Multi Function Home Gyms

• 

  Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/07/2022 - 12:37

  +2

  kogan

  https://assets.kogan.com/images/trsports/TNR-FIT-AOXIN-E8-BL…

  What on earth is this model doing with his neck/face ….

  The one you have in 1st link looks okay, keep in mind weights are not included for the press part of the machine on the right.

  • 

    Mrcamel79 on 15/07/2022 - 13:23

    Yea i quite liked that one too as for all other muscle groups the 73kg should be enough and then for squats and bench press i can go higher as needed.

• 

  Tee Rex Arms on 15/07/2022 - 12:40

  +5

  In all honesty get yourself a rack, barbell and Olympic weight plates. Get hex dumbbells from Kmart. More variety and better re-sale should you abandon the iron paradise life.

  • 

    Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/07/2022 - 12:52

    +1

    yeah this is the better way to go

    rack - about 600 shipped for one that comes with high low pulley function (i recommend as you can do face pulls / tricep and bicep work/ lat pull downs/ rows / cable pull through etc)

    barbell - about 150 shipped for a very basic 20kg olympic size

    weights - roughly $4/kg if you're being generous, maybe get a pair of 2.5, pair of 5, pair of 10 to start. (so about $140 total)

    adjustable bench - under $200 (make sure your weight + bar is well under the rated max of the bench)

    hex d'bs - under $4/kg if you go kmart - maybe get a pair of 5, pair of 10, pair 12.5, pair 15

  • 

    Mrcamel79 on 15/07/2022 - 13:26

    Good point on resale value, and actually also easier to move around a room if needed.

    But per my callout, i like the appeal of a gym station that has the weight stacks so im not mucking around with adding/removing the weights, and quick transition to other exercises……

    • 

      edumacation on 15/07/2022 - 14:41

      quick transitioning to other exercises isn't a great idea as you don't give yourself time to recover between sets. would agree with above get a range of things.

      if you're mainly looking to lose weight start with a treadmill (one that does inclines) + dumbbells, set incline to 12-15 and just walk at a slow speed with/without the dumbbells and watch how much you sweat/tire out. very simple exercise to start with that includes weights + cardio for weightloss + cardiovasuclar function

• 

  apsilon on 15/07/2022 - 13:56

  +6

  Multifunctions are a gimmick IMO. Either get free weights (zero chance of you looking like a beefcake, that takes massive dedication and planning, not just lifting a few weights) or get a good rowing machine and combine that with calisthenics and a jump rope and maybe a kettlebell.

  • 

    skid on 15/07/2022 - 14:15

    +1

    Yes, totally agree. And depending on OP's current BMI, I think that a multi function would probably have negligible effect on bringing OP's BMI down.

    • 

      Mrcamel79 on 15/07/2022 - 14:24

      +2

      At the moment its 29

      Iv already started improving the diet and doing the cardio/calisthenics, so this was about building strength in a convenient setup

  • 

    Mrcamel79 on 15/07/2022 - 14:22

    honest question, if the multifunction has the ability to do 30+ exercises, in a convenient setup that doesn't require you to manage, swap and store free weights, why would you say its a gimmick?

    • 

      apsilon on 15/07/2022 - 16:16

      They're marketing tools primarily. "Hey look at this multifunction gym, it combines all these exercises into one convenient machine you can use at home". They're aimed at people who don't know any better. They're generally very large and while 30 exercises sound like a lot you can do more with less and usually for cheaper to boot. There's few if any exercises on them that you can't do with some simple dumbbells or exercise bands along with body weight movements. Look into the exercises you can perform on one then google alternative X exercise at home or similar.

      $1500 just about gets you a Concept2 rower brand new which is a commercial quality unit. You can probably find one a bit cheaper used. $20 on a jump rope and $100 on a kettbell or pair of dumbells. Rowers are a fairly complete all body workout if you do the movement correctly. A calisthenics program will kick your butt and build and tone muscle alternating with or even incorporating a kettlebell workout. If you actually push on any of these let alone combining them all you'll get the workout of your life. If you actually stick with it the rower still has a place when you decide to get a power rack and free weights whereas you'll regret the multifunction gym and the money you spent on it.

      • 

        Mrcamel79 on 15/07/2022 - 16:33

        +1

        Another honest question, If that's the case then why does every gym have machines targeting specific muscle groups , instead of just having a lot more dumbbells/rowers/bands and only having squat machines/racks?

        The appeal to me is the ease of use of the machine, the somewhat controlled flow, and the ease of moving up/down in weights. I imagine this is the reason gyms have machines as well

        In saying all of this, i actually initially was pondering to just buy some adjustable dumbbells like this

        https://www.gymmart.com.au/meteor-16-level-adjustable-dumbbe…

        but just worried about the reliability with many people saying plates have fallen out and not to use them for presses or anything over the body etc…

        • 

          iamherenow on 15/07/2022 - 16:58

          +1

          @Mrcamel79: The machines in a gym are good. But you can't fit them all into one machine. There will be lots missing that after you have used the machine for a few weeks you will realise. Then you will turn to YouTube to find an alternative exercise and the dude will be doing it with a power rack, and you will want a power rack.

        • 

          apsilon on 15/07/2022 - 17:53

          @Mrcamel79: It's cheaper for the gym and people are less likely to do something stupid hence less liability. They're also different machines than a home all in one.

          I don't see how a machine is simpler to use than a free weight. The controlled flow is a downside IMO, you want to mix things up or you'll plateau sooner. As for changing weights you only do that between sets and you'll do it less than you think. You need to rest between sets anyway so it's a moot point that you can change the weight 30 seconds faster.

          Can't comment on those adjustable weights, I've never used them.

          Honestly, I wouldn't jump into buying anything. Work on establishing the habit first. If you trail off after a couple of weeks you've saved yourself $1500.

  • 

    rawm on 15/07/2022 - 14:30

    +1

    "or get a good rowing machine"

    Sounds like a plan. Any suggestions?

    • 

      brotherfranciz on 15/07/2022 - 23:52

      +2

      Concept2 rowing machine is the gold standard.

• 

  pharkurnell on 15/07/2022 - 14:23

  +1

  There are shit loads of used ones out there, cause so many people buy em with good intentions but sell em nearly unused few months/years later coated in dust.

  • 

    Shoocat on 08/09/2022 - 21:11

    +1

    Was going to say, my home gym is multifunction - it operates as a clothes rack, cat post, foot stubber and carpet denter.

    • 

      pharkurnell on 09/09/2022 - 10:15

      +1

      I got robbed.. i didnt get the foot stubber attachment :(

• 

  Gunnar on 15/07/2022 - 14:44

  +1

  Just eat Powersauce bars

  • 

    jonathan111 on 15/07/2022 - 18:25

    duff man

  • 

    Jimothy Wongingtons on 15/07/2022 - 18:27

    power sauce

    Wake up, Homer! Those bars are just junk! They're made out of apple cores and Chinese newspapers!

• 

  iamherenow on 15/07/2022 - 15:40

  +2

  not looking to be a beefcake

  You don't have to aim to be a beefcake if you have a power rack. A power rack is very versatile, allowing you to do heaps more excercises than a multi-station gym.

  appeal of a single station home gym where i dont need to muck around adding/removing weights

  Consider this exercise too.

  I am normally resting for longer than it takes to shift the weights to the next setup.

• 

  Mrcamel79 on 16/07/2022 - 08:14

  Ok so listening to all the great feedback, now looking to pivot to a smith machine functional trainer rack system.

  How does something like this look? No name brand but AU company and weight loading of 200kg seems pretty solid and with a 3 year warranty for the frame.

  https://www.alphagofitness.com.au/collections/package-deals/…

• 

  bender12 on 08/09/2022 - 08:54

  I've been looking at multi functional gyms for a while now and have been eyeing this leverage gym one however can't find room for it.

  I prefer something like this to using barbells.

  https://www.renouffitnessequipment.com.au/product/rapt-lever…