Since George Bush was nice enough to refund some of my tax money, I decided to spend the cash updating my home gym. Right now I have one of those universal weight machines(not enough weight), a set of dumbbells(powerblocks - 85 lb each), and a bench. I was thinking of getting a power rack to replace the machine, but then started lookkng at Smith machines and other home gym systems. It was all kind of staggering after a while.
My situation is that I work out alone 98% of the time, so no spotter. I have been doing almost all dumbbell exercises since I can go pretty heavy with some level of safety. I would like to be able to squat, deadlift, and bench with a barbell. Dumbbell squats are weak! However, I like having the low cable for seated rows, curls, leg extensions, etc. I did see some power racks with a cable system for a lat bar/low pulley.
I was just curious if anyone had any preferences or experiences with equipment that worked well for them in the home. I have a pretty big area to put it in, and I have some cash to spend. Any feedback would be great.
My situation is that I work out alone 98% of the time, so no spotter. I have been doing almost all dumbbell exercises since I can go pretty heavy with some level of safety. I would like to be able to squat, deadlift, and bench with a barbell. Dumbbell squats are weak! However, I like having the low cable for seated rows, curls, leg extensions, etc. I did see some power racks with a cable system for a lat bar/low pulley.
I was just curious if anyone had any preferences or experiences with equipment that worked well for them in the home. I have a pretty big area to put it in, and I have some cash to spend. Any feedback would be great.