Good home gym?

Killmenext
Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
edited November 8 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello all, I am not a big fan of actually going to the gym, typically because it is very busy around here, I hate waiting around and having to jump on a machine before someone else and all that. I typically run every day, and have some room in my house and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for what I can do for a home gym setup?
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Replies

  • redfisher1974
    redfisher1974 Posts: 614 Member
    300 lbs of Olympic weights, Olympic 7 foot bar, Good Bench, Floor mats and some dumbbells up to 50 lbs, chin up bar...Thats a good start!
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    Hmm... so basically just a bench press setup and free weights?
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    Elliptical, spin bike, bodylastics, just to add to the above.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    edited December 2014
    I'd begin with investing in a power rack and weight plates. That'd be an excellent start.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    Something like this. You might find a decent used one on craigslist. You could even build the cage yourself to save on costs, if you're handy like that.

    th?id=HN.608003091300945422&pid=1.7
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Killmenext wrote: »
    Hmm... so basically just a bench press setup and free weights?

    What else do you really need?
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    300 lbs of Olympic weights, Olympic 7 foot bar, Good Bench, Floor mats and some dumbbells up to 50 lbs, chin up bar...Thats a good start!

    This, plus a rack. If you're working out by yourself, get a power rack/cage.

    Something fun for cardio. Bike, elliptical, row machine, jump rope, TV/DVD for videos, ... there are a million options.
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    I honestly much prefer running out on the street for cardio, I do a minimum of 2.5 miles every day. Have been doing that for a few months, and it is what has caused me to lose all my weight. Need to get some muscle in there now, lol.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Something like this. You might find a decent used one on craigslist. You could even build the cage yourself to save on costs, if you're handy like that.

    th?id=HN.608003091300945422&pid=1.7

    ^^^Something like this would be a great start. I would also want some bumper plates and a platform...as well as a good range of dumbbells. I generally opt to do my cardio outside on my bike or run, but if I was doing a home gym I would at least get an indoor trainer for my bike...I'm actually borrowing one right now from a friend and might get one anyway for the winter.

  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    I live in Tampa, Florida luckily, so I can run outside year round, minus 2-3 days when it is cold, lol.
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
    Power rack, barbell, olympic plates, dumbell handles for olympic plates, bench, floor mat. That's the basics.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited December 2014
    This is the setup I just put together for myself. Was on a bit of a budget but I am happy with it.

    Got this rack because of the reviews and price. It is pretty tight squatting inside but doable. It has a high and low cable pull that actually works really well.

    Valor DB-7 Power rack

    Adjustable bench. It does seems to be a little higher than the benches at the gym but the back and seat adjusts so its perfect for dumbbell work.

    Marcy Bench

    Was going to go with the Bowflex Selectech for dumbbells but these were a little cheaper and came with a stand. They also have big flat ends so the dont dig into your leg while you are setting up.

    Weider PowerSwitch Adjustable Dumbbells

    Got my Olympic bar and weights on Craigslist. Full set of plates plus two 45 bumpers. Will need to get a couple more 45s soon for dead lifts.

    P1010507500x357_zps1bc10fbb.jpg
  • markdragon
    markdragon Posts: 1 Member
    I built these to do Stronglifts. They have been excellent.


    http://homemadestrength.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/more-than-just-squat-stands.html
  • zipa78
    zipa78 Posts: 354 Member
    The easiest home gym setup is a few kettlebells, a pull up bar + olympic rings and a sandbag or two.

    If you want to do free weights, then what LeadingMuscle and others are suggesting is the best option.
  • Walter__
    Walter__ Posts: 518 Member
    Get a power rack and adjustable bench. If the power rack has a cable pull attachment that's a big plus.

    You'll be able to safely do big compound lifts inside the power rack (bench, squat, etc).

    And obviously a bar and free weights.
  • AglaeaC
    AglaeaC Posts: 1,974 Member
    The easiest home setup is your own body. Doesn't cost a cent.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    edited December 2014
    Depends on your goals, how much you're willing to invest, and how much room you have to work with. Address those 3 questions and we can give you more meaningful advice.

    Without specifics, I'd agree with many of the others. Start with some sort of cage/rack, an olympic barbell, and enough plates to cover the big lifts. After that, I'd add a dip/pull-up station, gymnastic rings, and dumbbells as the final piece.
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    I very much appreciate the info, looks like the cage / rack with a good bench, bar, and some dumbbells is the way to go. I will see if I can source some out this weekend!
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    edited December 2014
    I am thinking of getting this. Its $100 for all of it, but paying $150 to have it delivered, let me know what you guys think before I pay for it!

    sgZxosG.jpg

    2ZAHzLV.jpg
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    I can't quite tell from the picture, but I think this is a Smith machine.

    I would not recommend a Smith machine. An ordinary rack/cage is much better.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited December 2014
    It has a Smith machine inside but has bar catches on the outside so it could still work if the bar on the track can go up higher or be removed.
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    So could still be ok because of the bar catches? I already threw down a deposit on it, so I could get it delivered. : \
  • rick_po
    rick_po Posts: 449 Member
    You need safety bars so you can squat and bench press inside the cage. I don't think this has safety bars.

    I suppose $250 is a pretty good deal, but you won't be able to barbell squat or bench safely to failure in it.
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    edited December 2014
    No, sorry, it is $150 total, including the delivery. $100 for it, then $50 for delivery.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Not a bad deal really considering, can do lots of "other" stuff with that plus it comes with a small amount of plates. But it's missing all the main functionality of an actual power rack so you'd still need to get one of those. If you have the room for both I'd probably just keep it.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    I wonder if you couldnt find some safety stands or use something like chain loops.
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    I will have to look in to what those even are. : \
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    edited December 2014
    Killmenext wrote: »
    I will have to look in to what those even are. : \

    Safety stand. They are to catch the bar in case you cant get the weight back up.

    newyorkbarbells.com/93015.html
    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTDXQ_5v46cE7hxLvmG11UV8CL_yjYwoSU88lKJX5vCHWNxoxVk

    Or safety straps
    liftinglarge.com/Spud-Monolift-Safety-Straps
    large-monostrap.JPG
  • Killmenext
    Killmenext Posts: 95 Member
    Ohh ok, I got ya.
  • AglaeaC
    AglaeaC Posts: 1,974 Member
    Before you injure yourself, why don't you check all these out.

    I'm not into free weights currently, but it's supposedly a good programme for strength training:
    StrongLifts 5x5

    It's probably also good to read up on what types of stuff you would need to train safely, before making any more investments. And I'd throw in training with someone, who does know what proper lifting form looks like as well. And read Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe or similar books.
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