Lifting at Home - Equipment
_lyndseybrooke_
Posts: 2,561 Member
So, I hate the gym. I really do. I'm just starting the SL5x5 program and I'd much rather do it at home. Once our gym membership is expired, my husband would like to lift at home as well. We decided to look into purchasing some used or cheap, but still quality, equipment that will work for me and my puny weights now but can also accommodate him.
I figure all I need is a bench with the barbell rack, a barbell, and a set of weight plates (just a few for now, and will purchase more as it's needed). I found a used bench at our local sport/fitness shop for $80. They also have a pench and squat rack set for $180, and I'm sure it's worth it, but I'm not sure we can afford it right now.
So, first question: Do I need a squat rack or can I do the 5x5 with just a barbell? I'd assume we'll eventually need a squat rack for when we're squatting more than we can get up to our shoulders from the floor. Thoughts?
Second, the barbell. The Olympic bar we found was pretty expensive - about $100, but we can get a used standard bar for $20 or a new standard bar for $60. Does it really matter or is the Olympic bar necessary?
The store also has a 300 lb Olympic barbell and weight set for $200. I'd absolutely love to have the bench/squat rack combo and this set, but $400 is a little steep and I'm not sure we can swing it. Hey, that's what credit is for, right? But honestly, just looking for some input from those of you that might have some good tips.
I figure all I need is a bench with the barbell rack, a barbell, and a set of weight plates (just a few for now, and will purchase more as it's needed). I found a used bench at our local sport/fitness shop for $80. They also have a pench and squat rack set for $180, and I'm sure it's worth it, but I'm not sure we can afford it right now.
So, first question: Do I need a squat rack or can I do the 5x5 with just a barbell? I'd assume we'll eventually need a squat rack for when we're squatting more than we can get up to our shoulders from the floor. Thoughts?
Second, the barbell. The Olympic bar we found was pretty expensive - about $100, but we can get a used standard bar for $20 or a new standard bar for $60. Does it really matter or is the Olympic bar necessary?
The store also has a 300 lb Olympic barbell and weight set for $200. I'd absolutely love to have the bench/squat rack combo and this set, but $400 is a little steep and I'm not sure we can swing it. Hey, that's what credit is for, right? But honestly, just looking for some input from those of you that might have some good tips.
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Replies
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I think it's all pretty relative.
In the beginning, a squat rack isn't really needed, but it may be as you progress.
As far as the Oly bar, it's suggested, but not necessary (IMO). Just remember that your starting weight will not be 45(ish) pounds. Just adjust your weight as needed.
Check out this site
http://stronglifts.com/stronglifts-5x5-minimalist-strength-training-program/0 -
you NEED a squat rack. a dependable one. with regards to the other stuff, the bench you're looking at isn't that great, but it will get you started. there's no reason to spend $1500 on equipment just to get started so I'd say get the cheap bench and bar, use it for as long as you can, and then sell it to someone else when you decide that you like lifting and you need better quality equipment.0
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If you're going to do stronglifts, or any strength program for more than a couple of months, you need a squat rack. I'd be wary of most sporting goods store squat racks too, as the safeties on those things are pretty wimpy. I don't think I'd feel comfortable squatting anywhere near my max without some solid safeties to be sure I'm not going to get stuck under a couple hundred pounds. Sure, you're not lifting that much yet, but you will be, and if you get a lower quality rack, you'll be looking to replace it in a few months, or will hold back your progress to compensate.
to get plates/bars and such cheaper, check out craigslist. I got a 300lb olympic set, bar (its not a great one but it gets the job done) and a bench for $120 on there. I don't have a squat rack, so I still use the gym for that, but its a good start.0 -
There are always going to be people that opt for quality and look to the end game that may disagree with me, but I buy according to my need and available $$$'s. I bought the cheapo versions at Walmart and they have served me well. I also ordered squat stands online for $80 (I have no room for a whole squat rack but can't lift more than 60 lbs over my head to get the bar on my shoulders). Granted, I don't lift big numbers and if I were squatting 200 lbs then this solution might not be the best. I did find a regular bar for $20, so I use that for my heavier weights and keep the first bar (it came in three pieces) loaded with lighter weights. I buy weight plates as I progress.
Decide what is most important to have and spend the $$$ there first and make do with cheaper items now until you can upgrade. Just a thought.0 -
Hi Reed. Could you tell me if this stronglifts is a book? I keep asking about 5x5 and I can't get an answer as to what it is.0
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Check out craigslist. You can often get great deals.0
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I'm going to spend about $400-$500 this weekend on mine. It is a lot (credit card), but it's about what my partner and I would spend on another year at the gym. This way we OWN it.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=22455776 (the hooks and safeties can be attached on the rear of the uprights for squats and OHP.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10793623&cp=4406646.4413986.12598195.4417790
I tried Craigslist. Wasted a good month trying to get people to answer back about what they were selling. So frustrating.0 -
I hate the gym, too. Ever since I picked up a case of norovirus a few years ago, I haven't felt safe about using their equipment. I'm the guy that meticulously wipes down the machine twice before sitting down. The biggest downside is that I don't have enough space to do this.
How handy are you with carpentry?
http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-power-rack.html
As for the bar, I think craigslist is the way to go. Sears and Walmart might have good options.0 -
Hi Reed. Could you tell me if this stronglifts is a book? I keep asking about 5x5 and I can't get an answer as to what it is.
No book, free online program, simple and effective.
http://stronglifts.com/5x5/
Give it a try. I never, ever thought I would or could lift heavy and now I do and I love it.0 -
I'd say yes to the rack. I lift alone and I need a rack for my benches and some squats that are dangerous without a spotter. Something simple yet strong will be fine. As for the Oly bar, I don't think it's necessary. I use a high quality standard bar and it's fine. Just get some lifting straps and some gloves for grip.
I'd also recommend a bench that adjusts. And if you're ever planning on doing anything other that SL and need dumbbells I highly recommend the bowflex adjustable ones. I don't like anything else from bowflex but the new improved adjustable weights are amazing. I've had them for a couple of years and they rock.0 -
I hate the gym, too. Ever since I picked up a case of norovirus a few years ago, I haven't felt safe about using their equipment. I'm the guy that meticulously wipes down the machine twice before sitting down. The biggest downside is that I don't have enough space to do this.
How handy are you with carpentry?
http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-power-rack.html
As for the bar, I think craigslist is the way to go. Sears and Walmart might have good options.
Thank you so much for that link. How cool. My husband is actually into carpentry quite a bit, but hasn't had the opportunity to build anything in awhile. I just texted him about this and I think he'll be pretty excited about it.
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Thanks so much everyone! This is super helpful.0
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So, I hate the gym. I really do. I'm just starting the SL5x5 program and I'd much rather do it at home. Once our gym membership is expired, my husband would like to lift at home as well. We decided to look into purchasing some used or cheap, but still quality, equipment that will work for me and my puny weights now but can also accommodate him.
I figure all I need is a bench with the barbell rack, a barbell, and a set of weight plates (just a few for now, and will purchase more as it's needed). I found a used bench at our local sport/fitness shop for $80. They also have a pench and squat rack set for $180, and I'm sure it's worth it, but I'm not sure we can afford it right now.
So, first question: Do I need a squat rack or can I do the 5x5 with just a barbell? I'd assume we'll eventually need a squat rack for when we're squatting more than we can get up to our shoulders from the floor. Thoughts?
Second, the barbell. The Olympic bar we found was pretty expensive - about $100, but we can get a used standard bar for $20 or a new standard bar for $60. Does it really matter or is the Olympic bar necessary?
The store also has a 300 lb Olympic barbell and weight set for $200. I'd absolutely love to have the bench/squat rack combo and this set, but $400 is a little steep and I'm not sure we can swing it. Hey, that's what credit is for, right? But honestly, just looking for some input from those of you that might have some good tips.
I can't imagine doing barbell squats without some sort of rack, especially working out at home alone. Having the safeties to catch the bar if I fail is a nice insurance policy! That said, you can do dumbbell squats without a rack. I used to do that at my small work gym, but I soon got to the max dumbbells (75 lb each) and it was never very comfortable.
The main difference between an Olympic bar and a standard bar is going to be how much weight you can load up on it. A standard bar might be able to hold 2-300 lbs (?) which may seem like a lot right now, but if you do a progressive lifting program, you (or your husband) might soon max that out, especially on deadlifts. A standard bar might get you started, but look to replace it with an Olympic one soon (plus all new plates)!
I searched Craigslist for a few months and ended up getting a pretty good deal on a bench, power rack, Olympic bar and about 300 lb of weights for $300. I've had to buy more weights as my deadlift got better, and I did replace the bar recently, as the original one had a very slight bend.0 -
I only have a barbell rack and bench, and they have served me well for a beginner. I spent $20 on the whole set at a yard sale last fall. I have not been doing weighted squats though, so maybe I will want a squat rack at some point, but have been getting by without one.0
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also Kijiji for great used deals0
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I'm going to spend about $400-$500 this weekend on mine. It is a lot (credit card), but it's about what my partner and I would spend on another year at the gym. This way we OWN it.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=22455776 (the hooks and safeties can be attached on the rear of the uprights for squats and OHP.
http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10793623&cp=4406646.4413986.12598195.4417790
I tried Craigslist. Wasted a good month trying to get people to answer back about what they were selling. So frustrating.
Too late to edit. Just noticed my links are screwy. Apparently MFP won't let me post a link to an actual store. Let's see if I can get just the picture without the rest of the sale page.
[pic]http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-8824626p275w.jpg[/pic]
[pic]http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-16283402p275w.jpg[/pic]
ETA: Oh! I just realized WHY it's blocking out the name of the store. HAHAHA :noway:0 -
not going to be popular with everyone, but i plan on buying a new rack from Rogue fitness. if you buy a rack everythign ships free. I'll probably blow 2000 at once and save about 1000 in shipping.
yes its a lot of money, but i'm worth it lol.
100 for a bar seems fairly reasonable.
not really sure that the distinction between a 'standard' and 'olympic' bar is supposed to be. I've only known the cheap hallow bars that you get with plastic wieghts full of sand or concrete (this you definetly do not want) and then the bars you see at the gym.
if its approximately 7 ft long and has the standard ends that accomidate the 2'' holes your basically good to go. yes it may be of poorer quality, and might bend, but if you only spent 20 on it who cares. that probably sounds strange after my first sentance0 -
... plastic wieghts full of sand or concrete (this you definetly do not want) ...
^^ These are what I use. I just make a point not to drop them on my concrete basement floor. So far, so good. :laugh:0 -
not going to be popular with everyone, but i plan on buying a new rack from Rogue fitness. if you buy a rack everythign ships free. I'll probably blow 2000 at once and save about 1000 in shipping.
yes its a lot of money, but i'm worth it lol.
100 for a bar seems fairly reasonable.
not really sure that the distinction between a 'standard' and 'olympic' bar is supposed to be. I've only known the cheap hallow bars that you get with plastic wieghts full of sand or concrete (this you definetly do not want) and then the bars you see at the gym.
if its approximately 7 ft long and has the standard ends that accomidate the 2'' holes your basically good to go. yes it may be of poorer quality, and might bend, but if you only spent 20 on it who cares. that probably sounds strange after my first sentance
No, not popular, because we are just jealous ;-)
A "standard" bar fits plates with a 1" hole, not 2" like an Oly bar. The bar itself is also lighter (18 lbs?) instead of 45 lb. As it is thinner and lighter, it will hold less weight: the one in the link below has a max loading weight of about 250 lb; an Olympic bar will hold 500 lb or more (depending on quality).
A standard bar would be fine for a beginner, or someone who is never going to lift >250 lb. But I can squat that much after a few months of Starting Strength (46 yo male). I prefer to buy something with room to grow into, not something you are going to have to replace after a year, so I'd recommend going Olympic if possible.
http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Standard-Smooth-6-Feet/dp/B002KLQJGG/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=12M5SAW35XCEWHZWWGSY0 -
oh, i dont' think i've ever seen the 1'' ones, but that makes sense because i've only had the cheap sand ones or used the stuff at the gym.
I'd 80% or more of the home gym population will be just fine with the cheapest 2'' variety of bar. any male and probably many females will out grow the other as you say.0 -
... plastic wieghts full of sand or concrete (this you definetly do not want) ...
^^ These are what I use. I just make a point not to drop them on my concrete basement floor. So far, so good. :laugh:
If they work for you then they work for you i couldn't fit enough of those sand weights on the little bar to make an effective bench press. 0 -
... plastic wieghts full of sand or concrete (this you definetly do not want) ...
^^ These are what I use. I just make a point not to drop them on my concrete basement floor. So far, so good. :laugh:
If they work for you then they work for you i couldn't fit enough of those sand weights on the little bar to make an effective bench press.
:bigsmile:
You probably lift more than me too! :drinker:0 -
Ok, I went out and spent $400 on equipment this weekend.
I got a cap bench with a squat rack and the 300 lb Olympic barbell set. The bench and rack were a beast to put together (considering the instructions were pictures only, no actual directions - made for a man, I suppose), but it's all set up now. I did my first 5x5 today with my new stuff and I'm pretty excited that I don't have to go to the gym anymore.
Thanks again for all the help!0 -
Ok, I went out and spent $400 on equipment this weekend.
I got a cap bench with a squat rack and the 300 lb Olympic barbell set. The bench and rack were a beast to put together (considering the instructions were pictures only, no actual directions - made for a man, I suppose), but it's all set up now. I did my first 5x5 today with my new stuff and I'm pretty excited that I don't have to go to the gym anymore.
Thanks again for all the help!
Good choice!!! The cost will take care of itself compared to gym membership over the years. And, if needed, you can add things along the way to your new home gym.
Figure that compared to a one year gym membership, your $400 investment is the same as $33 a month. Or a 2 year membership, $16 a month. A 3 year membership - $11 a month. A 4 year - $8 a month. So on and so forth. The weights will last forever - as does the need to lift them through your life. So at some point in the future, they will have paid for themselves in spades...0 -
Ok, I went out and spent $400 on equipment this weekend.
I got a cap bench with a squat rack and the 300 lb Olympic barbell set. The bench and rack were a beast to put together (considering the instructions were pictures only, no actual directions - made for a man, I suppose), but it's all set up now. I did my first 5x5 today with my new stuff and I'm pretty excited that I don't have to go to the gym anymore.
Thanks again for all the help!
Enjoy!0 -
Now I just need a plate rack so they're not all sitting on the carpet. And one of those foam barbell covers for my squats - I'm a wimp and that bar is uncomfortable on my back.0
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Ok, I went out and spent $400 on equipment this weekend.
I got a cap bench with a squat rack and the 300 lb Olympic barbell set. The bench and rack were a beast to put together (considering the instructions were pictures only, no actual directions - made for a man, I suppose), but it's all set up now. I did my first 5x5 today with my new stuff and I'm pretty excited that I don't have to go to the gym anymore.
Thanks again for all the help!
pics pics!0 -
definetly tempting me to go the ****sporting goods route.
they have a power cage for like 400 bucks, much cheaper bar and weight set, and i could skip shipping that way. i'm no super heavy weight, it would probably be enough for me.
its just the last time i cheaped out i ended up with that weider bench and the sand weights that are basically useless to me0 -
Here's a picture:
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nice nice! i don't see a squat rack though0
![http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-8824626p275w.jpg[/pic]](/en/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.%2A%2A%2A%2Assportinggoods.com%2Fgraphics%2Fproduct_images%2FpDSP1-8824626p275w.jpg%5B%2Fpic%5D){kind=link}
![http://www.****ssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-16283402p275w.jpg[/pic]](/en/home/leaving?allowTrusted=1&target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.%2A%2A%2A%2Assportinggoods.com%2Fgraphics%2Fproduct_images%2FpDSP1-16283402p275w.jpg%5B%2Fpic%5D){kind=link}
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