The Equipment

Okay, we've decided to get started on our way to our bodybuilding goals. The first question is "where to train?" To which I always say that is a personal choice.

You can always start at home, with a quality weight set in your apartment or home, and also a good STRONG bench with squat racks. This is good for getting in basic shape and toning up, and maybe even a little muscle size, but you will soon see that you will advance to the point of joining a gym. It will be necessary, for as you grow stronger you will outgrow your equipment at home. And also, there is something psychological and motivational about being in a gym around fellow iron pumpers and bodybuilders going after the same goal. Yes, at first, it can be intimidating. But, as you will soon find out, you will be the only one concerned with being there. And everyone is NOT staring at you. And that is as it should be...you are going for your goals...and that is all that matters.

Now, what type of gym to join...another age old question...and again, personal choice. My advice is to find a gym where you will feel comfortable, and has the variety of equipment that you will need. Also, check out the equipment: it is new and well maintained, or does it look like a medieval torture chamber? Check the gym out during it's busiest times, and preferably during the times in which you will be working out. Will it be easy to manuever in the gym, or will it be too crowded to train with the ever increasing intensity that you will be putting into your workouts? Are there plenty of free weights and machine weights?

And yes, there is always the free weight versus the machine weights controversy, and they both have their place in your workouts. But for now, we will go with the basics, for if you are starting out, you will soon get a feel for what will work for you and your body. For me, I have always liked the feel of free weights, for not only did they help me to build, but also helped in coordination, balance, and technique. I also used machines, but I mainly used them to supplement my free weight routine, or to work around an injury (thankfully not very often!) So, be sure to choose a well equipped gym that can accomodate all your needs!

Also, know the establishment in which you're investing your money into! There are gyms that come and go, want to quickly sign you into contracts, and use the high pressure sales routine. Always remember..if the gym, the staff or the atmosphere doesn't feel right, walk! It's YOUR money, and it will spend anywhere. Any ANY gym worth their weight in salt will let you "test drive" them for a few days, if not a week. If not, seriously consider looking elsewhere. (And yes, that is my opinion. : )

Now, once you've gotten past the "where do I workout" hurdle, here are some things that you should have in your gym bag:

• A Weight Training Belt
• Sweat Bands
• Foam Pads
• Weight Gloves
• Weight Straps
• Chalk
• Training log Book
• Water Bottle

A weight training belt helps to give support to your lower back, and helps you to lift heavier weights in such movements as the squats, rows, and dedlifts, to name a few.

Sweat bands for the obvious....to keep sweat from running into your eyes, on o your hands while trying to grip a weight.

Foam pads, or maybe even just regular sponges, help to stabilize your grip while using dumbbells and they help prevent your hands from developing callouses.

Weight gloves also help to prevent callouses. However, they can be uncomfortable on certain exercises, especially if you are trying to "feel" the weight. Use at your comfort level.

Chalk...for grip on those heavy weights, prevents the hands from slipping on the bar.

A Training Log Book, in my opinion, is VERY necessary to keep track of not only what you are going to workout that day, but what you did on your last workout, footnotes as to how you felt that day, what you changed, skipped, etc. I have a stack of old training books that I always refer back to, some of rthe routines I call on that did well for me and that I revive. So, a Training Log Book is VERY valuable.

Water Bottle for us that are too involved to go scouting around the gym looking for a water fountain! A spill-proof bottle, please!

Now, how to dress? Well, In a word...comfortable! I myself tend to dress in baggy workout pants, a sweatshirt, a good pair of workout sneakers, and that is it! Yes, I know spandex looks cool and if you want to draw attention to yourself in the gym, that is fine. To each is own. My objective in a gym is to pump up, get a good workout in, and be comfortable...... then go home! I'm definitely not a slave to gym fashion. Nor do I feel it is a requirement. Go in what is comfortable to you. But non-restricting! You'll see what I mean if you're in a shirt two sizes too small and you're sweating like a pig...not a pretty sight, and definitely not comfortable! And remember that hygiene.....You are around others, and they will appreciate it! I'll go more into that on the page "Gym Etiquette"

Okay, we've covered the getting started equipment basics....now lets get to what the basic exercises are, what they do, and see if we can get you headed in the right direction!

Part 3: The Exercises......... Previous.......Home