Basic Equipment for an Intermediate?

Bigger Stronger Leaner Competitive Bodybuilding
1

so far, outside of supplements, they are

  1. chalk
  2. foam roller
  3. dip belt
  4. nike frees dunno what number to get

any suggestions are welcome

2

[quote]kickureface wrote:
so far, outside of supplements, they are

  1. chalk
  2. foam roller
  3. dip belt
  4. nike frees dunno what number to get

any suggestions are welcome[/quote]

You don’t NEED a foam roller or “Nike Frees”, but if you want to get them go right ahead.

Some other pieces of equipment (that you will most likely need eventually)
include:

  1. A workout log (if you don’t already keep one)

  2. Lifting straps

  3. Knee/elbow wraps

  4. wrist wraps

  5. fractional plates

  6. a lifting belt

Other people might be able to suggest some others. Those are just the ones that I can think of off the top of my head.

Also, while supplements can be helpful, make absolutely certain that your diet is straight before you go spending money on supplements (hopefully it already is).

3

I would say that you don’t NEED all the supportive gear (straps, wraps, and belt)either. A person can get along just fine without them unless you have pre-existing injuries. I would recommend training without them, so as not to become dependent. The training log IS a must. Fractional plates would be at the top of my list as well. Do you train in a gym or at home?

4

Frees aren’t really weightlifting gear. There’s really no need for them unless you just want them. Also, even the worst foo-foo gyms I’ve lifted in had dip belts, so you might not need to buy one for yourself.

If it were me, I’d get some nice knee wraps and wrist wraps. They’re not a crutch, they just make things a bit more comfortable. Once you lift with them, you never go back.

EDIT: Sorry, meant knee “sleeves”, not knee wraps.

5

yeah I don’t know about the frees, I prefer wrestling shoes. Seems like after a few years of lifting and trying dif. shoes out you will find the right one for you.
I think a belt would benefit you for heavy squats, but only for your heavy sets.

6

[quote]Garage Gym wrote:
I would say that you don’t NEED all the supportive gear (straps, wraps, and belt)either. A person can get along just fine without them unless you have pre-existing injuries. I would recommend training without them, so as not to become dependent. The training log IS a must. Fractional plates would be at the top of my list as well. Do you train in a gym or at home?[/quote]

Well, I’m all for avoiding becoming dependent on supportive gear as well. I’ve just come to the realization that once you start lifting some serious weights, injury becomes a much more real issue. And injury is going to hurt your progress much more than getting used to lifting with knee wraps/sleeves.

I’m also not advocating that he constantly walk around wearing all of the gear that I mentioned. I would save the protective gear for the max sets and for appropriate exercises (squats=yes, wrist curls=no).

7

[quote]kickureface wrote:
so far, outside of supplements, they are

  1. chalk
  2. foam roller
  3. dip belt
  4. nike frees dunno what number to get

any suggestions are welcome[/quote]

You dont need any of the above and would not even consider the above as “basic equipment” you would need as an intermediate.

The only thing you need is to be a member of a good gym or have a good barbell set at home… that is all you need; and the will power to put a good workout in consistently.

8

thanks for the responses guys. i missed my own thread, believe it or not.
i work out in a school(uni) gym, and in summer it will be a local gym. basically, both fit more towards the ‘average’ person, if you know what i mean.
i have sweaty palms, so i need the chalk sooner or later for deads. as for the foam roller, i guess it isn’t necessary but i’d like to try it out for its therapeutic effects. dip belt i may need soon since higher weight dumbells around my feet will become a hassle and lack 2.5lb increments.
frees arent necessary i guess. i dont know where i heard it from around here. right now i’m wearing some puma romas, kinda look like chucks and have the flat sole. anyone know about this and whether or not i should get even flatter ones?
also, i’m guessing it’s hard to run in flat soles and have good agility. what kind of shoe would promote this?
as to the pereson advocating wraps, what exactly are they for? wrist wraps?!

9

[quote]t-man200 wrote:
yeah I don’t know about the frees, I prefer wrestling shoes. Seems like after a few years of lifting and trying dif. shoes out you will find the right one for you.
I think a belt would benefit you for heavy squats, but only for your heavy sets.[/quote]

do you use wrestling shoes for dead, squat or both? I heard about this, but was skeptical, cause…well…they are wrestling shoes. I have a pair and never really thought about doing a lift in them ha…i DO have chucks though

10

While ALL the equipment can and should be used at one time or another… i dont believe you NEED anything.

I get the most from lifting straps. Training log (always). Water bottle. Dipping Belt (provided by gym).

I occasionally use a stopwatch, lifting belt…

I would LIKE some foam for the squat bar! I would LIKE some proper lifting shoes, i would LIKE some knee and wrist wraps but all these are luxuries i cannot afford at the moment…

I consider myself intermediate after 8 serious years.
I will be for some time to come yet too!

Joe