Creating a Home Gym

Bigger Stronger Leaner
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Hey guys, what pieces of equipment would you buy if you had a 24x30 size space and a 25k budget if your goal was to get stronger, healthier, and maintain mobility as you age. Quality equipment is important as longevity is the goal. I will not have a spotter for atleast 10 years so thats something to consider. Thanks

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  • squat rack
  • bar
  • plates
  • adjustable bench
  • adjustable dumbbells
  • hybrid leg press/hack squat
  • landmine

**IMO great additions

  • back extension (side bends and lower back)

  • sled (conditioning and knee health)

  • something that allows you to do Nordic curls comfortably.

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Thanks man. How do you feel about a multistation unit? I like the versatility but dont knlw about a Smith machine for bench or sqauts. Part of me likes the idea of added safety but part of me wants free weights.

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I actually just squat in a smith machine. I do use it to bench press as well but, mostly inclines and with other exercises.

I am not sure if it would be within budget but, both would be great additions. Especially a cable station for arms and back.

Also depends on your goals. If hypertrophy is not your main goal, I would ditch the leg press.

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Thanks. The added safety is attractive to me. I think I might go that route. Do you know if French Fitness equipment is quality for pulley ewyipment? Ive been stuck with my adjustable dumbbells to 80lbs and have no clue what are good brands.

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Never heard of them. Check out the weight capacity and online review’s

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Everythibg looks good, but im always weary if reviews because I suspect a lot of the people that give reviews do them after one workout abd I suspect a lot of users aren’t really hardcore. But thanks man

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I think one of the biggest things to focus on with your home gym setup is variability… The Rogue or Titan power racks are built so that most attachments can be added to the rig - making it one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have.

My setup:
image

Personally, I have a smith/power/cable combo system called a “multifunctional smith machine” but if I had the space and money to, I would have gone with a full power rack with attachments.

Whatever your goals are, there are almost always staple exercises… Make sure you have the equipment to hit those staples. I couldn’t imagine trying to have fully developed quads and hams without a quad extension and ham curl machine, which is why I got those two specific items in addition to the main rig.

Probably get 2 barbells, unless you’re cool with just using one for every lift. You’ll want free weights (I like adjustables for space-saving reasons), probably an EZ curl, a free bench, and cables (if you still have budget/room). For conditioning, a prowler/sled would be a great idea.

If you’re not sure, Rogue has a personalized gym builder you could use, or at least scroll through some of their items so you can visualize something you want.

Probably 1 set of bumper plates (with larger diameter than your iron plates) and a ton of iron weights. Use the bumpers to protect your floor, then add as much extra weight as you need.

If you care most about quality, Rogue is about as good as it gets, but you’re paying out the nose for it. Titan is good for a lot of other items, but you have to decide what you’re okay with having lesser quality on (iron plate quality is pretty unimportant, for example)

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Thanks for the advice and for showing me your setup. After checking out the Rogue Cave, I think that may be the way to go for the main rig. Titan seams to be much less expensive so maybe il look that way for plates and standalone equipment like your leg machines.

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My brother in law got a rack from Bells of Steel and it came with a full array of weights as well. Good quality rack too. Then just get an adjustable bench, preferably with a cable and leg Extension/leg Curl attachment, a barbell, and Olympic dumbbells and you’ll be pretty much set.

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I love fixed dumbbells, you can get sets of 25’s - 120’s for $4200.
I would hang rings from the ceiling to do pull-up/dips and flips.
Definitely Barbell, trap, EZ.
Power Rack
Assault bike

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All good advice here, the only thing I’d add is not to spend your whole budget at once. Start with the “core” (maybe a rack and bar/ plates), and then add as you get the feel for what’s missing.

Even when you’re used to lifting, the home gym is a different experience than commercial and you might find yourself wishing you’d gone Y route instead of X.

@Andrewgen_Receptors your spot is amazing.

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Appreciated! I used all my biden bucks on it

This is exactly why i would rather have adjustables lol. I have a set of 10-80lb adjustables that costed like 250 a piece. Sounds like a lot, but that weight range covers 95% of DB exercises for 1/8th the price

Ă—2!

You’ll find equipment you’ll wish you thought of up front, so having some budget left over will be very helpful.

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Well, I’m $2300 from being there myself. But HE has a dream budget!

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I second the fixed dumbbells in light of OP’s budget. I’m not entirely sure what I spent on my home gym (probably less than $10k total), but I went with fixed dumbbells from 5-100 and am very happy with that decision. Then again, I HATE adjusting dumbbells and always have.

I would get one piece of cardio equipment you’ll actually use, whether that’s a bike, erg, whatever. I’d also think about getting a glute ham raise.

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Agree with your post, just wanted to add that there is a GHR and Reverse Hyper Rig attachment available with Rogue and Titan. Another reason why I recommend the full power rack

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Thanks for the suggestion. Ive seen their ads lately on facebook

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Awesome idea with the rings suggestion. Where im struggling most is deciding if I want a full dumbbell set like you state. Itd be nice for drop sets for sure.

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Thanks for the great advice. I will definitely try to leave some room for sure. Luckily im on 5 acres so getting old big tractor tires is easy and free for me, so I can save money in cardio for sure. Moreover, I love running and I can run around the property for sure. Last thing I want is to convince my wife I need more money. She did say we can spend more down the road as the kids get older but Im sure she would be shocked if I spend 25k and then tell her I need more right of the bat. Honestly, I havnt been in a commercial gym in 12 years. Ive been stuck with my cheap walmart dumbbells and 80lbs of plates for each dumbbell so anything will be a huge upgrade

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I dont mind adjustable dumbbells for myself but eventually my boys will more than likely start lifting too. 4-6 people on one set of adjustables is probably not the best for sure

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