Types of home gyms

There are two types of home gyms -- those that use weight plates and those that use an alternative system, like tension rods or resistance bands. Home gyms with weight plates are the best choice for serious exercisers, as they offer more resistance and more closely replicate the exercises you can do at a commercial gym. On the flip side, these gyms are more expensive and much heavier than other types of home gyms. Most have a single stack of weights with stations for performing different types of exercises. The weight stack is usually connected to a cable-and-pulley system that can be used for a variety of exercises. Some gyms include two weight stacks, which allows for multiple users.

Many home gyms don't use weight stacks for resistance, and they're usually less expensive and more portable. Some, like the Bowflex machines, use rods -- as you perform an exercise tension on the rod increases, which translates to increased resistance. You can add or subtract rods to increase or decrease the resistance levels. Other machines, especially models that cost only a few hundred dollars, use resistance bands that work with gravity and your body weight. These gyms usually have an incline bench so you can make the exercise easier or harder by adjusting the incline. While these units may be attractive because of their lower prices, serious exercisers should steer clear. Reviews indicate that these gyms can offer good toning benefits for beginners, but the weight is usually too light for more advanced lifters. We also saw numerous complaints that home gyms with rods or resistance bands don't have a consistent intensity through the range of motion, so you only feel the resistance at the very end of the exercise.

While many reviewers love their home gyms, you needn't buy a pricey machine to get an effective workout at home. Many experts recommend buying individual pieces of equipment instead, which will save you a lot of money over a complete home gym. Some of the essentials include several pairs of dumbbells, a pull-up bar, an exercise mat and a stability ball.

In addition, this shopping checklist will help you get the most from your home gym:

  • Try it out in a store. All experts and reviewers agree: Don't be ashamed to go to the store in your workout attire (or visit a gym) and check out all the different positions and features. The components should move smoothly and with minimal noise. It also should be quick and easy to move between exercises.
  • Measure your space. Some home gyms take up a considerable amount of space. Make sure your ceiling is high enough (you should be able to reach your arms overhead on the machine without touching the ceiling and have room to spare).
  • Determine how much weight you need. Avid lifters should look for at least a 200-pound weight stack. That should be enough weight for those who are serious about building muscle. A weight stack over 150 pounds is typically enough for the average user who wants to accomplish overall body toning.
  • Think about a second weight stack for multiple users. On some systems, a second stack of weights will allow another person to work out at the same time. These, of course, are more expensive and take up more space.
  • Look for a heavy steel frame and smoothly moving parts. Reviews also recommend a tube frame at least two inches square, chrome or enamel finish, steel cables, nylon-reinforced fiberglass pulleys and adequate padding. One reviewer says to check that aircraft-quality nylon-coated cable is used to connect the weight stacks to each station.
  • Check for adjustability. Home gyms are one-size-fits-all, so they should have adjustable seats and other components to account for both short and tall users. When you try out your home gym in a store, make sure you can accomplish all exercises comfortably and with a full range of motion.
  • Pay for assembly if you can. One of the most common complaints about home gyms is that they are difficult to assemble. Instruction manuals aren't always clear, and individual parts are usually not labeled. If you have the option to pay for home assembly, do. It may save you a huge headache. Most reviewers regret that they didn't take advantage of that option.

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