Buyer's Guide

So you’ve decided to get into shape. Maybe you’d like to shed a few pounds or you’re really determined to change the way your entire body looks. That type of transformation will only happen with weight training. Diet and aerobic exercise are an integral part of any training regimen, but for truly shaping the way your entire body looks, weights cannot be excluded. If you’ve never weight trained before, it can seem a little overwhelming. So let’s start with some of the core basics to help you decide which is the best weight training equipment for your particular needs and goals.

What is the difference between machines and free weights? Both machines and free weights will provide you with all the resistance training you need. While free weights are more user-friendly (you just pick them up and put them down), machines are sometimes better for beginning weight lifters. Keeping the proper form as you lift is very important and machines force you into the proper lifting technique. Weight machines can also help you control heavy weight, which helps to prevent injury.

For those interested in high-impact resistance training, there are a much wider variety of price and size options. Free weights start for as little five dollars and can run into the thousands, but the size of a weight rack and workout bench never changes. Weight machines start around $500, and are another large big-ticket item that can’t be moved or stored once in place.

And to top it all off, you should also look into some weight training supplements. You’ve been putting in the gym time, eating clean, but you still feel more tired than you should and you just can’t seem to lose that last ten pounds. Perhaps you need to enhance your diet and workouts with some weight training supplements. The right supplements can provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, protein, creatine, and energy-rich carbohydrates necessary for an active, fit athlete.

One of the most common and most effective supplements for weight lifters is whey protein. Protein is essential in developing lean muscle. It also takes the body more time to digest protein resulting in a more full feeling for longer periods of time. Whey protein can be consumed in an exercise bar or blended with fruit and/or milk into a delicious and nutritious shake.

Another group of supplements popular with those adhering to a regular weight training schedule are fat-burning supplements. Usually in capsule form, fat-burners are specially formulated supplements designed to enhance the body’s metabolic rate so that you burn more calories. Fat-burners are also designed to boost your energy and propel you toward a higher intensity workout.

Weight training clothing: Believe it or not, the type of clothing you wear to weight train can be dangerous. Loose fitting weight training clothing, like running shorts, can easily get hung up on many of the hard angles protruding out of every weight machine in a gym. And when you move in a direction only to have your clothes snag on something unexpectedly, you can easily cause yourself a muscle strain or pull. To avoid this, look for tight fitting gear that also features wicking abilities to help your body maintain an optimal workout temperature.

Lastly, it’s so important to wear the proper foot gear when lifting weights. Flip-flops are a definite no-go! Make sure you’re wearing shoes that you can actually work-out in. No cowboy boots, high-heels, or sandals. You can find a wide variety of workout shoes and sneakers that provide ample support and traction to help keep you safe.

Weight training gloves: First, an appropriate weightlifting glove will have an open finger design. A wrist band at the bottom of any exercise gloves used for lifting is essential to protect your wrist joints. A padded palm is another vital element of appropriate strength training gloves.

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