Equipping A Home Gym

[Erikk2003]

Hello:

I am preparing to move to my first real home, with backyard and garage. Finally I get to build my garage gym, and the wife agrees. I have to keep cost reasonable because the budget already has a BBQ grill and Kegerator in it (lol).

As one who powerlifts I am thinking of going with the "Sick of Your Gym" package from Elite Fitness but they have serious competition with the folks a Rogue Fitness.

Of course, I want a Power Rack and about 500#+ in weights. I already have a sled and some bands. I will add chains and build the appropriate lifting foundation and platform with plywood and horse trailer mats.

My question is more of research...

If you could, for under about $4,000 what would you build as the dream, yet realistic, garage gym?

Why the $4,000 bar? We have to keep it real...

I am thinking of adding the reverse hyper with the package, but I cannot add at this time both the reverse Hylper and the Glute/Ham Raise.

Any other ideas?

Thanks.

[BigChrisF]

Save yourself some money and have a local fabrication/metal shop build you the reverse hyper frame and then have some 3/4" plywood padded and upholstered. It's just too simple of a device to pay what Louie wants for them. With leg straps, it can also double for a leg extension machine.

I would want a power rack with a Crepinsek mono attatchment (or one you make yourself; those are pretty easy too) and a bench to put in the rack so I could bench from it. I would want at least 1000# in weight, but that can gradually be built up. If you could only get one bar, I recommend the 1500# Jesup power bar. Its the best budget bar I've ever used. If you can get more, I would get a safety squat bar. I really like working that into my squat routine for good mornings as well as box and speed squatting.

Dumbells are always a nice addition, but they get pricey.

[IRBS]

For $4000 you can build a VERY nice home setup:

Combo Power Rack (comes with bench): $1150

1000lbs in plates: you can find this for as little as 25-50cents/pound if you look hard enough, so we'll say $500 to be on the high side here

Texas Power Bar: $350

GHR: $900 (thats new, you could find a used one for cheaper)

Sled: $100

That leaves you an extra $1000 to look around on craigslist and find some good stuff (like Hammer Strength Rows, CS Rows, etc), a Mono attachment for the rack, bands, chains, boards.....or you could take that and invest it in a Competition Bench.

For $4000 I could build a pretty nice place. Many of the prices I listed above are for new purchases. Craigs list is a great place to look. We found a Monolift for our team on Craigs list for $1000. I drove out and picked it up. Talk about a steal...

Be patient and do some shopping man, you can build a great place with the budget you listed.

[mark]

Don't forget to factor in the price of matting... that stuff can get pricey... at the very least, some matting around the area your going to deadlift at, unless you can build yourself a platform.

[mritter3]

Don't forget to factor in the price of matting... that stuff can get pricey... at the very least, some matting around the area your going to deadlift at, unless you can build yourself a platform.

def. ive seen some good matting around fairly cheap, but you could just do it for deads and such. 4000 is some good money for a gym, like everyone else said, do your homework and shop around.

[pharmdteague]

I have $5-10k and a 2-car garage. Tired of putting up with the older ladies hitting on me in the gym while I'm trying to hit deads, even earphones couldn't keep this one away.

Anyway I'm looking for any recommendations on equipment that I need to fully stock this gym and make it ANIMAL certified. What I really need to know is where I can purchase the equipment and hopefully some places to find it discounted this info. would be the most helpful. I mainly train with free weights and use cables at times.

P.S. I used the search function didn't find much on this I apologize if there is another thread out there somewhere.

[Chase "BIG COUNTRY" Browning]

I have $5-10k and a 2-car garage. Tired of putting up with the older ladies hitting on me in the gym while I'm trying to hit deads, even earphones couldn't keep this one away.

Anyway I'm looking for any recommendations on equipment that I need to fully stock this gym and make it ANIMAL certified. What I really need to know is where I can purchase the equipment and hopefully some places to find it discounted this info. would be the most helpful. I mainly train with free weights and use cables at times.

P.S. I used the search function didn't find much on this I apologize if there is another thread out there somewhere.

BigAnt is the man you need to talk to brother.

[Mizzarler]

This all depends...how old are the ladies hitting on you at the gym?

[squattingtillipuke]

ebay craigslits is a good place to start

[pharmdteague]

could be my mom's age.....grossest part is I went to school with her kids and knew her husband and i'm happily married so definitely a no go


This all depends...how old are the ladies hitting on you at the gym?

[pharmdteague]

BigAnt is the man you need to talk to brother.

thanks i'll shoot him a pm

[mcbeast]

Ah..I cannot wait for the day to build my own.

This really depends what your lifting is more geared to. Powerlifting or Bodybuilding. Either way, a solid bench, a powercage, a few bars and about 1000# of plates is a good way to start.

[Cstlfx]

Craigslist is the place to start. There are many people that are giving up their stuff, very cheap plates. Also, look for used sporting goods. I have place by me called Play it Again Sports, they generally have good deals on equipment.

In my opinion, a power cage is a must, you can bench, squat, and deadlift in one. They also have straps/chains you can use in lew of spotters.

Hell, I was just on craigslist last month and there was a guy selling off his gym for around the same amount you're saying you have. All kinds of machines and plates. Just look around for the deals.

[IronWilson]

A hot girl to hit on you will cost you more than any piece of equipment. I think that needs to be a part of everyone's gym.

[shizz702]

Everything you need to get started:

power rack: http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PPR200X-PowerLine-Power-Rack/dp/B000VLRVSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988818&sr=8-1

Basic 300 lb olympic set with bar: http://www.amazon.com/300LB-Standard-Olympic-Weight-Set/dp/B000LJL3SI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988953&sr=1-1

Adjustable bench with leg curl/extesion and preacher curl attachment: http://www.amazon.com/EF-Fitness-Weight-Developer-EF-4418/dp/B002UKZJCW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989035&sr=1-4

Pair of olympic db handles and ez bar: http://www.amazon.com/Apex-Olympic-Hollow-Bar-Kit/dp/B000ASG0WO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989082&sr=1-3

An extra barbell that can take a beating and a shit load of weight: http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Pound-Solid-7-Feet/dp/B001K4OPY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989172&sr=1-1

dip/chin/pullup leg raise station: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Max-WEBE0914-Weider-Power/dp/B000M2AHRM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988854&sr=1-3

Roman chair/hyperextension bench: http://www.amazon.com/Apex-Roman-Hyper-Extension-Bench/dp/B000ASB66O/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988854&sr=1-21

A pair of bumper plates for deadlifts and olympic lifts: http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/ecblbupl45pa.html

Cable machine: http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Cable-Change-Over-System/dp/B000RHSBE8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989297&sr=1-9

Weight tree: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Solid-WT46-Olympic-Weight/dp/B000QN6WJ4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989447&sr=1-12

There you have it, all can be had for fairly cheap, and that should be more than enough for any garage gym.

For extra weight, if you like the olympic lifts and bumper plates I'd recommend this: http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/ecblbuplset3.html

That, with the standard set should give you plenty of weight.

[TigerAce01]

For extra weight, if you like the olympic lifts and bumper plates I'd recommend this: http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/ecblbuplset3.html


I'd kill to get a set of these...

-Ace

[t_mh]

5-10k. You could make an awesome gym for that. Craigslist is definitely a good place to go, but with that kind of money I would definitely get a really solid power rack. Elitefts or something.

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=921

[brays3440]

if you dont mind spending the dough, check this one out
http://store.sorinex.com/Auto_Spot_Power_Rack_p/aspr-1.htm

[ironshaolin]

check out
www.newyorkbarbells.com they have good prices. My suggestion is obviously first thing you need a barbell and about 500lbs of plates. Then either a power rack or squat stands.
Also check out www.roguefitness.com they have good quality stuff. If you go to their "war chest" section, they have a pick 5 or pick 10 where you can select items you need. I believe for about 2000 dollars you can get over 400lbs of bumper plates, a barbell, squat stands, flat bench, gymnastic rings for dips and pullups, kettlebells which can make a good replacement for dumbells, and a few other items. If you really feel like laying out some cash, check out elitefts.com they have the highest quality I believe. Go to their packages section, there's a package called sick of your gym. It comes with a rack, bench, texas power bar, and 400lbs in plates or something, a sled and a bunch of chalk. You can get real big and strong just using that stuff there, then slowly add things as you go.

My list of importance would be this:
1. weights and barbell
2. Rack and bench
3. kettlebells
4. somewhere to do dips and pullups
5. a glute/ham raise
6. dumbells
7. strongman equipment

[ghost]

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=120&pid=576

solid set from elite fts.

[rev8ball]

Everything you need to get started:

power rack: http://www.amazon.com/Powerline-PPR200X-PowerLine-Power-Rack/dp/B000VLRVSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988818&sr=8-1

Basic 300 lb olympic set with bar: http://www.amazon.com/300LB-Standard-Olympic-Weight-Set/dp/B000LJL3SI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988953&sr=1-1

Adjustable bench with leg curl/extesion and preacher curl attachment: http://www.amazon.com/EF-Fitness-Weight-Developer-EF-4418/dp/B002UKZJCW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989035&sr=1-4

Pair of olympic db handles and ez bar: http://www.amazon.com/Apex-Olympic-Hollow-Bar-Kit/dp/B000ASG0WO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989082&sr=1-3

An extra barbell that can take a beating and a shit load of weight: http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Pound-Solid-7-Feet/dp/B001K4OPY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989172&sr=1-1

dip/chin/pullup leg raise station: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Max-WEBE0914-Weider-Power/dp/B000M2AHRM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988854&sr=1-3

Roman chair/hyperextension bench: http://www.amazon.com/Apex-Roman-Hyper-Extension-Bench/dp/B000ASB66O/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257988854&sr=1-21

A pair of bumper plates for deadlifts and olympic lifts: http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/ecblbupl45pa.html

Cable machine: http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Cable-Change-Over-System/dp/B000RHSBE8/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989297&sr=1-9

Weight tree: http://www.amazon.com/Body-Solid-WT46-Olympic-Weight/dp/B000QN6WJ4/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257989447&sr=1-12

There you have it, all can be had for fairly cheap, and that should be more than enough for any garage gym.

For extra weight, if you like the olympic lifts and bumper plates I'd recommend this: http://www.pendlaybarbell.com/ecblbuplset3.html

That, with the standard set should give you plenty of weight.


Awesome job, bro. Nice research, especially since a lot of those have free shipping. That's usually what murders ya.....

[shizz702]

Awesome job, bro. Nice research, especially since a lot of those have free shipping. That's usually what murders ya.....

Yea bro, a lot of this stuff I suggested here is what I got for my own set up.

You can get very good deals online, but you got to watch that shipping, especially when it comes to heavy stuff.

[Matches]

If you have a little bit of time, about once a year Elite sells some "scratched" stuff. I picked up a collegiate squat rack for about half the price a year ago. I have yet to find the scratch, well least not one that I didn't put on there. I highly suggest going all out for the rack. A good rack will last much longer than you will, so you want something beastly. One thing to think about is the sheer size though, I had to buy my house around the squat rack. I don't regret dropping as much money on the rack as I did though, and would suggest going without until you can afford a top of the line rack.

Also, for anyone looking at bumper plates, those Pendlay ones are great. I picked up one of the Econo HD bars with a set of bumper plates a couple of years ago, and they are tough to beat.



My order of buying for a Home gym. Can get the first 3 lines of the list for 3k or less.
-Squat rack, cheap barbell/plates (one of those 300lb sets would do at first) and DB bench.
-dip attachment for rack (under 200 bucks last I checked)
-Good bar (250 bucks or so)
-DBs and extra plates
-Glute ham, sled or prowler

[Matches]

Ok, here is a question for anyone with a home gym that has done a floor.

I started to get one of those "weight room" floors from lowes. Basically a high density rubber matting. Went the Horse Stall mat way instead. While I figure that it won't slide on a smooth concrete floor, has anyone ever had to cut a hole in one? I find that I have to cut a few holes in mine to fit the area and have everything fit perfect, but am stumped on how to get a good smooth cut on the mat. Any ideas?

[Cstlfx]

Here is an old article, reposted, that Jim Wendler wrote a while ago. Its about he and his friends outfitting a garage gym.

http://www.elitefts.com/documents/kick_ass.htm

Great ideas that you can work around whether you're a powerlifter or a bodybuilder.