Hello, all! I'm getting ready to start lifting at home. I have barbells with plate weights (is that what they're called? The ones that you put on the bar) and a couple of references, including Body for Life (I'm not on a challenge, just have the book) and some printouts from Karla's fabulous stumptious site. Additionally, The Body Sculpting Bible for Women should be arriving in the mail any day now.

I'm going to buy a bench, and am in need of guidance here. Any recommendations re. brand, exercise capability, etc? I'm not looking for top-o-the-line, just something well-made and durable for a fair price......and allowing/supporting the range of exercise necessary for a newbie lifter whose goal is simply to get fit. I think a lat bar is advisable, but what the heck do I know?! All input and suggestions are welcome! Help! (And thanks very much in advance!)

Welcome Sarah!

As far as brands and whatnot, I always recommend buying USED whenever possible. Not ebay though...this stuff can be REALLY heavy and shipping can really pack a whallop. I see you're in Maryland - I don't know if they have a really active board in your region but DO check out www.craigslist.org. (actually they DO have a Baltimore list - http://baltimore.craigslist.org/ ) My husband and I are both total Craigslist junkies - I got him a curling bar + 100 pounds of plates for $20.00 from there.

Or check the PennySaver, classifieds in your local paper, etc. After that, see if you have a Play it Again Sports location nearby - good prices there. Or even try thrift shops - I haven't gone to one in YEARS but you never know what you'll find there!

Hi Sarah! I can't help you with your questions since I don't work out at home but I wanted to give you a big LWL welcome (though I'm sure our official greeter Ilene will be along soon with the her own special welcome ).

We've got lot of people who work out at home and I hope they'll pop in and answer your questions. Please stick around and join us on our weekly thread and let us know how it's going for you.

Edited to add: look who beat me to the punch!

Oh My!! We haven't had a newbie in a while!! Sooo without further adoo.....


WELCOME SARAH!! WE LUVS NEWBIES AT LWL


(You know Mel don't be shy you can welcome someone ANYTIME your little heart desires... )

Thanks for the replies, Karen and Meg -- much appreciated! I'm still interested in getting some input on what kind of bench to get -- just a flat bench? Or does the ability to do lat pulldowns on a bench really help, for example? (You know what they say about a little bit of knowledge, right?.... )

Karen, I checked out Craigslist Balto (you go with the catered-to-your-audience support!) and didn't find a bench yet, but boy did I do some other window-shopping. Thanks a whole heck of a lot for bringing this new source of temptation into my life! It's great though -- great bargains -- so I'm really happy to have this resource. Thanks!

Meg, I very much appreciate the gracious welcome! I will happily take you up on your kind invitation to the weekly thread, thanks!

Edited to add: Wow, Ilene!! You are one very excellent welcome wagon!! Please forgive the delay in my response; I got interrupted while writing this response, and missed you welcoming your little heart out! Thank you very much.....I think I love this group! Strong AND nice....great combo. Love the luv!

Sorry I couldn't help you with your bench question tho...

I would look for a bench that can be set flat or inclined. Decline is usually unnecessary. I have a York bench, but it is VERY heavy.

Mel