Home Gym Thread: Ideas and Setups

This thread is for home gym ideas and set ups. Please type out your setup, what equipment you use, where it came from, approximate cost, and any ideas worth mentioning.

I wanted to start out with a Power rack platform: This will keep your flooring intact and keep the noise down.

Materials:
(4) 5/8" 4x8 (19/32) OSB board (hardware store) ~80
(1) 3/4" 4x8 "good" plywood (hardware store) ~30
(2) 3/4" 4x6 Horse mats (Tractor Supply) ~80
(1) box of 1" screws ( I used #8) ~4

Steps:
1) Lay (2) OSB boards perpendicular to the wall you are placing the platform near. This creates the 8x8 base.
2) Lay (2) OSB board perpendicular to the other boards. This will cross them and continue to strengthen the 8x8 base.
3) Screw down the OSB boards together.
4) Place the "good" plywood directly in the middle to create your lifting space. It should have 2' sides left over for the stall mats.
5) Screw it down
6) Take your horse stall mats and cut them long ways in the middle (2') to make (2) 2'x6' sections.
7) Take your second stall mat and do the same as before but add in a (2') cut from the bottom to make a 2'x2' section. This will fill in the gap to make the stall mats go to the full 8'.
8) you will have (2) 2'x4' mats left. Use these around the gym. You could further cut them into 2'x2' sections for more versatility.
9) place the mats next to the main lifting area and screw down.

You are done!



Next you need equipment

Power rack: It is very versatile and keeps you safe. I would recommend at least a 2"x3" square tubing construction rated to around 1000lbs. I also recommend bolting it to the concrete or to the lifting platform you just created. You could get a squat rack but I prefer the power rack.

Barbell: Get more than you need. I linked a barbell for sale in the main forum for the CAP OB-86B or OB-86PBCK. This is the cheapest bar you should buy. Bare minimum. Most "set" barbells are garbage and will break. They have hex key bolts for the center and these get loose and terrible about spin of the collars. Look for capped. Look for Tensile strength and warranty. I recommend 150,000 psi or more.

Link to my comparison of the Ohio Power Bar and Cap barbell. The Cap is a great beginner barbell. LINK

Weight Plates: I would get iron at first as they are cheaper and you can get them on Craigslist. Bumpers can come later. They are EXPENSIVE!

Dumbbells: You can either get fixed, adjustable (plate loaded), or adjustable (quick release). If you can get fixed for a good price, go for it. You will find they are VERY expensive. I believe you can get plate loaded adjustable for around 200 on amazon for weights from 10 lbs to 100 lbs. Quick release are the Bowflex selectec, IronMasters, and Powerblocks.

Cardio equipment: Look for a CHP motor on treadmills. That's all I got on this. Make sure to keep it lubed or it will "skip". I got mine used.

Bench: If you lift heavy, get a good quality flat bench. Adjustable benches are not as strong and the ones that are, are very expensive. Don't skimp on the bench. It needs to be sturdy. You can find good deals on Craigslist for used. Stay away from Marcy, Golds Gym and a few other box store brands. The Fitness Gear bench at Dicks is the only one highly reviewed to do well as an adjustable under $200.

I also got some dip attachments, landmine attachments, and pull up attachments for my power rack.

Bands: Use the tubular type for general stretching or light work. If you want to really use bands, use the "flat" style that are typically 41" long. They are color coded for strength ratings.

I just ordered equipment to start mine. I will link what I got once I have put it together and reviewed it to recommend.

DIY pulley system LINK