Good deal on home gym, I think?

sue · 12-19-2003, 06:13 PM

I have been looking for an affordable home gym for a while, all the good ones are so pricey. Well, I was at Costco and they are selling a Nautilus Smith Machine, it has lat, leg, pec deck, high and low pulley, row, adjustable bench, its the one with bearings (whatever that means) it looks large, sturdy and well padded, it is only $600.00. So is this a great deal? I brought it home, its gonna take some time to put it together though.

I hope its a good one. After lurking here one thing I picked up was I didnt want a Bowflex

Sue

sue · 12-19-2003, 06:15 PM

Ooops, it came with 205 lbs of weights too. For me this is fine.

Sue

HoldDaMayo · 12-19-2003, 06:17 PM

sounds like a good deal... i want one... **pouts**

**Prince** · 12-19-2003, 06:22 PM

those are okay, my mother has something similar, I still think you're better off buying a rack, bench and free weights.

Monolith · 12-19-2003, 06:23 PM

$600 could get you a couple years at a local gym... and you'd have every piece of equipment you could possibly want and then some.

sue · 12-19-2003, 06:29 PM

Isn't the Smith machine a rack, really? It says you can do squats, bench press. I am goin to add some free weights as well though.

As for a gym membership. I am about 1/2 hour away from a gym. I have tried membership before but with the hour driving time plus workout, its just not easy for me to do. I was hoping home equipment would make it easier to fit in.

Sue

HoldDaMayo · 12-19-2003, 06:30 PM

but then you have to share... waiting in line and working in someone else's sweat and germs is not all it's cracked up to be...

sue · 12-19-2003, 06:31 PM

I hate the germ thing too, LOL.

Sue

HoldDaMayo · 12-19-2003, 06:33 PM

the smith machine works like a bench and rack, but the bar is supported by the machine... it's not as free as actually benching or squatting a bar with weights on it... however... don't let that get ya down... if you focus on form and concentrating on the muscles you are trying to work you can make EXCELLENT gains with that type of setup... free weights are cool... but there are many more important factors to weight lifting than using free weights or a smith machine for your lifts...

Monolith · 12-19-2003, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HoldDaMayo
but then you have to share... waiting in line and working in someone else's sweat and germs is not all it's cracked up to be...

Eh... maybe. I've never really had that problem at my gym. Most people are pretty good about wiping down the machines... and theres plenty of equipment to go around. In the case that someone else is on something i want to use, i'll just work in with them.

If youve never been to a gym before i can understand the hesitation... but honestly, its the best choice. The variety of exercise options available puts even the most expensive home gym to shame.

HoldDaMayo · 12-19-2003, 06:41 PM

I have been attending a 24 hour fitness for about 7 or 8 months now... usually no problems getting equipment... but occasionally i'm waiting... people there are pretty good about wiping down machines... but you still get the occcasional smelly person and just because you can't see sweat on the machine doesn't mean it's actually clean...

I'm not trying to discourage people from going to the gym... I'm just trying to show the good points about working out from home...

sue · 12-19-2003, 06:47 PM

This is one rocking board, I cant believe so many replies, so fast.

Sue

**Prince** · 12-19-2003, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sue
Isn't the Smith machine a rack, really? It says you can do squats, bench press. I am goin to add some free weights as well though.

No, a Smith machine is more like a machine than it is free weights.

I have a home gym also, and I have a Smith machine, but I rarely use it.

I just think you can do a lot more with a simple rack, adjustable bench, a barbell, free weights and some dumbbells.

I bought most of my equipment from FitnessFactory.com

Monolith · 12-19-2003, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sue
This is one rocking board, I cant believe so many replies, so fast.

Sue

What else is there to do on a friday night?

**Prince** · 12-19-2003, 08:45 PM

everyone that is replying here obviously has no life!

**Prince** · 12-19-2003, 08:57 PM

btw sue, I was not meaning to knock your equipment, the important thing is that you like it and get use out of it!

sue · 12-21-2003, 08:17 PM

Prince,

I didn't take it that way, but thanks for saying that. I don't know enough about bodybuilding to know what is good and what is not. In fact I read earlier at another site that did equipment reviews and said the "Smith" could hurt your back by causing you to move in an unnatural motion. Im hoping this does not happen to me.

You are no doubt right, a real rack would have likely been better, but for now I am going to stay with this set up because the price and quality. I do hope it does not bother my back, my back is trashed already due to a car accident years ago.

Sue

MeatheadSam · 12-21-2003, 08:55 PM

I have the same typoe setup by Tuff Stuff and it also has adjustable racks for squatting/bench/etc with free weights. I use the smith bar for chins most of the time by hooking it on the top hook. I have dione leg presses/calf presses lying on the floor with the smith also until I bought a 45 deg leg press hack slide machine.

The smith is great for standing calf raises and even seated calf raises with a pad on your knees.

My lat machine is a separate unit but the smith has a plate loaded lat/low row also.

You have a good start on a nice home gym there. Get some free weights and a nice Ivanko or equivalent olympic bar.

sue · 12-22-2003, 09:07 AM

Sam,

Thanks for the ideas on ways to use the smith. I was wondering about laying on the floor and doing a leg press.

Sue

**Prince** · 12-22-2003, 09:54 AM

A Smith is a great piece of equipment and every gym should have one.

Really what I meant was if I had to choose between a Smith or a free weight rack, then I would want the free weight rack.

MeatheadSam · 12-23-2003, 08:20 PM

Absolutely Prince, but I do not recommend using the smith for primary compound movements like bench or squats due to losing the natural arc in those motions. I do however use it as supplimental work on behind neck presses and upright rowing sometimes to change things up a bit.

It is a great indoor chinning bar if you are under 5"10 tall. Gotta bend the knees but it works and it is knurled for good grip!

MeatheadSam · 12-23-2003, 08:28 PM

If this setup is the peice you purchased then you have the best of both worlds. A rack system and a smith. It also looks like the spotter bar will also spot the smith.

I looked at this same one when I got my Tuff Stuff but chose TS due to some added options and a very good price.

Have fun with it and good workouts!

12-19-2003, 06:13 PM	#1
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	Good deal on home gym, I think? I have been looking for an affordable home gym for a while, all the good ones are so pricey. Well, I was at Costco and they are selling a Nautilus Smith Machine, it has lat, leg, pec deck, high and low pulley, row, adjustable bench, its the one with bearings (whatever that means) it looks large, sturdy and well padded, it is only $600.00. So is this a great deal? I brought it home, its gonna take some time to put it together though. I hope its a good one. After lurking here one thing I picked up was I didnt want a Bowflex Sue

12-19-2003, 06:17 PM	#3
HoldDaMayo Just call me Mayo Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 1,917 Photos: 4	sounds like a good deal... i want one... pouts
	Are you kidding me????

12-19-2003, 06:22 PM	#4
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,717 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	those are okay, my mother has something similar, I still think you're better off buying a rack, bench and free weights.
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System.

12-19-2003, 06:23 PM	#5
Monolith OMGWTFBBQ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 4,002	$600 could get you a couple years at a local gym... and you'd have every piece of equipment you could possibly want and then some.
	http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~ek867/dexamyl.jpg

12-19-2003, 06:30 PM	#7
HoldDaMayo Just call me Mayo Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 1,917 Photos: 4	but then you have to share... waiting in line and working in someone else's sweat and germs is not all it's cracked up to be...
	Are you kidding me????

12-19-2003, 06:15 PM	#2
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	Ooops, it came with 205 lbs of weights too. For me this is fine. Sue

12-19-2003, 06:29 PM	#6
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	Isn't the Smith machine a rack, really? It says you can do squats, bench press. I am goin to add some free weights as well though. As for a gym membership. I am about 1/2 hour away from a gym. I have tried membership before but with the hour driving time plus workout, its just not easy for me to do. I was hoping home equipment would make it easier to fit in. Sue

12-19-2003, 06:31 PM	#8
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	I hate the germ thing too, LOL. Sue

12-19-2003, 06:33 PM	#9
HoldDaMayo Just call me Mayo Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 1,917 Photos: 4	the smith machine works like a bench and rack, but the bar is supported by the machine... it's not as free as actually benching or squatting a bar with weights on it... however... don't let that get ya down... if you focus on form and concentrating on the muscles you are trying to work you can make EXCELLENT gains with that type of setup... free weights are cool... but there are many more important factors to weight lifting than using free weights or a smith machine for your lifts...
	Are you kidding me????

12-19-2003, 06:41 PM	#11
HoldDaMayo Just call me Mayo Elite Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 1,917 Photos: 4	I have been attending a 24 hour fitness for about 7 or 8 months now... usually no problems getting equipment... but occasionally i'm waiting... people there are pretty good about wiping down machines... but you still get the occcasional smelly person and just because you can't see sweat on the machine doesn't mean it's actually clean... I'm not trying to discourage people from going to the gym... I'm just trying to show the good points about working out from home...
	Are you kidding me????

12-19-2003, 06:47 PM	#12
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	This is one rocking board, I cant believe so many replies, so fast. Sue

12-19-2003, 08:45 PM	#15
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,717 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	everyone that is replying here obviously has no life!
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System.

12-19-2003, 08:57 PM	#16
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,717 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	btw sue, I was not meaning to knock your equipment, the important thing is that you like it and get use out of it!
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System.

12-21-2003, 08:17 PM	#17
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	Prince, I didn't take it that way, but thanks for saying that. I don't know enough about bodybuilding to know what is good and what is not. In fact I read earlier at another site that did equipment reviews and said the "Smith" could hurt your back by causing you to move in an unnatural motion. Im hoping this does not happen to me. You are no doubt right, a real rack would have likely been better, but for now I am going to stay with this set up because the price and quality. I do hope it does not bother my back, my back is trashed already due to a car accident years ago. Sue

12-21-2003, 08:55 PM	#18
MeatheadSam Member Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 169	I have the same typoe setup by Tuff Stuff and it also has adjustable racks for squatting/bench/etc with free weights. I use the smith bar for chins most of the time by hooking it on the top hook. I have dione leg presses/calf presses lying on the floor with the smith also until I bought a 45 deg leg press hack slide machine. The smith is great for standing calf raises and even seated calf raises with a pad on your knees. My lat machine is a separate unit but the smith has a plate loaded lat/low row also. You have a good start on a nice home gym there. Get some free weights and a nice Ivanko or equivalent olympic bar.
	Just a regular guy.

12-22-2003, 09:07 AM	#19
sue Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 9	Sam, Thanks for the ideas on ways to use the smith. I was wondering about laying on the floor and doing a leg press. Sue

12-22-2003, 09:54 AM	#20
Prince the one & only Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 33,717 Blog Entries: 25 Photos: 320	A Smith is a great piece of equipment and every gym should have one. Really what I meant was if I had to choose between a Smith or a free weight rack, then I would want the free weight rack.
	SBMuscle.com - Discount Supplement Superstore AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders CEM Products - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclePharm - Complete Nutritional Arsenal BigBackGrips - If you lift weights you've got to try these grips! HumaneVoLabs - Foaming Transdermal Delivery System.

12-23-2003, 08:20 PM	#21
MeatheadSam Member Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 169	Absolutely Prince, but I do not recommend using the smith for primary compound movements like bench or squats due to losing the natural arc in those motions. I do however use it as supplimental work on behind neck presses and upright rowing sometimes to change things up a bit. It is a great indoor chinning bar if you are under 5"10 tall. Gotta bend the knees but it works and it is knurled for good grip!
	Just a regular guy.

12-23-2003, 08:28 PM	#22
MeatheadSam Member Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Earth Posts: 169	If this setup is the peice you purchased then you have the best of both worlds. A rack system and a smith. It also looks like the spotter bar will also spot the smith. I looked at this same one when I got my Tuff Stuff but chose TS due to some added options and a very good price. Have fun with it and good workouts!
	Just a regular guy.

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