Workout Gear - What You Need and What You Don't
When you first start lifting weights at a gym, it is easy to look around and want what the bigger, more experienced bodybuilders have - their muscles, their strength and even their workout gear. It is important to remember that, if you are new to bodybuilding, you have to ease yourself in gradually. Other weight-lifters might have more costly gear because it is necessary at their advanced levels. To help you figure out what workout gear you should buy, below you will find two lists: 1. What you need to buy right now and 2. What can wait until you are more advanced.
Workout Gear You Need Now
- Bench Press Hand Wrap: You can start with run-of-the-mill weight-lifting hand wraps to ensure that your barbell doesn't slip during bench presses.
- Back Support Belt: Supporting your back when squatting and lifting very heavy free weights is of utmost importance. As a beginner, especially, you may overestimate the amount of weight you can lift and blow out your back.
- Weight-Lifting Log: This will help you keep track of which exercises you performed on which days. Keeping a workout journal is also a great way to note your progress.
- Workout Clothes: It would be wise to invest in some good quality workout T-shirts, shorts or pants that do not slip on the bench or ride up on you.
Workout Gear That Can Wait
- Powerlifting Bench Press Shirt: This ultra thick shirt is used by professional bodybuilders to help them avoid injury and actually lift more weight. Save this for a competition - there's no need to wear a powerlifting shirt in the gym.
- Weight-Lifting Wrist Straps: Intended for heavy barbell lifting, you can save this purchase for a year or so down the line.
- Weight-Lifting or Power Hooks: Similar to wrist straps but much stronger, this is something that a beginner just does not need.
It is also important to remember that each athlete is different. If you know, for example, that you have weak knees or ankles, you should probably buy knee and ankle support wraps even as a beginner so that you do not injure yourself while squatting.
Disclaimer: Before attempting any exercises, programs, routines, or modifying your current diet/supplement program you must get approval from a licensed medical practitioner. Any methods or advice given in this web site must be reviewed with your physician. Before attempting any new exercises or routines a full physical examination is highly recommended.
