Bench Gym

8 Cheap Home Gym Essentials

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. You'll 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 they're compatible with your dumbbells. Although, an Olympic bar won't 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 isn't 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 it's 2 to 3 feet wide and solid. A piano bench could work if it's 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 you're performing circuit training. And, if you live in an apartment building with several flights of stairs, your cheap home gym includes a free stairclimber.

Yard
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.

Now that you've built it, don't forget to use it.

About the Author

Click here for muscle building workouts and muscle building programs. Check out Body Armor for a muscle building workout that can be done in any regular chain gym.

Gold's Gym Platinum Smith Machine and Bench $699.99 Train your entire body with this Smith machine and bench that allows you to train with a flat, inclined or declined bench position. Develop your upper body with the pulleys, curl yoke and preacher pad. Work your lower body with the 6-foam leg developer.

Everlast Compact Home Gym $199.99 General information: Packed flat. Weight 63kg. Size H172, W108, D113cm. Single ratio cable pulley system. Maximum user weight 100kg (15st10lb). Leg extension. Shoulder press. Bench press. Vertical gym. Weight stack 32kg providing 32kg maximum resistance. By Everlast.

The Bench $10 The Bench

Marcy MP2500 Multi Gym $429.99 General information: EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 5060074363093. Size H208, W106, D173cm. Weight 109.5kg. Maximum user weight 140kg (22st). Shoulder press. Vinyl weight stack. Sealed bearing pulley system. Triceps press. Low rowing. Arm curl. Leg extension. Pec dec. Bench press. Butterfly press. Weight stack 45kg. Vertical gym. By Marcy.

Marcy MP2106 Multi Gym $529.99 Vertical gym. Vinyl weight stack. Sealed bearing pulley system. Maximum user weight 130kg (20st6lb). Triceps press. Shoulder press. Leg extension. Arm curl. Low rowing. Pec dec. Butterfly press. Weight stack 65kg. Bench press. General information: Size H204, W155, D176cm. Weight 154.7kg. By Marcy.

York Perform Home Gym $499.99 Wire pulley system. Maximum user weight 125kg (19st10lb). Bench press. Pec dec. Leg extension. Arm curl. Low rowing. Vinyl weight stack. Vertical gym. Weight stack 100kg providing 100kg maximum resistance. General information: EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 014961500332. Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee. Weight 162kg. Packed flat. Size H141, W115, D196cm. By York.

At the Gym $24.99 At the Gym - Photographic Print

Klarfit FIT-HB2RT Multi Gym Weight Bench Training Station $159.9 The Klarfit weight bench features a barbell rack, lat tower, two arm curlers and a leg curler for targeting all key muscle groups at an affordable price. A central focus of the weight bench is its barbell rack with adjustable back rest for ensuring an exhausting and individual exercise session. On the outer side of the barbell rack you'll find the arm curlers and leg curler for performing butterflies and leg extensions as well as working hamstrings. Above the weight bench is a lat tower for working the lats either sitting or standing. The two comfortable, padded surfaces offer just the right amount of resistance. Both surfaces are made out of PVC leather and is very easy to clean, durable and dries quickly. The bench's weight horns mean you can keep your exercise space clean and won't need any additional weight storage. Please note that the bench is shipped as an assembly kit and should take up to 40 minutes to put together. Please note the bench is not delivered with weights.

York Warrior Vertical Home Gym $399.99 0-50kg in 5kg increments, and 50-100kg in 10kg increments. Vertical gym. Weight stack 50kg providing 100kg maximum resistance. Bench press. Pec dec. Leg extension. Arm curl. Low rowing. Vinyl weight stack. Wire pulley system. Maximum user weight 125kg (19st10lb). General information: Size H196, W110, D144cm. Weight 97kg. Packed flat. EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 014961500318.

Maximuscle Two Station Home Gym $399.99 General information: Packed flat. Weight 141kg. Size H195, W148, D156cm. Sealed bearing pulley system. Maximum user weight 125kg (19st10lb). Vinyl weight stack. Shoulder press. Low rowing. Triceps press. Arm curl. Leg extension. Pec dec. Bench press. Butterfly press. Vertical gym. Weight stack 65.8kg. With a total resistance weight of 65.8kg, the top stack is 2.27kg and the rest stack is 4.54kg. By Maximuscle.

Pro Power Home Gym and Accessories $149.99 Triceps press. Shoulder press. Vinyl weight stack. Sealed bearing pulley system. Maximum user weight 125kg (19st10lb). Arm curl. Leg extension. Pec dec. Butterfly press. Bench press. Weight stack 29.5kg. Vertical gym. General information: Size H134, W106, D204cm. Weight 96kg. Packed flat.

Multi Gym 5-Stack Fitness Machine With Butterfly $5987.99 This 5-Stack Multi Gym With Butterfly features the following exercises: Hi lat pull prone leg curl seated leg extension cable column incline press shoulder press decline press bench press and butterfly. Pillow block bearings are installed on all pivot points for smooth movement.

Everlast Olympic Weight Bench $149.99 Maximum user weight 110kg (17st5lb). Single ratio cable pulley system. Vertical gym. Weight stack 35kg. Bench press. Leg extension. Arm curl. Leg press. Vinyl weight stack. General information: Packed flat. Weight 30.5kg. Size H169, W97, D168cm. By Everlast.

Everlast Weight Bench and Tower $99.99 General information: Packed flat. Weight 22kg. Size H172, W127, D166cm. Butterfly press. Leg extension. Arm curl. Leg press. Single ratio cable pulley system. Maximum user weight 110kg (17st5lb). Vertical gym. Bench press. By Everlast.

Flat Weight Bench $162.07 The Flat Weight Bench is a great way to start or add to your own home or professional gym. Quality construction with an affordable price makes this bench a worthy investment to your physical health. Sturdy 2-inch x 2-inch 12-gauge steel construction Thick comfortable pad (12 in. W x 42 in. L) Easy to move

GYM $2.49 24,90 EUR / 1kg - Die GYM Salmiakdrops werden hergestellt unter Verwendung von reinem Lakritz. Sie schmecken kr�ftig und w�rzig und sind eine bew�hrte Hilfe bei Husten und Heiserkeit.

BodyCraft K1 K1 Single Stack Gym with Functional Arms $3638.7 The K1 is BodyCrafts Best Home Gym Hands Down with a 400 lb Traditional Horizontal Bench 400 lb Squat and Optional 400 lb Leg Press. With a Lifetime Warranty Conventional Core Body Strength Training Sports Specific and Rehabilitation Exercises BodyCrafts K1 Home Gym is the Logical Choice. If you want to get Bigger Stronger and Gain Muscle Mass using a Home Gym the K1 gets the job done Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk with the BodyCraft K1 Flat/Incline and Decline Bench Presses Fold the Bench to 90 to Batter your Shoulders with Military and Behind the Head Presses Build BearLike Traps with Heavy Shrugs Bench folds out of the way for Thighs Blasting 400 lb Squats Quad Scorching Front Squats Round your Glutes with Static Lunges Build Core Strength and lift your Butt with Good Mornings Quad Defining Leg Extension/Butt Burning Lying Leg Curls

Marcy Deluxe Utility Bench $249.35 Get the body you've been wanting with a Deluxe utility benchFitness machine features a 3-position seat adjustmentHome gym machine has a durable powdercoated finishHigh density boxed upholstery constructed from top-grade high-density foamSix-position back pad adjustment (incline, decline and flat)Oversize adjustable leg hold-down foam roller padsFold away front post for easy storageBench will adapt to most squat racks, half cages and Smith Machines

Proform Core Tech Bench $324.25 Proform 'Pilates Reformer' home gym machine will help you get in shapeSports equipment features a flat bench, four bungee resistance bands, adjustable pulley height, adjustable rope length, foot tube, rolling seat on steel rails and two hand strapsWeight machine includes exercise chart and exercise DVD

Napoleon in the Gym $10 Napoleon in the Gym

Harry's Gym $10.49 Harry's Gym

Gym Bags $14.95 Gym Bags

Door Gym $51.95 Door Gym

350 Club Bench Press Sports Cap by CafePress $17 350 Club Bench Press : Bench Press, 350 Club, Bench Press 350 Club, Lifting Weights, Lifting, 350 Lbs, Benchpress, Bench-Press, Weights, Sports, Pumping Iron, Weightlifting, Powerlifting Gym Apparel Sports Cap . Our adjustable, 100% brushed cotton Cap is unstructured and an ideal way to beat the heat. Wear it anytime you want to keep the sun off or cover up a bad hair day. It features a sturdy low profile brim, sweatband, and adjustable closure, as well as Pre

Pro Power Multi Use Workout Bench $54.99 General information: Packed flat. Weight 16kg. Size H107, W56, D142cm. Maximum user weight 110kg (17st5lb). Back leg curl. Leg extension. Bench press. Horizontal gym. By Pro Power.

BodyCraft K2 K2 2 Stack Gym with Functional Arms $5198.7 The K2 Home Gym has a dualweight stack Strength Training System designed for multiple users or quicker transitions for the single user. Fits against a wall or into a corner One weight stack for the Dumbbell Station with Adjustable Cable Arms Lat Pull and Leg Extension/Curl One weight stack for the Flat/Incline/Decline Bench/Squat Station Horizontal Bench Press for correct angles in decline flat incline and shoulder presses Bench slides out of the way for squats Press Arm folds out of the way for dumbbell work Two 200pound weight stacks shrouds and mounted exercise charts included 132 W x 120 L x 83 H

Bench $9.99 Dot Stovall Bench - Art Print

Bayou Fitness Products E8660 2Station Home Gym $3496.84 The ESeries Home Gym E8660 proves there is no such thing as having too many good workout options. Arms legs back chest and abs; all of these are targeted by the extensive list of exercises this machine's two stations provide. Strengthening of the upper and lower body is a byproduct of its addition to your home gym and its industry leading functionality produces results above and beyond your expectations. If you want to make fat disappear and gain impressive muscle and energy then this home gym is precisely the product to get you there. 2Stations. 2 x 200 lb. Weight stacks. High station. Mid station. Low station. Pec fly. Chest press arm. Military press arm. Squat arm. Lat bar. Ab strap. Ankle strap. Shiver bar. 11 Gauge steel frame. Baked powder coat. Light commercial rating. Assembled weight: 1073 lbs. Lifetime frame and parts residential warranty. Shroud for weights. 7 Press arm back pad adjustments. Lat station back pad. 10 Lat station seat pad adjustments. 10 Press arm adjustments. 13 Bench distance adjustments. Right station features: lat pulldown leg curl/extension ab cruch low row and pec fly sation. Left station features: a fully adjustable chest press station. Rolled seat pad is able to be adjusted to maximize comfort. Assembled dimensions: 90.5 x 77 x 83.5 .

Curved Sit Up Bench - by Lion Sports $109 This specialized workout bench is designed for more efficient sit-ups, abdominal work and upper body workouts! Built of sturdy steel, this exercise bench is designed for years of use and long life.  The gym bench features adjustable, dense foam leg supports. Convenient dumbbell holders on the sides of this situp bench give you smoother transition when working out.  Folds (not flat) for easy storage.   Type: Storage Accessories Color: Black

Ali - Gym $19.99 Ali - Gym - Masterprint

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