Whether you’re an avid weightlifter or just getting started, strength training can have massive benefits. When you lift weights regularly, it can help you build lean muscle, lose weight, and transform your body. With so many products on the market, it can feel a little overwhelming to know what to buy. By finding the right equipment for your routine, you can enhance your results and see your hard work pay off. Keep reading to find the best weight training equipment to maximise your results.
In this article:
- The Benefits of Resistance Training
- How Often Should You Weight Train?
- The Best Weight Training Equipment to Boost Results
The Benefits of Resistance Training
Resistance training is a key part of a balanced exercise routine. Weight training or resistance training refers to any form of exercise that involves lifting weights or pulling against some form of resistance. You could perform resistance training using dumbbells, bodyweight, barbells, kettlebells, and workout machines.
Traditional weight training involves performing repetitions of a specific exercise to increase muscle and build strength. Other benefits of resistance training include:
- Decrease the risk of heart disease
- Improve stress levels
- Boosts functional strength
- Build tone and sculpt muscles
- Help reduce the risk of injury
- Improve strength in joints
How Often Should You Weight Train?
Most experts recommend that you should weight train three times a week. When people first start lifting weights, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself as you want to see results fast. You want to train five or six times a week to start building muscle. But recovery is an essential part of building muscle safely and effectively. Beginners should have at least one day of rest between weightlifting sessions.
The Best Weight Training Equipment to Boost Results
The best weight training equipment for you depends on the results you’re looking to achieve. Most weights are available in a range of sizes, so it’s important that you buy the weight suitable for your body. You want to challenge yourself without causing an injury from overworking a muscle. Here are some of the best weight training equipment options to boost results.
1. Bumper Plates
Bumper plates fit on the end of a barbell. They are slightly different from standard cast iron plates as they are made from 100% recycled rubber. The main benefit of bumper plates is noise reduction. They are excellent at absorbing impact and protecting both your bar and floor even after repetitive use. With bumper plates, you can perform a ton of different exercises like powerlifting, bodybuilding, and weightlifting.
2. Hex Dumbbells
Hex dumbbells are an inexpensive option to add to your weightlifting tool kit. Dumbbells are sold individually, starting at 2.5kg and going up to 30kg. This allows you to design a set of dumbbells with only the weights you use. The Hex Dumbbells feature a rubberised six-point load and ergonomic grip for ultimate performance.
3. Anti Shock Mats
If you’re performing deadlifts or other weightlifting movements, invest in some anti-shock mats. Foam flooring is not ideal for heavy lifting as it can wear and tear easily. Equipment such as weight benches can make holes, dents, and scratches to the flooring, so it’s important that you protect the flooring. Good rubber flooring will also help to reduce the sound when you repeatedly drop weights.
4. Barbells
Barbells are a must for any home or commercial gym when it comes to weightlifting. Add some weight plates to a barbell so you can work out your body efficiently. If you plan on doing some powerlifting, a barbell is a must-have piece of equipment.
5. Simple Storage
Simple storage can help organise your weights and keep everything in order. Depending on what equipment you have, you could either have a squat stand or a wall-mounted bumper storage. To store more bumper plates, the Proud Olympic Plate Tree is a great option.
There are plenty of options to choose from for your weight training equipment. Whether you’re kitting out your home gym or upgrading a commercial setting, investing in high-quality weight training is essential to building strength and muscle mass effectively.