Equipment recommendation???

[BustedUp]

Howdy.
I'm a disabled guy, and I was using free weights to try to keep from turning into a puddle of mush, but I can't really get a good workout that way due to the disability... I am not able to safely control the weights because of not having full use of my own body. I need the assistance of a machine of some sort.

I foolishly bought a Bowflex - and while it allowed me to do the full range of workouts without my disability being a problem, it just SUCKED. It just felt like crap. You know, rubber band feeling. Just couldn't get a good workout.

Does anyone have any advice on what to look for in a machine that will give me a good range of exercises WITH REAL WEIGHT and that is reasonably compact?
I want to try to limit the decline in my health, if not improve it, but it's tough for a disabled person.

Thanks.

 

[smaretick]

Howdy.
I'm a disabled guy, and I was using free weights to try to keep from turning into a puddle of mush, but I can't really get a good workout that way due to the disability... I am not able to safely control the weights because of not having full use of my own body. I need the assistance of a machine of some sort.

I foolishly bought a Bowflex - and while it allowed me to do the full range of workouts without my disability being a problem, it just SUCKED. It just felt like crap. You know, rubber band feeling. Just couldn't get a good workout.

Does anyone have any advice on what to look for in a machine that will give me a good range of exercises WITH REAL WEIGHT and that is reasonably compact?
I want to try to limit the decline in my health, if not improve it, but it's tough for a disabled person.

Thanks.

Have you looked into the multi-station machines with & without included weight stacks such as Nautilus makes?

 

[Scotsman]

Look at Cybex, or the hammer strength stack loaded equip. I am pretty sure that both companies make disabled access equipment. Both are pretty exspensive but will hold up for a long time useage wise.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[BustedUp]

Have you looked into the multi-station machines with & without included weight stacks such as Nautilus makes?

I haven't looked at anything specifically yet - I saw a sale on some Golds Gym stuff, and the price was reasonable, but I'm not sure about the quality and durability.

 

[BustedUp]

Look at Cybex, or the hammer strength stack loaded equip. I am pretty sure that both companies make disabled access equipment. Both are pretty exspensive but will hold up for a long time useage wise.

Cheers,
Scotsman

Thanks, I'll check it out. I don't really need anything specifically made for the disabled (which is why I could use the bowflex) I just need something that limits the range of motion to the desired one, etc. Something to spot for me.

 

[bignate73]

does it have to be selectorized weight? or could you use plate loaded?

if you could go plate loaded, then a power rack might do the trick. set the safeties and go to town.

 

[muscelove]

Maybe something like a smith machine???

 

[BustedUp]

does it have to be selectorized weight? or could you use plate loaded?

if you could go plate loaded, then a power rack might do the trick. set the safeties and go to town.

plate loaded would be fine.

 

[BustedUp]

Maybe something like a smith machine???

I'll add that name to my google list, with the others. thanks.

 

[bignate73]

plate loaded would be fine.

Youll have a ton of variety with a Power Rack. Low cost too. all you'll need is weight, which you can get cheap at local sporting good stores. I'd say for around $400 you could have your power rack and 300 lbs of weight. Then add a bench in and you open up your options more. you'll pay alot for a smith machine, and will be limited because the bar is in a fixed track.

Power Rack