Changing Your Body - Strength Training Using Free Weights And Machines

Lifting free weights will increase your strength and transform your body. Diets and cardio exercises are equally important, but when it comes to changing how your body looks, weight training equipment combined with a proper strength training program not only transforms your body, but it also strengthens your bones and increases muscular endurance. Lifting weights raises your metabolism; the more muscles you have, the more calories you burn.

Before beginning any kind of weight lifting routine, always consult your doctor or a certified personal trainer. Equip yourself with knowledge about basic strength training principles. Whether you intend to use a free weight set, dumbbells or intend to train using multi-station equipment, the routine you choose will depend on your goals and the free time you have for your workouts.

Benefits of Weight Training

• Lifting weights raises your metabolism. Burn more calories – 24 hours a day!
   
• Free weight workouts strengthen your bones which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
   
• Improve your muscular endurance, posture, balance and immune system.
   
• Strength training elevates your mood resulting in increased confidence in yourself.

If you are new to lifting weights and shopping for equipment to get started, you will soon realize that this can be a daunting task. There are basically two types of gear to consider – a free weight set and machines.

Equipment Choices

• Free Weight Set – Barbells, dumbbells and plates.
   
• Benches – Flat, incline and decline benches. Some are adjustable, with or without dumbbell racks. They are used to train abdominal muscles, bicep, lower back, hamstring and glutes.
   
• Bars – Equip your gym with a dipping bar to strengthen chest, shoulders and triceps. Use chin up bars to train your back, biceps and forearms.
   
• Machines – Machines can be used to train your entire body. They are safer to use than a free weight set. This category includes machines such as the leg press, squat, leg extension, leg curl, calf machine, lat pull down machine, leg abduction/adduction machine, cables and pulleys etc.

While not everyone can afford to acquire the latest machines and trainers such as found in a commercial gym, it is quite affordable to purchase some basic weight training gear to get started in the privacy of your home. The home fitness equipment retailers listed here are a great source for quality fitness products and accessories. The variety of products available from their online stores will help you attain the results you are looking for.

Weight Lifting Buying Guide

Bigfitness.com - Weight Machines -

Net2Fitness.com offers a large selection of Weights and Dumbbells - We carry all types of weights and dumbbells from single hex dumbbells, vinyl dumbbells, Olympic plates, ankle weights, complete dumbbell sets and dumbbell racks to hold them.

Also see: [ Home Gyms ] [ Ab Machines ] [ Treadmills ]