You can put together a cheap home gym that gets the job done if you buy the essentials. As long as you stick with the proven equipment list -and stay away from the latest ab-flexor- you can’t go wrong.
The following are my 8 home gym must-haves:
1) Dumbbells
Dumbbells are essential for the home fitness gym, necessary for presses, arm exercises and even a few core exercises. There are many kinds of dumbbells out there, from the cheap to the boutique. All of which fall into one of two types: fixed weight or handles only.
Handles are plate loaded. This requires you to slide the weight plate on yourself and then fasten the weight with collars. Most handles are either standard or Olympic. Standard are smaller in diameter than the Olympic version. Youll want to coordinate any plate loaded barbells you purchase with your dumbbells. That way the plates are compatible. Standard handles start at around $8. Olympic handles are pricier and longer. This added length actually takes getting used to on a few exercises.
2) Barbells
You need a good barbell, and, like dumbbells, they come in standard and Olympic. Again, definitely be sure that theyre compatible with your dumbbells. Although, an Olympic bar wont fit on a standard bench, a 7-foot standard bar will work on an Olympic bench.
A standard barbell set includes a 20 pound bar, 2 dumbbell handles (with collars) and 85 pounds of plates. A unit like this will run about $100. This isnt a lot of weight, so you’ll probably want to buy more before too long.
3) Bench
In a truly cheap home gym, you can use any old bench for presses and one-arm rows. Make sure that its 2 to 3 feet wide and solid. A piano bench could work if its heavy enough. Otherwise, a picnic bench also works well. Get creative: you can put something under the front or rear to have an incline or a decline bench.
4) Chin Up Bar
A chin up bar can be constructed out of any material that will support your weight. You can find a chin up bar for $10 to $40.
5) Swiss Ball
Although I think that these are somewhat overused, they can add a little variety to your home fitness gym workouts. In addition to making you look more sophisticated by simply having it around the house, they also increase balance and tend to strengthen the core muscles. You can find one for $20.
6) Jump Rope
Jump rope for cardio: $5. Simple.
7) Stairs
If you have a few stairs in your house, you can add a couple outstanding exercises. These include the lunge and the step-up. Since they elevate heart rate, both are good if youre performing circuit training. And, if you live in an apartment building with several flights of stairs, your cheap home gym includes a free stairclimber.
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If you have a backyard, you can always do basketball style conditioning drills, such as sprints and short intervals. Make sure to build up your joints and tendons first with slower, more deliberate strength training to avoid injury. And if you have solid walls, you could bounce a medicine ball. This move is good for ab development and keeping a high heart rate.
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The Champion Pro Smith Machine is a safe, effective and versatile workout machine. This high quality fitness device is constructed of heavy duty steel tubing for maximum balance and support. The Champion Smith Machine features an innovative counter balance system that reduces the weight of the bar to only 15lbs. The contour weights use precision linear bearings for a friction free glide. This exceptional gym equipment features a handsome, durable black powder coated finish.
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Strengthen your overall body muscles with this anti-burst gym ball Exercise device provides a total body workout Fitness equipment lets you develop balance and coordination Easy for any age and fitness levels Size 55cm/22-inch for individuals 5 feet to 5 feet 5 inches high
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Bonus Offer: Buy this video game and get a second video game FREE (Choose from select titles). There is no limit – buy one game, add the second game to your cart and it will appear as FREE in your cart. Offer valid September 3-17, 2010.Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout brings your own personal Gold’s Gym cardio trainer into your living room! Gold’s Gym is the largest gym in the world and is known for leading the industry in personal training, so expect to get in shape fast. It’s a fun way to exercise and maintain a healthy body.
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The Commercial 3-Station Gym from Body Solid combines maximum strength, outstanding performance and numerous workout options in a space-effective, compact system. This multi-station workhorse provides health club quality strength training for up to three people simultaneously. The Commercial 3-Station Gym features a multi-function Press Arm Station for bench press, incline press, shoulder press and chest supported mid row exercises. The fully adjustable Perfect Pec Station with range limiters allows users to achieve deeper muscle penetration for faster, more defined results. The Leg Press Calf Press Station operates on a 2 to 1 weight ratio giving the 3-Station Gym the awesome capacity of a 420 lb. leg press. The nonslip, rubber encased foot plate is constructed of heavy gauge steel for safe and sturdy operation during the most intense workouts. Always on the cutting edge of weight equipment design, Body Solid gyms are engineered with meticulous precision and advanced ergonomic features. The thick, durable DuraFirm pads are contoured for lumbar support delivering the most comfortable workouts you will ever experience. Every pad, pop pin and pivot point feels natural. Both 210 lb. weight stacks are within easy reach for a quick, safe weight selection.
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