Buying new equipment

Seems like I should know what to do by now but I wanted to bounce some ideas around. My gym closed a couple of weeks ago and I am getting antsy to get working out again. I don't really feel much like joining another gym for a couple of reasons. One of which is the fact that my 19 year old son wants to start working out. I was all set to buy a particular power rack, Powertec with dip bars included, but after measuring up the available space in my basement I found it would either have to take up a whole room or squeeze under the beam and heat ducts. It is 2' too high although I could modify it a bit to lower it. On top of that it is on order and not due for another 2 weeks. The only racks in stock are a Northern Lights, too high, and the basic Body Solid. I never much cared for the basic one but they seem to have expanded the floor plate so that there is more room. Another option is the open rack type of setup. There is a Tuff Stuff one that basically looks like a squat stand with spotter bars, it is cheaper, well made and in stock. Along with a basic flat bench it would do the job. There is also a decent looking powertec model with attchable bench. Adjustable benches are nice but generally too high. I would like the leg attachment though.

Has anyone had any experience using the open squat rack style at home? Do you think I should just wait and get the other rack or should I get the Body Solid one?

I have built many open racks (step racks) out of wood. They worked just fine. Back in the day before power racks became common, they were used all the time. I am not sure what you are looking at. Maybe post a picture or two.

But if your space is limited, and you are going be in the basement anyway, why not just build something in?

The only real issue I see is safety and the lack of a chin bar. I really don't see losing the weight beyond any kind of safety spotter type supports. If you are going to lose it (a very rare event) you just guide it on to the supports. If you got some floor joists available, you can rig up a chin bar.

Sounds good. My garage is full with two cars (teenager) and 2 bikes. Saving money is always good. I still owe a bundle on my vacation.

Weight sounds much like I was going to get anyway (minus the 35s) Do you have the Powertec system (with pulldown) or just the rack?.

What kind of bar?

These are current new prices for this stuff. Rack (rack only) $459 Fitness Direct Weights $0.49/lb Fitness Depot 810 + change = ~$400+ Bar - varies according to quality. $89-$300 1000 lb bar = $140 at Fitness Direct. Lifetime bar at Fitness Depot is $329 Bench $84 to $300+ depending on features and brand The flat bench I was going to buy is $128 at Fitness Depot. (Closest to IPF legal height) I was looking at about $1100 to $1200 for new. Tell me how much you want and I'll work out transportation. I have a buddy at U-Haul. Maybe they have a unit to come back here and I could get it cheap.

I was home sick today. If I'm at work tomorrow my number is 986-7157 or at home 663-7705 Give me a call or email me (I don't have your current email address

Jeez, I'd buy 'em. I'll go rent a Home Depot truck and be right up. Let's see: $20/hr, yahoo says it's 28 hrs each way, ...

Be careful there. In this day of diseases, we have to be careful. Is there any chance of being Homanized by getting this equipment?? Is this a contagious disease? How is it spread? You can't be too careful.