Weight Lifting Equipment » Articles http://liftingiron.com Tools for strength and growth Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:10:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Dip Belts http://liftingiron.com/articles/dip-belts http://liftingiron.com/articles/dip-belts#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 03:32:08 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=970 All serious weight trainers know the importance of having the appropriate equipment necessary so that you get the most out of each and every workout.

A dip belt allows you to attach weights to your body while leaving your hands free to grasp. You are allowed more normal movement. By using a dip belt, you are doing a form of resistance training and are getting the great effects of gravity. You can build body mass, lose weight and have a much less chance of being injured with the use of a dip belt.

Champion Heavy Duty Leather Dip Belt

Champion Heavy Duty Leather Dip Belt

  • List Price: $45.99
  • Sale Price: $35.64

The dip belt is used to add resistance to pull-ups and knee and leg raises while hanging from a pull-up bar. The weight is suspended to the usually leather belt. Dip belts are also used in squatting exercises for those who want to workout the quadriceps with more weight without having to worry about compressing their spine or straining back muscles. The squats are done elevated, so that the suspended weight will dip much lower than the feet, which gives a wide range of motion.

Altus Athletic Nylon Dip Belt

Altus Athletic Nylon Dip Belt


Most better-quality dip belts have a padded back for comfort and a strong and adjustable chain to support the weight. The chain features a hook that you unhook and slide the free weight on. You can then use a dipping bar or machine to do dipping exercises or pull ups.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/dip-belts/feed 0 Bowflex SelectTech 552 http://liftingiron.com/articles/bowflex-selecttech-552 http://liftingiron.com/articles/bowflex-selecttech-552#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 03:32:07 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=967 You do not need a complete set of dumbbells in order to build muscle and get toned when you own the Bowflex SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells set.

The BowFlex Select Tech 522 replaces fifteen sets of weights - with the easy to use selection dials, the weights adjust from 5 to 52.5 pounds. Thanks to their enhanced plate technology, you will not experience any misplacement of the weights back into the base, so your workout will be even smoother.

You only need to turn a dial to automatically change your resistance with the SelectTech 552 dumbbells. They adjust in 2.5 pound increments so you can gradually build up your strength. You are able to quickly switch from one exercise to the next with these dumbbells, saving you time during your workout and getting you fit faster!

If you are tired of having numerous dumbbells taking up space, you will love the space efficiency of the Bowflex SelectTech 522 Dumbbells.

Included with the SelectTech 552 Dumbbells is a workout DVD - "Secrets of the 4 Step Rep". You are given over 30 great exercises offering you over 80 variations.

The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells are easy to master and they will give you very dramatic results. By using their patent pending locking mechanism, the mechanism seeks and then locks in only the weight that you have selected. It works much like a safe-you will always know the combination. If you want to lift 15 pounds, simply set the dials to 15 and then lift. It's that fast and easy! If you want more of a challenge and want to lift 40 pounds, then just move the dials to 40 and lift.

SelectTech 552 For Sale

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells


The SelectTech 552 set measures just 15.75 inches long by 20.5 inches wide and are 24.5 inches high. The total weight of both dumbbells is 52.5 pounds. They are space-saving, highly effective, and fun and easy to use.

So if you want to simplify your workouts, save space and get pumped up quickly, Bowflex SelectTech 552 dumbbells are perfect for you.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/bowflex-selecttech-552/feed 0 Weight Trees http://liftingiron.com/articles/weight-trees http://liftingiron.com/articles/weight-trees#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 21:05:02 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=937 Tired of picking up plates off the floor during your workouts? Weight trees are pieces of equipment specially designed to help you organize your barbell plates and dumbbells. With a quality weight tree, you will be able to store your weight sets more conveniently.

A sturdy weight tree help reduce clutter and disorganization in the weight room. They can also provide safety and protect your lower back. You can say goodbye to having to bend over and pick up weights from the floor during your workouts. With a weight tree, racking and loading barbells and dumbbells will be as easy as just sliding barbell plates off of the tree.

TKO Olympic Plate Tree with Bar Holder

TKO Olympic Plate Tree with Bar Holder

  • List Price: $119.95
  • Sale Price: $99.95

Amber Sports Standard Weight Plate Tree

Amber Sports Standard Weight Plate Tree

  • List Price: $79.99
  • Sale Price: $49.99


Weight trees usually are on sale for around $40-$90, which is a bargain considering the convenience and ease they bring. A solid Olympic weight tree is considered an essential part of any home or commercial gym. Olympic weight trees typically contain 6 or more rungs, one for each of the major weightlifting plates (5-45 lbs).

A weight tree is one of piece of equipment that will definitely boost your gym's appearance, all while providing you fitness benefits like faster and more efficient workouts and increased safety.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/weight-trees/feed 0 Weider Home Gyms http://liftingiron.com/articles/weider-home-gyms http://liftingiron.com/articles/weider-home-gyms#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:31:31 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=520 “Be as strong as you want.” That’s the tagline of Weider home gyms and it lives up to its promise. It offers a wide array of exercise equipment that you can bring home. With Weider, you can do cardio exercises, lose fats, build and tone muscles and strength train anytime you want.

Everything In One

The Weider home gym suite is no ordinary piece of exercise equipment. Its home gym line is designed specifically to build strength and promote body flexibility by forcing your body to work against the resistance from the machine. Weider’s Max Home Gyms, Strength systems and weight benches are all strength-building based and are therefore scientifically designed to increase metabolism and promote muscle growth.

Each home gym system under the Weider line is a stand-alone product and can be used exclusively for all types of body training. You can train your abdomen or your shoulders or your thighs using single Weider equipment. You can work-out specific body areas by changing positions and using the different features of the exercise equipment. It’s a total-body-workout in a single machine.

The Weider home gyms come with video instructional material to help you with your strength training.

Weider Home Gyms For Sale

Weider 200 Power Tower

Weider 200 Power Tower

Weider Max Weight System

Weider Max Weight System


The Women of Weider: Weider Pink

Who says strength building is reserved for men? Women can have sculpted body too, with Weider’s Pink fitness program.

Weider’s Pink fitness promotes the use of Weider home gyms, a low fat diet program and a video instructional material created specifically for Weider users. The women of Weider have strong body, well-defined muscles, curvy physique and fat-free abdomen. Even those who have given birth can boast of a flat abdomen and small waist.

Easy on the budget

Weider home gyms are priced affordably. You can have your very own gym for less than a thousand dollars. In fact, you can take home Weider equipment for less than a hundred dollars. Its exercise machines can be bought in easy monthly installments.

Weider Total Body Works 5000 Gym

Weider Total Body Works 5000 Gym

  • List Price: $299.99
  • Sale Price: $134.54

Weider home gyms are great alternative to expensive gym membership. However, to those who still want the benefit of a trainer, they can still keep their gym membership and use a Weider as a supplement or complement to their regular gym work-out.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/weider-home-gyms/feed 0 Iron Gym Workout Bar: An Affordable Upper Body Workout http://liftingiron.com/articles/iron-gym-workout-bar-an-affordable-upper-body-workout http://liftingiron.com/articles/iron-gym-workout-bar-an-affordable-upper-body-workout#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:12:36 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=505 A gym membership works best for people who have the time and a work schedule that permit them to go to the gym on a regular if not on a daily basis. However, for the most of us, a regular visit to the gym for a work-out is hard to fit in to our regular schedule. With an Iron Gym Workout bar, however, you can work-out daily, anytime you want.

Simple machine, easy workout
It’s small, yet so powerful. At first glance, you wouldn’t believe that the Iron Gym Workout Bar is exercise equipment that tones and strengthen the upper part of the body. Its looks resemble that of a crutch of an old man.

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

  • List Price: $29.99
  • Sale Price: $23.00

Its size and looks fool many, but those who use it can swear to its power. It is a very simple machine that is used using simple workout combinations that provide results. Just attach it on a wall or back of a door and everything is set. No drilling required. Yes, that easy.

No more complicated features to learn and get used to. Once installed, you can begin chin-ups, push-ups and arm and shoulder exercises. For a ripped abs, use Iron Gym Workout Bar as sit-ups machine.

Quick results
If some exercise machine takes you time to achieve shapely arms, muscled pecs, ripped abs and strong back, you would be surprised to learn that Iron Gym Workout Bar can work-out your upper body quickly. The reason for this is that this nifty little exercise machine is designed specifically for upper body toning and sculpting. Most multi-functional and all-in-one exercise machines in the market are made for general body work-out.

Iron Gym Workout Bar uses the resistance from your own body weight and strength to achieve the body you want.

Very affordable
Unlike most complicated exercise machines, Iron Gym Workout Bar is very easy on the pocket. You can bring home a workout bar without breaking the bank. For a couple of dollars, you have exercise equipment that will serve as your daily companion to health and fitness.

Where to Buy the Iron Gym Workout Bar:



]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/iron-gym-workout-bar-an-affordable-upper-body-workout/feed 0 Soloflex Home Gym Products http://liftingiron.com/articles/soloflex-home-gym-products http://liftingiron.com/articles/soloflex-home-gym-products#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:30:05 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=465 Soloflex has become a staple in the home gym industry since they first launched. Best known for their home work out machine, also named the Soloflex, Soloflex as a company has been growing in popularity at quite a rapid rate here in recent years. The company was first created in 1978 by a man of the name of Jerry Wilson. Originally, the Soloflex machine was very simple. It used weight straps to provide the resistance users experienced when lifting using the Soloflex. This was one of the first exercise machines that didn’t use free weights as the main form of resistance. Many believe that the Soloflex eventually spawned the creation of many other similar machines including the Bowflex. Some of Soloflex’s most popular products include:

• Classic Soloflex: Although the Classic Soloflex is no longer in production, the company does allow users who previously owned a Soloflex to order replacement parts, attachments and accessories online via their website. The machine was one of the first weight training machines to go away from the classic free weight build, and go the route of weight straps and implied resistance.
• Soloflex Whole Body Vibration: The Soloflex Whole Body Vibration is the second main innovation that Soloflex has revolutionized. Using the WBV platform, the user is to perform a variety of exercises on top of the platform, while the platform vibrates. This vibrating stimulates the muscles, and allows the body to build muscle much quicker, and much more effectively. The WBV platform works with a wide range of different exercises including stretches, handweight exercises, and other lifting exercises.
• RockIt: The Soloflex Rockit machine takes all of the positive effects from standing barbell squats, and makes them easily accessible from a home workout machine. Because this exercises is the best for gaining muscle, maintaining muscle, and is quite dangerous, many individuals who practiced the exercises during their workout were looking for a safer alternative. Soloflex provides that in the RockIt, the only machine that allows you to effectively do standing barbell squats from the comfort of your own home.

Soloflex Products For Sale



Soloflex is a company that has revolutionized the home gym industry many times over. With their innovative designs and workout techniques, they have been able to help thousands of individuals create and maintain the physique they’ve always wanted. Their machines are dependable, and are available with a lifetime warranty. Who wouldn’t want such an effective workout from their own home?

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/soloflex-home-gym-products/feed 0 Training With Resistance Band Exercises http://liftingiron.com/articles/training-with-resistance-band-exercises http://liftingiron.com/articles/training-with-resistance-band-exercises#comments Sun, 08 Feb 2009 04:23:54 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=459 Resistance band exercises can be among the most beneficial exercises an individual can do when it comes to sculpting your body, building muscle, and losing fat along the way. These training exercises have been used in a variety of different medical practices, including injury prevention practices and injury rehabilitation practices. This is because resistance bands are a very good workout for individuals who are attempting to target very specific muscle groups that just cannot be targeted correctly using traditional exercises of free weights.

A number of different exercises are available to individuals who would like to train using a resistance band. Some of these exercises include:

• Resistance Band Squats: Resistance band squats are a very simple exercise that targets the upper arms, upper legs, and gluts. Place both hands at about shoulder length apart, and step on the resistance band. You will be starting in a squatting position, and your hands will be placed directly in front of your shoulders. When you are ready, continue to hold the band at shoulder height while you rise to a standing position.
• Chest Presses: This exercise targets the upper chest muscles and pecs. Lie on your back with an end of the resistance band in each hand, and the rest of bend behind your back. Lift one arm up toward the ceiling, followed by the other arm, and then lift both arms toward the ceiling together.
• Tricep Extending: To build the triceps and shoulder, place one end of the resistance band in one hand, and the other end of the resistance band in the other hand. Stretch the band out behind your back. While holding one arm toward the ground, raise the opposing band toward the sky. Do this with each arm to successfully build the triceps in each arm.
• Lunges: Hold each end of the resistance band with each of your hands, and step in the middle of the resistance band. Place your other foot directly behind you, and lunge so that your back knee touches this ground.

Remember, you can still sustain very serious injuries while exercising with resistance bands. There is a right and wrong way to do each and every exercise and it is important that you do the appropriate amount of research before attempting any new exercise. Resistance bands are a great way to achieve a home workout like you have never experienced before.

Where to Buy Resistance Bands



]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/training-with-resistance-band-exercises/feed 0 Why Weightlifting Shoes Are Essential http://liftingiron.com/articles/why-weightlifting-shoes-are-essential http://liftingiron.com/articles/why-weightlifting-shoes-are-essential#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 05:58:33 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=453 A good pair of weightlifting shoes can make all of the difference in your workout. Not only do they make your workout more comfortable for you, but they also help provide support in all of the right areas to help you reduce injury and stay healthy during your workout. It should always be a priority of anyone who takes lifting seriously to maintain their health, after all, isn’t that what you are working toward maintaining in the first place?

Lifting shoes are absolutely necessary for heavy duty lifting while standing, including different kinds of squats and dead lifts. Some of the benefits and features of a good pair of weight lifting shoes include:

Elevated Heels: The elevated heels on the back of lifting shoes solve several problems for the wearer, and also make any exercise much more comfortable. The lifted heels make up for any lack of ankle flexibility the lifter may experience, the elevated hells and high rise padding on the sides of the shoe provide stability and support that shoes that are not intended for weight lifting just cannot.
Reduced Injury Risk: Normal everyday shoes pose a real threat to weightlifters, especially those who lift heavy weights while standing. The support provided by a good pair of lifting shoes can really help an individual to avoid back problems that are caused my lifting, as well as leg, ankle, and foot injuries that are usually caused by shoes with little to no support.
Comfort While Lifting: Ordinary shoes can be quite uncomfortable for individuals who are lifting very heavy weights. The large amount of weight puts a lot of stress on different areas of the foot including the heel, the ball of the foot, and the lower leg that has been known to cause extreme burning sensations, soreness, strains and even tears in some instances. The more comfortable you are while lifting, the more effective you will be while performing your workout.

Any serious lifter should own a pair of lifting shoes for when they lift heavier weights. These shoes are generally most often used when the individual is performing standing lifts with large amounts of weight including squats and dead lifts. On top of all of these positive effects, proper lifting shoes also allow the individual to be more comfortable, and safer during their workout. There are plenty of great brands available, and anyone who takes lifting seriously should seriously consider owning a proper pair of weight lifting shoes.

Weightlifting Shoes For Sale



Chuck Taylors

Chuck Taylors are great shoes for weightlifting, with their thin sole. Plus, they're relatively cheap compared to brand-name weightlifting shoes.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/why-weightlifting-shoes-are-essential/feed 0 Adjustable Dumbbells Comparison: Bowflex Selecttech Vs. PowerBlock http://liftingiron.com/articles/adjustable-dumbbells-comparison-bowflex-selecttech-vs-powerblock http://liftingiron.com/articles/adjustable-dumbbells-comparison-bowflex-selecttech-vs-powerblock#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:18:54 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=435 Currently, when looking to buy a set of adjustable dumbbells, you have two main choices: the Bowflex Selecttech, and the PowerBlock. Let's take a general look at each, and how they compare to each other.

Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells

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Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are among the most popular free weight dumbbells in the home gym industry. This is odd, considering that the Bowflex company is mostly known for their home work out machines that use resistance weight, as opposed to the free weight style of lifting that is utilized by the Bowflex SelectTech system.

Bowflex SelectTech allows its users to own an entire set of dumbbells of different weights, shapes, and sizes without taking up the space that would normally be taken up by such a set. The Bowflex SelectTech features weights of different sizes that are actually attached to the dumbbell itself. There are over 34 different dumbbells that can be attached to the SelectTech. This does several positive things for the user, including allowing them to set different weight amount to each dumbbell depending on the workout they are doing.

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Changing weights is a simple process that only requires the turn of a dial. Many uses report that they have been able to save lots of space using the Bowflex SelectTech because once you are finished, all of the weights then attach back onto the dumbbells. They entire weight set takes up the space that is taken up by only 2 dumbbells.

PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells

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PowerBlock’s adjustable dumbbells have been among the industry’s most popular adjustable dumbbells since they first became available to the public. Like other models of adjustable dumbbells, the PowerBlock Adjustable Dumbbells area a great option for individuals looking to experience that great home workout, but just don’t have the space in their own home for an entire weight set. Because the dumbbells are easily adjustable, and weight can be added or taken off at any time, switching up your workout has never been simpler!

Here are a few different features that make Powerblock among the best adjustable dumbbells:
• Quick Adjustments: Most adjustable weight dumbbells are very hard to adjust, and can take up a good amount of your workout time. Powerblock’s couldn’t be any simpler, and allow the user to adjust in seconds
• No Loose Weights: Most alternative adjustable dumbbells are not able to hold the weights securely together. This allows the weights to slide while the user is lifting, and can lead to serious complications.
• Space Saver: PowerBlock’s adjustable dumbbells save a ton of space, even compared to other adjustable weight sets. This is mostly because the weights go back together so easily after your workout is concluded, and you will never have free weights sitting around your home again.

]]> http://liftingiron.com/articles/adjustable-dumbbells-comparison-bowflex-selecttech-vs-powerblock/feed 0 Tips On Building Your Own Home Gym http://liftingiron.com/articles/tips-on-building-your-own-home-gym http://liftingiron.com/articles/tips-on-building-your-own-home-gym#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 21:49:41 +0000 admin http://liftingiron.com/?p=373 Tired of taking trips out to the gym and seeing guys curling in the squat rack? Don't feel like waiting on equipment and want the convenience of working out in your very own home?

Want to save money compared to the cost of a gym membership? Read on to discover tips on building your own home gym.

Must-Have Equipment

One item that every solid weight room must have is a sturdy squat rack. With a quality squat rack, you can do all of the "big 3" lifts: squats, deadlifts, and bench press. A quality power rack will typically run you $300 to $600. The side catches on the squat rack can be used to protect you in case of a missed lift, allowing you to do squats without a spotter (you should always have a spotter when doing heavy barbell bench press).

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Another highly recommended item is an adjustable flat bench. From an adjustable bench, you can do a variety of exercises ranging from dumbbell rows to dips and bench press. If you want to do barbell bench, you can just slide the bench into your squat rack, and you're good to go.

A Form of Varying Resistance Is Essential

Variable resistance is the core of developing in weight training. You absolutely have to increase the weight workout-to-workout to gain the size and strength benefits that come from weightlifting.

So what are the two main options of providing this resistance in a home gym? Machines are generally out of the question for home gyms, as they can be quite expensive by themselves.

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A nice set of dumbbells is a great way to start out. Ideally, a nice home gym would have dumbbells ranging in resistance from 10 pounds to around 100 pounds, but dumbbells can get quite expensive toward the upper end of the resistance range. For example, a set of 100lb dumbbells can cost around $200 for the pair.

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A solution to the high costs can be found in adjustable Powerblock dumbbells. These are dumbbells that have insertable microplates. Simply by adding or removing these plates, the resistance in each dumbbell can be varied anywhere from 10 pounds to 100 pounds. These are an economical solution and are great for beginner to intermediate lifters who want to work out at home.

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