Movement

Q&A: Gym on a Budget

Michael Boyle January 4, 2008

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Q: I'd like to build a home gym, but I can't spend much. What's the most important piece of training equipment I can buy for cheap? — Vincent, Green Bay, WI

A: If you can only buy one piece of strength training equipment, it should perform a function that no other piece can fulfill. Think about it this way: What exercise or muscle group can't you work without equipment?

You can do push-ups or one-leg squats to work the lower body and upper body pressing muscles, but you need some type of machinery to work the upper body pulling musculature. A pull-up bar is the only true essential.

In the cowardly world of fitness, the next logical thought would be "then just buy a lat pulldown machine." Wrong, you weaklings. Chin-ups and its variations are far superior to pulldowns. The only problem is they are much more difficult. Besides, a lat pulldown machine costs significantly more. You can buy a great pull-up/dip combo for under $300.

The next logical question: "I can't do a pull-up or a chin-up. Don't I need one of those Gravitron assisted pull-up machines? Sorry, bad news for the machine folks—you can make a Gravitron out of a pull-up/dip bar for about $100. Simply buy a set of Superbands in two-and-one-half, one-and-three-quarters, and one-inch widths and you can rig up your pull-up bar as an assisted chin-up or pull-up machine.

So, if you're looking for an inexpensive home gym, try a pull-up bar, some push-up handles, and a small 12-inch plyometric box to do one-leg squats off of. Add a weighted vest and you can do great total-body workouts.

About The Author

Michael Boyle – Michael Boyle is one of the world’s leading experts in the area of performance enhancement.

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Tags: Q&A, Training, Strength

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