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Best started kit for home workouts?

activejones
activejones Posts: 5 Member
edited February 23 in Health and Weight Loss
I'm just starting out and don't want to spend money on a gym membership due to schedule limitations with the gyms in my area. I have a sit down stationary bike, and an elliptical. For weights, I have stretch bands that came with a bar and handles that are suppose to be the equivalent of weights up to 35lbs. (Step on the bands for squats when using the bar or doing curling etc.) I also have a few individual handheld barbells but the heaviest is 8lbs and a yoga mat and 1 yoga block. Oh one of those aerobic steps with two levels. I'm looking to get a decent set of barbells that goes up to at least 25 - 45lbs and has the rack(2 of each ) I also would like to get some medicine balls (at least 10lbs) and maybe something that can help tone my thighs. Any suggestions on brands, bundles buys etc. Is appreciated.
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Answers

  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 1,983 Member
    edited February 23
    If you can hook the band to your ankle and anchor it low to a door or something, you can do lying hamstring curls, or if you sit on a chair facing away from the door, leg extensions. They aren't ideal for squats the way you describe. There's no tension when you're in a squat position and full tension when standing, which is the opposite of what's best for muscle growth.

    As you probably know, the weights ratings on bands don't mean much. If they're challenging, great.

    You can do a lot for thighs with that step and db's, e.g. step up lunges, Bulgarian split squats.

    I'd strongly advise instead of buying sets of db's, buy an adjustable db set instead. There are several problems with fixed db's: 1) you're limited by the weights you own, but if you buy more db's then you're limited by space and cost, because you're double triple quadruple paying for weight by then, since every higher db weight gets more expensive to buy. For example, thinking of my own exercises, I use at least seven different db weights for various exercises.

    Garage Gym Reviews has good video reviews of most or all of them:

    https://www.garagegymreviews.com/best-adjustable-dumbbells

    https://www.youtube.com/@GarageGymReviews/search?query=adjustable

    A FID bench would be very useful too. Ideally, multiple angles. REP has good ones at reasonable prices. Amazon has a popular cheap one I think.
  • age_is_just_a_number
    age_is_just_a_number Posts: 710 Member
    Seems like you have plenty of equipment already.

    If I were you, I’d use what I have and add heavier dumbbells as you need them. Two years ago I bought the Bowflex selectech dumbbells. I like them either way two caveats:
    1) they were expensive
    2) the are a bit big and can sometimes be awkward

    I also have resistance bands and I bought a set of three wall anchors and adhered them to the wall to allow me to do various push and pull things exercises with the bands. These are the ones I bought. https://www.amazon.ca/OPTP-Resistance-Band-Wall-Anchors/dp/B078WFFWR8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?adgrpid=61826662755&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c5-a2qQhw7s6WVLPaCubKDs05Jh1OidtCeegzJVA8erKJK76dV_uiVTbRxOf2UGzjao9zpO0X7Zzo8Cxw_YFYiv7XY6TqGfCyjt44EAYqkjpyc1slsB7Cnmqo6UFG_tOfkQeXZA4IlSX6LIMgor4sX-VQeBfzYx8zYJSw1RiQa8PPb7jIeeWTiyETycKX6JSLDbjr5CjixCedFnEt01TCg.gwt5fxMTHlWDucmTghKtH-4utcVnpKmkGpMEPZN3QNo&dib_tag=se&hvadid=604240956151&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9000786&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9757877137171011264&hvtargid=kwd-410233806227&hydadcr=18792_13431554&keywords=bob+and+brad+wall+anchor&qid=1740340339&sr=8-1

    There are others on the market. I like these ones.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,516 Member
    I'd suggest figuring out what you want to do as an exercise program to start, then get the equipment you need for that program. Some solid beginner programs are bodyweight oriented, require minimal equipment.

    There's a thread over in the Exercise and Fitness part of the Community, Most Helpful Posts subheading, with a name like "What's the best lifting program for you". It has many programs listed that other MFPers have found helpful. Despite the title, it does include some bodyweight programs, too.

    I'd link it, but I'm currently on a device where that's not easy. You should be able to find it pretty easily with the details above, if interested.

    Unless you have a fairly extensive exercise history and know what you'll use, it's easy to overspend on things that sit unused. Ask me how I know. 😉 😆🤣 (Fortunately, some other things I bought have been great investments. 🙂)
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 35,516 Member
    AnnPT77 wrote: »
    I'd suggest figuring out what you want to do as an exercise program to start, then get the equipment you need for that program. Some solid beginner programs are bodyweight oriented, require minimal equipment.

    There's a thread over in the Exercise and Fitness part of the Community, Most Helpful Posts subheading, with a name like "What's the best lifting program for you". It has many programs listed that other MFPers have found helpful. Despite the title, it does include some bodyweight programs, too.

    I'd link it, but I'm currently on a device where that's not easy. You should be able to find it pretty easily with the details above, if interested.

    Unless you have a fairly extensive exercise history and know what you'll use, it's easy to overspend on things that sit unused. Ask me how I know. 😉 😆🤣 (Fortunately, some other things I bought have been great investments. 🙂)

    Back on a real computer now.

    Here's the actual link, in case you want it:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    If you want a more DIY approach, this is also very good, though maybe a bit less directive about equipment needs:

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10920257/how-to-set-up-a-weightlifting-routine
  • RuatyShackelford
    RuatyShackelford Posts: 26 Member
    edited February 25
    I have found a great app that I have found useful : Just Fit.

    Look at it and see what you think
  • activejones
    activejones Posts: 5 Member
    Thank you all for the helpful info.
  • Hobartlemagne
    Hobartlemagne Posts: 617 Member
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    Im a big fan of these loadable dumbbells. Just buy plates as needed, use like mini barbells

  • Retroguy2000
    Retroguy2000 Posts: 1,983 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48513386#Comment_48513386

    That's the route I went. It's very cost efficient. I can use the 10's, 5's and 2.5's (pounds) on the loadable db's, and also reuse them on my barbell and EZ-bar. That's efficient for cost and space. Swapping the weight amount between sets isn't a big deal during rest times, but it does hamper drop sets and super sets because of that extra time.

  • onlineschool2190
    onlineschool2190 Posts: 2 Member

    I've paying a gym membership since March 2020. $23/mo. Finding I would only go intermittently. So I purchased a really good quality yoga mat, exercise ball, ankle weights, foam floor padding (for my basement floor), a 3- set dumbbell set (with stand), balance ball, resistant bands & punching/boxing electronic board from Temu! A really quality treadmill from Amazon for less than $200. I ball it "my Temu home gym"! I still try to make it to the gym once or twice a week but sometimes my schedule doesn't allow it. Just an idea!

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