Best home weight equipment to buy on a small budget?

[seanmulvy83 0]

Hey guys, I want to do more working out on my own at my house because we don't work out as a team very much.

I only want to spend $300 or so. I'm thinking a dumb bell set would be the best thing to get. But can you get them for that cheap? I know the Bow Flex select tech (adjustable) weights cost about $300. Has anyone used those?

What would you guys recommend I get?

[althoma1 575]

If you can find a machine called a Nitroflex locally that could be a good start. It's a home gym that was made by Fitness Quest and used to sell on infomercials years ago for around $600 and was then discontinued and cleared out for a lower price. I've seen them pop up on craigslist and Kijiji locally for $50-$150. It's compact and uses a nitrogen cell for resistance. It's good for working out on your own without a spotter because you set the weight level and if you let it go it won't go below that level - there's no chance of dropping a weight on yourself so you can work your muscles to exhaustion without having a spotter.

The weight is also very consistent. I have tried the Bowflex and other band systems at my relatives and I find those weights aren't as consistent (plus those are much more expensive).

Now, one drawback is it only goes up to 250lbs for pushing exercises (bench press, squats ect.) and 200lbs for pulling. It's definitely a great machine for the price you can find them at now though.

Here is what it looks like:

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[Leb_CRX 0]

I was in the same boat before looking for weights and I found that on local used sites (kijiji, craigslist, etc) people sell that stuff dirt cheap...seems like they can't give it away fast enough lol

if you plan on keeping them for a long time hold out and look for olympic weights, don't buy the cheap stuff...if you pick it up at a good price, odds are you will be able to sell it for almost the same price if not more later on

[goblue9280 33]

Go with powerblocks over the bowflex select tech. That's what I did after heavy research... the bowflex have very poor ratings.

[iceNsteel 0]

You can usually find Olympic weight racks, plates, and bar bells on sites like craig's list for pretty cheap. This time of year is really good, a lot of the new year's "resolutionaries" are abandoning their fitness resolutions and trying to dump fitness equipment. Though honestly I'd just join a gym. Keep a little cash in your pocket and have access to anything you could ever need for training.

[Tailboard Jockey 25]

A 35 lb. kettlebell.

[seanmulvy83 0]

If you can find a machine called a Nitroflex locally that could be a good start. It's a home gym that was made by Fitness Quest and used to sell on infomercials years ago for around $600 and was then discontinued and cleared out for a lower price. I've seen them pop up on craigslist and Kijiji locally for $50-$150. It's compact and uses a nitrogen cell for resistance. It's good for working out on your own without a spotter because you set the weight level and if you let it go it won't go below that level - there's no chance of dropping a weight on yourself so you can work your muscles to exhaustion without having a spotter.

The weight is also very consistent. I have tried the Bowflex and other band systems at my relatives and I find those weights aren't as consistent (plus those are much more expensive).

Now, one drawback is it only goes up to 250lbs for pushing exercises (bench press, squats ect.) and 200lbs for pulling. It's definitely a great machine for the price you can find them at now though.

Here is what it looks like:

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I was in the same boat before looking for weights and I found that on local used sites (kijiji, craigslist, etc) people sell that stuff dirt cheap...seems like they can't give it away fast enough lol

if you plan on keeping them for a long time hold out and look for olympic weights, don't buy the cheap stuff...if you pick it up at a good price, odds are you will be able to sell it for almost the same price if not more later on

You can usually find Olympic weight racks, plates, and bar bells on sites like craig's list for pretty cheap. This time of year is really good, a lot of the new year's "resolutionaries" are abandoning their fitness resolutions and trying to dump fitness equipment. Though honestly I'd just join a gym. Keep a little cash in your pocket and have access to anything you could ever need for training.

Thanks for the help, I couldn't find a nitroflex anywhere in the area :/. Don't know why I didn't think to check craigslist lol, I did find a nice set of olympic weights: http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/spo/2829660969.html My only dilemma is dumbells, would I just get a shorter bar (like a bar for a bench) that's handsized then attach weights to it to make dumbells? Also.. I don't have a bench so I'd have to get one of those...

We have a family membership to Lifetime and the local rec center but I'm just turning 16 and getting my license this summer and probably won't have a car to get over there during the summer. I've used the rec center like 5 times this year for roller hockey lol, and I've probably gone to Lifetime twice in the entire time we've had the membership

[Leb_CRX 0]

Thanks for the help, I couldn't find a nitroflex anywhere in the area :/. Don't know why I didn't think to check craigslist lol, I did find a nice set of olympic weights: http://detroit.craig...2829660969.html My only dilemma is dumbells, would I just get a shorter bar (like a bar for a bench) that's handsized then attach weights to it to make dumbells? Also.. I don't have a bench so I'd have to get one of those...

We have a family membership to Lifetime and the local rec center but I'm just turning 16 and getting my license this summer and probably won't have a car to get over there during the summer. I've used the rec center like 5 times this year for roller hockey lol, and I've probably gone to Lifetime twice in the entire time we've had the membership

those weights are dirt cheap, good find!

you can use a short bar with a nut on ends (http://bestdumbbell....e-dumbbells.jpg), I personally find it really annoying to keep switching weights on them, but that's me

for the bench, see if you can get one that does flat/incline and has a rack for the barbell....just make sure if you're lifting hard, you have someone spotting you OR you don't put the clip at the end of the bar, if you get in trouble, tilt it to one side and drop the weights...it's not ideal, but it beats getting pinned and hurt

[skyscrape 5]

A 35 lb. kettlebell.

Then 53 and 16 lb'ers! Best investment takes up the least amount of room and can turn you into a balanced bad ass!!!

This is a good example of how to kick your own ass in 12:00!!!

[jds 20]

Holy shit! The 50 burpees alone would makeme puke. Circuit training with resistance is definitely a good conditioner. The only caveat as that as you fatigue your form gets sloppy and you need to watch you don't injure yourself.

[Katzenjammer 1]

You can usually find Olympic weight racks, plates, and bar bells on sites like craig's list for pretty cheap. This time of year is really good, a lot of the new year's "resolutionaries" are abandoning their fitness resolutions and trying to dump fitness equipment. Though honestly I'd just join a gym. Keep a little cash in your pocket and have access to anything you could ever need for training.

This.

On the other hand, you might consider this: a single set of $50 gym rings will give you a grueling - and I mean GRUELING - workout.

[Tommyj214 3]

Then 53 and 16 lb'ers! Best investment takes up the least amount of room and can turn you into a balanced bad ass!!!

This is a good example of how to kick your own ass in 12:00!!!

100% Agree with this.

Just google crossfit home gym. most links will give you everything you need to know about it and where to find low cost 2nd hand or even how to make your own equipment.

[IPv6Freely 2094]

Wow, that's insane.

So what would you guys recommend for somebody who has absolutely no level of fitness, no muscle mass, etc? It seems most of the posters have some experience with this stuff. Think ABSOLUTE BEGINNER. The fatass who wants to get in shape....

[forbs02 20]

Wow, that's insane.

So what would you guys recommend for somebody who has absolutely no level of fitness, no muscle mass, etc? It seems most of the posters have some experience with this stuff. Think ABSOLUTE BEGINNER. The fatass who wants to get in shape....

Just get some dumbbells and an exercise bike. You can do a lot of stuff using your own body weight as resistance. Push-ups, lunges, dips (modified), squats, etc. You should also do some cardio by walking/jogging or riding a bike. Once you get a fitness base you can look into getting into some heavier weights. As it gets easier you can use the dumbbells to make your workouts more challenging.

[IPv6Freely 2094]

Just get some dumbbells and an exercise bike. You can do a lot of stuff using your own body weight as resistance. Push-ups, lunges, dips (modified), squats, etc. You should also do some cardio by walking/jogging or riding a bike. Once you get a fitness base you can look into getting into some heavier weights. As it gets easier you can use the dumbbells to make your workouts more challenging.

Thanks, that helps a lot. I need to google how to do those things. I haven't exercised, aside from playing sports, since I was probably in 9th grade PE class.

As for dumbbells, should I get one of those "combo" kits, or just a bunch of individual freeweights?

Edit: nevermind, that's addressed above. I'll get some powerblocks.

Edit x2: Wow... so many options to choose from. http://www.powerbloc...t/usr/index.php I'm thinking the U-33 Stage II set or the Sport 5.0... opinions?

Edit x3: What max weight per hand should I be looking at? Sport 5.0 is 50lbs, Sport 2.4 is 24lbs... I'm not sure I'd need more than that any time soon...

[forbs02 20]

Woah! Those are expensive! I would just scope out craigslist and see if anyone is selling off some weights. Of course that will take up some space, so maybe the powerblocks would be better. If you are going to spend the money I'd go up to the 50 lbs. You can use them to do heavier stuff like deadlifts or rows. To put it into perspective I am a woman who is trying to get back into shape and right now I'm using 30 lbs on db bench...and I'm only 3 weeks in. You will gain strength quickly if you haven't lifted before, so you will want to make sure you have enough weight to challenge yourself.

You can also look into doing circuits as a workout. It is higher paced than a typical lifting workout and allows you to lift and get cardio at the same time. Throw a little extra cardio on top and you should drop weight pretty quickly.

[IPv6Freely 2094]

Woah! Those are expensive! I would just scope out craigslist and see if anyone is selling off some weights. Of course that will take up some space, so maybe the powerblocks would be better. If you are going to spend the money I'd go up to the 50 lbs. You can use them to do heavier stuff like deadlifts or rows. To put it into perspective I am a woman who is trying to get back into shape and right now I'm using 30 lbs on db bench...and I'm only 3 weeks in. You will gain strength quickly if you haven't lifted before, so you will want to make sure you have enough weight to challenge yourself.

You can also look into doing circuits as a workout. It is higher paced than a typical lifting workout and allows you to lift and get cardio at the same time. Throw a little extra cardio on top and you should drop weight pretty quickly.

Price isn't really an issue. If I had more room, I'd go for standard weights, but I think these are a better option for me.

I'll look into the other stuff you mentioned though... since i don't even know what "circuits" are. Thanks for the advice!

[mug25 2]

You guys are all crazy. THE RACK™ all the way!

http://www.rackworko...CFQpZ7AodKyAvWg

:tongue:

[jm47 0]

you don't need to spend a ton of money to get a good workout. get a pull up bar and a kettlebell and do some work.

[Chickennecker 0]

Get this book, 300lbs olympic barbell set and a cage(squat rack), all can be had easliy for $300 if you check craigslist. Learning the proper form for the basic "big lifts", slowly but steadly increase the weight you use 3x week, then start working in HIIT, hill sprints, and/or plyometrics 2-3x week, eat right and repeat. It sounds too simple, which it is, but the hard part is consistance.

[Stewie 721]

kettle bell, and you can always do the trick with the cut off wooden stick, drill a hole in the center, attach a weight, and twist up and down. In terms of increasing your fitness level, you can always download some free yoga lessons and do yoga exercises. It might not be very manly, but it gets me a good workout and better breathing.