VitaminH

I've recenctly graduated from college and have moved away from school, and with that I've also moved away from my school's free workout facilities. As a result, I'm looking into purchasing some sort of home gym equipment, as the only workout facilities in the area i've moved to is the local Y and thy seem to be fairly crowded.

I'm not looking to get huge or anything, basically just get more definitition, maybe add a little bulk and be lean and cut. Would something like a BowFlex be appropriate for me? I'm googling around and it seems to get mixed reviews. Should I go for a more traditional stack weight type machine over the flexable bar machines?

Any and all opinions are appreciated.

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stevie667

Buy a weights bench, a boat load of weights and a barbell. No need to fanny about with machines.

Definition comes from diet and cardio. What you have to see once you get that defintion comes from weights.

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thingstodo

I think Power Blocks are great. They fit on one stand and take the place of an assortment of dumbells. I have a set. All you need is an adjustable bench for flat, incline and decline, or at least flat and incline. You can do A LOT with that set up.

Here's a link...

http://www.powerblock.com/

I love them, along with my spin bike and old nordic track.

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Plaid13

the normal all in one machines are normaly more of a hassle then they are worth. If i was you i would check the local papers for a simple used bench and barbell set. Cheap and easy to use. well except for that whole being heavy thing. Personaly thats what i would do.but yeah.... i would lift weights but they are all so heavy.

Might want to get a good tredmill as well. Jogging while watching cartoons is a good way to workout.

noahfor

a squat rack or power rack, a bench, a bar, and weights

SofaKingA

It seems like we are in the same situation. I just graduated from college and I too had the same goal, to be cut. All I have is a weight bench and weights. I also have adjustable dumbells that let me choose how much weight I want to add to them. A bench, barbell, dumbbell, and weights is all you need. I have never had a problem seeing results.

VitaminH

For the record, I still do cardio everyday. I generally run for about 30 min, although yesterday I did pull my old mountain bike out of my parent's garage and bring it home with me and have been thinking about using that a few days a week for variety.

Seems like the general opinion is machines are crap. In that case, I guess I'll be heading to the sporting goods store looking for weights sometime this week. Thanks everyone for your input.

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Carno

Yeah, I agree that free weights are much better than machines.

Plus with free weights you have to control the range of motion that your arms go through, instead of the machine controlling it for you. That adds another degree of difficulty that I think helps strengthen your arms. Obviously you have to watch your form and make sure you do the exercises correctly though.

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newtx

I have a bowflex and a dumb bell bench with free weights. Both give good results. I tend to use the dumb bells more and feel I get better results than with the bowflex. Also the dumb bell bench and free weights are less costly. I own hex weights but wish I had gone with powerblocks instead.

Spiker

I've had a Bowflex Power Pro for almost 10 years. I recently purchased a Weider Platinum and selling the Bowflex, which has served me well. I prefer the resistance on the Weider and love the digital concept, very quick to change from set to set. I always supplement with a chin/dip station. Will look into the powerblocks for sure.

I am an after work trainer, usually around 5:30 pm. I prefer to use my Weider as I can train very quick, move from one exercise to another with no wait and include supersets, drop sets etc. Just not possible at most gyms during peak times, usually end up walking around looking for an open area or someone working solo to work in with.

Sho Nuff

A punching bag is the best gym equipment you will ever use. It gives you cardio and strength. It may not add bulk, but if you know how to use it, it is more versitile than you think.

Plus it impresses chicks

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onthedge

you can always check out any sports equipment stores to know more about the best equipment for home use.there is a wide variey to choose from and the price ranges from the cheapest to the costliest too, so depending on your budget you can make the best pick.
one thing i would like to point out is that when training at home you need to make sure that there are some ground rules that you have to follow in order to gain the maximum possible. here are some precautions you can view over the link:few precautions for training at home

level five

a friend of mine has the power blocks someone else mentioned. they are pretty cool and easy to use. i also saw some in a used sporting goods store for about half the price of new.

Spiker

I was in Costco here in the toronto area yesterday and saw the Bowflex Selectech dumbells on sale. The 2.5lb-52.5lb set with stand was priced at $469CAN which is pretty damn good. They usually sell for $499 plus $175 for the stand.

thingstodo

I tried these and feel that the Power Blocks are a little easier to work with. However, I am biased because I have a set of the PB. Plus, you can get up to a 90 lbs set for the same price as the bowflex 52 lbs. One of the main reasons is that the PB are smaller for small weights where the Bowflex is large regardless. If that makes any sense.

Anyway, if you're going to spend that much it's worth it to try them all out and see what suits you.

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dman2

I have heard that the Bowflex system is the best there is. However, I have never personally used one. I have a gym membership which I would not give up for the world. I don't have to have space for weights and machines. It is 1/2 mile from my house and has everything to offer.
If I did have room at home, I would buy a universal machine with a bench and dumbells. Even in the gym, I generally stick to free weights and dumbells and the bench take care of just about everything you need including legs, lunges, modified squats, etc.

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thingstodo

You sure can't beat a gym for focus. You are there and your only purpose is to work out. It takes a little more self-motivation and discipline to work out at home by yourself. I have a decent set up at home but really only use it to supplement the gym as in when I'm busy.

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cadre

If you don't have a gym to go to your best bet will probably be free weights.

The problem with free weights is that you have to know what you're doing. It's pretty easy to do exercises with free weights and end up doing them wrong so that you don't get the workout you wanted. If you get something with a intro book or something like that make sure to use it.

As far as small gyms, I would reccomend listening to someone that's used them. There are alot of options out there but alot of them are crap. Some of them are really good and make a good option since they can be easier to set up and allow for a faster workout.

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SofaKingA

Yeah, im looking for a home gym too but price is a huge issue for me. i just got my undergrad degree and now I have to pay for grad school. I am definitely going with free weights but I want something with more than just a bench. I am looking at something like this: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?p=WX2&i=74922

Paradise Lost

If you're looking for the most ridiculous system ever!
Check out http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=1640

But if you're not totally super dedicated (or willing to shell out 3 grand)
try http://www.powertecfitness.com/power_rack_system.htm

There's your squat, bench, leg, and lat system all in one. I've been thinking about getting one myself and trashing the lame machine I have at home, but I'm still not anywhere near consist enough in my exercising up at school (where I have complete access to a gym on campus) to convince myself to get one.

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Stompy

A Bench and Dumbbells is all you will ever need. Ever.

You can do a full body work out on very little, and anything more would be a waste of money if you're trying to save - unless you want a self-spotter rack, which is nice if you wanna really push yourself to do large presses and you don't have anyone around.

http://ironmaster.com/store/catalog/...s-p-1-c-8.html

Best thing about that brand is you don't need to have a FULL rack of weights, which saves a lot of space and is essentially portable so you can store it away somewhere when it's not being used.

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G5_Todd

i would agree with most of these guys.....a bench and free weights....bar and dumbells...

you can get your cardio in alot of ways dont dont involve any machines...but dont skip and buy a lame body by jake or cheapo bench....they always break in a few months.....buy one that will last you for years...

im in the process of buying a house and the first room I furnish will be my weight room....

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Min

When I hit that need, honestly, I took the video taped exercise routines. They got me where I needed to be to firm up. I didn't really need the bulk just to lose some bulge. As corny as it might sounds, the only piece of 'equipment' that showed results was the Ab-Isolator. That with a yoga routine, had me quite fit.

newtx

I have broken my left hand and discovered I can't grip freeweights. However I can still use the bowflex. Still think you would be better off with both.