In 1970, bodybuilding became a craze because of a man in the movie Pumping Iron featuring, you guessed it, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Before jumping into bodybuilding, the first step is creating goals of where you want to be and on what time frame you want to get there. Do you want to build muscle mass or is your goal to get lean by toning up?

Many factors determine the type of equipment you use in your home or the gym. The backbone of the bodybuilding routine is developing muscle mass. Pairs of free weights, which are also the most effective equipment for bodybuilding, are the least expensive. The ability to be portable, coming in a wide variety of designs and readily available make them a hot seller. Increasing your weight limit slowly over time means only buying the free weights as you need them. They can be adapted to your current workout program very easily.

Bodybuilding is extremely taxing and care must be taken to avoid injury and stress on the muscles. Whether you are a professional or just starting out, you must remember to alternate and supplement your exercise routine with the adequate nutrition and rest. Also, your body needs to rest between workouts, even though you may want to work out every day. Alternate the schedule and intensities.

Depending on your fitness level, aim for one to five serious workouts per week and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Working different groups of muscles on different days will allow each group to relax over time.

If your goal does not include the definition of a professional bodybuilder, dumbbells are the best equipment to use. If the pool is attractive to you, aquatic dumbbells are available too. This is great for people with back problems and arthritis. Both of these are easy and portable.

To tone the upper body and for sculpting the arms, pull up bars and push up stands are available. Frequent but less number of repetitions with heavier weights will bulk up your muscles. Higher reps and less weight will tone up the muscles without excessive bulk. As far as the fitness regimen goes, a weight bench with a set of barbells from ten to forty pounds is ideal for building large muscles. Just work your way up gradually to the heavier weights. Dip stands on the other hand, give your wrist that extra support and help in strengthening your arms and hands.

As always, consulting a doctor before any new exercise program is advised. The long term benefits are wonderful for your body.

Finally, be patient. If you have never exercised in your life to date, chances are you will take some time getting used to it. Make a routine, consult a doctor and a specialist, get proper nutrition and stick to your regimen. Your efforts will be rewarded in due time.