Home gym

[Stretch]

I canceled my gym membership, since I've gone precisely one time since April.

With that said, I'm looking for a machine that I can get a decent workout from. At this point I've narrowed it down to either a Bowflex (insanely expensive new, but there are a surprising number of almost-unused sets available on craigslist) or an Erg.

Any have any thoughts / opinions on the Bowflex systems?

[AestheticDeath]

Never heard of an Erg.

Total gyms are a lot cheaper then bowflexs aren't they? Why not look at that?

Also, you might just look into a excercise DVD set instead of equipment.

Like p90x... $120 bucks.

[Drisco]

You need to be pretty committed to working out if you are going to get a home gym. You may think you are going to work out all the time and it's nice cause it's there whenever you want, but it's not that simple. It's easy to simply be like eh I'll do it later and soon it'll just be there unused.

But, if you are looking to get a good one i'd get the bowflex. We had one but it never got used though and was sold. Be that as it may, it was really the best thing out there.

(I also wasn't the one planning on using it when it was bought).

[Moist Happenings]

The Bowflex systems are really good for a lot of different types of workouts, but it doesn't surprise me one bit that there are a lot of "almost unused" systems on craigslist. They work the same way Gyms do. You get all pumped up over the membership, go for a week, maybe two, and then something comes up and you miss a day, and then another, and you end up not going back.

I would say before dropping the money on an expensive system like you dropped on an expensive gym membership, you start doing regular cardio. Run a mile a day, maybe two or three if you're already in pretty good shape. If you can continue doing it for 3 months without stopping or looking for ways out of it, you'll have trained your brain enough to drop the cash.

Otherwise chances are it's going to just collect dust as it goes the same way as your gym membership did.

I'm not saying this to make fun of you or say you're incapable of course. It's hard as hell to get yourself into the right frame of mind to do it, and do it consistently. I've been there. They say the hardest part of running is taking the first step out the door. That holds true for any regular excercise. Get yourself in the right frame of mind before you spend a thousand dollars on a system that might end up collecting dust.

[Drisco]

Ha, I beat you to the Home Gym Unused scenario!

[Moist Happenings]

Hehe, I just noticed that.

[Methais]

Never heard of an Erg.

Total gyms are a lot cheaper then bowflexs aren't they? Why not look at that?

Also, you might just look into a excercise DVD set instead of equipment.

Like p90x... $120 bucks.

Total Gyms are about $2,000. Pretty sure a mid-grade Bowflex is around $1000-1500, but it's been a while since I checked.

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I've got like 1200 lbs of universal weights and dumbbells, a freaking TRUE eliptical, preacher curl bench, incline/decline bench, leg extension/curls, smith machine lat and butterfly press, etc. Just surf for garage sales, specials etc. If you aren't in a hurry, they are out there.

PS, mine currently holds the carpet down in my basement. I lift like, once a month and then remember what a pain it is until you get back into it. I really should get back to it.

[iJin]

Sissy up and do pilates.

[Amber]

You need to be pretty committed to working out if you are going to get a home gym. You may think you are going to work out all the time and it's nice cause it's there whenever you want, but it's not that simple. It's easy to simply be like eh I'll do it later and soon it'll just be there unused.


Yeah that. I bought a home gym thinking I'd use it all the time. After the novelty wore off, it became a place to hang my clothes when I was doing laundry. I was really incredibly gung-ho when I got it, but when it's right there, it's just so easy to say you'll use it tomorrow. If you're serious about working out, get a work-out partner or a personal trainer. Make a commitment to someone other than yourself and you'll be more likely to follow through, IMO. If you do decide to get one, Marcy makes a pretty decent one for the price. It's not as complicated as Bowflex and about 1/3 the price. It only comes with 150 pounds, if I remember right, but that was more than enough for me. http://www.homegymcentral.com/marcy_mwm_8900_home_gym.html

[diethx]

Total Gyms are about $2,000. Pretty sure a mid-grade Bowflex is around $1000-1500, but it's been a while since I checked.

But doesn't Chuck Norris use the total gym?

[AestheticDeath]

Total Gyms are about $2,000. Pretty sure a mid-grade Bowflex is around $1000-1500, but it's been a while since I checked.

You can get a basic model for like $400 new.

But just look for used.

- base model bowflex is $900

both have models that go well over 2-3k though.

[Proxy]

All you really need is a lifting bench, a mix of weights and a decent pair of running shoes. new it will run you 400 max. Just learn to use free weights, and jog.

[kookiegod]

Going with what was said, yah, surf around, garage sales, ebay, craigslist.

I picked up three real cardio machines, a recumbant Lifecycle (currently loaned to a friend), a standard Lifecycle, and a Cybex Arctrainer from a company that refurbishes gym equipment for nearly half the price.

http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=473

As far as weightlifting goes, I tried it, doesn't work for me with how I train and what I lift, but i've set up a few gyms for friends.

This is what I usually recommend.

an adjustable bench, for flat/seated/incline work.

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Super-Bench-pr-3.html


a set of adjustible dumbbells, I prefer the ones by Ironmaster.

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Quick-Lock-Dumbell-System-75-lb-set-with-Rack-pr-2.html

As far as a machine, if your into it, then the Bowflex is good, if your into free weights, check out the self spotting machines on the Ironmaster website.



Hope that helps...

[Shari]

With that said, I'm looking for a machine that I can spend a couple thousand dollars on to hang my clean laundry on.

Everyone else has given the right information. So I just fixed your request for you.

[Kitsun]

You're asian. Join a martial arts school.

[Dwarven Empath]

Forever I have been running 4 miles a day. 2 in the am and then 2 in the pm.

Then on mondays, weds and fridays I use dumbbells for about an hour a day.

I've always been pretty fit, but never really cut.

Im 6'1 and approx 210 lbs. 44 years old

But then about a month ago I bought this..

www.GetIronGym.com

I ditched the weights and only have used this thing. Get the straps. Of course I still run too.

In a month I've lost 5 lbs and I haven't looked this good in over 20 years.

It works. If you use it.

And it's less the 50 bucks, or 5 milion silvers!!

[Suppa Hobbit Mage]

I thought of this after I crashed last night, but it's easily the best workouts I've ever had (was in college). I just couldn't afford to get it at the time.

RackStyleI (http://smouch.net/lol/)

[The Ponzzz]

My step dad has a base model bowflex with just a few extras added on. He is pretty ripped.

[Gan]

This is what I have. Bowflex Select Tech adjustable dumbells and adjustable bench with leg attachment for abs.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZN096WRHL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://www.argos-sports.co.uk/mall/Argos/customerimages/products/AS2160.jpg

[Stanley Burrell]

Buy a treadmill with an incline that goes up to a 45-degree-angle. Then walk at just 2.0MPH for half an hour holding just 20lb. seems-like-nothing iron. Ergonomics my ass. All you need is walking/jogging and weight training. You don't need a fancy machine to do deadlifts with a weights set. F that.

[Stanley Burrell]

This is what I have. Bowflex Select Tech adjustable dumbells and adjustable bench with leg attachment for abs.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZN096WRHL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

http://www.argos-sports.co.uk/mall/Argos/customerimages/products/AS2160.jpg

How much that chair is?

[Gan]

How much that chair is?

Chair was only $190.

There are 2 chair models, so you can go cheaper for around $120 I think.

You might check the bowflex website for current pricing.

2 models of the dumbells. 5-50 lb. and 5-90 lb.

[Stanley Burrell]

Gonna check it out. I'll start being able to sleep on my shoulders again! Rejoice!

Now: To stop treadmilling barefoot and doing nude Yoga. Thank you Gan, Ahnold approves.

[AnticorRifling]

If you didn't use your gym membership you're not going to use a home system. Save your money.

[Cephalopod]

If you didn't use your gym membership you're not going to use a home system. Save your money.

I think this has already been said, but should be repeated again and again.

[Stretch]

It's not that I don't do anything (although lately it has been...), it's just that there isn't a Gold's close to my house since I moved awhile back. It was only a little more expensive to keep paying the dues for six months than to pay the cancellation fee, so I let it ride.

[AestheticDeath]

Forever I have been running 4 miles a day. 2 in the am and then 2 in the pm.

Then on mondays, weds and fridays I use dumbbells for about an hour a day.

I've always been pretty fit, but never really cut.

Im 6'1 and approx 210 lbs. 44 years old

But then about a month ago I bought this..

www.GetIronGym.com (http://www.GetIronGym.com)

I ditched the weights and only have used this thing. Get the straps. Of course I still run too.

In a month I've lost 5 lbs and I haven't looked this good in over 20 years.

It works. If you use it.

And it's less the 50 bucks, or 5 milion silvers!!

This thing is supposed to be used with the p90x DVD stuff I mentioned earlier.

[Allereli]

http://i.xanga.com/yunshine/John%20Basedow.jpg

[Stretch]

I see an overpriced pull up bar.

Also +1 gold star for the John Basedow reference.

[Danical]

I'm confused. :confused:

You're saying you'll actually use whatever gym equipment you buy?

EDIT: Others beat me to it :(

[Danical]

When I was living at my old house I had a full squat rack, adjustable bench, clean/jerk station, rubber lined floor, dumbells, EZbars, etc. annnnnd I still preferred going to a gym.

There are no hotties in my garage. There are, however, many at gyms.

[Gan]

http://i.xanga.com/yunshine/John%20Basedow.jpg
Too bad he couldnt swim worth shit.

[BigWorm]

Too bad he couldnt swim worth shit.

That was only because he didn't believe in himself and lacked the knowledge and determination to accomplish his goals.

[Danical]

Too bad he couldnt swim worth shit.

???

[Stretch]

I'm guessing they're talking about rumors that John Basedow died in the tsunami that hit Indonesia in late 2005.

[Gan]

I'm guessing they're talking about rumors that John Basedow died in the tsunami that hit Indonesia in late 2005.

Thought the Tsunami was in 04?

And yes, you are correct. ;)

[Stretch]

Oh, my bad. Thought it happened my senior year of college, but I guess not.

In any case, they're just rumors - he's still alive and kicking.