What are the best options for strength training at home?

[wildeyed]

In the past I have had a gym membership, but I dropped it recently and I'm trying to move my workout into my home. I picked up a good elliptical trainer at a thrift shop and use it regularly. Now I am thinking about strength training. I have a stability ball, which I love, and a few hand weights. They are fine for a quickie workout, but I need something more strenuous. I was thinking about a pull up bar. Is the bowflex or something like it worthwhile? We have the space and it looks like you can get a used one on Craig's List at a variety of price points.

In general I am fit, but have been slacking lately for a variety of reasons. But I am ready to get back into a good routine.

[CrispyQ]

1. Good for you for getting back into a good routine!

I let my routine slip for about 18 months & now I have some significant work to do to get back in the shape I was in! Plus a few pounds to lose.

For strength training, I like free weights best. I love dumbbells, for my arms & shoulders. When I first started working out I discovered that my left side was significantly weaker than my right side, so when I walked by the weight room, I'd stop & do a few reps on my left side. I'm all even now! ;) We also have a nice bench, plate weights & a few other pieces of weight lifting gear.

I have never used a Bowflex, so I can't give any feedback on that. I do know this, from having purchased many pieces of workout gear that I never used: trying something out for 5 minutes is not a good test. Five minutes on a glider did not give an accurate portrayal of how frickin' uncomfortable that motion was when continued for 30 minutes! So if you go with the Bowflex, try to find a club or a close friend where you can use it for an entire workout or two.

And finally, if you go with free weights, these little gems are worth every penney! I paid $20 for a set of two & bought two sets.

Plate Mates




They are 1.25 pound weights that anchor to your weight plates or dumbbells with magnets. I've never had one fall off! This way, instead of purchasing 10, 12, 15, 17 & 20 pound dumbbell sets, I purchased 10, 15 & 20.

Let us know what you decide.

[wildeyed]

2. So would something like this be a good place to start?

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/spo/974788907.html

I could add some hand weights and be done for under $150.

Here is a really fancy one for a bit more.

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/spo/976201431.html

[CrispyQ]

4. ...

I like that the fancier bench has iron plates & options for more types of exercises. You've got to check them both out & do some exercises on them before you buy one. :thumbsup:

[seemunkee]

3. Kettlebells

I wouldn't recommend a machine. They limit range of motion and don't require the stability that dumbbells or barbells do. Kettlebells are awesome and you can get ones that are adjustable in weight. I have one of these http://www.uskettlebells.com/ and its a pretty solid piece of equipment.
You could also look at some bodyweight exercises like one legged squats, one armed pushups, etc. No equipment needed.

[Raffi Ella]

5. I like the idea of Kettle Bells.

Seems like it would be a total body work out. I just wonder if they would over work my arms and shoulders and cause them to get too muscular.

[supernova]

6. You can't get too muscular

That requires testosterone.

I do circuit weights at the gym and right now I use 35-40 lb weights on my arms. 70lbs on ab crunches. My figure is still quite girlie. ;-)

edit: I think kettle bells would be something I'd like to try. :-) I'd probably benefit from a class though. I might suggest that at the Y I go to. It seems to me it would be too easy to take your arm out of its socket if you didn't know proper form.

[Raffi Ella]

7. Oh I can.

I have skinny arms and it doesn't take much for them to get too defined/bulgy looking. I hate that look on me.

I think I'd have to take a class too if I were going to do them - I can just see myself throwing one through a window at my house because I didn't know what I was doing. :rofl: