Building a Home Gym with limited space ?'s

[turboturist]

I have been looking around and was wondering what peeps opinions of this equipment is?

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/IM2000-Self-Spotting-System-c-10.html

Anyone ever use it? I have seen their Quick Lock DB's and they look pretty solid.

I am looking at the IM 2000 base with some of the attachments.
The Quick Lock DB with the 120lb add on
The Quick Lock KB Handle.

What are your thoughts on which attachments to get to make it complete?

Thanks, TT.

[Baconbits]

depends where your located, but if you have limited space how about this

http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-65-c--powertec-power-rack-set.html

a full cage in my opinion is safer

[slick rick]

I'm not a big fan of smith machine type equipment. I agree with Baconbits, I would go with the full cage with a high and low cable weight stack. Probably cheaper too picking one up used off of kijiji or craigslist.

I suppose the smith machines would be easier on your shoulders though.

[Talo]

Cage
Bench
Bar
Plates
Chains
Boards
Bands

That's all you need

[Prisoner#22]

From my experience the best home equipment (which is still reasonably affordable) is made by hoist. (that is what is behind me in my avatar)

[warlock]

I have been looking around and was wondering what peeps opinions of this equipment is?

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/IM2000-Self-Spotting-System-c-10.html

Anyone ever use it? I have seen their Quick Lock DB's and they look pretty solid.

I am looking at the IM 2000 base with some of the attachments.
The Quick Lock DB with the 120lb add on
The Quick Lock KB Handle.

What are your thoughts on which attachments to get to make it complete?

Thanks, TT.

I smith Machine type of equipment will **** you shoulder forever!

I know someone in Toronto that makes custom made cages and they are no too expensive.

Pm me for details.

W

[LIVEHARD]

depends where your located, but if you have limited space how about this

http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-65-c--powertec-power-rack-set.html

a full cage in my opinion is safer

That unit looks pretty sweet.




i'm going to hopfully take a look at warlock's custom contact first.

The way gyms come and go in TO there has to be a big used market ? auctions ?

Or do the the companys just repaint and refurbish equipitment after they repo it ??

[RagingRandy]

This is what I have and now wish I had gone for a rack. Maybe santa will be me a rack for Christmas. There is nothing better than free weights.
http://www.treadmillfactory.ca/p-134-c-32-body-solid-leverage-gym.html#

[BMac]

Just looked at that hoist equipment P22 recommended....looks like they have some very nice stuff!

[turboturist]

Thanks for the feedback.

Does your opinion change at all knowing it is for the whole family and not just myself?

[tiramisu]

A freespotter, a good flat bench, a bar and plates provide a complete gym in a small space.

A squat cage is a more expensive alternative if you've got no access to the basement rafters.

[Forever]

Does your opinion change at all knowing it is for the whole family and not just myself?
Not mine and I too would choose the full cage over the smith type thing. I find smith type machines lock your body into a specific range of motion that isn't necessarily natural or comfortable. When I bench, shoulder press or squat my body doesn't naturally go 100% strict up and down, sometimes it wants to move the weight forward or back a little depending on the point in the movement.

It would also be more versatile if the bb wasn't fixed to the machine. You could take it out and do deadlifts, bb curls, standing press's, or whatever you would like to do.

[warlock]

Thanks for the feedback.

Does your opinion change at all knowing it is for the whole family and not just myself?

no

[japh]

If its just space and money is no issue check out hammer strength power rack systems. I fantasize about getting one all the time along with a life fitness treadmill and a stepmill.lol

Check out their photo gallery of university gyms to get a good idea of what it looks like altogether with the lifting platform attached.

They give me the butterflies.lol

[slick rick]

Thanks for the feedback.

Does your opinion change at all knowing it is for the whole family and not just myself?

I know when i bought my cage/bench the wife originally didn't seem too enthusiastic, I think more becuase it doesn't look shiney or fancy. But once she started using it she found it provides all she needs and more, plus it's safe.

I would recommend getting a weight stack with high and low cables though, it will keep the wife more interested with different attachments for rows, pull downs ect as opposed to strictly free weight.

[tiramisu]

The intimidation factor of free weights is definitely a wife problem. The only solution for this is to lose the wife.

[juggybuggy]

another vote for the cage.
I've got one with a high/low pulley. works awesome.
I do not like smith machines. free weights are the best.
I also have adjustable dumbells (powerblocks) and they are invaluable.
with my cage, adjustable bench, barbell, and adjustable dumbells there is not many exercises I can't do at home.

That being said. I'll admit I am currently working out at my local gym. after almost 2 years of working out at home in my basement, I've become sick of working out there. so my big investment that was supposed to save me a lifetime of gym memberships hasn't worked out that way.
I think that no matter what you get, you will get sick of it eventually. so avoid spending big money on fancy equipment.

[cog]

another vote for the cage.
I've got one with a high/low pulley. works awesome.
I do not like smith machines. free weights are the best.
I also have adjustable dumbells (powerblocks) and they are invaluable.
with my cage, adjustable bench, barbell, and adjustable dumbells there is not many exercises I can't do at home.

That being said. I'll admit I am currently working out at my local gym. after almost 2 years of working out at home in my basement, I've become sick of working out there. so my big investment that was supposed to save me a lifetime of gym memberships hasn't worked out that way.
I think that no matter what you get, you will get sick of it eventually. so avoid spending big money on fancy equipment.

True,you might need a change.But you never know when you're going to need them again...maybe some nasty virus will sweep the globe and you'll want to stay home.:)

[juggybuggy]

True, I'm hoping to rejuvenate my home gym one day, probably repaint, add a new stereo, and a new piece of equipment, and I'll be good for another year or 2.
For now I'm enjoying going to the local gym. some nice scenery there.

[Definate]

IMO....For me it is building a big garden and grow some fresh produce for you and your family I say is more of a pay off. Screw the gym. You can exercise at the track, push ups at home with small weight set on top of having a cheap membership at the tons of clubs that exist. Any way you look at it, hard to stay motivated when working out at home. Don't know how people do it.