Getting the right equipment to workout at home

Dohnny Jepp

So my gym membership is up shortly, and instead of renewing it I'm considering just buying some equipment and working out at home.

What do you think is vital that I get?

Is there a point in buying a straight bar, if i have dumbells.

Anything else that would be preferable over ane exercise ball for Abs, back, and obliques. Or would be usefull having it as well as a ball.

Any help is appreciated!

Challenge Fitness

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

What do you think is vital that I get?

What is it you are trying to achieve?

A lot of people swear by suspension trainers such as the TRX or GTX systems
http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/
http://gtxsuspensiongym.com/

Personally, I would add a pull up bar to a home gym. I assume you have a workout bench for your weights?

There are also different things you could get to add variety - Kettlebells, medicine balls etc.

And there is always to old favourite - Body weight resistance.

Dixie Chick

If you are considering making an investment would you look at something like P90X home dvd set, has a great reputation and its structured

Dohnny Jepp

Challenge Fitness wrote: »

What is it you are trying to achieve?

A lot of people swear by suspension trainers such as the TRX or GTX systems
http://www.fitnessanywhere.com/
http://gtxsuspensiongym.com/

Personally, I would add a pull up bar to a home gym. I assume you have a workout bench for your weights?

There are also different things you could get to add variety - Kettlebells, medicine balls etc.

And there is always to old favourite - Body weight resistance.

I do have a bench, and as to what I'm trying to achieve, building muscle pretty much. My weight etc is fine, i'm just trying to build muscle, bi's, tri's, chest, abs etc.

Challenge Fitness

Dohnny Jepp wrote: »

I do have a bench, and as to what I'm trying to achieve, building muscle pretty much. My weight etc is fine, i'm just trying to build muscle, bi's, tri's, chest, abs etc.

Don't forget the rest of your body.

Dumbbells will do for most of the Exercises you could do with a barbell but you just won't be able to get enough weight on them for the real heavy strength building exercises.

Pull up bar is always good and they are relatively cheap.

Suspension trainers are also very good for a home gym. Kettlebells and Medicine balls for variety.

It isn't very much the equipment you use but how you use it. In the Army, ropes tied to wheels, sandbags, ammo boxes, concrete blocks, water cans etc. are a common sight. There is no point in having a pile of equipment if you don't know how to use it. And there are a lot of alternatives to gym equipment. I have given you a few ideas you can use so decide for yourself.

Transform

a good kettlebell, pull up bar or trx, skipping rope, foam roller, mat, a weight vest or bagpack that you can put some books or weights in and you are good to go