The Dumbbell Domestic – A Beginner’s Guide to Home Lifting

Most people love to go for a run. It clears the head, refocuses you and makes you feel reinvigorated. What a lot of people don’t know is that lifting weights gives you all of those things and even more. Lifting weights gives a sense of purpose and lets you set challenging goals that can be achieved in short time frames. Weightlifting, unlike running, can be a little complicated if you don’t know where to start. If you are a beginner looking to step things up in the lifting department at home, then use this simple guide to help achieve those gains.

Find the right equipment

Weightlifting equipment can be complicated to buy. Coming in different shapes, weights and sizes is only the beginning of the confusion. Finding the right dumbbells is all about understanding your ability and the space you have available. One of the more important considerations when getting your set of dumbbells is not what you can lift now, but also what you are striving for. Think about the exercises that make up your routine and then set yourself challenging weight goals to achieve. This approach will help you decide between sets and any additional plates you might need to supplement a bundled set of dumbbells.

Think about the space

When it comes to lifting weights at home, an important process is to consider the space you will be lifting in. If you are lifting on floors that can be damaged by dropped weights or certain materials, then it may be beneficial to consider matting or plastic weight plates as opposed to metal. In addition to protecting the space you lift in, you also want to consider what exercises are feasible in that space. If you have the room for it, a longer barbell is a great versatile option to extend your routine even further. Do an assessment of the space you have before starting at new weightlifting routine at home.

Supplementary equipment

It is easy to assume that when it comes to starting your weightlifting journey that weights are the only priority. To make the best start it is important to look beyond and onto the additional pieces of equipment you may need. A bench, for example, is a multi-purpose item that caters to a number of exercises. Medicine balls are an alternative weighted option to consider for more functional or high-intensity workouts whilst still building lean muscle.

Then there is the storage requirements to consider. Dumbbells and weight plates can take up a lot of room, especially if you are lifting heavier as time goes on. Think about smart solutions like vertical racks and benches with additional plate storage already fitted. Making the most of the equipment you buy will help start you off on the right foot.

Find the right program

Weightlifting is all about finding the right program to achieve your goals. Targeting a specific muscle group or opting for a whole body workout will change the program you need. Do some research online and find a program that works for both the equipment you have but also the goals you are keen to achieve. If you can’t find the perfect program, don’t be afraid to mix and match. The best way to test the effectiveness is to track your results weekly. Some programs will offer that, others won't. If your program doesn’t have specific tracking, look for a simple solution of week on week results.

Weightlifting is a fantastic way to build muscle, burn fat and gain confidence. However, it can be challenging to find the best way to get started. If you are looking for a simple guide to start your journey, then consider using these tips to start your weightlifting program today.