Looking to set up a fitness room & plan

Blitz1776

Member
Jun 18, 2010
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I figure I should preface this with a little about me and my goals. I'm currently 23 and 5' 8" and weigh around 210 (appearance wise look closer to 170-180). I'm actually not looking to lose weight, although I won't complain if that happens :p. I'm mostly looking to get fit and build some muscle mass (reasonable amount, I understand that effort = results), I prefer a more balanced of approach of having both a strong upper and lower body. Last of all I have read the sticky about fat loss, and am in the process of reading over the strong lifts and starting strengths.

The area I would like to use for my workout room is (Length: 12 FT, Width 15.5 Ft, Height: 89 Inches) (subtract about 1 foot from the length & width, due to a counter running around it), plus there's some doorways, that may subtract some more room. If it proves to be a problem I can move it to the garage although I rather not. Below is the equipment I think I need, and ones I'm not sure about. I would like to keep total expenses under 1k, but if there's a good reason I am willing to listen.

Needed Equipment:

Power Rack (~450$): Marcy 3800 (Seems like a good set, plus it comes with a incline/decline chair & a dip station. Only problem is it's rather tall and while I'm sure I can do a chin up safely, I'm not sure if I can do a pull up without hitting head on ceiling it will be close. I will need to see in store and measure it to be sure)

Barbell Set: (~200$): Fitness Gear 300lb set (From reviews seem to be good, and people said quality was surprisingly good)

Possibly Needed:

Leg Attachment (~100): They've got an attachment for the power rack, to add a leg attachment for the various exercises or sit-ups. It looks like it would be a worthwhile attachment.

Dumbbells (?): Are they worth it or just plain redundant I'm not really sure. Along with that question, are adjustible dumbells good, or should I avoid. If they are worth it I'll take any recommendations into considerations)

Kettlebells: Kinda in the same vein as a Dumbbell

Medicine Balls: Kinda in the same vein as a Dumbbell

Workout Plan:

Honestly I'm not entirely sure. That was the other thing I was seriously looking help for, including any extra exercises, stretches etc. If I were making a best guess from what I understand. I was thinking a 5 days a week workout being best with 20-30 minute sessions. 3 of those days I figure would be Weight lifting (with 2 being upper central, and 1 being lower body), and the other 2 days would be geared toward aerobic activities, running etc.

Closing Thoughts

I do plan on having my more athletic friends, show me the ropes on performing proper technique & form, once I get further along. Since I feel that is the most important thing to improving myself, without hurting oneself.

Food wise: I still need to change my diet more but one nagging curiosity I have is concerning protein shakes & hunger. How recommended is it to drink that stuff, I've got no problem if it is seriously beneficial. My only qualm really is at least with diet shakes and the stuff, there never really filling. From what I gather from reading the sticky I need to eat more soluble fiber to help.

In closing I'm very thankful to the community for any help they can provide, and really apologize for the long winded post, but I wanted to do my best expressing my thoughts & concerns.
 
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HNNstyle

Senior member
Oct 6, 2011
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If you want to save money, get this and a bench. I've never tried these before because I have a membership to a gym. I'm also the same size and weight you are but I look overweight. Want to make it a competition to who reaches their goals first? Just trying to keep myself motivated. I've been slacking for the last month and a half.
 

Blitz1776

Member
Jun 18, 2010
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Quick update on my attempts to secure the equipment. I was going along with my original purchase plan, but that failed miserably. Apparently at least at the Dick's sporting goods I headed to they didn't have the power rack, though they were willing to ship it to me for the kind price of 160-170 dollars :eek:. Same deal concerning there "free shipping" promo, it doesn't apply although it's listed as applicable. Still makes me sad since it seemed like it was best in class compared to the others.

So new plan I think is to pick up the Powerline PPR200X (around 300-350), find a decent incline decline chair so far leaning toward XMark Fitness FID. Only major drawback is I lose the dip bar.
 

brad310

Senior member
Nov 14, 2007
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even though it costs a little more, take a look as the R-3 'westside' rack from rogue fitness. I have a narrow space as well and it has been an awesome rack. The S-series are squat racks that can function as a power rack, cost a little less.

im quite certain it'll be the last peice of exercise equipment i'll ever want.
 

Blitz1776

Member
Jun 18, 2010
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Figure it's about time for a new update. I didn't really get alot of input before I made my decision (though that power rack does look neat), but I feel pretty safe in it overall. I went and bought a Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System (MD 9010G). In addition I also bought the 300 lb weights set, and some foam mats (kinda forgot about that :$) since I have laminate flooring. All in all total cost came to 1165.99. Also of a major boon due to me negotiating a bit, they allowed me to have there cyber monday deal from yesterday, which was a free delivery and installation. After seeing the schematics (eyes bulged out) on putting that together I'm quite happy with the price.

Machine: 799.99
Weight Set: 200
Foam Mats: 50x2=100
Rest Taxes

It was a bit more pricy for my budget than I originally thought, but I figured the extra 250-300 I'm spending is made up by the extra features. Although I do lose the pull up bar, I'll just buy something later at some point in time. It is still possible to do free weights on this machine, from what the store guy showed me, I just have the option of using the smith machine function.

About the only thing that's left really is to get help setting up the fitness plan, since the machine won't be here till Dec 17. Also would be nice to hear peoples opinion on my purchase.
 

brad310

Senior member
Nov 14, 2007
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a power rack is the best thing you can buy. a smith machine is probably the worst. you lose all the stabilizing muscles, and will injure yourself when the weight moves up because the barpath is predefined and you have to twist the bar to rack it. I know this because it took me about 9 months to recover from a wrist injury i got working on a smith machine. once i started reading up on it, it all made sense. im not going to beat you up over the purchase...many people seem happy in them, just be aware of the injury potential.


people talk about the smith being safer to workout alone with...i have that R-3 rack and it comes with a pin/pipe system with 1/2 hole spacing in the bench area. You can place the pins above your neck, but below your chest, and if you fail they're there. Better than any spotter could ever be. If you bench at max or close to max in a smith, you've got to work the forearms and wrists very awkwardly to get it racked. The heavier it is, the harder it is.
 

Blitz1776

Member
Jun 18, 2010
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Right, I at least planned on using free weights vs the smith machine part, it has the option for it still (barbell is removable and it can be used on the front with catches, although now that I think about it, didn't ask if that was for squats also.
 
May 13, 2009
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:confused:smith machine:confused:

Cancel that thing quick.

I just ordered my Powerline PPR200X $320 shipped. I have 300lb olympic weight set and will hit up craigslist if I need more. Gonna find a bench for about $100 and I'm set. Squat, Deads, and Bench at home. Run at the local park. Pickup basketball games at the local park as well.
 
Sep 29, 2004
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Barbell set: $150 .... get something on craigslist.

I don't think you need any of those "possibly needed" things if you have a rack. You can always getthat stuff later and if you do, you'd probably need higher end stuff at that time anyway.

Stronglifts is 3 days a week. You can run on the 3 off days. But give yourself on full day off once a week. And if you miss a run here and there it is better for recovery from weight training. Don't run more than 30 minutes and have whey immediately afterwards!

If you do stronglifts and do exactly as he says, you will probably know form and practice it better than your friends. The reason stronglifts starts with light weights is to help you gain the muscle memory for proper form. You will know 2 months into the program that you just F'ed up a lift.

Whey shakes: As you get into heavier and heavier weights it will become more and more important. I weigh 200 pounds and just make sure that I get 100 grams or more of protein in a day. Usually means meat for dinner. Eggsfor breakfast and 2-3 shakes. I'm getting into heavier weights now and do more whey. You need protein to prevent your body from breaking down muscle for energy.

Craigslist: Get the weights there. You can get a low end rack/bench there easily too. Good benches seem to appear. I ahve et to find a cage to my liking. Been looking for a cage for 6 months now. Might just have to pay for what you want cage wise.
 
Sep 29, 2004
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If you want to save money, get this and a bench. I've never tried these before because I have a membership to a gym. I'm also the same size and weight you are but I look overweight. Want to make it a competition to who reaches their goals first? Just trying to keep myself motivated. I've been slacking for the last month and a half.

Put your 2012 goals into the OFFICAL 2011 results/2012 goals thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2209009
 
Sep 29, 2004
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Blitz,

Unless I have the wrong image of that smith machine you ordered, I highly agree with others. Cancel the order now.

I am looking into cages. Might have to get one sooner than planned. Go to the bodybuilding.com forums. They have an equipment section with a few stickies. Read the FAQ. Then go through the cage thread that is stickied.

When I get my cage, I intend to ask that forum for some advice.

My cage wants:
REQ:
2" hole spacing (or better) through bench area
pull up bar (1 and 2" monkey bar preferred butthose are typcially on more expensive cages)
Built like a brick shithouse (could save my life one day)

WANT:
Dip Station
Lat Pull Down (kinda pointless with a pull up bar but it can do other things)

For a bench, I want an incline/decline bench that is rock solid and rated high for weight capacity. Another brick shithouse type of bench.

All for the lowest cost.
 
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brad310

Senior member
Nov 14, 2007
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My cage wants:
REQ:
2" hole spacing (or better) through bench area
pull up bar (1 and 2" monkey bar preferred butthose are typcially on more expensive cages)
Built like a brick shithouse (could save my life one day)

WANT:
Dip Station
Lat Pull Down (kinda pointless with a pull up bar but it can do other things)
i'll point you towards the rogue fitness R-3 or R-4. it has a dip add on (extra of course), plate storage add ons, and a pullup bar at the top.

http://www.roguefitness.com/racks-ghds-equipment/racks-platforms.php

You're on your own for the bench.
 

brad310

Senior member
Nov 14, 2007
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The r3 is on the candidate list. Not sure about r4

i bought the r-3, bumpers, bar, and plate storage from them. i couldnt be happier. i also took a silver sharpie and numbered the holes to make it easier to line up the j-cups and pins.

If you like it, just be aware that you will need to get a hammer drill and predrill two 3/8th inch holes for each foot...and anchor it down with concrete wedge anchors. I rented one from home depot for about $40. It doesnt take much time, but you have to do it. Its solid as as it can be...the only assembly is to connect the pullup bar to both siderails...which are all one peice and very heavy.
 
Sep 29, 2004
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I have to see if the R3 fits in my basement. 7' 6" high, correct?

Next basement will have 8' ceilings (I hope) so it should be a non issue there.

Went over to bodybuidling.com. That R3 is pretty popular. I took a peak at the R4 and have no interest in it.

What is the deal with those 5/8" pins though. Are they more reliable than they sound? The 1" spacing sounds really nice!
 

brad310

Senior member
Nov 14, 2007
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What is the deal with those 5/8" pins though. Are they more reliable than they sound?
Not sure what you mean. The safety pins - are they reliable? Umm ya. i do shrugs with 405 on them and they're not bent. I bench 240 and have no problem failing a rep and relaxing my chest and sliding out from under it.

The pipes are there to slide back and forth so the pins wont back out.

What makes you say they dont sound reliable?
 
Sep 29, 2004
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The R3 documentation does not talk about the pins. They are not big. I can understand how a 1" bar going through the up rights can hold weight. The pin just seems scrawny.

Anyway ... I think I am getting the Texas Strength Systems power rack. Just noticed you can get it unpainted and save $300 on this $735 rack.

1" hole spacing top to bottom and has options for everything I want including a monkey bar with 1" and 2" bar for pullups.

Like it so much I might order this weekend. They also talk about the pins. Very strong!

http://www.texasstrengthsystems.com/powerracks.html