Need Advice On Bench

[TheManc]

I'm looking around at the moment for a bench which comes with a barbell, sqaut rack ect. I'm actually really stuck as with being new to this stuff, i'm not sure whats the best value for money ect. I don't intend on buying a bench on eBay as i'm not into spending loads of money over the internet, so my best option is stores like Argos. I've looked on there and there's quite alot of benches with very good reviews. Its just, the description of the benches don't state the maxiumum weight they can hold and other information so i'm kind of lost.

What would be my best bet ? Buying a bench on its own, along with a sqaut rack and a barbell with weights. Or, buy all of them in one product for a decent price, but of course risking the chance of a low quality product. I really don't want to splash the cash right now, when in 2 months time when i know more about this stuff i'll regret it. I'm 16 so my budget is limited, along with my space so a power rack is out of the equation.

So can anyone give some basic guidence into what i need starting out, what price i should be looking at, and how to know whether a bench is reliable ect. Also, even though the benches on Argos have great reviews, are they are decent from there ?

[TheKoiCarp]

power cage is the most versatile and safest thing for a home gym.

argos benches are cheap crap.

lots of stuff about home gyms here, just search and read

[TheManc]

I have searched but like i said, im new to this stuff so its difficult understanding all of it. I don't have enough room for a powercage so thats out of the equation. All i want really is a decent bench with a barbell and enough weight, and maybe some dumbells. On Argos, there's certain benches with 75 great reviews so they can't be that crap, but i see your point. Like i said though, i'm looking for a top quality bench which cost loads, but a bench around £70 which does the job.

[cgc]

First, I would recomend reading this sticky
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=113942001

Second, why don't you have room for a rack? Is it that you don't have a room tall enough for one, or you don't have the "foot print" for one?
If it's the overhead room, look at a sumo rack...if it's the foot print, keep in mind that if you have room to move a bar around (especially a 7' Oly bar), you have the foot print for a rack.

Most Benches with the "racks" you can move around and supposedly bench and squat from are not worth a crap (both money wise and for safety). If you're going to be working out alone in your house, I would STRONGLY suggest a sumo rack at least. I just read a story this past weekend a 16 kid who was working out at home. Not sure if it was his grip that failed or if something happened to him then the weights fell....but he was killed benching 185lbs. If his grip failed, if set properly, the rack would have saved his life.
In stead, his mom had to come home and find her son dead under the weights.

I understand this stuff isn't cheap....but don't cheap out on your safety.

[TheManc]

Thanks alot for the advice. I've been reading a few threads for the past hour or so and read a few stories about lack of safety which have resulted in death. So thats really been an eye opener.

I probably could get a rack to be honest, its just firstly, money, and secondly, my Dad who's really fussy over space as i convinced him last crimbo when i bought a pool table it would fit in the room and it didn't, so he's kind of lost trust in me. Even the other day when i mentioned a bench he said straight away no, it will be to big, yet he suggested to me getting a multigym which takes up more room, so yeah pretty stupid. I'll defiantly look into racks anyway, its just what would be the cheapeast ?

If that doesn't work out and there way to dear, would there be any point in working out ? I don't want to give up, but then again i don't have all the money to buy all this top quality equipment. Wouldn't an olympic dumbell set and an adjustable bench be a decent long term investement ?

[cgc]

Thanks alot for the advice. I've been reading a few threads for the past hour or so and read a few stories about lack of safety which have resulted in death. So thats really been an eye opener.

I probably could get a rack to be honest, its just firstly, money, and secondly, my Dad who's really fussy over space as i convinced him last crimbo when i bought a pool table it would fit in the room and it didn't, so he's kind of lost trust in me. Even the other day when i mentioned a bench he said straight away no, it will be to big, yet he suggested to me getting a multigym which takes up more room, so yeah pretty stupid. I'll defiantly look into racks anyway, its just what would be the cheapeast ?

If that doesn't work out and there way to dear, would there be any point in working out ? I don't want to give up, but then again i don't have all the money to buy all this top quality equipment. Wouldn't an olympic dumbell set and an adjustable bench be a decent long term investement ?

You guys have these in the UK, right?


lol...all kidding aside if you want to earn your dad's trust back I would measure out the space you "think" he'll allow you (even measuring the passages you would take to get it there) then see if some racks you like fit that. I'll be honest, if you would have talked me into a pool table I would have measured before hand myself....but I'd be a bit ticked that you talked me into that too. But whatever, live and learn.

If your dad decides on multi-station work out equipment, sure it's worth still working out. it's not like you can't get big, or strong from it. It might not be the ideal setup but it's something and obviously better than nothing. And considering your dad has the final say so (the money $$$), I would mount the best defense for what you want, almost like a business proposal, then present it to him. I would include prices, foot print of free weights over multi-station, maintenance possibilities for the multi-station....anything you can think of.

Keep in mind you don't need top of the line everything. Obviously you don't want crap, but for an example, I have a low end rack (Powerline) that I paid $200 for...I probably could have bought it for less if I waited longer. That being said, it's a low end rack....but it does what I need it to do. Don't go for all the high end stuff unless your dad is just itching to toss around money. Price out quality stuff (used even) and shop for GOOD prices. it'll take you some leg work, and some searching....but I guess it goes back to, how bad do you want a place to lift?

Don't cheap out on safety and good luck

[TheManc]

lol...all kidding aside if you want to earn your dad's trust back I would measure out the space you "think" he'll allow you (even measuring the passages you would take to get it there) then see if some racks you like fit that. I'll be honest, if you would have talked me into a pool table I would have measured before hand myself....but I'd be a bit ticked that you talked me into that too. But whatever, live and learn.

If your dad decides on multi-station work out equipment, sure it's worth still working out. it's not like you can't get big, or strong from it. It might not be the ideal setup but it's something and obviously better than nothing. And considering your dad has the final say so (the money $$$), I would mount the best defense for what you want, almost like a business proposal, then present it to him. I would include prices, foot print of free weights over multi-station, maintenance possibilities for the multi-station....anything you can think of.

Keep in mind you don't need top of the line everything. Obviously you don't want crap, but for an example, I have a low end rack (Powerline) that I paid $200 for...I probably could have bought it for less if I waited longer. That being said, it's a low end rack....but it does what I need it to do. Don't go for all the high end stuff unless your dad is just itching to toss around money. Price out quality stuff (used even) and shop for GOOD prices. it'll take you some leg work, and some searching....but I guess it goes back to, how bad do you want a place to lift?

Don't cheap out on safety and good luck

We did measure the table, and it just about fitted, so he give me the benifit of the doubt. However, when it arrived and we placed it in there, the cues were hitting the windows so he wasn't to happy.

Thanks for the wise advice again though, some really great stuff you included in there. Thinking about it, a power rack isn't really any bigger than the average multigyms out there. There similar in withd and height so space shouldn't really be a problem, its just the price and the weights/bench that you need to invest in to make the powerack worth your money. Probably to much for a 16 year old beginner to bodybuilding.

If a powerack doesn't turn out to be an option for now due to money or space, what do you suggest as an alternative good option that i can still build plenty of muscle and take things serious. Dumbells and an ajustable bench ? I'm willing to spend £200 on equiment, and thats really pushing it.

[dskoo65]

If a powerack doesn't turn out to be an option for now due to money or space, what do you suggest as an alternative good option that i can still build plenty of muscle and take things serious. Dumbells and an ajustable bench ?.

yes. if your dumbbells are heavy enough you can build plenty of muscle everywhere you want. adding a way to do dips and pullups would be helpful as well.

[cm45]

If you don't have money for a power rack, or barbell set just train with standard adjustable dumbbells. Get the ones with the spinlock handles they are more secure, and you buy as many extra weight plates for them as you need. I have seen some spinlock handle bars hold as much as 150 lbs.

[TheManc]

I'll be looking closely over the next few days on eBay for a good set of dumbells. Would buying a cheap ajustable bench benifit me when doing dumbell exercises. Remember, i don't want the bench to lift a barbell or anything, just so it can give me more options with the dumbells.

[cgc]

The only thing with DBs you may have problems with is squats. You can do squats with DBs, but it can be awkward so just watch your form.

Also, with the spin locks keep an eye on them because they can work themselves lose. You'll have more then enough time to notice that they've come lose before they unload on you...but just something to keep an eye on.

And if you get DBs, don't get a false sense of security that you can't hurt yourself. Years ago, I dropped a 60lb DB on my nuts not paying attention to what I was doing....lol....as funny as it is now, don't let something like that happen to you. it's not fun as you can imagine....HA.

[gMac2000]

hey mate, don't forget ... you're 16 right, starting out.

imo , just go for something simple and sturdy.

I personally have 4 dumbells (both spinlock, never had any safety problems, yes the spinlocks come loose from the rubber-stopper occasionally , but its not like its going to "unspin" right off the bell)
, a barbell that sits on my bench, and a barbell that sits on the floor (in the garage)

Don't overcomplicate things,

when I was starting out I wanted to get some $500 olympic bench which could support 1000lbs etc etc, totally unnecessary, for the level i was at!

I wisely ended up getting a simple $150 bench (with leg extension, which I don't use except to hold plates) , which still does the job today.

[Wildtim]

You guys have these in the UK, right?

Actually they have these:



OP why don't you post up your room size and we can tell you if it will work.

[cgc]

Actually they have these:



OP why don't you post up your room size and we can tell you if it will work.

Touche'

[TheManc]

OP why don't you post up your room size and we can tell you if it will work.

I would, but like gMac2000 said, im 16 and just starting out, so im going to take things steady at the moment, especially as im on a budget aswell. A powerack would be brilliant in the long run of course, but im 16 and still learning the basics at the moment.

Regarding the dumbells, i'll buy the spinlock handles of ebay for about £25. I've looked at some that are made by a brand called Bodypower. Not sure whether there a reliable brand but the seller has 100% positive feedback so it looks a decent deal. The size of them is 18", is that any good ? If you think they sound crap, than please tell us and maybe recommend a seller of eBay i could check out as like i said, im new to this but also very wary about what i buy.

Finally, how much do decent dumbell weights go for on eBay, of course its depends on the weight but for me, as a beginner, what should i be looking for ?

[JJ-]

And if you get DBs, don't get a false sense of security that you can't hurt yourself. Years ago, I dropped a 60lb DB on my nuts not paying attention to what I was doing....lol....as funny as it is now, don't let something like that happen to you. it's not fun as you can imagine....HA.

I CRINGED when I read that. Ouch!!!


OP
-As much as I am for home gyms, in some situations it's just best to find a local gym and workout there. From your post I gather you have very little knowledge of equipment and probably equal knowledge about exercises themselve. Since you are 16 and still living under your parents roof why don't you go join a local gym and learn all the basics. Then when you move out you can buy all the equipment you want and you will have much more knowledge of what it does and how it works.

[TheManc]

I CRINGED when I read that. Ouch!!!


OP
-As much as I am for home gyms, in some situations it's just best to find a local gym and workout there. From your post I gather you have very little knowledge of equipment and probably equal knowledge about exercises themselve. Since you are 16 and still living under your parents roof why don't you go join a local gym and learn all the basics. Then when you move out you can buy all the equipment you want and you will have much more knowledge of what it does and how it works.

Because i just prefer working out at home, its more relaxed and chilled, saves time and i can use my laptop to learn exercises whilst i have my equiment. Instead, if i went gym, as im a beginner, its means learning everything at home without any equipment, then going gym and trying to remember everything with the equipment. So its like, laptop and no equipment or equipment and no laptop, or if i do it at home, both. Basically, i find a program, look up the exercises on Youtube and learn them there and then with the equipment, insead of trying to remember them when in the gym.

Plus, you can focus alot more at home as your more relaxed and have no distractions. I see your point, but it would far more easier doing it at home where i can learn and train at the same time. The gym staff at my gym are quite ignorant aswell, just sit there reading magazines behind a desk whilst everyone is working out. So my only option would be asking someone, which means interupting there workout, which is the last thing i want to do. Anyway, i dont even want to go down this route as i've already decided on working out at home.

[JJ-]

You don't have to convince me that working out at home is better. I have a home gym. I just want you to explore all your options.

[TheManc]

You don't have to convince me that working out at home is better. I have a home gym. I just want you to explore all your options.

No worries, but like i said, i've been gym, and the staff are ignorant, the weights and benches are already taken when i go, so i really cannot be bothered wasting more time going there when i have the money to work out at home.

Moving back to the dumbells, i'll be purhcasing the spinlock handles this week, i just need to find some decent dumbell weights, any advice regarding them ?

[cgc]

I CRINGED when I read that. Ouch!!!.

What doesn't kill us (or stops us from procreating) makes us stronger?
Yeah, it wasn't the best day I've ever had....lol

[TheManc]

moving back to the dumbells, i'll be purhcasing the spinlock handles this week, i just need to find some decent dumbell weights, any advice regarding them ?

bump !

[TheManc]

I've found some dumbell sets on eBay, sadly though, i can't post links due to my low post count, so is there anyone i can PM for good advice ?

[JJ-]

I've found some dumbell sets on eBay, sadly though, i can't post links due to my low post count, so is there anyone i can PM for good advice ?

You CAN post the link. Just add a space somewhere in the link so the system doesn't think it's a link.

[TheManc]

Good idea, cheers.

I've looked at a few sets of dumbells so far. I'm stuck between buying the handles and weights seperatly, or together. Anyways, i've looked at a couple which include everything, one even includes a case to put the dumbells in. Take a look and tell us what you think, NOTE ! The link is broken with a space right at the start so copy and paste it and delete the space then hit enter.

h ttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350348255117&category= 137865&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

h ttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dumbbell-Set-Spinlock-Rubber-Weights-10kg-15kg-20kg_W0QQitemZ260654791240QQcategoryZ137865QQcmdZV iewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26 itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3 D5623642365268132446