Best Equipment for gaining muscle?

I can get an efficient and challenging workout at home with a kettlebell, exercise ball, and dumbells. As to what weight you should get, there are plenty of opinions to go around, but whatever you do, choose a weight that is challenging yet allows you to maintain the right form throughout your workout. For example, lifting 100 lbs does you little favors if you're hunching over and straining your back.

Amazon.com has the basic equipment, so does Perform Better, and even a local Ross/Marshalls/Kohls! Good luck!

benhead280 wrote: »

So I'm gaining muscle so I need equipment to help me out. I can't go to a gym, so it's hard for me to get access to all different things. What are the best items I can use or buy (that I don't need to go to a gym for)? What weights should I get? I'm also on a bit of a budget so nothing too expensive >.<

Do whatever you think you will stick with. I'm fan of compound movements done with a barbell.

If you're on a really tight budget, check out the books Convict Conditioning and You Are Your Own Gym. Both concentrate on exercises which use only the weight of your body, so no equipment is necessary.

If you have a bit more money to spend, probably the most versatile bit of equipment is a set of adjustable dumbbells which go up to 50 lbs. Expect to pay up to $300 for them, but they will last a lifetime.

If you can't go that far, look on Craigslist for free weight sets. You can often get really great deals dirt cheap. It's not like weights go bad.

dbmata wrote: »

a year at the gym is cheaper than the set to lift at home.

Not really. I got a bar, 4 45lb plates and 2 25lb plates on craigslist for 100 bucks. That is plenty of weight for most ppl to start with.

The best equipment is your brain. It's capable of learning valuable things like proper form, the importance of rest and the right nutrition to fuel gains. It also provides the mental drive to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.