Exercise Home Gym

Home Gym Buying Guide

Home Gym Buying Guide

Selecting the correct gym equipment is important as it is a big investment. If you make the right selection you will get years of satisfying training with great results, all in the convenience and comfort of your own home. Make the wrong selection and you will end up with an expensive clothes hanger.

The following items need to be considered when procuring a gym:

1) Functionality - does it offer good quality exercises that deliver results?

2) Quality - is it manufactured with the necessary quality and durability to withstand hard and consistent training?

3) Space - work out your footprint for your gym

4) Budget

Functionality for Home Gym Equipment.

In my opinion the key aspect of procuring a gym is that if you hit the weights hard, eat right and take care of yourself, you will get results. If your gym does not allow you to do the major compound exercises like squats, bench press, lat pulldowns, rows etc then you are not only wasting your money you are also wasting the time you have spent training. Isolation exercises are great for shaping existing muscle. But if you don't have enough existing muscle you need to focus on doing compound exercises to build your base strength and muscle mass.

You now have to work out whether you want to go the free weight or machine home gym route. When I refer to free weights I mean training the old fashioned way with a power rack, barbells and dumbbells. In regards to home gyms, you will have to decide between a traditional cable style gym or a leverage multi gym.

Before you decide on whether to go free weight or a machine, you will need to think about what you are trying to get out of your weight training. If you just want to be fit and healthy and are not too fussed with greatly improving your size and strength a home gym will be the best option. Alternatively if you want to build strength or bulk up then a power rack will be the best bet. If you want to build strength and add muscle mass but can't stand free weight exercises then a leverage home gym is the go.

In recent years there has been an avalanche of cheap cable home gyms hitting the market out of China. While some exercises like lat pulldowns or seated rows are great in cable format the majority of the exercises, and in some cases all the exercises on these cheaper gym are just rubbish. Many times these gyms are just replicated from photographs by factories where the people building them don't have any interest in weight training. So it looks like a home gym, but the exercises feel weird and can sometimes been downright dangerous. Give cheap gyms the swerve!

There are very good quality cable home gyms on the market but they are nearly always restricted to the weight stack that is on the gym. Some gyms only have 200lb or 90kg stacks. Many gyms have a mechanical advantage - the arrangement of the pulleys mean that you can lift 90kgs of weight with only 60kg of force. That might amaze your friends when you show them how strong you are but sooner or later you will get on some proper gym equipment and look like a turkey!

Another factor with good quality cable gyms is that they often don't have quality compound exercises. In particular a flat bench press or squat. Seated presses, pec decs, leg extensions and leg curls are good but are no substitute for bench press and squats. They are great for convenience, just put the pin in the weight stack and away you go. You need to work out whether you want to do weight training or not.

Home Gym Quality

Gym equipment needs to be robust. If you are a committed weight trainer you will be training up to 5 times a week and lifting serious weight. Your gym equipment needs to reflect your commitment. A cheaper home gym simply does not have the feel and quality required for serious weight training.

I have seen it so many times; people try and cut corners when buying gym equipment and the following happens:

1) You lose the passion for training as you don’t warm to the cheap feel of an inferior gym.
2) Their training is not adequate. They won't train key bodyparts like legs because they don't have the tools to do it.
3) The gym dies and collects dust in the garage
4) End up selling the cheap gym and buying a quality gym – losing coin in the process.

Although quality gym equipment seems expensive it is actually a smart investment. Buy the right gym and it will give you a lifetime of training plus great results. Plus you will save a fortune on gym fees.

A good quality Leverage gym like the Powertec Leverage Gym or Powertec Multi System allows you to perform many exercises with safety like cable home gyms.

Space

This is an issue for most people. There are two factors that you need to consider when selecting your gym equipment.

Firstly you have to work out how much space you are willing to set aside for your home gym. Once again you will have to determine how dedicated you are to your training. Remember that you will be training regularly so it might worth sacrificing your collection of crap in your garage/spare room that has not been used in years.

Parking the car in the driveway may also be considered.

But in reality for most the amount of space will be determined by the missus.

With your home gym area worked out, now comes the fun part. Selecting the gym equipment to fill the space. Don't make the common mistake of getting carried away and trying to cram in as much as possible. Training in an overcrowded gym is no fun.

I always advise that you go with a little less than try and fit too much in your home gym. Take into consideration that you need to focus on your compound movements to get results and Sam's Fitness has several different packages that can achieve this result without taking up much space at all. The Ironmaster range is perfect for when space is at a premium.

Budget

I mentioned previously the investment aspect of buying a home gym. I hate using terms like that because everyone seems to use it these days. But as I have said many times before if you train with weights consistently you will get benefits. Training at home is much more convenient for most people so it will help with your consistency.
You need to take into consideration how much you will be spending on gym memberships over the coming years.

As above you will most probably need approval from the wife or girlfriend - good luck.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has given you some ideas on your home gym. Feel free to contact us directly if you need a hand with planning. We get a lot our business through referrals from previous customers so we know we are doing something right.

A lot of time you will talk to sales people who have never actually trained extensively on the equipment they are selling. We pride ourselves on the fact we have trained for years on Powertec and Ironmaster fitness equipment.

By Sam from Sam's Fitness

About the Author

Hello Weight Trainers,
I have been the Australian distributor for Powertec and Ironmaster weight training equipment for 5 years now. I have built a successful business off the back of these two brands. The reason being is they are quality products and great value for money.
Having a quality product is only part of what we offer. If you check our website or youtube channel you will see how you can get the most out of your Powertec and Ironmaster Gym Equipment.
Our business has grown from people not only getting a gym that will last them a lifetime, but more importantly get the tips and advice that will get results.

Exercise Gym in a Bag $50.89 Enhance your physical fitness with an 'exercise gym in a bag'Fitness accessory is easy to assemble and remove from your doorFitness machine does not leave any marks and can stay on while the door opens and closesFitStrap secures vertically around almost any size door to provide quick, single-point anchoring for resistance tubes at any height FitStrap's patented feature is a series of loops spaced 6 apart Resistance bands can be placed through any of the loops for the purpose of exercising while standing, sitting, kneeling, or lying on the ground Multiple loops make it easy for people of all heights, weights, ages, and fitness levels to tighten, tone, strengthen, and stretch virtually any muscle Patented FitStrap helps to add diversity to fitness and rehabilitation workoutsAn ideal product for people like you with busy schedules who exercise at home, the office, the gym, or while travelingOne FitStrapTwo resistance bandsTravel bagBeginner, intermediate and Advanced exercise program

Live Love Exercise Sports Gym Bag by CafePress $17 You live for and love exercise, fitness, physical training, workouts, aerobics, and weight training. Great gift for fitness instructors, personal trainers, aerobic instructors and pilates instructors. Sports Gym Bag Headed to the club for a work out? No sweat. Our Nylon Gym Bag from American Apparel is the perfect way to transport those damp gym clothes back home. Made with a water-resistant Nylon Pack Cloth construction, it's made for the rigorous demands of an athl

BabyFirstTV's My Gym at Home $14.95 My Gym at Home invites parents and babies everywhere to play together have fun and discover the many advantages of a steady exercise routine. Whether the routine involves dancing stretching or active play the basic moves found on this DVD may help assist in the formation and development of your child's motor skills confidence and social skills. Join intructors Eric Monique and Antanice on this My Gym at Home DVD and give your child a love fr exercise that can last a lifetime. My Gym is one of the nation's leading children's fitness centers with locations worldwide and has earned a reputation as having the best early learning programs of its kind.

Mini Home Exercise Cycle $153.76 This Mini Home Exercise Cycle is the perfect solution for people to lose weight and get in shape in the comfort of their own home. This home gym machine is portable and can be used with any chair.Mini Home Exercise Cycle is the perfect solution for people to lose weight and get in shape in the comfort of their own homeHome gym machine is portable and can be used with any chairFitness device features a belt drive systemMini Home Exercise CycleMuscle toning and aerobic exerciseBoth upper and lower movements are perfect for aerobic conditioningHelps improve muscle strength in legs, arms, shoulders and backCirculation is increased with the smooth bicycle motionThe safe design helpsyou to maintain flexibility without stress on the joints, perfect for rehabilitation,diabetes and arthritis sufferers

The Exercise Bible $7.99 Practical workouts - whatever your aims, fitness level, body shape, available time, and budget. Explore the essential link between mind, body, and spirit to achieve total health and well-being. Recipes and sample menus to boost energy, with tips for healthy snacking. Exercise at home or in the gym, in the pool or on the track, even in the office or on an airplane.

2EJ0061IM EJ-6 Anti-Burst Gym Exercise Ball with $24 EJ-6 Anti-Burst Gym Exercise Ball with Pump

BodyCraft X2 Family Xpress Home Gym Exercise Machine $5978.7 Shape your body get strong lose weight and even improve your golf swing with the BodyCraft Family Xpress strength training system. The Family Xpress is distinguished by its dual weight stack design which lets couples work out simultaneously on different weight stations at the same time. Ideal for couples who want to make their workouts more efficient or for folks who want to keep their pulse rate high while circuit training. The Family Xpress includes such features as a bench press station with an adjustable starting point a cable station with adjustable arms that supports more than 100 different exercises an ab crunch station for abdominal training and a leg extension and curl station for performing seated leg extensions and standing leg curls. Add it all together and you have a terrific gym for home workout enthusiasts. Press Station has rangeofmotion adjustments to fit all size users and to provide more variety Exercises available on this station include Bench Press Incline Press Shoulder press and Mid Row Low Pulley Station with foot plate provides a variety of exercises not limited to Low Row Upright Row Arm Curls Hip Adduction Hip Abduction and Glute Kicks Easy Adjusting Cable Station Arms provide a complete range of exercises equivalent to a full set of dumbbells and are color coordinated and numbered for quick transitions Leg Press Calf Raise Station has an adjustable contoured back to accommodate all sizes

Home Gym Workout $13.99 Home Gym Workout

MY GYM AT HOME:FUN WITH MONIQUE (DVD) $18.85 Offering a safe and gentle way for parents to get active with their babies, My Gym At Home is a series of easy exercise routines for the whole family to do together. Fitness instructor Monique guides babies (and their adults) through a wide variety of fun fitness activities. Genre: Childrens Video Rating: NR Release Date: 31MAY2009

MY GYM AT HOME:FUN WITH ERIC (DVD) $18.85 Led by BabyFirstTV fitness instructor Eric, this entry in the My Gym At Home baby exercise series offers fun and safe routines for parents and children to do together. Incorporating gentle aerobics, dance and play, this interactive program helps get the whole family moving. Genre: Childrens Video Rating: NR Release Date: 31MAY2009

Gym-Free and Ripped $9.99 The ultimate low-cost, low-maintenance workout-no gym or weights required. Gym-Free and Ripped is for people needing workouts and exercises that can be performed without a gym-and with no, or minimal, equipment. Whether one is traveling, at home, or for whatever reason cannot go to a gym, these exercises-organized into workouts-provide one with gym- equivalent bodybuilding and toning. The author, both a certified fitness trainer and a photographer, carefully shows each exercise with step-by-step instructions. Multiple workouts are provided so that the reader can keep things fresh by varying routines. Additionally, the author offers nutrition and supplementation guidance to ensure maximum benefits from the body-building and toning workouts.

FitBALL FB75Y 75cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Yellow $50.48 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 75cm Yellow. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB55R 55 cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Red $39.2 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 55cm Red. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB55BK 55cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Black $39.2 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 55cm Black. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB75BK 75cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Black $50.48 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 75cm Black. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB75P 75cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Pearl $50.48 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 75cm Pearl. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB55P 55cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Pearl $39.2 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 55cm Pearl. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB65P 65cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Pearl $44.23 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 65cm Pearl. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB65BK 65cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Black $44.23 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 65cm Black. Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

FitBALL FB45Y 45cm Exercise Gym Stability Ball Yellow $34.25 FitBALL Exercise Ball (polybag) 45cm Yellow Includes ball poster. The #1 recommended burstresistant exercise ball is the perfect solution for both professional and home use. Trusted by physical therapists and personal trainers throughout the US and Canada every ability level can benefit from the stability challenge the FitBALL exercise ball offers for flexibility strength and aerobic training. Absolutely round and independently tested to weight bearing capacity of 2 250 lbs. our premium FitBALL exercise ball is made of our proprietary latexfree material. You ll feel the difference immediately when you sit on our firm yet flexible FitBALL exercise ball. Burstresistant balls are not warranted against punctures but are designed to help protect against a rapid deflation should the ball be punctured. FitBALL exercise balls are not recommended for use during heavy weight training.

Gym Exercise Fitness Sports Wall Clock by CafePress $15 Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included. Sports Wall Clock Decorate any room in your home or office with our 10 inch wall clock. Black plastic case. Requires 1 AA battery included.

BabyFirstTV's My Gym at Home - Fun with Monique $14.95 My Gym at Home invites parents and babies everywhere to play together have fun and discover the many advantages of a steady exercise routine. Presented by Monique Vranesh the exercises performed on this DVD are designed to assist in the formation and development of your child's motor skills flexibility and social skills. My Gym is one of the nation's leading children's fitness centers with locations worldwide and has earned a reputation as having the best early learning programs of its kind. DVD features: - Spanish and English audio options - On-screen parenting tips and subtitles - Introduction by Dr. Francine Jolton Running Time: 45 minutes. Join Monique as she guides you and your child through developmental exercise routines.

BabyFirstTV's My Gym at Home - Fun with Eric $14.95 My Gym at Home invites parents and babies everywhere to play together have fun and discover the many advantages of a steady exercise routine. Presented by Eric Grindler the exercises performed on this DVD are designed to assist in the formation and development of your child's motor skills flexibility and social skills. My Gym is one of the nation's leading children's fitness centers with locations worldwide and has earned a reputation as having the best early learning programs of its kind. DVD features: - Spanish and English audio options - On-screen parenting tips and subtitles - Introduction by Dr. Francine Jolton Running Time: 45 minutes. Join Eric as he guides you and your child thorugh developmental exercise routines.

Fitness Funny Gym Bag by CafePress $17 Exercise your mind and body. Funny Gym Bag Headed to the club for a work out? No sweat. Our Nylon Gym Bag from American Apparel is the perfect way to transport those damp gym clothes back home. Made with a water-resistant Nylon Pack Cloth construction, it's made for the rigorous demands of an athl

Women Performing Step Exercise with Handweights in Gym $24.99 Women Performing Step Exercise with Handweights in Gym - Photographic Print

As Seen on TV Total Gym XLS Home Gym with Bonus AbCrunch Accessory $1704.68 Discover how easy it is to get fit and stay in shape with the Total Gym XLS home gym. Endorsed by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley, the Total Gym XLS comes complete with a total fitness system of workouts and workout tools to take all the guesswork out of getting into shape. As a bonus you will receive the Total Gym AbCrunch accessory (a $199.90 value) at no additional cost. Over 10 ab-sculpting exercises included: it's fun, fast and effective. Now includes new AbCrunch workout DVD.400-lb weight capacity for total strength and stabilityUpgraded comfort systemPulley and cable system and squat standFlexible nylon strap handlesPadded glideboard with head supportChrome packageWing attachmentLeg pull accessoryPilates kitIncludes bonus AbCrunch accessoryExercise capability: Over 80 exercises targeting all muscle groups for cardio, strength training and stretching all on 1 machineIncluded items: 5 workout DVDs, an exercise wall chart, training deck and nutritional program/meal planning guideNo assembly requiredFolds for easy storageUnfolded dimensions: 19 inches wide x 90 inches long x 43 inches highFolded dimensions: 19 inches wide x 51 inches long x 9 inches high

Gym-free and Ripped (Paperback) $23.72 The ultimate low-cost, low-maintenance workout-no gym or weights required. Gym-Free and Ripped is for people needing workouts and exercises that can be performed without a gym-and with no, or minimal, equipment. Whether one is traveling, at home, or for whatever reason cannot go to a gym, these exercises-organized into workouts-provide one with gym- equivalent bodybuilding and toning. The author, both a certified fitness trainer and a photographer, carefully shows each exercise with step-by-step instructions. Multiple workouts are provided so that the reader can keep things fresh by varying routines. Additionally, the author offers nutrition and supplementation guidance to ensure maximum benefits from the body-building and toning workouts.

Fitness Gym Body Relaxing Exercise Massage Ball Blue $4.49 Description:Simply inflate Body Exercise Ball is used to help achieve muscle and tension release for all parts of the body.The textured surface also promotes sensory stimulation and is perfect for body dexterity exercises.It is made of durable rubber material for long time use.This Body Massage Ball can be enjoyed and used by anyone, from children to the elderly and the disabled.Compact design Blue Exercise Ball can be used at work, play, home, or sports.Length (Uninflation): approx. 9 1/2"Diameter (Inflation): approx 7 1/2"Weight: 98gPackage Included:1 x Blue Massage Ball

Home Fitness: Designing Your Own Home Gym and Workout Plan (Book) by Suzanne Falaschetti, M.S. $17.87 Exercise physiologist and wellness expert Suzanne Falaschetti presents sound advice on how to design and implement a home exercise plan. Falaschetti guides the reader, step-by-step, as they prepare for exercise, design a workout plan, and select safe and appropriate exercise equipment. Includes logical, easy-to-follow exercises and workouts in sensible progressions that are suitable for beginners and advanced exercisers alike. The book thoroughly explains the benefits of exercise in a home gym, and offers chapters on preparing for exercise, personal workout plans, a shopping guide to home gym equipment (with specific information on cardiovascular and strength training equipment), and much more.2004, 178 pages.

Home Swimmer In-Pool Exercise System $99.99 Home Swimmer SystemEnjoy a low-impact full body workout in the comfort of your own pool!The award winning Home Swimmer System turns any pool into ahome gym, allowing you to do a variety high quality muscle-building and cardiovascular exercises that wont put excessive stress on your bones and joints.The system weighs only 5 lbs, is completely portable, and can be set up in most pools without the use of tools.

Reebok Performance Gym Ball $13.99 The stylish Reebok Performance Gym Ball helps you build up your strength and fitness, lose weight or rehabilitate a painful back Handy 55cm diameter and ribbed for extra grip. Great for the gym or at home It's perfect for sit-ups, back exercises, stretching, balance and resistance work, as well as a fun alternative to crunches and strenuous sit-ups. Also improves posture and stability Exercise ball comes with workout video and pump, and can be used on any surface Helps relieve tension, boost circulation, improve heart muscles, lower cholesterol and burn off excess fat Coloured pink base and features the Reebok vector Ideal for people up to 5ft 8in Helps with back rehab 55cm exercise ball ribbed for extra grip Work out DVD and pump included Durable PVC

Young Man Preforming Push Up Exercise in Gym $24.99 Chris Trotman Young Man Preforming Push Up Exercise in Gym - Photographic Print

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