Gym gurus, do I need these machines?

[Driller]

After recently putting in a cross trainer I'm having a bit of a re-think about my home gym.

I've found that there are a few machines I'm not using that often and wondering if I need them at all bearing in mind there is only limited time to do a few workouts a week + running/rowing.

The three in question are preacher curl, hyper-extension and leg extension/curl. Getting rid of these would create a bit more space too.

This would leave a power rack, pull up/leg raise tree, lat pull/low pulley (thinking of getting rid too!) and deadlift bar and dumbells.

I'm thinking more and more that doing the compound exercises is taking care of the biceps, triceps, traps etc

What do you guys think?

[pilchardthecat]

Depends if you use a "proper" gym as well, or just your home setup

and what sort of training you prefer/what your goals are

[AdamTheTrader]

Depends what your objectives are but if you're considering doing compound exercises i assume you're going for mass- in which case you'll do just fine without them

If you did want to do isolation movements though I'd say that a cable crossover machine is your best bet

[essexplumber]

NeMiSiS said:

You need more mirrors, definitely need more mirrors, in fact you can't have too many mirrors.

And a swimwear spinner is a MUST.

I love swimwear spinners, I go swimming just so I can use it

[Onemcs]

Have you thought about a machine with cable pulley system? That would cover Upper Body + Core and minimal lower body

Then get a bar for compound exercises and you can use that for biceps and chest too.

[Driller]

@Pilchard and Adam, I only use the home gym, mostly only twice a week, sometimes three. I go running once a week and have starting using my Concept2 more.

The idea is to stay strong so I don't put the back/neck out at work and maintain/slightly build lean/defined muscle mass although I'm a hard gainer.

At the moment doing deadlifts with a dedicated bar, squats and benches in the power rack and dips and pullups on the fitness tree. Lateral raises from time to time.

Been doing gym on and off for 20 odd years.

Just thinking in these conditions these other three machines are not doing anything and with the limited time are going to detract from the other main exercises.

I'm not looking to replace them with anything just looking for a helpful shove to convince me to part with them.

[pilchardthecat]

i think you've answered your own question. Compound exercise is a good approach - you can add isolation for areas you find difficult, but isolation as a strategy requires a lot of equipment and you cant do it properly in a home gym.

keep on the Concept 2 though :-)

[Driller]

Thanks for the confirmation

As for isolation exercises, I just can't justify the time for this but out of interest what other machines and free weights would you need? I'm struggling to think how I could add anything to what I have, I'm not using all the machines as it is!

ETA Part of thus is also wanting to free up some more time for rowing training. MacGee on the rowing thread was talking about compound exercise + ergometer so I thought I'd give it a try.

[BenM77]

Sounds like you have a great setup you don't need the m/c's as everything is covered with your free weights.

If you are itching to buy something once you have got rid of them then try a kettlebell, I don't think you can beat them.

[Lost_BMW]

NeMiSiS said:

You need more mirrors, definitely need more mirrors, in fact you can't have too many mirrors.

And a swimwear spinner is a MUST.

But leaving room for the cross over machine, of course.

[Famous Graham]

Not trolling, honest, but is there really anything you can only do with machines that you can't do with free weights (and the odd bit of furniture)?

[pilchardthecat]

Driller said:

Thanks for the confirmation

As for isolation exercises, I just can't justify the time for this but out of interest what other machines and free weights would you need? I'm struggling to think how I could add anything to what I have, I'm not using all the machines as it is!

ETA Part of thus is also wanting to free up some more time for rowing training. MacGee on the rowing thread was talking about compound exercise + ergometer so I thought I'd give it a try.

I'm a core strength nut, so i'd suggest you get an ab wheel and some balance gear (try doing dumbell work on a balance board - compound exercise in extremis)

[Halb]

Ditch the preacher curl and leg extension/curl things.
Keep the hyper-extension thing.

[Driller]

Thanks for that Halb. Out of interest do deadlifts not work the same part of the lower back than the hyperextension machine?

What do you think about the usefulness of a latpull with low pulley machine for someone who does pullups?

[MacGee]

Rich....don't you have a good gym near you? All those sexy French chicks to spur you on!

I find it easier to get motivated at the gym than at home. Save your Francs and get down le gym!

[Halb]

Driller said:

Thanks for that Halb. Out of interest do deadlifts not work the same part of the lower back than the hyperextension machine?

What do you think about the usefulness of a latpull with low pulley machine for someone who does pullups?

All the deadlifts hit that area. But the HE machine is so useful. Not sure it's set-up but you might be able to do reverse hypers on them, and you will be able to do side ones for your obliques. Currently my weak ass ankle makes deadlifts (and other things awkward, I am experimenting with Romanian ones), with the hyperextensions I can still get that area without overloading them. Or say you do squats and then your legs are too beat to do deads, then the hyper is a good thing to have.
Or say yours is like the one in the pic? You can do Roman chairs.
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/HipFlexors/WtR...

I like lat pulldowns, used to do them all the time as my primary back exercise. Not done them for years but I know I got strong off doing them right. Not sure what you mean by 'low pulley'? You are using lat pulldowns as a way to get strong to do more pullups?

[Driller]

It's the opposite infact as I'm trying to get rid of some gear...I spent a fair bit on it in the first place and have a dedicated room so I can't really justify a gym membership. Just realised over the last few years there's some redundant kit I hardly ever use.

Point definitely taken for the gym bints though!

[MacGee]

Sell all the kit and join a gym! You know I'm right!