What strength training machines are best to buy for home?

Author: Timko Ilya - master of the whole project and fitness trainer.
2011-03-21

All prices are relevant as of spring 2011! But the essence of the article is not about prices.

So, let’s assume that:

1. You’ve read the first part of the article and you will spend your first 40,000 rubles specifically on the equipment I recommended there.

2. You have more than 40,000 rubles and can afford to buy a few strength machines for home in addition to that.

Then let’s get started. All strength machines can be conditionally divided into replaceable and irreplaceable. Well, this is all conditional. Replaceable machines are those that simply replicate similar exercises with barbells and dumbbells. For example, the chest press machine is an analogue of dumbbell flyes. There is no need for such machines at home, so we won’t consider them.

Consequently, the conditionally irreplaceable machines are those for which you cannot replicate the exercises with free weights. Or you can replicate them only at a distance. It is these machines that interest us. After all, your budget and space in your home are limited.

A few words about multi-gyms. At first glance, they seem economical, practical, and convenient. For the price of one machine, you get a whole compound. But this is only at first glance. Their quality typically leaves much to be desired, and they break quickly. The same can be said about the convenience of performing exercises on them. Therefore, I do not recommend purchasing them. And since I do not recommend them, I won’t discuss them further.

So, I’ll list several machines that you must buy first. You can then decide which ones you need most.

1. Horizontal and Vertical Pull

Combined upper and lower pull (124 kg) - 45,000 rubles. Pull-ups are great, but not everyone can do them. And you can’t do horizontal pulls with free weights (Bent-over barbell row is a bit different). Of course, you can buy separate machines. But there’s nothing wrong with dual machines. This will be an ideal option for home.

2. Leg Press

Leg Press Machine - 34,500 rubles. If you have back problems and cannot place axial loads on your spine, then this machine is irreplaceable. Of course, you can find cheaper options online. But good machines will serve you for a long time (at least 10 years). If you are serious about your training, it’s not worth skimping on quality.

3. Pull-up Bar and Parallel Bars

Press-Pull-Up-Parallels (wall-mounted) - 8,800 rubles. If you’re too lazy to go to a sports area, this will be an excellent option. This setup is suitable for dips, pull-ups, and abdominal training. By the way, the parallel bars can also be used as a stand for the barbell.

4. Ab Bench

Ab Bench - 10,500 rubles. You can also add an ab bench to everything listed above. In principle, it’s not strictly necessary. You can do crunches on the floor. But... On this bench, you can perform bench presses with a barbell and dumbbells at a downward angle. This can come in handy.

5. Hyperextension (Bending Over a Horse)

Hyperextension (Bending Over a Horse) Horizontal - 10,400 rubles. If you still have money left, then buy a hyperextension (Roman chair). Back extensions are a very beneficial exercise, especially for those who have lower back pain. Additionally, you can perform crunches (facing up) on this machine.

So that's pretty much it. This looks like the basic set of strength machines. All of this will cost you around 109,200 rubles. If you search online, you might be able to "assemble" a similar setup for even less. But it may involve completely different manufacturers. When saving money, don’t forget about quality. You can evaluate other brands, but in my opinion, these are the most optimal options for home use. I have arranged the machines in order of their importance. So look for yourself what your finances allow.

Why didn't I include cardio machines here? I’m not against them; they do have their benefits. However, they do not belong in the list of most necessary equipment. These are conditionally replaceable machines. Any nearby school stadium can easily substitute for them. But if you still have money left, you might consider buying an elliptical trainer. Here are some budget-friendly ellipticals for home use.

ATTENTION! I do not collaborate with the stores mentioned in this article and do not receive any benefits from your purchases. This selection of equipment is completely impartial and professional.

To summarize, if you combine all the equipment from the first and second parts of the article, you will have almost a full gym at home with investments of 151,300 rubles. Such a gym will be just a little short of a real gym in terms of functionality. You will have everything necessary for full - fledged workouts. Everything except one thing: a trainer. But that’s a completely different story...