Looking for beginner barbell + bench set

Looking for a cheap beginner barbell + bench set that'll tide me over for starting out. Would really appreciate it!

Quote from bananaboy2 : Looking for a cheap beginner barbell + bench set that'll tide me over for starting out. Would really appreciate it!

I'd check craigslist for a used set. Now is a great time to check craigslist as there are many people who bought a brand new set at the beginning of this year to fulfill their resolution of working out but have since quit working out. So, you can pick up a near-brand new set for a really good price.

Quote from bananaboy2 : Looking for a cheap beginner barbell + bench set that'll tide me over for starting out. Would really appreciate it!

How much are you looking to spend?

I started out with a 300lb set with a 3-way bench, weight tree, and half-cage with pulleys for $300. These were decent quality ones (not Marcy or Weider). I also got another 2 olympic weight sets with a cheaper power cage (Weider), weight tree and bench for $200. The 2nd deal was probably better just because it had twice the weights, half of which I could have resold to bring the cost under $100 for everything you'd need to start. That should give you an idea of what good deals are if you are looking to spend that much and can scope out CL a couple times a day.

I would avoid a standard (not olympic) weight set as these don't allow you to use enough weight to work anything besides your arms. I would also look for a half cage or full cage (power rack) as opposed to just a bench-press bench. A cage lets you do five times the exercises, is the only way to do squats, and is safer to use without a spotter. My usual search terms are "power rack" "olympic" and "weight bench" and I use CrazedList to search several areas at once.

Check craigslist and freecycle for deals in your area.

Try garage sales

I second Craigslist. remember you can talk them down or walk away as negotiation tactics.