Bars & Collars
With just a standard or Olympic bar you have the ability to perform dozens of exercises utilizing a single piece of exercise equipment.
Throw in an incline/decline bench and you'll be able to do these exercises and many more:
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I've personally experienced some pain in my forearms and wrists when performing any type of isolating bicep exercise for example, concentrated curls or preacher curls so I've been known to switch up my standard bar for a curl bar or a combo bar. I find that switching to a curved bar alleviates any discomfort in my wrists. Many squatters also complain about a similar pain in their lower backs when performing squats or deadlifts with a straight bar. This is where a shrug bar comes in handy. A shrug, or trap bar as it's sometimes called, juts out to offer additional space between your upper thighs the bar so you don't have to maneuver the bar around your knees like you would with a straight bar.
If you're successful in putting together a space to work out at home, then I commend you. Taking your health seriously is admirable, especially since so many people overlook it. However, just as important is incorporating the proper safety devices into your home gym. If your resistance program includes exercises with barbells and plates, then weight collars and clamps are a must. These secure your weight plates on your bar and come in standard weight collars, spring-loaded collars and weight clamp form. If I've learned anything from working out it's that gravity is definitely NOT on your side when it comes to lifting a stacked barbell over your head.
