Home Gym or Free Weights?

dice13 · 12-Jul-03, 01:29 PM

I have a bench set but I never have someone to spot me. I was thinking of buying one of those Weider Home Gyms. Are those things crap or should I just stick to the bench and curl bar?

I'm just starting out. What is a good regimen to begin with?

Any info is appreciated....

-dice13

Joshy · 12-Jul-03, 01:38 PM

i have some home gym type thing from wieder.. its crap

abarlament · 12-Jul-03, 01:44 PM

If you get a squat rack, you can put your bench inside the rack for benching, if you ever can't get it, just have the pins about an inch above your chest, just let the weight rest on the pins, and you can scoot out from under it. You'll need a squat rack anyways, for squatting.

Spinster · 12-Jul-03, 02:38 PM

For a home system without a spotter a Smith Machine is a good option, You'll still be limited on what you can and can't do but being able to lock the bar back could save you a lot of pain.

gregc · 12-Jul-03, 07:23 PM

Hey dice, you may want to search the forum for terms such as "Bowflex", "Crossbow", etc. There are several threads already like this one, and I'm sure you will find enough information to decide what you want to get.

(I personally use a bowflex, which has worked great for me -- it was a bit expensive though.)

DaRkAnGel · 12-Jul-03, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregc

Hey dice, you may want to search the forum for terms such as "Bowflex", "Crossbow", etc. There are several threads already like this one, and I'm sure you will find enough information to decide what you want to get.

(I personally use a bowflex, which has worked great for me -- it was a bit expensive though.)

Dude ive wanted a bowflex like forever and my dad is all, its crap just go to a gym or something. Godamnit it looks so cool

.

Spinster · 12-Jul-03, 09:01 PM

Before the Bowflex it was the Soloflex. I was sold on that thing when I was a kid so I financed one. I still have it as a matter of fact. Now I know the Bowflex is an entirely different and much improved theory. But a good rack and some freeweight is money well spent in my mind. I still use my Soloflex for dips, chins and a few other things here and there but if I had to do it again I would have gotten something different.

Alex(AJ) · 12-Jul-03, 09:08 PM

rather than spending the $$ on the bowflex and weiderflex and whatnot, invest in some weight plates, adjustable dbs, a bench and olympic bar; all you'll ever need.

a decent home-gym can be built for about $1000, $1500-2000 for extras (e.g., dip/pullup station, lat pulldown, etc......niceties but not essentials)

gregc · 12-Jul-03, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkangel5

Dude ive wanted a bowflex like forever and my dad is all, its crap just go to a gym or something. Godamnit it looks so cool

.

Try saving up for a Crossbow then -- I think you can get one for $500 at a local Sears or something. It's not as good as the Bowflex, but is a pretty good piece of equipment nonetheless and is much cheaper. Dieting along with strength training is essential, though.

DudeXCH · 13-Jul-03, 01:17 AM

yeah, I just started using the crossbow.... its pretty good, especially relative to its price. I think its great for chest and arm exercises.

Its not good for legs though, there isn't really enough resistance on the leg press, toe press, leg extenion.

I still recommend it.... just mix in some dumbell work here and there and u will likely get pretty good overall results.