Building a home gym.

[P-CURLS]

Ok guys, its been a while since I have posted but I have been around for a while. I am looking for some opinions. I am in the process of building a home gym, and the budget I have is forcing me to buy it piece by peice, I allready have 600lbs of plates, and a good olympic bench, also have a adjustable bench for dumbell work, I purchased a set 100's, a set of 85's, and a set of 75's to start with. I plan on filling in the rest as I go. I have the opportunity to purchase a bowflex at 0% financing, and what I am loking to get will run me about $25 a month, I was thinking of adding it in ,since it is affordable, but was looking for a few experienced opinions on the bowflex. I was hoping to use it for burndowns and toning in general. so lets hear from experienced users. thanks.

 

[satchboogie]

INDY built a really solid home gym this year.. have a few words..

 

[Its All Genetics]

just ask ronnie coleman he got that big using......you guessed it bowflex! lol jk bro but seriously its a waste i think i never used it but i think u wanna get big all u need is a bench. some way to make it incline decline and then some heavy ass dumbells and plates thats all u need to get huge look at the guys in prison...

 

[BigCracker]

Whatever you do, don'y buy anything brand new. I can't think of any other product that depreciates in value faster than fitness equipment. The sad part is most people buy it new and never even use it. Then it becomes nothing more than a dust collector,or in some cases, maybe an expensive laundry rack? There are great deals on ebay. You just need to buy stuff locally and p/u yourself because shipping will kill you. Let someone else's loss be your gain.

I have an olympic set, and commercial quality adjustable flat/incline bench with a massive power rack. I also have those space saver dumbells that allow you to adjust weights with pins. For cardio I have a Tectrix Stationary Bike that's self charging. It all fits in my dining room just fine. lol Being single rocks.

With this set up I can do every core exercise for every bodypart-which is perfect for days I don't have time/or feel like going to Gold's. I can always use the cable/machine stuff on the days I'm there, so owning these things at home for me would be a waste of $$$. I have my bike positioned so I can see my big screen tv in my living room so I can watch cable, dvd's, or play x-box while I peddle off the extra lbs too.

 

[Indy]

INDY built a really solid home gym this year.. have a few words..

I have one in the depths of my home gym. It was great in the beginning and there are many great excersizes you can do on it. I have found thru years of using the bowflex ontop of 20 years of free weight training that there is really no substitute for cast iron and gravity for muscle mass and strength. Since construction has finished earlier on the home gym Satch is referring to, I honestly have not used it once, and it's a huge investment in itself. If you really want one, watch ebay and get one for 25% of the original price, most become towel racks anyways.

 

[boops]

Ok guys, its been a while since I have posted but I have been around for a while. I am looking for some opinions. I am in the process of building a home gym, and the budget I have is forcing me to buy it piece by peice, I allready have 600lbs of plates, and a good olympic bench, also have a adjustable bench for dumbell work, I purchased a set 100's, a set of 85's, and a set of 75's to start with. I plan on filling in the rest as I go. I have the opportunity to purchase a bowflex at 0% financing, and what I am loking to get will run me about $25 a month, I was thinking of adding it in ,since it is affordable, but was looking for a few experienced opinions on the bowflex. I was hoping to use it for burndowns and toning in general. so lets hear from experienced users. thanks.

i dont see a power rack in there, i think money would be better spent on that instead of a bowflex....

 

[P-CURLS]

Ok, I was looking at it as an addition. I currently have a membership at 2 gyms, I am a member at golds, and a local hole in the wall with 24 hour access, but here is my problem, I am currently holding down a full time job, and have started a repossesion bussiness, that I am trying to get off the ground, I have been pulling double duty at both for the last year, and that has put a huge squeze on my gym time. so now I am like fuck it, I have a big enough house, and enough space in a spare room, I will just build my own. I plan on adding a smith, a power rack, and a high end piece of cardio equipment. the bowflex is appealing because it offers a lot in one package, and for 25 bucks a month it is readily affordable, and the deal I got is 0% so its the same as cash. I wouldn't even look at it if I had to fork out the full purchase price. my idea was to add it as a supplement, not the main attraction at the P-curls home gym. I know what works for me, I have been in the game for a while with a few cycles under my belt. I am 6'1 and 255, and I am around 15 %bf. I have no delusions about what packs on the mass, plates and bells have gotten me this far, but I know my body likes a change from time to time . and not to make this any longer, but I did fuck around on one at a local sporting goods store, but it only went up to the 210 pound rods, the 1 I am looking at will get the 410, so it should be somewhat challenging. I am sorry for the long post but I felt I needed to explain my situation a little more in depth. so let me have some feedback. thanks.

 

[phatrr]

I'd skip the BowFlex.

Ask yourself how you'll work the core muscle groups, and put together an equipment list. Then, I'd plan my space. I was surprised at how much space is required for a Smith Machine, as one example. [In fact, my Smith machine is currently dissambled b/c we moved into a new house, and I just don't have the room for it with my current setup. Same for the seated calf]

Once you get all your dumbbells, are you going to rack them? That takes a lot of space.

I wouldn't worry about any "extra" goodies like a BF until I figured out these basics.

I'd also suggest that a power rack is needed - how else are you going to squat?

When we originally put it together, we ended up with a power rack; an adjustable bench (which can be used in the power rack) that has a preacher curl attachment; a pull-down/cable row; a Smith; seated calf; a combo leg press/Hack squat; bells from 5-100 lbs in 5lb increments; a couple bars, and enough plates.

It also sounds like you're going to be using your home setup for most of your workouts. Have you thought about flooring? It makes a huge difference to have the "gym-type" mats in place if you're going to be using it a lot.

Good luck with it.

 

[P-CURLS]

I'd skip the BowFlex.

Ask yourself how you'll work the core muscle groups, and put together an equipment list. Then, I'd plan my space. I was surprised at how much space is required for a Smith Machine, as one example. [In fact, my Smith machine is currently dissambled b/c we moved into a new house, and I just don't have the room for it with my current setup. Same for the seated calf]

Once you get all your dumbbells, are you going to rack them? That takes a lot of space.

I wouldn't worry about any "extra" goodies like a BF until I figured out these basics.

I'd also suggest that a power rack is needed - how else are you going to squat?

When we originally put it together, we ended up with a power rack; an adjustable bench (which can be used in the power rack) that has a preacher curl attachment; a pull-down/cable row; a Smith; seated calf; a combo leg press/Hack squat; bells from 5-100 lbs in 5lb increments; a couple bars, and enough plates.

It also sounds like you're going to be using your home setup for most of your workouts. Have you thought about flooring? It makes a huge difference to have the "gym-type" mats in place if you're going to be using it a lot.

Good luck with it.

Good looking out with the flooring, I purchased that first, before I bought any equipment. I am planning on doing all of my workouts at home. when we had the house built, I left a large section on the lower level unfinished, because I knew I would turn it into a gym. I will be shopping for a power rack, and a dedicated shoulder rack after christmas. and the way it is looking I should be able to add a piece about once a month.I would love to be able to just go out and get everything I need, but with this bussiness I have to keep a bankroll put back for incidentals, and billing delays. so I am trying to be conservative. thanks.

 

[RADAR]

I bought out a gym that was going out of busingess i picked several items from the list
squat rack
Bench
Preacher curl
ab incliner
York DB set 5lbs-150lbs
and 1000 lbs of plates
and i also purchased a bowflex it is excellent for ripping and bringing out those striations just make sure you get one with enough resistance, mine was 210lbs i upgraded it to 410
Make no mistake about it-nothing will replace the iron, but like th leg press, lat pulldown the bowflex is an essentual tool if used properly!

RADAR

 

[phatrr]

... so I am trying to be conservative. thanks.

Sounds like you're doing this right - good on ya, bro. I've owned my business now for 18 years, and if you can stand the stress the control rocks. Is your gym a business expense? I'm sure you've checked this out as well, but with your timeline, what about a "0% for x months" credit card deal? The only reason I mention that is that when I bought our stuff, the dealer gave me a 30% discount from retail for purchasing all at once.

I wish we had your setup - when we moved a couple years back, we had to put the gym in the garage. I haven't had the money/time to finish it out, and lemme tell you it's a biatch lifting in 0 degree weather.

One other thought: mirrors?

As to your original question - if you've identified the BowFlex as your "mix it up" strategy, and it fits with your plan, what are you waiting for?

 

[P-CURLS]

Sounds like you're doing this right - good on ya, bro. I've owned my business now for 18 years, and if you can stand the stress the control rocks. Is your gym a business expense? I'm sure you've checked this out as well, but with your timeline, what about a "0% for x months" credit card deal? The only reason I mention that is that when I bought our stuff, the dealer gave me a 30% discount from retail for purchasing all at once.

I wish we had your setup - when we moved a couple years back, we had to put the gym in the garage. I haven't had the money/time to finish it out, and lemme tell you it's a biatch lifting in 0 degree weather.

One other thought: mirrors?

As to your original question - if you've identified the BowFlex as your "mix it up" strategy, and it fits with your plan, what are you waiting for?

Yeah, it is a break from the norm, and since I will be doing all my training at home, I thought the added variety could be good. just was worried about buying a total POS. I mean will all the "20 minutes a day" 3 times a week shit, I justed needed a little insight. thanks.

 

[moose11]

have u done a websearch for used equipment... thres lots of good deals out there...and even free shipping on new stuff.

 

[P-CURLS]

have u done a websearch for used equipment... thres lots of good deals out there...and even free shipping on new stuff.

Yep, there are alot of good deals on the net, and everything I have looked at and am considering has the shipping included. I am not sure about some of the used stuff, that is buy outs from gyms, just for the simple fact that I see some of the equipment at some gyms and they let the shit go until failure. they dont do any preventative maint. it would be different if I could walk in and pick what I wanted out of the lot, but over the net I am a bit leary.

 

[moose11]

yeah i understand...most say the refurbish but still...to what extent. maybe one is near u and u can go look at it?

 

[stfuhr]

Ok, I was looking at it as an addition. I currently have a membership at 2 gyms, I am a member at golds, and a local hole in the wall with 24 hour access, but here is my problem, I am currently holding down a full time job, and have started a repossesion bussiness, that I am trying to get off the ground, I have been pulling double duty at both for the last year, and that has put a huge squeze on my gym time. so now I am like fuck it, I have a big enough house, and enough space in a spare room, I will just build my own. I plan on adding a smith, a power rack, and a high end piece of cardio equipment. the bowflex is appealing because it offers a lot in one package, and for 25 bucks a month it is readily affordable, and the deal I got is 0% so its the same as cash. I wouldn't even look at it if I had to fork out the full purchase price. my idea was to add it as a supplement, not the main attraction at the P-curls home gym. I know what works for me, I have been in the game for a while with a few cycles under my belt. I am 6'1 and 255, and I am around 15 %bf. I have no delusions about what packs on the mass, plates and bells have gotten me this far, but I know my body likes a change from time to time . and not to make this any longer, but I did fuck around on one at a local sporting goods store, but it only went up to the 210 pound rods, the 1 I am looking at will get the 410, so it should be somewhat challenging. I am sorry for the long post but I felt I needed to explain my situation a little more in depth. so let me have some feedback. thanks.

I would question the Smith. With a Power Rack, you probably won't use it much.

 

[djsf]

Haha! If you are set on a bowflex, run, don't walk, away from the "zero % financing" and head towards the nearest online buy/sell site such as craigslist or ebay. I searched Craig's list and found two dozen bowflex machines available in my area. Some people are happy to just give it to you if you'll be so kind as to haul it away for them. Lots of kinds of exercise equipment are available... CHEAP!

 

[P-CURLS]

Haha! If you are set on a bowflex, run, don't walk, away from the "zero % financing" and head towards the nearest online buy/sell site such as craigslist or ebay. I searched Craig's list and found two dozen bowflex machines available in my area. Some people are happy to just give it to you if you'll be so kind as to haul it away for them. Lots of kinds of exercise equipment are available... CHEAP!

Thanks I will check that out.

 

[P-CURLS]

I would question the Smith. With a Power Rack, you probably won't use it much.

I will get lots of use from both. I do all my squats and straight bar curls in the rack, and the smith I like to use for burn downs, like bar shrugs, marathon benching, deep strecthing of the quads, and a few others. I would like to keep as much variety as I can, and a good smith is a small investment. so I cant go wrong IMO.

 

[thewanderer690]

One thing I just never understood is why anyone would want to make a home gym. A gym membership is not that expensive and you have a lot more available to you. I think its also nice to get out of the house and you can concentrate more on working out at a gym than at home. Plus there are usually nice lookin ladies there. Just my opinion though

 

[chyllaxyn]

just ask ronnie coleman he got that big using......you guessed it bowflex! lol jk bro but seriously its a waste i think i never used it but i think u wanna get big all u need is a bench. some way to make it incline decline and then some heavy ass dumbells and plates thats all u need to get huge look at the guys in prison...

I agree, my brother-in-law uses his bowflex to hang clothes on in his garage.
He offered to give it to me if I would take it away and I just laughed.

I've had a home gym for a couple of years now, love it.
If you are self motovated it is soo-o much better, easily added 4hrs a week to my wo time. I only go to the gym for legs now.

Plates and Bells, Plates and Bells, Plates and Bells !

 

[RADAR]

One thing I just never understood is why anyone would want to make a home gym. A gym membership is not that expensive and you have a lot more available to you. I think its also nice to get out of the house and you can concentrate more on working out at a gym than at home. Plus there are usually nice lookin ladies there. Just my opinion though

Its convient when you are running late ,plus am cardio with the stereo blasting rocks.
But i still a few months at a time pay membership dues just to go train at a public gym just to show up those 19 yr old winkie doodles!

RADAR

 

[danasti]

Ok guys, its been a while since I have posted but I have been around for a while. I am looking for some opinions. I am in the process of building a home gym, and the budget I have is forcing me to buy it piece by peice, I allready have 600lbs of plates, and a good olympic bench, also have a adjustable bench for dumbell work, I purchased a set 100's, a set of 85's, and a set of 75's to start with. I plan on filling in the rest as I go. I have the opportunity to purchase a bowflex at 0% financing, and what I am loking to get will run me about $25 a month, I was thinking of adding it in ,since it is affordable, but was looking for a few experienced opinions on the bowflex. I was hoping to use it for burndowns and toning in general. so lets hear from experienced users. thanks.

Cancel the bowflex! You have all those plates man - you have the dumbells AND you have a good olympic bench! "What else do I need?", you say?

1. A Dip Station and Pull Up bar - a belt to hang your plates on
2. Squat Rack w/spotters (if you work out alone)
3. Different types of bars
4. 2600 watt amp - 2 ev subs/mids/highs - cd changer

These items along with your other stuff are everything a bowflex offers, aside from the rubberband looking asthetic. Maybe buy a nice thick mat for the floor so you don't shake the ground when you drop all that weight and some egg crates to dampen the sound!

Who would have thunk that bowflex is writting Ronnie Colemans a paycheck? What a slut!

 

[P-CURLS]

One thing I just never understood is why anyone would want to make a home gym. A gym membership is not that expensive and you have a lot more available to you. I think its also nice to get out of the house and you can concentrate more on working out at a gym than at home. Plus there are usually nice lookin ladies there. Just my opinion though

I agree, but I am so pressed for time, with all the stuff I am doing. that I am missing far too many workouts. hence the reason I bought the second membership, at the 24 hour place, but they are very limited on equipment. so I need the equipment at home, so I can do it whenever I have time.

 

[monster2929]

A power cage, a bench and an olympic weight set and ur all set , i hope that bowflex idea was suppose to be some kind of JOKE

 

[phatrr]

One thing I just never understood is why anyone would want to make a home gym. A gym membership is not that expensive and you have a lot more available to you. I think its also nice to get out of the house and you can concentrate more on working out at a gym than at home. Plus there are usually nice lookin ladies there. Just my opinion though

What are gym memberships going for these days? For the sake of discussion, let's say $50/month. That's $600/yr * 10 years = $6k. Now, add in some mileage for your car getting to/from the gym. You spend way more, in the long run, going to the gym then you do putting in a quality home gym. If you're busy, factor in your time, and as far as cost goes, it's a no-brainer.

I realize that I live differently from the majority of people: when I do cardio, it's outside in the national park that I live in. Last winter I was out after dark with 3 of my huskies and got chased for a couple miles by a pack of coyotes. I've never done a harder caridio session than that one: a fresh foot of snow was down, and man, that's hard to run in.

One spring we were out and we came across a freshly-birthed fawn that the huskies proceeded to use as a protein source. We then got chased for an hour by a very pissed-off doe who kept trying to ram us. I'll take this kind of scenery any day over the gym.

Both have their place. There's finally a gym opened up within a reasonable distance, and I'm looking forward to joining. It's a real biatch lately working out when the garage is 20 degrees.

 

[thewanderer690]

Also, if you live in an apartment in a major city or somethin you really don't have the space anyway.

 

[P-CURLS]

A power cage, a bench and an olympic weight set and ur all set , i hope that bowflex idea was suppose to be some kind of JOKE

Nope not a joke, I am very serious. I think machines like the bowflex, get a bad rep, because of the way they are advertised. I mean fuck, to some lazy ass, that buys into" all you need is 20 minutes 3 times a week , and you can look like this". anyone that has lifted long enough to change their body knows better. So no I wasn't joking. I am still undecided, but I will add a all in one type of machine, just to give me some variety.

 

[danasti]

Nope not a joke, I am very serious. I think machines like the bowflex, get a bad rep, because of the way they are advertised. I mean fuck, to some lazy ass, that buys into" all you need is 20 minutes 3 times a week , and you can look like this". anyone that has lifted long enough to change their body knows better. So no I wasn't joking. I am still undecided, but I will add a all in one type of machine, just to give me some variety.

I agree, sort of but my advice is the same to you seriously!

You have 600 lbs of plates and a good bench - check

get a dip - chin-up station / this is a great tool man and get a weight belt!
get a good quality squat rack/smith machine so you can work alone
get a lat tower and a floor mat

you can do this cheaper then a bowflex and then you can put those plates to use while not even taking up much more space. You WILL get more out of it.

I don't hate bowflex - I think it's great for some people but since you have the plates a bowflex is seriously regressing. You can do far more exercises with freeweights. deads - sweeps - cleans - rows and all variations plus you get the balance - form and more room to grow.

 

[P-CURLS]

I agree, sort of but my advice is the same to you seriously!

You have 600 lbs of plates and a good bench - check

get a dip - chin-up station / this is a great tool man and get a weight belt!
get a good quality squat rack/smith machine so you can work alone
get a lat tower and a floor mat

you can do this cheaper then a bowflex and then you can put those plates to use while not even taking up much more space. You WILL get more out of it.

I don't hate bowflex - I think it's great for some people but since you have the plates a bowflex is seriously regressing. You can do far more exercises with freeweights. deads - sweeps - cleans - rows and all variations plus you get the balance - form and more room to grow.

K to you bro. thanks.

 

[danasti]

K to you bro. thanks.

No problem - I know exactly what you are going through. I just went throught the whole thing myself and it takes a good bit of research and there are just a shitload of products. I've used plates since I was a kid though and my gym in high school was pretty sick considering it was 19 years ago.

I did this. I got a 300lbs olympic plate set w/bar. Then I got random plate all the way down 1.25lb 2.5lb and a few random extras (2x 5 - 10 - 25 - 45).
$450 about

I got a shrug bar and a weight belt. I got a smith machine and an olymic bench $300 w/leg stuff. I got some dumbells. I got a cheap ass dip station/pull-up/push-up - $120 w/shipping - and it's much more sturdy than I anticipated. So for under a grand I'm set. I got two floor mats because I have hardwood floors and some other random shit.

To me it just feels way better with free weights and the best thing is all the stuff that you can't do or can't "REALLY" do on a bowflex. Like cleans / squats / deads - balance, power and force are just not the same on that type of machine.

Good Luck with your gym man. It's a lot of fun and you can always keep adding to it.