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Getting into lifting??? Do I need a bench?

Lotusstarr
Lotusstarr Posts: 112 Member
edited January 19 in Fitness and Exercise
So I was thinking about starting to do some more weight lifting stuff and was wondering if I really needed a bench or if I could do most of it with just dumbbells... I have 3, 5, 10, 12 lb dumbbells here. Also a lot of people seem to be going with the new Rules of Lifting for Women routine... Is this the best route you think or any other suggestions?

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Replies

  • Lotusstarr
    Lotusstarr Posts: 112 Member
    P.S. I do not have a gym membership and tend to do most of my working out at home.
  • ScottishMrs
    ScottishMrs Posts: 254 Member
    NROLFW uses barbells, although I've heard people say that it can be mostly adapted for dumbbells. I personally follow a dumbbell workout from another site and I bought an inclinable bench at Wal-Mart that doesn't have the part that holds the barbell. It was called a utility bench. Here's a link to the dumbbell workout I follow: http://lifeofrose.wordpress.com/category/downloadables/health-and-fitness/. I use heavier dumbbells though. I started at 10 for some of them but use 20 for a lot and am trying to increase every week. I've got my husband's Bowflex dumbbells (it's his bench too). The bench was only $80.

    I'm interested in seeing other people's responses to this.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Yup. A power rack, olympic barbell and some weights would be perfect. You will outgrow those dumbbells probably on the very first day of lifting. Some adjustable DBs would probably be a good stop-gap measure if you wanted to go cheap while you're just starting out. Bare minimum of 50lbs I'd say, but that will still be too light for deadlifts, IMO.
  • CJLS_5
    CJLS_5 Posts: 24 Member
    This past month I have been doing lifting at home. I'm using the ChaLEAN extreme program because I really had no clue where to start and I'm better at using videos than just doing exercises by myself, it forces me to not quit until the workout is over! I bought a set of adjustable dumb bells that can go up to 40lbs at Canadian Tire for $50, they are working out really well so far! I've only lost about 3lbs this month but my arms and legs are so much stronger, I definitely recommend this program for beginners!
    All you need is dumbbells and a stretchy thigh toner (optional). I live in an apartment so a bench and a big weight set would take up too much space.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
    I think ultimately you will want a bench.

    But for the weights you are talking about - you don't need one yet.

    If you have a sturdy foot stool/ottoman - that would probably work for benching, one arm rows, etc.

    If you want a bench - check Craigslist - usually you can pick up a pretty nice flat bench for < $50. Also - if you want a barbell - while you are at lower weights there is quite a bit of money to save by buying used 1" ("standard") barbells and weights instead of Olympic.
  • Lotusstarr
    Lotusstarr Posts: 112 Member
    I've definitely checked out Play it Again Sports... which is how I got the weights I have now at $0.60 a lb not a bad price... It could be worth looking into... they however don't carry used benches I'll definitely check out Craigslist... hadn't thought of that.
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    try freecycle too
  • Lotusstarr
    Lotusstarr Posts: 112 Member
    I think this is going to take a lot more research :)
  • gerard54
    gerard54 Posts: 1,107 Member
    Push ups...
  • Zeusmachine
    Zeusmachine Posts: 75
    I work out at home and have only been into a gym twice nothing wrong with it o would just start with free weirs to start with and when your body can cope then sadly your need more weights and equipment but not much all I have is a bench dumbbells pull up bar dip belt few bars to do dips on and home made squat rack simple good luck
  • cwatts0
    cwatts0 Posts: 51 Member
    I too only work out at home right now, just recently got rid of my gym membership and put together some things in the basement. I have a power rack, adjustable bench, and olympic weights. Its a nice starter set that allows me to hit all the major lifts. So in my opinion, I would not be able to do what I need to without my bench.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Take a look at Body by You- the new You are your own gym book. It only uses body weight.
  • victoriannsays
    victoriannsays Posts: 568 Member
    When I started lifting at home I purchased everything off of craigslist. Power rack, Olympic barbell, weights and bench. Its the best way to go on a budget :)
  • Lotusstarr
    Lotusstarr Posts: 112 Member
    Thanks everyone! These are some great suggestions! :)
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    When I started lifting at home I purchased everything off of craigslist. Power rack, Olympic barbell, weights and bench. Its the best way to go on a budget :)

    ^^^^This. $426 got me a power rack, 2 x olympic barbells, 300 lbs of weights and a bench. I was all set. And I didn't try very hard.

    That's cheaper than a set of adjustable dumbbells and a bench.
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