> Or you could drop $50 on some gymnastic rings and head to /r/bodyweightfitness
I wish more people thought this way. I've seen a lot of little used home gyms over the years (weights, treadmills, stationary bike, etc.). All you really need is your body and a way to move it to get in really good shape, unless strength (weight set) is specifically your goal. I have a TRX suspension trainer (more expensive than the rings) from 12 years ago, I got it on the recommendation of my roommate (it works well if you don't have a reliable place to mount rings, like when living in an apartment). I still use it, it's 8' from my current position. Between that, a yoga mat, and running shoes I'm pretty much set. Spend some money on a personal trainer to work on your form and routine, and you're done other than making it a routine.
Just to push back a little on one minor point: even if your goal is specifically strength, until you're quite far along you can get most of your muscle groups just as strong with bodyweight exercises as you can with weights. Resistance is resistance.
By the time you get to the point where you need weights to keep progressing, you'll be really strong. Bodyweight training also improves muscular coordination, balance, and flexibility as well, which all have major benefits. I highly recommend it for beginners--you don't even need to buy rings or a bar necessarily if you can find a good tree branch.
I pretty much agree with this. But if strength training is a goal, getting a weight set and using it earlier (before the temptation to do too much weight because you’re already strong) is a good way to avoid issues with form and injury later.
Regarding a tree branch, I agree. But good trees are hard to find here in the western part of the plains, and a good six months out of the year I can’t reliably go outside for exercise (and for a couple months pretty much can’t). That’s really the main reason I want a pull-up station in the house.
I wish more people thought this way. I've seen a lot of little used home gyms over the years (weights, treadmills, stationary bike, etc.). All you really need is your body and a way to move it to get in really good shape, unless strength (weight set) is specifically your goal. I have a TRX suspension trainer (more expensive than the rings) from 12 years ago, I got it on the recommendation of my roommate (it works well if you don't have a reliable place to mount rings, like when living in an apartment). I still use it, it's 8' from my current position. Between that, a yoga mat, and running shoes I'm pretty much set. Spend some money on a personal trainer to work on your form and routine, and you're done other than making it a routine.