Home gym

[mafia]

I'm looking to get back into working out. I currently cannot go to a gym because I am limited on time everyday because of work and other responsibilities. Volkswagen recently gave me a $500 Gift Card for the diesel scandal stuff. I'm thinking to buy myself a home-gym setup. I would like free weights and a bar so I can do bench press and squats. Does anyone have any recommendations on what to get?

Thank you!

 

[Kaido]

Well, just from my perspective, which isn't relevant at all to weights but maybe will spark some ideas - I like calisthenics & I don't have much room right now for exercise equipment, plus I'm busy & hate going to the gym anyway. Here's what I use:

1. Stepper: (cardio) $58 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016BUR7I

2. Pullup bar: $24 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EJMS6K

3. Yoga mat: I have carpet, but if you have hard floors, it'd be worth investing in either a thick padded yoga mat or a rug so you don't kill your joints & stuff if you're doing calisthenics on the ground (pushups, squats, etc.).

My buddy has a pretty sick dip station; there are tons of crazy power towers available like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/

The stepper looks dumb, but it will kick your rear haha. I use it when I watch TV (my Roku 3 has a remote control that lets you plug in any headphones wirelessly, so I can workout anytime I want but keep it quiet for the family). The pullup bar has a little hook you attach to the doorframe, so it's actually pretty strong. At my peak, I was 240 & it was able to hold me just fine without breaking my door. I have a space next to my bed that is carpeted where I do my pushups & stuff. Right now I just use a fold-up chair for doing dips & whatnot, no need for a fancy dip station at the present time.

If you like free weights, you might consider a kettleball or two (bonus of being more portable too). As far as benches & weights go, Stronglifts has some good info on safety regarding benching without a spotter:

http://stronglifts.com/bench-press/safety/

As well as an equipment buyer's guide:

http://stronglifts.com/home-gym-equipment-buyer-guide/

If you're exercising by yourself, there are tons of articles to read up on for solo workouts & how to do them safely:

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/training/routines/flying-solo-workout

Lots of weight guys here can chime in. I'm not on the calisthenics & cardio side of things, but those are nice tools too to start out with. Congrats on the start of your home gym!

 

[tortoise]

limited on time everyday because of work and other responsibilities

Just moderate cardio while watching television . . something you may actually perform, as compared to rationalizing excuses to avoid a more stressful regimen.

 

[Humpy]

Power rack, barbell, 300 lbs+ of weight and a bench. New will cost about a grand, you could maybe do used for $500.

For new I would get the following: Powerline PPR200X power rack, $400, call Fitness Factory.com and see about picking one up (or the Body Solid rack which is better and still inexpensive), they are in Chicago. Cap OB86B barbell, Amazon or Walmart ship to store, $150. Pick up a Cap 300lb weight set locally at Academy Sports or wherever, if it is less than $200, and sell the shitty bar it comes with, or it should be easy to find used weight plates in Chicago, $.50/lb. Order a flat bench from Rogue, $200. Get a couple Horse Stall mats from Tractor Supply for rubber flooring, $80.

There are other options but something similar to this is the minimum place to start for weight training safely at home.

Another reasonable $500 option is just a barbell and some bumper plates for deadlifts, front squats, power cleans, over head press, etc.