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Hey guys,
So I am building a cheap home gym. I decided to buy a skipping rope with a counter, so cardio istaken care of. I can't decide between:
- Adjustable dumbells (seem expensive tho)
- Dumbells (2 x 50 pounds), which is enough for me for all types of exercises
- Elastic bands like bodylastic
Is Bodylastic really good and can it substitute dumbells... or should i get adjustable dumbells... or are dumbells probably the safest bet? Please let me know. THanks
Get 2 empty DB handles and enough 10, 5, 2.5, and 1.25 lb plates so you can adjust them to whatever amount of weight you'd like.
better than the adjustable dumbells... or bodylastic?
You'll also want at least a bench to use. Or a 2x10" between two chairs or something.
I'd go with what the C Man said: two dumbell spinlock handles and an array of weights. It'll get you started. I'd ALSO get the bodylastics to give you some variety and hit parts the dumbells can't. But if just getting one thing: Get the dumbells.
Triple, which body parts can't dumbells hit that bodylastics can?? Legs?
Rack, bench, and weights.
As this is a Bodybuilding forum I'm going to say DON'T GET THE ELASTIC BANDS!
(mutters in sleep).....................................................................................................................................rack, bench.....................................................weights
[QUOTE=Ne0phyte;173155711]Triple, which body parts can't dumbells hit that bodylastics can?? Legs?[/QUOTE]
- Leg aductions and abductions.
- Hamstring curls
- One-legged squats to work on the top of the movement, and it's easier on the knees at the bottom of the movement (negligible resistance) when they're recovering from squats etc.
- Rotator cuff work is easier with bands and works different parts of the ROM.
- Rotational trunk work. Again easier to set up + more angles possible. Very important for my sport (throwing)
- Specialized sport movements. I do the shot put movement for instance.
- Isometrics (pushing against max resistance on them at 1/2 way point in Bench Press for 5 seconds x 5 for instance to break through sticking point when benching)
- Additionally if you have both elastics and weights, you can use them together for more resistance and work on certain parts of the movements (add bands to barbell ends to work on top end of benchpress for instance.)
Ok fine, some of these *can* be done with dumbells, but again it's easier to set up/get into positions with elastics. Plus it's another weight resource to use, and means you're changing dumbell weights less between exercises.
I bench and squat 300+ and find applications for elastics. They're nothing to sneeze at. I personally use them to supplement my regular weights (rack, bench, weights etc.) Plus I've been lifting weights for 20 years, and it's nice to add some "new" variety. I think they're fun :)
Definitely get a resistance band or elastic band.
If for no other reason than to try it out.
Use it as a tool for warm up exercises, then post lift, use it for the same exercise, as a cool down of sort.
I think you will be happy.
I have these power blocks --easy as heck to adjust--easy to store
I gave away all my fixed weight ones to my nephews when I retired and joined LA Fitness but keep the power blocks and a bench for days when I can't get there
[url]http://www.powerblock.com/[/url]
Get adjustable dumbbells. They are worth the money.
I've used bodylastics for a few years now. I used free weights prior to that and still use dumbells. I would love to have a full fixed set of dumbells or some of the quick change adjustable kind in the upper ranges, but I find both options to be quite expensive, so I have one set of handles and enough weight to create up to 2x75lb dumbells.
Bodylastics is not that effective for the legs. It works well for the arms, back, and core. I've built muscle with bodylastics, but I find that free weights seem to stimulate more muscle fiber at the weak point in the range of motion. The dumbells will also allow you to do explosive lifts like cleans and snatches. Bodylastics is great for travel, very cost effective and good for rotational exercises and any kind of standing pushes or pulls.
I would get a flat or adjustable bench and a couple of adjustable dumbells, and I would purchase the bodylastics max tension set. If you have budget constraints, start with bodylastics and buy the other components over time. The one machine you want to stear clear of is Bowflex. I've used my father's and didn't see much benefit compared to free weights.
check out trx fitnessanywhere.com if your short on space but want a real workout for the total body.
also Terrell Owens has a bodyelastic thing going on tobands.com, i'm sure it's ok but everything in moderation... you gotta keep your muscles guessing.
it's all in what your trying to do, if your going for athletic... use what athletes use... if your going for body building... use what bodybuilders use...
check out the trx though, you wont be sorry
ps buy cheap, buy twice
wow, the fitness factory deal seems like a rip off.
Get a nice thick length of nylon rope for 10 bux and go nuts with the possibilities.