SofaKingA

I just moved to a new city. I had to leave my weight bench and weights in my previous residence bc it would have cost more to transport it than to buy a new one...I thought. I looked around for a cheap weight bench and I cant find one. By cheap I mean reeeeal cheap. Like around 50 bucks like my last one. Im not into fancy equipment. The cheapest bench I could find was $199!! I thought it was outrageous. I just want to start lifting again. Its been almost a month and Im starting to feel like a lazy ass. Oh yeah, I also dont want to buy a gym membership, the whole point is to save money. I might just have to get some dumbbells and do what I can. Thanks

Sage

I don't know the kind of weight you're working with, but I find that a Swiss Ball can work well as a weight bench- even better because you're training your sense of balance at the same time. It's also good for stretching and ab work, and it's CHEAP- I got my heavy duty swiss ball at Wal-mart for... $15 maybe?

If you feel like you must have a weight bench, I don't see them being really hard to make with some plywood and batting (padding) and pleather. However, not having done this myself, I can't say for sure.

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Ch'i

I am very familiar with this dilema, as I've gone through it myself. You have two options.

The first:
Everytime I weight lift there is only one actual piece of equipment needed to work the major muscle groups, a dumbbell. The cheaper ones should run from $50-100, maybe less.

The second:
Use your own body weight. You can design a workout program out of this. Though it won't serve to bulk you up, it will keep you lean and fit as a fiddle.

What is your goal, by the way? Trying to stay lean and fit, or trying to buff up?

PS: Always remember to couple your weight lifting with aerobic excercise; only lifting can cause detriment to your cardiovascular system.

jorgelito

Try craigslist - Really good deals there. Also,you can find dumbell sets for cheap on sale at sporting goods stores. Walmart would probably have it too even though I have never been to a Walmart as there are none anywhere near where I live.

SofaKingA

Thanks for the ideas. Ill check craigs list asap. I usually just check for funiture, never thought of weight equipment. I am trying to bulk a little. Im just wonder if I get the positive effects of creatine by only using my body weight... Ill also research the swiss ball. Can you really get bigger muscles or just tone with that thing?

Ch'i

Unfortunately the best way to bulk up is with a weight set. I'm sure you can find a bench for less than that; the one I have only cost $99.98 + the weights ($40). Got mine on sale though.

Craigslist sounds like a good idea.

Sage

I think that getting bigger muscles has more to do with the weight you're lifting than what you're sitting on. I just recommended it as a subsititute weight bench, because while you're doing your reps with the dumbbells, you're using stabilizing muscles in your body that don't normally get used- it's like swimming kinda, it hits all those little muscles that help your body along on a day to day basis.

I know that pilates uses just the ball and body weight to be "toned," but seeing as how you want to bulk up a bit I suggest dumbbells and sitting on the ball.

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thingstodo

There are also used sporting goods stores around. I think one group is called Play It Again or something like that. There are so many people that by excercise equipment and then never use it. That means there's hardly ever a time you need to purchase new stuff.

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dman2

check the local newspapers in the classifieds section under fitness equipment. I bet there is someone out there who bought a weight bench or equip that never uses it. I have also on occasion seen weights at yard sales. Don't just wait around for a weight bench, however, do push ups and other exercises with your own weight to keep active. I have several parks around me that have pull up bars,etc that I often use in my free time.

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I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing. ~Marsha Doble

SofaKingA

Thanks again, I think I need to search a little harder and in the right places for the weight bench. Ill check the local news papers, I think I might get that fitness ball anyway...