Basic equpiment needed for home workouts

[molemann_services]

After years of using Cathe Friedrich, I finally realized it was time to start lifting some heavier weights and I'm loving NRWLW so far.

However, one of the things I never thought of was a way to get the bar on my back (I always used dumbbells).

All this is set up to say: If I'm going to do this right, what else do I need?
Specifically, is a squat rack going to be enough or will I regret it and need to buy something else in 4 months?

i realize I'll also need something for pullups, are the peices that go in door frames easily removable or will I have to keep it there?

[Bytsi]

A squat rack (or a power rack that can be used for squats and other things too) should be a purchase you'll never outgrow or regret. Some pullup bars are spring-loaded and can be removed, others are more permanent... Check out some fitness equipment stores or go online and see what kind of choices you have in your price range...

[MissRose]

I bought a smith machine.... I don't use the bar for sqats and don't plan on using the bar at all for lifiting (it doesn't work your stabilizer muscles) .... however there are some good points to it and find my workout much easier since I have the equipment.

1. I use the bar for chin ups
2. It has pully system on it, for lat pulldowns and seated rows..(much better than doing the dumb alternate exercises)
3. It has "oly bar holders" that I fasten to the outside and can use it for a squat rack.

Other things you will need
1.. You will need a bench.
2. Dumbells are needed too for step ups, lunges, shoulder presses, etc.
3. Steps for the step ups - alot of people use the bench. I'm a shortie, so I use something that is just below my knee, otherwise, it is too high for me and I end up using my other foot to push off with.

[missjane]

This is the chin-up bar I have and what, coincidentally, my new coach also has at her home and recommends:

Bed Bath & Beyond Product

[molemann_services]

Originally Posted by Bytsi

A squat rack (or a power rack that can be used for squats and other things too) should be a purchase you'll never outgrow or regret. Some pullup bars are spring-loaded and can be removed, others are more permanent... Check out some fitness equipment stores or go online and see what kind of choices you have in your price range...

What are the "other things" that would be done in a power rack?

I do have dumbbells and a bench.

[missjane]

I use the squat rack for my BO rows, for my BB lunges, for my BB split lunges, for my BB step-ups. I use it for my deadlifts, for my RDL's and for rack pulls. I use it for my BB O/H press.

[butterbeean]

A padded mat is needed for floor moves and the body matrix. You don't want to be doing that or any jumping moves on cement or a hard floor.

[molemann_services]

Yup, got that, too.

Thanks!

[Bytsi]

Originally Posted by missjane

I use the squat rack for my BO rows, for my BB lunges, for my BB split lunges, for my BB step-ups. I use it for my deadlifts, for my RDL's and for rack pulls. I use it for my BB O/H press.

What Jane said
(anything at all that you'd use an Oly bar for, you can use the rack for)

If you got a power cage, you can also do bench press in it (with a bench )... actually, depending on the squat rack you could probably set it up for those too.

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by molemann_services

What are the "other things" that would be done in a power rack?

I do have dumbbells and a bench.

How much can you afford?

I bought a Powertec rack w/ high/low pulley system from bodybuilding.com for $749. That does not include a bench, bar or plates. The pulley works very well, but you may need to apply from silicone to lubricate the slide.

Proper matting will be expensive as well. The 1/2" rubber (3/4 preferred) is about $350 for a 12'x12' area from Tractor Supply. You can cut corners by getting 1/2" foam rubber matting but make sure it has some resilience. You'll want indoor/outdoor carpetting under it. This will add an extra layer of shock and sweat absorbency and cusion.

You don't need to go premium on weights. A 300# oly set from Dick's or Sports Authority is about $115-120.

Bench: you need one that will incline. If you don't have a dip station, you'll need one that can decline as well, called a FID (Flat, Incline, Decline).

Lastly, dumbbells. You'll want adjustable of some sort. I think most people are well served with simple std bars and plates. You'll need 4x2.5lb and 4x5lb plates for progression. The rest as 10lb plates.

Check out craigslist, the classifieds and "Play It Again Sports" for good quality used equipment.

Be mindful of space requirements. I have about 2/3 of my basement converted into a gym.

[Brianne]

I also have, and really like, the chinup bar that Miss Jane linked. Got it at Bed Bath & Beyond using a 20% off coupon.

[feralBoy]

Some racks have chin-up bars. And although I've never used them, they have those resistance bands that you can use to do assisted chin-ups (if need be) at home.