Bodylastics

wingnut4772

I have been shopping for a home gym and I ran across this gym.
I wouldn't have considered it if I haven't recently experienced how tough resistance bands can be from my Physical Therapy sessions. I'm psyched. There are 29 out of 30 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Anyone use this?<p>
Bodylastics Linky

ben62670

Have not seen it, but if you make a BlueRay workout vidio I am in for 3 copies for me myself and I.
Thanks
Ben

BlueFox

Buy a good set of dumbbells from 20lbs to 70lbs, and a good bench. Add a quality treadmill and you are in business. If you ever outgrow that then you are ready for membership in a serious gym.

Good luck. I started working out when I was 32 and quitting smoking. Now I am almost 60, and in the best shape of my life. It's a great feeling to be around people my age who are broken down from not exercising because they remind me my peers who gave me grief over the years for exercising.

brettw22

I have those exact bands (detachable band/handles) that I got from somewhere like Target and I know I paid less than $15 for them.........just food for thought........save the cash........

Early B.

I bought a single band last week from Amazon for $10 to use for my P90X workout routines. It's inexpensive and it does the job. Try one band and see how you like it.

ben62670

I think that bands have their place. After I broke 5 bones in my back and neck plus the bulging disk on my spinal cord I went through lots of therapy. The lower resistance bands are great for therapy, but free weights IMHO are better for actual training. I am sure you know the drill. Go slow with bands and hold is generally what I saw for the 2 years I was in PT. If you can swim after that is a bonus. Swimming will keep you limber. Also the same incident I severed 5 tendons on the back of my wrist. For that they used mostly free weights to stretch and build up strength. Wasn't fun, but with persistence you will get through. I hope your shoulder is doing better.
Take care.
Ben

bikezappa

BlueFox wrote: »

Buy a good set of dumbbells from 20lbs to 70lbs, and a good bench. Add a quality treadmill and you are in business. If you ever outgrow that then you are ready for membership in a serious gym.

Good luck. I started working out when I was 32 and quitting smoking. Now I am almost 60, and in the best shape of my life. It's a great feeling to be around people my age who are broken down from not exercising because they remind me my peers who gave me grief over the years for exercising.

Excellent advice.

I would also consider getting a 110 lb set of weights with a bar and dumbell set for about $30 and a bench.

Peter

Hobbyguy

It does not matter what you use just as long as it is working for you. If you keep a journal and write how many sets, which sets, how much resistance and the time it takes to do them then you can look back and see your progress. Gaining true strength requires doing sets to failure...this is what causes micromuscle damage and is the stimulus for new muscle growth. There is also a new study from the journal of strength and conditioning research that demonstrates that supplementation with creatine helps prevent muscle atrophy during periods when muscles are not being utilized.

Jstas

The title of this thread vs the content is so disappointing on so many levels.





I have a question though. Say you work in a warehouse where they store exercise machines for distribution. Now say they store Body By Jake machines and you have to lift them up and move they every day. In doing so, you get studly levels of buff. Since you got buff lifting Body By Jake machines but not actually using them, do you still have a body by Jake?

Jstas

Hobbyguy wrote: »

It does not matter what you use just as long as it is working for you. If you keep a journal and write how many sets, which sets, how much resistance and the time it takes to do them then you can look back and see your progress. Gaining true strength requires doing sets to failure...this is what causes micromuscle damage and is the stimulus for new muscle growth. There is also a new study from the journal of strength and conditioning research that demonstrates that supplementation with creatine helps prevent muscle atrophy during periods when muscles are not being utilized.

Define that failure please.

Because I'm usually doing reps until I'm in pain and can no longer safely hold a weight or myself up without causing injury. Is that failure?

bikezappa

Jstas wrote: »

Define that failure please.?

Maybe I can help.

Say you are doing curls to increase the bisep muscle.

If you can do three sets of ten reps with wieght X, you increase the weight by say 1 or 2 pounds. This was called progressive weight training about 60 years ago. Not sure what they call it now.

Repeat this and continue to add weight until you can't do the last set of ten reps. Say the last set can only be completed to 7 reps. You don't add any more weight until you can do the three sets of ten reps. You also make sure you don't start to cheat by swinging the upper body while doing the curls. This may cause injury and will develop other muscles.

The beauty and simplicity of wieght training is that they are very cheap, take up very little space and are exact.

If you add a pound you add a pound. Who knows about the cables changing resistance over time or what ever.

Peter

BigMac

Early B. wrote: »

P90X workout routines

P90X is one of the best at home workout programs around imo. I have taken guys and gals that "thought" they were in shape and tought a class just using this program. The majority of the class could not even make it to 20 minutes. Lets just say that I never saw those guys again, their ego had taken a huge hit. This program is VERY difficult in the beginning but works wonders. And if you follow the nutritional info./plans that come with the program you will see results for sure. For those that cannot or will not join a gym or sign a contract, have limited funds, and so on, this is the program I recommend they get.

Jstas wrote: »

Define that failure please.

Because I'm usually doing reps until I'm in pain and can no longer safely hold a weight or myself up without causing injury. Is that failure?

Muscle failure is when you cannot complete another rep on your own without assistance (your muscle(s) are exhausted). The pain or burn you are experiencing is lactic acid buildup. You can prolong the onset of this by doing endurance training,interval training,HIT training. By doing this type of training you are growing the mitochondria in muscle cells (the more the better). Essentially by doing this you are teaching your body how to become more effecient under physical stress and it also increases your lactate threshold. This is how over time endurance athletes become faster,stronger, and can last longer till they "hit the wall" and look for a second,third,fourth wind. What they are doing is increasing their anaerobic threshold.

timlitton

Early B. wrote: »

I bought a single band last week from Amazon for $10 to use for my P90X workout routines.

BigMac wrote: »

P90X is one of the best at home workout programs around imo. I have taken guys and gals that "thought" they were in shape and tought a class just using this program. The majority of the class could not even make it to 20 minutes. Lets just say that I never saw those guys again, their ego had taken a huge hit. This program is VERY difficult in the beginning but works wonders. And if you follow the nutritional info./plans that come with the program you will see results for sure. For those that cannot or will not join a gym or sign a contract, have limited funds, and so on, this is the program I recommend they get.

I've been doing P90X for three weeks now and it was kicking my a** for the first couple. It was really more like P45X because the first week I could only do half of each disc.

I've definitely seen results. But, to be fair, it's made me go from working out 20 minutes 3 times a week on my own to working out for more than an hour a day with the program, so I'd be pretty disappointed if I didn't see results.

Nothing like being constantly sore, but looking great!

wingnut4772

Early B. wrote: »

I bought a single band last week from Amazon for $10 to use for my P90X workout routines. It's inexpensive and it does the job. Try one band and see how you like it.

WTH is P90X? (Edit: I Googled :eek: That looks a little to intense for me right now)


I do go to a gym but I am tired of the drive and the people. I was looking for other home gyms but I thought I would try this first. I like the simplicity and I have read that some are doing better with less injuries with the bands. I know people poo poo them but a lot of the reviews have said that they were really impressed with the workout and results. If I don't care for it I will get a stationary gym. I was looking at the Bowflex and Precor (too much $$$$). Any recommendations? I had a Nautilus something or other and a nice Pacemaster treadmill that went down with the house....:(

Oh and Ben, I'll begin working on that video. Just wait by your mailbox.:D

BigMac

timlitton wrote: »

I've been doing P90X for three weeks now and it was kicking my a** for the first couple. It was really more like P45X because the first week I could only do half of each disc.

I've definitely seen results. But, to be fair, it's made me go from working out 20 minutes 3 times a week on my own to working out for more than an hour a day with the program, so I'd be pretty disappointed if I didn't see results.

Nothing like being constantly sore, but looking great!

I am glad you are getting results. Working out for 20 minutes is better than nothing but will result in an increase in time to reach your goals. The only part of the program some guys have a problem was is the Yoga portion. Most males (inclusive of myself) felt odd doing this part of the program. I understand its importance BUT it's still kinda **** imo,lol. When I first did the chest workout I thought I was going to kill myself. Never in my life had I done so many pushups in one hour. I felt like I was going for a new Guinness world record.

I HATE with a passion doing cardio on a stupid **** treadmill or elliptical so instead I decreased my resting time in between sets and increased the intensity of my workouts which in turn gave me the cardio benefits I was looking for. Of course this is not the best way to do cardio so I incorporated other things as well. Now I flip a HUGE tire from one end of the parking lot to the other and back (about 75 yards). Right after that with no rest I grab a pair of 130s and do the farmers walk the same way. Then after that with still no reast I do parking lot lunges. Talk about cardio.........all I can say is HOLY SHIOT!!!! I also have a vest I bought that I can hook up to rope/chain and attach to my car. I then drag my car like they do in Strongman competitions. Only I am pulling a car over 75-100 yards and they are pulling semi trucks or airplanes. I had to buy rock climbing shoes to do this. When I wore my regular Nikes they kept slipping off my heel and I was tired of duct taping them to my feet,lol.

obieone

"Body by Darla"...Now, that's HOT!:eek:

tonyb

ben62670 wrote: »

Have not seen it, but if you make a BlueRay workout vidio I am in for 3 copies for me myself and I.
Thanks
Ben

Count me in for a few....who knows,maybe Darla just found her new career.

bikezappa

wingnut4772 wrote: »

Any recommendations?

The basic 110lb barbell and dumbell set. $30
Optional is the bench.

ben62670

wingnut4772 wrote: »

...Oh and Ben, I'll begin working on that video. Just wait by your mailbox.:D

I am going there right now:)
Sorry about the late night sense of humor. You are a true Lady.

Early B.

wingnut4772 wrote: »

WTH is P90X? (Edit: I Googled :eek: That looks a little to intense for me right now)


...I was looking at the Bowflex and Precor (too much $$$$). Any recommendations?

Yeah, P90X is very intense. In fact, I have to get in shape before I can use it.

I've owned a bowflex for several years. It's fantastic!!! However, it's very pricey. If I had to do it all over again, I'd get a used one or buy the NIB basic model from Sams or Sears for $500 or so.

I agree with HG -- anything will work as long as you're consistent. I think what makes P90X so appealing is the variety it offers. After a couple of weeks, you might get tired of a bowflex or any other workout machine, and it will collect dust.

I suggest pursuing low cost options like the bands, jump ropes, free weights, push up bar, chin up bar, etc. Of course, you like to run, so that's great exercise, too.

Jstas

A Chin up bar does wonders for upper body strength. Takes a bit to realize any muscle gains.

The nice thing about a chin up bar is it's progressive. As your build weight, you increase your resistance. It's really hard to do enough to get to the point where it's easy but it's also easy to just increase reps.

I tried free weights and such and nothing felt as good or gave as complete a workout as a chin up bar. Once I get my own place again, I'm slinging mine back up in a doorway. I honestly miss it. Coupled with what most people consider and insane amount of pushups, you can get pretty ripped pretty quick. I manage to keep most of the weight off with sit ups/crunches, chin ups and push ups. I walk ALOT now that I work in the city and that has helped out alot too.

BigMac

Heya Jstas, chin ups are great but make sure to incorporate pull ups as well. Chin ups are done underhanded and pull ups are done overhanded. Overhanded is ALOT harder and considered a little more advanced (not really though). I realize you may be using chin ups as an umbrella term but thought that I would clarify the two. Everyday I see people doing these the wrong way. Performing this exercise from a FULL hang (arms straight) will give the best results. Most people only come down half way then pull back up. They do the exercise this way because it is easy. If exercise were easy everyone would do it.

Jstas

I actually haven't been doing either cause I don't have a doorway I can install my bar in right now. That will change soon though.

I've been using the home gym contraption from Wieder that my dad has. But it's a hassle 'cause I always have to reset the machine so he doesn't just sit down and hurt himself. He runs 30-50 pounds of weight but that's like pillows to me and I usually set weights in the 100-130 pound range for what I want to do. But I gotta do like 10 different exercises with the weights to get the same workout from 20 minutes of pull/chin ups and other basic exercises.

That's the biggest reason I don't like weights. I'm not trying to be gigantor, just trying to stay in good shape. It's not really worth all the set up hassle to me when I can get by with a floor mat and a bar. I'm around 170 pounds and that's fine for me especially since I'm 5 foot 7. I can get there with what I do now, I don't need to get any bigger. I have a hard time finding shirts that fit right as it is.

Polkersince85

A DarlaCam would give all of us a workout.

wingnut4772

(sigh) Why must these things always devolve?

lightman1

wingnut4772 wrote: »

(sigh) Why must these things always devolve?

Well Darla. You can do these workouts and then go kick their asses. Think about it.


Russ

wingnut4772

lightman1 wrote: »

Well Darla. You can do these workouts and then go kick their asses. Think about it.


Russ

LoL:D

Hobbyguy

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37743&d=1232416124
Here is my home gym. Free weights, bench, Dip/pull-up/chin-up/push-up/hanging-leg raise machines, ellipticals, treadmill (not seen). Mats for crunches/crunch-bicycle. Large rubber balls for abs. Kettlebells. Cost without the ellipticals/treadmill is about $1000. Health gained by their use - Priceless.
Studies are showing that intervals of high intensity with intervals of low intensity (interval training) helps deliver strength/stamina gains very efficiently. There is no magic one formula for everybody. I incorporate a variety of methods. Using different methods helps prevent your body from getting "memory" and helps prevent the workout from getting dull. Getting a subscription to a muscle and fitness magazine also helps. I suggest Fitness Rx - yes there are very cheesy pictures of women on it but the articles are fantastic. My wife reads it and agrees(she is also an M.D.) - to both statements.
I understand that you are in the military...I thought the 300 program was vogue.

exalted512

Jstas wrote: »

A Chin up bar does wonders for upper body strength. Takes a bit to realize any muscle gains.

The nice thing about a chin up bar is it's progressive. As your build weight, you increase your resistance. It's really hard to do enough to get to the point where it's easy but it's also easy to just increase reps.

I tried free weights and such and nothing felt as good or gave as complete a workout as a chin up bar. Once I get my own place again, I'm slinging mine back up in a doorway. I honestly miss it. Coupled with what most people consider and insane amount of pushups, you can get pretty ripped pretty quick. I manage to keep most of the weight off with sit ups/crunches, chin ups and push ups. I walk ALOT now that I work in the city and that has helped out alot too.

Working out was shown to be somewhat addictive in nature to laboratory mice...no seriously, it was. When I stopped working out regularly I missed it a lot. Now that I havent been doing it in a few years I could not care less;)

I hope to start again one day when my schedule isnt the way it is.
-Cody

wingnut4772

Hobbyguy wrote: »

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=37743&d=1232416124
Here is my home gym. Free weights, bench, Dip/pull-up/chin-up/push-up/hanging-leg raise machines, ellipticals, treadmill (not seen). Mats for crunches/crunch-bicycle. Large rubber balls for abs. Kettlebells. Cost without the ellipticals/treadmill is about $1000. Health gained by their use - Priceless.
Studies are showing that intervals of high intensity with intervals of low intensity (interval training) helps deliver strength/stamina gains very efficiently. There is no magic one formula for everybody. I incorporate a variety of methods. Using different methods helps prevent your body from getting "memory" and helps prevent the workout from getting dull. Getting a subscription to a muscle and fitness magazine also helps. I suggest Fitness Rx - yes there are very cheesy pictures of women on it but the articles are fantastic. My wife reads it and agrees(she is also an M.D.) - to both statements.
I understand that you are in the military...I thought the 300 program was vogue.

Whoa! Nice.

wingnut4772

I got the Bodylastics yesterday and just ran through it to familiarize myself with it. It is actually pretty decent. It is quick to learn and adjust. I just did a couple of sets with low 'weight' just to get the movements and it feels good .It's way different than free weights. My stabilizing muscles were working a lot more than free weights. As far as being difficult enough or enough resistance - I had to use the easy ones because the tougher ones were just too hard right now.:o I guess I have to work back up.