I wasn’t sure where else to post this, so feel free to move it if necessary.
Any recommendations on the best home gym to get? Bowflex, something else etc?
I live in a very small town and for the last couple of months I’ve been going to the country club for a discount, but when that time period wants out I’ll have to pay a ridiculous membership fee to keep going (several $k). And that’s on top of the monthly I’d have to pay to keep going. Not worth what they have in their gym IMO.
So as a better alternative I’m looking to set something up in my basement instead. I don’t have a lot of room so I was thinking something like a Bowflex, but was wondering what you guys think. I’d need something that could go heavy enough and still allow me to do all the exercises I need to.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
For the price you pay for a bow flex you can get a really good setup going with lots of weight and power rack.[/quote]
This is the only way to go, IMO. The only limitations would be your ceiling height but otherwise, a rack doesn’t take up much room and you’re able to lift heavy by yourself by adjusting the pins.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
For the price you pay for a bow flex you can get a really good setup going with lots of weight and power rack.[/quote]
Absolutely, for the price of a new Bowflex you can get real equipment. Now if you prefer to be a huge pussy, buy a Bowflex so you can just ‘tone’.
That being said, I picked up a used one at a garage sale for $50 bucks and it’s great for accessory work, but I already have a rack and adjustable bench and what not. If you don’t already own a rack, do not by a Bowflex, on their own they are useless, but for cable accessory work they are great.
I feel de ja vu? Oh I just said the same shit in the “Things I love…” thread.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
For the price you pay for a bow flex you can get a really good setup going with lots of weight and power rack.[/quote]
This is the only way to go, IMO. The only limitations would be your ceiling height but otherwise, a rack doesn’t take up much room and you’re able to lift heavy by yourself by adjusting the pins.[/quote]
x3. DB handles that you can put olympic plates on are a very cost effective addition too.
Someone just started a thread with a similar topic 2 or 3 weeks ago. I think that one had an added stipulation about his girlfriend or something like that. Ya, she was a member at Planet Fitness and he was trying to find an alternative. That may be where the de ja vu is coming from, Pat.
I’d go with the power rack and butt-load of weights idea.
Speaking of that, I was looking at one of those cable thingies that you can strap to your door. For the same reason Pat got the bowflex. Does anyone have any experience with those? Are they any good? They used to have them at the local Sports Authority, but last time I went they weren’t there any more.
free weights/kettlebells, a heavy bag/speed bag combo, jump rope, and one of those pull up bars that attach to the doors. Does anyone know what I’m talking about with those, I’ve seen them before at peoples houses but never in stores.
[quote]Phoenix44e wrote:
free weights/kettlebells, a heavy bag/speed bag combo, jump rope, and one of those pull up bars that attach to the doors. Does anyone know what I’m talking about with those, I’ve seen them before at peoples houses but never in stores.[/quote]
I have recommended ‘Body Solid’ brand equipment here a lot but I’ll recommend it again.
I started buying equipment from them when I was 18 (first job! So i started buying a gym… lololol) and I have absolutely 0 complaints. The ‘power line’ series is hugely economical and unless you are a monster won’t give you any trouble.
I’ve seen a lot of people complain about them not being sturdy but if you can follow the manual and put it together right it should be fine. I have almost a complete gym and I’m only 21 - if you can spare $300 or $400 a year you can keep adding on easily.
Only thing I would say is to buy a more expensive rack because while their power line rack is quality… it doesn’t weigh much (100lbs or so) and therefore is prone to tipping if you are say bench pressing and don’t put the bar back on the lift offs daintily.
Also, their machine’s leverages (power line seated calf raise is pretty odd) can be very different than what you may be used to in a commercial gym but they get the job done and they have a lifetime warranty.
Body solid makes other lines too that are more expensive (commercial rated, more normal leverages, etc). I’m not usually one to endorse brands heavily but I stand behind body solid completely.
Power Rack w/ lat tower and cable row off CL for $200
300# Olympic Bar set at Sports Authority $200
Powerblock DBs 90#s $675 shipped (need heavier though)
Adjustable Bench off CL $75
couple MBs and a SB
TRX $180
Iron Woody Bands $100
You don’t need all that, the 1st 4 items will give you plenty of options
does anyone know any good stand alone pull up bars. I’m looking for one for my office(in home office) that I could use for pull ups and then to hang from. Also any suggestions on bands that I could use for assisted pull ups.
