does anyone have recommendations for a home gym? my son is a freshman pitcher and i'd like to buy him a system for his bday!!
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My son is a sophomore pitcher and our home gym consists of a Smith Style machine (bench, squat, lat pull down, cable row, etc..), a hack/squat machine, hex dumbbell pairs up to 85 lbs, a couple curl bars, medicine balls and alot of olympic plates.
Just go on Craigslist and buy a machine and other equipment for half or less the cost of new. I've been getting the dumbbells for less than $0.50 per pound. I wouldn't pay over that.
Just go on Craigslist and buy a machine and other equipment for half or less the cost of new. I've been getting the dumbbells for less than $0.50 per pound. I wouldn't pay over that.
i would get a bowflex. its resitance training. much safer and can be done without supervision.
i would avoid any kind of weight you dont want your son to lift without a spotter.
go to their website and check it out but go to craigslist to buy one.
another good alternative would be go join a fitness 19 or something. 20 bucks a month and he gets full use of the gym's equip.
i would avoid any kind of weight you dont want your son to lift without a spotter.
go to their website and check it out but go to craigslist to buy one.
another good alternative would be go join a fitness 19 or something. 20 bucks a month and he gets full use of the gym's equip.
Since he is a pitcher all he would need is:
therabands (you can buy packs of them with different resistance)
two 3 lbs weights (also maybe 2 - 5 lbs weights)
That's really it. He can get a great workout at his home with only those things. No need to spend the extra money. If you aren't worried about the money, then I would first start off with one of those squat racks with the pull up bar. That way he can do squats, lunges, pull ups, and even bench (although pitchers shouldn't do much bench).
Everything else he will need as a pitcher will be those band and the weights. The great thing about those too is that he can throw them in his bag and take them with him.
Please tell your son good luck this season!
therabands (you can buy packs of them with different resistance)
two 3 lbs weights (also maybe 2 - 5 lbs weights)
That's really it. He can get a great workout at his home with only those things. No need to spend the extra money. If you aren't worried about the money, then I would first start off with one of those squat racks with the pull up bar. That way he can do squats, lunges, pull ups, and even bench (although pitchers shouldn't do much bench).
Everything else he will need as a pitcher will be those band and the weights. The great thing about those too is that he can throw them in his bag and take them with him.
Please tell your son good luck this season!
The P90X workout program (DVD set) is phenomenal for pitchers and guys who don't necessarily want to bulk up under heavy lifts but want a well-rounded, super-functional and explosive body. You'd need a pair of adjustable weight dumbells (up to 50#), push-up grips/handles, and a good pullup bar (one with the extensions and different grips - not just a straight bar). Rubber tubing also comes in handy. You can google it and check out the DVD set workouts. I love this program. I also have its cousin, the Insanity Plyo-Cardio program.
I work in the fitness industry as a manuf. rep. I am very familiar w your needs. I have attended many seminars and speak w trainers, strength coaches, physical therapists and our strength engineers regularly.
IMO
1. at your sons age, he needs to do the basic movements of strength training and build a solid base with the large muscle groups (chest, back, legs... shoulders, but lighter) for the next year to year & 1/2.
2. I feel the best/safest way to do this is with a total body machine. The reason is this; these machine will allow your son to the exercises in "machine defined" path of motion. That is the safety part and will reinforce proper form and path of motion.
3. find a machine if you can with a leg press attachment, building that base is so important.
Your son will likely "grow" out of the machine at the end of the year and half, but at that time he will be ready for more advanced training with both his physical strength and his age and phys maturity.
I also strongly feel at your sons age he should focus more on the basic sterength movements and building that sttrong core strength with those large muscle groups. Stay away from the more "funtional training" programs or multiple joint movement at first.
If you would like to semd me a PM and let me know how much you are looking to spend I will recommend some different options from different places or even point you in the direction of a used commercial dealer in Jersey that you can get a deal on.
Good luck.
IMO
1. at your sons age, he needs to do the basic movements of strength training and build a solid base with the large muscle groups (chest, back, legs... shoulders, but lighter) for the next year to year & 1/2.
2. I feel the best/safest way to do this is with a total body machine. The reason is this; these machine will allow your son to the exercises in "machine defined" path of motion. That is the safety part and will reinforce proper form and path of motion.
3. find a machine if you can with a leg press attachment, building that base is so important.
Your son will likely "grow" out of the machine at the end of the year and half, but at that time he will be ready for more advanced training with both his physical strength and his age and phys maturity.
I also strongly feel at your sons age he should focus more on the basic sterength movements and building that sttrong core strength with those large muscle groups. Stay away from the more "funtional training" programs or multiple joint movement at first.
If you would like to semd me a PM and let me know how much you are looking to spend I will recommend some different options from different places or even point you in the direction of a used commercial dealer in Jersey that you can get a deal on.
Good luck.
The best "bang for the buck" machine I have seen so far is located at Dicks Sporting goods. Thinking about getting one for my son as well.
Weider 875 Commercial Smith Rack & Bench
Weider 875 Commercial Smith Rack & Bench