Most people who take their fitness seriously, at one time or another, start thinking about buying home gym equipment for their very own home fitness center. That is only natural. To maintain fitness you need to workout and watch your diet. Without a little work our muscles become weak, we tend to get a little flabby and we just don't feel as good as we know we should.

So we hit the gym as often as we can. The gym has all of the equipment we want to use and it's right there waiting for us. But we still keep thinking about out own gym equipment. Why?

Well, there's the cost of our gym membership. The cost of gas, which seems to be getting higher all of the time, to get us back and forth. Some days we just can't squeeze in the time it takes to get to the gym, dress down, workout, get dressed again and get back to the job or home. We don't want to get out in bad weather. It gets to be a real pain so we slack off and don't get the exercise that we know we really need.

So getting our own exercise equipment to enable us to work out on a more regular basis is a no-brainer. Right?

Wrong!

There is too much home gym equipment just taking up space gathering dust. We should know by now that buying our own equipment is a step that we should not rush into. Many factors come into play in our choice of equipment and if we make the wrong choice, then any equipment we buy will join the other gym equipment simply gathering dust until we can unload at a garage sale, on eBay or on Craig's List.

Okay. Let's assume that you have decided you do not want to work out at the gym for whatever reason; cost, convenience, shyness, etc. There are a several things you need to ask yourself. Do the workouts that I enjoy really need gym equipment? If you enjoy running but cannot stand the thought of running indoors in one spot, that Gold's Gym 480 treadmill is not going to get a lot of use.

Pilates and pure body weight workouts do not require a lot of equipment. Your own body is one of the greatest pieces of gym equipment there is. Pushups do wonders for just about every part of your body. Resistance bands, tubes and mats are inexpensive, offer a good workout and can be used virtually anywhere.

There is no one best home gym for everyone. Whether a particular gym is best for you depends upon what you want it to do, how much room you can allocate in your home for working out and how much you want to spend. They can be broken down into three main types or categories.

Free Weight Home Gyms

Traditional free weight gyms are usually made up of a collection of individual pieces of weight lifting equipment such as barbells, dumbbells and weight plates. Add a weight bench and/or a rack and you have a basic home gym. While basic, many top muscle builders have started out with no more equipment than this.

Power racks are free standing racks which hold the barbell between lifts. The barbell is physically removed from the rack during each set and rests on the top of the lifters back. It is placed back in the rack at the end of the set. Racks are used for heavy lifting such as for dead lifts and squats. Because the weight is free to move they should never be used without a partner or other spotter to prevent accidents.

Power cages are used in a manner similar to a rack but they restrict the lateral travel of the barbell and provide a safer means of heavy lifting.

Home Gym Machines

Home gym machines are basically several different pieces of equipment assembled as a single unit. There are several types of machines.

Traditional home gym machines usually have as a minimum a bench, press, lat pulldown, low row, leg extension, leg curl and a weight stack. These machines are in the whole rugged and hold up well over a long period of time providing a lot of home gym for the money. Some are easily changed from one routine to another and some take a little more effort.

Gravity resistance types of gyms are quite popular and use your own body weight as the resistance supplied against your muscles to force growth. Think "Total Gym". There are other makes on the market and some of them provide a more gym for the money. This really becomes a matter of personal choice. Some are rather more difficult for a person of slight stature to move and store even though the ads all make it look easy.

Power rod, cable or cord machines are typified by the Bowflex style. The rods simulate the resistance provided by traditional weight stacks. The rod resistance can be increased by changing out the rods. Some machines utilize adjustable hydraulic cylinders instead of rods to supply muscle resistance. Less expensive models use bands to provide resistance.

Plate Loaded Machine Home Gyms

Plate loaded machines combine free weights in a home gym machine rather than having weight stacks like a traditional machine. Since they do not have integral stacks the weights must be loaded and unloaded manually just like a free weight gym.

Smith machines are machine forms of power racks and power cages. Plates are loaded on the barbell which travels vertically in a track preventing any movement other than up and down. This provides a greater degree of safety than a standard rack.

Combination smith machines incorporate some features of traditional home gym machine such as lat pulldown and a low row.

Other Styles

You will see many other items advertised as "gyms" that really can't be considered a home gym in any true sense. These may be rope sets, balls, abs devices, etc. These are at best accessories and at worst gimmicks, many of which do more harm than good. Such devices are not included in home gym reviews on this site.

You can undoubtedly save money buying your home gym equipment online if you keep a few things in mind. First, be sure you will make use of the type of equipment you get. If you are getting the workout you want with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it could be foolish to buy a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 buying a refurbished machine.

An ideal Power Rack providing heavy duty lifting for lifters who demand nothing short of maximum results from their time and effort!

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List Price: $549.00

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Heavy Duty lifting for the trainer who demands results!

You can certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online but you need to keep a few issues in mind. First, make sure you will make use of the type of equipment you get. If you are getting the workout you would like with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it would be unreasonable to purchase a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 purchasing a refurbished machine.

This new, sleek Bowflex home gym utilizes the same Power Rod Resistance as the top-of-the-line Bowflex models allowing you to do numerous exercises.

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List Price: $1,099.00

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This new, sleek Bowflex home gym utilizes the same Power Rod Resistance as the top-of-the-line Bowflex models allowing you to do numerous exercises.

You could undoubtedly save money buying your home gym equipment online but you need to keep several things in mind. First, be sure you will use the type of equipment you buy. If you are getting the workout you want with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it could be foolish to get a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 purchasing a refurbished machine.

The Weider Max home gym is a compact system that will fit in your basement and provide a good workout with flexible resistance rods rather than weight plates. It is similar to the Bowflex in use and offers over 65 exercises at a very attractive price.

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List Price: $399.00

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One word describes the Max by Weider--better. Better than free weights...better than other weight machines...and way better than fad diets or pills.You'll get over 65 club quality exercises with a full 240 lbs. of resistance (upgrades to 440 lbs.). And the best part is--the Max comes complete with everything you'll need to get a total-body workout, including a lat tower, leg developer and rowing seat.

Is The Weider Max For You?

The bow technology is different than that of the Bowflex and might take some getting use to, especially if you are used to using stacks or cables.

All in all the Weider Max Home Gym System is a lot of gym at a very attractive price, but if you are more into power building and still want a flexible rod machine you may want to look at the Bowflex Ultimate 2.

You can certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online but you need to keep several issues in mind. First, be sure you will make use of the type of equipment you purchase. If you are receiving the workout you would like with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it could be unreasonable to acquire a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 buying a refurbished machine.

The Total Gym XLS at one time the new top of the line Total Gym model shown on TV by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley. While not the top model anymore, the Total Gym XLS is still being sold and may be bargain at the reduced price.

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List Price: $1,948.00

Sale Price: $647.95

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Discover how easy it is to get fit and stay in shape with the Total Gym XLS home gym! Endorsed by Chuck Norris & Christie Brinkley, the Total Gym XLS comes complete with a total fitness system of workouts and workout tools to take all the guesswork out of getting into shape. With Total Gym's top of the line model you'll receive the highest quality home gym with unbeatable savings. The XLS features: 400 lb weight capacity for total strength and stability, an upgraded comfort system, pulley and cable system and squat stand, flexible nylon strap handles, padded glideboard with[Read More]

A Thought To Keep In Mind

When you see physical specimens like Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley doing their thing on television, why wouldn't you believe it?

But just think a minute. The marketing gurus get people that already look fabulous to demonstrate their products. They do not get 300 lb out-of-condition couch potatoes to demonstrate their equipment with the hope that they will get in shape.%%BUTTON%%

You can certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online if you keep several issues in mind. First, be sure you will use the type of equipment you buy. If you are receiving the workout you want with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a set of dumbbells for curls, it would be unreasonable to get a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 buying a refurbished machine.

The Stamina Viper is an innovative leverage system with a unique appearance that mimics free weight lifting while optimizing full body workout efficiency.

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List Price: $900.00

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A workout machine that'll help you get ripped, not ripped off! Stamina Viper VG1500 Leverage System is PRICED LESS! Get the physique you've always wanted! Specially designed Stamina Fitness Viper Leverage System is a total-body workout in a compact package! Unique leverage-arm system acts just like free weights, but safer... No spotter needed! The capability to work all the major muscle groups is built right in. Get fit with Viper and the only thing staying fat will be your wallet! Feel the burn: Bench press, leg lifts, bicep curl, lat pulls, leg extensions and more all come standard; Seat and[Read More]

Assembly Required

The Stamina Viper Leverage System comes totally unassembled. You may find assembly a little complicated with many parts, nuts and bolts if you are the type that struggles with putting together the kids Christmas presents. Once it is all together you will have a home gym that is very sturdy and stable.

This is a serviceable machine and the sleek design and orange color add some appeal. We suggest reading through some other home gym reviews and considering what features are important to you before choosing the Stamina Viper. Serious power lifters and muscle builders will probably pass on this gym for one more on the order of the Powertec Workbench Multi System but for the person wanting to tone up, it will do a good job.

You can undoubtedly save money buying your home gym equipment online if you keep several things in mind. First, be sure you will make use of the type of equipment you get. If you are receiving the workout you want with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a set of dumbbells for curls, it could be unreasonable to buy a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 purchasing a refurbished machine.

The Powertec Workbench Multi System is a complete leverage multi gym. The three-station system provides more than a dozen of the best, most effective free weight exercises in machine form.

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List Price: $1,399.00

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The #1 Best Selling Leverage Gym in the World! The complete leverage home gym. This three-station system provides over a dozen of the best, most effective free weight exercises in machine form.

Overview Of Leverage Machines

Leverage machines combine the feel and resistance of free weights, with the safety and control of a machine. The multi system does not use any cables or pulleys so aside from pure motion, it is virtually maintenance free.

Powertec originated the leverage system and still leads the other companies that have tried to copy them. It is just hard to copy the quality and durability that goes in to the Powertec Workbench systems.

From high quality seating surfaces to pillow block bearings that provide a super smooth lifting motion the Workbench Multi System is one quality machine. You wont find any pulleys or cables to wear out and break. There is no ongoing maintenance at all.

For a three station gym the Powertec Workbench Multi System has a very small footprint fitting almost anywhere.

The folks at Powertec continue to improve this top selling leverage system. It now sports new contoured pads for additional comfort in addition to a sleek look and a revised lever lat arm to now incorporate a swivel bar providing close grip pulls along with a rotation bar for a great Tricep pushdown.

As great as this machine is, the Powertec Workbench Multi System is not the ideal gym for everyone. You have to be a power lifter and into serious strength building to get the benefit of the Multi System. It is not for the guy or gal that is looking for a "fitness" system.

If you are serious about building maximum muscle and improving your power lifting ability then you need look no further than the Powertec Workbench Multi System which bills itself as:

"Still The #1 Best Selling Leverage Gym in the World!"

You could certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online if you keep several points in mind. First, be sure you will use the type of equipment you get. If you are receiving the workout you want with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a set of dumbbells for curls, it would be foolish to acquire a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 buying a refurbished machine.

With the Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym, Bowflex introduced a total-body solution that quickly became their best-seller. It wasn't the cheapest Bowflex and the fact that it was their best seller speaks well of the machine. You can't find it new anymore but you can still grab one of these refurbished home gyms for about 50% of the original price. And they still do the job.

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Total Customer Reviews: (8)

List Price: $2,499.00

Sale Price: $2,599.00

Availability: Usually ships in 6-10 business days

The Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym is a total-body solution that delivers everything you could possibly imagine for great fitness results. It offers over 95 exercises and includes a lat tower, leg extension/leg curl station, preacher curl attachment, integrated squat station and more. Included with Your Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym: No-Change Cable Pulley System; 310 lbs of Power Rod Resistance (upgradeable to 410 lbs/186 kg); Lat Tower with Angled Lat Bar; Leg Extension/Leg Curl Attachment; Preacher Curl Attachment; Built-In Cardio Rowing Machine; Integrated Squat Station; 5-way Hand-Grip/ Ankle Cuffs; Workout DVD; Quick Reference Fitness Poster with Detailed Instructions for[Read More]

You could certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online but you need to keep a few things in mind. First, be sure you will make use of the type of equipment you purchase. If you are getting the workout you would like with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it could be foolish to acquire a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 purchasing a refurbished machine.

Bowflex Home Gyms have been around awhile proving themselves as great home gyms for the price. The basic Bowflex model doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of the more advanced models but it still provides a good whole body workout. It is great for toning and getting a little more definition and there’s a cardio rowing station built in.

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Total Customer Reviews: (86)

List Price: $799.00

Sale Price: $449.00

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The Bowflex PR1000 home gym is a great way to strengthen your muscles and add a bit of cardio training to the mix with over 30 strength exercises and a built-in rowing station. With up to 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance, this versatile machine helps work the abs, arms, chest, back, shoulders, and lower body. It includes triple-function hand grips for lat pull-down, a horizontal bench press, and four-inch upholstered roller cushions for leg extension and leg curl exercises. The rowing machine rail also folds when you're done with your workout The PR1000 utilizes Bowflex's patented Power Rods,[Read More]

Limitations:

You are limited to about 2 dozen exercises which is still plenty for many people and do provide a good workout. If you want the full range of 95 to over 100 exercises your better bet would be one of the other top selling Bowflex Home Gyms.

You could certainly save money buying your home gym equipment online but you need to keep a few points in mind. First, be sure you will use the type of equipment you buy. If you are receiving the workout you would like with tension bands and stability balls or maybe with a couple of dumbbells for curls, it could be foolish to purchase a Bowflex Revolution Home Gym even if you can save $1,000 purchasing a refurbished machine.