Home Gym Accessories for the New Lifter
Does your new home gym have you feeling better than ever? A regular exercise routine is likely the cause. Even just squeezing in a few minutes of exercise per day can improve your energy and your health. Whether you’re new to exercise or just new to lifting specifically, these home gym accessories will let you build bulk and work your muscles safely and comfortably while having fun.
Dumbbells
This may seem straightforward, but it’s something many new weightlifters overlook. Don’t jump directly into bench presses until you’ve worked with dumbbells for a few sessions first. They’ll prime your muscles, gradually increasing your strength to a point where you can easily bench press the same amount of weight without injuring yourself. If you’re completely new to lifting, try starting with 5-lb dumbbells and work your way through a series of exercises for 3-5 days. Take a day off, then increase the weight to 10lbs. Once you’re comfortably working with the 10-lb dumbbells, transfer this over onto the bar and attempt a bench press or lift with the help of a spotter. For some people, this process will take very little time, but for others, it may take a few weeks. Go at your own pace to avoid injury.
Hand and Wrist Straps
Easily the second-most important accessory for any weight lifter, whether they are new or old to the sport, hand and wrist straps provide an extra layer of support that reduces the incidence of injury when lifting. Note that straps function in a similar way to tape, but aren’t necessarily the same thing; tape provides lighter support, while straps provide more firm support instead. Cotton and neoprene straps work best, as they are the most breathable and comfortable against your skin.
Gloves
A step up from hand and wrist straps, weight lifting gloves protect your palms from damage while lifting. They are typically made from leather, and often have a textured pad on the palm that provides extra friction. Not only do they protect your hands, but they also help to prevent torn callouses and other problematic injuries. If you need more support than a simple glove can provide, look for a molded wrist and palm grip instead. These come with a curved, brace-style surface within the palm that reduces pressure on your hands while allowing each of your fingers to remain free.
Getting started with weightlifting is as easy as dedicating yourself to lifting weights just 30 minutes per day. For best results, start small and work your way up slowly; while some burn is anticipated, you shouldn’t experience extreme pain when working with dumbbells, bars, or other home gym equipment. Having the right tools and accessories will help you build bulk without risking injury long into the future.