home gym

wfretza · 14-Nov-03, 01:56 PM

I have come across this site and wish to see what the experts have to say. My dilema is what I need to equip my home with an affordable and effective home gym atmosphere. Here are the constraints: I am a firm believer in free weights, but have no idea what to get, as I use to play football in college and am use to a full weight room. My wife has never worked out and we need something for both of us. She was in a bad car accident a year ago and we are in need of getting back in shape {both of us}. We do not a gym that is close enough to use, as we tried and found with two small children and our hectic work schedule we are not able to utilize it enough to warrant the cost. The space we have in the basement is 78 inches tall and has 9 x 15 feet in area. Please help. Oh yea if you are thinking about suggesting some type of a machine we are sort of sold on the Platinum Crossbow, but want to know what else is out there {Not to include bowflex, solofelx, ect.} Sorry to pricey and already read all of those posts to draw my own conclusions. I tried to follow the free weights and other machines but am at a lost. Thanks

sac1973 · 14-Nov-03, 02:36 PM

bro, i have a multi-function bench (commercial), pair of db handles that fit the weights with the 2" hole, and a butt load of 10's, 5's, and 2.5's (plates). i also have a swiss/pilates ball. i get a great workout with this

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NateDogg · 14-Nov-03, 02:51 PM

wfretza,

Your available space is nearly identical to the one in which I just built my own gym in my basement.

~500 lbs of Olympic plates
ez-curl and olympic bar
Powertec "gunrack" with safety catches at the front
Powertec bench with leg extension/leg curl attachment
Powerblocks 5-90 lbs
lots of bands

All for in the neighborhood of $1,500.00. I am VERY pleased with it so far. The only thing I'm limited in, and it sounds like you would be too, is standing overhead presses, such as push-presses.

wfretza · 15-Nov-03, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the help so far! I would also like to see what suggestions anyone has on toning my wife. Because of the accident she was bed ridden for 6 months and is still in a sheel chair part of the day. She is able to walk and the therapy has her well on her way; However, it has left her with almost no muscle tone whatsoever, especially her abs. She has lost a lot of weight but she actually looked better before as she used to have muscle. Is there any special machine, equipment, or tool that we should add to the home gym to help move this part along. Again thanks!

**Lady C** · 15-Nov-03, 10:29 AM

Keep in contact with her doctor and make sure it is ok to do strength training. My only advice would be there is no rush. Start out with light weights and do as many reps as she can. As long as she feels like it is taxing enough then continue with the lighter weights. When she feels they are too easy, increase the weight. Stick with the compound movements - the isolation exercises can be added when she builds up some strength and muscle.

wfretza · 15-Nov-03, 10:58 AM

Thanks for the advice, and the doctor has given us the green light for getting her back in shape and building up her muscles. The problem with the doctors and Therapists is they really have no advice past go ahead get back in shape, ty to incorporate aerobic exercise and strength training into your routine, and good luck.

15-Nov-03, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfretza

The problem with the doctors and Therapists is they really have no advice past go ahead get back in shape, ty to incorporate aerobic exercise and strength training into your routine, and good luck.

I would find a new Physical Therapist. A good one should be able to give your wife a routine to help her on her way safely and efficiently.

DudeXCH · 16-Nov-03, 12:22 AM

I've gotten great results with the Crossbow, so if you can get past the fact that it isn't free weights, I would suggest it.

klipsch · 18-Nov-03, 08:23 AM

Personally, I wouldn't recommend getting the Platinum Crossbow just yet.
a) It's a brand new design for Weider, and they're already running in Quality Control Issues on the production line.
b) You can't upgrade the resistance at a later time. All they have available right now is the 320lb resistance.
c) If you're going to spent the money on a rod type device, I'd say spent the money on the regular Crossbow with the full 440 resistance, or if you'r really determined to spend $1000...I'd buy the Bowflex.

I own the original Crossbow, and it's not bad. It's definetly not anything like free weights. I got more results for using free weights alone in the last month, than my previous 6-7 months with the Crossbow.
It's all a matter of what your goals are.
I'd suggest a bench, and some dumbbells, and some other supporting equipment.
Good luck with your decision.

sdebates · 09-Aug-04, 09:56 PM

I just put together my Weider Platinum Crossbow today. I was so excited. After spending the whole afternoon assembling, adjusting tension, and calibrating I was ready to try it out. Within 15 minutes... it broke!!. Heard a loud bang in by the pulley system and the cables actually came loose from inside. By this time I was a half hour late to get their support people so I will have to wait until tomorrow to see how they handle it. Judging by what has happened so far I dougt it will get resolved smoothly or pleasantly. Currently, my opinion is put this on a definite "DON'T BUY" list.

rrouleau · 10-Aug-04, 10:40 AM

When i first started thinking about lifting i started with a crossbow. This is my opinion......i didnt like it.....thats all i really have to say about it.

Well i can tell you my whole setup i have at my house and here it is.........

Gold's Gym® XR 35 System
http://www.iconfitness.com/cgi-bin/n...prrfnbr=360213

$300
So far this system has worked great for me!!! I dont have a reason to complain about it!

300Lb Oylimpic weight set
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...entPage=family
Its not this exact one but very simuliar.

$100

110lb standard weight set
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...entPage=family

$55

Oylimpic EZ curl bar
http://store.yahoo.com/bigfit/olympiccurlbar.html
I got my at Dicks Sporting Goods though. But this one is simiulir. I got my cheaper at dicks.

$50

tricep rope
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/aa/rope.html

$15

Power Tower
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...entPage=family
I got mine for cheaper though. Mine is not the same as this one but simuliar.

$100

I think that is everything. With all of this i can do mostly everything.
Total price for everything is $620. Haha Damn i thought i spent more then that but i guess i didnt. Well that is what my home gyms consists of. Hope this helps ya out!!

MrsRiley · 16-Aug-04, 03:54 PM

I have the original CrossBow and like it alot. I'd recommend hitting a sporting goods store and playing with a model to see if it's something you'd like.

**Firehawk** · 16-Aug-04, 06:57 PM

Isn't the crossbow like 1000-1500 bucks? lol I heard that was unbelievable for stabilizer muscles.

MrsRiley · 17-Aug-04, 08:39 AM

that's the BowFlex Firehawk..my CrossBow was $600 ..they have a new digital version out thou that I think is a lil more...if you can find a place that still has the original they are making them down I saw one last week for $399!!!

Cort · 17-Aug-04, 08:44 AM

Baah...ya can get a bench press 'n a squat rack 'n some weights for around that much.

home gym

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