In a couple of weeks my gym membership expires. Most likely I will continue my training in my basement gym. This have some pluses and minuses.
The Pluses:
# don’t have to lose my time driving to the gym
# don’t have to wait for some machine, or some gym equipment
# can listen to my own music
# can do whatever I like (I can even workout naked if I want!)
The minus:
# my equipment is limited, so I have a limited number of exercises which I can perform.
I don’t have a problem with the above mentioned minus because I mostly enjoy compound lifts for which just a barbell, weights and bench are enough.
Here is most of the equipment that I have:
1) Flat bench
My bench was custom made, but I found similar one on Amazon for $50:
I mostly do bench press on this, but I also often do lying french press.
Of course, adjustable bench would be a better option, but for now I’ll stick with this one.
2) Squat rack
Again, mine was custom made, but here is an example of a similar one:
I use it for bench press and, of course, squats.
I also have extra handles for dips.
3) Barbell and weights
It would be best to have an olympic weight set. Here’s an example from Amazon:
4) Pull-up bar
Pull-ups and chin-ups are great exercise for your back (lats especially) and for your biceps.
Here’s one from Iron gym.
5) Set of dumbbells
They can come handy.
6) Curl weight bar
I mostly use it for working my arms – biceps and triceps.
7) Cheap rowing machine
I use it for warming up and for a little cardio workout.
Mine is similar to this one:
And I wouldn’t recommend it if you plan to row much, because it’s quality is not so wonderful.
If you’re really into rowing, then buy yourself a quality machine – I would definitely recommend Concept 2, I think it’s one of the best.
So if we sum the cost of all these equipment we come to $932.
It’s a lot if you pay it at once, but you can start with just a basic equipment (maybe a set of dumbbells and a pull-up bar) and gradually add more.
In the next post I will review some other home gym options.