This is my first post here. I'm 27 years old, 5' 11" and 145 pounds. To be honest, I really haven't done much exercising in my life, other than a bit of distance running in high school. To be honest, I've never needed to exercise or eat carefully in order to stay thin, and for my size, I'm actually in decent physical condition.
Lately, though, my wife has been exercising and watching what she eats, and so I've decided to follow suit, partly to support her, but mostly because I feel I owe it to myself.

My plan: I'll get an FID bench with dumbbells for now. When I've convinced myself that I need one, I'll get a power rack and barbells, but that will probably be a while.

My questions:

I'm trying to decide on a good FID bench on a budget ($200 range). Bench press is the most weight-intensive thing I'll be doing on a bench, right? At my weight, I won't need more than a 500 pound capacity on a bench, right?
I see that some benches have preacher curl and leg extension/curl attachments, and some don't. I've seen people here say that leg extensions aren't too important, just to do squats. What about leg curls and preacher curl? Do I really want either of those attachments?
I know some of the hardcore lifters don't like the Body Solid Powerline line of benches, but they do have a 10-year warranty, and I can get the PFID130X for $120, compared to $200 for the Body Solid GFID31. What are your thoughts on this (I'm still waiting for a response on the weight capacity of the PFID130X)? I realize this question may be better suited to the equipment forum, so ignore it if you want.Other potential benches (cast an opinion on any of these, if you feel so inclined):

NYBB 99965 ($200)
Keys KF-FID ($190) or ST-DFIDL ($140)
Powertec P-UB ($165 without leg extension), maybe plus leg extension (+$50)
Marcy MWB682 ($100)Thanks for the advice. I realize that some of my questions are asking you what I want, but I really just want some opinions and ideas. I'm not looking to go crazy with this, just wanting to get in shape and build up some muscle. I want to avoid limiting myself in the future, though (as much as is reasonable on a budget).

Spoken like a true Ecto...:claplow:

I would get a multi-press rack and the bench that goes with it by BodySolid. + weights.

For you this is all you will need. Other than maybe a chin station.

Because for you (Ectomorph bodytype)....you'll need to stick with the compounds almost exclusively to put on mass or muscle.

And you are going to have to do some serious good eating.

You won't outgrow the Multipress rack...at least not for a long,long time anyway. (Rated 1000lbs).

BTW welcome, Jorgenman!:)

Thanks, I appreciate the reply and the welcome. After your comments, I did a little more reading on body types (mine, specifically) to better understand what you're talking about. I'm assuming that when you say I'll "need to stick with the compounds," you mean compound exercises. That answers a lot of my questions.

Until now, I hadn't really looked at the type of rack you suggested. It seems like most people in the equipment forum go on and on about their power racks, and the prices of each type of rack seem pretty similar. What is the difference between the multi rack you suggested and a power rack, and why do you suggest this one instead of a power rack? (I figure I at least get a chin-up bar with a power rack).

Regardless, it looks like I may end up getting the Body Solid GFID31 bench, although it is slightly more than what I had hoped to spend.

Thanks for all the help. I've finally got a set of dumbbells, so I did my first official workout last night. I've been stiff all day, but it feels good! Up and atom!

My plan: I'll get an FID bench with dumbbells for now. When I've convinced myself that I need one, I'll get a power rack and barbells, but that will probably be a while.
[B]

You can make better early progress with squats and deads. Now if you get heavy enough dumbells, you can do well with dumbells and the bench. But you will want to include Bulgarians, bench step ups, and single leg dumbell deadlifts to make that plan go.

It's a tough call. Dumbells and a bench is probably the correct answer, but you are almost surely underestimating the usefulness of a barbell.

Hi Jorgen,

Congrats on your decision to make some changes in your physique. I too was a skinny guy most of my 34 year old life (32 years to be specific). With a good diet, and a some focus on compounds in my home gym, I've managed to put one some decent weight, and am not longer reading unheathy on the BMI scale ;-)

I went the power rack route. I have the same set that JS had before his Titan, and really enjoy it. I added a stand along lat tower just for some variety, but find there is very little I can't do, and nothing I would absolutely need to do. (would like a leg press and a back hyper machine, but no room)

I think the key point is that you're going to want to push yourself, and need to do this without fear of dying. Hence, make sure whatever you buy has some safety bars included, or stay with dumbbells on the heavy stuff. That body solid multi-rack looks pretty viable to me.

I'd recommend you check out your local buy&sell or craigslist or play it again sports etc. I find weights still command a reasonable premium, but often you can get good deals on benchs/racks etc. Recently a friend of mine picked up the Powertec cage with the integrated lat toward, bench, and the 300lb olympic combo for a bit under a grand, which was a pretty good deal.

Anyway, good luck in your pursuit and pay attention to Hevy's guidance on diet!. Its about those cals ;-)

Pete

I just got off the phone with Body-Solid, and they say the weight capacity for the Powerline PFID130X FID bench is 500 pounds. I think I can get it for $120, which is much better than $200 for the GFID31. Any reason I shouldn't get the Powerline? If I get to a point where I'm bench pressing more than 350 pounds (2.5x my current weight), I'd be happy to buy a new bench.

I just got off the phone with Body-Solid, and they say the weight capacity for the Powerline PFID130X FID bench is 500 pounds. I think I can get it for $120, which is much better than $200 for the GFID31. Any reason I shouldn't get the Powerline? If I get to a point where I'm bench pressing more than 350 pounds (2.5x my current weight), I'd be happy to buy a new bench.

If you are just doing dumbbell work, this is probably fine. If you intend to use bars, you need a safety system. This bench appears not to have one. Do not risk your lift heavy on your own without safety bars.

P

No, this is definitely just for dumbbell work. I'll get a rack when I'm ready to do some heavy lifting.

Just ordered the Body-Solid Powerline PFID130X from jesupgym.com...