Strength Buying Guide

There are literally hundreds of different bits of kit to help you build strength, here are the basic bits of kit you will need to consider getting to make the most of your workout.

• Benches
• Weights
• Resistance Bands
• Abdominal Trainers
  

When choosing a bench there are a couple of factors that you will want to take into account.

Firstly you want to ensure that the bench you are buying is adjustable. Some benches can be adjusted to create an incline or decline, which can be used for both abdominal exercises or weight lifting off the chest.

Secondly you want to ensur that the bench is sufficient for the weights you are looking at lifting. If you are lifting heavy weights make sure the bench can handle it.

And lastly if you are looking at lifting heavy weights on a bar ensure the bench has crutches, these are in place for supporting the weight bar.

See our range of benches

Free weights are the most important pieces of equipment for strength training and in comparison to other equipment they are relatively cheap. Free weights can be used for almost all strength building exercises, you can even add small free weights to a cardio exercise for a bit more of a challenge.

When buying free weights you really want to think hard about how you are going to use them.

First Time Buyer? If you are looking at getting your first set buy a set that are adjustable, you will be able to get more use out of adjustable weights being able to increase and reduce the load.

Long Lasting Weights? If you are looking at keeping them for a long time consider metal weights as they will last almost indefinitely, although they may damage your floor. Rubber coated metal weights are a better option where possible.

Chrome weights look great but require regular maintenance to stop rusting.

Adjustable weights that last? A barbell is what you are looking for, which are short bars which you can add or remove metal weights to.

See our range of weights

Resistance Bands are a great way of building strength. They are small and are easy to store and unlike free weights, you stand less risk of injury through dropping them.

You can buy resistance bands and use them for a variety of exercises including chest, back, abs, legs and arms exercises.

When buying resistance bands there is really only one consideration and that’s how much resistance the bands have.

Generally speaking bands will come in 2-4 variants which are essentially light - heavy. Be honest with yourself and choose one that you don’t find difficult. Resistance exercises are all about repetition not heavy lifting.

See our range of resistance bands

There are a variety of abdominal trainers available. All of them work your abs by either allowing you to slide in and out on your knees or toes thus stretching your abs, or by providing feet support so you can lift or lower your upper body.

The only thing to consider when buying is how often you will be using it. If you will be using it regularly you will want to purchase, a slightly more expensive one, as it will last longer.

See our range of abdominal trainers