$100 weight bench with weights?

WEATHERBY460 · 01-07-2013, 16:45

Are the cheaper weight bench sets that usually cost around $100 any good? I currently own a treadmill and want to get into some basic weight lifting. Thanks

also...any advice on the weights and bench should be used.

California Jack · 01-07-2013, 19:36

Don't know what you are referring to. I offer that if you are talking about plastic shells filled with concrete, than avoid it. If you are talking about metal weights than it should be ok. If you are talking about a 300 pound set, for that price, I doubt the bench would be safe.

Lift the weights. Bench press on the bench. That is how to use them. You don't need a bench to get good gains lifting weights.

furioso2112 · 01-07-2013, 19:45

That's right. I like the book 'the new rules of weightlifting' by Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove. Simple read, very plain descriptions. I bought that and 'Strength Training Anatomy' - to help me figure out form and all, to avoid injuries. (New Rules has) piles of workouts, talks briefly about nutrition, includes a 'beginners' workout for a couple weeks, talks about what types of things to do and not do - and explains in plain language why. No new fad inventions or anything, just some common sense stuff. For working out alone in my home when I was getting started, it was all I needed.

BCR · 01-08-2013, 06:45

A bench at that price sounds very sketchy.

I'd look on craigslist for a bench and some weights.

crazyasian1 · 01-08-2013, 07:56

Definietly not. Expect to spend AT LEAST $100 on a simple flat bench, more for an adjustable and still more for a good becnch press setup. Stay away from the 1" bars if you're serious about lifting. Get a good 7' long 2" dia. bar and weights. All told, for a simple bench, barbell and weights expect to spend ~$500 for a brand new set, but I've had great luck doing what BCR said above, going on Craigslist and wheeling and dealing. Got about $2k of equipment in my basement for about $600. People are always getting rid of their stuff they don't use and if you take your time you'll find some great deals. Just my $.02.

ashecht · 01-08-2013, 10:45

I much prefer going to a gym. I personally enjoy the extra motivation. Working out at home requires great discipline since there are so many distractions. Phone, visitors, etc. much easier for me when I am out of the house

ARP · 01-08-2013, 13:00

on your body. You Are Your Own Gym by Mark Lauren

Almost all the exercises in the book are things you can do at home or in a hotel room and add some very basic equipment to form a routine. I can run thru a mini workout, while I'm on the road getting dressed in the morning in my hotel room. I'm on the road a lot so I needed to find something that I could use/do other than rely on broken hotel equipment.

California Jack · 01-08-2013, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyasian1

Stay away from the 1" bars if you're serious about lifting. Get a good 7' long 2" dia. bar and .

To clarify, he is talking about the end of the bar, the sleeve, not the part you hold. The 2" diameter (actually it is a little less than 2") are called Olympic bars. The 1" diameter bars are called standard bars. I prefer Oly bars. The sleeves rotate. But don't dismiss standard bars. Plenty of people have gotten plenty strong lifting standard bars.

jakebrake · 01-08-2013, 15:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCR

A bench at that price sounds very sketchy.

I'd look on craigslist for a bench and some weights.

^^^^this!!!

a new hundred dollar weight bench is a disaster waiting to happen

California Jack · 01-08-2013, 16:08

Is the OP getting only a bench for $100 or a bench and weights? I am confused by this.

Anyhow I bought a flat bench from overstock.com for a lithely under $100 and it is solid.

Now if it is weights and a bench I guarantee it is crap.

WEATHERBY460 · 01-08-2013, 16:17

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=35-23313769-2

jakebrake · 01-08-2013, 16:25

weatherby, i don't think that that bench is a good idea. that's just my opinion. gonna be light grade metal, have shallow bar hooks, and the leg attachment will hack you off in 10 minutes. willing to bet. these are about the same grade as you get at sports authority. they are not trustworthy. i know it say 300#, but hell if i would trust it with my face and throat under that bar. (go to a sears and havea look)

look on craigslist.

not trying to sound like a creep.

California Jack · 01-08-2013, 20:11

If you are trying to save money, skip the bench. Bench pressing is overrated. Buy $100 worth of weights and read this..... http://republicommando.livejournal.com/756.html

Detectorist · 01-09-2013, 02:59

I purchased a very high quality bench, like new, for only $50. from a used fitness equipment store.

If you're serious, get a bench and a power cage. I had to sacrifice but I got mine and love it.

BCR · 01-09-2013, 05:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakebrake

weatherby, i don't think that that bench is a good idea. that's just my opinion. gonna be light grade metal, have shallow bar hooks, and the leg attachment will hack you off in 10 minutes. willing to bet. these are about the same grade as you get at sports authority. they are not trustworthy. i know it say 300#, but hell if i would trust it with my face and throat under that bar. (go to a sears and havea look)

look on craigslist.

not trying to sound like a creep.

Totally agree.

That thing is a joke. Not designed properly at all. Please avoid it.

Green_Manelishi · 01-10-2013, 16:25

Look on Craigslist or other local newspaper "for free".

Some years ago a fortunate couple ended up with a FREE squat rack, adjustable bench, o-bar, o-curl bar, weight tree, well over 200 lbs of weight AND an elliptical trainer when I moved and did not have the room for the equipment. Could I have sold the stuff? Perhaps, but it was used and they were happy so I was happy.