by Don Emery

Created on: January 25, 2008

Lifting weights has been scientifically proven to have great benefits for your health. But for one reason or another you can not go to a gym. Be it your self-conscious, cost or you just can not get there either way your without a gym so what do you do now? Do not give up! Thats what! First off you will need to find a space to lift. A basement or a garage or your backyard is perfect for this anything will do as long as you have enough space to lift safely without banging into everything and enough space to store your equipment. The next part is a little tricky based upon what you want to accomplish and how much you want to spend. But whatever your goal or how big your wallet is you will need a power rack with a removable flat bench and some free weights to start. The power rack even though expensive can replace a good amount of other equipment and it provides safety while you lift which is extremely beneficial especially if you are lifting alone. Combine the power rack with a removable weight bench and you can copy most exercises you fund in the gym.

High-end Solution
So let's say you have a lot of money to spend on equipment, this is good because this leaves you many options. For example the power rack mentioned earlier, the more expensive versions can come with a lat pull down attachment that can be helpful for a massive back, a chin up bar that is good for good overall body development and even a pec deck attachment essential for that strong chest. A leg press machine is a great addition if you are looking for tree trunk like legs but try to get the plate loaded version so you do not out grow it. Kettle bells are great for building strength and you can mimic just about every movement with them. Medicine balls are also great for adding adding to your explosive strength and they can be an excellent way way to hit the abs where most people have the most trouble with. Look into strongman grips and hand grippers to build strength in the forearms another overlooked area. Since money is not a problem you might want to look into buying professional gym equipment to bring the gym to your home.

Low-end Solution
If you are strapped for cash but still want to have that home gym this guide is for you! Aside from the power rack you are going to need weights try picking these up from a flea market instead of running to a sporting goods store to find them overpriced. For dumbbells try to find the adjustable kind instead of buying them individually. Next try looking into resistance bands they are usually low priced, small, and effective for building quality muscle. Remember to use your environment! Can't afford that treadmill? Run outside! Can't find weights? Use cinder blocks they are usually cheap, heavy and will help you build hand strength. A cheap way to build strength is to get a tire and chop at it like cutting a piece of wood.

Whatever you do training is only on part of this sport without proper rest, nutrition, and supplementation you will not see results as fast as you like.

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