By irontony
You have to give it to the folks at Titan, the Titan T1 is likely the ultimate top model strength training weight machine for your home gym.
I have written before about my love for my Total Trainer DLX in my home gym but if I ever decided to upgrade or start over it would have to be to the Titan T1. Mike Jay has one in his home gym and he really enjoys it, and I also have trained on one with a friend in Athens.
Whether you are an advanced weight trainer or just starting out with your home gym, the Titan T1 is a top of the line choice. If you aren’t going to get the Total Trainer DLX then get the Titan T1.
With one single machine that fits comfortably in your home you can duplicate almost any exercise offered by the best machines at the gym. You can stack on the weight up to 650 lbs on the smith-carriage or 800 lbs on the heavy duty free weight racks, or go as light as you prefer with our unique counter-balance system. With the counter-balance you can also do such exercises as assisted pull-ups, assisted dips, lat pull downs and a lot more.
Easy common exercises with the Titan T1 include cable crossovers, cable press, weighted ab crunches, lat pull-downs, supported leg raises, leg curls, leg extensions, decline bench press, incline bench press, squats, and over 90 more cable, machine, and free-weight exercises.
One thing I like is that the sliding bench makes positioning a breeze and is always perfectly centered for a symmetrical workout every time. Quick adjustments and footplates turn the sliding bench into a high capacity leg press machine.
The customization of the Titan T1 is pretty much the top of the line from what I’ve seen, as most exercises can even be tailored to fit your particular height or width. The simple but effective patented quick-change attachment technology makes transitioning between exercises quick and easy.
I’d recommend the Total Trainer DLX to those just starting out in their home gym and the Titan T1 for an advanced home gym, but really you can’t go wrong with either weight training machine.
Iron Tony
By irontony
I’ve written before about my love for my Total Trainer DLX III but it isn’t until I have someone over to train with me at home that they understand the full versatility and range of this machine.
There is nothing wrong with the Total Trainer DLX but I’d recommend the Total Trainer DLX III to anyone starting or upgrading a home gym without any hesitation.
As both a fitness buff and a personal fitness trainer I utilize Total Trainer DLX for both myself and my clients. Frankly it beats most machines I’ve seen at the gyms and clubs.
It is a serious upgrade from the machine I had before. It has everything the regular Total Trainer DLX does, but it also has some additions I cannot do without, including:
The 11 levels of resistance.
The chrome plated glide rails (love those).
A curl and press bar and a bicep power flex.
The ball bearing rollers are Speed Tough.
The extra large (heavy duty) squat board.
You can take a look at the DLX Total Trainer and the DLX Total Trainer III here and compare:
Bayou DLX Total Trainer
Bayou DLX Total Trainer III
Either is a great piece of equipment but after going with the DLX Total Trainer III I wouldn’t trade it for any piece of gym equipment in the world.
Iron Tony
By irontony
Training alone in the solitude of ones own world is peaceful, dynamic, and aggressively effective if one has the conviction it takes to undertake the challenge.
If you’re one of the growing number of folks short on time or tired of traffic and looking to get in shape without ever having to leave the home, check out the variety of home gym equipment you can purchase and decide on which set the right one for you.
Weight training equipment can come in either sets with the machine parts and free weights, or in parts. Purchasing a full set with equipment is great if you are looking to just get a good quality machine and be able to set up and begin your workout as soon as you get home.
When creating a home gym you also want to determine how much space you will have available. Doing so in the beginning will help you to decide what type of workout equipment you want to buy for your home gym. Before making any equipment purchases, take down some measurements of the available space as this will prove helpful when shopping for workout products.
The other deciding factor on how much equipment to purchase, and whether or not you can get by with just purchasing a set of free weights is determined by your level of experience with weight lifting and your prior knowledge of the machines associated with the workout you want to do, as well the results you want to achieve.
It is often better for a beginner to weight lifting to purchase a full set along with a machine to help aid you in your workouts, and introduce you to weight lifting.
In deciding on what weight set to purchase the majority of exercises that can get you into shape and build muscle fast can all be done with basic free weights, but the problem is it takes a person with experience to do the exercises right. So if you are a beginner to weight lifting, a machine will greatly benefit your workout experience.
Once you decide on whether to purchase just free weights or a machine as well you can check into the variety of brands and sets available. When purchasing a weight set there are brand names, similar to other products, that emphasize high quality. The benefits of purchasing a brand name weight set over a generic one is the guarantee of accurate weigh measurements of the weight set and the higher quality.
A Smith Machine can be a great purchase. Check out this article on Smith Machines.
A basic weight set with a couple hundred pounds will fit any home gym perfectly. Choosing the right equipment for you is all a matter of preference and how large your budget is and how often you plan on working out.
Also you will want to create a hospitality area that includes a small refrigerator to store cold bottled water, energy bars, and chilled towels. Dry towels should also be kept nearby.
Overall whether you are a beginner to weight lifting, or you are a seasoned veteran choosing the right home gym equipment can be a daunting task, but by simply verifying your needs, your budget, and your selection you can make an informed choice with ease.
By irontony
Most people tend to think of biceps when they begin thinking of adjustable dumbbell workouts. However, adjustable dumbbells are also ideal for growing and strengthening other muscle groups.
The chest can get great results from lifting dumbbells in specific routines. Learning how to incorporate other parts of the body in workout routines will give you more impressive and efficient results.
For instance, one exercise which can provide impressive results for your chests is called dumbbell flyes. This requires you to lie down on a bench or exercise ball. With weights in each hand and arms stretched to the sides nearly straight, you are then supposed to lift them in a “flying” motion to a postion with arms straight out, hands above your chest. This puts the muscles in your arms, chest and shoulders to work and gives you great results.
Adjustable dumbbell workouts can be used to work a variety of different muscle groups and give you great results quickly. These are very appealing pieces of gym equipment because they are inexpensive, easy to transport, and can be upgraded to greater weights very easily.
You can simply add more weight rings to the ends when you decide you want to move up to a higher weight group.
Adjustable dumbbells give people who have a limited amount of space and who don’t want the expense, hassle, or crowd of a gym results that can equal any other type of workout.
By irontony
Could pole dancing become an Olympic sport?
By irontony
The Smith Machine is a must for any well-equipped home gym. Using rep work like the Smith Machine squat can be a wonderful addition to your regular workout routine.
A Smith Machine is a rack with a suspended barbell that moves up and down on steel runners. There are safety pegs there to catch the weight if needed, so it is perfect for your home gym when you want to lift heavy weights but don’t have spotters handy.
You can get the Smith Machine here from Home Gym Deals. They are currently selling Smith machines about $200 to $300 off the list price.
The Smith Machine squat is very similar to a barbell squat. Here’s how to do it:
Stand with feet hip- or shoulder-width apart.
Place the bar just above the shoulders on the trapezius muscles (the meaty part of the shoulders). Keep in mind that some Smith Machines will reduce the weight of the bar and some won’t, so take care when adding weight the first time.
Bend the knees and lower into a squat. Stop when your knees are at 90-degree angles OR before you lose the natural arch of your back.
Contract the glutes and legs while stabilizing your body with a strong torso.
Slowly stand back up without locking the knees and repeat for 1-3 sets of 10-16 repetitions. Keep the knees in line with your toes.
Doing a variety of squats in your workouts and you can keep your body balanced and strong, and the Smith Machine is terrific used in this manner.
Also see this article on ab benches.
Iron Tony
By irontony
You have a lot of options when setting up a home gym. The choices for weight training fall into different categories.
Combination of portable equipment: Dumbbells, bench, balls, steps, bands, mats, ab workers etc. Nothing too complex here, just basic but extensible equipment.
Free weight stations: Adjustable benches, power racks for holding barbells, dumbbells, barbells and plates (round weights). Mostly movable equipment for more heavy duty use.
Multi-gyms based on steel or composite bands and cords: The flexing band creates the resistance.
Total Gym concept: This idea uses an adjustable height, inclined bench and sliding seat platform that uses your own body weight to increase resistance. See this article on Total Trainers.
Multi-gyms based on stacked weights. This most popular configuration uses a cable and pulley mechanism with stacked weights. You move the peg to select the weight.
Multi-gyms with provision for free weight plates. The round weights are manually fitted to the barbell extensions. See this article on benches.
All of these have their places in your home gym!
Iron Tony
By irontony
We all know that home gyms have limited space. If you own a weight bench that you can fold, you will be able to maximize your space and be able to perform all types of exercises.
It’s almost like training in the gym club as it allows you to enjoy all the varieties and flexibilities that gyms offer. When you’re done with your training, you can always fold it up and keep it away in your closet or under your bed.
A foldable bench has everything rolled into one and the best part is it is just a one-time purchase.
Owning a standard bench press is fine. But as time goes by, your muscles get used to it. This can cause your muscle growth to reach a plateau. An adjustable folding bench is the most effective way to help your muscles get to that next level
Also consider that a foldable bench also makes workouts with dumbbells or bar bells more efficient and you will achieve fitness goals faster.
A foldable bench is probably the most versatile piece of training equipment that you can find today. It offers comfort, functionality, convenience and, of course, versatility.
A great top-line folding weight bench is the Body Solid Powerline model.
if you want a more basic model try the standard Body Solid Folding Weight Bench.
A folding weight bench is a great way to get in good shape in the privacy of your home without worrying about space. Most importantly a folding weight allows you to enjoy and perform wide ranges of exercises without the need to buy new equipment for each exercise. Ultimately it saves you a lot of money.
Iron Tony
By irontony
Whether you are just starting to outfit your home gym or looking to upgrade what you already have, the Total Trainer DLX from Bayou is probably the place you want to start. I have a Bayou Total Trainer DLX and this is a superior machine for the home gym enthusiast that gives you everything you need at an affordable price.
The Total Trainer DLX permits you to set the level of resistance to any of 10 so you lift anywhere from 4% to 69% of your body weight. It is recommended that you start on the low end and increase the resistance as your strength and conditioning improves.
The Power Bar allows you to add standard free weights to the Total Trainer. Advanced users often add weight to increase the resistance while performing exercises such as leg squats and calf raises.
Many home gyms of the body weight type have only 6 levels of resistance but with the Total Trainer configuration you can push this up to 10. This is possible because the resistance rail is 44″ high. At level 10, the maximum resistance level, you will be lifting 69% of your body weight before adding additional weight to the Power Bar.
The Total Trainer includes several useful attachments including a Heavy Duty Leg Press Board. This attachment is used for leg squats, calf raises and many other exercises. Another included attachment is the Pull-up Push-up Bar that is used for an assortment of exercises including: pull-ups, chin-ups, shoulder press, behind neck press and push-ups.
If you want to get the Total Trainer out of the way it folds and rolls for easy storage. The procedure is straight forward and uncomplicated making Total Trainer easy to fold up in a matter of seconds so it can be rolled away for trouble free storage.
Most Total Trainers will run you from $500 to $1,200 but the DLX Total Trainer is a steal here at Home Gym Deals
You can also check out Total Trainer Review, What to Buy Where
Iron Tony
By irontony
Do you want kettlebells or dumbbells for your home gym? The answer is, you probably want both. Kettlebells and dumbbells are simply different strength tools and should be considered complimentary and not exclusive.
The primary benefits of kettlebell training lie in the philosophy of the movements that have grown up around it. Kettlebell drills have historically focused on working many muscle groups in unison while dumbbells have been more commonly used for isolation drills.
Kettlebells are also more convenient for explosive movement patterns which are frowned upon in most traditional mainstream gyms. Swings just feel more pleasant and natural with a kettlebell. The round, compact shape and offset handle are made for this movement pattern. The wide, angular dumbbell shape makes the movement awkward and less intuitive.
You can get the Troy Cast Iron 20-80 lb kettlebell set at Home Gym Deals on sale now:
Troy Cast Iron 20-80 lb Kettlebell Set for $839
You can find the set in the stores for around $900. You can also buy individual kettlebells.
There’s no doubt that dumbbells are a necessary and vital piece of equipment for any home gym. But with kettlebells you can increase the variety of your reps and have even more flexibility in your workout.
Iron Tony
You have to give it to the folks at Titan, the Titan T1 is likely the ultimate top model strength training weight machine for your home gym.
