Home Gym

MivkM · 4 Feb 2011 at 10:41

Right, Looking at setting up a home Gym. Have the size of a single garage to play with.

Current Equipment:
Bike
Cross Trainer
Adjustable Dumbells.

Budget Wise - for the basics going to want to spend around the £500 mark and add more over time. (Budget can be stretched for the right stuff)

I Guess im going to need:
Floor Mats (Cover the whole floor)
Adjustable Bench (Incline / Decline??)
Weights 6/7ft Bar + Plates
Power Rack (Going to be working out without a spotter a lot - assume that's safest)
+Accessories

What else would you say is vital for a home gym setup, any recommendations on Brands & Where to get the equipment from?

LiE · 4 Feb 2011 at 10:49

Power rack, adjustable bench, plates, barbell and dumbbell.

Something like this would be good - http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/multi_press_racks/powertec_workbench_half_rack/12146_p.html
Some weights - http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/olympic_weight_sets/10229_0c.html

Morba · 4 Feb 2011 at 11:31

£500:

£209 - Power rack - http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf475-heavy-power-rack.php
£25 - dip attachment - http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-dip-attachment-cf475d.php
£103 - adjustable bench - http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf328-deluxe-flat-incline-decline-utility-bench.php

Leaves you £240 to spend on a barbell and some weights.

Getting it all from one place will allow a better chance of getting a better discount

BennyC · 4 Feb 2011 at 11:58

Fitness-superstore had a very good deal on plates & bars back when I got mine.

Equestrian matting is the same stuff and usually cheaper.

Powerhouse fitness have some 'strength packages' which might be a very good option for you.

Edit: I have that power rack that morba linked. If you search the product code here you'll find my thread.

MivkM · 4 Feb 2011 at 12:12

Great, I'll look into them suggestions!

Any other equipment that could be needed if the budget could be stretched? The way i see it is Gym membership around £500 a year and there are two of us paying that so ultimately will save us money and not have to Wait for Bench's all evening!!

BennyC · 4 Feb 2011 at 13:18

A weights tree is a good investment. Mine was £70 made by 'Body Solid' and I can't fault it. Cheap and sturdy as! Handles 8 x 20's, 2 x 15's, 2 x 10's, 4 x 5's, 4 x 2.5's & 4 x 1.25's with room left over. And has holders for two bars. Again you can see this in my thread

If you've got the space then two, one either side of the rack would be very convienient but not entirely neccesary.

A fixed narrow handle for t-bar rows is another good option allowing you to do another exercise, including t-bar rows. Along with any other cable attatchments if you get the lat/low pulley attachment. I have it myself but haven't the space to use it as you'll see. Planning on moving out soon so will hopefully be able to utilise it and not have to worry about stepping foot in a gym again!