Should I just join a gym?

[newkid100]

Hey guys, I've been buildign my home gym for years now and I thought I have/had a decent amount of equipment. I just signed up actually w/ an online off season prep coach trainer, and he has me on a routine where I pretty much need a lot of equipment. I'm debating whether or not I should join a gym. I mean, the downside ofcourse is the money, the time, etc, I don't want to wait on machine, and travel to the gym.. Its so convenient the way I have it now.

So, out of a few of the exercises he wants me to do, I can't do Leg Presses & Hack Squats. I can try to find out to buy- theres one I seen new, a boldysolid for 1100 which is a lot.

I'm also not going to be to do cable cross overs, machine pull overs, and the peck deck machine, but I figured those are easy enough to alternate.. would you guys join a gym, or pay 1100 for the leg press and hack squat and just vary the other exercises??

[kelt_22]

Hey guys, I've been buildign my home gym for years now and I thought I have/had a decent amount of equipment. I just signed up actually w/ an online off season prep coach trainer, and he has me on a routine where I pretty much need a lot of equipment. I'm debating whether or not I should join a gym. I mean, the downside ofcourse is the money, the time, etc, I don't want to wait on machine, and travel to the gym.. Its so convenient the way I have it now.

So, out of a few of the exercises he wants me to do, I can't do Leg Presses & Hack Squats. I can try to find out to buy- theres one I seen new, a boldysolid for 1100 which is a lot.

I'm also not going to be to do cable cross overs, machine pull overs, and the peck deck machine, but I figured those are easy enough to alternate.. would you guys join a gym, or pay 1100 for the leg press and hack squat and just vary the other exercises??

If he is any good of a trainer he should be able to get you a routine with what you have already. Really, this is a bodybuilder routine is that what you are doing or sports?

[AttyGuy]

So, out of a few of the exercises he wants me to do, I can't do Leg Presses & Hack Squats. I can try to find out to buy- theres one I seen new, a boldysolid for 1100 which is a lot.

You can buy one of these, or a similar machine from a competitor, for $300 to $500. I have the B-S machine. Why do you need to do leg presses and hack squats? Aren't you squatting? (And before you ask me why I have mine, I do do squats, I like the variety and this is equipment forum so I like having extra stuff in my home gym).

I'm also not going to be to do cable cross overs, machine pull overs, and the peck deck machine, but I figured those are easy enough to alternate.. would you guys join a gym, or pay 1100 for the leg press and hack squat and just vary the other exercises??

What is the purpsoe of these isolation exercises?

[newkid100]

You can buy one of these, or a similar machine from a competitor, for $300 to $500. I have the B-S machine. Why do you need to do leg presses and hack squats? Aren't you squatting? (And before you ask me why I have mine, I do do squats, I like the variety and this is equipment forum so I like having extra stuff in my home gym).



What is the purpsoe of these isolation exercises?

Yes I squat, I guess the point would be to do more quad and leg work. I mean for quads I do squats, bulgarian split squats, and leg extensions. I'd think adding in some leg presses and hack squats would be more beneficial for my legs, and then in turn bring up my squat, no?

[newkid100]

If he is any good of a trainer he should be able to get you a routine with what you have already. Really, this is a bodybuilder routine is that what you are doing or sports?

bodybuilding routine, he is a very reputable coach

[AttyGuy]

I think you've answered your own question. You've chosen a trainer for bodybuilding and he wants you to do isolation exercises. If working out at home was for you, you'd find a way to get the equipment you needed. Or you'd talk to the trainer about working with you on exercises that would do the same things, only with fewer machines and more barbell or dumbbell work. Go join a gym. I'm guessing if he's a good trainer, he can recommend a gym to you.

[ironwill2008]

.. would you guys join a gym, or pay 1100 for the leg press and hack squat and just vary the other exercises??

Do you have the money to buy more equipment?

Do you have the square footage in which to set it up?

[ICEcap2]

Get a new trainer instead of new equipment.

What and legs presses and hack squats do that back and front squats can't do better?

[newkid100]

Do you have the money to buy more equipment?

Do you have the square footage in which to set it up?

I do have the money, but 1100 is a lot to spend regardless. Space is a an issue, but I could probably make it work. I do prefer to workout at home, most definitely, easier and more convenient, but this is my goal..

[ironwill2008]

I do have the money, but 1100 is a lot to spend regardless. Space is a an issue, but I could probably make it work. I do prefer to workout at home, most definitely, easier and more convenient, but this is my goal..

Then go for expanding your own gym. If you're already accustomed to training alone, I don't see any down side.

More equipment = more options. Options are the lifeblood of effective bodybuilding training.

[newkid100]

Then go for expanding your own gym. If you're already accustomed to training alone, I don't see any down side.

More equipment = more options. Options are the lifeblood of effective bodybuilding training.

Alright, I guess i'll go for it.. Because the other 2 gyms - 1 is 35$ a month, but kinda sucks. The other gym is nice NYSC but 70$ a month which is crazy IMO.

So, if I paid 1100 for a Body Solid Hack Squat and Leg press..

and just didnt have a cable cross over, machine pull over, or peck deck-- is this still sufficent?

[dumb.bell]

It might take you a little while to find one, but I've only got $400 in this Bodymasters front/hack squat.

[AttyGuy]

Nice sofa, dude. Reminds me of a thread not too long ago. . .

[ProtienandIron]

Hey guys, I've been buildign my home gym for years now and I thought I have/had a decent amount of equipment. I just signed up actually w/ an online off season prep coach trainer, and he has me on a routine where I pretty much need a lot of equipment. I'm debating whether or not I should join a gym. I mean, the downside ofcourse is the money, the time, etc, I don't want to wait on machine, and travel to the gym.. Its so convenient the way I have it now.

So, out of a few of the exercises he wants me to do, I can't do Leg Presses & Hack Squats. I can try to find out to buy- theres one I seen new, a boldysolid for 1100 which is a lot.

I'm also not going to be to do cable cross overs, machine pull overs, and the peck deck machine, but I figured those are easy enough to alternate.. would you guys join a gym, or pay 1100 for the leg press and hack squat and just vary the other exercises??

I reckon you need to ditch this coach. The programme is supposed to be tailoured to you, yet he is telling you to use equipment that you don't have. By the sounds of it he is just spitting out the same programme to everyone- great profit for him, but your money could be spent wiser IMHO.

Buy a good book, and learn to train yourself. Find what works for you, and ditch what doesnt. Pretty soon you'll realise that you don't need a trainer. The more you read, the more you'll understand the theory behind the practice. You know your body better then any online trainer ever will.

[ckSiy]

I enjoy the atmosphere of being at the gym personally except when it is too crowded. But honestly cable cross overs, hack squat, peck deck machine, you really don't need those. At my gym there is no hack squat or pec deck machine (its a very small gym) and it doesn't bother me at all. Happy to use the free weights.

[KalleA]

I reckon you need to ditch this coach. The programme is supposed to be tailoured to you, yet he is telling you to use equipment that you don't have. By the sounds of it he is just spitting out the same programme to everyone- great profit for him, but your money could be spent wiser IMHO.

Buy a good book, and learn to train yourself. Find what works for you, and ditch what doesnt. Pretty soon you'll realise that you don't need a trainer. The more you read, the more you'll understand the theory behind the practice. You know your body better then any online trainer ever will.

^^^This is very good advice.

The best advice for OP might be to stop his neverending quest for the "Perfect Workout Program" and just get on with some lifting. OP is not an unknown entity in the "Workout Programs" subforum, and has over the past couple of years tried at least the following routines:

Starting Strength
5/3/1
Lyle McDonald's Workout
Lyle McDonald's Bulking Routine
Newkid100's own "5 Day Intermediate/Advanced Upper/Lower Split"
Layne Norton's PHAT

Presumably, getting an online coach is the next progression in what could appear to be a possibly somewhat unhealthy obsession with workout programmes.

Newkid100, you should consider the following:
- there are no perfect programs, but there are many good ones
- there are no magical combinations of sets and reps
- there are no magical excercises or machines, only many alternative means of getting the job done

Understanding the underlying basics and fundamentals behind the many programmes that will all get the job done is likely to be more meaningful than obsessing over the details of different routines. However, given your posting history, this may not be a workable solution for you.

An online coach, who sets you up with some boilerplate routine might also not be a very productive solution.

Perhaps you would be best off identifying a real life coach, a competent personal trainer, who can set you on the right path?

Cheers

[ironwill2008]

So, if I paid 1100 for a Body Solid Hack Squat and Leg press..

and just didnt have a cable cross over, machine pull over, or peck deck--






is this still sufficent?

You're the only person who can answer this question.

[Stasher1]

Nice sofa, dude. Reminds me of a thread not too long ago. . .

At least d.b's basement is clean and well-lit.

[AttyGuy]

At least d.b's basement is clean and well-lit.

Yeah, and he has lots of really good gear too.

[Wildtim]

Alright, I guess i'll go for it.. Because the other 2 gyms - 1 is 35$ a month, but kinda sucks. The other gym is nice NYSC but 70$ a month which is crazy IMO.

So, if I paid 1100 for a Body Solid Hack Squat and Leg press..

and just didnt have a cable cross over, machine pull over, or peck deck-- is this still sufficent?

Well in my opinion the pec deck and the pullover machine are easily substituted with dumbbell versions but the cable crossover is an exercise that pretty much requires that equipment. In my case I don't find it a very effective exercise, but thats just me.

If this is your dream and you are willing to hire the best, and that is what you have, then spending the bucks to do exactly what he says would be worth it. Either buy the equipment or go where you can use it. On the other hand should I ever hire a trainer I would expect him to come to my gym and teach me to make the most of what I have there or at least tell me exactly why I needed to buy what was missing.

[thedickus]

Alright, I guess i'll go for it.. Because the other 2 gyms - 1 is 35$ a month, but kinda sucks. The other gym is nice NYSC but 70$ a month which is crazy IMO.

So, if I paid 1100 for a Body Solid Hack Squat and Leg press..

and just didnt have a cable cross over, machine pull over, or peck deck-- is this still sufficent?

You really can't substitute leg presses with a free weight movement. You can do a barbell hacksquat where you hold the barbell behind you and squat. Pullovers can be done with a dumbbell lying with your shoulders on the bench and your butt as close to the floor as you can get it. Powertec makes a home pec deck machine and an attachment for their utility bench that's not too expensive. I've always thought crossovers were for the lower pecs and I think decline dumbbell flyes can be substituted for this movement. Talk with your trainer and give him a list of the equipment you have at home and ask which exercises can be substituted.
You might get lucky and find the body solid leg press/hack squat used for at least 1/2 the price.