The deadlift will get you the most results for the amount of time you put in. It directly strengthens all the muscles involved in keeping you upright and in a normal anatomical position. A barbell and plates will put you back about $250-$300. Then, if you spend 20 minutes every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday deadlifting and just increase the weight on the bar by 5-10 pounds each workout, you'll be a totally different (better, stronger) person in about 2 months.
yes - in my opinion, everyone should do barbell training, including (especially) women. it fundamentally changes you for the better. physically and mentally.
beware the person who warns against it - they have an agenda. it's unquestionably good for you when done properly and within your limits of capability.
i've heard less of the "but i don't want to get huge and bulky like a bodybuilder" these days, probably because as resistance training increases in popularity, people are realizing how incredibly, ridiculously, ludicrously, unreasonably difficult it is to build and maintain muscle.
For a typical person without special circumstances deadlifting with proper posture is the most important exercise you need to be doing, IMO. Personally, I was amazed that my minor back aches were gone, my shoulders stayed back without effort, and I was more confident in my posture. Why didn't someone tell me to deadlift sooner in life?
