So, you want to start deadlifting. Great decision! You’ve just given yourself a chance at a full-body workout that will make your muscles scream and make you stronger all over. But before you go too far without the proper equipment, you’ll need to pick up a few things. In this article we will cover all the equipment needed to start deadlifting.
A quality barbell
A barbell is what you will use to do the deadlift (see Barbell Deadlift). There are different kinds of bars to choose from – Olympic, Standard, Powerlifting, and so on. Pick a training-oriented one and go with it. It’s best if you get one that has been used by other people that have worked out in the same way you have and have similar-sized hands/shoulders/arms. If you don’t have anyone to hand one down to you, don’t worry. There are other ways to get your hands on the right bar.
Weight plates
You will need these in order to add weight to your lifts and accomplish deadlift goals. Make sure that they are solid and can bear the amount of weight that you put on them – also make sure they have a hole in the middle so you can use a barbell, which we’re going to get into later.
Platform
Your going to need a surface to work out on. You don’t have to pay a lot of money for a fancy one; just make sure that it is sturdy and can take the weight you’ll be putting on it, plus some. Be sure to clear all excess clutter off of it so that you don’t hurt yourself in case of a fall.
Chalk
Honestly, this isn’t necessary for beginners working out at home for the most part. It’s best to use chalk when you are doing a heavy set and can’t get a good grip on the bar. Chalk is great for grip and helps prevent slippage of the bar, but you should use it sparingly.
Wrist Wraps
This is great for people who want to do more than just deadlift. Wrist wraps help distribute the weight of the bar more evenly around your hands, which means that you can lift heavier weights without as much worry about wear and tear on your hands .
Knee Wraps
This is a must-have piece of equipment if you are going to have any success as a deadlifter. They help prevent injuries when working out, and they also help stabilize your knees while lifting – which means you will get more out of your workout without worrying about messing up your knees.
Shoes
You need shoes that have a flat sole, or better yet, no sole at all. It’s best if you use your own shoes for this, as it will make the workout seem more natural. If you don’t have any shoes like that or they are no longer available to you, a pair of tennis shoes will suffice. Just make sure they have a flat sole and are either white or black. No need to over-complicate things.
Weight Belt
If you are working out in a gym, your going to need a weight belt just in case the weights get too heavy for you to handle on your own. Also, it will help you lift more weight. You also can use it to add weight to your lifts to make them heavier, which will make you stronger as well.
Weight belt is a must-have for those who are starting out on the way to deadlift greatness.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all the equipment you need for your home gym! Of course, if you don’t have access to all of these things and are working out at a gym, then by all means get whatever plates and bars they give you. Just make sure to take care of them and that they are quality equipment by checking the thickness of the bars and the weight of the plates. Have any additional deadlift equipment tips to share, let us know in the comments below.
