For the last 4 years I’ve been working out at the gym in my condo complex, which basically had machines and about 80 pounds of freeweights (which were stolen over a year ago ).
My workouts have usually involved leg extensions, hamstring curls, lat pull-downs, rows, machine bench-presses, situps, squats (Without a rack. My squats are limited to how much I can safely lift off the ground and place behind my head) deadlifts (Which I haven’t gone too heavy on, since I worried about a strength imbalance), and various dumbell and barbell exercises. I have a decent amount of mass, but don’t feel very strong at all.
I just moved into a house and have a backyard and half of a garage of space to work with, and can’t wait to finally get serious. I can spend about $1000. I already have a barbell, dumbells and about 200 pounds of plates. A bench and a squat rack/pullup bar are essential. Should I get anything else or just work on my basic strength for a couple years?
I started working out regularly a few years ago at 6’1" and 295 pounds. I’ve mostly done weights 3 times a week, serious cardio 2 times a week (Mainly sprinting), and lots of recreational cardio (Dance Dance Revolution )
Right now I’m 20 years old, 6’4", and about 225 pounds. I don’t appear “fat” with clothes but I still have a gut and generally look soft. I’ve mostly done basic calorie restriction and CKD diets.
I do not mean to slam you, but generally people use a lot of excuses why they do not use heavy weights.
You can not get your glutes, hams and lower back too strong. Can you name one person who injured themselves because their posterior chain was too strong?
I bought an Xodus Detachable Bench / Squat Rack for $319. I also bought a VKR/Dip/Pullup station for about $150. My next purchase is a Reverse Hyper / Glute-Ham Raise machine. That will run about $300. That should fit your budget pretty well.
I prefer Body-Solid equipment due to their lifetime warranty. Yes, you do pay extra for the warranty versus a brand that only offers a 1 year guarantee.
Some things that might go under the category of “Nice, but not essential”:
1)dip stand & dip belt
2)high and low pulley(some power racks have them as an option)
3)adjustable DB’s(they’re less convenient than fixed weight, but ALOT less expensive). Maybe try Power Blocks.
4)EZ curl bar(really helps on things like lying tri ext’s)
5)rubber mats(these might actually be a requirment;they’ll save the floor of your garage and give your feet extra grip;Dave Tate suggests buying them from a Farm & Home store…a 4’x6’x3/4" mat at a F&H store will run about $43 compared to $70 at a fitness outlet)
6)different handle attachments for pulleys
7)A kick-ass stereo system
I’ve been working out at home for over 10 years, and only recently re-upped with a gym for variety. I think you’re making a wise investment by expanding your options at home. As some of the other cats have noted, I would definitely get a power rack - first and foremost, but also make sure that you get one with a high low pulley, which will allow you some nice exercise flexibility - especially if your lat strength needs to catch up for pull ups.
Here’s a quick laundry list
Power Blocks - powerblocks.com
Body Solid power rack w/high low pulley along with a body solid incline decline bench. - Bodysolid.com (find a local dealer who can give you a price break - don’t pay retail on the site)
A reverse hyper - elitefitness.com Ironmind.com has some outstanding home gym pieces as well - not cheap, but world class stuff that you could leave your kids
First and foremost get the power rack and do Squats - Deads and partial Deads until the cows come home. Use a workout along the lines of Christian T’s OVT and Lonnie Lowery’s temporal nutrition diet and you’ll be rock solid. Good luck.
I’m sorry, but I just looked at that piece of equipment and it doesn’t look like you could do reverse hyperextensions or glute ham raises, at least not comfotably where you’re hitting the target muscle groups.
I may be wrong but it just looks like a simple roman chair.
[quote]flabtoslab wrote:
Don’t screw around go to www.elitefts.com. their stuff is the best and has great hole spacing. A+ stuff.[/quote]
I also agree, The people at www.elitefts.com has the best customer service ive ever experienced purchasing anywhere!!! Go to them, their equipment and people wont let you down, Thank you Dave and Traci from elitefts.
I had to jump in here right quick and put my vote in for checking out NY Bar bell. I just got my new power rack, lat station, dip attachment and chin attachment for just under $600.
It is well worth the investment in my opinion. If you have any ?'s on the equipment I received just PM me.
).
)