Multigym vs Free weights

**Milkshake** · 20-01-2008 07:38 PM

Are multi gyms worth the investment?

**Tommy** · 20-01-2008 07:41 PM

No

**MikeK** · 20-01-2008 07:49 PM

Depends on your goals. For general health, a multigym in the garage is a far better investment than a power rack and 300kg oly plates!

If you train alone, a multigym may be a safer option.

For bodybuilding or powerlifting free weights are used fat more than multigyms as the lifts incorporate several muscles that otherwise would not be used on a multigym.

**CosmicFish** · 20-01-2008 07:55 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by Milkshake

Are multi gyms worth the investment?

Based on personal experience I'd say no. Several years ago a bought a Kettler multigym for about £750. I found it far too limiting and never really got much out of it. Two years ago I got a power rack, bench, 7' oly bar and 185kg of free weights for ~£200 less. It's far more versatile and, with the safety pins in place, arguably ever safer than the multigym.

The only thing the multigym had going for it over the free weights was that it took up less space.

**Milkshake** · 20-01-2008 08:00 PM

i got my dads old gym few years back which was a proper york 1 but i need more weight but the pro multi gyms cost alot and my free weights need a upgrade too so about to spend alot on either free weights or a heavy multi gym hmmm ill just get like a 200kg odd free weight set i think

Quote

Originally Posted by CosmicFish

Based on personal experience I'd say no. Several years ago a bought a Kettler multigym for about £750. I found it far too limiting and never really got much out of it. Two years ago I got a power rack, bench, 7' oly bar and 185kg of free weights for ~£200 less. It's far more versatile and, with the safety pins in place, arguably ever safer than the multigym.

The only thing the multigym had going for it over the free weights was that it took up less space.

i think am looking at the same place u got urs as theres a deal on a 235kg set and u got a bench for bench press or what?doesn't it hurt your back

Rab J.C · 20-01-2008 08:15 PM

no matter what your training for...general fitness or bodybuilding...a rack and free weights are the best option.

1 - you will get more out of them
2 - they wont break, unlike a crappy machine
3- you can do much more with free weights
4 - you would be cheaper with the free weights opposed to any half decent multigym

Rab

**Sty Stallone** · 20-01-2008 08:30 PM

Rack , weights and lat attachment - like me !!!

**WillSpengler** · 20-01-2008 09:29 PM

Rack and weights.

Also go for Oly weights, you wont miss having to screw the collars on each time! The way they rotate is also very useful for if your Cleans etc.

There are a number of places that have Oly weights pretty cheap, you also get sets for not too much on ebay.

The oly weights, and a power rack, and you should be set

Maybe a flat bench that you could slide into the power rack for doing benching on could be good?

I made the mistake of getting a bench and squat stands, they are both good, but really wish id gotten a power rack!

**radicalry00** · 20-01-2008 09:31 PM

My friend paid £350 for one of those Marcy ones from argos and it's pretty poor to be honest.

The bench press only provides resistance for about half of the pushing movement, you can't do shoulders/legs and it's too light.

Get a bench and some olympic weights. Much better value for money.

**Jonathan** · 20-01-2008 10:18 PM

Free weights every time. You can get a good (new) set up of weights, rack and bench for under £500 whilst I have been told that no multigym under a grand is worth considering. Plus, second hand free weights are very cheap if you can find them. I second what others have said by only recommending olympic weightsets. Standard ones are almost completely pointless.