However, if you are not so sure about the whole thing and don't want to tie yourself up by any memberships, or simply doesn't have the money to spend on the fees, you're probably thinking along the lines of setting up a home gym in the garage and take it from there. Once again, this is not the approach I would recommend, but many great bodybuilders started out like this so I'd be dumb to claim it's not working. Let's instead focus on what you CAN do!
Basic Equipment
While it's technically possible to get a workout without hardly any equipment at all, I think it's a little like trying to build a house without a hammer and nails, but only using chewing gum and sewing thread to keep it together. I guess it's possible, but it's really making things hard on yourself, while not getting optimum results.
The bare minimum, basic set up would look something like:
- A bench with a leg-curl addition
- An adjustable rack
- A barbell and two dumbbells w. adjustable weights
- A pulley addition to the bench, with a wide bar and a handle
- A variety of plates to allow for proper up- and down-scaling
Basic Exercises
Assuming that you're fairly new to training, I'll start off with a simple 2-split of the body:
Day 1: Chest, Shoulders, Back
Day 2: Arms, Abs, Legs
This should be plenty for a beginner. Consider this to be only pointers on how to go about it - go back and read my previous articles regarding the form or buy a good book if you're the least unsure of how to execute the motion.
Chest: Flat and inclined dumbbell-presses.
Lie down with your back flat to the pad, flexing your abs and keeping your shoulder relaxed and down/back against the pad. Strive for balance throughout the movement, keeping your wrists straight, shoulders down, and hands in a vertical line with the elbow (no twisting/turning motions).
Chest: Push-ups
Same as in the army - drop on your face, keep the body erect (that means a STRAIGHT lower back! Keep those abs tense!), and pound away.
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