Recommend a beginners wieght bench

ThePresence

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
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A few months ago I decided to get back in shape. I went on the South Beach diet and lost 27 lbs, with a goal of 30. Now I want to start working out, I have no idea where to start or what kinda bench I should get. I do have an old set of weights with a bar if that helps.
 

JLGatsby

Banned
Sep 6, 2005
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Just get some of those running weights and run with them. Run for miles.

I think it's a big myth that you need all this fancy gym equipment.

You just need to run, with weights in your hands and on your ankles.
 

TheoPetro

Banned
Nov 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: JLGatsby
Just get some of those running weights and run with them. Run for miles.

I think it's a big myth that you need all this fancy gym equipment.

You just need to run, with weights in your hands and on your ankles.

dont do this. dont run with them on or walk with them on. you are supposed to use ankle weights for short workouts only. aka leg lifts and the like. using them while running or walking will actually hurt your body.

anyone giving this kind of advice obviously doesnt know sh!t about what there talking about.

if you want proof look it up im feeling lazy.
 

TheoPetro

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Nov 30, 2004
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to answer your question about what bench to get there really all quite the same. no need to go overboard on the thing i mean after all its a bench.

what you do need to look for is something that isnt too wide for your back or too narrow (should fit comfortable and be able to go through the full motion without it interfearing) and make sure its long enough. when you are benching the bar should be above your chest not your neck or head.
 

JLGatsby

Banned
Sep 6, 2005
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Originally posted by: TheoPetro
dont do this. dont run with them on or walk with them on. you are supposed to use ankle weights for short workouts only. aka leg lifts and the like. using them while running or walking will actually hurt your body.

anyone giving this kind of advice obviously doesnt know sh!t about what there talking about.

if you want proof look it up im feeling lazy.

I've never heard that. I don't think it will hurt your body unless you use a ton of weight and you're fragile.
 

sniperruff

Lifer
Apr 17, 2002
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Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
This one?

It's endorsed by...you know. That guy.

"Try the Total Gym XL in your home for 30 days for only $49.95.
If you decide to keep the Total Gym XL, you?ll be billed 16 additional payments of $99.90."

f'kin insane.
 

TheoPetro

Banned
Nov 30, 2004
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no it throws off your natural stride thus making injuries much easier (especially with running) it has nothing to do with being fragile.

Edit: also they cause alot of unneeded stress on the joints and ligaments making them easier to injure

Edit 2: it doesnt take a ton of weight to injure yourself either so your thinking of "unless you use a ton of weight" is completely wrong. even small 5-8lb weights will throw you off completely while running. also all of that weight is concentrated on your joints (either wrist or ankle) and by the end of a run you will have put a decent amount of weight stressing that joint for a decent amount of time. that != good bud.
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
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Originally posted by: JLGatsby
Just get some of those running weights and run with them. Run for miles.

I think it's a big myth that you need all this fancy gym equipment.

You just need to run, with weights in your hands and on your ankles.

I think it's a myth that you know anything about working out. You'll end up hurting yourself if you run with weights.
 

Sentinel

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2000
3,714
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Start out slow, use your old weights until you are ready to get something bigger and better.

Don't do this exercise without a spotter: Text
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
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Originally posted by: sniperruff
Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
This one?

It's endorsed by...you know. That guy.

"Try the Total Gym XL in your home for 30 days for only $49.95.
If you decide to keep the Total Gym XL, you?ll be billed 16 additional payments of $99.90."

f'kin insane.

What the ******? Walgreens sells those things for like $200. Wait! I know. The one in the link must be autographed and numbered. But wait, that would be a steal at $1600. Sign me up for 3!
 

GML3G0

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2005
1,356
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Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: sniperruff
Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
This one?

It's endorsed by...you know. That guy.

"Try the Total Gym XL in your home for 30 days for only $49.95.
If you decide to keep the Total Gym XL, you?ll be billed 16 additional payments of $99.90."

f'kin insane.

What the ******? Walgreens sells those things for like $200. Wait! I know. The one in the link must be autographed and numbered. But wait, that would be a steal at $1600. Sign me up for 3!

If Chuck Norris says it's good, then it must be good.
 
Jan 24, 2005
168
0
0
ThePresence, it all depends on your fitness goals. What do you want to do? Get big like Hulk Hogan? Run like the wind? It will make a difference on how you should start out your workout regime. If you just want to get generally fit, there are plenty of calisthenics that you could do without buying any expensive and potentially dust collecting equipment. If you want to build your physique there is no substitute for free weights, a good workout partner, and membership at a good gym. If you are set on getting some equipment and doing light workouts at home I would recommend an inclinable/declinable flat bench, a pull up bar, and some basic dumbbells. Less expensive and better results than any trendy infomercial brand stuff.

Oh yeah, and Chuck Norris rulz!
 

ThePresence

Elite Member
Nov 19, 2001
27,727
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Originally posted by: concernedsophist
ThePresence, it all depends on your fitness goals. What do you want to do? Get big like Hulk Hogan? Run like the wind? It will make a difference on how you should start out your workout regime. If you just want to get generally fit, there are plenty of calisthenics that you could do without buying any expensive and potentially dust collecting equipment. If you want to build your physique there is no substitute for free weights, a good workout partner, and membership at a good gym. If you are set on getting some equipment and doing light workouts at home I would recommend an inclinable/declinable flat bench, a pull up bar, and some basic dumbbells. Less expensive and better results than any trendy infomercial brand stuff.

Oh yeah, and Chuck Norris rulz!
Just want to tone the abs and pecs some.
I have no interest in joining a gym, I'd rather invest in some equipment of my own.
Appreciate your input.
 

GML3G0

Golden Member
Jan 1, 2005
1,356
0
0
Throwdowns

Have a partner throw your legs back down as you're doing this, and try not to let your feet touch the floor. You can also have them alternate between throwing your feet back down to the front, left, and right.

Get a bench and some free weights and do some flies or flat/incline/decline presses for your pecs.

Do some pullups for your back. The wider the grip, the wider the back.

And don't forget about your forearms/grip.
 

mrrman

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2004
8,497
3
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I have a Bowflex at home at there is no comparison....the rods on the walmart/sears units are not made of the same material, they are less rigid. They look cheap and do not let you perform all the same exercises as the Bowflex. I was going to buy one before until I saw it and I said forget it.
 

NuclearNed

Raconteur
May 18, 2001
7,882
380
126
Are you looking for a weight bench or a home gym? Some of the replies in this thread are for home gyms.

If you are looking for a weight bench, I would look for one with 3 different things: 1) most importantly, it has to be very sturdy, 2) it has to incline, and 3) it has to decline.

You don't have to sink a lot of money in a bench to get one that will satisfy all 3 requirements. Then you can spend as much money as you want on bars & plates.