Home Power rack or cage.

JustAbout · October 25th, 2009, 10:15 AM

My current gym might be closing after the first quarter of next year when their lease comes up for renewal. If this happens I want to start working out at home and I need some suggestions for a good quality home power cage that's not overaly expensive. I've done some looking but would like to get other opinions. This is my current choice.

E8100 Competition Series

It has a smith machine bar, but also has provisions for a regular bar to be used for all the lifts that I normally do; bench press, squats, etc. Some other things that I like about this one is that it looks to already have the provisions for lat pulldowns and the bench is included. Sears also has it for less that what is advertised in the link.

I'm open to other options, so suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
JustAbout

**IMFREAKZILLA** · October 25th, 2009, 11:30 AM

may look at dumb bells,,and of course weights,nice looking machine,preacher curl bar
barbell locks ,and a few other items I am probably missing.IMF

**pliny_2001** · October 25th, 2009, 01:53 PM

If I were in your position, I'd just start looking for a used power cage. If you gym goes belly-up, you might be able to buy that one, otherwise craigslist is always a good source for that stuff. A cage, a bench, a bar, some rings, some sandbags, a jump-rope, and a few plates should fill just about every need.

JustAbout · October 25th, 2009, 02:07 PM

I started looking at used equipment yesterday, but nothing in my area beyond the typical bow flex type. But I'm still looking and hoping, because I don't really want to buy brand new.

Unfortunetly my gym doesn't have an actual cage. They have individual pieces such as seperate flat, incline, decline benches, and one squat rack. There is a smith machine but it's not really a cage plus you can't use a standard bar with it. So nothing that I'd really be interested in spending money on.

I'd definately want to go more low tech for a lot of what I want to do. Simple is better.

Thanks for the replies so far.

JustAbout

**Insex** · October 26th, 2009, 09:36 PM

If your gym is going belly-up, maybe you could talk to the manager and see if you can buy some of the equipment that you liked. If they're going out of business, they'll have no use for that equipment anymore.

JustAbout · October 28th, 2009, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the reply. That's a good idea, but space is at a premium for me and I don't have the room for the three benches (incline, decline, and flat) plus the squat rack. But I will definately see about buying some of the dumb bells, bars, weights, and stuff like that if I get the chance.

Thanks,
JustAbout

**mooshue** · October 28th, 2009, 07:00 PM

definitely go with a cage over those smith or all in one machines. You can do so much more with a cage/adjustable bench/bar/plates than you ever could with those all in one or even a smith machine.

You don't need 3 benches, you need 1 adjustable, move the safety pins in the cage up or down depending on your bench type and go. You can even slide in the bars to help weak points.
pull ups, rack chins, rack pulls, rack dead's, squats, lunges, bench, shrugs, barbell curls, barbell skull crushers, calf raises, shoulder press, ..... i mean you could literally work your entire body inside the cage.

If i have to start working out at home, im getting one of these

Amazon.com: Champion Field House Series Power...
Amazon.com: Champion Field House Series Power...

with everything i described above.

**burntrat** · October 30th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mooshue

definitely go with a cage over those smith or all in one machines. You can do so much more with a cage/adjustable bench/bar/plates than you ever could with those all in one or even a smith machine.

You don't need 3 benches, you need 1 adjustable, move the safety pins in the cage up or down depending on your bench type and go. You can even slide in the bars to help weak points.
pull ups, rack chins, rack pulls, rack dead's, squats, lunges, bench, shrugs, barbell curls, barbell skull crushers, calf raises, shoulder press, ..... i mean you could literally work your entire body inside the cage.

If i have to start working out at home, im getting one of these
Amazon.com: Champion Field House Series Power Cage Gym Equipment: Sports & Outdoors with everything i described above.

That is exactly what I am looking for, but waaaayyy out of my budget. How much would a used one go for typically?
And do they come in shorter models? Something under 8'?

**pliny_2001** · October 30th, 2009, 05:25 PM

They make shorter ones, probably right at 8 feet - have to check to be sure. No idea about typical prices, but I'd have difficulty imagining someone spending 1/2 of of its new price; it's the kind of thing you just look around for, and eventually find when someone's having a moving/new baby/garage/spring cleaning sale- if you want it on a schedule, ebay or new.

JustAbout · November 1st, 2009, 04:26 PM

Mooshue,

That's exactly what I want. Now I just need to find a used one that is a little shorter.

Thanks,
JustAbout