Hi guys, this is my first time in this bodybuilding tread, hope you guys can guide me, nice to meet you.

I'm a 25yo skinny guy, I've only got one 5kg dumbell from my parent when i'm in secondary, i'm not sure i've been training the right way or not, I can do 100times each hand on 1 go(i not sure whats the workout name). So only my hand is abit muscular, other then that i'm very skinny. So I'm thinking of buying myself a budget home gym for this new year to get some body shape.

I saw the online catalog on fitness concept and i plan to buy a few simple items for my home gym. Click to c the items, please give some suggestions or recommendations.Thanks.

1. Adidas/ Reebok Workout Glove (dono which to choose)

2. Gym in the pocket(Blue color) resistance band

3. Dumbell x2

4. Weight Bench


And i also have quite a few questions that really need answers.

1. I've been training with a 5kg dumbell all my life, how to know if a pair of 10kg dumbell is suitable for me?

2. Anyone got these gloves?which 1 last longer and comfortable?

3. How many resistance band do i need? normally 1 or 2?

4. Is this one on one training bench good? I don't really understand how the bench work from the image, does this bench have a place to hook legs when doing sit ups? what is Flat/Incline/Decline means?

5. Did i miss out anything necessary?or the items i choose not good and should change to other items?


I'm going to get all these items on this saturday, so need suggestions and answer urgently. I never gone to a gym b4 and also first time buying these kind of stuff, so hope you guys can help me out here. Thank you very very much.

1. You will need to increase resistance as you train, so you will definitely need heavier weights.
4. Incline/decline works your muscles at different angles.

That being said, why not join a gym ? A gym has way more equipment, olympic barbells, squat rack, shitloads of dumbbells, proper benches, not to mention different types of machines.

i always working overtime, so joining a gym will only waste money. plus joining a gym cost way more then buying myself a home gym, and i can train on my free time.

Is these items enough for a simple home gym, what else did i miss out?

5kg 100times? WOW thats really, i dont know what to say!

Whoa!!! 100 reps on a 5kg dumbbells.ur an animal bro.keep it up

1. Adidas/ Reebok Workout Glove (dono which to choose)
ans: no need to get expensive one,just aslong as it have leather palm lining,the one from the hypermarket also works RM40 only

2. Gym in the pocket(Blue color) resistance band
ans : waste of money,once u adapt to the resistance u'll throw it away coz it s not challenging anymore

3. Dumbell x2
ans : a must in bodybilding,get also the barbel (long straight one) so u could do more variant of weight training

4. Weight Bench
ans : another must buy,get the one that can be adjusted

thats funny, cos i'm have a gym membership because its cheaper than to build a home gym.

breakdown of your stuff:
gloves: not needed, if you really want one, just get the cheap ones from any fitness stores, no difference. unless you're brand conscious(?)
bands: yeah, sure. but instead of limiting to six exercises, i would buy more weights and use db's instead
db's: yes
bench: yes

answers:
1. the only way your muscles can grow bigger is you stress them by continually lifting progressively heavier weights. normally at 8-12 reps per set for beginners
2. not using gloves, no comment
3. not using bands, no comment
4. it works by you sitting on it. from your pic, no it doesnt have a place to hook your legs. if you need an explanation on whats incline, decline, and flat, find a dictionary or google.
5. IMO, if it was me, i would just buy the db's, bench, and more plate weights. but thats just me

.

This post has been edited by hoxy: Jun 13 2012, 08:44 PM

Actually i was thinking of mixing and alternate between band & dumbell, Dumbell weight is actually quite expensive to buy separately, so i was thinking of adding a resistance band together with dumbell to increase resistance. Is it doable?

Beside the one on one trainer bench, which bench is quite good and also around my budget (400++ maybe)?with a place to hook my leg(is it even necessary?) I not sure about buying a barbell+ etc, because i'm staying at a rented house and i don't want to buy too many items. + i learn martial art so i dowan my body shape to look like a muscle builder.

If i'm aiming to get a nice body shape + abs, is my items doable?

Watch out when you're using the resistance band. It is different from weights and has the potential to
hurt your tendons a bit. I'm currently using the green one(highest resistance).

Yes you can loop a band over the dumbbell for added resistance.

Ultimately I think dumbbells or barbells are better and gives you a more... "accurate" workout.

If i don't get the resistance band, what else can i get to improve my workout? Just a bench and dumbell is enough? From 5kg jump straight to 10kg is it a big gap? is it better if i use the money on the band to get some extra weight?

I hear some forum saying that dumbell train muscle mass, but band train your strength, so its better to train alternately. Is it true?

bro, why dont u buy DB with additional weight plates like 0.5, 1.25, 2.5 kg..
so that u can increase ur DB weight when u are ready for the next poundage..
dont need jump straight to 10kg..

Get yourself a barbell and some plated weights. I have those in my own room.
To protect your floor just stack some rubber mats (the ones used in cars, tesco sells them cheap).

There's lots you can do if there is enough space.

Get dumbbells that has plates. So you can progress slowly up to its maximum 10kg.

A band can train you in all the wrong ways if you're not careful. It is not static weight. Imagine your curl starts at 1kg and slowly increment,
then at the peak of the curl it feels like holding nothing because of the angle. Finally when you're going down there could be a rebound, where the
band suddenly tug your hand downwards with too much force.

get yourself a pair of DB + an adjustable bench. gao dim!

lol ya i know, but must make my house feel abit like gym, more feel if more items lol.

I'm thinking maybe i cut the resistance band, and use the money to buy a Barbell(click to c the barbell i planning to buy, is it better then straight barbell?), but can i fit all my dumbell weight (total 12 piece of weight) into the barbell. Or i need to buy a few piece of heavier weight? How many piece of weight can fit in barbell normally? How much a barbell and some heavier weight cost in fitness concept?

The barbell you've linked is fixed weight. Look around and find yourself a barbell that allows you to load
in weighted plates.

For barbells and plates, go hunting in tesco/jusco for deals.

If you find a barbell that can fit your dumbbell weights then even better.

So all you will need is 2x dumbbell and one empty barbell to start. Later on you can buy more weights.

Ya thats exactly what i plan to do. The link image is to show the shape of the empty barbell i plan buying, is it better then straight barbell handle? The dumbell i'm buying have 6 piece of weight that total 10kg, so mean i need to fit 12 piece of weight on the empty barbell, but can a barbell fit all 12 piece means 6 piece on each side? How much does an empty barbell cost in fitness concept? Not sure if i buy everything in fitness concept can get discount.

imo, since you're just starting out, just buy db's + plates first. learn the proper form and technique for various exercises. what you can do with a barbell, you can do with a pair of db's. you can buy a barbell later and use the same plates for your db's to load up the barbell.

and you shouldn't be very concerned on how your home gym LOOKS like.

edit: and buy the bench, of course >.<

This post has been edited by mikehuan: Feb 16 2011, 07:05 PM

Thanks alot for all the info guys.

below is what i have...
a rack (for pullup + dips)
a pair of dumbbell
resistance band
barbell
an adjustable bench
with some plates

at the end i only used dumbbell (when i bought i was working. now i'm studying so i joined gym..next year go back to work so no more gym then i have to use above equip)

btw i did a testing for u. for an ez curl barbell, one side u can load [2.5kg x 2], [5kg x3], [1.25kg x 1]

I just did some research on dumbell vs barbell, and for my condition i think maybe i'll give up barbell, because barbell is use for training core muscle. What i aim is pure strength + a nice body shape, not muscle mass. I'm afraid that i only will use dumbell for the wide range movement like what Joe said. Maybe i'll just get a pair of 10kg dumbell, adjustable bench & a resistance band. What else do you guys recommend for strength training?

don't want to b a party spoiler here but can i ask y do u want to build a mini gym at home if you get more from going to gym? i learn alot from other ppl in the gym including the trainers (some trainers are crap, some are good), make new frens, have spotters, varieties of machines etc.

i used to have barbell, bench, dumbells etc and train at home but once i joined gym, i nvr look back since. the intensity is also doubled, coz u r motivated by the heavy weights etc.

just my take thou

Oly bar
Bench
Squat rack

Dumbbells if u want.

Btw, 10kg is not purestrenght.
And try to read the sticky or research more. I bet u dont even have a decent routine to begin with.
Training your core muscles= training for strenght.
Isolating your bicep is not pure strenght and will not get u all proportionate/nice body shape.

This post has been edited by xelrix: Feb 17 2011, 09:00 AM

Bro, if i know these things i wont be asking questions here. I only said that i wanna be stronger, and not building too much muscle, nobody ever said that 10kg dumbell is for purestrength. Big muscle doesn't mean stronger, but big muscle means slower body movement, i want to maintain my agility. Who ever said i want to isolate my bicep? I only trying to buy some gym stuff that wont hurt my budget too much. U think if i got the money i wont get myself a gym room? If u got the time to tell me what i did wrong, why don't u give me some recommendation and answers as well. Thanks.

What sort of strength you want?

Doing push up, pull ups and dips also can get stronger.

I'm also not sure what kind of strength. Have u ever c some martial artist, thin with fit body + very powerful punch & kicks. I not very sure myself lol.

Ive been on starting strenght by rippletits as my starters.
Now im on 5x5.
All it needs is barbell, bench and squat rack.
Using 10kg dumbbells? Ure better off with convict conditioning. Bodyweight workout. Im not saying using whatever u had now wouldnt work. Its just not efficient.
And about barbell for body mass thingie u had in your had, bullshit. Mass vs strenght its ur workout that decides which, not the type of equipment.

I cannot brain how sufficient 5KG or 10KG dumbbell could satisfy the workouts. Unless you want to stick forever to the 10KG dumbbell and not growing at all. Or perhaps impressing friends that don't go to the gym that you have your mini gym at home. But you cannot impress us that goes to gym because we simply dont lift 10KG except for dumbbell lateral raise.

What we are trying to tell you is that, you are freaking rich and have a big house to store all the plates and weights, by all means, go ahead and build the mini gym.

If you are serious bout building muscles, stop wasting time with those budget mini gym thingy because they will never be enough unless you just want to impress your friends.

So better if i give up buying dumbells & bench, and train in a gym? How much is a standard gym membership per month?

rm100-200, depending on which gym
might get cheaper price if u try out ghetto ones.
but wont b much difference
best bet would b around rm2k per yr

traditional hardcore gym is cheaper. my is less than 50 per mth.
no classes no sauna...only dumbbell machine barbell. cukup untuk saya la

Thanks for the pricing guys, but i really don't understand y chicaman say that i'm freaking rich, and have a big house when i only wanted to buy a cheap bench and a pair of dumbell. To me, gym is abit expensive, and my job need me to overnight at office quite often, so if i don't go frequently its only going to be a waste of money. Thanks for all the help guys, if it wasn't for the 1 or 2 people, i would be much more happier. I'm going to buy that bench n dumbell anyway, even if i don't build muscle like u guys, i'll be just as happy working out rather then sitting in front of computer.

Figure out properly what you want first then you can come back to us for more specific answers to you.

Else to test the waters you can just start with 2 dumbbells and nothing else.

At one point of my life I did shoulder presses on a chair and dumbbell bench lying flat on the floor/bed

So you can try that as a start.

Also don't forget body weight workouts. Push ups, pull ups and dips.

Thanks for the info bro.

read the stickies for info...

weight plates r expensive, and family members probably won't wan them laying ard the house on the floor

a gym has better and more equipment

.

This post has been edited by hoxy: Jun 13 2012, 08:42 PM

u bought 2 Dumbells set , they will free one glove for you,
so the glove u can save the money

Thank you very much hoxy, appreciate it very much.

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Added on February 18, 2011, 5:24 pmI cut off the glove and plan to buy a empty barbell, now 1 more question. Straight or curve barbell?what is the purpose of straight & curve? If straight, get long or short 1?Thanks first.

This post has been edited by Streetrat: Feb 18 2011, 05:24 PM

Bro, here is the dumbbel set that i bought last few weeks,
its come with the glove if u bought 2 set,
that why i said u can save the glove money =D

here is the pictures

What I mean is that, if you are rich enough and have a big house, you can go ahead to build the mini gym.

Because to be honest, 10KG aint enough for you to workout effectively. In fact bodyweight is even more effective if you are gonna to push up and pull up.



Better for you to state your goal and know what you want, if you want to be a bodybuilder, mini home gym definitely is not enough, if you just want to lift for fun, then just grab the bench and dumbbell and workout at home and dont expect you will be able to get those dream body you seen in poster or internet. Probably might help you to loose SOME fats only.

surf to familiar website such as this:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/...dy-workout.html

U definitely need a bench for incline workout and gradually add the weight..if got extra money get a Olympic bench with leg curl(some with free barbell n plates around RM1K)

most important to do it with good form,so that no long term injury..i just bought like nkforce and started workout(im noob)..

For martial art style training.u got to do a lot of fast rep till fail kind of weight lifting.strengthen ur core muscle (back,abs & oblique).

.

This post has been edited by hoxy: Jun 13 2012, 08:58 PM

Pull up bar need mount at the door frame or something like that, i don't want to drill or screw a hole cause its a rented house. Is there anymore alternative to do pull up?or any other exercise to replace pull up and dips? I just bought 2 dumbell and a adjustable bench + a barbell. Started workout today by following...


Monday
Full Body
Exercise Sets Reps
Dumbbell Squat 3 6-12
Dumbbell Bench Press 3 6-12
One Arm Dumbbell Row 3 6-12
Standing Dumbbell Curl 3 6-12
Two Arm Seated Dumbbell Extension 3 6-12
Sit Up 3 10-25


Wednesday
Full Body
Exercise Sets Reps
Dumbbell Step Up 3 6-12
Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift 3 6-12
Seated Dumbbell Press 3 6-12
Standing One Leg Dumbbell Calf Raise 3 10-20
Dumbbell Shrug 3 10-15
Dumbbell Side Bends 3 10-15


Friday
Full Body
Exercise Sets Reps
Dumbbell Lunge 3 6-12
Dumbbell Floor Press 3 6-12
Wide Grip Pull Up 3 6-12
Standing Hammer Curl 3 6-12
Lying Dumbbell Extension 3 6-12
Lying Floor Leg Raise 3 10-25


Where can i find some workout chart for whole body with the equipment that i have now. I did the monday chart just now and don't feel much on the chest, but hand is very flimsy now lol.

difference between an EZ curl bar and straight bar is how your palms grip the bar. with the EZ bar your grip is more supinated, therefore easier on the wrists as compared to straight. personal choice really. i dont see a major difference if you choose either one.

and having olympic bars without at least 45lbs weights are lol. unless you're planning to do the big 3(squat, deadlift, bench) with at least your BW i suggest you take the short bar. the reason to having olympic bars is to accommodate more weight, and to place on squat racks, power cages or bench press benches.

.

This post has been edited by hoxy: Jun 13 2012, 09:11 PM

@TS I remember Fitness Concept got sell a pullup bar donnid drill the door frame. Basically u just extend it till it's jammed against your door frame. Rather safe geh.

Thank you guys, u guys have been damn helpful. Can u guys teach me how to build my own timetable for 3 days a week workout for whole body?what should i take note when building my own timetable? Anything else that i should take note?

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Added on February 20, 2011, 5:46 pmThanks for the info, do u know whats the name of the items?cause i ask the fitness concept salesman ytd when buying my stuff and he said pull up and dips cannot do unless got specialize machine.

This post has been edited by Streetrat: Feb 20 2011, 05:46 PM

ask for a pull up bar. and smack the salesman while you're at it.
my "specialized" pull up bar is my house's sliding grill door, the top part. paid a bomb for it, mind you

.

This post has been edited by hoxy: Jun 13 2012, 09:09 PM

I just called ikano fitness concept regarding the 5in1 gym set, only cost Rm78(price not bad), but anyone got try it b4?that thing safe ah?for the door i mean lol. would u guys recommend me buying it? can dumbell or barbell workout replace pull up bar? Where can i learn to do my own workout timetable?or u guys can recommend me some?

P90X is ur answer.

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1558964 buy this p90x pull up bar if u can afford it , it better.

and the seller got sell p90x workout dvd, but its ahem version 1.

but u can go taobao buy the 'original dvd' it cost pretty cheap only, i think 38 ringgit.

Rm200 very expensive leh, but is pull up bar really necessary? whats the difference comparing 5in1 gym set vs P90x?most big different i c is the price and the extra handles on P90x.

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Added on February 20, 2011, 8:55 pmi just found out that my door frame is rounded on the edge, so don't thinki can buy the pull up bar anymore. Any other workout to replace the 5in1 gym set? Can anyone teach me how to do my own workout timetable for 3 days a week?

This post has been edited by Streetrat: Feb 20 2011, 08:55 PM

last time i bought the bar without dvd, its rm180 , so if u wanna do p90x workout, u need the extra holder to perform wide front pull up, the 5 in 1 doesnt have the extra holder.

if u can wait and u can read chinese, i suggest u go here below..

http://s.taobao.com/search?q=chin-up+bar&sort=sale-desc

u can purchase the item via malaysia taobao agent

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1263329

there alot taobao agent in lowyat.net, so make ur own choice.

and a.. buying from taobao is definitely cheapest among other option.

but if u wanna get the bar quickly, then buy the rm180 bar, the seller very fast, i get the bar within 3 days.

i wont be getting any bar anymore, cause my door frame is rounded edge, no place to hold the bar. So is there anymore alternative workout that i can do with dumbell and barbell to replace the pull up bar? workout? Timetable anyone?need some help here.

This post has been edited by Streetrat: Feb 20 2011, 09:37 PM

row?
u can use the barbell and dumbbell.

ya u can use resistance band to mimic the pull up bar, although its best to use pull up bar, btw if ur door frame is not suitable, u can install the J bracket,u nid a 'wall driller' for that, after u install it, u can put the bar at the j bracket.

rented house, better don't do anything to the house lol.

5 in1 Multi Training Door Gym Set

Cheap~ and recommended~

This post has been edited by aMReY: Feb 23 2011, 10:47 PM

i have this at home. good buy i should said

Y are there nails coming out from the wall on the 2nd image, Do i need to drill a few holes on the wall?don't have a power drill at home lol.

haha~ dont mention about nails~ just drill and place L bracket at wall~ and its ready

u can try 100 rep if u can~ hehe

100 rep pull ups? all in one go?

if u rent house cannot drill, this will be more suitable.

where can i buy this bar?how much is it selling?

you dont need to drill or paku any wall. just assemble and ready to use

u do 100 reps?

i bought it last time at fitness concept alamanda, cant remember the price.

This post has been edited by zaxxshoxx: Feb 22 2011, 09:54 AM

i door frame design cannot hang the 5in1 door gym, but maybe i can get the single bar from above youtube video. Hope fitness concept ikano sells it.

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Added on February 24, 2011, 10:21 amAnyone know where can i buy the single bar anywhere around damansara? I've been to Ikano Fitness concept they only sell 5in1 door gym. Around how much is the price for the single bar?

This post has been edited by Streetrat: Feb 24 2011, 10:21 AM

u can get the 5 in 1 from someone in this forum..fit all ur door frame..

As mentioned by others, a barbell, a pair of adjustable dumbbells and weight plates will go a long way for you. Adding a squat rack will allow you to do the compound exercises. If your budget is tight and need to work out at home, you can build your own equipment if you're handy. I built a homemade safety squat rack that also used as a bench press rack and a dip station.



If you're interested in other homemade equipment see this link -> Five Reasons for Building Your Gym Equipment.

Thanks alot blackdove.

RM79 bro,cheap considering the amount of variant exercise u can do with it.

wow nice DIY web there ^^ gonna try them out when i've got time
ermm what i have for my home gym

1. pair of DB from fitness concept (free glove) i think the promo still around last i check at MidValley outlet. adjustable db with rubber weight plates... go for metal plates for cheaper price ^^

2. chin up bar basic type; get it cheap from my fren bfore he stop working in the outlet

3. adjustable bench with barbell support and lat tower; get it with some discount from AIBI... i think the bench alone with barbell support now is rm698 only, i bought it with higher price even after the discount last year lol

4. +weight plates

5. barbell

tats all i have and thats more than enuf for tons of exercises ^^
if u ask me the price i can roughly list out but im not too sure bout some of the prices now in market

-dumbell x2 (free glove) include rubber plated weights = rm89.9*2 = rm180
-barbell = rm89.9
-bench with barbell support = rm698
-chin up bar = rm59~69
-weights = rm10/kg? if i rmbr correctly, update me if anyone know the price
total will be around rm10xx without weights

but again if i have the transport and time i'll definitely hit the gym as they hav better equipment and not to say the environment ^^

Agree with morning06, unless you are able to made things out like blackdove. Otherwise, setting up a home gym can be really costly. And if u r not one that wan to be bulky, maybe u need more cardio machines. And for lean muscles, beside dumbells, free weights, kettlebells are all good things to made your exercise variants. You could get all of them at gym.

There is once I try to set up a home gym. But after spend around half k, i guess it's no way it goin to be a gym unless few-ks r spend.

To be frank, joining a commercial gym cost around 1.6k per year; a ghetto gym will be less than 1k a year. Better environment, perhaps you may even find ppl wif same interest? Martial arts, kickboxing or even breakdance...

juz sum suggestions. No offense. Anyway, if u r renting house, becareful wif barbell. My friend screwed up his doorframe, when he fell down wif the barbell. Not sure it's becos he fit it the wrg way or the doorframe r edi soft due to termites. Just be caution. =)

bench with barbell support = rm698<---wat branch u got?

the bench in AIBI at MV... last check was before i made the post earlier....
but when i last bought the same bench, the price was way higher... so i guess it might be last unit/clearance or if u're lucky the price was reduced ^^

the model is B-1001 try search around for picture

any idea where can get the equip to train bicep ?
a cheap one like this.
see

This post has been edited by broken_heart: Mar 28 2011, 02:35 PM