Official Home Gym Building Thread

hurfdurf said:
Does anyone know where I can get a cheap olympic bar + 80kgish of weights?
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I'm looking for similar, if a bit less extra weight - I only really want it for complexes on off-days and as a basis to start my equipment. Looking for a barbell +20kg, I can always purchase more.

Live down in Brighton (have a car available I could make a short-ish trip from Guildford) and I can't find a thing within <40miles+ on ebay, gumtree has little to nothing - what little there is is always spinlock.

Bear in mind I'm a student so price > quality at this point.

I was considering http://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/york-olympic-bar/16345 + trying to pick up some discs elsewhere.

Edit: Just seen Fitness Superstore as posted about before in this thread - could get


7' Olympic Bar (320Kg / 700lb Rated) £53.95
Olympic Spring Collar (Pair) £4.79
TRI-GRIP Cast Iron Olympic Discs - 1.25Kg (x4) £7.45
TRI-GRIP Cast Iron Olympic Discs - 2.5Kg (x4) £14.98

Grand Total £91.38

Seems like a lot for £90 - doesn't seem worth going through the hassle of sourcing second hand and collecting them (unable to unless from Guildford)
 
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if your going 2nd hand keep on searching, it takes time to find the right stuff as so many people buy cheap rubbish then realise the mistake they made then sell on, people who normally buy decent equipment usually don't sell it on, some do though, so you really need to keep your eyes open and be prepared for a long wait.

it should be easier for you guys in england, in scotland it's bery hard, sorry but the guy i know lives near me in glasgow.
 
This is the thing though, I've been consistently checking the bay and gumtree and come up empty.

Are the things listed really cheap enough rubbish as to justify a step up? - I won't be loading the bar up to even close to its limit as it will only be used on off days for complexes and as for the discs - well I'm buying such a small amount I hardly think it matters - I can easily supplement them with some higher quality stuff when the time comes.
 
fen739 said:
This is the thing though, I've been consistently checking the bay and gumtree and come up empty.

Are the things listed really cheap enough rubbish as to justify a step up? - I won't be loading the bar up to even close to its limit as it will only be used on off days for complexes and as for the discs - well I'm buying such a small amount I hardly think it matters - I can easily supplement them with some higher quality stuff when the time comes.
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this is the problem most people face.

buy cheap and then if you want to move up a level, you find out you have basically thrown your money away.

decent equipment holds it value quite well.

end of the day its your decision, whatever you think is best for you. if your serious about it then olympic is the only choice imo. but if you know for a fact you wont be moving up a level, then go for the cheap standard stuff
 
Psycho Sonny said:
this is the problem most people face.

buy cheap and then if you want to move up a level, you find out you have basically thrown your money away.

decent equipment holds it value quite well.

end of the day its your decision, whatever you think is best for you. if your serious about it then olympic is the only choice imo. but if you know for a fact you wont be moving up a level, then go for the cheap standard stuff
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The bar I linked is an olympic bar? :confused:
 
fen739 said:
The bar I linked is an olympic bar? :confused:
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yeah i know, but since you only wanted like 20kg of weight, i thought you might be better off with standard equipment, but it all depends on if you want to future proof yourself.

the bar you liked to is fine, i think mine is rated 320kg too, i have only ever had 180kg on it.
 
Still waiting on my rack :( Only been a couple of weeks so far though :)

Quick question (save a new thread) What weight routines are best for fat loss?

I know diet plays a huge part and I've already got the cardio sorted but not sure where to start with the weights. I previously enjoyed doing a 3 day split but stopped through injury and never got into it again.

I was thinking maybe stronglifts to start and go from there?
 
Psymonkee said:
Still waiting on my rack :( Only been a couple of weeks so far though :)

Quick question (save a new thread) What weight routines are best for fat loss?

I know diet plays a huge part and I've already got the cardio sorted but not sure where to start with the weights. I previously enjoyed doing a 3 day split but stopped through injury and never got into it again.

I was thinking maybe stronglifts to start and go from there?
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stronglifts 5 x 5 will be perfect for you, but i suggest you add in some lat pull downs and low rows for your back. deadlift and barbell rows are already a part of the routine but i felt like all that happened on stronglifts 5 x 5 was that my legs got stronger and i lost weight, for everything else it was poor.

so adding in some extra back stuff will improve upper body and push your shoulder press and bench press up making the whole upper body grow. back is one of the most neglected areas i have found yet it plays a part in most lifts.
 
Psymonkee said:
Well I've ordered the Premium Strength Package....hurry up mr delivery man! :D

Not enough room in the garage for the rower though :(
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Hi guys, I am 22 years old and been training seriously for about three years. Setting up a home gym on a budget of about £1000-1500. I was also considering the Premium Strength Package from powerhouse fitness - http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/premium-strength-package.php and was wandering whether the chap who ordered it has received his yet and opinion on it?

Also, I have found this on ebay and would love an opinion on whether it looks worthwhile. - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/85KG-OLYM...2?pt=UK_Strength_Training&hash=item19c7382154.

Think with the above I would probably have all I need to begin with - Power Rack, Bench, 100 kg weights, adjustable dumbbells up to 42.5 kg on each.

Would very much appreciate any responses,

Cheers guys
 
Wyburnitz said:
Hi guys, I am 22 years old and been training seriously for about three years. Setting up a home gym on a budget of about £1000-1500. I was also considering the Premium Strength Package from powerhouse fitness - http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/premium-strength-package.php and was wandering whether the chap who ordered it has received his yet and opinion on it?

Also, I have found this on ebay and would love an opinion on whether it looks worthwhile. - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/85KG-OLYM...2?pt=UK_Strength_Training&hash=item19c7382154.

Think with the above I would probably have all I need to begin with - Power Rack, Bench, 100 kg weights, adjustable dumbbells up to 42.5 kg on each.

Would very much appreciate any responses,

Cheers guys
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that dumbell option is something i would only advise someone who could not afford ironmasters, but with your budget ironmasters would be no problem.

put it this way, i have olympic dumbell handles and i opted to spend over £1K on proper dumbells, my olympic dumbell handles now just sit there as a mistake i made. they can become extremely tedious and dangerous as you put more weight on them.

with your budget though, i would go for:

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk..._workbench_power_rack_black_2011/13503_p.html

£449

with the option to buy a lat pulley later on @ £359

this weight set

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...85kg_trigrip_olympic_weight_set_/12267_p.html

£269

these weights have handles, trust me a lot easier to work with than weights which dont have them, another mistake i made.

this bench

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...decline_benchfull_commerical_grey/7080_p.html

£279

in future you can add on preacher curl and leg developer attachments £72 each

these dumbells

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/quicklock-adjustable-dumbbell

£475

with the option to buy an add on kit and kettlebells in future

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/quicklock-120

£250

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/adjustable-kettlebell

£100

and at least 7 of these mats

http://www.strengthshop.co.uk/review/product/list/id/402/

£20 each

you will need to double them up wherever you are doing deadlifts and heavy dumbell work

feel free to ask questions, i have chosen the above stuff because it is all very good, made by top manufacturers and offer good value for money and plenty of options to expand later on.

£1622 without lat pulley and £1981 with for, rack, weight set, bench, dumbells and matting.

a bit over budget but well worth it.

the premium strength package looks good also, so you could always go for that and get ironmasters to go with it, bur there wont be any attachments for the bench, etc. so if you want to preacher curl you need to buy a seperate preacher bench, which will be a lot of money just for preacher curls.

i definitely believe though that you should pick ironmasters over any other dumbells.
 
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oh yeah, dont be afraid to go second hand for the olympic plates especially, as you can see from the OP's they can be made back to brand new very quickly, cheaply and simply.

you can also see from my dumbell pictures how i also re-furbed them back to practically brand new as well.

separate dumbells are too much for your budget though, go for ironmasters.
 
Psycho Sonny said:
that dumbell option is something i would only advise someone who could not afford ironmasters, but with your budget ironmasters would be no problem.

put it this way, i have olympic dumbell handles and i opted to spend over £1K on proper dumbells, my olympic dumbell handles now just sit there as a mistake i made. they can become extremely tedious and dangerous as you put more weight on them.

with your budget though, i would go for:

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk..._workbench_power_rack_black_2011/13503_p.html

£449

with the option to buy a lat pulley later on @ £359

this weight set

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...85kg_trigrip_olympic_weight_set_/12267_p.html

£269

these weights have handles, trust me a lot easier to work with than weights which dont have them, another mistake i made.

this bench

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...decline_benchfull_commerical_grey/7080_p.html

£279

in future you can add on preacher curl and leg developer attachments £72 each

these dumbells

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/quicklock-adjustable-dumbbell

£475

with the option to buy an add on kit and kettlebells in future

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/quicklock-120

£250

http://www.valleyfitness.co.uk/Adjustable Dumbbell/adjustable-kettlebell

£100

and at least 7 of these mats

http://www.strengthshop.co.uk/review/product/list/id/402/

£20 each

you will need to double them up wherever you are doing deadlifts and heavy dumbell work

feel free to ask questions, i have chosen the above stuff because it is all very good, made by top manufacturers and offer good value for money and plenty of options to expand later on.

£1622 without lat pulley and £1981 with for, rack, weight set, bench, dumbells and matting.

a bit over budget but well worth it.

the premium strength package looks good also, so you could always go for that and get ironmasters to go with it, bur there wont be any attachments for the bench, etc. so if you want to preacher curl you need to buy a seperate preacher bench, which will be a lot of money just for preacher curls.

i definitely believe though that you should pick ironmasters over any other dumbells.
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Thanks very much for the reply and advice. I've heard a fair bit about ironmasters and just watched the youtube video on them - they look great. Says out of stock on the website at the minute though which is annoying.

You have certainly given me food for thought - Going to have a think about whether to just go for the Premium Strength Package and get some Ironmasters or go for the seperate stuff you have listed as well. If I went for the Premium Strength Package do you reckon it is a decent bit of kit?

What's actually wrong with Olympic Dumbbell handles - just hard to use etc?

I just want to get the ball rolling really, get the essentials in as soon as I can, then develop it from there. Will also have a scout around on Ebay to see if there is anything, anything I find is way up North however and I'm South!
 
Wyburnitz said:
Thanks very much for the reply and advice. I've heard a fair bit about ironmasters and just watched the youtube video on them - they look great. Says out of stock on the website at the minute though which is annoying.

You have certainly given me food for thought - Going to have a think about whether to just go for the Premium Strength Package and get some Ironmasters or go for the seperate stuff you have listed as well. If I went for the Premium Strength Package do you reckon it is a decent bit of kit?

What's actually wrong with Olympic Dumbbell handles - just hard to use etc?

I just want to get the ball rolling really, get the essentials in as soon as I can, then develop it from there. Will also have a scout around on Ebay to see if there is anything, anything I find is way up North however and I'm South!
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the premium strength package is a great bit of kit, but the powertec is slightly better. the powertec rack i think can take 1000lbs versus the 800lbs of the strength package. powertec rack also has dip bars and a much better Warranty:
Lifetime on frames (excluding paint finish)
2 years on component parts (bearings, spring pins)
1 year on pads, grips and unspecified parts.

the bench i have recommended is also better, can get attachments in future, fully commercial, much better warranty, etc, can take more weight. body solid are a great manufacturer.

also if you phone up fitness superstore instead of ordering online, you will be able to haggle with them on price, maybe get them to throw in free matting or something like that.

if i was on a tight budget i would go with premium strength package, if i had £1500 i would go with the powertec/body solid option.

the essentials would be a rack, bench, matting and an olympic barbell weight kit.

other things can be bought at a later date, like ironmasters, lat pulley, attachments, etc.

the reason why i dont like olympic dumbells is, the size of the plates can become a problem on some lifts, hitting you on the back of the head, etc or being hard to use in a full motion, etc.

also once you start going up to heavier weights and the dumbell is being moved in certain positions they can become extremely dangerous, you don't know whether or not the spring collar or clamp is going to hold or not. people suggest using bull dog clamps, etc. although they are a lot safer/better, i still would not trust them, anything can happen, say if you forget to tighten them fully and you do a lift and 20kg of solid metal comes flying down on your face or lands on your foot, etc.

third reason is faffing about, constantly changing plates when going up in weights, especially when using bulldog clamps is a right pain, as i said before its like driving a car, but having to stop and change the tyres every mile. it's a lot of hassle which in the long run, you really want to avoid.

also if your planning on working out with a mate who is not on the same level as you, and using dumbells, it will be a nightmare, will take 3 times longer than using ironmasters.

i have a full set of dumbells which is the best option you can get, but it is also crazy expensive. a lot of people who usually go for full set of dumbells either get them second hand or buy a couple at a time. like i know someone who used to go to his local shop and buy 1 pair every month. this spreads out the cost and makes it far more affordable.

if they are out of stock, phone them up and ask them when they will be getting more stock in, also ask because of inconvenience, etc, if you can get a discount.

i think i managed to get £200ish off a £1500ish order from fitness superstore, was so long ago i cant fully remember, it basically paid for the matting i got.

definitely get ironmasters, they are amazing and you can even get the kettlebell handles, etc at a later date and use the same pins and weights from your dumbells on them, therefore you dont need to fork out for additional weights and pins. they are the best of both worlds, easy to transport to, i dont know how im going to move all of my equipment when i move home.
 
Steedie said:
I have permission from the girlfriend to turn our garage into a gym when we eventually move in

Awwwwwwww yeeeeaaaah!!!
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if it's going to be a permanent home for many many years, you may want to look into insulating it, etc. before buying any equipment. my garage gets extremely cold and it is something which needs to be addressed, otherwise i cannot use it in winter.

but scotland has terrible weather all year round so maybe not so bad for the english.

some people get the opposite problem in some parts of america for example where it gets too hot and they have to cool it.
 
Looking to replace the cheapo bench I was given with something slightly better. I like the idea of being able to do some decline work and having a lat pulley to do some cable work.

Have a budget of around £200-300 and have been looking at some of the low end Bodymax range. I'm guessing these are better quality than the V-Fit and Pro Power stuff you get in Argos etc?

Thought about this bench:

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf342-folding-standard-bench.php

And the lat attachment:

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf399-lat-attachment.php

I could also get a preacher curl attachment later down the line.

Any good? Cheers.
 
Phaser said:
Looking to replace the cheapo bench I was given with something slightly better. I like the idea of being able to do some decline work and having a lat pulley to do some cable work.

Have a budget of around £200-300 and have been looking at some of the low end Bodymax range. I'm guessing these are better quality than the V-Fit and Pro Power stuff you get in Argos etc?

Thought about this bench:

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf342-folding-standard-bench.php

And the lat attachment:

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf399-lat-attachment.php

I could also get a preacher curl attachment later down the line.

Any good? Cheers.
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i wouldnt go near that

Max Weight Capacity 180Kg

i weigh 100kg and i bench 80kg, therefore i am at it's maximum safe capacity.

the bench i have can take something insane like 450kg+

what do you need the equipment for?

at that price range the only thing i can recommend to be able to do several exercises are these

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...pro_safety_resistance_tube_light/13189_p.html

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...ro_safety_resistance_tube_medium/13190_p.html

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...ro_safety_resistance_tube_strong/13191_p.html

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk...ety_resistance_tube_extra_strong/13192_p.html

you can workout any muscle on the body using these, you can literally do hundreds of different exercises, it is simply amazing the number of different things you can do with them.

also due to the different strengths they are for all different users from beginners to advanced.

you can play about with these and make up your own exercises, wrap them around a pole and use them as a pec dec, etc. curl with them, squat, anything, probably even deadlift.
 
Could probably stretch to £400 if needed.

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf520-elite-folding-standard-olympic-bench.php

This one has a max weight of 270kg, I weigh 80kg and I'm benching around 80kg so it'd give me another ~100kg to play with.

I'd just like something sturdier / better built than the cheap V-Fit jobby I've got now really with the ability to add a lat pulldown.

I use the bench for quite a lot really, presses, flies, close grip, kickbacks etc then use the (small) space to the side for deadlifts, standing shoulder presses and so on.
 
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