What at home equiptment do you guys reccommend?

rosanna421
rosanna421 Posts: 65 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone,

I have started working out, waking up 30 mins earlier. I work in an office job and i can only workout on my 2 days off, or if i wake up earlier. I need to build a stronger back. I have a home bike, and a 25lb kettlebell(too heavy for me to use) and a 5lb dumbell. I am planning on getting a 10lb kettlebell and building up from there, hopefully in a few months i can get strong enough to use the 25lb one, so im curious, could using a kettlebell be good enough for a full body workout? i wanna to build my shoulders, back, abs, arms, legs and butt :P. the bike helps me with my legs and butt, so could a kettlebell help with the rest? i've seen workouts online where you'd swing overhead and that looks like its good for back and abs. does anyone know? Thanks guys!

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    I would use a pair of adjustable dumbbells as a primary exercise tool, and use kettlebells to supplement them. It's difficult to do a balanced, full-body strength workout with a pair of kettlebells. Also keep in mind that swinging kettlebell exercises can be pretty advanced and require perfect form to avoid injuries. Beginners should generally stick with slower, conventional lifts.
    I'd get a dumbbell set that goes from about 8 to 20 or 25 pounds. Personally i'd also get a set of door-mounted resistance bands, to do sideways movements that are difficult with freeweights (standing chest press & rows, chops & twists, etc).

    By the way, plan on doing leg exercises like squats & lunges. Cycling is more for muscular endurance - it doesn't strengthen your legs & spinal muscles like squats do, and it won't prepare you to lift heavy things.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    woops
  • janer4jc
    janer4jc Posts: 238 Member
    The kettlebell does sound a bit advanced (and scary). You can start with pushups, squats, and side planks with no equipment and very little room.
  • TCD01
    TCD01 Posts: 25
    I've been using resistance bands to do my heavy lifting at home. I just put 3 heavy bands together etc. you can work out any part of your body with them too. I do full body circuits on them .. They're awesome. you can google a company named "aylio" Those are the ones I use and their price is great too.
    Cheers
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    Pull-up bar, yoga mat, resistance/assistance bands.
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I'd say yoga mat for stretching and a kettlebell. There is also a book on amazon called something like you are your own Gym which shows you how to use your body mass to give you a good overall workout.
  • wpwarrior88
    wpwarrior88 Posts: 1,503 Member
    Me? I'd start with calisthenics and concentrate on building my core muscles. You said you want a stronger back - I took this to mean lower back due to your sitting at an office job.
  • yogicarl
    yogicarl Posts: 1,260 Member
    I'd say yoga mat for stretching and a kettlebell. There is also a book on amazon called something like you are your own Gym which shows you how to use your body mass to give you a good overall workout.

    Yep - great starter book for bodyweight exercising - "You Are Your Own Gym". Website by the same name and author and app.
  • jfrankic
    jfrankic Posts: 747 Member
    TRX type suspension trainer for $60: http://www.amazon.com/Elite-Freestyle-Trainer-Rings/dp/B003ATMZ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384990691&sr=8-1&keywords=freestyle+suspension+trainer

    And a chin up bar for $20 picked up at your local Walmart, Target or sporting goods store.

    These two things, plus your body will be all you really need. And the straps are crazy fun and versatile! I love mine and even take them with me to the gym and incorporate them into my heavy lifting programs! The other things mentioned by other posters will be great if you have the space and want variety. If you want bare bones, this will work wonderfully.

    If you want nothing, then check out Convict Conditioning or You Are Your Own Gym. The chin up bar and something to do inverted rows with (straps or grabbing the kitchen table) will still be necessary as you progress.
  • sally_jeffswife
    sally_jeffswife Posts: 766 Member
    A nice mixture of weights like 2lb,6lb,10lb,12lb or something like that. A nice size Kettlebell if you use it for aerobic type excercise maybe like a 8 lb one. If you use it for basic kettlebell type excercise and to tone up like a 18 lb one. A yoga mat. Maybe a Jumprope or a Hulu Hoop

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