building a home gym

[blinddeafmute]

Im not real happy with my gym, and before long, I will be moving in with a buddy of mine to save some costs and get some bills caught up after my divorce. My house is currently for sale and as soon as it sells, I am thinking of buying some equipment and starting a home gym.

This is what I am thinking about doing.

Ive been trying to get my little bro to work out with me since I dont have anyone around to work out with. All of my friends are lazy slobs, beer guts and all.

My friend lives pretty close to my parents house (where my brother lives) so Im thinking about buying a power rack, olympic weight set, and an adjustable bench and putting it in my parents garage to work out in. Then I can get my bro in there with me to work out with.

Is that enough equipment or will I need more?

The reason I dont like my gym is this. (there are many.) Its more of a fitness center. They only have 1 squat rack, 1 flat bench, 1 adjustable bench, and dumbells up to 90lbs. Nobody in my gym could spot me. Its full of old men and girls on the treadmills. Need I say more?

Does anyone have advice as to what equipment I should buy? I think a rack, bench and olympic set should be enough, but Im not sure. Any advice would be apreciated.

 

[punch]

I have aVERY extensive gym in my home. You get what you pay for. Thats all Im going to say.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

www.newyorkbarbells.com

 

[Big Gary]

I agree with Punch. Your gym is an investment. I have free weights as well as a Weider home gym. I like the variety of exercises that I get at home ranging from cable work to free weights. I also have cardio equipment . A home gym can be what you make of it...so invest wisely.

 

[Atomic Punk]

I'm sorry to hear about your divorce bro. Perhaps you would benefit more by being at an actual gym and around people, rather than couping yourself up in a home gym. I know you didnt ask for a psych evaluation or anything. I have been in the same boat though, and thought that getting out & around people with the same interestes helped alot. It is during times like that, that i thanked GOD for the gym.

 

[spatts]

Atomic, you make a very good point.

Maybe you will spend some time in the gym and find a couple hard core people to train with. Then the three of you can poole your funds and build a kick-ass home gym to train in rather than renewing.

 

[Aussie Juga naught]

Perhaps you would benefit more by being at an actual gym and around people, rather than couping yourself up in a home gym.

I disagree, he obviously doesn't like the atmosphere at this "fitness" centre. I agree that a home gym will be as good as you want to make it, but ask yourself how much you are willing to spend. How much equipment you can get also depends on the size of the area you are going to use, so think about that. All you need for starters is a heavy duty bench, set (or couple of sets) of adjustable dumbbells, a barbell (or a couple) enough weight so you don’t have to be loading and unloading every time you want to change exercises. (That will piss you off.) Power cage would be nice but not essential, if you can lift what you squat over your head. And maybe another flat bench or improvise with some bricks etc to sit on. A mirror won't hurt either.

Remember you can keep adding to your home gym over time and in a few years you will have everything you need and some.

 

[spatts]

I wouldn't take a mirror over a powerrack...........IMO a powerrack is the most essential piece, and you can get one for about the price of a large mirror. There's also a safety factor when training alone, and a powerrack is about the only safe way to lift heavy; set the pins and go.

We put our gym together for a reasonable price, and then built a lot of extra equipment. We keep adding to it too; whereas; at a gym you keep paying more for the same stuff.

My Sanctuary

 

[Aussie Juga naught]

I agree a power rack over a mirror any day (if they are the same price) I was talking about a cheep mirror like $20. Spatts your home gym is better than most resorts. When I think home gym... little dark places with rusty equipment and a cheap radio pop into my mind. Well mine is like that anyway, and I like the dungeon style.

 

[Buck89]

I have had my gym in my house for about 1 1/2 years. I keep adding to it. I think the necessities are a squat/power rack, adjustable bench, a lat pulldown machine, olympic weight set, and some adjustable dumbbells. You do get what you pay for, however, you can get some pretty good equipement for under $400, (each piece). Then keep adding to it. I have added iron hex dumbbells, I only have 10-80's right now, but for birthdays, christmas, that kind of thing that's what I ask for. It doesn't take long and you have a really nice gym. Just don't let it become too convenient to have it there. It is easy to say, well, I'll work out later. Sometimes later is tomorrow, or never. Make sure you have a workout partner to make sure you don't skip.