A home strength training gym is an effective way to ensure exercise compliance. Home gyms provide privacy, convenience and the ability to exercise on your own schedule. Your choice will depend on your fitness goals, your budget and your available space. You can fine tune your selections by determining how comfortable you are about setting up fitness equipment. Then, narrow down your choices by examining the manufacturer's warranty, servicing and policies on replacement parts.
Adjustable Weights
Adjustable dumbbells are the most versatile, space efficient and affordable type of home strength training equipment. The design may vary, but most can be adjusted by turning a dial. Some companies have adjustable dumbbells with weights in 5-lb. increments. Others use a 10-lb. increase. The weights can be as low as 2.5 lbs. and as high as 130 lbs. per dumbbell. You will need to purchase a separate weight bench. Bayou Fitness makes an adjustable bench, which also acts as a storage unit for the dumbbells (see Resources).
Total Gym
Cable and pulley machines are quickly gaining popularity at fitness centers. They facilitate movement in various planes of motion, which makes them an excellent choice for sport-specific conditioning. Total Gym is one of the oldest, yet most popular home gym cable systems (see Resources). Rather than a weight stack, resistance is changed by adjusting the cables. The resistance range will vary according to the model, but most supply resistance equal to 3 to 70 percent of your body weight.
Both traditional strength training and Pilates exercises can be performed on these machines. The ability to place the machine at an incline is one of the major benefits of the Total Gym. This can provide variety and challenge to your workout. You can also sign up for the Total Gym Workout website, where you can find hundreds of exercise variations.
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
The Bowflex Revolution home gym incorporates a strength training technology based on NASA's program for exercising in zero gravity (see Resources).The technology, known as Spiraflex, delivers a consistent amount of resistance throughout the entire movement. The machine supplies up to 220 lbs. of resistance, which can be upgraded to 300 lbs. It has a built-in rowing machine that can be used for aerobic workouts. The padded seat can be folded down to create a leg curl station.
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