I want to add free weights to my cardio workout

[david672]

Hi,

I was looking at a bunch of different all-in-one home workout machines but I don't feel like spending $500+ for a decent machine.

So I figured I could do a lot with a good bench and some free weights, I was looking at this bench:

http://www.nordictrack.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=153&prrfnbr=561951&cgrfnbr=46529&rootcat=46525

I figure if I purchase a simple steel weight set (I want to tone so I don't need 100's of lbs) and this bench, I will be at around $300

It looks like I can work out pretty much ever major muscle group, I would just do dumbell presses instead of using a long bar for safety, the only thing that concerns me is not having a high pulley to work on my lats, does anyone have a recommendation for that?

Thanks!

David

 

[Hillside]

I went through a saving money - home gym phase and I bought a bench off of Ebay. It was flat, that adjusted to incline and decline. It also had a precher bench attachment. I think I paid like 60 or 80 dollars for it. I would take a look there before i dropped 300 on a bench.

*edit - as far as pull ups / wide grip chins I bought a unit that fits in a door way that is held in there by your own body weight. I will look around to see if i can find a site.

 

[CowPimp]

First of all, low weights and high reps does nothing for toning. Toning is all about lowering bodyfat. This can be done one of two ways: losing fat or increasing lean body mass (Muscle).

The best way to go about this via training is to lift somewhere in the 4-15 repetition range. Not only will you increase muscle mass, but your metabolism will increase as a result and you will end up losing bodyfat as well.

Beyond training, your primary focus should be diet. Diet is more important than training whether you want to lose bodyfat or gain muscle mass. Start doing reserach in the diet & nutrition forum.

 

[Arnold]

you should check out www.fitnessfactory.com

 

[david672]

Cowpimp,

I'm already watching my diet, I've lost 28lbs by changing my eating habits, and not by trying one of the fad diets.

As far as "low weight and high reps", sorry if I confused you by my comment of not having to purchase 100's of pounds of weight. What I was trying to say was that I will not be needing 450lbs of chrome covered weights, I think a simple weight set will work, maybe around 150lbs.

I have no interest in gaining pounds of muscle mass, I am not looking for that look, I prefer a slim toned look. And even by toned I still mean a slim look, not washboard abs.

I just want to look healthy and thought adding some free weight excercises to my 30 minute a day elliptical workout would help.

So, with that said, do you think a simple bench and some free weight will help?

Thanks!

 

[david672]

you should check out www.fitnessfactory.com

Thanks for the link, they have some nice stuff!

But, I think you missed my question, do you think a simple bench and some free weights could help me get a more toned look and do I really need a high-pulley for lats?