Home Fitness 101

I’m thinking about getting a home gym system (Soloflex, Bowflex, etc.) and wondering which ones actually work and which ones are more or less scams. Does anyone have any input on this?

you can get a complete workout with a $40 set of dumbbells and a $10 stability ball. if you’re really strong, you might move up to a 300lb weight set and a bench. hell, you can get a decent workout with nothing but a yoga mat and some knowledge.

what’s the point? you can get a great workout with any system. the one that works best is the one that you will use REGULARLY.

the major drawbacks of packaged systems like the solo/bowflex are that they’re ridiculously expensive, you can’t add weight if you max out on an exercise, and machines in general limit your range of motion- which means that your form is always correct, but you never have a chance to engage stabilizing muscles.

if you have the money and space for one of these systems, consider buying a weight set, power rack, and bench- and spending the balance hiring a personal trainer to walk you through proper form & set up a program.

another comprimise would be plate-loaded machines aimed at weightlifters, like those from powertec, yukon, and many others.

your best option would really be to find somewhere local to try them out for yourself & figure out your own preference.

summary: no bad option, but the tv-ad systems are more expensive and feature-limited than pretty much any other choice. if you dig ‘em, though, go right ahead- the best fitness solution is the one you hit several times every week.

I want to perform bench presses and squats and dead lifts, but unfortunately I don’t have equipment at home nor can I afford it or have room for it. Fortunately, I do have a pull up bar.

What are some moves I can perform with just the weight of my body to replace the squat or the bench press and other exercises? I’m mostly just looking for have a full body heavy resistance work out without having to use weights or equipment

The strength training program at StartMakingChoices.com features calisthenics that use body weight. The program starts at a basic level but you can pick a more advanced level. All major muscle groups are worked. You can add dumbbells and ankleweights for more resistance (these are relatively affordable and don’t take much storage room). The push-up has long been a favorite for building core muscle and strength. Pullups and chinups added to the Balanced Strength Training program should give you the full body workout you want. Give it a try and see if it works for you. Good luck.

I wonder about the reality of Bowflex or NordicTrack or that Chuck Norris inclined thing. I like the idea of working out in my garage but is there really a hard body waiting to be sculpted?

I have a bowflex but im too lazy too use it.

Okay so I’ve got this home gym in my basement but I’m not sure how to use it the right way. Can anyone help me out?

what kind of home gym? what equipment?

The one in York, PA?

www.yorkbarbell.com

an ab lounge chair its so good for abs,legs,and arms!!!! really great i’ve seen so many improvements in those areas from people!! try its really good i think you can find one in jcpenny cya!

I don’t have the cash at the moment to go to the gym or buy more equipment. But here’s what i have:

Dumbells
Barbells which i have about 50 kilograms maybe more i can add to it.
Chin up bar
Ab roller/Push up machine that allows you to go further down with push ups
3 hours ago – 4 days left to answer.

u can do almost anything with a dumbell/barbells. try these
http://www.leehayward.com/arms.htm

with the chin up bar u can do
pull ups, behind ur head pull ups, those pull ups where u use ur shoulders instead of biceps, u can put ur legs up over the bar and do sit ups.

thats all i can think of atm hope this helps

Because sometimes when it’s -30′Celcius, with a windchill of -45′Celcius, it’s not safe to be outside walking or running because your skin will freeze in less than a minute… also you can’t breathe very well with the scarf and hood.. and you’re bulky with all the winter gear that you have to wear…. I would love to have a treadmill in my house! I wouldn’t have to travel to the gym.. in the cold (I have to walk to the train (20minute walk) and then walk to the gym from the stop… it’s COLD and I wear a parka and snowpants.. and fur hat, mitts and a scarf!!!)). I guess it’s mostly convenience!!

Cheers!

I want to purchase a single piece of workout equipment that offers aerobic activity but will also tone muscle. I want to burn fat and calories and tone my muscles without bulking up.

I have been running on a treadmill in our apartment complex gym, and love the results. But I was wondering if something like an elliptical machine would offer the same results or better without the wear and tear on my body caused by running?

All you need are dumbbells. Use light dumbbells to make the treadmill harder. You can also do high intensity interval training like that. Then with heavier dumbbells you can do a full body basic weight lifting routine a couple times a week to tone your muscles. Don’t worry, you can’t bulk up without steroids. You will gain some muscle, but you won’t look big at all. It will also help you gain bone density and keep your joints healthy. This will help you avoid osteoperosis and stiff joints when you get older.

I do like elipticals. I do my intervals on those. You just switch between a high and low setting. Why not get get both. Adjustable dumbbells are cheap anyway.

How does the exercise equipment at the gym detect your heart rate. For example, the elliptical machine has the metal plates on the hand apparatus, how can the machine detect your heart rate. Thank you in advance

it takes your pules reading from your hands if you squeze the plates hard.