lifting at home? newbie!

tinybry

Hi everyone,
I'm really keen to start the 5x5 programme, i've been reading a fair bit about it and reading through the topics on here. The problem I have is that I can't get to a gym (due to my location and home and work set up) and would really like to be able to do this at home. my husband is also quite keen - he used to do a fair amount of lifting but hasn't for quite a while.
Anyway, I need to look at equipment, and although I have some space it's not hugs, so will be trying to keep it to a reasonable minimum (or more compact options)... does anyone have any advice?
THanks for reading, apologies if this has been asked before, I did look back but couldn't see anything.
I'm in the UK too if that helps.
Bryony

tameko2

If your vertical space is the limit, I'd do a squat rack, bench, and barbell. If vertical space is ok, I'd get a power rack and bench instead. Squat racks seem to take up a bit more floor space but power racks are taller.

yecatsml

Good to know - I'm looking at doing the same.

LorinaLynn

Craigslist! (or whatever flea market, tag sales, newspaper or online classifieds are available in your area)

While my cheap bench & weight set from Sears certainly did the job, I'm outgrowing it and wish I'd waited and continued to scope craigslist.

I don't have a squat rack or power cage and doubt I'd have room, so I do hack squats instead. Not the best option, but it's getting the job done.

stlhrs

If you ladies don't mind a dude chiming in here....

My wife and I are starting/just started SL5x5 and had a lot of the same questions on equipment. We read forum after forum on what people recommended and this is what we came up with and got for our home:

1. Bar - Get an Olympic bar (44-45lbs). Don't skimp here. The bar is the single most critical piece. Buy the best you can afford (within reason) because cheap bars won't last long (bend) when you're lifting very heavy. We got the Troy AOB-1500 ) Olympic Bar, Black Oxide with a 28 mm shaft). It was $189 on XTrainingEquipment.com (shipping was slow because it came from Troy: ~3 weeks).

2. Weight - steel is steel. Craiglist is great for plates. Don't pay more than a $1 per pound. Our local craigslist was not coming up with much. But then we found a deal at ****'s: 300lb set for $209 which included a bar (not the troy still decent). If you don't have the money for a good bar right away, the bars in these sets will get you started.

3. Power rack. Squat racks are great. But for safety spend the money and get a power rack. We got this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UMM4QC/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00) for $239 plus shipping. Craiglist may be a good source too. But inspect it closely. racks take a beating and cheap racks can bend. If you're worried about height, the one we got is 7'. Here's a 6' tall one: (http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=AZW93HRN28RCX). They're all about 48inches wide/deep.

4. Bench - standard flat bench. Just make sure it's rated for the amount of weight (plus body weight) that you expect to bench press.

oh, and collars for the bar (keeps the plate from sliding off). If your hands are small or your grip is weak, the standard spring collar may not work for you. There are others (http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Olympic-Collars-Red/dp/B005DHKJJ2/ref=pd_sim_sg_4) that may work for you.

Enjoy!

stlhrs

If you ladies don't mind a dude chiming in here....

My wife and I are starting/just started SL5x5 and had a lot of the same questions on equipment. We read forum after forum on what people recommended and this is what we came up with and got for our home:

1. Bar - Get an Olympic bar (44-45lbs). Don't skimp here. The bar is the single most critical piece. Buy the best you can afford (within reason) because cheap bars won't last long (bend) when you're lifting very heavy. We got the Troy AOB-1500 ) Olympic Bar, Black Oxide with a 28 mm shaft). It was $189 on XTrainingEquipment.com (shipping was slow because it came from Troy: ~3 weeks).

2. Weight - steel is steel. Craiglist is great for plates. Don't pay more than a $1 per pound. Our local craigslist was not coming up with much. But then we found a deal at ****'s: 300lb set for $209 which included a bar (not the troy still decent). If you don't have the money for a good bar right away, the bars in these sets will get you started.

3. Power rack. Squat racks are great. But for safety spend the money and get a power rack. We got this one (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UMM4QC/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00) for $239 plus shipping. Craiglist may be a good source too. But inspect it closely. racks take a beating and cheap racks can bend. If you're worried about height, the one we got is 7'. Here's a 6' tall one: (http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=AZW93HRN28RCX). They're all about 48inches wide/deep.

4. Bench - standard flat bench. Just make sure it's rated for the amount of weight (plus body weight) that you expect to bench press.

oh, and collars for the bar (keeps the plate from sliding off). If your hands are small or your grip is weak, the standard spring collar may not work for you. There are others (http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Olympic-Collars-Red/dp/B005DHKJJ2/ref=pd_sim_sg_4) that may work for you.

Enjoy!

stupid sensor. That was supposed to be D_I_C_K ' S sporting goods.

tinybry

thanks guys, that's really helpful. I'll have a look around - and you have reminded me to put an ask on freecycle (our local email list where people pass on things they don't use) and also in the local papers, we may be lucky! I may have to shuffle things around in my office a bit to make the space - will measure what I think i can fit in! I have seen some folding benches, not sure how sturdy they are though, I don't want to waste any money on something that won't cope with the strain!
Thanks again, hopefully I'll be able to get started soon!