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[The Take Out Bandit]

This is not an invitation for teh butt-seckz.

I'm looking for suggestions for a new weight bench, non-Olympic just to accomodate what I've currently got; and hopefully in the price range of $100.

Since I workout sans spotter, I'd like something that would allow me to do military press style exercises; and some leg exercises. Are there particular manufacturers you would suggest over another? Retailers?

I went into Champs today hoping they'd have some stuff I could fool around on, but it turns out Champs is now just The Gap for Jocks. Hey - how about some, I dunno - exercise equipment?!

I may check Sears.

I'd like to try the bench out. My ten year old bitch is missing parts and really shaky, but I recall not liking the range of motion on some of the attachments. IIRC, it was a Weider, before all the blood and sweat wore the logo away.

 

[Future Trunks]

Sorry, working late these days to earn some comp time. Plus Toastmasters, drawing/writing, Japanese, MMA classes, and masters work keep me busy.

Does your city have a used fitness equipment store? Or a more local chain?

Actually finding a bench with a leg extension attachment (and incline ability) should be no prob for under $100 - deals on those are pretty frequent. Personally, I have yet to buy fitness equipment (gimme another one and a half to two years to assemble my gym) other than the standard training accessories, but from working in the sports and recreation retail side early in college, I can tell you that you shouldn't have a problem finding a bench like that above for under $100. I (or rather, my parents) used to own a Weider bench like yours that I used.

I would say a slightly less known chain than Champs would offer a better deal. If Sears and those guys don't give you a good enough deal, scout around some of these guys:
http://www.google.com/local?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=fitness+equipment&near=Cleveland,+OH&sa=X&oi=localr
I assumed you lived in Cleveland.

Bench manufacturers: Weider's a staple for home stuff (personally, I'd go with Icarian, Hammer Strength or someone, but that's because I'd buy a more heavy duty bench to accomodate my workout and size - as you mentioned before, "Olympic style"). Especially smaller benches and homegyms. I've actually seen whole homegyms for just under $400. I agree with you about the range of motion on the leg curls and leg extensions attachments of many benches (weider), it's too narrow, doesn't allow your legs to naturally diverge.

Here's a Gold's Gym weight bench for $107 from Walmart. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/prod...ct_id=2400609&sourceid=0100000030900866802498
It has the same range of motion issue for leg extensions though - but that's to be expected for any non homegym/non-leg ext. specific machine. But it has A LOT of exercises for the price they're asking. It doesn't include a barbell (I assume you'll use your old one or get an Olympic type of barbell....I DO recommend the olympic barbell though...that skinny Weider one isn't going to work too well for long on a bench like this). The squat rack could be used for military presses with a small stool/chair with backing to sit on.

I pointed out the Walmart one cause you may be able to find it in store and try it out like you said you wanted to.

http://www.dealtime.com/xDN-Sport_and_Outdoor--personal_fitness-home_gyms~S-2~OR-0~V-rows <---there's another bench on page one for $99 (Impex). Of course, you may not be able to try these all out, so this may not help much. :lol

I'll keep an eye out for anything while I'm in a store though.

A personal request: Do you have a portfolio or something I could see? Have you ever tried your hand at comic book interiors? I was just curious.

(This post was written over the span of about an hour, so I ask questions and then answer them or present something then follow up later in the post, sorry about that)

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Sorry, working late these days to earn some comp time. Plus Toastmasters, drawing/writing, Japanese, MMA classes, and masters work keep me busy.

Good work. That's all quite admirable, you're a better man than myself.

A personal request: Do you have a portfolio or something I could see? Have you ever tried your hand at comic book interiors? I was just curious.

Yeah, I've done a few small comics, or dojinshi if you must - it was largely fan material. The best advice I have to offer is to paraphrase Dave Sim, if you can't produce at a single page a day; you're not ready to do comics.

Now the page depends on what your goals are. Me, I write, pencil, ink, letter, and all that. I'm a one man show. Obviously if you only want to focus on a particular aspect of cartooning; your life will be that much easier.

Check your PM for further details.

Thanks for the info. After I take care of some car repairs tomorrow, I'll see if I have anything left over for steroids and a bench. :lol