Home gym...Bowflex vs. Soloflex
 

I Just moved to a new town....just a bit too far from the old gym Am considering a home gym to get in some circuit training to complement my attempts at improving my general health picture.

Any comments for or against either of these? Any Better suggestions?

go with free weights. a bench with a lat bar, or a more elaborate bench system. free weights will be much better for you than a bowflex type deal.

i agree, most people buy those things and never use them after a month.
dont fall into that trap, save your money.
get a few free weights, a swiss ball (50$ max)., and look for a book that has exercises you can do with the swiss ball

I picked up a home Smith Rack built by Yukon. It was the best home gym investment I ever made, especially for squats and self spotting bench & shoulders. Also check on that crazy fitness guy's site (the one who logged his picture every day). I forget his name but someone here definitely will know who I'm talking about. He has a very nice home gym and links to where he purchased it.

Agreed, Freeweights > all.


Edit: John Stone is the guys name I think.

I second the swiss ball recommendation. Very inexpensive, and there are plenty of exercises using them that many bodybuilders couldn't do 10 reps of.

It is John Stone .. http://www.johnstonefitness.com/

Best... Site... Evar...

I agree on the machines.... there's nothing like free weights! I picked up a flat/incline/decline bench for ~$200 and then spent $600 for Power Blocks.

http://www.powerblock.com/frame.html

I can't say enough good about them. Just one stand, one set of handles and I've got from 5 to 90 lbs. You can start with a 45 lbs set and add on. they come in 45, 90 (what I have) and 125 lbs. You can even add on bars. It tales about 2 sq. ft. of floor space. The only thing you can't do is put one between your feet for leg curls. Otherwise, wow!

I also have a swiss ball which is good for all sorts of things including several dumb bell routines.