Advice on weights kit

[Happy82]

I'm looking at converting the garage into a bit of an exercise area as we're not using it for the car, we already have a punch bag up with a photo of Gordon Brown , and rowing machine but I was hoping to get back into doing some free weights.

I had seen some weight sets in Argos and on Amazon, however they're only 50kg which really won't push me much now, let alone in a few months time so could you advise on where to get a 100kg+ set? Or is it simply a case of getting a 50kg set and then buying more weights to add to that set? And what is a good quality make as I don't want some cheap rubbish that will collapse on me or provides non-accurate weights (such as my 20kg weights, one weighed 18kg and the other 23kg )

And also, and recommendations for a weights bench? My former bench has suffered from its years in a mouse-used garage and the padding is now making up insulation for mouse homes Also it was always rickety at best so probably not the safest anyway

Unfortunately, sports shops seem to no longer exist apart from JJB that is purely sports fashion IMO, so a bit unsure on where to look for the kit

Thanks for any help!

[Park'O]

Happy82 said:

I'm looking at converting the garage into a bit of an exercise area as we're not using it for the car, we already have a punch bag up with a photo of Gordon Brown , and rowing machine but I was hoping to get back into doing some free weights.

I had seen some weight sets in Argos and on Amazon, however they're only 50kg which really won't push me much now, let alone in a few months time so could you advise on where to get a 100kg+ set? Or is it simply a case of getting a 50kg set and then buying more weights to add to that set? And what is a good quality make as I don't want some cheap rubbish that will collapse on me or provides non-accurate weights (such as my 20kg weights, one weighed 18kg and the other 23kg )

And also, and recommendations for a weights bench? My former bench has suffered from its years in a mouse-used garage and the padding is now making up insulation for mouse homes Also it was always rickety at best so probably not the safest anyway

Unfortunately, sports shops seem to no longer exist apart from JJB that is purely sports fashion IMO, so a bit unsure on where to look for the kit

Thanks for any help!

You'll find all you need on here - www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/

[Happy82]

Thanks!

[Mojooo]

For weights you need to decide whether you want 'standard' weights or 'olympics' weights. Basically the olympic equipment is mroe expensive and the hole in the weight is bigger - so they are not interchangable. olympic bars are somewhat heftier too.

if you are going for serious weights then go for olympic.

[Happy82]

Thanks for the info, I'll go for the 'standard' weights to start with and just upgrade when the time comes, the weights will come in handy for other exercises so they won't go to waste.

Thanks to you both for the help

[Meoricin]

Happy82 said:

Thanks for the info, I'll go for the 'standard' weights to start with and just upgrade when the time comes, the weights will come in handy for other exercises so they won't go to waste.

Thanks to you both for the help

It's not really an upgrade if you're forced to buy a whole new set of weights when you switch. I'd recommend olympic from the start if you're at all serious. They can do everything normal weights can and more. I don't think the price difference is that significant, either. I started with a 100kg olympic set (15kg bar, and 85kg in weights) for a little over £100, and I've not bought any weights since then (though I have 'borrowed' long term 50kg from a friend's set which he rarely uses).

[Mojooo]

I found the 'fatter' and longer olympic bar easier for squatting as the fatter bar sits easier on my back/shoulders and a long bar spreads the weight nicely.

That said, it might be unwieldy if you are a beginner.

[Frankeh]

Go olympic from the start. They've vastly superior and their added thickness really helps when the weight gets heavier.

Also, fitness superstore have terrible customer support and if you buy their 100KG, 6 foot bar olympic kit the collars won't fit..

I suggest you look elsewhere as they've been a bit crap. I even gave them a second chance and I've now waited 11 days for delivery of 2 extra weight discs with no word on when they'll be dispatched.

[LordGrover]

Were I starting again, I'd probably look closely at olympic bumper plates; I still may invest in a set of plates.

[Efbe]

If you are short on cash, and want to be able to do more exercises with the same equipment, then personally i'd recommend dumbbells over barbells.

barbells can often promote development on one side over the other. It can also be more dangerous when lifting on your own.

I gave up BB cchest press in favour of DB Chest press a few years back, and have had much better results.

Having said that, you can't not do deadlifts. best exercise out there and they need a bar. so maybe just get both

edit: oh, and have a look on ebay, it's not like the weights wear out over time, they still work!

[LordGrover]

^^ YMMV. IMO I wouldn't bother with dumbbells - complete waste of time, money and effort.

We all have our own experiences/opinions.

I found this pdf from a few years ago about kitting out your own garage/home gym: click. Most of the american stuff can be sourced over here.