Costs of setting up home gym?

rediguana

Hey.

I moved to the countryside recently and it's a 30km round trip to get to the gym. I lived right beside Total Fitness in Sandyford before this, so it's a bit of a shock. I had been going to the gym 3-5 times per week, but now it's a pain.

I've lots of room in my place here, so I can devote a room to fitness stuff. Obviousy I'll need a bench, a selection of dumbells, and I guess a bar. What other stuff would be good to get?

I don't really want to fork out for any cumbersome machines that may break down. I'm correct in saying that a total body workout can be done to any level, using just free weights?

I don't need any cardio machine either.

Anyway, the Qs!

1. How much am I looking at to set myself up? Second hand is fine.

2. Where's best / most cost-effective place to source weights these days in Ireland?

Cheers!

MagicMarker

http://www.irish-lifting.com/

djtechnics1210

Is there any company that will come in and do a home gym for you.
You say i have so much to spend and this is what i usually do in gym... and they give you a home gym around what equipment they think you need and how much your budget allows.

MagicMarker

I think it would be best to do your own research and decide on what equipment you think you need, rather than letting someone else decide for you.

djtechnics1210

Ya but im sure there has to be some company out there that will do say a home gym pack for a certain price, i.e treadmill, bicycle, bench, weights etc etc

**Timbuk2**

Don't buy a treadmill - running can be easily done outdoors for (more or less) free. Weight lifting can't.

The human body is incredibly adaptive and it will get used to a certain exercise after a while, and it won't lead as good results as it used to. Make sure your home gym allows for this. A bench with free weights is great as there are so many exercise combinations that can be done.

Maybe after you get your home gym set up you'll arrange a visit from a personal trainer for just one time to make sure you're using proper technique. Sometimes you can be using bad technique but don't know it and you can end up with back trouble or knee trouble.

djtechnics1210

+1
Thanks for advice Timbuk2, never would have thought about the personal trainer part.

Ill probably just try and get rowing machine, a good bench and set of weights and a punch bag.
That will see me through and hopefully wont cost that much..

delllat

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=220421794831

rubadub

delllat wrote: »

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=220421794831

Is the barbell only 5ft? it looks much bigger, I have a 6ft and it is ~7kg, they are measured end to end, not just the middle bit.

Also is your doorway chinup bar the removable kind, like this


Or the telescopic one that screws into little sockets.

Hi rediguana, i was in the same situation as yourself, i went with a good heavy duty bench, a powertec power rack http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/power_cages/powertec_power_rack_/5949_p.html with lat pull down, lots of weights and a bloody big stereo.

I find using the rack gives me confidence to push myself without the fear of dropping anything on my head, so it's better than just a bench and the lat pull down is very usable giving you more options than just using free weights and gives more of a gym experience, i got everything from adverts.ie (over time)and it cost me about E1,000 for the lot, Gary.

enda_4

Kinda in the same situation myself. There are gyms nearby but they have a serious lack of decent equipment so looking to purchase. Found this helpful

Going for the Deluxe Strength Package myself because of cash restraints but hopefully it should do the job. Theres very little you cant do without some free weights and a power rack

rediguana

Thanks, everyone. Very helpful.

Kite Runner

Hi, living a bit rual myself, picked up an olympic set off and power tower from Irish lifting last week, already had a bench, definitely best value for weights either side of the pond. do not buy a treadmill, I made this mistake two year back, electronic board blew couple of months back out of warranty of course, its now an expensive ornament. beyond economic repair is the term they use, :-), buy a second hand concept II ergometer if you can.