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Specific equipment suggestions

Discussion in 'Health & Fitness' started by Scotty, Dec 30, 2012.

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  1. Scotty

    Scotty F1 World Champ
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    #1 Scotty, Dec 30, 2012
    For a variety of reasons (with long stories) I am interested in acquiring the following: an adjustable dumbbells set, a treadmill, and a functional trainer/Smith machine combo. I think I have the dumbbell set narrowed down to the Powerbock 90. Thinking about True for the treadmill. Totally lost on the Smith machine. In addition to that functionality, I'd like a high pulley, a low pulley, and a mid pulley (or something that adjusts). Any suggestions?
     
  2. Chupacabra

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    #2 Chupacabra, Dec 31, 2012
    My suggestion would be to nix the smith machine and invest in a good power rack and an Olympic weight set. Less expensive and more effective, not to mention a bit safer if you know proper form.

    I've been eyeing the powerblocks too, but they seem a bit awkward. Have you used them before?
     
  3. Scotty

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    #3 Scotty, Dec 31, 2012
    I have not used any adjustable dumbbell. But a full rack (15-90 pounds) is impractical, expensive, and space consuming. I like the Powerblock for two reasons--it adjusts in 2.5 pound steps throughout the weight range, and the ends are flat (so easy to rest on thighs, for example, in between chest press sets). I like dumbbells (and a Smith machine) as they allow for unspotted max lift attempts (and in this case of the Smith machine, allow things like rack lockouts). Plus, I can add a Smith to the "front" of a multiple pulley position cable machine for not much more. I absolutely agree that the free weights would be better (and a power rack could be set up to act as a spotter as well), so it is something I might consider, if it is available in a small footprint.

    All of this is a secondary "vacation" lifting setup.
     
  4. MPIINC

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    #4 MPIINC, Jan 3, 2013
    Yea, I would agree 100% with this!
     
  5. vf430

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    #5 vf430, Jan 3, 2013
    I agree. This is my plan too.Already have a Precor and dumbell set and olympic bar. what are some good power rack companies?
     
  6. DonJuan348

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    #6 DonJuan348, Jan 21, 2013
    Concept 2 row machine instead of treadmill. Kettlebells over dumbbells . Power rack over smith machine . All offer greater wok out and more versatility .
     
  7. Scotty

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    #7 Scotty, Jan 21, 2013
    I only know what I've seen, but the equipment made by Tuff Stuff seems nice, and reasonably priced (relatively).

    BTW, I have tried both Smith's and non-Smith racks, and I like the non-Smith rack better. I actually find using the Smith bothers my shoulder a bit, where as more weight lifted just with the protection of the rack on a free bar doesn't.
     
  8. billyfitness

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    #8 billyfitness, Jan 23, 2013
  9. GTHill

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    #9 GTHill, Feb 10, 2013
    +1

    Just got one. You burn as many calories doing this as you do running but it's less impact and works more muscles. Plus, a top of the line (Concept 2) is only $900. Comparable quality treadmill is much more $.

    GT
     
  10. DonJuan348

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    #10 DonJuan348, Feb 10, 2013
    GT where did you buy your concept 2?
     
  11. GTHill

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    #11 GTHill, Feb 10, 2013
    I got the model D since there isn't a lot of difference in quality. Got it from Amazon for $900. I'm a Prime member so I got it in two days for $4.00 in shipping.

    GT
     
  12. Under PSI

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    #12 Under PSI, Feb 12, 2013
  13. Scotty

    Scotty F1 World Champ
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    #13 Scotty, Feb 13, 2013
    Update--bought a treadmill. I agree completely with rowing being a better choice (for everything except perhaps bone health) but my wife doesn't like 'em.

    Now thinking a standard cage squat rack (Smith is out--those that posted against it were correct) and something that serves as a functional trainer (high to low pulleys and weight stacks).

    Plus, of course, a 10-90 pound dumbbell range.
     
  14. Evolved

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    #14 Evolved, Feb 13, 2013
    Treadmill forces you to work where you can slack off on a rower. I have a concept 2 and just ditched the old treadmill. The ideal is to have both.

    I have powerblocks. They are remarkably okay. I think I would get ironmaster adjustable ones were I to do it again.
     
  15. I.T. Guy

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    #15 I.T. Guy, Feb 24, 2013
    Ironmaster dumbbells for the win
    Hoist for the smith machine and bench
    Hate treadmills sorry no help there
     
  16. I.T. Guy

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    #16 I.T. Guy, Feb 24, 2013
    Ironmaster are not awkward and you can drop and throw them no issues.

    I agree with the comment above get a hoist rack instead of smith. They do have a smith that allows both free weights and the machine if you really want a smith.
     
  17. I.T. Guy

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    #17 I.T. Guy, Feb 24, 2013
    If smith is out get this, I have one. Much more versatile then a closed rack. Maybe not as safe but I don't lift at 100%. Get the safeties.
    http://www.hoistfitness.com/consumer/equipment/hf-4970.aspx

    If you want a closed cage get the f430 its a Ferrari name, and, lets you work outside the cage with its external j hooks
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007QDLCQ
     
  18. vvvmd

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    #18 vvvmd, Mar 14, 2013
    I got a set of hex dumbells 10 to 65 with a rack on craigslist for $300, A very nice set of rubber coated olympic weights with a bar for $200. Went new with a Tuff stuff trainer with the smith machine.
     
  19. Piper

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    #19 Piper, Mar 16, 2013
    I'm a treadmill fanatic, heavy user for more than 20 years. Been through several, of course. The higher end consumer market is perfectly fine, Sole or Nordictrak, as long as you get the warranty. Best results are obtained going to Sears and finding out when the next model year comes out, then buying the floor model of the prior year at half off plus another 10% off for being a floor model. Then you buy the cadillac warranty with annual service and you're good to go for many years, five to start but then you can get extended from there. I have a new Sole in the basement now, does more than I will ever need, 15 degree incline and like 15mph I think. They've come a long way. I remember when inclines and top speeds were half that and noisy as hell.
     
  20. GTHill

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    #20 GTHill, Mar 17, 2013
    I have a new recommendation: Dirt bike.


    GT
     
  21. Scotty

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    #21 Scotty, Mar 19, 2013
    Just replying to the treadmill comments. Ended up getting the top of the line AFG at Sears. On one of their multiple discount deals. Got the warranty. I test ran some (30 minutes of intervals). In my judgement the Tru (for 5K) was slightly quieter and felt slightly higher quality than the AFG (1.6K all in), but only in comparison. I've been running on the AFG on particularly dreary/rainy/dark days and it seems great. Still dithering about other equipment--hoping to find some things used.
     
  22. venusone

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    #22 venusone, Mar 22, 2013
    Why don't you want to just go to a gym? All equipment is there & you will not be stuck w/ no help using heavy barbell weights. Heavy home stuff can be dangerous - plus you will not push to failure because of it. I'm all about failure & maxing out!
     
  23. Scotty

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    #23 Scotty, Mar 22, 2013
    So, first off, all of my heavy lifting (to failure) is done with dumbbells--because I can just dump 'em if I need to (or with dips, pull ups, etc, where the only weight involved is my body weight). Even though I have plenty of "gym buddies" who could spot me if needed. They usually just help (when they are around) on the last press or two with the dumbbells.

    The weight equipment is for a second home (which happens to be my parent's home) but my wife and I are there a lot. It is rural, the closest town is a population of 3000, and the local gym has screwy hours and somewhat limited equipment. So this is for lifting one to two times a month when visiting, but this will be an eventual retirement home, and it would be nice to have some equipment close (and when I hit 65 or so I'm not sure how much hard core to failure lifting I'll be doing).
     
  24. Vinny Bourne

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    #24 Vinny Bourne, Mar 23, 2013
    Going to a gym is such a hassle, the travel time, gas, weather, clowns ........ so much easier to exercise at home (past a certain age). Great point about heavy home stuff being dangerous, I know! Heavy free weights (barbell) are only for young strength athletes, no one else should do it. Everyone else should be using equipment and or dumbbells and the best I have used is Matrix, except for the pec deck.

    So dumbbells, a great adjustable bench, a roman chair, and an old school pec deck is all you really need.
     
  25. I.T. Guy

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    #25 I.T. Guy, Apr 28, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Here's a pic of the Ironmaster adjustable dumbbells. You can throw them and drop them no problem, unlike the plastic adjustable which will break. And when the weights are on the Ironmasters they are tight. No looseness or clinking or anything. They feel like real iron dumbbells. You can get add on kits for them. Out of the box they are 75lb each. If you need more they can go up to 165lbs each - that's a 330lb dumbell press LOL!
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