Multi-Gym

Big Nasty

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a home multi gym that doesn't take up too much space. I'm most interested in doing bicep curls, bench press / chest exercises. I would need something with up 120kg plates on it.

Are the ones you see on the likes of Done Deal / Adverts up to the job?

Many thanks.

Hanley

What are you goals?

What's your budget?

Would you consider a barbell and plates?

meijin

MCMLXXV wrote: »

I'm looking for a home multi gym that doesn't take up too much space.

this is my gym setup: http://i.imgur.com/reSU0.jpg +exercise mat on the floor
hard to beat that space-wise

let me know if you're interested in starting with bodyweight program / what's your experience so far?

I'm most interested in doing bicep curls, bench press / chest exercises.

what about other body parts? :rolleyes:

Big Nasty

Hanley wrote: »

What are you goals?

What's your budget?

Would you consider a barbell and plates?

I haven't done much exercise in the last three years. I used to bench about 120 (machine weight) but would struggle to do 60 now I would imagine. I have also put on at least three stone so am working on shedding that at the moment. The reason I want to concentrate on chest and arms is to tone up those areas first.

While I appreciate free weights are better I would prefer to go with machine for now. My budget is €200 max.

Many thanks.

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

I haven't done much exercise in the last three years. I used to bench about 120 (machine weight) but would struggle to do 60 now I would imagine. I have also put on at least three stone so am working on shedding that at the moment. The reason I want to concentrate on chest and arms is to tone up those areas first.

While I appreciate free weights are better I would prefer to go with machine for now. My budget is €200 max.

Many thanks.

That's grand if you're only interested in how your chest and arm look. Lots of people care only about the beach bod. But compund exercises such as squats and deadlifts can build all kinds of muscle. It takes energy to build and maintain muscle, therefore they can help in weightloss (provided your diet is right). The toned look you are going for is dependant on losing fat and putting on a little muscle. A machine that only allows for chest and arm exercise is going to be fairly redundant fairly quickly if you actually progress towards your goals.

If you are trying to make a difference in your body, why not do it properly?

Imo - power rack, bench, barbell, plates and you're fairly well covered.

Big Nasty

WeeBushy wrote: »

That's grand if you're only interested in how your chest and arm look. Lots of people care only about the beach bod. But compund exercises such as squats and deadlifts can build all kinds of muscle. It takes energy to build and maintain muscle, therefore they can help in weightloss (provided your diet is right). The toned look you are going for is dependant on losing fat and putting on a little muscle. A machine that only allows for chest and arm exercise is going to be fairly redundant fairly quickly if you actually progress towards your goals.

If you are trying to make a difference in your body, why not do it properly?

Imo - power rack, bench, barbell, plates and you're fairly well covered.

Thanks and I appreciate your advice but I'm not a body builder!

Along with a change in diet and aiming for 30k a week cardio I will do stomach crunches for the belly. Chest and arms are most important to me right now in terms of upper body toning but I want a machine that does this and more.

Bad Panda

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Thanks and I appreciate your advice but I'm not a body builder!

Along with a change in diet and aiming for 30k a week cardio I will do stomach crunches for the belly. Chest and arms are most important to me right now in terms of upper body toning but I want a machine that does this and more.

You don't need to be a body builder. You can't spot reduce fat by simply doing crunches. You have to work you're entire body and it will decide where to burn fat.

No point in all that cardio either. A proper weights program will burn fat much quicker and you'll look much better.

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Thanks and I appreciate your advice but I'm not a body builder!

Along with a change in diet and aiming for 30k a week cardio I will do stomach crunches for the belly. Chest and arms are most important to me right now in terms of upper body toning but I want a machine that does this and more.

Doesn't matter if you're a body builder or a beginner trying to lose a few stone; compound exercises are far superior and will make reaching your goal much more achievable.

You can do all the crunches and pully pushy things you want on a machine, but there's nothing they can do that free weights can't do a million times better

Big Nasty

I'm not doubting you lads but I don't want or need to invest in free weights for the moment. I'm not, nor will ever be a serious lifter. I was in a local gym for 6 years and rarely used free weights. All I'm looking for is a recommendation on or approval of a basic machine that will fit my needs.

Many thanks.

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

I'm not doubting you lads but I don't want or need to invest in free weights for the moment. I'm not, nor will ever be a serious lifter. I was in a local gym for 6 years and rarely used free weights. All I'm looking for is a recommendation on or approval of a basic machine that will fit my needs.

Many thanks.

In fairness you are getting a recommendation on a basic machine: it won't fit your needs.

Compound exercises and free weights are not the preserve of body builders and serious lifters. I'm not saying this because I think everyone should be a power lifter/body builder. I'm saying it because you are going to waste ~ €200.

But seeing as you won't listen to that advice, I know nothing about makes/prices/what would be considered 'good value' for machines so I'll bow out.

Redsunset

The multi gym can prove to be fairly expensive with weight of 100 kg
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3358261/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EMULTIGYM.htm

I'm all free weights myself and their effects is amazing to be honest. Moving your body through space is an incredible workout as it taxes the central nervous system. As echoed in the thread, compound is king, everything else then falls into place.

godtabh

WeeBushy wrote: »

Imo - power rack, bench, barbell, plates and you're fairly well covered.

What kind of money would you be talking about for that set up?

I've been looking into getting a bench barbell and plates but hadnt considered a power rack. Probably way out of my budget

Big Nasty

WeeBushy wrote: »

In fairness you are getting a recommendation on a basic machine: it won't fit your needs.

Compound exercises and free weights are not the preserve of body builders and serious lifters. I'm not saying this because I think everyone should be a power lifter/body builder. I'm saying it because you are going to waste ~ €200.

But seeing as you won't listen to that advice, I know nothing about makes/prices/what would be considered 'good value' for machines so I'll bow out.

Redsunset wrote: »

The multi gym can prove to be fairly expensive with weight of 100 kg
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3358261/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EMULTIGYM.htm

I'm all free weights myself and their effects is amazing to be honest. Moving your body through space is an incredible workout as it taxes the central nervous system. As echoed in the thread, compound is king, everything else then falls into place.

Thanks guys - I appreciate your advice but I'm just not in to free weights. I understand they are better like a Ferarri is better than a Fiesta. Personally I can't understand people who would not want the Ferrari but in this case I want the Fiesta - sorry!

Anyhow, something like the machine above would be close to what I'm looking for. Could you find a half decent used unit within my price range?

Many thanks.

WeeBushy

godtabh wrote: »

What kind of money would you be talking about for that set up?

Good bit more than €200, in fairness. Second hand I'd say you could get all of the above for less than a grand.

Rather than wasting money on an over priced machine contraption one could follow a body weight programme, something like convict conditioning. Completely free are far far far far more benificial than a machine home gym.

SteelyDanJalapeno

I honestly can't see any benefit to a machine over free weighs, machines are more exPensive, restrictive, dangerous.

My advice one em would be tO not get one.

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Thanks guys - I appreciate your advice but I'm just not in to free weights. I understand they are better like a Ferarri is better than a Fiesta. Personally I can't understand people who would not want the Ferrari but in this case I want the Fiesta - sorry!

Anyhow, something like the machine above would be close to what I'm looking for. Could you find a half decent used unit within my price range?

Many thanks.

How could you be into machine weights but not free weights? Both involve using muscles, one just does so in a better way than the other.

It's more akin to asking which is the best pyramid scheme to go for imo. But anyways, good luck with your goals.

tmc86

The OP has clearly outlined his needs and he is obviously happy enough to start with some chest and arm excersises. He is also aware that there are other excersies and routines to be doing and I can't see why people have the need to push these on him?

OP I'd suggest checking DoneDeal or adverts and trying to get a secondhand bench and barbell with some plates. You can always pick up more plates if you need.

The bench and barbell would be a good starting point for your needs, plus there are loads of other excersises you can use a bench and barbell for which target lots of other muscles (legs, shoulders, triceps, biceps, back etc)

If you start with what you want (the chest and arms) you might find yourself looking to progress with other excersises and equipment.

If you're happy with working on chest and arms for now then go for it, you're more likely to continue with your excersise and progress in the future. No point tackling an all round programme and falling out of it in a few weeks. Do what you feel most comfortable with and you'll be more likely to succeed.

godtabh

WeeBushy wrote: »

Good bit more than €200, in fairness. Second hand I'd say you could get all of the above for less than a grand.

Rather than wasting money on an over priced machine contraption one could follow a body weight programme, something like convict conditioning. Completely free are far far far far more benificial than a machine home gym.

That is a lot more than I was expecting?

Having looked at argoss for a bench, barbell, dumbbell and weights I was looking at approx €200. I was going to combine this purchase with gym work

WeeBushy

tmc86 wrote: »

The OP has clearly outlined his needs and he is obviously happy enough to start with some chest and arm excersises. He is also aware that there are other excersies and routines to be doing and I can't see why people have the need to push these on him?

You're pushing the exact same advice as we have been - free weights

godtabh wrote: »

That is a lot more than I was expecting?

Having looked at argoss for a bench, barbell, dumbbell and weights I was looking at approx €200. I was going to combine this purchase with gym work

A power cage added to that would be the biggest cost. There's a few on here who have built their own home gym (including a power cage) for a fraction of that though, so if you can be creative you can do it on the cheap.

Burkatron

Would a TRX/blast strap/adjustable rig type thing be of any interest? Far better then machine & an easy progression into bodyweight stuff! Portable & easily stored!

Big Nasty

This is exactly what I need - now to find one within budget!

York Fitness G505 Home Multi Gym

Hanley

MCMLXXV wrote: »

Thanks guys - I appreciate your advice but I'm just not in to free weights. I understand they are better like a Ferarri is better than a Fiesta. Personally I can't understand people who would not want the Ferrari but in this case I want the Fiesta - sorry!

Anyhow, something like the machine above would be close to what I'm looking for. Could you find a half decent used unit within my price range?

Many thanks.

You should be comparing the fiesta to a unicycle. Or a tiger with a saddle.

One'll get you there smoothly and in time. The other probably won't get you there and is probably going to rip your face off in the process.

Big Nasty

Hanley wrote: »

You should be comparing the fiesta to a unicycle. Or a tiger with a saddle.

One'll get you there smoothly and in time. The other probably won't get you there and is probably going to rip your face off in the process.

This is like a biker / cager argument. Each has their own preference and point of view. I've told you mine and I wish you would respect same, as I do yours.

Burkatron

MCMLXXV wrote: »

This is like a biker / cager argument. Each has their own preference and point of view. I've told you mine and I wish you would respect same, as I do yours.

The problem is you're looking for something that looks like it should come with an NCT (throw in a service history aswell for the amount of maintenance that's needed) for under €200.
You're more then likely going to end up with a very fancy towel rack or coat holder then a useful piece of kit!

tmc86

WeeBushy wrote: »

You're pushing the exact same advice as we have been - free weights

You're right!

I just meant no need to start looking at compound excersises and the likes until he gets going with his chest and arms and obviously I support the no machine advice - free weights are much better and I find them much more enjoyable (personal preference!)

time to sort this frazzled head and hit the gym, come on 5pm!

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

This is like a biker / cager argument. Each has their own preference and point of view. I've told you mine and I wish you would respect same, as I do yours.

You're coming onto a fitness forum where there are many people who are very knowledgable on the subject. You have been given genuine and helpful advice that what you're looking for is a waste of your own money and counter-productive for your goals. You have been suggested better and cheaper alternatives yet continue to ignore this advice, so really its not all that surprising if people begin to take the micky a little bit.

Big Nasty

WeeBushy wrote: »

You're coming onto a fitness forum where there are many people who are very knowledgable on the subject. You have been given genuine and helpful advice that what you're looking for is a waste of your own money and counter-productive for your goals. You have been suggested better and cheaper alternatives yet continue to ignore this advice, so really its not all that surprising if people begin to take the micky a little bit.

I used machine weights for years in gyms and found them effective. As effective as free weights? obviously not but hardly 'counter-productive'.

Tell you what then - find me bench, bars and bells that will do everything the above unit will do within my budget and I'll buy it. Not being smart either.

Doug Cartel

You've got €200, you're not going to get a multigym that won't fall apart in two weeks for that. Best you're looking at is a bench, some dumbbells, and a pull-up bar. That's not much, but it would cover a lot of exercises.

Antisocialiser

I'm going to sidestep the argument completely and recommend a kettlebell(s), a pull-up bar and maybe a skipping rope.

Then have a search for the home-workout thread on here!

But for the record... free weights for the win! Good, sensible nutrition and a good beginner weights program would have you flying!

Hanley

MCMLXXV wrote: »

This is like a biker / cager argument. Each has their own preference and point of view. I've told you mine and I wish you would respect same, as I do yours.

I fully respect your preference, which is why I asked my original question!!

...but that doesn't mean I won't say if I think your wrong or a flawed analogy is being made.

At the end of the day, poor form on free weights or machines is equally dangerous!

Big Nasty

Doug Cartel wrote: »

You've got €200, you're not going to get a multigym that won't fall apart in two weeks for that. Best you're looking at is a bench, some dumbbells, and a pull-up bar. That's not much, but it would cover a lot of exercises.

Ah, see that explains it differently altogether!

How about this then: http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gym/3443039

WeeBushy

MCMLXXV wrote: »

I used machine weights for years in gyms and found them effective. As effective as free weights? obviously not but hardly 'counter-productive'.

Tell you what then - find me bench, bars and bells that will do everything the above unit will do within my budget and I'll buy it. Not being smart either.

For a starters you won't find a machine like the one you posted for less than €200 unless its falling apart.

But anyways, 2 minutes of googling:

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9237245/c_1/1|category_root|Sports+and+leisure|14419152/Trail/searchtext%3EBENCH+PRESS.htm

+

A combination of these:

http://www.irish-lifting.com/standard-iron-plates-pe-243.html

And you can get better quality if you look around, that search was off the top of my head.

Name me an exercise that contraption does and I'll give you an equivilant with the above.

EDIT: What you just posted is a much better idea.

Rob32

pm'd op