At home gyms, recommendations please!?

MissyK222

Hey! I am looking into buying a inhome gym to use until I get more confident /comfortable/better with lifting and also for days that I can't go to the gym for some reason... I don't want to go crazy and buy the most expensive equipment out there but I do want something good for beginners/maintenance (once I get to where I want to be). Does anyone have one that they reccommend or have heard of a brand that is worth the money?? I'm sorta lost looking at them all.

Bekahmardis

I actually created my own "gym" slowly by buying a new set of barbells/hand weights when I was ready to go up to the next level. Three years later, I now have a hand weight stand with 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, and 25 pound hand weights, as well as a number of bands and an exercise ball. Yes, it took time, but when I was ready to move up, I did.

Nearly all of the exercises you can do on a machine, can be actually better done using hand weights/free weights. They'll take up less room, too.

I can't help on the actual "gym" though - no experience there. I *can* tell that quality does tend to cost more. If you want something that is going to last longer than just a year or two, go talk to some people at the stores. Don't buy the first one you see that you can afford. If I had done that, I would have been throwing my treadmill out the window for lack of length and options, instead of happily enjoying my treadmill for the past seven years!

MissyK222

What brand did you buy? so are you saying that you bought the bench and then added the weights as you moved up in strenght...I wont buy a treadmill becuase i rather run outside but as far as lifting, I didn't really know what to buy or what's the best for begginners. thanks for the advice

gwhizeh

I'd go with free weight vs any machine style. Some dumbbells and a bench can go a long way. I had a machine and it got old quickly. Limited also it seemed. Switched to Olympic weights and bench and I'm much happier. Anything will be better than nothing though. Good luck

ittybittybadonkadonk

I have a "total Gym"(chuck norris machine) I paid 225.00 for it and love it :bigsmile:

MissyK222

Thanks, yeah I am leaning toward a bench and free weights... I think i would like free weights rather than a machine... I'm hoping my husband joins in useing it as well

wmagoo27

weight is weight whether it is old or new. Check your local craigslist under sporting goods. You can find basic weights for about half the price of new, often with benches and racks as well. Look into a basic barbell, adjustable dumbells, and bench. That will carry you a long way.

matt2442

dont buy a treadmill, please.

Invest in a power rack, some weights, and a barbell, and go crazy.

Add some dumb bells and youre set.

MissyK222

Awesome advice! Thank you!