Home gym equipment

[sbornia]

Hi all, we’re looking into home gym equipment like a multifunction rack with integrated weights, bench, pulleys, etc. Something that will fit into limited space and accommodate a variety of strength training exercises. Any recommendations for brands to consider or avoid? Thanks!

[Peter Polack]

While I can't recommend a specific brand/model, I will say keep your eyes peeled on Facebook Marketplace and craigslist. There ALWAYS are people unloading good equipment
that's become a dust collector. For instance, in my area there is currently a Bowflex gym on craigslist for $350, and a Parabody CM3 for $150. Looks like new units from Marcy,
for example, are starting at $750.

[Mabouya]

Unless you really don't want to pay much because you aren't sure if you're going to turn it into a clothes rack, I'd suggest avoiding the low-end stuff.

A few years ago I got an inexpensive captain's chair to do leg lifts, and in retrospect I should have spent more. The frame squeaks like crazy when you're using it, flexes excessively, and it drives me nuts. These days I use a good one in a "real" gym, otherwise I would have replaced mine with a better one. I would think that for more complicated machines with cables and pulleys that could be an even bigger issue.

Bottom line: Unless you're getting true commercial gym quality equipment, it's a good idea to try it out first. Simplest way to do that is to buy used locally. (or splurge and get the $$$$ stuff delivered)

Good Luck

[claritycycler]

... keep your eyes peeled on Facebook Marketplace and craigslist. There ALWAYS are people unloading good equipment...

Yes, 100%

[Too Tall]

Hi all, we’re looking into home gym equipment like a multifunction rack with integrated weights, bench, pulleys, etc. Something that will fit into limited space and accommodate a variety of strength training exercises. Any recommendations for brands to consider or avoid? Thanks!

Check out Rogue brand. I've found everything to be flawless.

[ldamelio]

I've been happy with the Inspire M3 with the optional leg press apparatus. Had it for about 12 years, appears they've been updated slightly.

[sbornia]

Thanks everyone! After my original post, I realized that better questions are probably, "What kind of strength training results do we want to get from our workouts?" and t "What's the optimal use of a small home gym space to achieve those results?" And of course, "How much old bike gear and household crap do I have to get rid of to make room for gym equipment?"

So I'm going to figure out the answers to those questions before I buy anything.

[Too Tall]

Thanks everyone! After my original post, I realized that better questions are probably, "What kind of strength training results do we want to get from our workouts?" and t "What's the optimal use of a small home gym space to achieve those results?" And of course, "How much old bike gear and household crap do I have to get rid of to make room for gym equipment?"

So I'm going to figure out the answers to those questions before I buy anything.

I'll take a crack at it based on a roll of the dice. Consider one simple olympic bar bell and a few plates. With that you could do: dead lifts, squats, overhead press or combine things in something like the Bear Complex. That takes very little room and the investment is tiny'ish.

[bigbill]

I've got a 25 and 30 pound kettlebell, a two handled sandbag that can be up to 80# depending on how many smaller internal bags I fill, Swiss ball, Bosu, and a pull-up rack bolted to the garage wall. I do 15-20 minutes after or before rides. I have always been one to quickly pack on muscle, but that's not what I want these days, so I do many reps with light weights. I have a home office where I do my grad school work (yes, I'm back in grad school for another MA). It also has my KICKR, Climb, and Ti Fierte on a 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" MDF. My kettlebells are on the MDF along with stretching straps.

[sbornia]

I'll take a crack at it based on a roll of the dice. Consider one simple olympic bar bell and a few plates. With that you could do: dead lifts, squats, overhead press or combine things in something like the Bear Complex. That takes very little room and the investment is tiny'ish.

This reminds me of my grandfather's house in the '70-80s...he was a former Olympic weightlifter (Berlin 1936) and professional wrestler (it was fake back then, too) and had a very pragmatic setup in his basement. Stacked around the squat rack were piles of old bodybuilding magazines, archived AAU paperwork, and boxes of probably-stale protein bars. I have to dig up the old photo of his Olympic squad, but here's one of him solo. I have a high bar to meet!