No, I owned a Gym, get a membership for 6 months, by then you will know if it's something you are going to make part of your lifestyle or not, 90% of the people who join Gyms, never show up after 6 months, same with exercise machines. You won't have your gun and be stuck with a fancy cloths hanger., 6 is months now less than $100.00, LA FItness is doing $10.00 a month with nothing down, don't trade your gun, Bowflex is really a boring way to work out, at least in a club you interact with other people and get motivated, Working out at home takes much more disipline, I have done both. It's good for "filling in", but not as your only workout schedule. The most important thing is diet, and Cardio, you need the free weights to really give you a balanced shape, the elastic bands will not contract the muscle in different spots or angles like a dumbell or barbell will, you will tire of it quicklly.
Silly question: would you trade a gun for exercise equipment?
- Thread starter docnyt
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Yep, I'd trade it.
I sold a gun to buy a chainsaw once. My dad needed one and couldn't afford it, so I bought one and "keep" it at his house.
If you need something else more than you need the gun and you have your bases covered, why not?
It's not like it's being melted down - another shooter will be enjoying it. If anything, you're actually expanding gun ownership by trading that gun!
I sold a gun to buy a chainsaw once. My dad needed one and couldn't afford it, so I bought one and "keep" it at his house.
If you need something else more than you need the gun and you have your bases covered, why not?
It's not like it's being melted down - another shooter will be enjoying it. If anything, you're actually expanding gun ownership by trading that gun!
22-rimfire
Member
Unless you have a lot of extra room which I don't, I have trouble finding a permanent place for an exercise machine of any sort. I hope you enjoy your Bowflex. I doubt however that you will miss the firearm.
SleazyRider
Member
Look to the curb for a treasure trove of exercise equipment on almost any given garbage night. Yard sales always have a wide assortment of it as well, from treadmills to weight benches. Ditto for the want ads. There's a reason America is getting fat.
The same cannot be said for firearms.
Keep your firearms; buy or scrounge your exercise equipment.
The same cannot be said for firearms.
Keep your firearms; buy or scrounge your exercise equipment.
leadcounsel
member
If you look at the gun as an asset, then sure. But I have never met ANYONE that gets fit using a bowflex.
But keep in mind that guns are a hard-to-come by commodity and exercise gear is practically given away on for-sale sites.
Some simple olympic weights, a jumprope, some crossfit equipment, a doorway pullup bar and some discipline will make you very fit. You can coble that together for a few hundred bucks.
If I were in your shoes, I would sell the AK for cash, and spend the cash on used equipment on Craigslist or similar sites. You'll be able to build up a great home gym in no time.
Alternately, I have tried the home gym method and it fails. Some can do it, I don't. I would just get a gym membership.
But keep in mind that guns are a hard-to-come by commodity and exercise gear is practically given away on for-sale sites.
Some simple olympic weights, a jumprope, some crossfit equipment, a doorway pullup bar and some discipline will make you very fit. You can coble that together for a few hundred bucks.
If I were in your shoes, I would sell the AK for cash, and spend the cash on used equipment on Craigslist or similar sites. You'll be able to build up a great home gym in no time.
Alternately, I have tried the home gym method and it fails. Some can do it, I don't. I would just get a gym membership.
It's a gun not some heirloom or holy relic. If you're not using it or don't care about it then get rid of it if you want something else. If your tastes change in the future then get another AK.Too late now. I said goodbye to my AMD65 and said hello to a Bowflex.
It wasn't as hard as I thought to trade a gun away. I've only traded one so far and only regretted it for a week or so.
Now if I can only squeeze time to exercise and go to the range, life will be perfect. Work gets in the way of life as you know.
Thanks to all who replied. Work out those other muscles besides the trigger finger ones.
I've had a Weider Crossbow for years and use it regularly. I'll agree that it's not like using free weights but you can tone up and gain strength using these machines. You can also do a range of exercises without a spotter. One warning though, don't leave the tension rods hooked up when it's not in use. I believe that they can lose some stiffness and weaken.
brassdog
Member
No...
docnyt
Member
Well the original problem was I don't have many opportunities to go to the gym, what with work and shuttling kids to and from school and extracurricular activities. Hopefully the laziness won't set in as is common with home gym stuff. Besides I never was a public gym type-preferred to work out with close friends. But my working nights is really cumbersome to exercising since I'm asleep during the day.
I got plenty of other toys so I can tolerate the loss of 1 rifle. In fact, I'm going to a track event with my M3 (the BMW type not the Benelli which I also have) soon. Too many hobbies too little time. Sigh.
I got plenty of other toys so I can tolerate the loss of 1 rifle. In fact, I'm going to a track event with my M3 (the BMW type not the Benelli which I also have) soon. Too many hobbies too little time. Sigh.
Erik M
Member
I look at the majority of my guns as a hedge investment. Ive traded more than one to cash, electronics, and Iver received guns as part of trades on vehicles and outer items. Just the ones like an unfired Ruger Vaquero and my 78' S&W Model 29 i dont think I could ever part with. Its a sentimental thing I assume.
BluesDancer
Member
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In my house, all the exercise machines collect dust. It is all about motivation. If you know you are going to use the bowflex regularly, and you stick with it, go for it.
Otherwise a steady diet of jogging, push-ups, and sit-ups (every other day if possible) will do you good as well.
Otherwise a steady diet of jogging, push-ups, and sit-ups (every other day if possible) will do you good as well.
Only if you are going to actually use the exercise equipment. Buying or trading for it may make you "feel" better emotionally, but it won't help your physical condition. From all the fat *sses I see at the range, many more should trade guns for exercise equipment or at least a healthier lifestyle.
ForumSurfer
Member
In my experience, the only thing I actually use at home are dumbbells. Other than that, the equipment will just gather dust. I'm not motivated unless I'm in an old fashioned, sawdust on the floor, weights clanging everywhere, old fashioned gym. Seen those planet fitness commercials? That's not my gym...I can't help but grunt when I'm lifting weights that are pushing my limts. Speaking of which...I view going to the gym exactly as I do firearm practice. You need to practice to point of failure which increases your limits, wash, rinse and repeat. If you don't fail, you aren't pushing yourself enough. Don't want to lift heavy? Well do cardio type weight lifting (low weight, high rep) to point of failure.
That being said...exercise will definitely prolong your life...the same can't be said for the AK that you hardly ever shoot if it isn't your go-to home defense weapon.
If you are the type who will use equipment at home (I KNOW that I'm not), I say go for it.
That being said...exercise will definitely prolong your life...the same can't be said for the AK that you hardly ever shoot if it isn't your go-to home defense weapon.
If you are the type who will use equipment at home (I KNOW that I'm not), I say go for it.
mgmorden
Member
This. Fitness is a mindset, not a product. This is a problem that you can't solve by throwing funds at it.
That's not to say that you don't need to put some money into it to setup, but some people get it into their heads that BUYING an exercise machine (rather than using it) is going to make them fit.
Personally, though I did it when I was younger, I no longer have much use for straight up weight lifting. Want to get in shape without spending a dime? Go out on a 5 mile jog every evening. About the most you'll have to buy are a pair of shoes which you probably already have.
Alternatively, cycling is an excellent and fun way to get/stay in shape. Warning though: once you get into bikes they get just as hard on the wallet as guns.
docnyt
Member
Already doing pushups, sit-ups and pullups. Just wanted to have something with resistance not requiring a spotter.
Oh and did I mention I started biking? That's another wallet cruncher. Bought a Trek Gary Fjsher Montare without knowing what it was at the bike shop. Turns out it is one of the top end models.
Getting back on topic. Seriously though you can probably get a good workup lugging around gear and ammo to the range, especially if you bring 2 or 3 rifles and 4 to 5 handguns and the associated paraphernalia.
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Oh and did I mention I started biking? That's another wallet cruncher. Bought a Trek Gary Fjsher Montare without knowing what it was at the bike shop. Turns out it is one of the top end models.
Getting back on topic. Seriously though you can probably get a good workup lugging around gear and ammo to the range, especially if you bring 2 or 3 rifles and 4 to 5 handguns and the associated paraphernalia.
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CoRoMo
Member
Nope.
I got a gym-quality treadmill a couple years ago, off craigslist, for $50. This thing is all of 400+ lbs and still operating wonderfully. I was on it just this morning, and there is just something about starting the day with cardio exercise. Makes the whole day go so much better; mentally, emotionally, physically, etc.
I can't much stand lifting weights though.
The only gun I own that I could let go for $50 is my Hi Point, but for that price, I might as well keep it.
I got a gym-quality treadmill a couple years ago, off craigslist, for $50. This thing is all of 400+ lbs and still operating wonderfully. I was on it just this morning, and there is just something about starting the day with cardio exercise. Makes the whole day go so much better; mentally, emotionally, physically, etc.
I can't much stand lifting weights though.
The only gun I own that I could let go for $50 is my Hi Point, but for that price, I might as well keep it.
ForumSurfer
Member
Factor in 2 kids, reactive targets, various calibers and platforms...and you have quite a bit to be lugging around in the hot, humid south. Luckily, kids can be used as pack mules.
That doesn't keep me in shape, though. Honestly it does nothing for me. Staying in shape allows me to do it without wearing myself out and I'm not so spent afterwards, other than my wallet.
It's been my experience that you have to MAKE TIME to work out. Think about it if you can't make time to go to the gym are you really going to make time to bowflex? I'm talking getting up 2 hours early to lift before work. Gotta do what you gotta do. Anyways good luck with your bowflex. I hope you reach your fitness goals!
Even though it's too late now...
I would have sold whatever was most replaceable, and bought a bench and a real weight set instead of some gimmicky Bowflex.
With dumbbells, you can pretty much do all the exercises you'd do with a barbell, and you don't need a spotter since they are more easily managed. Furthermore, they are more versatile and allow a wider range of exercises.
Selling it and using the cash for a gym membership would also have been a very good option.
The hardest part is making time for exercise. If you can get into a routine of regular exercise, it really makes it a lot easier.
I would have sold whatever was most replaceable, and bought a bench and a real weight set instead of some gimmicky Bowflex.
With dumbbells, you can pretty much do all the exercises you'd do with a barbell, and you don't need a spotter since they are more easily managed. Furthermore, they are more versatile and allow a wider range of exercises.
Selling it and using the cash for a gym membership would also have been a very good option.
The hardest part is making time for exercise. If you can get into a routine of regular exercise, it really makes it a lot easier.
ForumSurfer
Member
I'll second that to the nth degree. Sometimes life gets in the way and I have to sacrifice range time for gym time. I feel fairly confident in my shooting ability, but I like as much practice as I can afford. I will gladly sacrifice range time for gym time when given the chance as my health is far more important in my mind. Like someone else said, the difference that you feel in every day life is astounding.
I'm not saying that I sacrifice ALL of my range time, though. Do you think I'm nuts?!
Sounds like a trade up.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Too late, but I'd have said, "Go ahead and trade/sell any gun that you don't use, especially one that is not rare or an heirloom. You can replace it later if you like. I'd opt for free weights over a bowflex, but that's just me. I understand the spotter, concern, but you can do a lot of exercises with weights that don't require a spotter."
BigN
Member
No. Those 15# heavy-barrelled varmint rifles I tote around the mountains are exercise enough
leadcounsel
member
Well - I think it was likely a mistake. Doubt you could recoup your 'investment' in the bowflex or find someone else to buy it for what an AK costs.
I just looked at Craigslist and other local sites and they are littered with treadmills, bowflexes, and home gyms. Not many guns though...
I do hope it works out for you. Please come back and tell us in 6 months honestly how much you use it. (Then again, many of us here have guns we rarely use.... so maybe that's the real analysis).
I just looked at Craigslist and other local sites and they are littered with treadmills, bowflexes, and home gyms. Not many guns though...
I do hope it works out for you. Please come back and tell us in 6 months honestly how much you use it. (Then again, many of us here have guns we rarely use.... so maybe that's the real analysis).
Jonah71
Member
Me personally? No way! My gun wouldn't end up in the basement collecting dust. The exercise equipment would.
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