Choosing the Best Weight Training Equipment

Runners need to be strong. This is true no matter what distance you run, from sprints right up to long distance runners - Paula Radcliffe often lifts heavy weights during her training.

Choosing the right weight training to do, and therefore equipment to buy can be tricky. It will depend on exactly what you are looking to get from your weight training, but generally you'll be looking to increase both your strength and power.

For a full list of our suggestions for your weight training see our Weight Training Section

The most important piece of equipment you'll need for your weight training is a bar. There are many sorts, but the straight ones are the most useful. These come in two varieties, as standard bar (which is a solid piece of metal) and an Olympic bar which is in sections so that the central part moves independantly of the ends (making it easier to do such exercises as Cleans etc, as you don't need to twist the weights as well as lifting them).

As well as this some squat stands are useful - these sometimes come as part of a bench system, a product which is also worth having if you are going to do a lot of bench press. You may find that a stand alone padded bench is good as it is a versatile piece of equipment, which you may also use for step-ups etc.

Medicine balls are very useful for both improving your power and also to help with your core strength. They come in a variety of weights, generally from 1kg up to 5kg, we'd suggest you go for a 5kg one to avoid the need to purchase more in the future - there are few exercises that you'll want to do which you can't managed with 5kg, you'll just be able to do less distance.

Weider 235 Bench.

Adjust the angle of your bench to hit different areas of your upper body. Leg developer for quads and hamstrings. Barbel holder for the chest workout. Preacher pad for isolating bicpes and butterfly arms for isolating the chest muscles.

Space saver design means it can be folded up and stored away. (£89.99)

Golds Gym 23.6 Chr/Rub Dumbells.

Solid steel handles with rubber handgrip. Durable chrome finish. 23.6kg set includes: two 14" sure-lock dumbell handles, four sure-lock threaded collars, four 2.5kg plates and eight 1.25kg plates. (£65.59)

Golds Gym Medicine Ball 5KG.

Weighted design provides multi-purpose conditioning for improved strength and endurance. Quality construction with 100% quality cowhide leather. Soft, paneled design. (£31.99)

Golds Gym 7FT Olympic Bar.

Chrome plated, heavy duty, sloid steel construction. (£55.99)

Golds Gym 20K Oly Style Plate.

Professional "Olympic style" standard plates. Precision cast for weight accuracy. (£38.39)

(These are sold in a variety of weights to suit your needs)

Golds Gym 6FT Sure Lock Bar.

Chrome plated, heavy duty, solid steel construction. Two sure-lock threaded collars for quick plate changes and added safety. (£22.39)