Home Gyms

[ngm21084]

Hey guys me and my old lady going to be moving pretty soon to a place where there aren't any gyms in the convienent area so my question is what are you guys opinion on home gyms and which are better then others for an overall workout...budget is pretty high like 3 or so grand if needed...ive been looking at alot at Bowflex and they look effective but i just am unsure about them and i was looking at some smith machine systems that have the ability for all presses and leg extensions and curls and lat pulldowns and pec flys...you guys have any good suggestions would be very appreciated...

[powerpack]

I train at home most of the time now.
I have a solid built adjustable bench with a squat rack.
It has leg extention, leg curl machine on the end and a Scot crl atachment myself.
I have 2 straight bars, an EZ bar, adjustable dumbels and 400Lbs of weight.

A friend of mine has a bow flex knock of that he got bored of after a month.
I prefer the free weights.

[ngm21084]

yea im kind of skeptical about bowflex i just dont know why....i was looking at some powertek stuff...and some other smith machine systems i realize that id have to buy a bar and curl bar but i was looking for any system with the biggest selection of moves...the powertek system was plate loaded and it comes with most the presses and leg attachments and a lat pulldown station....do you have any links thanks for your advice

[pumpster]

yea im kind of skeptical about bowflex i just dont know why....i was looking at some powertek stuff...and some other smith machine systems i realize that id have to buy a bar and curl bar but i was looking for any system with the biggest selection of moves...the powertek system was plate loaded and it comes with most the presses and leg attachments and a lat pulldown station....do you have any links thanks for your advice

One way would be a power rack, barbell, adjustable dumbbells and adjustable bench. The best adj. DBs are made by Powerblock and by Ironmaster. Ironmaster also makes a great bench, the Superbench-using it & it's options along with some dumbbells, you can do alot (http://www.ironmaster.com/store/home.php).

Another option, one i like better personally, would be plate-loaded machines with multiple stations, then add some adjustable dumbbells. (http://powertecfitness.com/powertec_gallery.htm) has several in their Workbench series including the WB-LS, or bodysolid powerlift (http://www.gymcor.com/bosopolegym.html) which is similar and slightly better quality, though they're both quite durable. With the powertec stuff they also make a lot of individual stations, a number of which could be bought to make a good home gym instead of buying one multi-station one. You can then add adjustable dumbbells to this for more options; the best are Powerblocks and Ironmaster DBs.

Bowflex are also good-in the case of each type of equipment you have to take the time to go somewhere and try it out for a length of time before deciding to buy. Then add adjustable dumbbells for more options; the best are Powerblocks and Ironmaster DBs.


You can get good used deals on these also, using craigslist.org and ebay.com.

Home gyms work for those who are motivated to work out without a gym atmosphere, in which case the convenience is awesome.

[ngm21084]

hey pump i appreciate it ive been looking at the powertec which i think i mentioned and really its a toss between there plate loaded machine and their rack sysytem with the lat pull attachments...i like the plate loaded machines but for more variety of different moves i think the power rack system with some dumbbells would be the best idea...and its not that i wouldnt join a gym its just that we are going to be moving where the closest gym is like 30 minutes away which after working all day is to fa rto drive not to mention the killer 13 miles to the gallon that my truck gets...so i have to do something....

[Bill Loguidice]

This is a slightly out-of-date photo of my home gym in my basement, which as you can see if pretty much restricted to one room there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loguidice/606255577/sizes/o/in/set-72157600456963111/ .  Of the major components, you can see the adjustable dumbbell set in the lower left, the power rack in front of that, a vertical leg press in front of that, an ab/pullup/dip station to the right of that, an adjustable bench, and a multi-gym behind the free standing heavy bag.  The only component I don't really like is the multi-gym, though I got a good price on it.  It has top and parallel push/pull stuff and a leg extension/curl unit all based off a pin-selectable weight stack, but it's not nearly as flexible or well-built as I would like.  I'd say the other stuff is a no-brainer when it comes to what to get, but as you stated, a good multi-gym is a tougher choice.  I probably could have fit - and considered - one of the Bowflex models, but not for the price.  I ended up spending around $3k for the whole setup, inclusive.

Regardless, there is nothing I can't do with that setup, so my wife and I are very happy with it.  I love gyms, but it's impossible to go to with a 1 year old and a 3 year old...

[powerpack]

Bill your gym does not look bad at all.
Mine is a little cruder but it still does the job
For me time and job comitments was also a big factor in setting up a home gym.

[ngm21084]

This is a slightly out-of-date photo of my home gym in my basement, which as you can see if pretty much restricted to one room there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loguidice/606255577/sizes/o/in/set-72157600456963111/ .  Of the major components, you can see the adjustable dumbbell set in the lower left, the power rack in front of that, a vertical leg press in front of that, an ab/pullup/dip station to the right of that, an adjustable bench, and a multi-gym behind the free standing heavy bag.  The only component I don't really like is the multi-gym, though I got a good price on it.  It has top and parallel push/pull stuff and a leg extension/curl unit all based off a pin-selectable weight stack, but it's not nearly as flexible or well-built as I would like.  I'd say the other stuff is a no-brainer when it comes to what to get, but as you stated, a good multi-gym is a tougher choice.  I probably could have fit - and considered - one of the Bowflex models, but not for the price.  I ended up spending around $3k for the whole setup, inclusive.

Regardless, there is nothing I can't do with that setup, so my wife and I are very happy with it.  I love gyms, but it's impossible to go to with a 1 year old and a 3 year old...

yea bill your setup looks real efficient...im just real skeptical aboutthe bowflex and as someone has stated its a machine you really have to try first b4 buying...i wont have quite as much room to work with but comparable...im thinking im going to go with the power rack sysytem with the dumbbells that go up to 75 and buy the extensions to bring them up to 120 each i think with all that together i should be able to do all right and also if i can fir it in the room i would like a heavy bag...maybe one with those swivel wall mount...we will see...i first have to actually get to the place to see what exactly im working with...thanks guys

[Bluto]

This is a slightly out-of-date photo of my home gym in my basement, which as you can see if pretty much restricted to one room there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loguidice/606255577/sizes/o/in/set-72157600456963111/ .  Of the major components, you can see the adjustable dumbbell set in the lower left, the power rack in front of that, a vertical leg press in front of that, an ab/pullup/dip station to the right of that, an adjustable bench, and a multi-gym behind the free standing heavy bag.  The only component I don't really like is the multi-gym, though I got a good price on it.  It has top and parallel push/pull stuff and a leg extension/curl unit all based off a pin-selectable weight stack, but it's not nearly as flexible or well-built as I would like.  I'd say the other stuff is a no-brainer when it comes to what to get, but as you stated, a good multi-gym is a tougher choice.  I probably could have fit - and considered - one of the Bowflex models, but not for the price.  I ended up spending around $3k for the whole setup, inclusive.

Regardless, there is nothing I can't do with that setup, so my wife and I are very happy with it.  I love gyms, but it's impossible to go to with a 1 year old and a 3 year old...

Wow you even got your own bodybuilding library there, that's a first 

[ngm21084]

hey guys i think ive pretty much made up my mind... check this out
http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2232&strVarSel=15385,15387,15390

that gives the rack and bench and with the lat pull option also gives a ton of options also comes with the leg attachment for curls and extensions im going to pass on the arm curl extension for right now as i dont do to much preacher curl as it is....and then with that im going to pick up a bar and plate set at least 300 lb but im hoping that when i get to where im going i can find some type of second hand shop that has plates cheaper because a plate and bar set of 300 lb.  is about 400-500 bucks...so we will see but with the combination of those two i should be able to cover just about all moves that i am certain i want to have available...what do you guys think?

[pjs]

Its my understanding that powertec is junk (someone I know just got rid of his because it can't safely hold much weight). 

Honestly, the best home gym set up is:

A power rack
An adjustable bench
A barbell
Adjustable DB handles
Lots of weight.

Build a platform, go from there.  For under $2,000, you can get a set up from elitefts that will do ya just fine. 

You don't need a pulldown, you can do pullups.
You don't need cables, or leg extension, or curl shit.

Start with the basics that are the most versatile, then add on the little stuff as you need it and can afford it. 

Bill's setup looks pretty good, too.

[ngm21084]

Its my understanding that powertec is junk (someone I know just got rid of his because it can't safely hold much weight).  Honestly, the best home gym set up is:

A power rack
An adjustable bench
A barbell
Adjustable DB handles
Lots of weight.

Build a platform, go from there.  For under $2,000, you can get a set up from elitefts that will do ya just fine. 

You don't need a pulldown, you can do pullups.
You don't need cables, or leg extension, or curl shit.

Start with the basics that are the most versatile, then add on the little stuff as you need it and can afford it. 

Bill's setup looks pretty good, too.

honestly all the research and reviews ive read about their line has been the exact opposite..but for what i put a link for with the rack and adjustable bench and leg and pulldown attachments and 300 lb weight set is like 1400 dollars which i think is pretty descent

[pjs]

If all you need is a 300 pound weight set, then, yeah, it will be just fine.

[pumpster]

Its my understanding that powertec is junk (someone I know just got rid of his because it can't safely hold much weight). 

Untrue, that sounds like classic third-party hearsay. I've owned and used a couple of their pieces and the other stuff i've tried has been similar. Very good feel similar to gym equipment, nice and solid albeit not as smoothly machined as Bodysolid; not a huge difference functionally.

Honestly, the best home gym set up is:

A power rack
An adjustable bench
A barbell
Adjustable DB handles
Lots of weight.

Build a platform, go from there.  For under $2,000, you can get a set up from elitefts that will do ya just fine. 

You don't need a pulldown, you can do pullups.
You don't need cables, or leg extension, or curl shit.

Good machines are just as good, some would say better it's just opinion.

Agreed that in some cases cables can be forgone for other substitutes, for example chins instead of pulldowns, dips for pushdowns, though it's nice and not that hard to have both.

[pumpster]

This is a slightly out-of-date photo of my home gym in my basement, which as you can see if pretty much restricted to one room there:

Looks good, other than the multigym and absence of a cardio machine. Anything like the multigym that isn't highly effective should IMO be sold, find instead something highly effective and motivating. Other than that all i'd add would be minor things like more heavy gauge rubber mats, fan/heater and a stereo if there's not one.

[ngm21084]

If all you need is a 300 pound weight set, then, yeah, it will be just fine.

its not all i want certianly not all i can lift however its a start...it would be light for squats and deds everything else i would be ok with...and as long as havin the option i rather some intense supersets with pulldowns after sets of chins so i like both, but for the chins i could get one of those bars that you brace in the door frame if need be...

[pjs]

its not all i want certianly not all i can lift however its a start...it would be light for squats and deds everything else i would be ok with...and as long as havin the option i rather some intense supersets with pulldowns after sets of chins so i like both, but for the chins i could get one of those bars that you brace in the door frame if need be...

Without a rack and a barbell, you won't have to worry about doing deads or squats, will you?

Why would anyone consider the less effective, less versatile option over the more effective, more versatile option?  The only possible consideration might be space, but IMO, if you don't have a 10x10 space to use as a home gym, and you are serious about training, you'll find a way to join a gym.

[ngm21084]

Without a rack and a barbell, you won't have to worry about doing deads or squats, will you?
Why would anyone consider the less effective, less versatile option over the more effective, more versatile option?  The only possible consideration might be space, but IMO, if you don't have a 10x10 space to use as a home gym, and you are serious about training, you'll find a way to join a gym.

the link i provided is a power rack with a free bar and bench a lat pull and pull up and a high-low cable pulley for alot different moves so i would be able to do squats and deads it just all depended on how heavy of a plate set i bought....and i am serious about training and i will figure it out....

[pjs]

Yes, and it looks fine if you don't plan on using particularly heavy weights.  I don't see any benefit of what you posted over a power rack, and several drawbacks.  It is yellow, though.  That's cool.

My main point had to do with the plate loaded machines discussion.

[ngm21084]

Yes, and it looks fine if you don't plan on using particularly heavy weights.  I don't see any benefit of what you posted over a power rack, and several drawbacks.  It is yellow, though.  That's cool.

My main point had to do with the plate loaded machines discussion.

i pretty much agree with you about the plate loaded machines....and i still have some time before i have to make the decision so im going to keep looking thank you for your input and links though

[ngm21084]

acutally pjs ive been looking alot at the elite fitness stuff you recomended and to build my own rack that comes with pull-up bar and dip bar and customized to only 6 1/2 ft high and 400 lb plate set for $1567 and buy a bench and quick lock dumbbell from ironmaster with the crunch attachment (mainly so ill something to hook my legs on when doing decline) and that goes for $800 so all together for like $2367 and thats pretty much everything ill need and the price is very descent....and honestly although i havent heard down falls to the powertec stuff the racks at elite fitness just look more sturdy and more like gym equipment...ive still got time to find other stuff but for the moment im sold on this set up...here are the links if you want to look
http://www.ironmaster.com/store/cart.php
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=112&m=CT&aid=604

[ngm21084]

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=112&m=CT&aid=604

try that one

[Rydawg]

I started putting together my home gym in June of last year. So far I have a Powertec WB-LS, a set of Power Block adjustable dumbells, an olympic bar, an e-z curl bar, and a Precor crossramp elliptical.

The Powertec is build pretty solid and I really like the movements of the high/low pulleys and the press arm used for bench, shoulder press, squats and shrugs. The leg and preacher curl attachments are okay, but have kind of a wobbly feel to them. You can find Powertec stuff for a lot cheaper than the prices that they have listed on their website. I think I paid $650.00 for mine. My buddy has the three station Powertec gym and I think that he got it for $900.00. I also had to buy additional attachments for the pulley's, since it only comes with a straight bar and single hand attachment.

The Powerblocks are awesome and I have no complaints about them. I thought that they were going to be awkward to use, because of their shape, but they aren't. I use mine with the bench from my Powertec machine, since you can drop the Powertec's press arm completely down so it that its out of the way.

Hope this helps.

[pumpster]

I started putting together my home gym in June of last year. So far I have a Powertec WB-LS, a set of Power Block adjustable dumbells, an olympic bar, an e-z curl bar, and a Precor crossramp elliptical.

The Powertec is build pretty solid and I really like the movements of the high/low pulleys and the press arm used for bench, shoulder press, squats and shrugs. The leg and preacher curl attachments are okay, but have kind of a wobbly feel to them. You can find Powertec stuff for a lot cheaper than the prices that they have listed on their website. I think I paid $650.00 for mine. My buddy has the three station Powertec gym and I think that he got it for $900.00. I also had to buy additional attachments for the pulley's, since it only comes with a straight bar and single hand attachment.

The Powerblocks are awesome and I have no complaints about them. I thought that they were going to be awkward to use, because of their shape, but they aren't. I use mine with the bench from my Powertec machine, since you can drop the Powertec's press arm completely down so it that its out of the way.

Hope this helps.

There you have it a great setup without a rack or conventional barbells, in a small space. Better, having used both means extensively-great muscle workouts and safer when alone, IMO.

[ozman]

I train at home most of the time now.
I have a solid built adjustable bench with a squat rack.
It has leg extention, leg curl machine on the end and a Scot crl atachment myself.
I have 2 straight bars, an EZ bar, adjustable dumbels and 400Lbs of weight.

i have similar but with pull-down and low row

all you need