Setting up a home weight room

Squamation
Squamation Posts: 522 Member
in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
I have a barbell and plates ranging from 2.5 lbs to 25 lbs ( I can put over 100lbs on the bar at a time- being a girl I think that's enough to start with), and am looking online for a bench.

Just curious if anyone else has a home gym and what sort of equipment you have in it.

Also if anyone know's of a good bench brand or website to purchase one that'd be great.
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Replies

  • alyhuggan
    alyhuggan Posts: 717 Member
    My current home equipment:

    http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf480-heavy-duty-multi-press-walk-in-squat-rack.php

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/York-Fitness-45071-Bench/dp/B000N3T0RS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395226953&sr=8-2&keywords=bench

    http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-olympic-rubber-radial-barbell-kit-235kg.php

    Although I wish I didn't buy it I have:

    http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3358261.htm

    Cost an extra £60ish for postage:

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/84KG-PRO-DUMBELL-SET-PRO-STYLE-FLAT-WEIGHT-DISC-PLATES-MAKES-UP-TO-2-x-42-/171254686672?pt=UK_Strength_Training&hash=item27df9323d0

    We also have about 60 of these

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-INTERLOCKING-EVA-SOFT-FOAM-EXERCISE-FLOOR-MATS-GYM-GARAGE-HOUSE-OFFICE-MAT-/200821078755?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Exercise_Fitness_Fitness_Accessories_ET&var=&hash=item2ec1de7ae3

    I can't find it but we have the model above this:

    http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3359466.htm

    We also have a stepping machine, rowing machine, another 3 barbells, an e-z curl bar, about 120kg extra worth of 1" diameter plates, liquid chalk, straps, belts, two heaters, a fan, a skipping rope and a punching bag.

    The equipment that sees the most use are:

    The squat rack

    The barbell

    The dumbbells

    The bench

    The mats

    The treadmill

    The bench hasn't had any problems except when I dropped a 52kg dumbbell on it, then it tore slightly, but that's kind of a given and was my own fault. And the tear hasn't affected my workouts.
  • Ladyiianae
    Ladyiianae Posts: 271 Member
    We are also starting to put together a home gym and were curious where to start. Thank you for posting this and responder, thank YOU for such a great response with links and everything! Very helpful!
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    weight lifting home gym you should have

    Bars
    Plates
    Bench
    Squat rack/power cage (something to keep you safe when lifting heavy and no spotter)

    That's it...

    My husband built me a squat rack so if I do fail when squatting I have a safety net...and works well for when I do OHP.
  • alyhuggan
    alyhuggan Posts: 717 Member
    We are also starting to put together a home gym and were curious where to start. Thank you for posting this and responder, thank YOU for such a great response with links and everything! Very helpful!

    No problem! If you are getting some form of rack go for a power cage with good catchers. The squat rack has catchers but if I slip up during squats without a spotter I am either going to seriously injure myself or be close to it! Luckily 9/10 leg days I have a spotter! The other 1/10 I always stop at least 1 rep before what I would usually do!
  • jhalton
    jhalton Posts: 85
    Squat rack
    Bench
    Pull up bar
    weights
    dumbells (and or kettlebells)

    I bought almost all my stuff on Craigslist.

    Good luck!
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    I started with a bar and small plates at home too. Once I couldn't get the bar over my head anymore, I set up a gym in the garage.

    This consisted of a squat rack and bench (homemade - the bench, that is).

    I just buy bigger plates as and when I need them.

    The only thing I'd change is, I'd go for a power cage or a rack with safety bars - the rack I have doesn't have the safety's so it makes me wary to go for PRs on squat without a spotter.
  • nurssassy
    nurssassy Posts: 71 Member
    LOVE my home gym. Mostly because I'm too lazy to make myself presentable and then drive to a gym.
    Treadmill
    Elliptical
    Free weights and bench
    Power tower
    Weighted body bars
    Rower
    Pilates reformer
    Pilates balls
    Medicine balls
    Yoga mats
    TV/DVD
    and of course a dog bed for my neurotic dog.
  • quigz90
    quigz90 Posts: 44 Member
    I just have a bench with incline and a barbell with 60kg weights. I train with a partner. Makes it easier and safer for me.

    Our routine is

    Workout 1
    Squats, flat bench press, incline bench press, bent over rows and tricep work

    Workout 2
    Dead lifts, pull-up, shoulder press and bicep curls.

    We alternate between the 2 with 3 workouts a week.
    We have only just started using this routing but hopefully we will see good results.

    Got my equipment off ebay cheap :)

    If I had the room I would like a cage but what I have is good enough for now
  • Blokeypoo
    Blokeypoo Posts: 274 Member
    Bump because I'm heading towards lifting!
  • Ladyiianae
    Ladyiianae Posts: 271 Member
    great responses!! Does anyone have any pictures of their set up?

    I was also thinking of using Craigslist to gather some pieces so that I am not a. Going into debt or b. over extending myself financially.


    Thanks again!
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    great responses!! Does anyone have any pictures of their set up?

    I was also thinking of using Craigslist to gather some pieces so that I am not a. Going into debt or b. over extending myself financially.


    Thanks again!

    Sorry, don't know how to post pics :/

    Are you handy (or have a hubby who is)? If so, google powercages plans. I wish I'd done this and am trying to talk my dad into a new project ATM =D. I think this option would be cheaper and better than some of the racks that are out there.
  • Murf2014
    Murf2014 Posts: 12 Member
    I have an office in the garden that I use half for my home gym. I have:

    Elliptical
    Rowing Machine (folded up in photograph)
    Free weights and bench.
    Yoga mat
    Kettlebells (4kg, 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12kg and 16kg)

    Treadmill is in the house as the wife likes to use that.

    Other than the kettlebells and some of the plates which were bought new, everything else was sourced at low cost, second hand from ebay.

    HRBAF0J.jpg?1

    edited to resize image
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    In my garage I have:

    Power Rack
    Olympic Bar and plates totalling about 430lbs (including a couple of bumper plates - more of those are on my list)
    Adjustable bench
    Dumbbell handles that take plates with a 1" hole (I also have a 15lb barbell that takes the 1" plates)
    A bunch of plates with 1" hole
    A couple of smaller dumbbells, some rubber bands, an ab wheel, a bucket of chalk, some of the put together mats for the floor, a stand to hold most of my oly plates, and probably some other stuff.

    And most importantly, a badass stereo.

    The rack I got cheap as it was a blem (it had a couple of scratches on the paint so was half price - I've put a LOT more scratches on it since). The barbell and most of the plates I bought used, the bench I bought from a friend along with a separate rack/stand (whatever the deal that holds the bar that is connected to some benches but this one's separate) that is currently unused in my backyard but if I can make more room in my garage I'll set it up in there too so I can have two "stations" or whatever.

    I have probably around $800 in my whole set-up and it does everything I need. I want to get some more bumper plates and my bar is pretty beat up so I'd like to get a new one at some point but for the time being I'm good.
  • leb01amg
    leb01amg Posts: 4 Member
    Olympic weight smith machine, with dip bar, pull-up overhang, & adjustable bench
    Dumb bells, removable plates
    Elliptical machine
    Seated exercise bike
    Treadmill, wide body with power incline
    Heavy punching bag
    300lbs of Olympic plates

    Oh to have the kids out of the house:laugh:
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    Treadmill
    Squat Rack
    Bench (made out of 4x4's, old bath towels and duct tape)
    Oly Bar
    Axle Bar
    Strongman Log
    Over 1,000lbs of olympic plates
    2 Kegs (1 filled with sand, 1 filled with water)
    Sandbag (250lbs)
    Atlas Stones
    Blast Straps
    Pull Up Bar
    Dip Bars
    Heavy Chains (for accomdating resistance)
    Bands
    Oly DB Handles
    Plate loadable kettlebellish thingy I made from an old barbell collar and some chains
    Fat Grips
    Straps/Wraps/Chalk/Ammonia, etc...
    Plyo/Box Squat Boxes
    Tires
    Farmers Walk Handles
    Sections from a tree trunk that I carry/throw/lift overhead, etc...
    Weighted sled I made from wood
    Ab Wheel
    Rubber Horse Trailer Mat
    Solid Cement Blocks for doing block pulls
    Heavy Bag
    Focus Mitts
    Bag Gloves
    Curl Bar
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I do. I have a treadmill, elliptical, regular dumbells, PowerBlock dumbells, a Bowflex Ultimate 2 and a Bowflex bench. I also have barbells and plates which are currently in storage (yeah, good place for them).

    I want to add a squat rack or power rack eventually.
  • animalldy
    animalldy Posts: 140 Member
    Bump for future reference!
  • waldo56
    waldo56 Posts: 1,861 Member
    I've got a pullup bar
    A mat
    A few hex DB's (15's, 25's, 35's)
    Some gymnastic rings (rarely use them)
    Some homemade pvc parallettes
    Treadmill

    And that's pretty much it.
  • 212019156
    212019156 Posts: 341 Member
    This will get you really far: A safety squat rack that has a pullup bar, an adjustable bench, an olympic barbell (with oympic plates), and a standard set of adjustable dumbells with standard plates.

    Throw in some exercise mats if you have a hard floor.

    For extra credit:
    If you want to do any sort of olympic lifting type movements (cleans, snatches) then get some bumper plates and you may want to build a platform.

    Anything else you buy is just extra credit.
  • norcalskater
    norcalskater Posts: 194 Member
    I did this too. I was paying $420 a year at the gym and getting impatient with having to share machines so I decided to take that money and buy equipment. I have a flat/incline bench press. I have two 45lb plates, four 10 lb plates, and two 5 lb plates. I am getting some 25 lb plates soon. I have two dumbells that adjust up to 55 lbs each, a pull up bar and a 30lb band that's about it for now. There is a lot you can do with just that. There are so many different ways you can use a set of dumbbells and a Olympic bar bell. Just get what you can for now and over time get more things you need.
  • Pirate_chick
    Pirate_chick Posts: 1,216 Member
    this thread is an eye opener. I am spending $780 per year for my daughter and I to attend the local gym. I think I will work on turning my garage into a home gym over the next few months and cancel the membership at the end of the term. Thanks for the inspiration.
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    this thread is an eye opener. I am spending $780 per year for my daughter and I to attend the local gym. I think I will work on turning my garage into a home gym over the next few months and cancel the membership at the end of the term. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Geez! for $780 you could get EVERYTHING you need off of Craigslist. I probably only spent about $1000 total and I have a HUGE home gym set up.
  • oc1timoco
    oc1timoco Posts: 272 Member
    I have a Total Home Gym ( Thank you Chuck Norris ) that I bought at a yard sale 3 years ago for $100 that I use 2 days a week. A weight bench and 180# of steel weights, purchased for $50 at a yard sale, that I use 3 days a week. I also have a Tony Little Gazelle that I use when the weather is cold. ( I will walk/ run in every kind of weather but cold ). Over in the corner I have a punching bag to work out frustrations.
  • csuhar
    csuhar Posts: 779 Member
    this thread is an eye opener. I am spending $780 per year for my daughter and I to attend the local gym. I think I will work on turning my garage into a home gym over the next few months and cancel the membership at the end of the term. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Geez! for $780 you could get EVERYTHING you need off of Craigslist. I probably only spent about $1000 total and I have a HUGE home gym set up.

    The one-time pricetag is by far one of the best features of home gyms. Pay once, and the gear is pretty much entirely at your disposal. Membership gyms are great for people who don't have the space at home, but your membership is basically you renting the ability to TRY and use equipment, provided someone else isn't using it, already.
  • wjunderwood
    wjunderwood Posts: 1
    I am turning 60 in Oct and have decided also to lose weight and how best to since I have had 2 back surgery and one neck surgery. I have to loose 50 lbs and my goal is to loose it by next March. With that said I have have a friend that has had very good luck with the Total Gym so I bought one about 6 weeks ago and love it. So many different things you can do and so easy to set up and adjust it totally gives you a good workout. I started out at 235 lbs and am now at 218, this in 2 months, also have changed diet, 1750 cals per day. I also do 2 plus miles on a treadmill every day. So whatever you choose good luck
    that1s my two cent worth Take a look at the Total Gym you may want to try it and it is a month to month pay plan or buy it out right. Total refund also if you don,t like
  • nebslp
    nebslp Posts: 1,674 Member
    Bump for this summer when I will be setting up my own weight room.
  • miche_smash
    miche_smash Posts: 131 Member
    Bump!
  • bookworm_847
    bookworm_847 Posts: 1,903 Member
    Thanks for posting this and for the responses! My husband wants to work on getting a home gym in the garage, so this is great information!
  • Pirate_chick
    Pirate_chick Posts: 1,216 Member
    this thread is an eye opener. I am spending $780 per year for my daughter and I to attend the local gym. I think I will work on turning my garage into a home gym over the next few months and cancel the membership at the end of the term. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Geez! for $780 you could get EVERYTHING you need off of Craigslist. I probably only spent about $1000 total and I have a HUGE home gym set up.



    The one-time pricetag is by far one of the best features of home gyms. Pay once, and the gear is pretty much entirely at your disposal. Membership gyms are great for people who don't have the space at home, but your membership is basically you renting the ability to TRY and use equipment, provided someone else isn't using it, already.


    That's very true, I often have to wait for a treadmill or elliptical or, for the kid that's texting to get on with his workout and get off the machine.
  • Jenky85
    Jenky85 Posts: 190 Member
    I've set up a weight room at home and love it...best thing I ever did. I bought a bench first but then found I needed a squat rack so added that. I think that's really enough, I'm doing the Stronglifts 5x5 programme and these two pieces of equipment cover me for all the moves. Good luck and enjoy!!

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