What fitness equipment would you suggest investing in?
renae161
Posts: 334 Member
What fitness equipment would you see fit as a good investment? I've already got some things I plan on getting. But, I would like to know what other stuff should I take into consideration for an at home gym that is effective, yet is not going to clutter my garage, or break my pocket.
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The market serves you. What do you want? Once you know what you want, get it. A friend of mine has a garage equipped with a gymnasium-style variety of equipment which he doesn't use. Don't be like that. Use what you get. Acquire with purpose.5
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That's going to depend substantially on what you want to do/like to do.
The only thing I would really like to have is an Olympic platform and barbell and bumper plates...
Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
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We have a treadmill and I have a bunch of free weights. The treadmill is wonderful for me as I hate the heat and live in Southern California. I would never work out if I had to go sweat outside in the sun. I am going back and forth on whether I want to add a weight bench to my gear or not, but I figured out how to do a version of a chest press with a door and a band, and I don't desperately need to do any isolation moves so...1
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A power rack and a little bench you can fit into it. All ya need6
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Running shoes...3
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Power cage, bench, free weights3
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TavistockToad wrote: »Running shoes...
That would be my option as well, but the key question is what you want to do...3 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
are the dogs extra?
i can't imagine life without deadlifts by now, so i'd second the platform and bar with the bumper plates. but it really depends on what you want to do. i think if you don't know that yet, then you're sort of just wandering around in the aisles and guessing.
unless you have a lot of spare cash and free space, i think it's worth waiting to find out what you want first.
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Okay these are the things I currently have on my list of things to get: a lightweight treadmill that is foldable (It gets hot here too. We just dropped from triple digits this month), stationary pedals for when I'm at my desk, a basic kettle bell and dumbbell set, jump rope, a new yoga mat (mine is worn down now), and I was about to add a recumbent bike too.
I don't think I will ever dead lift tbh.1 -
It might be beneficial to join a gym for a bit to see what you're into. If I would have started a home gym four years ago when i started all of this, the vast majority of what I would have likely purchased would probably just be sitting there going unused.6
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I would investigate strength training programs first. This can help build your foundation. (Strong Curves, SL5x5, NROL...)
A Landmine sleeve and Olympic barbell/weights may be a good first purchase. This can allow for a variety of training (I.e., strength and bodybuilding). I would also get a kettlebell and a couple dumbbells (challenging weight). Then add a cage and bench.
I go in phases with cardio machines. They aren't necessary for me in my climate but they can be helpful. Treadmill acts like a trainer for me with it's set programs. Elliptical is a nice break for joints. Rower is nice if you like a sitting position. Any of these machines can be used with interval training too.1 -
We only have 1 gym in town and it's really small and mostly just treadmills in there. My old gym was really far too and while I'd like a gym with a pool like my old one had, sadly there are none that are in the area or nearby me and I dont want to waste the gas driving 2 hours away just to use the gym for an hour at most and getting stuck in traffic coming back.
I live near the trails too so I take my dogs out when I go. Plus, I hate waiting for someone to get off a machine I like and I feel it's more santiary if it's at home.0 -
Okay these are the things I currently have on my list of things to get: a lightweight treadmill that is foldable (It gets hot here too. We just dropped from triple digits this month), stationary pedals for when I'm at my desk, a basic kettle bell and dumbbell set, jump rope, a new yoga mat (mine is worn down now), and I was about to add a recumbent bike too.
I don't think I will ever dead lift tbh.
Don't buy a treadmill if your main concern is lightweight and storage. Be deliberate. Make a commitment. Choose a tool that helps you train best. Center it in your room. There are so many machines out there with horrible range of motion that will just have you using them as a clothes rack.
And maybe opt to stand while working instead of pedaling.
There are lots of variations to the deadlift. Never say never.0 -
Okay these are the things I currently have on my list of things to get: a lightweight treadmill that is foldable (It gets hot here too. We just dropped from triple digits this month), stationary pedals for when I'm at my desk, a basic kettle bell and dumbbell set, jump rope, a new yoga mat (mine is worn down now), and I was about to add a recumbent bike too.
I don't think I will ever dead lift tbh.
Don't buy a treadmill if your main concern is lightweight and storage. Be deliberate. Make a commitment. Choose a tool that helps you train best. Center it in your room. There are so many machines out there with horrible range of motion that will just have you using them as a clothes rack.
And maybe opt to stand while working instead of pedaling.
There are lots of variations to the deadlift. Never say never.
https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Electric-Treadmill-Folding-Motorized/dp/B017SS2A3G
This was the one I was going to buy as it doesnt take up much space. I don't like going too late at night on the trail cause there aren't as many lights out there as I think there should be and Summer days are just out of the question.
I already stand when I'm doing my work sometimes. I purchased one of those adjustable table desks, but I'm not going to stand the whole time and would like to pedal during the times I'm sitting so I'm still engaging in some bit of exercises that involves my calves being worked out.
I really just want to know what would be a wise investment and see what other's have in their in home gyms that way I can see if I actually will use what they have or not.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
Does it keep track of your resistance and how fast you go and tell you how many calories you burned?1 -
I find a lot of sports equipment ends up in our local Goodwill, always worth checking. I saw a bench in there, an olympic chair of some kind, a bunch of gazelles and one of those little foot cycle things for under your desk or whatever.2
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Our good will only sells clothes and pictures. We got so excited when they had their grand opening, but then when we walked in they only had clothes and pictures and didnt have any furniture or dishware. It was disappointing, but I check online thrifts quite often.0
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DisruptedMatrix wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
Does it keep track of your resistance and how fast you go and tell you how many calories you burned?
Depends very much on the model of turbo, and the existing instrumentation on the bike.
My turbo is pretty simple, but the bike has speed and cadence sensors that can pair to either my laptop or Garmin Edge head-end. If you have cash to splash then a power meter is useful.
I'm thinking about investing in a mid range turbo with more ability to control it from my laptop.1 -
I recommend TRX - suspensional bodyweight trainer... Great thing!5
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alexisslolypop wrote: »I recommend TRX - suspensional bodyweight trainer... Great thing!
Was gonna say the same thing!2 -
Okay these are the things I currently have on my list of things to get: a lightweight treadmill that is foldable (It gets hot here too. We just dropped from triple digits this month), stationary pedals for when I'm at my desk, a basic kettle bell and dumbbell set, jump rope, a new yoga mat (mine is worn down now), and I was about to add a recumbent bike too.
I don't think I will ever dead lift tbh.
Don't buy a treadmill if your main concern is lightweight and storage. Be deliberate. Make a commitment. Choose a tool that helps you train best. Center it in your room. There are so many machines out there with horrible range of motion that will just have you using them as a clothes rack.
And maybe opt to stand while working instead of pedaling.
There are lots of variations to the deadlift. Never say never.
https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Electric-Treadmill-Folding-Motorized/dp/B017SS2A3G
This was the one I was going to buy as it doesnt take up much space. I don't like going too late at night on the trail cause there aren't as many lights out there as I think there should be and Summer days are just out of the question.
I already stand when I'm doing my work sometimes. I purchased one of those adjustable table desks, but I'm not going to stand the whole time and would like to pedal during the times I'm sitting so I'm still engaging in some bit of exercises that involves my calves being worked out.
I really just want to know what would be a wise investment and see what other's have in their in home gyms that way I can see if I actually will use what they have or not.
Read the 1-star ratings on that treadmill. I would not buy it. No. Matter. What.
I have seen people mention Leslie Sansone (sp?) indoor walking programs. Also take a look at Fitness Blender and Pop Sugar for intervals/endurance training (10 to 15-minute routines).
There are a couple books like New Rules of Lifting and Strong Curves that illustrate training programs/equipment as well as nutrition advice. These types of books may help with your decision-making. Flip through them at the bookstore. Buy one. Then buy the other. It will beat any treadmill purchase IMO.
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Nice article by Dean Somerset, a well know fitness expert on the things he did and didn't put in his home gym.
http://deansomerset.com/building-the-basement-of-champions-how-to-build-a-legendary-home-gym/
Much more elaborate than most people would have but a good discussion of what to include or not and why1 -
Whatever you decide to get, buy it secondhand! There's lots of used equipment for sale online at a fraction of the price. We bought a treadclimber for five hundred that was originally three thousand.1
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Whatever you decide to get, buy it secondhand! There's lots of used equipment for sale online at a fraction of the price. We bought a treadclimber for five hundred that was originally three thousand.
I was planning on buying any bigger equipment I would get second hand, but I won't buy a yoga mat second hand. Too many germs even with sanitation. But, thank you for suggesting it to me!0 -
I'm a big fan of my yoga ball and my hand weights when I'm home.1
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We have a pull up bar from Rogue Fitness. It's great.
Also.... a couple of benches. Plates & dumbells.... plus a treadmill made by True.
A bunch of bikes and a concept two rower.1 -
Motorsheen wrote: »We have a pull up bar from Rogue Fitness. It's great.
Also.... a couple of benches. Plates & dumbells.... plus a treadmill made by True.
A bunch of bikes and a concept two rower.
If I was going to invest in cardio equipment for home, a Concept Two rower would be at the top of my list. Great full body workout and the Concept Two is smoother than any other rower I've ever tried. In the past I've owned a recumbent bike, a club-quality treadmill, a cheap hydraulic rower and a wind trainer for my bicycle - I'd buy a Concept Two before I'd ever buy another of any of those.1 -
DisruptedMatrix wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
Does it keep track of your resistance and how fast you go and tell you how many calories you burned?
This is what I have...
It is a fluid trainer so resistance increases the faster I go...the faster I go, the harder it is. It doesn't tell me how fast I go or calories burned...I've been cycling for a long time so I have a pretty good feel for my speed and where I am effort wise...I haven't really concerned myself with the energy expenditure in quite some time, I just train and focus on the training plan for the day...sometimes my rides are longer and sometimes they are higher intensity interval type stuff.
Kinetic does make an app that comes with a Bluetooth connection that will basically turn your phone into a bike computer...I've thought about getting it, but it's pretty expensive and I'm not sure how much value I'd get out of it.
There are interactive videos available that basically lead you on a ride as well as YouTube videos...they make indoor training a little less boring.1 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »DisruptedMatrix wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Otherwise I primarily cycle and prefer to be outdoors...when I need to be indoors I have a trainer I can hook my bike up to...
Does it keep track of your resistance and how fast you go and tell you how many calories you burned?
This is what I have...
It is a fluid trainer so resistance increases the faster I go...the faster I go, the harder it is. It doesn't tell me how fast I go or calories burned...I've been cycling for a long time so I have a pretty good feel for my speed and where I am effort wise...I haven't really concerned myself with the energy expenditure in quite some time, I just train and focus on the training plan for the day...sometimes my rides are longer and sometimes they are higher intensity interval type stuff.
Kinetic does make an app that comes with a Bluetooth connection that will basically turn your phone into a bike computer...I've thought about getting it, but it's pretty expensive and I'm not sure how much value I'd get out of it.
There are interactive videos available that basically lead you on a ride as well as YouTube videos...they make indoor training a little less boring.
Ive seen one of these on amazon. It was on my recommended list when I logged in, but I'm worried it will push my limits with my knee. My knee has gotten stronger to take on more than it did since the time of my injury, but I don't want to push it too much.0
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