy beds and going all the way to the gym.
If you’re one of those people who would rather have a home gym in your garage or garden and you simply don’t know what gym equipment to start out with, then this is for you. Likewise, this guide should be helpful even if you already own a gym and you’re looking for essential gym equipment that can be used by beginners. From novice to intermediate and then to advanced lifting, we have listed some of the most essential weightlifting equipment to help you achieve your body goals in no time.
Adjustable Weight Bench
Just as the name implies, an adjustable weight bench is a training bench that can be used to perform all kinds of weight training exercises. This particular equipment is very essential and a gym is not quite complete without it. Aside from weight training, it can be used for other workouts such as sit-ups amongst others.
A training bench has a backrest that can be adjusted in a flat or inclined position depending on what position best suits the workout you want to perform on it. The best training bench is one that is adjustable, well constructed, and sturdy enough to see you through the years of weight lifting exercises that you’d be performing on it.
Pull-up Bar
The pull-up bar is probably one of the most popular pieces of gym equipment for weight lifting. It isn’t popular because of the really muscular people that use it as you’ve seen in the movies; neither is it popular because it makes a gym look badass. The pull-up bar is popular because it is very effective for weight lighting.
Just as the name suggests, you’re literally pulling yourself upward with just your hands on the bar. Sounds almost undoable, doesn’t it? Well, it is doable and a lot of people have discovered and harnessed the power of this essential gym equipment.
Power Rack
A power rack is a large rectangular piece of equipment that is made of steel and can be used to perform numerous weight lifting programs. The power rack is a unique, sophisticated piece of equipment made with a lot of safety mechanisms that allows for heavy lifting without accidents. It has adjustable pins that can be moved to get the desired height and has safety catches that help prevent the weight from going past a particular point.
This equipment is essential for weight lifting and bodybuilding as well as squats and other work outs. It is one tool that you’d find in any standard gym.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are probably one of the most constant equipment you’ll find in any standard gym. It brings a lot of versatility to your workout and is great for weight training. The dumbbell comes in different sizes and it is up to you to pick one that best suits your purpose.
There are different types of dumbbells. Some of them can be adjustable and come with weight plates while others vary in size. A 30-pound dumbbell weighs the same as other 30-pound dumbbells irrespective of where it was bought, so pick the one that feels the best in your hands.
Kettle Bell
A kettlebell is a piece of gym equipment that can be used for weightlifting, core strengthening, and flexibility workouts. It comes in different shapes, sizes, and weights, and has a handle on top for easy lifting.
This handle is what enables the kettlebell swing workout to be as effective as it is. Kettlebells are very portable and the freedom they give you is unlike any other. With your kettlebell, you can work out anywhere - the garage, garden, and even in front of the TV when your favorite show is on, etc. Every gym should have equipment that supports multi-tasking like the kettlebell does.
Bar Bell and Weight Plates
We honestly don’t think that any gym is complete without a barbell and weight plates. These are considered essential gym equipment, and are the cornerstone for doing any weight lifting exercise. You may consider it the king of weight lifting workouts.
The weight plates that are fixed on each end of the barbell vary in size and weight. A weight plate can go as low as 2.5 lbs and as high as 75 lbs or even more. When buying a barbell, you should be really vigilant and give it a thorough once-over for peeling chips on the body or any other indication that it is of poor quality.
