Free weight exercises
 

I have recently inherited a set of free weights, and I'm at a total loss at how to use them effectively.

I know of the standard bicep curl, but I'm more interested in working out my entire body rather than one area. If that is even possible...

I have two small dumbbell bars that I could do curls with, and a long one that I know you use for bench-presses and the like. The problem with that is that I have no real area where I could use the bench-press bar effectively.

Please help. I don't wanna be a dis-proportioned muscleman :(

Old bench-press benches with built-in barbell racks are available cheap in many junk stores, at rummage sales, and the like. Any long, sturdy and stable bench will do, however, if you're using only light-moderate weights or have a spotter. Is the problem a lack of money or a lack of space?

There are actually quite a lot of exercises to be done with these simple weights -- the barbell, for example, can be used for far more than just bench presses -- and I'd tell you but I'm about to fall unconscious from lack of sleep. Perhaps some kind soul can point you at a website.

if you got no money for a powerrack you can dig a hole in your garden...eg knee height for squats, or even shoulder height for military press lockouts :P

exercise directory:
http://www.bsu.edu/webapps/strengthlab/home.htm

use the barbell for the bench press, deadlift, and squat. very good exercises. They are very good for specific body areas, but they also use the "entire" body as well for power and stability.