I already run, but I would like to incorporate some total body strength training. Just to stay health and build enough strength to be able to stay fit and limber. I’ve got that “Homemade Muscle” book that seems to be what I’m looking for, but want to see if you all have any recommendations.
I’m also trying to figure if there’s some low cost equipment I should add that would help. Like those variable weight dumbells, I think I could afford those. But a full set a weight plates is well beyond what I can afford.
Omg fucking score. If u ever do wind up with a barbell and plates down the line, I really like the stronglifts 5x5 workouts. You don't have to go crazy with the weights to feel really good doing it.
If you keep an eye on Craigslist or online marketplace sites for your city, you might be able to score some weights for cheap at a garage sale / estate sale / etc
Mark Rippetoe's Starting Strength is pretty good. Its a really simple routine of like 5 exercises using the barbell, and it's all about high intensity low reps. Makes it easy to get into and also makes your workouts pretty short, which is nice. I like to throw in a little cardio before and after too.
He did a pretty good series of videos with The Art of Manliness (lol) on yt where he coaches a relative beginner through barbell technique. Good info and none of that channels other politics are present in that series.
It's also the basis for Stronglifts 5x5, which is a pretty handy app that keeps track of a lot of stuff for you. But it's pretty simple if you're ok with just using a notebook too.
He's also got videos on his own channel, though I haven't watched those nearly as much so I can't vouch for the content (I'm sure it's fine): https://youtu.be/g2tyOLvArw0
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
Here's the video with TAoM (weird channel with a goofy premise but decent content every now and then): https://youtu.be/QhVC_AnZYYM
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy:
As others have said, barbell and weight sets can be found in used marketplaces really easily. They're heavy as shit and take up space so people that aren't using them will sell them cheap. Strong lifts 5x5 is a top notch program to follow as well for full body strength and is based on just a few full body compound movements.
Doesn't the squat rack have plates already? It's not really doing much if it doesn't?
Normally I'd second getting one of those variable weight dumbbells, but if you already have a barbell it's kind of redundant.
My favorite cheap piece of equipment are those sliding disks for doing mountain climbers and stuff. But if you have smooth enough floors, they're competing with wearing socks, which is cheaper.
Nope, just the rack (part of why it was free). There’s actually a lot you can do with just a rack, pull-ups and similar exercises for example.
If you have a barbell and weight plates to go with your squat rack then you can definitely do starting strength (or some other cool linear progression programs). I think for an able bodied adult male you would quickly "outgrow" less than a set of two 45, 25, 10, and 5 lbs weights each, and it wouldn't be much benefit to you without any weights. Used gym equipment can be found on Craigslist/fb marketplace sometimes, although you can expect to pay about a dollar a pound
I would suggest Starting Strength as a quick way to gain strength, see progress (probably not body-wise, but numbers-wise), and become motivated. Each week you’ll steadily increase weight and ideally your body quickly becomes more accustomed to the movements. After a couple of weeks of progress, I would find something else. I’ve been doing 5/3/1 on and off for a few years. Don’t have much to say about it because I’m not consistent
