Best Reward, Help Me Pick

[[old] ALLANON]

Hi everyone, I just thought I would ask you all what the best reward in equipment would be, or your advise; As I have set some personal and fitness goals for myself over the next year and a half and am trying to set a reward for myself to keep my motivation up. So here is the question (sorry kind of similar to the best exercise equipment thread) If you had about $3,000 american and about a 12x10 room that already has a model D in it, what would you buy for strength training? Please remember you don't have to use it all, or you can, I just want what you think is an all around awesome strength gym to go along with the concept 2 and not entertainment as this is the back half of my rec-room. Also my training schedual is most likely going to remain to an hour per day max so keep that in mind. Right now I am leaning towards whatever top of the line bowflex is out next year. However I also like the idea of multi muscle group, strength training, such as dip bars and other such equipment. So please have at it as I am looking for any combination of equipment I just would like it to fit in the room and not have to be stored or folded. I can however utilize simple portable equipment in other rooms, so don't let that be a limitation. One last thing if you say a power rack please give a good justification why it is so great in you oppinion, as I do have the limitation of ceiling clearence and can not lift to full extension above my head. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds as I do appreciate your more informed oppinions.

[[old] bmoore]

<!--QuoteBegin-ALLANON+Aug 10 2005, 08:34 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(ALLANON @ Aug 10 2005, 08:34 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Hi everyone, I just thought I would ask you all what the best reward in equipment would be, or your advise; As I have set some personal and fitness goals for myself over the next year and a half and am trying to set a reward for myself to keep my motivation up. So here is the question (sorry kind of similar to the best exercise equipment thread) If you had about $3,000 american and about a 12x10 room that already has a model D in it, what would you buy for strength training? Please remember you don't have to use it all, or you can, I just want what you think is an all around awesome strength gym to go along with the concept 2 and not entertainment as this is the back half of my rec-room. Also my training schedual is most likely going to remain to an hour per day max so keep that in mind. Right now I am leaning towards whatever top of the line bowflex is out next year. However I also like the idea of multi muscle group, strength training, such as dip bars and other such equipment. So please have at it as I am looking for any combination of equipment I just would like it to fit in the room and not have to be stored or folded. I can however utilize simple portable equipment in other rooms, so don't let that be a limitation. One last thing if you say a power rack please give a good justification why it is so great in you oppinion, as I do have the limitation of ceiling clearence and can not lift to full extension above my head. Thank you in advance to anyone who responds as I do appreciate your more informed oppinions. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />I made this decision a few weeks ago and bought the Bowflex Ultimate 2. It's not for serious bodybuilding, but I feel its a great supplement to the C2 to round out my fitness program. (I'm still waiting for a part that didn't make it through shipping, so I can't speak to the operation of the machine just yet.)<br /><br />It fits perfectly into my exercise room. FYI, it does fold up to give you more room if needed, but I won't need the space.<br />

[[old] TLCoons]

ALLANON,<br /><br />Hello! I, too, recently decided to complement my daily C2 rowing and yoga with a strength training component. I did a lot of research (mostly online) and decided on a few pieces of traditional weight lifting equipment.<br /><br />I ordered mine from <a href='http://www.detroitbarbell.com' target='_blank'>Detroit Bar Bell</a>. Half of your budget would provide you with an impressive home gym from there.<br /><br />I'm reading up on proper technique and form while I wait for my equipment to arrive as I am definitely not a gym rat and prefer to do things on my own.<br /><br />I also can't speak highly enough for the power of a simple yoga mat and some instructional yoga books. (I like much of what Olivia Miller has produced including her yoga deck and yoga deck II.)<br /><br />Have fun having at it!<br />tlc

[[old] The Dude Abides]

Russian Kettlebells. www.russiankettlebells.com <br />

[[old] Cayenne]

I am in accord with The Dude Abides. As I've posted before, a kettlebell is " a gym on a handle," and will last forever.<br /><br />Stay strong,<br /><br />Eddie

[[old] Yoda1]

ALLANON,<br /><br />A lot depends on what your goals are. <br /><br />The power rack is a good idea with a good multi-position bench and some iron. You'll have to go with a 7 foot bar in most cases depending on the measurements of the rack. There are few exercises that are normally done standing that can't be done while seated inside a rack. It is a good safety tool.<br /><br />Since your room is inside the bowflex is a good choice. The Total Trainer with Pilates is a good choice. Neither of them take up a lot of room. You could enhance this workout equipment with a set of Power Blocks.<br /><br />One of the best single pieces of equipment for a short but very intense workout is with a plastic barrel and it's lid. It's for doing "Barrel Squats". Probably one of the best single full body exercises a person can do. A 30 gallon barrel can be had for only about $10.00. <br /><br />As I said, the equipment you choose should be based on your long term goals. Good luck in your quest.<br /><br />Yoda

[[old] Roland Baltutis]

Allanon,<br /> Sounds like your turning into a <b>gym rat</b>. What's wrong with the fresh air outside? I know that boys like to have their toys but have you considered the alternative of buying sporting equipment that you can use outside. Do you really believe that you will use any gym equipment that you purchase for any extended amount of time? The chances are that after a while you will get bored with it, or something better will come out, leaving it to collect dust in your rec room. Exercising outside is far more enjoyable and sustainable than hiding in a room doing artificial exercises.<br /><br />Now about that 3 grand. Are you a muscle head or an aerobic nut? If your a muscle head get a climbing rope and rack(wires, hexes & friends to slot into cracks). If your an aerobic nut get a good road or mountain bike. But if your like me and enjoy the complete muscle workout including heart and lungs. Put the money towards a new single rowing scull or cross country skiing skating gear.<br /><br />If you prefer to be indoors then the erg should be enough for a complete workout. So just spend the money on a new computer and Rowpro software. Most people are happy enough with that.<br /><br />Roland Baltutis<br /><br /><br />

[[old] Debbie-K]

Gee there are so many good options Bowflex, yoga and there is a set of weights by Nautilus/Bowflex called "Selectech". These are far better than normal dumbells, all in one compact design so there are no weight discs laying around to stub the toes on.<br /><br />I too have a very small workout space and have managed to get in the D, a total gym and the nautilus weights. Since they are able to be compacted it really helps the space issue. If I were able to find another spot for a bookcase I'd be able to tuck in the treadmill.<br /><br />As you can probably tell the ability to fold is a major factor in my world.... Try to think of finding space as a big heavy puzzle!<br /><br />Good luck on the choice!<br /><br /><br />