what equipment constitutes the "basics"

[Tank Girl]

Hi all!
haven't logged on in a while.
am currently 8 months pregnant and have had to put working out on the backburner for the mean time, until i pop this baby out.

i was wondering what you all consider the "basics" of a home gym setup?
am thinking of setting up a home gym a little bit later on down the track and am needing some advice on what pieces of workout equipment would target ALL the major muscle groups, without being too monotonous or repetitive.
so far the things i can think of that i really want in a home gym are:

1. a squat rack (preferrably with a mirror in front of it)
2. a dumbel rack and dumbels that go from 30 kg to 2kg
3. a bench press

i don't like those 15-in-1 machines cos i think they are too fiddly and would take too much time to adjust in between sets.

can anyone give me the contents of their home gyms if any, or their DREAM home gym set up?

[FUZO]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

WELCOME AND THERS MORE FEMALES ON NOW

[jamescb77]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

some kind of cable machine so you can do pull down triceps all that kind of stuff and maybe a pull up bar if you have all of that stuff and your creative you can do everything and not get bored

[Dzone]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

The 3 things you listed plus a swiss ball, dip bar/pullup bar combo...plus I am becoming a big TRX fanatic(fitnessanywhere.com)...They are cheap and you can work your whole body but it is seriously hardcore.

[daved150]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

The 3 things you listed plus a swiss ball, dip bar/pullup bar combo...plus I am becoming a big TRX fanatic(fitnessanywhere.com)...They are cheap and you can work your whole body but it is seriously hardcore.

i agree with this!!!
also, it's good to see ya again tankgirl. hope you can come by more often. there's more chick's on here now to keep us guy's in line so you shouldnt be bothered with pics of mofo and the donkey's anymore!!!

[Doink the clown]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

Best wishes on your new one coming!, I started with a squat rack,barbells,those horse stall mats for flooring and a set of the powerblocks dumbells which i got over 12 years ago and they are in great shape.
I started there and eventually added more stuff like an ab bench from westside barbell,but you can go a long ways with just the above,the key i believe is in using different exercises.

[dixiechick]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

Hey Tankgirl... welcome back!

This is what we have. I'm the same way as you. I don't want to fiddle with all the gadgets and setting it up. This one isn't so bad. It's by IronMaster.

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/IM2000-PKG-A-pr-90.html

We have the

• IM2000 Base
• Super Bench
• Quick-Lock Dumbell system
• Accessories: Low Row Foot Plate, Organizer rack, Preacher Curl Attachment and Leg Attachment for Super Bench

Then he added a hack squat/leg press machine.

It takes some time and you have to add each piece of equipment a little at a time. I figured I'm saving a ton on gym memberships. Over the years what I paid for a membership would have paid for my own equipment by now.

Btw, here are pics of our place....

[dixiechick]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

Ironmaster Quick-Lock Dumbell system

[dixiechick]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

I can't remember the name of the hack squat/leg press... I can find out for you if you are interested.

[daved150]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

powertech hack sqaut machine.

i LIKE that set up!!! i want some new stuff now!!

[Klash]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

I would recommend a Hammer Strength power rack, there is one at the gym I go to. Of course it doesn't have an attachment for lat pull downs like the IronMaster (which I have at home) but it doesn't restrict your natural movement, which what I don't like about my IronMaster.

It just depends on what you want. The restriction of things like the Ironmaster hurts my joints - so I'm not much of a fan.

[Dzone]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

hey thats some nice stuff...!

[dixiechick]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

my hubby is serious about his workouts...

[Tank Girl]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

pretty SWEET set up, dixiechick!
oh i can't wait to start saving up!!
but first...baby steps at a time...
baby has to come out!! LOL

thanks all, will definitely need help setting up.

[dixiechick]

Re: what equipment constitutes the "basics"

Hey anytime you need help... just holler

Oh and... Congrats on the knee nibbler.