Home Multi Gym?

[Alien]

I know there's a few fitness buffs on here, hence the question!

I have various bits of kit at home in my home gym - adjustable barbell/dumbbells, bench, kettlebells, med ball, cross trainer, etc and I'd also like to get a multi gym too (be easier to use this for back exercises and leg stuff, also gives me more variations for other body areas).

I do use the gym too, but sometimes it's just more convenient to workout at home 4 times a week or so.

Don't want to spend a fortune (e.g. £300 max) and I have various Amazon vouchers to go towards a purchase, so would like to use Amazon.co.uk for one.

Has anyone got any suggestions or recommendations? Need something sturdy and well-made.

Thanks all.

 

[accelerator]

There are lots of bodybuilder types to ask at:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Rgds

 

[Pred]

Don't want to spend a fortune (e.g. £300 max)

homegymnasiums.co.uk is ideal for that range

 

[Nova]

It depends what you're trying to achieve. Multi gyms etc are okay for toning up or if your looking for the more slender althletic look. If you are going for mass then I would be hitting the heavier weights at the gym alongside a spotter, who should push you to do at least an extra 2 reps for your last working set.

Personnaly I've been using training based on the Mike Mentzer HIT (High Intense Training) and seen really good gains in size and strength. I need to do some more cardio now to tone up, as currently I'm 6ft tall and 18.6 stone but I wouldn't say I'm overweight just big.

 

[Pred]

I'm 6ft tall and 18.6 stone but I wouldn't say I'm overweight just big.

remind me never to offend you......Sir

 

[springer]

As Nova said, hit heavier weights. Consider getting a power rack so you can safely lift heavier weights at home.

 

[mally]

I got some adjustable dumbells like these http://www.fitnessstore.co.uk/searc...=1&product=Dial+Tech+Dumbells+Set+&+Stand

They came with a free bench when I bought them,

 

[invincible]

I got some adjustable dumbells like these http://www.fitnessstore.co.uk/searc...=1&product=Dial+Tech+Dumbells+Set+&+Stand

They came with a free bench when I bought them,

I have Power Block 9.0 adjustable free weights but I've stopped using them, and put them away for the moment until I decide whether I'll sell them, because constantly changing the weights became annoying. They're also not as comfortable as individual dumbells. I've luckily got the room for two seperate stacks of free weights and invested in those last year. I don't miss going to gyms but let's not get started slagging those off!

As regards a decent multi-gym, I have a Body Solid GS3. It's at least five years old. It's pretty comprehensive and decently built for the price. However it's double your budget. I don't think it's possible to get a decent multi-gym for £300 I'm afraid.

Added: The Bodymax CF415 is quite good as a fairly cheap squat and dip rack and comes with spot catchers so in theory you can bench press alone safely. I bought it last year. I bought everything else, other than the GS3, from Fitness Superstore. There's a Body Solid folding utility bench they do which is pretty good (I have it).

 

[dragon]

Another suggestion, a weighted vest

 

[julian]

most home multi gyms are shite unless you spend decent £££'s. The build quality is low and after working out in a proper gym you'll realise how bad the home kit is. Just stick to free weights for home use - why'd you need a home gym to do that weights can't?

I know there's a few fitness buffs on here, hence the question!

I have various bits of kit at home in my home gym - adjustable barbell/dumbbells, bench, kettlebells, med ball, cross trainer, etc and I'd also like to get a multi gym too (be easier to use this for back exercises and leg stuff, also gives me more variations for other body areas).

I do use the gym too, but sometimes it's just more convenient to workout at home 4 times a week or so.

Don't want to spend a fortune (e.g. £300 max) and I have various Amazon vouchers to go towards a purchase, so would like to use Amazon.co.uk for one.

Has anyone got any suggestions or recommendations? Need something sturdy and well-made.

Thanks all.

 

[murph]

Ditch the home weights, just go a decent gym and get yourself a training partner for spotting heavy. I do a mix of 5x5 strong lifts and plenty of dropsets. Supersetting alternate body parts too. Push pull split. Legs once a week though lol. Gained decent size

Oh and 2nd to the weighted vest idea... Keep meaning to buy one of those....

 

[D600]

If you have be same equipment or better than a gym, the equipment that you will use I mean then sure you can have a great workout. Going to a gym is overrated you get no benefit if you train at a gym or at home apart from having to pay for the gym monthly and spend half your time travelling and waiting to use equipment.

 

[TinkyWinky]

Yep will reiterate most of the time you get what you pay for with multigyms or machines. So £300 will not get you anything decent IMHO.

For your budget I wouldn't recommend anything other than a good sturdy bench that inclines and declines, some new free weights and if you fancy something a bit different then maybe a HumanTrainer that allows over 200 different exercises and doesn't cost the earth!

Other than that use the money to go to the swimming pool and running as that will do a whole load of muscles some good! Or get on the Cycle to work scheme and get a £600 bike for c.£300

If you want to talk to someone that knows their beans and may be able to help you with fitness equipment, call Russ on 0844 8733 103.

Good luck with the training.

Cheers
Will

(Sorry should have mentioned Russ works at GymEquipment.co.uk that I am a part owner of)

 

[Alien]

Huge thanks to all for the comments and advice posted, much appreciate the insights.

I'm a keen swimmer too (learnt freestyle properly a few years ago, great investment!), so this helps and I do like the gym atmosphere too when I'm in the mood/have time. Not looking to hugely bulk muscle, more toning and tend to stick with a 45-60 minute session each time focusing on different reps/body parts etc (I hate bicep and leg exercises the most, lol).

Perhaps I need to up my budget or just stick to increasing my free weights at home instead as suggested. I'd like more 'back' exercise options at home (e.g. instead of upright rows with free weights), but the gym is always there for that too I guess!

PS: During 2010 I had a lot of sessions with a PT, so that's set me up with reasonable technique/knowledge too.