Hello all,
So I have decided to turn over a new leaf. I am interested in doing cardio and weight training. I already own an elipse but that is all I have. I used to do weight training in high school for football but have since thrown out my bench.

So here are my questions:

1) Rack system. I looked at the power rack but I will be building my home gym in my basement and my ceilings are only 6 feet high. Since the power rack is 7' I will be unable to get this particular one. Any suggestions on a smaller rack system?

2) Weight bench. I like the Utility bench that John has but it looks like you need the rack system in order to do bench presses?

3) Any suggestions on a treadmill? I'd rather walk/run/jog than ride a stationary bike since I find the resistance of most bikes to be annoying. I ride mountain bikes in the summer and stationary bikes just don't feel "right"...maybe I have only used cheap ones..not sure.


Anyway, any help you could provide would be great. I'm looking to get started on diet/exercize in 1-3 weeks (depending on when I can get the equipment in my house).

Thanks in advance

Hello all,
So I have decided to turn over a new leaf. I am interested in doing cardio and weight training. I already own an elipse but that is all I have. I used to do weight training in high school for football but have since thrown out my bench.

So here are my questions:

1) Rack system. I looked at the power rack but I will be building my home gym in my basement and my ceilings are only 6 feet high. Since the power rack is 7' I will be unable to get this particular one. Any suggestions on a smaller rack system?

2) Weight bench. I like the Utility bench that John has but it looks like you need the rack system in order to do bench presses?

3) Any suggestions on a treadmill? I'd rather walk/run/jog than ride a stationary bike since I find the resistance of most bikes to be annoying. I ride mountain bikes in the summer and stationary bikes just don't feel "right"...maybe I have only used cheap ones..not sure.


Anyway, any help you could provide would be great. I'm looking to get started on diet/exercize in 1-3 weeks (depending on when I can get the equipment in my house).

Thanks in advance

I am currently in the same position you are with low ceilings and not knowing which direction to go. After much thought and time spent on the web I decided to buy the new version of Johns bench which I found at nellies.com. It was originally $179 but has since gone up to $189 and includes free shipping which is a great deal. The cheapest I found it besides Nellies was $229. As far as the rack goes I have been thinking about an open rack at New York Barbells. I can do squats, bench etc and not have to worry about the height issue. www.newyorkbarbells.tv/92565.html

I have a different problem, I'm a student. To set up a sytem where I am will set me back about $1000au (bout $750us) and on top of that the gear isn't really that good either. Sucks to be an aussie, though I can afford to set up mine outside as the weather is pretty good for most of the year, so the expense of setting up an area in the house is not there, but still, I don't have a grand to spend.

I'm not really starting from scratch, but I am. I have a weight machine but it's older and not very nice. It just feels awkward so tonight I'm going to Dunhams sports and picking up one of these for $189 and adding an olympic set of weights from Play it again for $106.

http://www.kidantrim.com/transform/xr35.jpg

That cage/bench looks really good, Kid Antrim! :tucool:

Hey Guys,

I too am just starting out. I put this very primative setup in my basement for around $200. Take a look and let me know what you think.

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=1360

I paid $60 for the bench, about another $60 for the flooring, and less than $100 for all of my dumbbells.

I also have very low ceilings. I am looking into getting the BodySolid multi-press rack in the near future.

I saw a the setup like the one Kid Antrim posted, but I wasn't really impressed with the quality and for sure the lat attachment won't fit my basement ceiling. For $189 though it could be a good deal. I saw it priced for at least $100 more.

Kevinp

OK This is what I got:


Hex Set:
2x (10/15/20/25/30lbs) $114.00 at Play it again sports in Burlington VT

Heart Monitor
Polar A5 Heart Monitor $109.00 @ Olympia Sports

Elipse:
Nordic Track something or other (5 years old) $400.00 @sears

Weights:
300lb Olympic weight set $99.00 @ Sports Authority

Bench:
Powertec workbench rack system Obligatory Link (http://www.powertecfitness.com/gallery/powertec-fitness_wb_brs.htm) $399 @ bigfitness.com

Workbench curl machine accessory Obligatory Link (http://www.powertecfitness.com/gallery/powertec-fitness_wb_cma.htm) $129.00 @ bigfitness.com

Thoughts? I have some extra money so any suggestions on additional equipment would be great :)

I have low ceilings too and wish I had seen this before I got my setup http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/92565.html A very wide rack with adjustable lifts and pins, and at a very good price right now. There are many more options for Power racks (http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/powerracks.html) and other equipment (http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/) at New York Barbell. I have never purchased from them but have heard of others who have, and had a pleasurable experience.

I love using a rower for cardio. It give a more full body effect than anything else I have used and really develops the posterior chain. They are usually much more affordable than treadmills or elipticals. Concept II is a very good brand that I strongly recomend.

OK This is what I got:


Hex Set:
2x (10/15/20/25/30lbs) $114.00 at Play it again sports in Burlington VT

Heart Monitor
Polar A5 Heart Monitor $109.00 @ Olympia Sports

Elipse:
Nordic Track something or other (5 years old) $400.00 @sears

Weights:
300lb Olympic weight set $99.00 @ Sports Authority

Bench:
Powertec workbench rack system Obligatory Link (http://www.powertecfitness.com/gallery/powertec-fitness_wb_brs.htm) $399 @ bigfitness.com

Workbench curl machine accessory Obligatory Link (http://www.powertecfitness.com/gallery/powertec-fitness_wb_cma.htm) $129.00 @ bigfitness.com

Thoughts? I have some extra money so any suggestions on additional equipment would be great :)

I was looking at the Powertec workbench rack the other day. I'm not sure if I want a cage and I have a dip/pullup tower (which I like a lot). When you're benching, are you able to plant your feet solidly on the ground? I've read some complaints about the bench being to high (I think it's high to allow for decline).

Sterno

I was looking at the Powertec workbench rack the other day. I'm not sure if I want a cage and I have a dip/pullup tower (which I like a lot). When you're benching, are you able to plant your feet solidly on the ground? I've read some complaints about the bench being to high (I think it's high to allow for decline).

Sterno

It is being delivered today after 12pm. Give me a couple days to get it set up and I'll let you know :)