How to Pick out Free Weights

(420 Words)
Free weights provide an excellent way to build muscle, get fit and look great. They are convenient, do not take up a lot of room and can work many different muscles. They appeal to a wide range of people, from professional bodybuilders to novices looking for something small to enhance a walk. There are many things to consider when choosing the right free weights for you.
First, consider the type of free weights that you want to get. You may be familiar with the small weights that you commonly see but there are actually many different types of free weights. According to Body Building, you can get barbells, dumbbells, an adjustable pulley system, medicine balls such as kettle balls and weights that attach to your body such as ankle weights, wrist weights and even weights that are part of a vest.
When deciding what type of weights to get, think about how you will use them. For instance, if you want to make an aerobics routine a little harder then you may choose some weights that strap onto your wrist or ankles or some very small weights you can hold with your hands. If you are looking to build a lot of muscle mass, then you may want to barbells that are very heavy.
Think about whether it is important if the weights are adjustable. Think about how often you would use the different weights. Adjustable weights are good if you are trying to work yourself up to being able to handle heavier weights. They might also be more bulky so if you just want something small to use while you are doing another type of exercise then you might be better off with a plain weight.
You also should think about the type of material out of which the weights are made. For instance, some of the smaller and lighter dumbbells are coated with a soft material. This can make it more comfortable to use or give you a better grip. It may also hurt less if you accidentally drop it on your feet.
Of course, price may be a consideration when buying weights. Adjustable weights often cost more, however if they save you from buying multiple weights you could save money overall. You also pay more for weights that have the softer coating.
There are many different weights available. Go to a store that sells weights such as Sports Authority to get a feel for the different weights to find out which ones are the best for you.