my idea

[grywlf]

as i have told some of you before i work out at home alone for quite a few year now and the fact that i work out alone i have to be careful when benching my current bench that i bought 4 years ago while i love it i can't lift heavy for fear that
i won't be able to rack it . recently i moved to a larger apt with my room for my stuff i have a seprate room and part of the den.while i would love to buy a leg press with money i saved for my birthday this year. i'm beginng to think a smith
machine or something like that would be a better invest ment i like to get something i could safely bench with that also has a preacher attachment and
maybe with a lat attachment any thoughts or ideas here? also if it can't hold more then 300 might as well stay with what i got

[buffdoc]

I have been really busy with work and also decided to purchase a home gym system. The issue with a spotter is a real one and as you get stronger you need to lift heavy to get bigger. I researched alot of machines. Take a look at the ProSpot fitness machines. They have a web site at http://www.prospotfitness.com. Some of the machines are quite expensive but the intro model runs $999 and I think it is superior to a smith machine in terms of range of movement. It has Grab & Go electronic spotting--basically as long as you hold the bar it can move--let go and the bar freezes in place in milliseconds. You can do bench press and squats alone safely with that model. Videos on the website show how it all works. The model I ordered (P600) has been back ordered for months but finally shipped this week, so I while I don't have any practical daily experience using it, the entire line has received glowing reviews.

[glammaman2000]

..wouldn't it be cheaper to just join a gym?I've got a feeling there's some competitive fire in you&you'll be amongst like-minded individuals.(into working out)If showering is an issue,DON'T!(I don't shower at my gym.Don't want to deal with schlepping shampoo,soap,risk of athlete's foot,etc)If there's anything near you,it could be cheaper&more inspiring.

[optimusx]

I agree with glammaman, try finding a good gym to go to. Mine costs around $400/yr and I think it's one of my better investments. Now, I won't say that I wouldn't mind having one of those racks BuffDoc linked to (esp whenever I get the urge to lift something) but you can't really replace the atmosphere or the people you'll run into in the gym.

Gyms serve a greater purpose than just a place to lift weights. You'll see movements/techniques (good and bad) that you've never seen before, have access to a wider array of equipment and you'll never have to pay to have something repaired (thus loosing valuable time in your training, esp if the center piece of your workouts is broken). In addition, gyms offer ammenities not usually available at home (whirlpools, steamrooms, personalized training, eye candy).

While training at home can be a good thing (less time traveling to/from gym, equipement available when you want it, always open) it can also become monotonous to a point where you loose your drive, esp. if you spend day in and day out at home.

Now does that mean I would never, ever train at home? No. If I had $$$$$ I wouldn't mind setting up a mini-gym for those weekends/nights when I just HAVE to lift and don't want to drive 13 minutes to the gym (you know you've got it bad when you know exactly how long it takes you to get to the gym). In fact, if I ever win one of those MEGA Million lottery games (which I don't play) I'd probably build a two story house with one floor being exclusively a gym/activity floor. And still, I would go to the gym I'm currently at. Yeah I'm that crazy.


Just my two cents.

Scott

[grywlf]

i did belong to golds but now that i'm in the berkshires i'm about 25 miles from nearest gym if not more theres a y but it has nothing and is over priced

[ethernet_jock]

grywlf.... this may be a bit off-the-wall for you but I too workout at home and I have FAR less equipment than you.

If you're going to spend big $ on home equipment, i really do suggest a Bowflex. In terms of doing things like bench exercises in particular - I have REALLY enjoyed the fact that you can go FULL OUT HARD with every press and never once worry at all about weight smashing your head in. I also really enjoy the negative rep aspect.... think about it.... lucas can give you insight on bowflex as well.

there's nothing better than a real gym... but for me... my bowflex comes close.

[brent]

If you do get a piece of home equipment, look for it used. Many people buy a Bowflex, etc, and don't use it. Then they sell it cheap. Also, ask around, or post a flier; maybe one of you neighbors is wanting to set-up a garage gym. I'm sure there are many options.