[WAY - OT] Setting up a Home Gym

[Utrecht]

Well, it finally happened, the doctor has informed me that my cholesteral is to high (229) and I think that this is the last straw to really get back in shape after a sedentary life of playing CRPG and D&D (see I worked it in)

Anyway, I am curious on anyne else's experience and advice setting up a home gym. The choice out there are pretty much mind boggleing.

My goals are primarily cardio and toning with a little bit of strength. Rough budget is $600 - $1000 or so.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[dagger]

Jump Rope !!! Seriously, this is a great way to get in shape, more of a work out than it sounds.

Great cardio and toning workout.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

The best piece of exercise equipment is a towel. You lay them on the floor and do calisthenics on them.

After that is a bench. Benches are phenominal. After you get a bench, get free weights. I am not a fan of pricey home gyms. Some of the top power lifters in the world only use free weights and maybe a bar for lats.

Like anything else, the most important thing about doing this kind of thing is to do it. Your body doesn't care how much the equipment costs, it cares that you're pumping it hard.

Happy lifting!

 

[Bagpuss]

You have room for a home gym AND a gaming room? Wow you are lucky.

If you only have room for one then I suggest you get use to the idea of an early death. The world is over-populated anyway and as an American you use more than your fair share of the worlds resources each day, so by meeting an untimely death you will be helping to balance it out.

See there is a bright side to everything.

 

[hong]

Your body doesn't care how much the equipment costs, it cares that you're pumping it hard.

I see.


Hong "substantial pumping required" Ooi

 

[Christoph the Magus]

Utrecht,
Rather than spending a lot of $, I'd buy two 10 lb dumbells and a good pair of walking/running shoes. There are a multitude of excercises that you can do with dumbells. If you're just looking to tone (not bulk up), the amount of reps that you do is more important than the amount of weight that you're lifting. You'd be surprised at how much of a difference you can make with just a couple of 10 pounders.

For the cardio, I'd pick a distance (like a mile or two), and walk it every day. I don't know what kind of shape you're in, but pick a block or two (or whatever distance is challenging) in the middle of your walk where you jog/run. Do this until the jogging part becomes pretty easy, and then increase the distance. Wash, rinse, and repeat until you're jogging the entire distance.

Whatever you decide to do, the most important thing is to stick with it. You're not going to see or feel too many results in the first month or two. This can be discouraging, and it's why most people give up on excercising. You've got to stick in there and give your body time to increase it's metabolism. Good luck!

 

[Canada_K]

Congrats Man! It's never too late, you know. I'm an excercise nut, so I'll offer my 2 cents.

The single most important thing is to pick some activity (ANY activity) that you enjoy and that you will stick with. There are no magic pills, or best excercises, or better pieces of equipment. The answer is to do something, and do it consistently.

It can be bike riding, weights, running, swimming, whatever. It's important that you pick something that you can honestly say you will do often and regularly.

To be more specific, I highly encourage a combination of cardio and weights. Each of them is good on their own, but when you put them together the total is greater than the sum of the parts. Join the Y, and do the basic stuff (bench presses, squats, etc), talk to the trainers, who are usually very approachable. You could probably buy 2-4 years of admission to the Y for what you're planning to spend on equipment.

Good luck.

 

[Limper]

Punching bag = good for tone and cardio + makes you feel tough

If you use free weights and dont take more than a few seconds of breaks between exercises it works the old cardio as well. This is done by upper body lower body alternations OR different mucsle groups each time.

Body style punching bag and bag gloves less than 100 bucks

Bench about 100 bucks (get one that inclines)

Various free weight bar bells (the most fun) 100 bucks

Half an Hour each day and you are set. Weights MWF on TR twenty minuet (BRISK) walk (if you aint huffin you aint walking fast enough) followed by 10 minuets on the bag and in no time you'll be in better shape.

I'm sure your doctor mentioned to change your diet as well BUT I'll mention it again..... Change your diet LESS FATTY FOODS!

Its not the most fun thing in the world to try and get into shape but it beats long hospital stays and death.

YOU CAN DO IT. Trust me I have.

If you have the money join the Y its cheap and they really are nice people and can help out a lot.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi Utrecht!

Well, it finally happened, the doctor has informed me that my cholesteral is to high (229) and I think that this is the last straw to really get back in shape after a sedentary life of playing CRPG and D&D (see I worked it in).

Exercise is the key. We'll have you in shape in 3 months or less!

Anyway, I am curious on anyne else's experience and advice setting up a home gym. The choice out there are pretty much mind boggleing.

My goals are primarily cardio and toning with a little bit of strength. Rough budget is $600 - $1000 or so.

$600-$1000 - are you training for the Olympics!?

You don't need to splash out on a 'home gym' to get into shape.

First of all you have intimated cardio is the primary objective (although ideally you want to probably do both cardio and weights).

Depending on what shape you are in at the moment (?) I would suggest starting with swimming or cycling, then jogging.

Get yourself some light weights, perhaps a bench too, ($75-$100 tops for weights & bench) and get a book on how to exercise/workout properly:

"Body for life" by Bill Philips is a good place for beginners to start. Most libraries will have it.

You will feel a difference within a week and notice a physical change in a month. Three months and you can get almost anyone in good shape.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Hope the above helps mate.

If you still insist on throwing away $1000 I'll give you my address!

 

[BiggusGeekus]

hong,

I’m so glad you got a firm grip on the thrust of my argument and were saved sputtering about by reaching a satisfying end.