Home Gym Equipment - YouLookFab Forum

Although we cancelled the wedding that was planned for last weekend, we have been talking about combining households next summer and are going to embark on a lower level renovation project this winter to get ready. I moved into the current house a little over two years ago and the lower level is completely unfinished. The plan is to put in a large media/entertainment area, a smallish full bath, one large bedroom with a walk-in closet and a gym that will house all of the current equipment and possibly a new acquisition. The area will be quite large - probably about 13' x 20'. I already have a body solid squat rack with upper and lower pully and incline decline bench, a good treadmill, a livestrong elliptical trainer, and free weights. My fiance has a fitness allowance through work and we are thinking to use it to add something for the gym. After we consolidate houses, his 15 and 20 year old daughters will likely be using the gym as well.

We were thinking to add a rowing machine but I'm not sure another piece of cardio equipment will add a lot of extra function. I was thinking maybe kettleballs but other than that, we are drawing a blank.

Do you have a favorite piece of gym equipment? Or thoughts on something that could add to our set-up?

8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I guess it really depends on what you like to do. I like the stair step, that funky health rider machine they invented years ago, weights, and barre. If I had room, i think I'd save some floor space for Zumba, lol.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Rachy, that is a good idea. The kinnect and mat would work for zumba and yoga (dancing and pilates too) and all we would need to do is make sure it is aligned properly for the camera hooked to the TV to be able to provide the feedback.

My first thought had been a sauna but if the daughters move in, then the space where I would have put it will be the walk-in closet and I don't want it on the main level.

carter

I want a pilates reformer! In addition to the items you mentioned, I also use the nautilus machine regularly.

I love our full wall of mirrors in the gym. I can focus on form and keep an eye on the dog at the same time:-). Other than the pilates reformer, the only thing I would like is to upgrade the tv/video system. The previous owner put in a tv/vcr on a swivel arm, which is great, but I would love a dvd player and a larger screen so I could use workout videos as well.

Thistle

I really think you're all set. Your set up sounds similar to ours, and we have the elliptical and treadmill positioned in the back of the entertainment space so you can watch a movie on the big screen while you walk.

We have not really liked the Kinnect or the Wii for any length of time, but we have used the space for yoga back before DD2 joined us I am hoping to use it again once she is a little bit older.

Kettlebells might be nice. I have not worked much with them, but I have heard good things. We also have an adjustable step for step ups and the like.

UmmLila (Lisa)

I have a regular TRX, TRX rip trainer and a large exercise ball.

JAileen

When I used to go to a gym, besides the pool and yoga classes, I loved the rowing machine. Really, it was the only machine I liked. What a great workout.

Anonymous

I think you've got all you need, except for a ball , as Lisa suggested. Sorry to hear your wedding was cancelled - I didn't realize you had one planned for this weekend.

Brooklyn

I have an exercise bike at home - one of the good types that they use for spin/rpm classes not one of those stand up ones that don't feel like a real bike. I put together music based on spin classes and do my own "classes" at home. I also have a fit ball at home which is great for stomach back and leg exercises, and a TRX mostly for upper body. My husband has a chin up bar. Blokes love chin ups. If I had the money and space I would add a kinesis machine. I use this at the gym and think it is awesome for upper body work. At the gym I also like kettle bells for squats and leg work. They are on my list for adding to home in the future. I also quite like those little round boards that have little wheels all over them - not sure what they are called but they are great for stomach work.

SandyG

I've got a Versaclimber, ballet barre and kettlebells. Next would be a sauna!

Sal

I don't work out much at home but do go to the gym.

The following equipment is what we use the most often:

kettle bells
dumbells (5-8kg range)
skipping rope
Tyre (for burpees, mountain climbers, elevated press ups)
step up bench
medicine balls

Sorry the wedding was cancelled and hope all is okay.

gradfashionista

Hmm, I guess it'll depend on your needs, but I would want a power cage, rather than a squat rack, since those are much sturdier, have reliable safety bars, allow you to do pull ups or add rings. A bench fits in the middle, making it space efficient. Add free weights (which you mentioned) up to at least 65lb for rows. I might add a bike machine for sprints, money and space permitting.

donnat

Sounds like you have pretty much everything. I might add a TRX. a bosu and a box step. Get a good foam roller too.

Nebraskim

I would love a TRX system for my house. My home equipment is minimalist as I go to a gym or run. But I really like my ancient Reebok STEP for various things like lunges, my exercise ball and small handweights. A Pilates reformer would be cool, too.

kkards

FYI..the total gym (yes, that infomercial piece) can be used as a pilates reformer, and its much cheaper than most home pilates machines.

Glory

Can his fitness allowance go to new fitness clothing for you?

Thanks for all the ideas.

Gradfashionista, the words squat cage and power cage seem to be used interchangeably. The one i have is tall with about 4" square sides and top and bottom. The safety bar is also a good sized square that slides up and down and locks into place ever 4" so it is good for squats, deads and presses.

Glory, great idea but no sadly not. I do believe golf equipment counts though. or a bike...

Janet

OK, can I admit I'm a little envious of all these setups?

We have a swimming pool that we can only use in the summer (closed it this weekend), my running shoes, and my bike. We canceled our gym membership because neither of us was using it, but sometimes I wish I still had it to take advantage of their pool in the winter or take yoga classes again. Sometimes I wish we had a rowing machine or something I could spend some time on while I catch up on Netflix. We'd have to rework our basement TV room to fit it in though. I wouldn't even know where to start.

Cheryle, you are set up! I like the chin up bar idea and the rowing machine. One of my favourite machines at the gym is the seated cable row.

Staysfit

I would say to add a Pilates reformer plus a tower. With that you can do pretty much everything you need including aerobics if you include a jump board. Hopefully you live in an area where you can get some instruction, but you can also find excellent online instruction.

Another thought, how about a tv with DVDs player on the wall and some of the thick, interlocking mats on the floor? We put those in our workout room because my DH does Tae Kwon Do and he needed a good surface. It's also perfect for any type of mat exercise I do, yoga, Pilates, etc.

For a long time we had a Concept II Rowing Ergometer, my DH rowed Crew in college. It was great, but it is hard on knees and possibly your back. They can be noisy unless you spend a lot of money. We sold ours because my DH had knee problems, but I liked it. Remember to wear gloves!

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