Barbell set + bench workout set = All that I really need?

[DasArsch]

I'm thinking of making my own home gym and Sports Authority has these two items that I think fits the workouts I'm doing:

$149

Barbell set with a total of 170lbs of free weighted plates along with a pair of DB bars where you can put the barbell weights in for DB exercises.

$99 (in store sale)

Golds gym workout bench. Has a tower to put the barbell on, can use it as a regular bench, leg presses, preacher curls, its also an incline bench.

http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3248892&cp=3077568.3077639.2623791&sr=1

I already have an Iron Gym at home so I can use that for pull ups, chin ups, etc.

The workouts I'm planning on doing at home:

Squats
DB Rows
Bench Press
Incline Bench
Bicep Curl
Deadlifts
Pullups
Overhead Press
Tricep Isolation
Dips
Side Laterals
Leg Press
Chin ups
Military press
Preacher Curls
Tricep push down
Leg raises

So would these exercises fit all the criteria for the gym equipments I'm buying? Is that all I really need? I can definitely afford it for $300 but the sale ends this week.

And I'm getting sick of paying at 24 Hour fitness for $35 a month not to mention having to drive there as well and wasting some gas.

[buffbrown21]

No man, no.

Without getting too much into this, you need something to allow you to bench and all SAFELY. This isnt it.
Look into power racks and see what I am talking about. Search this forum and check out the stickys. It may save your life, literally, and I say that with all seriousness.

[DasArsch]

I can't afford a power rack right now. Maybe sometime in the future but not now.

I just want to know if this Golds Gym bench can get the work done. I probably won't have the bar catchers but I'd be willing to take the risk. I also have my brother as a spotter.

[Keetman]

................I'd be willing to take the risk. I also have my brother as a spotter.




Yea, living on the edge taking risks is fun stuff:


http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=122653771


You drop that bar fast and your brother will be apologizing to your disfigured face or your tombstone for the rest of his life.

Read, learn something.......or skip it all and get a gym membership. You have been warned by two people now, you're unlikely to get a fan of that equipment here. There's a few who are alright with them....whatever. If you want it, get it.....its your call and your face.

[Jimbo.]

I can't afford a power rack right now. Maybe sometime in the future but not now.

I just want to know if this Golds Gym bench can get the work done. I probably won't have the bar catchers but I'd be willing to take the risk. I also have my brother as a spotter.

do not waste your money on that bench man, watch craigslist for a decent rack and bench

That Golds gym bench is crap, pure and simple, and it will start to wear out very quickly

edit* Listen to these guys, they will not steer you wrong!

[wolfdragon]

Read the FAQ sticky above and Youtube bench press accidents. You can look for a used rack on craigslist (depends on area but 180 could get you rack and bench). At least buy some adjustable sawhorses and set them to each side of the bench so you have a better chance of being ok after a failed rep. I know you said your brother will be your spotter, but sometimes spotters can't really react in enough time to catch the bar before it hits your throat or chest causing damage.

[Elliott3548]

I can't afford a power rack right now. Maybe sometime in the future but not now.

I just want to know if this Golds Gym bench can get the work done. I probably won't have the bar catchers but I'd be willing to take the risk. I also have my brother as a spotter.

NO NO NO!!!

Go to you tube and type in the following, "bench press accident" and watch a few. Notice how there are often 2 spotters and guys still get crushed ribs (lucky to be alive). Things happen too fast for spotters to catch sometimes. If you pull a muscle or something that bar could crush your neck in half a second. It ain't worth it!!

The guys here at BB.com set me straight and I am on dumbbells only until I get a power rack.

All gear is cheap when compared to life, which is priceless.

[DasArsch]

How about this. Until I can afford a power rack, I'll just do DB presses and just use the barbell for deadlifts or squats.

[wolfdragon]

You can also do the squats with dumbbells just use the bar for deadlifts.

[DasArsch]

Ok then, we're set. So exactly what is wrong with the workout bench I posted? Other than having to use it for bench pressing. How do you know that thing wears out fast?

[wolfdragon]

It's not safe. A rack has safety arms that stop the bar from hitting you when you fail at a rep. That benchpress doesn't have them. Therefore the bar will not stop until it hits you.

Edit--Gold's Gym has a reputation for being filmsy. Normally has a low weight rating and doesn't hold up to use for extended purpose.

[DasArsch]

I just wanted to point out that I won't do bench presses. Other than that, is that it? I can use it for my other exercises can't I?

[orlandopunk]

OP you should get the ironmaster superbench is much better than that piece of crap goldgym and you can get attachments, preacher curl, dips, pullups, abs .. it doesn't decline but still is much better i think u need to get the abs extension or something to make it decline

I have one question .. will one ever run into problem by using a bench incline, flat bench with only dumbbells ?
I want to workout at home, i live in an apartment and dont want to pay gym membership
For examples this setup :

- Ironmaster superbench
- Ironmaster dumbbells or york spinlocks dumbbels (cheaper)

I only want to use the superbench to do benchpresses with dumbbells and get the preacher curl and dips extension
I was planning to getting a similar setup like the OP and get a barbell with loads of weight but the story of that guy just scared the **** out of me
so can anyone tell me .. is it dangerous to benchpress with dumbbells with the superbench? i dont want to destroy my beautiful face .. I really dont care about decline and maybe doind declines is more dangerous right ?

[karnavorr]

Ok then, we're set. So exactly what is wrong with the workout bench I posted? Other than having to use it for bench pressing. How do you know that thing wears out fast?

It's cheap. Cheap things are made with cheap materials and more often than not are of bad quality.

You can do all the exercises you listed on it but without the benefit of any safety features a power rack has.

[DasArsch]

:facepalm:

Why does everyone here keep saying to buy a power rack?

1) I already am aware of the problems the first couple posters told me

2) I said that I'll buy a power rack in the future but not now.

3) I won't do bench presses with this workout bench

4) I will do DB presses instead

[MrHolman]

dude for that same money you can buy much nicer used on craigslist, ive bought 300 lbs olympic weight sets 3 times in the last 2 or 3 weeks for under 85 bucks, last deal i got was 60 bucks for a 300 lbs set with a barbell, and an extra ez curl bar and 2 dumbells, all in like new and good condition, all olympic

watch craigslist and be patient, when something you want pops up, snag it

same with benches, theres 50 benches that are good on my craigslist for 150-225 all with a 300 lbs weight set, bar included ... much better, much safer benches

[karnavorr]

:facepalm:

Why does everyone here keep saying to buy a power rack?

1) I already am aware of the problems the first couple posters told me

2) I said that I'll buy a power rack in the future but not now.

3) I won't do bench presses with this workout bench

4) I will do DB presses instead

It's like being a policeman and using a piece of cardboard in place of a Kevlar vest because you don't think you need the vest.

[wolfdragon]

I'd do as mentioned and buy a better quality adjustable bench. Look into the Ironmaster with the 1000lb rating, Body Solid benches with 600lb (I think can't remember) and up ratings instead of that Gold's Gym bench that I can't even find the weight rating on (yes I used Google). You might spend $80 or more extra getting the quality bench but you want have to replace it down the line.
I've never had a problem benching with dumbbells.The only injury I know of was a guy who was doing skullcrushers and one end of a hex dumbbell broke off and hit him in the face. He had a broke nose.

[ironwill2008]

You're the 1,000,000,000th poster to ask about that bench. If you would have bothered to use the "search," you'd have found that out. You also would have found out that it's a poorly designed, poorly made piece of junk that offers no safety. No one with any experience will recommend that thing for any reason.

And yet you question everyone in this thread who has attempted to keep you from making, at the very least, a financial mistake, and at the worst, a physical one that could well cause you harm.

Go ahead and buy the Gold's Gym bench. It's perfect for you.

[orlandopunk]

yeah and he clearly said on his first post that he wanted to buy a BARBELL set with 170lbs and now he says that he wants to do DB presses instead
WTF

you are 5'6 and 130lbs .. you are a weakling and a beginner wtf do you need 170lbs for ?
..
get a freaking good bench (Ironmaster, Bodysolid, Bodycraft, Lamar), get quicklock dumbbells and get more plates .. if increase your strengh fast then keep getting more plates they are cheap
if u have the cash u could even get the ironmaster 2-75lbs dumbbells but since you want to buy that stupid bench i really doubt you have that kind oif cash
you can do plenty of exercises and keep adding weight to the dumbbels .. you can definitely bulk up using that equipment especially if u get the ironmaster with the extension where you can do pullups, dips, preacher curls and also dumbells presses
what else do u ****ing need ?
is more than enough to get you started .. after 1 year when you get stronger or advanced then get a freaking rack or return to bally fitness or whatever

[orlandopunk]

OP you should get a PLaneT fitness membership HAHA

[DasArsch]

yeah and he clearly said on his first post that he wanted to buy a BARBELL set with 170lbs and now he says that he wants to do DB presses instead
WTF

you are 5'6 and 130lbs .. you are a weakling and a beginner wtf do you need 170lbs for ?
..
get a freaking good bench (Ironmaster, Bodysolid, Bodycraft, Lamar), get quicklock dumbbells and get more plates .. if increase your strengh fast then keep getting more plates they are cheap
if u have the cash u could even get the ironmaster 2-75lbs dumbbells but since you want to buy that stupid bench i really doubt you have that kind oif cash
you can do plenty of exercises and keep adding weight to the dumbbels .. you can definitely bulk up using that equipment especially if u get the ironmaster with the extension where you can do pullups, dips, preacher curls and also dumbells presses
what else do u ****ing need ?
is more than enough to get you started .. after 1 year when you get stronger or advanced then get a freaking rack or return to bally fitness or whatever

If you read my post, the barbell set comes with a pair of DB bars.

[DasArsch]

OP you should get a PLaneT fitness membership HAHA

I already have a 24 hour fitness membership.

[orlandopunk]

so why the heck are you buying all this equipment if u still have the membership .. what bench have you decided to buy ?

check ironmaster superbench and its extensions

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Super-Bench-pr-3.html

by the way i was being sarcastical about the planet fitness haha planet fitness sucks

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Dumbell-Exercise-Photos-pg-8.html

that bench with dumbbells is more than enought to bulk up .. you just need to add more
plates thats all .. at wallmart plates are cheap
im a beginner as you are but i have done my research on this forum to find the best incline-decline benches for someone who lives in an aparment and has little space
the ironmaster bench is smaller than all the other benches i mentioned before, same price and you can add extensions to do pullups, dips, preacher curl

any good solid bench is going to cost you between 250 and 350 dollars .. all the other brands less than that are crap

you could get the ironmaster bench ... 250 + 35 shipping
you already have pullup bar
so you could get the dip extension and maybe preacher curl extension
you could also get a EZ curl bar and obviously tons of plates

with that you can do many exercises

[triplechris]

so why the heck are you buying all this equipment if u still have the membership ..

OP's original post:
"...And I'm getting sick of paying at 24 Hour fitness for $35 a month not to mention having to drive there as well and wasting some gas."

:)

[orlandopunk]

thats the same reason why i want to buy the superbench and more plates
24 hour fitness is decent gym but is too expensive for me
$35 * 12 months = $420 + gas + more miles on your car
1 dollar on an average vehicle usually gives around 7 miles

Example :
distance to the gym = 14 miles
4 times a week = $8
48 weeks (1 YEAR) = $384

420 + 384 = $804
money you could save for a powerrack or if dont want to lift barbells then ironmaster dumbbells

[Riggaman]

My advice to anybody that has money issues has always been the same: think safety and utility first, then save up money for the good stuff. You want to buy things that are going to be as safe and useful as possible right out of the gate.

Start with a solid bench (this is an investment, get the best one you can afford). The crappy ones will be uncomfortable and wobby at best, downright dangerous at worst.

Then get yourself dumbbells and a pullup bar.

With these three items you can get in fantastic shape without spending a boatload of money.

Once you have (SAFELY!!!!) built up enough strength to warrant the purchase of a bar, you should hopefully have saved up enough money for a safety system as well (the powerline rack is like 299). From there, the sky is the limit.

Don't sacrifice your own safety for the sake of rushing into barbell training. Make safe and useful purchases first.

[Lemonade727]

48 weeks (1 YEAR)


notsureifsrs.jpg

Regardless, I agree with you on the fact that gym membership fees, etc. really do add up over time. I made the jump on a power rack and equipment for the house knowing that it will definitely pay itself off and then some.

[cgc]

Not to echo what everyone else said....but

You're willing to spend $300?

For $400 even, I picked up the following:
- a Powerblock F/I bench
- a Powerline rack (not the best, but works VERY nicely)
- a 300# Oly set w/bar.

I personally would save the money and go this route....but thats just me...
I wouldn't pay money for that bench up above, personally.

As far as your brother spotting... My dad had a spotter when he dropped 350# on the bridge of his forehead years ago....VERY lucky that he just busted his head open and only required stitches...

[orlandopunk]

most people would go for the Ironmaster bench rather than the Powerline bench
Powerline is cheaper but there is a reason why some things are cheaper than others
that Goldgym bench is crap compared to those benches
some people dont have the space to use a rack and in that case a bench that allows you do dips, pullups, preacher curls, incline, flat and some dumbbells is more than enough
some people that have the cash buy the Ironmaster 2-75lbs dumbbells because of the convenience, it saves spaces, and you increase the weight up tp 120lbs
you don't need to lift barbell weight to develop your chest, it has been proved that dumbbells presses are more beneficial for chest development than barbell presses
the only exercise where you only need a barbell with lots of weights are Squats and Deadlift, thats it.

Chest : dumbbells
Back : dumbbells and pullups
arms : dumbbells and ez curl bar (preacher curl)
shoulders : dumbbells
legs : dumbbells squats or lunges

people have to understand that the most important thing in order to add muscles mass is nutrition and not fancy equipment .. i have seen guys on this forum bulk up with less equipment that that and even without a bench
the only reason many people get obssesed with racks and barbells is mainly for strengh (squats, deadlifts, benchpresses )
always trying to lift more and more .. break their records and show off
thats fine
but to build muscle is not neccesary to use barbells and to lift that much weight especially when you are a beginner
With dumbbells you can go from a wide grip to narrow, your range of motion is a little better because your chest isn't the stopping point, and you can even turn your hands to a palms- facing position at the top of each rep to get them close enough for a good pec squeeze.
The biggest negative with dumbbells is that you're constantly working to balance them, which can shift a lot of the stress to the deltoids. Plus, reclining on a bench with a heavy dumbbell in each hand is somewhat difficult, not to mention dangerous, especially if you're holding more than 100 pounds in each hand.
For now when a person doenst have enough space or money then dumbbells and bench is enough ...

[cgc]

but to build muscle is not neccesary to use barbells and to lift that much weight especially when you are a beginner

Yes, you can use dumbbells to put on size (when I was lifting for size, other than squatting and DLs that?s all I used)?.however the only thing I really disagree on is your quote above (not that my opinion means much?but I?m sharing it :) )

It depends on the person?with the TS being 5?6 and 130 (assuming also he?s still around High School age since his brother will be his spotter)?.most young beginners WILL really benefit from lifting heavy. Nutrition is a must for anyone?.but with younger lifters the philosophy of ?eat big, lift big? yields the best results. Can you get a good shape with lighter weights?no question about it?but I would call that ?bulking up?.

My opinion and I can agree to disagree.

[TheAsianMan]

if you workout at home and dont have money, use a dumbell kit and a pull up bar. You can do everything barbell can with more safty.

[Monkhouse]

What about a workout bench with adjustable safety arms on them?