So I was thinking of getting an exercise machine, but I don’t really have the space. Someone said that I could get pretty much the same effect using freeweights. Is this so? How would I set myself up to do that?
Here’s a good list of the pros and cons of free weights versus excercise machines. Quick read…
If you do decide to use free weights, I’d recommend at the very least getting a an exercise bench. They don’t take up much space, are easy to move around, and are sturdy enough to exercise on safely.
I’d also recommend dumbbells over barbells if you’re exercising alone. It’s harder to end up pinned and suffocating under a dumbbell.
One more thing: bars (for dumbbells or barbells) that have threaded ends and screw locks for the plates are safer, IMO, that smooth ones that use pressure to lock the plates on. Both types will work themselves loose, but a loose screw lock will still hold the plates on the bar. Pressure locks, in my experience, have a tendency to suddenly slide right off, which is not good when you’re lifting over your head.
Who even needs free weights?
That article includes car pushing. When Tampa Bay running back Mike Alstott was playing for Purdue University, he and a training partner would take his Jeep over to the stadium parking lot before breakfast and take turns pushing it up the slanted lot. That’s how he developed his awesome leg strength.
Take a look at these dumbells (no, not the elected officials in New Orleans)
They are ‘selectech’; you don’t have to have all the individual plates to handle.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search.html/104-5580188-1855911?me=&node=3375301&keywords=selecttech
Amazing convenience and space spacer. Grab them and a decent bench and you have more flexibility in your workout…more options.
Thanks to all for the advice. Very helpful.
I’m all about the free weights; get a good set of dumbells, or better yet, just the bars, so you can add weights as you get stronger. Get a barbell too, by the same company so the weights can be interchanged. A good bench is essential, and all this should set you back a fraction of an excercise machine that you’ll probably be found dead under.
Holy crap, medicine balls are expensive and soccer balls and sand aren’t. I never thought of making my own medicine ball. Quite interesting.
just Today I was wearing a Silk shirt I hadnt worn in a few months, I went to stretch out and almost ripped the hell out of it. I have been doing free weight with dumbells 1-3 times a week depending on my schedule. all you really need for results is a few sets (or one or 2 sets of adjustable ones) and some effort.
my lightest set is 8 pounds each and when I first started they were to heavey for some of the things I was doing. I have 3 sets of adjustable ones but thats mostly because I am to lazy to change the weights during a work out.
no bench although I would frigging LOVE to have one.
a few sit ups, some push ups and then working arms and shoulders with the weights with some walking or riding tossed in is a great work out for anyone simply trying to achieve a reasonable fitness level.
You might get one for a song at a thrift store. That’s where I got my first bench and additional weight plates.