Any recommendations for a "home gym"

kendragetshealthy

I have lost 45 pounds since I started trying, and exercise 4 times a week either doing Zumba, other cardio or walking/jogging. I would love to incorporate some weight training in there to be able to strengthen my core more and tone up (I'd love to get some arm definition, etc.) but going to a gym just won't work with my schedule and my son, etc.

Just wondering- do any of you have recommendations on a home gym that has been cost effective and works well? I have seen things on tv like the bowflex, the total gym (Chuck Norris, etc) and others but wondered if anyone can give me a real-life review... What is good? Thanks in advance!

GetSoda

Go for a suspension trainer.

I have the Junglegym XT.

Even though I have an extensive home gym, the suspension trainer is probably my favorite part.

BajaDreamin333

It may be more effective to "piece" your gym together rather than buying the whole system. The only one's I've seen/used that were a really good full body workout were practically professional grade, and took up a lot of space. We had an inexpensive ($600) "complete home gym" and after a few uses the tension on all of the resistance areas blew out, and it became a clothing rack in the garage. The advantage of piecing it together is you can pick and choose the pieces you purchase, buy one or two now and keep adding on, and purchase heavier weights/more advanced "props" as you master existing pieces.

I outfitted my home gym with the following:

Elliptical/Cross trainer: Q35e Cross Trainer that has a platform to use resitance bands (included) I've seen them for sale used for as little as $500; new closer to $2,500. I like this elliptical because there are different positons you stand in while you use it. Squat, hunch down almiost like you're cycling, reverse, varied heel placement etc. It also has a lot of circuits programmed in, so you get a varied workout and can easily do a HIIT to burn fat or even train for a 5K.

Free Weights: 5, 8, 10, 15 and 20 is a good range of dumbells. Anything less than 5 will only be good for beginning lfiting, you'll graduate quickly. If you're feeling flush with cash, get a few kettle bells too.

BOSU: Can make any kind of movement more challenging! Stand on it for squats and just about any upper body. Turn it upside down for pushups. Place your right or left elbow on top of the BOSU and to side planks, Even simple ballet movements become a major workout!

Stability Ball: Can almost take the place of a bench when used with free weights. You get the added benefit of core focus on just about any exercise. It's also fabulous for stretching.

My general feeling is the "complete home gym" is ultimatly limited, and I personally would grow bored quickly. I like having the basics so I can create my won workouts and I can replicate almost any workout shown in fitness magazines/books.

The home gym is absolutly fabulous (although I still go the gym about once a week) and there is really "no more excuses" when it's 10 feet away. Good luck!

jim9097

I would not waste a bunch of money; everything you need to do can be done with just a couple free weights a kettle bell, and the rest will be your own body weight. With 3 sets of DB's 1 KB and your body weight you can do hundreds of exercises that will tear you up...

b_ray_73

Go for a suspension trainer.

I have the Junglegym XT.

Even though I have an extensive home gym, the suspension trainer is probably my favorite part.

This is what I was going to post... I started with a suspension trainer at home and then slowly added things. It's still one of the biggest portions of my home workouts.

lorigem

Try Craigslist. We just purchased a power rack that serves as a bench press and has a lat pull down attachment, came with Olympic barbell and about 265 lbs of weights and the guy threw in a plywood sheet and soft mats for good measure lol And we will be purchasing an e-z curl barbell. All of that (after curl bar purchase) will be $235. This is pretty much all the equipment we need to move into our heavy 5x5 lifts. And it fits in my garage (with my car in there).

kendragetshealthy

Thanks everyone! I am going to look into the Junglegym XT. I am also going to think about some free weights. I just have NO experience with lifting, or any of that kind of stuff so I would need lots of guidance on what to do....

richardheath

Check Craigslist for used equipment. I got an olympic barbell set plus a power rack for about $300. I think free weights give you a better work out that a machine... but your goals/space/budget etc will help determine what you should get.

navyrigger46

Squat rack with a bench, Olympic bar and at least 300 pounds of plates and you'll never need anything else.

Rigger

mikenelson20

If you are looking for some dumbbells try the Bowflex ones. There are super easy to use, lots of weight ranges and take up barely any room. They are however a bit pricey, I found my on Amazon at 30% off with free delivery. Also, check out a chin up bar. They are easy to make (check Youtube) or get one of the door ones.

contingencyplan

Suspension trainer such as Jungle Gym XT, TRX, Human Trainer, CrossCore, etc... plus a jump rope is the combo I used to get the most results. Did more for me than a gym membership. Adding sandbags to the mix is a plus.

SpleenThief

Someone in my family has bowflex. It's pretty awesome but expensive and big.

For me it's a set of kettlebells, a yoga mat and one of those pull-up things you hang in the door. Saving up for TRX and at that point I'd say my home gym is complete

No_Finish_Line

if your dead set on a machine i'd go for bowflex, though everyone in know with a total gym was very happy with it.

I would also suggest a supension trainer because they are probably the cheapest and most veresitle.

I think ideally would be free weights and a bench from craigslist. someone said you can do everything the bowflex can with free wieghts. Thats true but your really going to need a bench to do all of the movements.

reach4thestar

Bump....