Gym or home gym?

[brad34]

Right now I am paying $71 a month for my gym membership plus 10 miles each way drive 4x a week, so total with gas and membership $150/month. Instead I am thinking about purchasing some Powertec equipment for the home, but I am worried I will slack at home because going to the gym keeps me focused.

Has anyone else made this change and been successful? Or not successful?

 

[Crocodome]

Shop around. You are paying way too much IMO. I'm paying ~$16/month (payed up front). 24x7 is somewhere near $50/month.

 

[ALIN]

Right now I am paying $71 a month for my gym membership plus 10 miles each way drive 4x a week, so total with gas and membership $150/month. Instead I am thinking about purchasing some Powertec equipment for the home, but I am worried I will slack at home because going to the gym keeps me focused.

Has anyone else made this change and been successful? Or not successful?

I would loo into something other than Powertec personally.
Ive used several of there pieces and they are OK,,but for the money I think you can find better options.

 

[EZ_E]

Sometime this month 24/7 Fitness is opening a new gym here in North NJ, but they're selling memberships now......

$149/down, $89/month.

I hope they use a condom when f-ing the disillusioned members that join there in the ass.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

count me as a "not successful".. I tried the home gym for awhile & it was hard to get motivated. i really like my gym, the atmosphere, the huge amount of equipment & as a competitior- i like to see what my competition is doing in the gym!!

 

[brad34]

count me as a "not successful".. I tried the home gym for awhile & it was hard to get motivated. i really like my gym, the atmosphere, the huge amount of equipment & as a competitior- i like to see what my competition is doing in the gym!!

This is what I am worried about (minus the competition part ).



I go to the local Y, excellent facility (I like what they do for the community) but expensive IMO AND they are raising membership fees starting '09 (but it did get a new $100K landscaping make-over! haha).

I am thinking its time to shop around for a new gym.

 

[Blane]

The Y is overpriced. Maybe there are some hardcore weight training gyms around.

I work out at LA fitness..its getting on my nerves. Every time i turn around some b!@#$ is rolling around on a ball. or some idiot is hitting a heavy bag thinking he is the next MMA champ. The best is the pencil neck trainer holding focus mits and some ass pretending he is a pro boxer.

Im going to travel a little farther and get to a gym where its hard core. Im benching 275lbs for 3 sets of 5 unnassisted and i have not seen anyone else move that weight for those amount of reps(except for the guys who hv their spotters work out their traps!!!!)...THAT IS PATHETIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mrgravez]

Not sure if this is the case for you, but a lot of alumni that live in the area go to the university I attend. The member ship is $40 per semester / $40 for the entire summer it's great.

What you're paying now is absurd btw I'd look into other locations.

 

[enigma4dub]

this seems like an individual thing. i would love to have my own oly platform, power rack, competiton bench, pull up/dip station. only problem is 30 grand and the place to put it. but do you think you feed off the energy in the gym or can you get yourself motivated?

 

[keasbey]

i lift at my college as well. but its so slack there no one is checks id's or anything if theres a smaller college near by id look into it.

but i agree with the home gym lack of motivation. i know if i can get to the gym im gonna put in a days work. but if it was in my basement id blow it off really easily. unless you get a lifting buddy who will keep you motivated

 

[needtogetarmy]

When I get a larger house I will have a home gym and it is going to be large with everything I need.

For now I stick with a gym that costs $200 a year.

The big thing for me is having the right equipment. I would be shortchanged if I did a home gym now because I wouldn't have any place to put everything.

 

[the_alcatraz]

Outside gym hands down. No comparison. A home gym is good if you're doing it just to stay in shape or for fitness purposes.

 

[DaveTSI]

im going to agree 100% with traz, no comparison

 

[hardrock]

Gym for me. I can't get motivated to train at home. I get all psyched up on the way there.

 

[sshadoww]

Right now I am paying $71 a month for my gym membership plus 10 miles each way drive 4x a week, so total with gas and membership $150/month. Instead I am thinking about purchasing some Powertec equipment for the home, but I am worried I will slack at home because going to the gym keeps me focused.

Has anyone else made this change and been successful? Or not successful?

Seems like a lot for a membership. In any case, I use a home gym and dumbells for several body parts. I have no problem with the focus, and I don't have to wait to use equipment, so my changeover time is great. However, there are just certain excercises that most home gyms can't duplicate- or at least duplicate well- such as legs (Squats, press, etc)...so for me, a split works best- 3 days home, 2 days gym.

 

[musketeer]

I started out working out in my dads garage when I was 13 and didn't joina gym for 3 years. Though that the gym would be better, because of all of the fancy machines that all of the 80's and early 90's pros were using, but it was really a massive mistake. 10 years later and I've got a home gym that is better than just about anything this city has to offer. I've got my own squat rack, bench and dip/chin stand, 300kg in bumper plate form at and some oly dumbell handles. I've sunk 80kg of alu sheeting into the floor where the bar drops and the whole gyn has 3/4 inch rubber matting and a treadmill and rower. It's a 17x12 foot steel shed raised up on 10 inch blocks so I can lift overhead comfortably. There's power, heating, fans, sound system and a TV is coming so I can watch Ronnie while I'm doing my cardio!

I need nothing more!
I never:
wait for equipment
put some other asshole's plates away
get distracted by 'morons in the gym...'
get asked for a spot/advice
worry about what I'm wearing
worry about looking weird (doing good mornings, drop snatches, etc...)
get stuck in traffic going to the gym
get told by pussys not to drop the plates, use chalk, put my gym bag away (even though it's got everything in it that I need for a workout: water, wraps, belt, sweater, hat, resin, straps, etc)
worry if the gym will be closed or have shorter hours around holidays
worry if the gym will be closed by the time I finish work
worry if the gym will be closing before I've done all of my sets
have to look at fat hairy asses in the changing rooms
PAY A GYM MEMBERSHIP EVER AGAIN!

Seriously cant beat it - my focus is still very strong and my progress is more on track because I'm never trying to impress people with stuff that's not in the program - like a heavy single on bench to show up the team bench collage boys on the next bench.

Whole setup cost less than $5,000 and it's adding value to my house if I ever sell.

 

[2evil]

It can be tough to get motivated at home. But I pick working out at home over going to the gym as long as you have everything you need.

The powetech stuff isn't bad if you can get a good deal. Look on Craigslist. Everytime I do I wish I had more space, because you could really outfit yourself with a lot of great equipment for not much cash.

If you start out with a power rack, adjustable bench and some dumbbells you'll be good to go. Success is dependent on your desire. Plenty of people join gyms and never go. For me, I'd rather go down to the basement and have at it then go to the gym and wait for some douche to finish curling in the power rack...

 

[musclemom]

I've never been to a gym, everything I have is at home and it's pretty comprehensive (actually, if I think about it I've got a bit too much equipment ... and there are still a couple of things I'd like) but working out from home is just like working from home. Not everyone is wired to do it. If you're not capable of self starting, having the discipline to hold yourself accountable in sticking to a routine and actually going and doing it (which is what I find the hardest) then forget it. I hold myself accountable with logs and timing my workouts, etc. (guilt, too, it helps). Honestly, I would never work out if I had to go to a gym.

Buuuuut, my entire set up takes up a MAJOR portion of my basement and dining room (cardio equipment is in the dining room) and took time and money to acquire (the cardio stuff was pricier than the weights) not to mention the fact I have NO idea what we're doing with some of the stuff if we ever do sell this house. My husband says leave it with the property, free gift with purchase ...

 

[EnderJE]

Actually, I'm looking to go one step further. My original goals for working out have changed over the years, so I was thinking of going to a crossfit type of workout. No gym, no equipment other then a pullup bar and a bench (with no weights). Wish me luck.

 

[sshadoww]

I started out working out in my dads garage when I was 13 and didn't joina gym for 3 years. Though that the gym would be better, because of all of the fancy machines that all of the 80's and early 90's pros were using, but it was really a massive mistake. 10 years later and I've got a home gym that is better than just about anything this city has to offer. I've got my own squat rack, bench and dip/chin stand, 300kg in bumper plate form at and some oly dumbell handles. I've sunk 80kg of alu sheeting into the floor where the bar drops and the whole gyn has 3/4 inch rubber matting and a treadmill and rower. It's a 17x12 foot steel shed raised up on 10 inch blocks so I can lift overhead comfortably. There's power, heating, fans, sound system and a TV is coming so I can watch Ronnie while I'm doing my cardio!

I need nothing more!
I never:
wait for equipment
put some other asshole's plates away
get distracted by 'morons in the gym...'
get asked for a spot/advice
worry about what I'm wearing
worry about looking weird (doing good mornings, drop snatches, etc...)
get stuck in traffic going to the gym
get told by pussys not to drop the plates, use chalk, put my gym bag away (even though it's got everything in it that I need for a workout: water, wraps, belt, sweater, hat, resin, straps, etc)
worry if the gym will be closed or have shorter hours around holidays
worry if the gym will be closed by the time I finish work
worry if the gym will be closing before I've done all of my sets
have to look at fat hairy asses in the changing rooms
PAY A GYM MEMBERSHIP EVER AGAIN!

Seriously cant beat it - my focus is still very strong and my progress is more on track because I'm never trying to impress people with stuff that's not in the program - like a heavy single on bench to show up the team bench collage boys on the next bench.

Whole setup cost less than $5,000 and it's adding value to my house if I ever sell.

Can I come over and play at your house?

 

[musketeer]

Can I come over and play at your house?

No way man, only c*nt who curls in my squat rack is me.










Just kidding, OK, just be sure to bring your EF membership card.

 

[sshadoww]

No way man, only c*nt who curls in my squat rack is me.



Just kidding, OK, just be sure to bring your EF membership card.

LOL- NP- thanks...cunt

 

[brad34]

I need nothing more!
I never:
wait for equipment
put some other asshole's plates away
get distracted by 'morons in the gym...'
get asked for a spot/advice
worry about what I'm wearing
worry about looking weird (doing good mornings, drop snatches, etc...)
get stuck in traffic going to the gym
get told by pussys not to drop the plates, use chalk, put my gym bag away (even though it's got everything in it that I need for a workout: water, wraps, belt, sweater, hat, resin, straps, etc)
worry if the gym will be closed or have shorter hours around holidays
worry if the gym will be closed by the time I finish work
worry if the gym will be closing before I've done all of my sets
have to look at fat hairy asses in the changing rooms
PAY A GYM MEMBERSHIP EVER AGAIN!

Seriously cant beat it - my focus is still very strong and my progress is more on track because I'm never trying to impress people with stuff that's not in the program - like a heavy single on bench to show up the team bench collage boys on the next bench.

Whole setup cost less than $5,000 and it's adding value to my house if I ever sell.

You make a very convincing argument I've been going to the same place for 7 months and I am still not 100% comfortable for a lot of the reasons you listed above.

Right now I am leaning toward slowing working my way out of the gym. Maybe purchase a bench and weights, mix home and gym, then a squat rack..ect, until I am completely non-dependant of the gym. Just see how motivated I stay.

Thanks for all the responses!

 

[drsketch]

If you have a:
squat rack
flat bench
incline bench
cable machines for back, and other accessories for tris and shit
tbar
shit ton of iron
preacher bench
easy curly bar
barbell
shorter straight bar
clamps
dip area
pullup area

Then I say yeah do the home gym, otherwise fuck that shit.

 

[2evil]

If you have a:
squat rack
flat bench
incline bench
cable machines for back, and other accessories for tris and shit
tbar
shit ton of iron
preacher bench
easy curly bar
barbell
shorter straight bar
clamps
dip area
pullup area

Then I say yeah do the home gym, otherwise fuck that shit.

Very easy to do. This is the setup I have. Everything in the picture plus a preacher curl attachment was under $800 new. Used stuff can be much cheaper:

Extra weight is cheaply picked up too, as are the bars. You gotta do it right, no doubt...

 

[b fold the truth]

Today I trained at a multi-million dollar training facility.

I liked the fact that it had AC, toilets, electricity, water, and something for cardio...but I wouldn't trade it for my home set-up.

One shouldn't need to be in a fancy place to get crazy. I get nuts in my home gym...insane with only a squat bar, power rack, and a deadlift bar.

 

[Scotsman]

Today I trained at a multi-million dollar training facility.

I liked the fact that it had AC, toilets, electricity, water, and something for cardio...but I wouldn't trade it for my home set-up.

One shouldn't need to be in a fancy place to get crazy. I get nuts in my home gym...insane with only a squat bar, power rack, and a deadlift bar.

Hell I just wish I had had time to come down and train with you when I was in the UK.

I was training events at a gym with some guys I met at my last contest. They had the nicest Conan's wheel I have ever seen, looked like one from an IFSA contest. I had forgotten how much that beats you down. Also tried out a yolk for the first time, would have gone a lot better on my second run if we had remembered to put the bar back down to my height after the tall guys went. About every third step the back would drag a bit. I'm going to go there every saturday from now on to train with them. They have stones from 115-350 right now, a great log, farmers, tires (500, 750, 1,000), plus a bunch of the smaller stuff like the rolling thunder. I am so beat up and bruised right now, it's awesome.

As for my gym memberships I pay $25/month combined for two separate gyms right now. Plus I have some equipment here and at my parents place.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[ExtraMile]

Scotsman, you realy are a beast lol
Well I have:
Ez bar
Tricep Bar
Knee Wraps
Belt
Gloves
Weights
Dumbells
Pull Up bar
Bench
Mirrors to train infront of

I get away with that, manage to do proper workouts, the one thing is, squats are a bit awkward because of getting the weight off the floor when im on my own, so i usually do zercher squats with some wraps on my elbows for comfort and bend down, get the bar in place and deadlift it up. Other than that everythins good but I am joining a gym when school starts again..

 

[b fold the truth]

I get away with that, manage to do proper workouts, the one thing is, squats are a bit awkward because of getting the weight off the floor when im on my own, so i usually do zercher squats with some wraps on my elbows for comfort and bend down, get the bar in place and deadlift it up. Other than that everythins good but I am joining a gym when school starts again..

Get 2 oil barrels. Place them about a meter to 1.5 meters apart and set your bar on top of them so the 20kg plates would be near the middle part of each barrel. Dip under the bar, stand up, walk back, squat. I used this set up for YEARS before I had a squat rack.

 

[lexus12]

I have been working out at home, with free weights, Powertec workout
center and a ton of other things. You have to be a obsesive to push
your self at times or warped in the head I don't know.

Good thing is you have a Kitchen nearby to mix pre and post
drinks and if your feeling strong you can say F-it and walk to
the living room no driving