When it comes to setting your own gym at home, cheap weight bar sets will inevitably come into play. They can be disassembled and easily stored away – great for small gyms. They are also suitable for big lifts that work on large muscle groups. The barbell is a good choice and is often included in most sets, but then, what kind of bar do you actually need? Small things make the difference.
Different types of weight bars
The straight bar is classic and more common in cheap weight sets. They are suitable for squats, deadlifts, and other similar lifts. They vary widely in length, but you will most likely get them between four and seven feet. Some of them are one inch in diameter, while others can be a couple of inches – the thick ones are more common in commercial gyms, rather than in sets for home uses.
EZ curl bars are shorter – usually about four feet – and not suitable for squats. However, they have an angled grip and reduce the pressure on your wrists when lifting. The compact appearance is great for limited space, but it will also give you a very intense workout – close-grip exercises that isolate particular muscles. These are normally the most common bars you can find in a set, yet there are more options out there:
Best bar for bench presses
If you browse cheap weight bar sets for bench presses at home, make sure you invest in the right bar. There are quite a few options out there, yet you are more likely to find the main two models only. When it comes to bench presses, a straight bar is an ultimate choice. It is a basic bar for basic exercises that gets the job done.
The two-handed weight bar is most commonly used for compound lifts. Bench presses represent the most common lifts. Such bars can also be used for deadlifts or squats. The length may vary, so take your size and grip into consideration as well. The minimum size is around four feet, but they can also go up to seven feet in length. Is a thicker bar better for bench presses?
In theory, it is. However, this is not a very common bar, at least not in cheap weight bar sets for home uses. When you get to a gym, you might actually find thicker bars. Most of them are a couple of inches in diameter, but some others can easily go to three inches. Apart from supporting those with large hands, there are more reasons wherefore you could go for a thick bar.
For example, a thick bar will boost muscular activation. It will also improve the gains in strength. After all, hanging on a thick bar is much more difficult than gripping on a thinner one. Therefore, you will require more muscles to perform your exercises. But on the same note, a thick bar is mostly recommended for those with experience. An improper grip could lead to various injuries. Is a thicker bar better for bench presses?
The size may seem irrelevant, as many bars are similar. However, it does make the difference and it can easily make or break a deal. There are two considerations you need to check regarding the size – the length and the diameter. Barbells vary in order to suit the right whip, yet most of them are around 29mm in diameter. Going for less than that will ruin your grip and expose you to injuries.
Olympic bars tend to be about 28mm in diameter. Meanwhile, squat bars are about 29mm. The same rule applies to the length. A short bar is obviously denser. It is less likely to bend under heavyweights. Longer bars provide a bit more flex. No matter what you choose, it should not be shorter than five feet – yet you can find shorter models out there. How to buy cheap weight bar sets
There are a few different things to pay attention to when looking for cheap weight bar sets.
Weight load
Some barbells are niche manufactured – suitable for specific federations or competitions only. They are pricey and difficult to find in commerce. You want something more general anyway. The load is determined from the sleeve length.
The width of the table is the main factor in the process. Weight plates for competitions are thinner than cast iron plates normally found in the gym. On the other hand, Olympic bars are heavier and need less load. Finish
The finish is not necessarily about the looks – no one cares about that. It is about how the bar feels in your hands and how it can support the grip. Bare steel is common in cheap sets and offers a natural feel. It can rust if stored for too long, so maintenance is a must.
Black oxide is better in terms of maintenance. Zinc is similar. Chrome, on the other hand, is more expensive, but it offers good protection. You are less likely to find it in an inexpensive set. The same goes for stainless steel. Knurling
The knurling consists of diagonal grooves that are slightly cut into the bar. They go in opposite directions and help with the grip. They come up with small diamonds and cut into the skin for the grip – hence those little blisters by your fingers. This is also one of the reasons wherefore lots of people wear gloves when exercising.
The depth and width determine how aggressive they are. The super aggressive knurling helps with super heavy weights, such as deadlifts. The further in the knurling is, the narrower your grip will be. At this point, you need to determine what kind of exercises you do. Weight bar sets for men, women, and youth
Based on your size and experience, you can go for whatever suits you. But if you are new and you still unsure about the perfect weight bar set, here are a few unwritten rules:
Conclusion
As a short final conclusion, you do not need to search too much to find cheap weight bar sets. There are lots of options designed for home uses, and many of them come with different weights as well or even a few extras – such as smaller bars to come up with your own dumbbells.
Choosing the right set depends on your expectations, current fitness level, and goals. If you are more into keeping a good physical condition or building a bit of muscle, a basic bar will get the job done. If you have more advanced goals, you need to dig deeper.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
March 2022
Categories |