Home gym setup for a small apartment

[Brainonska511]

I know it's cliche to want to hit the gym in the new year, but for the past few months, I've been looking into being less of a lump and getting back into shape. My goal isn't to build a ton of muscle - just to have something to do regularly to stay in shape.

For some perspective on my gym habits: I used to go to hit it regularly in college, but I found the biggest hurdle was proximity to my home; the further I moved from campus, the less likely I was to hit the gym. Now (many years later) where I am located, the closest gyms are only personal or group trainers or rock climbing, and are thus kind of expensive. It seems like an adjustable bench and a pair of adjustable dumbbells would be a good way to be able to do the exercises I want to do, while also not taking up too much space, since they could be put in a corner when not in use in my apartment.

Does anyone have any recommendations for benches or adjustable dumbbells? From what I've seen, the Core Fitness 5-50lb pair seem to be pretty highly rated, but I'm not sure about benches. I'm probably looking to keep it under $450/500. I know 50 lbs may not be enough in the long run for bench presses, but I do remember around the time I stopped going to the gym, I was probably benching 55-60 lb dumbbells/arm, so a 5-50lb set should hold me over for some time.

 

[deadlyapp]

Most of the adjustable, select a weight dumbells I see are unwieldy and clunky in my opinion and difficult to use for more varied movements. If you don't want individual dumbells, I'd go with something like the rogue dumbell grips and plates to get to the weights you want. Titan fit, again faster, and there are some other brands with similar things.

If you're set on a bench (which imo isn't really that necessary) then really any of them should suit you fine but spending the extra coin and getting an adjustable one (for incline, etc) is a great idea.

I'd also think about getting a couple of kettlebells. One of the most underrated pieces of equipment out there and can be used for tons of things.

 

[CalebRockeT]

I'd also think about getting a couple of kettlebells. One of the most underrated pieces of equipment out there and can be used for tons of things.

Unfortunately, I don't have any recommendations for dumbells or a bench, but I would recommend a couple kettlebells as well. You could start out with a single 16kg/35lb kettlebell, learn some movements and see if you like it before committing to the kettlebell culture. Calisthenics/body weight exercises are also great to get the ball rolling and can even be scaled up for difficulty/progression, if you want to take them more seriously.

Kudos to you for setting out to better your health and fitness in the coming year, no matter what you decide to do. Best of luck in your journey!

 

[Brainonska511]

Most of the adjustable, select a weight dumbells I see are unwieldy and clunky in my opinion and difficult to use for more varied movements. If you don't want individual dumbells, I'd go with something like the rogue dumbell grips and plates to get to the weights you want. Titan fit, again faster, and there are some other brands with similar things.

I'd seen that mentioned previously when I was looking - many adjustable ones have fixed lengths, which can make them kind of weird on the low end. The one I was considering (from Core Fitness) at least gets shorter at lighter weights. Dumbbell grips with a few weight plates also seem like a decent option compared with an adjustable dumbbell.

I hadn't considered kettlebells before, but it's probably because I was just familiar with the exercises you can do with dumbbells thanks to a weight training class I took in college.

 

[mike8675309]

Do bodyweight exercises for at least a month before you decide to get equipment in your apartment. Simple calisthenics and even yoga on a regular basis before you buy stuff. Once you prove to yourself you are going to actually use the equipment then figure out what to get. A bench, and one of those multi-weight dumbell systems can take you a long way. If you get to where you want more than that, you might as well join a local gym.

 

[tracerbullet]

I like that idea of doing body weight stuff for a while as a test.

I have a gym where I work and take classes there, and have been pretty happy w/ the workout I get just w/ a handfull of kettlebells and dumbbells. So if you do get some equipment, you might not even need a bench? Not for a while, anyhow.

 

[Brainonska511]

I like that idea of doing body weight stuff for a while as a test.

I have a gym where I work and take classes there, and have been pretty happy w/ the workout I get just w/ a handfull of kettlebells and dumbbells. So if you do get some equipment, you might not even need a bench? Not for a while, anyhow.

Yes, definitely going to do body weight stuff for a bit. It's a bad time at the beginning of the year to buy equipment anyway.

 

[dasherHampton]

I've had a Total Gym for about 5 years now. I use it on and off. You can replicate pretty much any resistance exercise on that thing. If you're not looking to get bulked up it works great.

I bought it on Amazon. iirc it was on sale for like $400.

There are some Total gyms that let you add weight but I think they're more expensive.

 

[JEDIYoda]

You really cannot go wrong havinga gym in your home! here is my home gym --

 

[sdifox]

You really cannot go wrong havinga gym in your home! here is my home gym -- View attachment 15331

That's his whole apartment lol

 

[Brainonska511]

You really cannot go wrong havinga gym in your home! here is my home gym -- View attachment 15331

That's his whole apartment lol

Indeed! Our 2 bedroom apartment isn't tiny (maybe 1000 sqft), but it definitely couldn't handle something of that size, lol.

 

[purbeast0]

Not to be a dick, but from your post it sounds to me like you have already made excuses for not working out. You are saying it's too far for you to go, when in reality, it's not. If you really wanted to, you could get there and do it. Then you say it's too expensive because they are smaller or something. If you really wanted to workout, you would just pay it.

I'd be willing to bet even if you did have stuff at home you wouldn't stick with it.

If you used to workout in a gym, then you know that having a few dumbells and a bench isn't going to really be that useful. Good luck working out your legs, back, traps, and any real chest exercises with that. You will be pretty limited with tricep exercises too.

IMO money/time is better spent paying for a gym membership in your scenario.

 

[QueBert]

Love my 8 pound Burn Machine. Tiny and probably gives me the hardest workout in the shortest time. Might sound gimmicky when you first see it. But watch some YT videos. It's only for upper body but it's still one of my favorite workout things I own.

 

[deadlyapp]

Love my 8 pound Burn Machine. Tiny and probably gives me the hardest workout in the shortest time. Might sound gimmicky when you first see it. But watch some YT videos. It's only for upper body but it's still one of my favorite workout things I own.

Fine and dandy but you'll never develop actual strength with something like that. High volume /=/ power output and progressive overload.

 

[triumphfitness]

short folding back wall mount rack is ideal for you with liminted space and adjustable bench quite good for home fitness

 

[RPD]

The best (imo) adjustable dumbells are these guys - https://powerblock.com/product/elite-series/
They are expensive but they are easy to change weights and with expanders go up to 90lbs each.