Posted: 5/27/2002 6:12:41 PM EDT
| If you had $300 bucks to set up a home gym for weight lifting, what would you buy? |
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You could buy a good bench and spend the rest of the money in dumbbells to start with. If you look for used equipment you might get a better deal.However,in my experience some sales by local sporting good stores give you good buys in weight sets. You can sometimes get 300lb sets(dumbbells and barbell included for $150.I am not crazy about working out alone (no spotter)with barbells(because of the potential for injury if you cannot lift a weight on the last rep),so dumbbells are a bit safer and give you more range of motion,as well as making both sides "pull their own weight". Good luck and be careful![:)] |
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I agree w/ EdAvilaSr. A good bench, some dumbbells and a bit of creativity and you can get a good workout. My "gym" consists of a Bowflex machine, 20, 40 and 60lb dumbbells. I use the Bowflex basically for the bench. I can work pratically every major muscle group with the dumbbells. If space is an issue, a bench is moveable and dumbells will stack in a closet. You might want to look at getting a rubber mat to protect your floors from dropping weights. |
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For 299.00 a couple of years ago I purchased a power rack with 300lb olympic set and a multi position bench with preacher , leg curl, and a high cable from Sams Club. That was my starter set. As I could afford it I added all the other goodies. Dumb bells, other benches, etc. |
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Thanks for the advice. I think I'll look into getting a bench and some weights for starters. Is there any good reason to avoid the "all in one" machines with the plates of weight that are pulled by cables and pullies? I will be doing all of this alone and if it is really dangerouse to lift heavy weight without a spotter maybe I should look into that. Seb127, what is a power rack? |
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It's a self spotting piece of equipment. I've heard it called a power rack, rack, squat rack, cage, etc. It has bars to prevent you from squashing yourself. I use it for everything, almost and never have to worry about anything but injuries from bad form. As far as do everything machines everyone has an opinion. I very much prefer the free weights and cables. I usually feel like I get a better workout with weights. On most universal machines you either push or pull weight. You do not balance or stabilize it. I've seen people bench press 350lb on a machine and have to drop to 250lb on a bar. I really feel like the key is to just do something! Machine vs. free weights is kinda like Chevy vs Ford or Bushy vs Colt |