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rob13
26-05-06, 12:02 PM
anyone weight train at home?

Thinking of getting some stuff to setup a gym in the garage - ive had gym memberships and i just dont like gyms. Im always on my own and cant stand some of the posing types in there.

Not looking for exercise bike types etc, im looking at getting some freeweights bench etc for training.

Is it worth it?

DanDare
26-05-06, 12:07 PM
Definitely, I save a packet not having to pay for Gym fees.

I have a simple bench for dumbells and long bar.
Got a single garage so its a bit of a tight fit with the bike and missus cross trainer.

Space is the key.

Shinsei Jutsu
26-05-06, 12:08 PM
You can do plenty with a pair of dumbbells, but if you have the money then a set up is worth it if you have the motivation. Do you think you will be able to push yourself to get in there and do a good long workout? If you think you can then go for it.

If you are getting freeweights definately get the metal ones and not the plastic ones filled with cement, they are too big and bulky.

What are you aiming to achieve? Tone, Build, etc ???

rob13
26-05-06, 12:10 PM
Yes, I do and yes it's worth it. Never any excuse not to train, it's way cheaper if all you do is use weights etc, too. I train 3 times a week, run and ride my mountain bike, too. Try and do it with a friend though, it's much better with a spot, you can work harder and it's safer. You might also be able to split the cost? :-)

That was the problem - mates arent really into the gym so i didnt have a spotter. Someone recommended getting a power rack but theyre a bit cumbersome and expensive at the moment for what im wanting to set up.

Im looking to get a decent set of dumbells and a bench and using those in a variety of ways for each muscle group. Tone and strengthen being my priorities. Do i need to look at buying anything else?

Shinsei Jutsu
26-05-06, 12:14 PM
Get a bench and some dumb bells. Dumb bells are far safer than a barbell if you don't have a spotter. That will definately get you working and there isn't really any part of the upper body you can't work with a set of dumbbells.

DanDare
26-05-06, 12:20 PM
Get a bench and some dumb bells. Dumb bells are far safer than a barbell if you don't have a spotter. That will definately get you working and there isn't really any part of the upper body you can't work with a set of dumbbells.

Agree with that. I like benches that you can put extensions on for doing preacher curls with a curling bar, something like:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3023424/Trail/C%24cip%3D36237.Sports%2Band%2Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3 D36317.Home%2Bgym%2Bequipment%3EC%24cip%3D36319.We ight%2Blifting%2Band%2Bexercise%2Bbenches.htm

Although you don't need something that complicated if you just want a basic work out because there's loads you can do with just a bench and some dumb bells.

I agree with Lee, you don't need countless weight variations on your bench.
Most can replicated by dumbell technique.

That bench is similar to what I use.

K
26-05-06, 12:25 PM
I got a York home gym thingy. Mainly because I generally train by myself and yet still want to do things that really need a spotter if using free weights.

But space is the issue (apart from cost). If you can then get a bench that allows for some leg work too, like extensions n stuff. Don't just work the upper body would be my advice.

Shinsei Jutsu
26-05-06, 12:30 PM
Very true K, but legs are easier to work without a bench. You can do plenty of different types of lunges and squats with or without the dumb bells and get better effects than using an extension on a bench. Most of my leg exercises come from my martial arts, add some ankle weights and you get a great workout. I find the extensions on a bench aren't the best thing for a good workout.
But your definately right, work all your muscles and don't just stick to upperbody.

rob13
26-05-06, 12:36 PM
Id really like a set of the rubber hex dumbells but theyre very expensive. The larger cast ones can become a bit bulky when trying some exercises.

These 25kg dumbell sets arent heavy enough so ill have to get some more discs

tricky
26-05-06, 01:26 PM
I used to have a full set of weights and a bench in the garage.

It has three main drawbacks

1) In the winter its fecking cold, straining cold muscles is never good.
2) Garages tend to be full of other stuff such as motorbikes/lawnmowers/general crap, so finding enough space to train properly can be an issue.
3) as already pointed out, there is normaly nobody about to spot you.

I trained at home for about 10 years, as soon as I could afford to join a gym I did so and sold my bench and weights.

I still keep a pair of dumbells at home which still get used quite bit mind.

chazzyb
26-05-06, 01:31 PM
Train? Wassermatter with you guys, FFS? The only training you need is walking to the pub and then the pie shop on the way home! :P

UlsterSV
26-05-06, 01:34 PM
Get a bench and some dumb bells. Dumb bells are far safer than a barbell if you don't have a spotter. That will definately get you working and there isn't really any part of the upper body you can't work with a set of dumbbells.

Agree with that. I like benches that you can put extensions on for doing preacher curls with a curling bar, something like:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3023424/Trail/C%24cip%3D36237.Sports%2Band%2Bleisure%3EC%24cip%3 D36317.Home%2Bgym%2Bequipment%3EC%24cip%3D36319.We ight%2Blifting%2Band%2Bexercise%2Bbenches.htm

Although you don't need something that complicated if you just want a basic work out because there's loads you can do with just a bench and some dumb bells.

I have this!! Mine's slightly different, but basically the same thing.

You can do alot with dumbells but definitely get a barbell too which will allow you to bench press. I lift alone and have had no problems with the barbell so far. You'll soon know your limitations. And as for the garage being cold...too bloody right!! But nothing a wee 15 quid heater can't sort out :wink:

Ed
26-05-06, 01:34 PM
Running's for free :thumbsup:

tricky
26-05-06, 01:51 PM
Running's for free :thumbsup:

My legs stopped working properly when I turned 30.

When I was in my 20's I regularly ran between 5-10 miles without any trouble at all.

Now (aged 36) after 5 miles my legs just give up ! :(

Anyone got zimmer frame for sale ? :wink:

keithd
26-05-06, 01:57 PM
keithyd<<<too buff to bother.

Viney
26-05-06, 02:02 PM
keithyd<<<too old to bother.

:lol:

keithd
26-05-06, 02:02 PM
keithyd<<<too old to bother.

:lol:

tres bien!! :D

and 100% accurate i might add!!

mec
26-05-06, 02:06 PM
anyone weight train at home?

Thinking of getting some stuff to setup a gym in the garage - ive had gym memberships and i just dont like gyms. Im always on my own and cant stand some of the posing types in there.

Not looking for exercise bike types etc, im looking at getting some freeweights bench etc for training.

Is it worth it?

Where will you put the bike :)

K
26-05-06, 02:18 PM
anyone weight train at home?

Thinking of getting some stuff to setup a gym in the garage - ive had gym memberships and i just dont like gyms. Im always on my own and cant stand some of the posing types in there.

Not looking for exercise bike types etc, im looking at getting some freeweights bench etc for training.

Is it worth it?

Where will you put the bike :)

I s'pose you could weight train with the bike! You could do arm curls trying to lift it by the handle bars - work your triceps by lifting the grabrail up to your chin...

... though it'll probably all end in tears. :wink:

Nutkins
26-05-06, 02:29 PM
Monthly membership isn't all that bad. For me, it's part of the incentive.
I train down the gym, because I know that I'd put it off 'til tomorrow if I relied on working out at home. I also find I'm limited when training from home. You can only train to the limits of the equipment you have (ie. amount of weight and type of exercises).

My two-pennith. :wink:

TT Dee
26-05-06, 04:45 PM
Might I suggest a gym ball too.... Use it inplace of your bench when working your upper body (sit on the thing then walk your legs forward until the ball is supporting your upper-back and head. Clench your glutes and contract your stomach muscles to hold your midsection tight and flat.) You can also use it to do crunches etc more effectively as it gives a better range of motion, back extensions... the possibilitys are endless

Find one here

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3023792.htm

Warren
26-05-06, 05:06 PM
i got some weights, but can never be bothered to use em.

i got this
http://www.powerballs.com/

which is great :)

Razor
26-05-06, 05:18 PM
I have one of those home gym set ups. Better than a normal clothes horse.

rob13
26-05-06, 05:55 PM
Should be plenty space in the garage - its got a roof void to put stuff in and theres only the bike and the washing machine in there.

Powerball? Do they actually do anything for your physique?

Warren
26-05-06, 06:06 PM
Should be plenty space in the garage - its got a roof void to put stuff in and theres only the bike and the washing machine in there.

Powerball? Do they actually do anything for your physique?

yep, you get bulging wrists ;)

they can do your whole arm, depending where you hold it.

rob13
26-05-06, 06:20 PM
So youve got arms like Samson and a pidgeon chest? :wink: :lol:

UlsterSV
26-05-06, 06:20 PM
Women use powerballs.

Men lift heavy chunks of metal.

:wink:

:lol:

Razor
26-05-06, 06:27 PM
http://www.powerballs.com/



The bloke in the video... When you can't see his powerball it looks like he's spanking the monkey!

rob13
26-05-06, 06:32 PM
http://www.powerballs.com/



The bloke in the video... When you can't see his powerball it looks like he's spanking the monkey!

Whoaa! :roll:

ArtyLady
26-05-06, 11:39 PM
Ive got some cans of baked beans :lol: :wink:

ArtyLady
26-05-06, 11:44 PM
http://www.powerballs.com/



The bloke in the video... When you can't see his powerball it looks like he's spanking the monkey!

It does look rather odd doesnt it ! :shock:

errrrmm - what is this powerball supposed to do :?

sharriso74
27-05-06, 07:07 AM
They build up strength in yur wrist and forearm. Weird but they do work need some sort of engineer to explain why. You spin the ball inside it by pulling a string you then need to keep it moving in a circular at the right speed to keep the ball spinning.

Gets bloody painful after a while so it must be doing some good.

DanAbnormal
27-05-06, 11:29 AM
I tried weight training at home but it just didn't work for me. Whean at home I felt a little too relaxed so couldn't really get in the mood fo training. When at the gym I feel much more focused on what I want to do as I was surrounded by other like minded individuals. Also free weights can be quite expensive. And to have a whole range and one's that are heavy enough for me would cost a small fortune. I know what you mean with regards to posing types though. The gym where I train (bodyzone in Bracknell) has a few of them. It's a bodybuilding gym though so it's to be expected. Personally I just get on with what I am doing and don't really take much notice of them anymore. Anyway good luck! :D