GetBig's Home Gym Experts

[Tre]

Now that I'm finally living on my own, I'm going to put a home gym in my garage. 

What are your thoughts on some of the different types of options available?  I've never given much thought to Bowflex (I tend to reject anything off-hand that seems like it's nothing but a made-for-TV product), but maybe some of you have one and would recommend it.  The Bowflex Revolution looks to be something that could work. 

All I'm looking for is something that can give me the resistance training I need on those days (which will be many) that I'm unable to travel all the way to the gym. 

Thanks in advance.

[HTexan]

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1814036

[HTexan]

Power rack

[wes mantooth]

one car or 2 car garage?

empty garage...or shit all over the place?



I have a power cage, adjustable utility bench, power block dumbbells, an upright bike, and a tread in the space of a one car garage.

from pull ups to power cleans....there is nothing that cant be done with that equipment. dont waste your time on bullshit devices.....just go back to basics. its perfect to supplement not being able to get to the gym everyday

[tommywishbone]

Power rack

Absolutely. Great piece with endless uses. Go with a taller and wider model to get maximum use/options.

Dumbells, Olympic set, flat-90 degree adjustable bench.

[LATS]

  well,, if you have a powerrack and a adj bench you pretty have all you need.. i had the same issue.. i took my two car garage and leveled the floor.. (most garage floors slope).. laid down rubber mats.. bought a power rack with a cable attachment.. then brought in a leg press, ironmaster db's that adjust to 120lbs.. plates of 1100 pounds.. adjust bench and a flat bench.. chin and dip bar.. a ton of old attachments for the cable.. and just started adding bit by bit... to this day you will not see me in a commercial gym.. this is just way too convienent ..

[Disgusted]

www.bowflex.com

[tommywishbone]

www.bowflex.com

Oh no you didn't!   

[Disgusted]

Oh no you didn't!   

Why not? 

[tommywishbone]

Why not? 

Why not? Because dude clearly stated that he did not want to get "too big" and we all know what can happen with BowFlex. Next thing you know, he's gone to the BowFlex Gold and we're all history.

[Disgusted]

Why not? Because dude clearly stated that he did not want to get "too big" and we all know what can happen with BowFlex. Next thing you know, he's gone to the BowFlex Gold and we're all history.

I can not fault yor logic.

[Tre]

I like this power rack you guys have suggested: 



The price is right, too - $1150, plus shipping (shouldn't be more than $500). 

I'll definitely investigate this option asap. 

[LATS]

 cheftim.. i love my setup.. i recently picked up a standing leg curl and plateloads standing calf raise...i can go out at 11 pm when the kids are bed and left, play the music i like, spit on the floor and have been known to watch some ufc between sets lol... 

[kiwiol]

Make sure you get one of these - Tbombz swears by it

[tommywishbone]

I like this power rack you guys have suggested: 



The price is right, too - $1150, plus shipping (shouldn't be more than $500). 

I'll definitely investigate this option asap. 

I'd consider that more of a 'Multi-station home gym" not really a power rack. I'm not a big fan of those type of home units. They can acommadate many exercises, but are great for none. I'd stay a little more old school myself. Just my two cents.

[Jizzacked]

http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/

when I had my home gym most of my equipment came from those guys... good quality stuff and the price is right.  you can find a decent rack for about $350.  the freeweight lat row machine is a nice addition as well.  stay away from the vert leg presses though, they suck.  that was really the only piece of equipment I regretted buying.

[Stark]

where is dumpster when you need him

[HTexan]

Order this, then drive over to sears and buy

add a set of these

900 + 300 + 250 plus a bench and shipping and tax. I just did this quickly shop around, i bet to can find better prices.


http://www.shoppowertecfitness.com/product.php?id=12
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00615739000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&cName=Strength+Training&sName=Free+Weights+%26+Dumbells
http://www.weiderfitness.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14801_17102_38002_85503

[HTexan]

for 170
plus
that 300 pound free weight set.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00615739000P?vName=Fitness+%26+Sports&cName=Strength+Training&sName=Free+Weights+%26+Dumbells
and
this

for 140

170 + 140 + 250 = 560 + shipping and tax for a nice basic home gym. IMO i would upgrade to a real power rack tho.

[WillGrant]

Make sure you get one of these - Tbombz swears by it

ROFL 

[Princess L]

I like this power rack you guys have suggested: 



The price is right, too - $1150, plus shipping (shouldn't be more than $500). 

I'll definitely investigate this option asap. 

It's hard to tell from the picture, but it doesn't appear to be very "heavy duty".  Metal appears to be light weight, cable system doesn't look "smooth".  The dip rack looks like it would tip over 

[240 is Back]

I'd go with big chunks of machines, not some combo.  That machine in the pic looks cheap and really... you have the butterfly attachment for chest, and no ability to do free weight squats?

Tre, this is what you need, my friend...

Squat rack.
Olympic bench.
15, 30,40,50,60,70,80s for dumbbells.
EZ bar.
300 pound olympic weight set, plus 2 extra 45s.

Then get the $120 chin-up/dip bar from Sports authority. 

You can get all of that for under $1100.

[tom joad]

I'd go with big chunks of machines, not some combo.  That machine in the pic looks cheap and really... you have the butterfly attachment for chest, and no ability to do free weight squats?

Tre, this is what you need, my friend...

Squat rack.
Olympic bench.
15, 30,40,50,60,70,80s for dumbbells.
EZ bar.
300 pound olympic weight set, plus 2 extra 45s.

Then get the $120 chin-up/dip bar from Sports authority. 

You can get all of that for under $1100.

what exercise would you use 15 lb dumbbells for?

[leonp1981]

Agreed with what many have already said. I've trained at home now for about 5 years.  All I ever use is:

Adjustable bench
Barbell/Dumbells
Various Plates
Squat stands

Although I hate the squat stands as they never feel stable enough and wish I had a power rack!  I can do any compound movement using this lot.  I can even make a dipping station by putting one bar on the bench supports and one on the squat stands.  If I ever have enough room I'll get a power rack and maybe a cable station as well.

[240 is Back]

what exercise would you use 15 lb dumbbells for?

warmups for shoulder movements.

personally, there is no way I can move the 35s or 40s for twenty reps for dumbbell side raises. 

I always warm up shoulders with a set of wussy weights.  Dad has been fighting rotator cuff surgery for years, I don't mess around when it comes to that.