Home Gym Equipment - Which is Right for You?

Buying home gym equipment can be an overwhelming experience, not to mention deciding which piece of fitness equipment will meet your needs.

To help, we have for you information on the different types of home exercise equipment you can use (free weights, resistance machines, & weight machines), and Tips for helping you decide which is best for you .

Home Gym Equipment - Weight Machines

The first type of resistance you can choose is a home gym that uses weight stacks.

Pros

+ No training partner required- these types of machines are very safe because you don't have to use coordination or balance.

+ Variety of exercises- most gyms of this type have a good variety of exercise choices for each major muscle group.

+ Ease of use- just select your resistance level and start exercising.

- Weight of machine- because the machine uses actual "weight" for resistance, they can weigh 100's of pounds.
- Movability- due to weighing so much, they can be very difficult to move and assemble.

- Limited resistance- in most cases, these types of machines resistance level is not upgradable.

- Limited exercise choice- though these types of machines do cover the "exercise basics", they can be limiting for someone who enjoys creating different exercises or custom workouts.

- One size doesn't fit all- they are made for the "average" body size... so if you are tall or short, they may not work well for you.

- Price- they can run from $1000 on up to $3000+, and shipping can be $400-$600, depending on the distance. (Note: some online stores offer Free Shipping, however, please make sure they just didn’t tack it onto the regular price)

Who it’s for - Beginners and people who just want a “no fuss, no muss” workout. With this type of home gym equipment there is no need to have a spotter or “perfect form”. Just jump on and start exercising.

Who it’s not for - People of “above average” size, serious trainers, or athletes. People who are used to having freedom in their workouts and doing a wide variety of exercises will find this type of home gym equipment limiting.

The bottom line? Home gym equipment using actual weight (weight stacks) can be very effective for the person who just wants a basic workout. Also, if you are a beginner, these types of machines are much like a bicycle with training wheels... just jump on and start exercising.

Machines Using Other Types of Resistance

There are many types of these machines on the market today. By far, the best made and most versatile is Bowflex. In terms of home gym equipment, it has tremendous benefits.

+ Quality- Each model is constructed of high-quality materials and each Power Rod has a unlimited warranty.

+ Comfort- Seats and benches are comfortable, though higher priced models are more plush.

+ Results- If you buy directly from Bowflex they give you a 6 week money back guarantee, if you don't like it, send it back for a full refund.

+ Ease of Use- Depending on the model, up to 60-95 different exercises. And increasing or decreasing resistance is a snap.

+ Number of Exercise- Every single exercise you can do in a gym, and many more.

+ Size of the machine- Most models take up 6' by 8' space when unfolded and 29" by 39" when folded up for storage.

+ Moveable- Fairly light, and also has wheels for rolling.

+ Power Rods- Progressive resistance (no momentum). An easy, fluid, and comfortable resistance.

+ Customer Service- Very high standard of service.

Cons

- Amount of Resistance- For certain exercises (like leg press and calf raises) the 210Ib resistance that comes standard with most models could be a little light. Bowflex makes "upgrades" so you can add more Power Rods to your machine (up to 410Ib of resistance).

- Shipping & Handling Costs- Up to $199 (depending on the model you select).

- Assembling the machine- Set aside a few hours and you may need a wrench set.

- Price- A brand new Bowflex can run you from $799 up to $2,299 plus shipping.

Who it’s for - Anyone. From beginners to advanced, children to the elderly, and everyone in between. Bowflex's home gyme equipment has unparalleled versatility. It’s PowerRod technology eliminates the dangers of momentum found with “weights”.

The bottom line? Bowflex is truly an amazing piece of home gym equipment. It’s safe, ultra-versatile, and has up to 410Ib of resistance.

For more information about Bowflex, please click here

Home Gym Equipment - Free Weights

Free weights are still the preferred choice for most "hard core" trainers. However, in terms of home use, they can also have some drawbacks.

+ Core muscles- because your body has to balance and control the weight, it uses more muscles to stabilize while doing the exercise. This means your body has to work harder than with other forms of resistance.

+ Variety of exercises- free weights allow you to do 100's of different exercises.

+ Increased bone density- studies have shown that weight training increases bone density in all ages.

+ Price- free weights are relatively inexspensive. A person can get a 100Ib barbell and dumbbell set for around $100.

Cons

- Safety- training at home, by yourself, with heavier weights can be very dangerous. Unless you are very experienced with using free weights, training with moderate weights is wise choice.

- Momentum- when training with free weights, doing the exercise too quickly can make the resistance lighter and dangerous.

- Learning curve- because your body has to balance and stabilize when using free weights, it takes a few workouts before your body will learn to do each exercise correctly. Injuries can occur due to people using too much weight, too quickly.

Who It’s for - Athletes, serious trainers.

The Bottom Line? For home gym equipment, free weights are the most effective way to train. However, there are dangers with training with heavier weights without a partner. Also, it is very important to start with light weights and learn to do each exercise correctly.

For information about the Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbell system, please click here

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