Strength training equipment

What training equipment should you choose for weight training?

Training equipment includes all the gear needed to strengthen your body, whether you train at home or in a gym. This category covers the essentials of weight training: benches, weights, bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, and complementary accessories. The choice mainly depends on the space you have, your budget, and the type of exercises you want to do, between compound movements and isolation work.

Benches, weights, kettlebells: categories of training equipment

Training equipment is divided into several product families, which you can check out separately:

• The muscle-building accessories, to complement your gear with practical everyday items.
• The kettlebells, suitable for strength and movement training.
• The dumbbells, for unilateral work and isolation exercises.
• The weights, to pair with bars to adjust the load according to your sessions.
• The bars, the central element of compound movements like squats or bench presses.
• The medicine balls, used for core stability and dynamic exercises.
• The benches, to vary your working angles and secure certain movements.
• The weight racks, to organize and secure your weight training space.

You can find all these products on the weight training page of the site.

How to adjust your equipment according to your level and goals?

The choice of equipment first depends on your level and what you want to work on. If you're a beginner, adjustable dumbbells and a bench often cover the basic exercises. To progress with movements like squats or deadlifts, a bar with weights becomes necessary to gradually increase the load. Kettlebells are great for combined strength and cardio work, while medicine balls are used mainly for core stability and explosive exercises.

How to organize your home weight training space?

Organizing your weight training space starts with tidying up your equipment. A rack or weight tree saves space and prevents weights and dumbbells from cluttering the floor, which reduces the risk of falls or injuries. If you have limited space, opt for modular equipment like adjustable dumbbells or weights rather than multiple fixed pieces. Also, make sure to leave enough free space around the bench to safely perform your movements.

When to keep an eye on prices for training equipment?

Prices for training equipment fluctuate, especially at certain times of the year. Key times to watch for are, in order, Black Friday, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and the French Days in spring. It's also when new collections are released that the catalogue is updated. To keep track of these promotions, you can check the Deals, Sales, Clearance, Black Friday, and Special Offers pages. If you want quick delivery, the Shipped in 24h page lists products available quickly, and the New Arrivals page shows the latest arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What training equipment should I buy first to start at home?

A bench and a pair of adjustable dumbbells cover most of the basic exercises to get started. You can then add weights and a bar if you want to advance to heavier movements. The important thing is to start with simple equipment and build it up according to your needs.

Do I need a rack to train at home?

A rack is not essential if you are only using dumbbells or kettlebells. It becomes useful when you work with a loaded bar, to secure movements like squats or bench presses without needing a partner.

What’s the difference between fixed and adjustable dumbbells?

Fixed dumbbells have a single weight and can’t be changed, while adjustable dumbbells allow you to add or remove weights to vary the load. Adjustable models take up less space for the same weight, making them often more practical for home use.

How do I choose the weight for weights or kettlebells?

The weight depends on your level and the movement you're working on. It's better to start with a moderate weight that you can handle technically, then gradually increase it once you’ve mastered the movement. Planning for multiple weights from the start prevents you from needing to buy more equipment quickly.

Can home equipment replace a gym?

Well-chosen equipment, like a bench, a bar, weights, and a few accessories, allows you to replicate most exercises done in a gym. The main limitation is the available space and the variety of guided machines, which home equipment does not completely replace.