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"Starter" Home Gym Suggestions

Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:29 am
Posted by LSUtiger17
New Orleans
Member since Mar 2009
3082 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:29 am
I'm looking at building a "starter" home gym. I put "starter" because there's a pretty significant caveat--I can't have a barbell or power rack. These will be added in the future (probably when I move in about a year), but, for now, I don't have any space. I also can't have rings because I don't have a place to hang them.

I'm tired of paying $70/month for a gym membership when all I use is the same free weights each workout. My work is pretty demanding (time-wise not physically) and I want the flexibility of being able to lift on the weekend.

Here's what my equipment would be:

(1) Kettlebells. I've already ordered a set so that I'll have weekend lifting options even if I don't get the other equipment.

(2) Dumbbells. Either powerblocks or a Titan/Rogue olympic loadable. Not sure of the best way to go here. Would need 90lb powerblocks. Price isn't the only factor, but cheaper is better. I do not currently have any olympic weights. Suggestions/pros and cons would be helpful.

(3) Foldable bench. I see Rogue has one for $250. Not cheap but it looks very sturdy and could be my standard bench when I'm able to set up a garage gym. Are there any other brands/models that I should look at? It would need to be able to fold to go on the floor against the wall in a closet (or possibly under a bed).

(4) Doorway pullup bar. Already own.

(5) Peloton. Already own.

I also do frequency method pushups and pullups. What would a program with this equipment look like? I won't be without a barbell forever--just a year or so. But that's daunting because I'm a big fan of barbell-based programs like Greyskull and 531.

I'm 30 yo and in decent shape. I could add some muscle and could also stand to lose 5ish lbs of fat. I want to be fit, and I enjoy lifting/working out. Currently at advanced-intermediate in the big 4 for my weight.
This post was edited on 3/9/21 at 9:38 am
Posted by tke_swamprat
Houma, LA
Member since Aug 2004
9764 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:30 am to
There’s a Concept 2 and Assault bike for sale in Metairie on FB. I’d jump on them.
This post was edited on 3/9/21 at 9:31 am
Posted by LSUtiger17
New Orleans
Member since Mar 2009
3082 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:33 am to
quote:

There’s a Concept 2 and Assault bike for sale in Metairie on FB. I’d jump on them.


Thanks, but there's no space. I wasn't too clear on my limitations--all of this equipment will be housed either under a bed in a guest room or in an adjoining closet when it's not in use. The Peloton is the only thing I've been able to keep out in the open, per wife, because it looks nice.
Posted by Junky
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2005
8379 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:37 am to
Amazon sells a $30 flat bench. If you're like me and never going to get crazy, it's a good starting point to cheap it cheap starting out.

I have a titan fitness 2x3" rack. I'd probably recommend the 3x3 for rogue parts, but it isn't anything "needed"

I do have a rogue ohio power bar cerakote. That's industructable.

It is incredibly nice to walk into the garage, lift, and be done.
Posted by mylsuhat
Mandeville, LA
Member since Mar 2008
48940 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:43 am to
quote:

I'm tired of paying $70/month for a gym
do you have access to an Anytime or Snap Fitness?

Cut the cost in half and still have everything you need
Posted by LSUtiger17
New Orleans
Member since Mar 2009
3082 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 9:47 am to
quote:

do you have access to an Anytime or Snap Fitness?

Cut the cost in half and still have everything you need

Not really. Live uptown and everything is expensive. This is a gym that's walking distance from where I work, so I can workout during lunch or right after work without driving. It's worth the convenience. But it's very inconvenient if I'm trying to workout on a day that I'm not at work.
Posted by Larry_Hotdogs
Texas
Member since Jun 2019
1336 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 10:19 am to
I own a CF gym and come from an oly background.

You're almost better off keeping the gym membership and varying your programming until you get settled. If $700 in equipment nets you 10 months at the gym, where you have more access to more equipment, then why stop now? Save up and make sure you get exactly what you want rather than piecemeal it. It's also less stuff you have to haul from one place to another when you move.
Posted by lsu777
Lake Charles
Member since Jan 2004
31157 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 10:42 am to
quote:

better off
quote:

varying your programming
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:


OP, You already own a door way pull up bar and the peloton so you have two things knocked out.

- you have the KB coming
- get the powerblock u-90 set
- just get the regular bolt together rogue bench if looking to go cheap.
- get trx straps, they attach on the door
- get a weighted vest
- get 100lbs sandbag


profit.
Posted by burgeman
Member since Jun 2008
10362 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 10:59 am to
Man someone just put up an almost brand new short Rogue squat stand for $300 in Metairie. That is a steal, maybe you could store it somewhere.
Posted by Nole Man
Somewhere In Tennessee!
Member since May 2011
7189 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 11:46 am to
I'm a big fan of going to an environment where there's group interaction and you can drive each other. Was going 3-4 times a week to a Krav Maga Class and that was intense. Been doing that for 7 years until Covid hit. Hope to go back in April in person since I've gotten vaccinated.

At home, for now, I use a tread mill (Horizon, love it) and it's in the bedroom so I can watch TV. In the garage, have a heavy bad (do Zoom Classes still with our school), a Total Gym (which I love for a quick work out) and several kettle bells at different weight levels.

Keep us posted on what you end up with!
Posted by LSUtiger17
New Orleans
Member since Mar 2009
3082 posts
Posted on 3/9/21 at 1:04 pm to
Thanks for the recs and input, everyone. I confirmed that I can cancel my gym membership at the end of the month and went ahead and ordered the Powerblock Elite 5-90 dumbbells. Apparently they haven't been in stock for months, so I jumped on them. I'll probably order a Rogue Fold Up Utility Bench in the next few days. I think it can fit under a bed which would be a plus.

I'll be working out at my gym until all of this comes in, but once I get the equipment I'll probably be bugging y'all for workout recs/programs that don't require a barbell.
Posted by TheNolaClap
Jersey Shore (not fist pump)
Member since Jun 2012
1489 posts
Posted on 3/11/21 at 6:52 am to
Take a look at the REP fitness benches. For a flat bench their comp 5000 is amazing. I have their AB-3100 for my adjustable. Can't beat the features for the price.
Posted by baldona
Florida
Member since Feb 2016
20461 posts
Posted on 3/14/21 at 8:40 am to
I wouldn’t go cheap on a bench OP, imo a cheap bench is going to be frustrating. A good adjustable incline bench that is regular size and not oversize that you can potentially step up on is one of the foundations of a home gym.

Nothing wrong with barbells only especially for a year.
Posted by david992
Member since Mar 2021
8 posts
Posted on 3/15/21 at 4:48 am to
I like your list, from it I'm thinking of even adding to mine. I think it will be better than spending money on the hall again, besides with quarantine it is unclear whether it will work properly and when. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by TheNolaClap
Jersey Shore (not fist pump)
Member since Jun 2012
1489 posts
Posted on 3/17/21 at 8:42 am to
REP benches are by no means cheap. Rock solid and 1,000 pound rated. You can buy their equipment with confidence.
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