Weight Benches
A quality weight bench might be the most versatile and often-used piece of equipment in a home gym. Home fitness weight training is a great way to develop your strength, tone and overall muscle-shape. If you are getting into lifting dumbbells and free weights at home, you’ll definitely need a good bench, because that's where you will be spending most of your lifting time. In addition to the bench and weights, don’t forget you’ll also need a spotter for safety if you’ll be doing any heavy lifting.
It is a good idea to get a weight bench with a squat rack and a back that can be adjusted to different angles. Most modern weight benches on the market can be adjusted to incline, decline, or stay flat. It is also helpful to get a rack that allows your barbells to sit in position before you begin exercising so you don't have to strain and hold the weights in position yourself. Remember to lift safely and add and remove weights only while the weight bars are on the floor. Changing the weight plates on a barbell on the rack can cause your bench to tip over.
Home fitness training with free weights on a bench requires more strength than lifting on a machine because the free weights must be lifted and balanced at the same time. This means you should start your bench sessions slowly and remember to stretch before you begin lifting any weights. Stretching loosens up the muscles and gets the blood flowing. Stretching can also reduce your chances of injury. Remember to lift slowly and deliberately and always keep your back straight during lifts.
You’ll need to select weights that are correct for your body shaping and fitness goals. Lifting heavy weights with the chest, biceps, shoulders and triceps will build upper body strength. Lifting moderate weight amounts in repetitions will tone your muscles. If you plan to lift heavy weight with bench presses and squats, remember to always use a spotter to assist just in case you are unable to complete an exercise.
Make sure any bench you are considering for purchase is constructed well enough to stand up to both the exercises and weights you plan to use. Your bench must fit your own body weight and height and support the weight of the barbells too.
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