Free Weights

Lifting weights and free weights are the main type of resistance exercise you will use when you are strength training and muscle building. These come in various forms, from dumbbells and ankle weights to barbells to the mighty machines in the gym which have suspended weights that you lift in quick repetition.

For use at home, free weights in the form of dumbbells are by far the most practical, as you need very little room to store them and they can be used anywhere. If you have a space that you have designated to be used as a home gym then you will more than likely have a barbell. This is effectively what you see the weightlifters using, the long bar to which you can add weights at each end.

If you have one of these to use at home, a proper bench is always recommended so you are in the correct position when you lift and you don’t hurt your back. The bar and weights take up very little room, but the benches are quite big so many people have been tempted to do without these and just buy the barbells.

Never attempt to lift a heavy barbell at home from a standing position, you are not a professional weight lifter and you can do serious and permanent damage to your back. Don’t overload the bar either and think you can lift more that you are actually capable of, start off slowly and build up gradually as your strength and stamina increases. Slow and steady wins every time when it comes to strength training.