Home Gym Deal - Bowflex (open to suggestion)

[StoneX]

Hey guys...

Looking to pickup a home gym. Something moderately sized that allows me to do multiple types of training. Goal is to add some bulk and tone some areas.

I was thinking Bowflex but man is it expense. Their base model, Bowflex Blaze, is a decent price of $1199 but i was wondering if anyone knows of a better deal or of a better system to go with.


http://www.bowflex.ca/bhg_microsite_ca/productinformation/homegymcomparison/prdcdovr~340001/Bowflexreg+Blazetrade+Home+Gym.jsp#

[astrolad]

I wouldn't go with a bowflex or a variation on a bowflex.

I'm assuming you're not working out currently. It also depends on how much room you have.
If I was doing it again, I would buy PowerBlocks (http://www.powerblock.com/), a sturdy flat bench (or a incline/flat adjustable that was very sturdy) and a chin up bar (you can get some nice ones that hook into a doorway for not too much $s).
With just this gear, you can do a ton of exercises, both for upper and lower body.
You will also find out how much and how often (or if) you'll use gym equipment at home without having invested too much $s.

After a period of time, you may want to add some gear. If you have the room, I would add a power rack and a 300lb Olympic barbell set.
A rack like the Powertec (seen here http://www.gomangofitness.com/powertec-power-rack-p-172.html
also has usable dip handles which add another really good exercise to the mix.

The next step might be adding a high/low pulley station to the rack. Which can be added as an accessory to many racks.

The step by step approach may not be cheaper than going to a store and negociating the whole thing at once, but it will hopefully save you dumping a load of cash on stuff you'll never use.

Good luck.