What equipment needed for basic home setup?

Tusky

Due to my work hours I'm finding it hard to make the time to go the gym as often as I want to.

I'm mainly looking to work out my arms, chest and shoulders at home. What should I buy and roughly how much would it cost?

I don't have a huge amount of space so it would have to be able to fold away.

Thanks.

siochain

you'd go a long way with a pull up bar (€30), kettle bells (€30 16kg) and body weight stuff.


Or pick up a set of weighs second hand on donedeal for €30 - €50

TommyKnocker

If all you work out is you arms, chest and shoulders you are going to end up with serious muscle imbalances.

TechnoFreek

I have to work out at home too once the kids go to the bed. It is doable but will be limited by equipment so adjust programs as required.

I have this adjustable bench. A bench is a must in my experience. This bench is one of the few cheaper ones that folds flat. Perfect for under the stairs. It's not very long though if youre any way tall. Fine for most stuff but on a decline my head goes past the end. For reference I'm 5ft 8!



I also have a pair of adjustable dumbbells like this. If you have the cash buy powerblocks as this type can't be thrown about the place but at least these are available in Argos. Having a range of weights is again a must and these I found are the most affordable way of achieving that. Plus they only take a second to adjust which is a serious plus compared to loading and unloading plates of a set of spindle dumbbells.



25kg isn't going to be a lot on the big moves if you're any way strong but they still should cover a lot.

Argos had a sale on cast iron plates recently so I got 4 * 10kgs and 4 * 5kgs which I use on a set of basic spindle dumbbells. Coupled with some old plates I have I use these dumbbells on the big exercises for 25kg + .
Now that I have a decent range of plates I intend to pick up an ez bar next!

Working out at home isn't cheap as its easily the cost of a membership up front. But it's all pretty essential otherwise you're primary option is body weight only as another poster has already mentioned. Hope this helps.

Dtp1979

Most essentially you'll need 6 things. 2 arms, 2 legs, a pull-up bar and will.
Do press ups, pull ups overhand and underhand, handstand press ups, triceps dips.

Tusky

TechnoFreek wrote: »

I have to work out at home too once the kids go to the bed. It is doable but will be limited by equipment so adjust programs as required.

I have this adjustable bench. A bench is a must in my experience. This bench is one of the few cheaper ones that folds flat. Perfect for under the stairs. It's not very long though if youre any way tall. Fine for most stuff but on a decline my head goes past the end. For reference I'm 5ft 8!



I also have a pair of adjustable dumbbells like this. If you have the cash buy powerblocks as this type can't be thrown about the place but at least these are available in Argos. Having a range of weights is again a must and these I found are the most affordable way of achieving that. Plus they only take a second to adjust which is a serious plus compared to loading and unloading plates of a set of spindle dumbbells.



25kg isn't going to be a lot on the big moves if you're any way strong but they still should cover a lot.

Argos had a sale on cast iron plates recently so I got 4 * 10kgs and 4 * 5kgs which I use on a set of basic spindle dumbbells. Coupled with some old plates I have I use these dumbbells on the big exercises for 25kg + .
Now that I have a decent range of plates I intend to pick up an ez bar next!

Working out at home isn't cheap as its easily the cost of a membership up front. But it's all pretty essential otherwise you're primary option is body weight only as another poster has already mentioned. Hope this helps.

Those dumbbells look perfect but they are €134.29 each on argos! That's out of my price range.

How much is the bench?

I suppose I just need 2 x dumbbells and a foldup bench to start?

Mellor

TechnoFreek wrote: »

I have this adjustable bench. A bench is a must in my experience. This bench is one of the few cheaper ones that folds flat. Perfect for under the stairs. It's not very long though if youre any way tall. Fine for most stuff but on a decline my head goes past the end. For reference I'm 5ft 8!

Why do you think a bench is a must?
They have their uses, but imo there are nowhere near essential.

(I also don't understand how your head is off the end on a decline but not an incline of flat. Surely its the same length in wither position, its prob the way you are lying)

Having a range of weights is again a must and these I found are the most affordable way of achieving that. Plus they only take a second to adjust which is a serious plus compared to loading and unloading plates of a set of spindle dumbbells.

A range is weights is good, and the speed of adjusting is a plus.
But €135 for a single DB is not the most affordable way achieving that imo.

Tusky wrote: »

Those dumbbells look perfect but they are €134.29 each on argos! That's out of my price range.

How much is the bench?

I suppose I just need 2 x dumbbells and a foldup bench to start?

The bench is 50GBP on amazon, so about €65-70
There are much better ways to spend €200 on a home gym than on a folding bench and a dumbbell.
A bench is an added extra, not close to essential imo.

A pull up bar, a set of bands, and a kettlebell should cost €100
Add your bodyweight to that and you've got all you need.

(could the kettlebell for cheap dumbells if you feel they are better value)