Weight training is an important part of a balanced workout routine. Many studies have shown that weight training helps dieters lose fat faster than diet alone. When done correctly, weight training also can help strengthen bones and joints. Many people go to a gym or health club to complete their weight training program, but it is possible to do your weight training at home. To do weight training at home, you can purchase fitness equipment such as free weights or a weight machine, but you also can use your own body weight during training.
Before you start weight training at home, it is important to check with your doctor. He or she might recommend that you modify or exclude particular exercises if you have a health condition. After talking to your doctor, it's time to think about your equipment. There are a few kinds of weight sets suitable for weight training at home. Which one you choose depends on the kind of exercises you want to do, how much space you have and how much money you are willing to spend.
Free weights are weights that are not attached to any machine. Using free weights will work not only the target muscle but also the stabilizing muscles. This gives you a more complete workout but makes it difficult to target a specific area of muscles. These weights are great for weight training at home because they tend to be inexpensive, and you can buy a few at a time and add to your collection as you get stronger.
The drawback to free weights is that a full collection can take up a lot of space. Some companies have solved this problem by creating adjustable weights. This allows you to buy one pair of weights that can change from light to heavy just by moving around some pieces.
For exercisers with a little more money to spend, a home weight machine can be a good choice. Many of the weight machines you see at your local gym or health club work individual muscle groups. Home weight machines, however, work a range of muscles because they can be used for many types of exercises. Many home weight machines take up only a small space, and most can be adjusted easily. The problem with these machines is that they tend to be much more expensive than free weights, and they often are difficult to move.
The least expensive, most space-efficient way of weight training at home is to use your own body as the weight. Pull-ups, push-ups, calf raises and many other exercises can be completed without any kind of weights at all. Those types of exercises, though, often require many more repetitions to get the same results as those that can be achieved by performing similar exercises with weights or on a weight machine.
After you have the equipment you want, make sure that you have sufficient space to do weight training at home. Choose an area where your range of motion will not be restricted and where you will not damage your furniture, walls, floor or ceiling. You also should set aside specific times to do weight training. You can create a schedule that lists dates, times and the exercises to be performed. It can be helpful to record your workouts so you can chart your progress.