Home Gym Equipment recs

2,849 Views | 15 Replies | Last: 2 yr ago by Apache
Quito
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Tired of spending money on Lifetime and would prefer a home gym.

- Chin ups/pull ups
- Flat/Incline bench
- Dumbbells
- Leg extensions

Any recommendations?
CC09LawAg
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What price range? I can think of options that'll run you anywhere from $150 to $1000.
Happygilmore20
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I would highly recommend the Titan Space saving rack and a set of Powerblock dumbbells (mine go up to 90 pounds).

Try not to buy new. If you search FaceBook Marketplace or Ebay you can get a lot of equipment and weights for almost half off retail.

bam02
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I have a lot of titan stuff and have been mostly very happy with it. I don't disagree with trying to buy used, but most of what I see is not discounted that much from retail.

I know this isn't exactly the advice you're asking for, but personally, I would recommend a power rack or some sort of folding rack, along with a barbell and some plates. I personally think that is much more versatile to get you started on a home gym. Also put down good flooring. The horse stall mats from tractor supply are the best option for most home gyms.

Also, if you do really want to have an adjustable incline bench then I would not go cheap at all. I would spend money for a premium brand like rogue or rep.
RightWingConspirator
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I've got a TDS rack and REP dumbells, benches and hamstring developer. I have a Titan safety bar as well. All the equipment is perfectly fine, but I'm a big fan of REP and can highly recommend the brand.
Ragoo
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What are you wanting to spend. I bought the rogue folding wall mounted rack with their multi-position bench. They've been great.
Quito
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I'm most concerned with quality and durability. If it's worth it, I'd spend it. I plan to use this gym for years and have 2 boys
CC09LawAg
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In that case, I'd look into a floor mounted rogue or titan power rack/cage. I haven't used them, but if limited on space the folding ones look cool. I have a Rogue Monster Lite RML-3 and it's been worth every penny. Of course this would assume you want to get a barbell and weights instead of just dumbbells.

For bars, Rogue has boneyard bars that are a little cheaper. For plates, I'd start with something like the 160 pound bumper plate set from Rogue - it will allow you to do stuff off the ground like deadlifts and power cleans at weights under 135 if your kids are younger. But then they obviously work as any normal plates would too.

The floor mounted racks will support attachments like dip stations, will have a pull up bar, some can support a pulley for cable work. They're also great from a safety perspective because they usually have or support spotter arms or safety bars.

The bench, I'd look at Rogue, Titan, all the brands mentioned here.

Only thing throwing me off is leg extensions - no personal experience in that with a home gym but I've debated using a tibialis bar to do them off the end of a bench.

Hope that helps!
P.U.T.U
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Really depends on your budget and how much everyone plans on living. I have a Fitness Reality that I paid $160 new (now $240 on Amazon) and purchase weight holders for $20 and dip bars for another $20. Pull up bars are a little slick so threw on some hockey stick tape that I had. Added one of their adjustable benches for another $70 and called it a day.

Yes Rogue or similar are better in quality and if you are lifting more than 400 pounds then I would look at those. For my goals and what I do this works for me. Instead of spending more on the rack I bought some sand bags, kettle bells, and the like. I used to be able to be a heavy lifter but after getting older I prefer to do more functional exercises to stay healthy, plus my body isn't what it used to be and trying to lift heavy never works out for me int he end.

I have used the power rack for 3-4 times a week for 6 years and still going strong. Took it apart for moves twice too.
bam02
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Also, if you don't go with the power rack option, I would recommend getting some gymnastics rings. I think I paid $20 for a set of wooden rings and straps on Amazon. They're very versatile and take up almost zero extra space.
JobSecurity
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Walmart has this cage on sale today for $190 which is the lowest it's been since pre covid. I have it with the lat pulldown and it's very solid for the price.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/BalanceFrom-PC-1-Series-1000lb-Capacity-Multi-Function-Adjustable-Power-Cage-Rack-Optional-Lat-Pull-down-Cable-Crossover/162777833

edit it's the exact same as the fitness reality one PUTU mentioned above from amazon
CC09LawAg
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Yes, I agree. I started with an Amazon rack that was like $150 that worked just fine and some old dumbbell bench I've had for like 10 years.

I have slowly added nicer stuff as I've begun lifting heavier and since I'm at home with nobody large enough to spot me, I felt safer with the cage around me in the event a knee buckles or some other freak occurrence.

ETA: In addition to the kettlebells and sandbags mention, look into getting a sled if you have some outdoor space. They're relatively inexpensive and you can get a pretty legit workout in. Look at the Rogue dogsled.
Sweet Kitten Feet
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Sorry for the hijack but those with the wall mounted ones, are y'all noticing any damage or anything from those? I would love to replace my full rack with one of those just for the space, but nervous about something getting hit that much weight repetitively being mounted in my studs
ttha_aggie_09
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It's really not a problem for me and I have just shy of 500lbs that rests on my rack. I've racked 465lbs on it before for squats but my bar doesn't allow a clamp with that weight (bumper plates) so I don't go that heavy at home.

I took 2x6s and used an 8' board as the trim pieces. Found and marked the studs and anchored them with 4-5" (I think) lag screws. I also mounted plate holders on the boards and hang them on the wall too.
sanitariex
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Never a single issue and I do weighted dips off the sides all the time.
Apache
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Quote:

nervous about something getting hit that much weight repetitively being mounted in my studs
The great majority of the weighted loads are carried straight down, the anchors into the wall prevent tipping only
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