Question about lifting at home

NovemberJune
NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
What sort of equipment would you need to start lifting at home? I would be able to get a barbell with some weights and dumbbells too but I simply wouldn't have the space for any kind of squat rack, power rack, etc. I'm assuming those are pretty necessary to lift safely at home. Am I right?

I'd definitely be a newbie. I've been using workout DVDs and 3-12 lbs dumbbells at home. I'm interested in Jamie Eason's program or NROL. Thanks :)

My alternative plan is to join a gym but I can only go at lunch and my lunches will be just 30 minutes from May-August so I'll have to wait until September.

Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.
  • Sheriemae
    Sheriemae Posts: 248 Member
    I have the bowflex selecttech weights. They don't take up as much room as free weights :) Also have a bowflex machine but I don't use that much.
  • Smuterella
    Smuterella Posts: 1,623 Member
    bump
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
  • 2April
    2April Posts: 285 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
    Most exercises can be substituted with dumbbells so you do not need a rack. You can do a front squat instead of a back squat with either the bar or with dumbbells.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
    Most exercises can be substituted with dumbbells so you do not need a rack. You can do a front squat instead of a back squat with either the bar or with dumbbells.

    Thanks. Do you know of any good websites with some instructions ;) Or maybe the New Rules of Lifting book has some ?
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
    Most exercises can be substituted with dumbbells so you do not need a rack. You can do a front squat instead of a back squat with either the bar or with dumbbells.


    You going to squat 80lbs with dumb bells? 100lbs? 150lbs?

    You could get away with it for a while - and you SHOULD do it in a vacuum of options, but you will outgrow it quick.

    You could probably get reasonably far with a floor press on the weights before the heft of the weights makes it suck to get into position.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
    Most exercises can be substituted with dumbbells so you do not need a rack. You can do a front squat instead of a back squat with either the bar or with dumbbells.


    You going to squat 80lbs with dumb bells? 100lbs? 150lbs?

    You could get away with it for a while - and you SHOULD do it in a vacuum of options, but you will outgrow it quick.

    You could probably get reasonably far with a floor press on the weights before the heft of the weights makes it suck to get into position.

    So maybe I could just start it at home a couple of months before joining the gym? Actually, I guess that wouldn't work because it would be a waste of precious money for me . ;) I think I'll just keep up with DVDs and rollerblading until I can join the gym for a few lunch time work outs per week
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member


    So maybe I could just start it at home a couple of months before joining the gym? Actually, I guess that wouldn't work because it would be a waste of precious money for me . ;) I think I'll just keep up with DVDs and rollerblading until I can join the gym for a few lunch time work outs per week

    That's exactly what I did, although I wasn't as concerned about safety as I should have been (wrecked on a squat that could have easily been avoided if I was in a power rack)

    you could get your form down really well and fairly safely with a cheap barbell set.
  • 2April
    2April Posts: 285 Member
    You really do need a power rack or squat rack to perform just about everything but the deadlift safely.

    Thanks. That's what I was thinking
    Most exercises can be substituted with dumbbells so you do not need a rack. You can do a front squat instead of a back squat with either the bar or with dumbbells.


    You going to squat 80lbs with dumb bells? 100lbs? 150lbs?

    You could get away with it for a while - and you SHOULD do it in a vacuum of options, but you will outgrow it quick.

    You could probably get reasonably far with a floor press on the weights before the heft of the weights makes it suck to get into position.
    You could always add a vest. I clean the dumbbells to the shoulder with palms turned inwards.
  • 2April
    2April Posts: 285 Member


    So maybe I could just start it at home a couple of months before joining the gym? Actually, I guess that wouldn't work because it would be a waste of precious money for me . ;) I think I'll just keep up with DVDs and rollerblading until I can join the gym for a few lunch time work outs per week

    That's exactly what I did, although I wasn't as concerned about safety as I should have been (wrecked on a squat that could have easily been avoided if I was in a power rack)

    you could get your form down really well and fairly safely with a cheap barbell set.
    Infinite Intensity by Ross Enamait is a fantastic resource. It covers strength and conditioning. He states: "A dumbbell is an excellent choice, an athlete can begin experiencing strength benefits immediately without having to learn complex lifting techniques. A dumbbell is the tool of choice when searching for a training modality that maximizes convenience and effectiveness, while minimizing complexity. We can use dumbbells to train several Olympic weightlifting variations (ex. snatch) without spending too much time learning about the technical aspects of the lifts."

    www.rosstraining.com
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,493 Spam Moderator
    TRX suspension system. And it's portable.



    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • indrani1947
    indrani1947 Posts: 178 Member
    bump
  • Pinoy_Pal
    Pinoy_Pal Posts: 280 Member
    All you need now is a decent pair of squat-stands and a workout bench and you're set.
  • NovemberJune
    NovemberJune Posts: 2,525 Member
    Thanks everyone. maybe I should look more into TRX. I didn't realize it could be an alternative to lifting. My mom does it at the gym ? Thanks again for the replies.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories