Intrawebs’s BodyBlog

I must say, building this rack from PowerTec was so dam easy. It’s a good thing since they completly mislabled the numbers on the plastic bags for each post and bar, funny really! Every nut and bolt was the same size, no messing around trying to match things up. Also, sturdy as a brick house. I love it!

I just got my weights today, bought them used at 50cents/pound. They arent olympic but no worries since the price was right. Also have a stand for the weights. From the 4 install steps below you can see how quickly this comes together. You can also see what my wife did with the bolts when I was in the garage sorting out the parts. I got this from this site as well as 10% off and free straps (asked for in the comments section) and a free tshirt included with the purchase price. And to top it all off, free shipping! $314 total.

And then, the next step was absolute hell. Putting together a Body Solid bench was a nightmare. This thing had four seperate containers of different sized washers, nuts, bolts etc. The cusions did not go on well at all and I had to fight to get them on in the end. And all together it was very confusing. However, it is very strudy and comfortable and looks fabulous!

This was $228 from BigFitness.com and shipping was free (no tax).

With my wifes surgery and two weeks of vacation in August I will be starting to lift Sep 1st. In the meantime its my 3x/week rowing, lost another .5lbs this week.

I was able to flip a bowlfex for $300 profit, thanks craigslist.  I then went and ordered a Power Rack and a bench to go with it.  I can’t wait.  I got it from this site with the 10% off coupon and I asked for free straps and got them with my free T-Shirt.  So you cant beat that.

Once it arrives I’ll pick up some olympic weights and and start my strength training.  Good news, with the rowing and good eating I’ve lost another pound.

It’s a good thing and a bad thing I suppose.  I was planning on starting my 12 week program on the 7th, but, after 3 days of watching the bowflex DVD and doing it’s exercises I’ve realized I’m to tall (6′4") to fully extend many of the cables as detailed in the DVD even with the extenders.

On the plus side, I got it cheap and should be able to flip it and then buy some olympic weights and dumbbells and a bench.  Ideally I would like a Power Rack System, but I cant find a used one at all in Seattle.  So, still doing HIIT rowing 3-4 days per week for another week or two.

I bought a bowflex for $450 from craigslist vs. the $1200 retail and its never been used.  Now, mind you Im very limited on space so being able to do full body in a compact space is great.  Eventually when I have more room (can you say home equity loan) and then I’ll by some new equipment.

Anyway, moving stuff around today to make room for it.  I’ve watched the DVD once which is great becuase it shows every exercise and proper technique for it.  Tonight I hope to actually go through them all and pick my favorites and plan a couple of routines.  The wife and kids are in France right now, so, Led Zepplin is on full blast, it’s 80 degrees outside and sunny.  Great day!