basic set of weights

davelerave

i'd like to pick up a set of weights on the cheap.i'm slim build and athletic .i wan't to increase my upper body strength and maybe my back muscles .what should i look for to get started thanks

BrianD3

Argos have a 50 kg cast iron weights set for around 80 euros. This is quite a good set for someone starting off. Argos also sell additional plates (2 X 10 kg for 22 euros) which will beef up the weight a bit.

If you're getting weights make sure that you get cast iron ones NOT vinyl ones.

You could also get yourself a chin up bar - chin ups are a good back exercise.

BrianD3

Gearoid

why shouldn't u get vinyl ones?

BrianD3

why shouldn't u get vinyl ones

Argos vinyl weights are basically a sort of concrete in a plastic housing. This makes them far less durable than cast iron weights - the plastic can split, the concrete can start to break up, the concrete can turn to powder and leak out of the housing. This damage can happen over time or due to carelessly dropping the weight onto the floor from a height. In contrast, cast iron weights are pretty much indestructible.

Second disadvantage is size - the concrete used in vinyl weights is less dense than cast iron. For instance a 5 kg vinyl weight is bulkier than a 5 kg iron weight. The result is that you can't fit as many vinyl weights onto a bar because they take up more room.

Third disadvantage is the type of bars that come with Argos vinyl weights. The bars are hollow and very light and can't take much weight without bending/breaking. The bars supplied with the cast iron weights are much more solid.

BrianD3

Gearoid

Thanks brian, I'm also looking into buying weights so now i know!, cheers.

davelerave

thanks for the info

Explosive_Cornflake

I got decent ones a year ago in elverys, came with a very good bar. €100 though.

melachi

i got a nice cast iron dumbbell set for round 50 euuros @ argos, they do the trick.

davelerave

i might try argos,i live out the country