Exercise Equipment recommendations for the novice lifter

Now that we’ve illustrated the advantages of free weight training we would like to make some suggestions for types of equipment that could benefit the novice lifter.

Keep it simple. The old saying “less is more” applies to both the equipment needs as well as the workout routine. You don’t necessarily need an elaborate health club weight room to achieve great results from weight training.

A balanced total body weight training routine requires a surprisingly minimal investment in equipment. The majority of our retail customers have a limited area within their home to setup their workout area. More than often an extra bedroom or a section of the garage is allocated for setting up a client’s home gym.

A basic workout area is comprised of a combination of basic strength equipment which we will refer to as the “SCPC” or Self Contained Power Center. A SCPC can be designed in multiple ways, but the simplest and most cost effective setup includes a combination squat/bench rack with spotter/safety rails, a utility bench with an adjustable seat position from roughly 90 degree angle to flat and an Olympic barbell set. You can expand from your core workout area by adding in equipment such as a dumbbell set with or without a rack or perhaps an Olympic curling bar. Rubber gym flooring is always nice addition as well, providing a sure foot grip as well as adding a measure of protection against compression dent damage to the underlying floor. Glassless shatterproof mirrors can add a finishing touch and allow the lifter to help keep exercise technique in check especially if training alone.

The SCPC equipment among other products including product information and technical specifications is available for your review in the BumperPlates.com store. If you feel you need further guidance before making a purchase, feel free to contact our in house fitness equipment consultant, Adam Auerbach, CSCS. He is extremely knowledgeable and can help you find solutions that best fit your training needs as well as budget.