Best Home Gym for 2K

[garthalgar]

Looking for a new home gym for my crib. What unit would you guys recommend for around 2K? I have heard negative things about the Bowflex units. What are the reputable brands?

I know of Fitness Depot and Fitness Equip Calgary, but are there any other shops I should be visiting?

[BrknFngrs]

Don't get an all in one bowflex type unit, get a full cage, olympic weight. A good adjustable bench and some dumbbells/other odds and ends. That way you can do any exercises you want properly and safely, no compromises.

[lint]

If you're going new:

Powertec ppr power rack, comes with dip handles and pullup/chinup bar - $550
http://www.gomangofitness.com/powertec-power-rack-p-172.html
Northern Lights FID bench - $428
http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/FlatInclineDecline-Bench-2x4-tubing-P504C55.aspx
Olympic bar - $108.88
http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/7-Olympic-Bar--P334C89.aspx
Oly plates (2x45, 2x25, 4x10, 4x5, 2x2.5) 205lbs - $180.4
fitness depot sells for $0.88/lb
plate tree - $120
http://www.gomangofitness.com/bodysolid-olympic-weight-tree-rack-p-120.html
Horse stall mat from UFA, 5x7 - $95

That's enough to get you started and you'll have ~$500 left over for more plates or a lat attachment or some dumbbells.

[topmade]

I have one of these.
http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Calgary/Fitness_Equipment/1085/70835144/The_complete_leverage_Multi_gym_three.aspx
It has about a 10'x12' footprint so it's fairly large, but very convenient and no need for a spotter. Yes it's a leverage system, blah blah, but I don't plan on being a body builder so it's perfect for me. I picked it up used pretty cheap, but new is still under your budget.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by lint
If you're going new:

Powertec ppr power rack, comes with dip handles and pullup/chinup bar - $550
http://www.gomangofitness.com/powertec-power-rack-p-172.html
Northern Lights FID bench - $428
http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/FlatInclineDecline-Bench-2x4-tubing-P504C55.aspx
Olympic bar - $108.88
http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/7-Olympic-Bar--P334C89.aspx
Oly plates (2x45, 2x25, 4x10, 4x5, 2x2.5) 205lbs - $180.4
fitness depot sells for $0.88/lb
plate tree - $120
http://www.gomangofitness.com/bodysolid-olympic-weight-tree-rack-p-120.html
Horse stall mat from UFA, 5x7 - $95

That's enough to get you started and you'll have ~$500 left over for more plates or a lat attachment or some dumbbells.

Yes sir.

[A790]

If you want a home gym, get a functional trainer (assuming you won't buy a cage/weight set).

1) http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Torque-Fitness-F3-Functional-Trainer-P839C65.aspx ($1,998)

2) http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Northern-Lights-Functional-Trainer-P702C65.aspx ($2,188).

They incorporate the use of stabilizing muscle groups into your workout, providing a more comprehensive workout than a machine that would otherwise isolate muscle groups.

That being said, buy a cage/bench/weights. Much better :)

[roopi]

Might want to check this out as well:

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/286042/fs-hoist-v1-home-gym/

[ragu]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-sports-bikes-SQUAT-RACK-BENCH-WEIGHTS-DUMBELLS-BARS-ETC-W0QQAdIdZ171787563

[Mitsu3000gt]

So many people buy expensive fitness equipment and then almost never use it. Used would be the first place I'd be looking.

[lint]

Northern Lights FID bench on kijiji:
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-health-special-needs-Northern-Lights-Workout-bench-W0QQAdIdZ171709658

Powertec PPR + lat attachment on craigslist:
http://calgary.en.craigslist.ca/spo/1505904774.html

For under $800 for the combo, that's a steal.

[lint]

Originally posted by max_boost
Yes sir.

I think your gear is collecting alot of dust...

[Proyecto2000]

Originally posted by A790
If you want a home gym, get a functional trainer (assuming you won't buy a cage/weight set).

1) http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Torque-Fitness-F3-Functional-Trainer-P839C65.aspx ($1,998)




I own the torque fitness gym and its really good. I bought it because you can close the doors and its not an eye sore.

[A790]

Originally posted by Proyecto2000



I own the torque fitness gym and its really good. I bought it because you can close the doors and its not an eye sore.
The only problem I see with this unit, aside from it being a home gym and all that, is that it only has 150lbs of weight. The NLFT has 200lbs.

[top_speed]

Originally posted by lint


I think your gear is collecting alot of dust...
lol:rofl:

[lint]

Originally posted by Proyecto2000
I own the torque fitness gym and its really good. I bought it because you can close the doors and its not an eye sore.

If you want to get strong buy a power rack. If you're worried about a power rack being an eye sore... well you probaby have umbrellas in your drinks.

[JordanLotoski]

I have this in my home gym, I like it alot. You can prpbably picked up a used on for just over 2k. Think i paid 3700 with tax and delivery.

http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Torque-Fitness-F5-P733C13.aspx


Torque Fitness
http://www.healthstylesexercise.com/catalog/images/torque_F5_inuse.jpg

[max_boost]

Originally posted by lint


I think your gear is collecting alot of dust...

haha NO!

I'm still lifting 3X a week but just not as hardcore as I was before.

[Proyecto2000]

Originally posted by lint


If you want to get strong buy a power rack. If you're worried about a power rack being an eye sore... well you probaby have umbrellas in your drinks.

:facepalm:

I say eye sore, becuase I have a very small place and the gym is sitting in the corner of my living room. Which is big enough for a TV, a sofa and a table. When this thing is closed, it takes up no space.

:banghead:

[darkkent]

costco always brings in a decent starter smith cage with weights and all attachments. you could pick up one of those and a good set of dumbbells for less than $1500 new

[urban.one]

Do those mats roll up? Im trying to figure out if I can load it into my car of if ill need a truck to pick one up.


Originally posted by lint

Horse stall mat from UFA, 5x7 - $95

[lint]

Originally posted by urban.one
Do those mats roll up? Im trying to figure out if I can load it into my car of if ill need a truck to pick one up.



Not very well, but they do. I rolled one up enough to fit into my e36 coupe with the seats folded down. A tight roll might still be 2' around. Bring some rope/string make sure it stays rolled up. And I'd get some help moving it. It'll weigh close to 100lbs and is awkward as fuck for one person. Leaves nice black marks on your walls. If you have access to a truck, use it. Makes it easier to load/unload, and will prevent your car from smelling of rubber.

[urban.one]

How rubber slab mats from a fitness store instead of the horse stall mat?

http://www.gomangofitness.com/black-slab-4x6x38-p-346.html?osCsid=40b28809300e0d777e41359c69dcb19d

[lint]

sure if you want to pay more. 4'x6'x3/4" at UFA is around $60 compared to 4'x6'x3/8" for $85 in that link from gomango.

[roopi]

The UFA ones are definately cheaper but they do smell. My basement smelled like rubber for about 2 weeks. Not to sure about the go mango ones and like lint said try and get some help with them. It was a bitch to get four of them into the basement by myself.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by lint


Not very well, but they do. I rolled one up enough to fit into my e36 coupe with the seats folded down. A tight roll might still be 2' around. Bring some rope/string make sure it stays rolled up. And I'd get some help moving it. It'll weigh close to 100lbs and is awkward as fuck for one person. Leaves nice black marks on your walls. If you have access to a truck, use it. Makes it easier to load/unload, and will prevent your car from smelling of rubber.

Yeah those mats are heavy as fuck. My buddy carried them into my basement by himself, TWICE cause I got two :rofl:. I was surprised how strong he was. Yeah he left a couple marks on the walls too but oh well, can't fault him.

[liquidboi69]

If you want to make transportation easier, roll up the mats...and make sure you have duct tape. What I did to make my home platform was use a bunch of horse stall mats, but putting them in my car was really tough.

Taking them out of my car, and into my basement...I decided to roll it up as tight as possible and duct tape it. It still took 2 people, but it was alot easier. I would say they weigh 80ish pounds, but the real challenge is getting a hold of it and getting in a good position where lifting isn't super tough. So make sure you roll them up!


Originally posted by urban.one
How rubber slab mats from a fitness store instead of the horse stall mat?

http://www.gomangofitness.com/black-slab-4x6x38-p-346.html?osCsid=40b28809300e0d777e41359c69dcb19d
I have both. GoMango mats suck SUBSTANTIALLY compared to horse stall mats. Horse stalls are definitely the way to go. They will last you a lifetime, even if you drop weights on them regularly oly lifting.

If you are deadlifting heavy, and want to save your concrete foundation, buy two horse stall mats and put some 4x8 CD grade plywood in between. Works great.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1846391&stc=1&d=1243662374
GoMango mat on top (sucks), horse stall on bottom. See the difference in thickness.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1846381&stc=1&d=1243662374

[Sasuke_Kensai]

Originally posted by roopi
The UFA ones are definately cheaper but they do smell. My basement smelled like rubber for about 2 weeks. Not to sure about the go mango ones and like lint said try and get some help with them. It was a bitch to get four of them into the basement by myself.

My brother said the Go-Mango ones smell for a bit too.

[urban.one]

This is gonna take more planning than I initially though.

For those who have carpet in your basement, what did you put in between the horsestall mat and the carpet?

I also wasnt worried about the concrete floor but now im thinking it might be a concern. I like the setup with the mats and plywood but dont like how think it is... could cause problems.


Originally posted by liquidboi69

I have both. GoMango mats suck SUBSTANTIALLY compared to horse stall mats. Horse stalls are definitely the way to go. They will last you a lifetime, even if you drop weights on them regularly oly lifting.

If you are deadlifting heavy, and want to save your concrete foundation, buy two horse stall mats and put some 4x8 CD grade plywood in between. Works great.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1846391&stc=1&d=1243662374
GoMango mat on top (sucks), horse stall on bottom. See the difference in thickness.

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1846381&stc=1&d=1243662374

[lint]

What types of weights do you have, what kind of lifting do you plan on doing, what other equipment do you have?

I built a lifting platform:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/1502/img0773w.th.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/i/img0773w.jpg/)

mine's only two layer since I have a low ceiling and really wanted to maintain vertical space. Center piece is screwed down to the bottom layer, no glue so that it can be taken apart if I ever move since it won't fit out the door. The stall mats aren't even screwed down, but I don't get any more than a few mm of movement and can just kick them back into place. No problems dropping bumpers or iron.