want to make my own gym at home

bschoo01
bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all! A little about myself... I am 27 yr old female :) I started my weightloss journey several times over the past few years. This last journey started in March. I did the basic cardio stuff for a while but didn't seem to be losing any weight. At the beginning of July I started lifting instead. I still have a lot of room for improvement but I feel great! I actually like working out now and have seen a much bigger difference in my body since I started lifting.

I have recently switched from working nights to working days. When I worked nights it was great to go to the gym at midnight! I was in and out quickly, nobody starring at me, no waiting for someone else to finish, etc. Now working days... I'm in bed around 10p. Which means I have to go to the gym around 7p after work and the place is packed! My 45 minute lifting sessions are now at an hour and a half because of all the waiting and sharing of equipment. Plus it drives me nuts when everybody is watching me because it's sooo unheard of to see a woman lifting with the men.

Anyways... I would like to start slowly getting equipment for at home so I can eventually end my gym membership. Cost is a concern! I would like some pointers on what to buy. Brands that are good and what to stay away from. I would like to get some kind of power rack. Prefer one that I can use for squats, deadlifts, presses, pull/chin ups, and lat and low pulls. I will also need to get a decent olympic bar and weights. I would also like some dumbbells. Has anybody used the adjustable dumbbells? Do you prefer them over the individual ones?

Any pointers, advice, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Replies

  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    bump :)
  • MissHolidayGolightly
    MissHolidayGolightly Posts: 857 Member
    Ooh building a home gym has been something I've been thinking about, too! I don't mind going to a regular gym but I would love to have my own space at home that I can use whenever I want and take how ever long I want.

    I am doing strong lifts and the website has some equipment recommendations: http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ just scroll down to the equipment section.

    Edit: if you're good with tools, you could probably also build a power cage.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    My best advice - look for used equipment online (kijiji?). Do your research on the product before you buy it but you should save a lot of money this way.
  • tsimblist
    tsimblist Posts: 206 Member
    ...

    I would also like some dumbbells. Has anybody used the adjustable dumbbells? Do you prefer them over the individual ones?

    Any pointers, advice, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    The main thing I like about my adjustable dumbbells is that they take up very little space in my home gym. The main problem with them that I see is that you should not drop them or they will get bent (or break) and become more difficult to adjust.
  • mantium999
    mantium999 Posts: 1,490 Member
    I built a home gym over time in my garage. Used (Craigslist) helped me get the essentials until I could upgrade. If you can get a good deal on a power/squat rack, a barbell and some plates, and a bench, you will have no trouble putting together a solid routine at home.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    DO IT!!

    It's the best. I'd recommend barbell, squat rack etc. if you like heavy lifting?

    I don't think it works out that expensive as I bought stuff as I need it. I was pathetic so started with a broomstick, 4x 1.25, 4x 2.5 and 4x 5 kg plates. Next buy was my barbell then squat rack when the weight was too heavy to press overhead then more plates etc.

    You never have to wait and pick your own music :)
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    ...

    I would also like some dumbbells. Has anybody used the adjustable dumbbells? Do you prefer them over the individual ones?

    Any pointers, advice, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    The main thing I like about my adjustable dumbbells is that they take up very little space in my home gym. The main problem with them that I see is that you should not drop them or they will get bent (or break) and become more difficult to adjust.

    I think the main benefit of adjustable dumbbells is the price! I'd love a rack of the proper ones - maybe once I win the lottery :/
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    Ooh building a home gym has been something I've been thinking about, too! I don't mind going to a regular gym but I would love to have my own space at home that I can use whenever I want and take how ever long I want.

    I am doing strong lifts and the website has some equipment recommendations: http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ just scroll down to the equipment section.

    Edit: if you're good with tools, you could probably also build a power cage.

    Thanks! I will check that out!
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    Ooh building a home gym has been something I've been thinking about, too! I don't mind going to a regular gym but I would love to have my own space at home that I can use whenever I want and take how ever long I want.

    I am doing strong lifts and the website has some equipment recommendations: http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ just scroll down to the equipment section.

    Edit: if you're good with tools, you could probably also build a power cage.

    Definitely go the powercage route, if you can. I saw plans for them on the interwebz after I had bought the rack. Rack is fine but I can't go for 1RM as I've no safeties.
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    My best advice - look for used equipment online (kijiji?). Do your research on the product before you buy it but you should save a lot of money this way.

    I've looked on craigslist and amazon so far. Some people are asking a crap ton of money though for things that look old, are missing parts, etc. I have a hard time trusting not new products :(
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    DO IT!!

    It's the best. I'd recommend barbell, squat rack etc. if you like heavy lifting?

    I don't think it works out that expensive as I bought stuff as I need it. I was pathetic so started with a broomstick, 4x 1.25, 4x 2.5 and 4x 5 kg plates. Next buy was my barbell then squat rack when the weight was too heavy to press overhead then more plates etc.

    You never have to wait and pick your own music :)

    That's awesome! However I lift too heavy to use a broomstick at home lol i def need a squat rack and barbell with weights. I don't want to go backwards, need to keep increasing my lifts.
  • tsimblist
    tsimblist Posts: 206 Member

    I think the main benefit of adjustable dumbbells is the price! I'd love a rack of the proper ones - maybe once I win the lottery :/

    I never researched the price of individual dumbbells. I saw a set of PowerBlocks in a retail store and made an impulse purchase. I had some buyers remorse later over the cost. But now that I have been using them, and they're paid for, I like the space saving and the quick adjustment.
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    ...

    I would also like some dumbbells. Has anybody used the adjustable dumbbells? Do you prefer them over the individual ones?

    Any pointers, advice, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    The main thing I like about my adjustable dumbbells is that they take up very little space in my home gym. The main problem with them that I see is that you should not drop them or they will get bent (or break) and become more difficult to adjust.

    I will keep that in mind! Thank you!
  • jhc7324
    jhc7324 Posts: 200 Member
    ...

    I would also like some dumbbells. Has anybody used the adjustable dumbbells? Do you prefer them over the individual ones?

    Any pointers, advice, tips, etc would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks!

    The main thing I like about my adjustable dumbbells is that they take up very little space in my home gym. The main problem with them that I see is that you should not drop them or they will get bent (or break) and become more difficult to adjust.

    I think the main benefit of adjustable dumbbells is the price! I'd love a rack of the proper ones - maybe once I win the lottery :/
    You can also get olympic dumbell handles much more inexpensively than buying a bowflex or other adjustable dumbell set. It lets you use your olympic plates on the bar (you just need to make sure to have 4 of each size) and you can adjust the weight to pretty much whatever you want. The handles I have weigh about 6 lbs each, and I snagged them on craigslist for $40.

    It can get a bit awkward with the bigger olympic plates on them if you're doing something really heavy, step ups with the 45s on board tend to bang up your knees, but you can't beat the small size and the options it gives you.
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    My best advice - look for used equipment online (kijiji?). Do your research on the product before you buy it but you should save a lot of money this way.

    I've looked on craigslist and amazon so far. Some people are asking a crap ton of money though for things that look old, are missing parts, etc. I have a hard time trusting not new products :(

    Yes, this is a risk - but with careful research and makin sure you try the item before handing over any cash - with time and effort would come a lot of savings. An Olympic bar could cost $300 new.

    Of course, I'm the type who won't pay full price for a $40 shirt, so I definitely wouldn't for something over $40.
  • _benjammin
    _benjammin Posts: 1,224 Member
    How much room to have to work with?
    From the Grand Rapids Craigslist:
    Here's a bigger (homemade) squat rack in Allendale: https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4636480827.html
    You could probably drill some holes to add more height options and add spotter bars for benching. For $60 it looks like a steal.
    00k0k_7QTb1TWytqP_600x450.jpg

    Marcy rack/stands for $50: https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4607972917.html
    00t0t_lFB7AY76jPN_600x450.jpg

    Squat Rack w/Universal Weights and Bar - $200
    https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4582610056.html

    And some others "nearby" when I searched for "Squat Rack":
    https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/search/sga?query=squat+rack
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    How much room to have to work with?
    From the Grand Rapids Craigslist:
    Here's a bigger (homemade) squat rack in Allendale: https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4636480827.html
    You could probably drill some holes to add more height options and add spotter bars for benching. For $60 it looks like a steal.
    00k0k_7QTb1TWytqP_600x450.jpg

    Marcy rack/stands for $50: https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4607972917.html
    00t0t_lFB7AY76jPN_600x450.jpg

    Squat Rack w/Universal Weights and Bar - $200
    https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/spo/4582610056.html

    And some others "nearby" when I searched for "Squat Rack":
    https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/search/sga?query=squat+rack

    I will look into these. I was hoping to get a bit more of a power rack to do a few more things and hold my weights. Thanks for looking for me :)
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    Has anybody bought anything from ****'s? I see an olympic barbell with 300 lbs of weights for around $250. Is that a good deal? or is it so cheap I should be skeptical?
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    we had a bow flex and hated it, even though it took up less room I just hated it.Now I have a free weight rack. We also have a punching bag, treadmill, spin bike, pole, swimming pool, and an area for stretching/yoga. A lot of time and money invested in it but it's worth it. I now have no excuses - weather, time, sick kids, etc.

    ETA I won't buy anything used, signup for emails from sports authority, sports chalet, etc....when their coupons come some are good on exercise equipment, some are not. When I got my spin bike I used 50 bucks in rewards I'd accumulated and a 20% off coupon, I think I got a good deal!
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    oh! apparently I can't name the store because they think I am cussing lol so they starred it out for me ;)
  • karenj_m
    karenj_m Posts: 215
    Weider pull up tower too....you can slide it around in the room out of your way. Has a dip station / roman chair on the opposite side. ...and handles at the bottom for doing correct pushups. Around $149

    http://www.weiderfitness.com/fitness/en/WeiderFitness/Body-Weight-Machines/weider-200-power-tower

    We also have a Concept 2 rowing machine (those are expensive), a weight lifting station (with square box around it) includes cables and lat pulldown connected to the weights, and of course we have lots hand dumb bells

    (edited to add other stuff)...
  • leggup
    leggup Posts: 2,942 Member
    We got everything off of craigslist (except some handweights i got off of amazon). A lot of it is equipment from Gold's Gym.. I'm guessing a lot of franchises aren't doing well? I really like the Gold's equipment.

    Personally, I like olympic plates. My favorite ones have built in handles. I hateee the concrete weights we have and will be selling/giving them away on craigslist soon.

    Oh, we also got our floor mat from amazon. Interlocking tiles is the way to go. We have a rubber mat under our elliptical and it is forever creased from shipping. Boo.

    If you're looking for an elliptical too, we got the Horizon-69 from amazon. If you buy it with 2 day shipping and it takes longer, they refund you $50-100, can't remember, but it was nice. Not hard to assemble, but heavy.
  • bschoo01
    bschoo01 Posts: 175 Member
    We got everything off of craigslist (except some handweights i got off of amazon). A lot of it is equipment from Gold's Gym.. I'm guessing a lot of franchises aren't doing well? I really like the Gold's equipment.

    Personally, I like olympic plates. My favorite ones have built in handles. I hateee the concrete weights we have and will be selling/giving them away on craigslist soon.

    Oh, we also got our floor mat from amazon. Interlocking tiles is the way to go. We have a rubber mat under our elliptical and it is forever creased from shipping. Boo.

    If you're looking for an elliptical too, we got the Horizon-69 from amazon. If you buy it with 2 day shipping and it takes longer, they refund you $50-100, can't remember, but it was nice. Not hard to assemble, but heavy.

    I'm not looking for an elliptical right now but maybe in the future. Getting everything together for weight lifting is top priority right now. I'm finding some things that I'm interested in on Craigslist... just have a hard time buying used and trusting people ya know?

    I still have to check ebay too...
  • Soccermavrick
    Soccermavrick Posts: 405 Member
    Ok, I am old school. And I will ask you if you really know yourself. Personally I put together a great home gym, but when I got married and the kid came along something always became more important. Plus seeing others growing and developing in the gym motivates me, and fires me up. And I found that I could not, or did not use my home gym like I had intended. There are a lot of distractions at home, so at times I regretted buying all the equipment I did.

    If you are still sure, I will tell you as long as you are not buying the $50 special from Sears or K-mart, (am I dating myself here,) most benches san handle the load. Figure out what you use and what you need, (Power-rack, Smith Machine, etc...) then as a few people pointed out do not be afraid to look of Craig's list. Over the period of a month you will find a number of people trying to clean out rooms for pennys on the dollar. Also, make sure you know how much space (clearance) you have for the gym. (Is it enough room for an Olympic bar? And I do suggest buying matting for under the weights, I had to replace the carpet in my last house because of stains.)

    As far as the adjustable weights. Yes, they are a space saver, but they can be pricey, and they tend to need a little more TLC than those at the gym, meaning that you cannot slam or drop them. And if you do drop weights, I might suggest rubberized plates to help absorb some of the drop.
  • juliemouse83
    juliemouse83 Posts: 6,663 Member
    Has anybody bought anything from ****'s? I see an olympic barbell with 300 lbs of weights for around $250. Is that a good deal? or is it so cheap I should be skeptical?

    I got my Oly set from D!ck's about a year and a half ago, and love it. Craig's List pickings were slim in my neck of the woods, so I splurged and got a Marcy adjustable bench/rack combo initially, and then added the leg attachment later. The only thing on the down side is that I don't yet have anything for lat pull downs, which kind of sucks, but for what I paid, I really can't complain.
  • leggup
    leggup Posts: 2,942 Member
    I'm not looking for an elliptical right now but maybe in the future. Getting everything together for weight lifting is top priority right now. I'm finding some things that I'm interested in on Craigslist... just have a hard time buying used and trusting people ya know?

    People tend to be very flexible for prices on weights since they're a pain to move with and Craigslist is filled with people trying to get rid of them (at least, in my area). You say trusting.. thankfully plates and things are obvious if they're damaged. Just get a friend to go with you and drive separately if you're going to pick up more than a few hundred lbs of weights + equipment.

    If you're buying a cage/bench/anything that requires assembly, tell them not to take it apart, that you want to make sure it has all the screw/is level
  • mank32
    mank32 Posts: 1,323 Member
    recommendable plans for building your own power/squat rack? i'm dating a welder :bigsmile:
  • shor0814
    shor0814 Posts: 559 Member
    recommendable plans for building your own power/squat rack? i'm dating a welder :bigsmile:

    This is Mark Rippetoe's design, very very sturdy and comes well recommended.

    http://www.wfac-gym.com/files/rack_model.pdf

    One item to think about for the squat rack is making sure it fits in your workout area. If it has a built in pullup bar make sure you have room for your head :) My basement doesn't have the ceiling height for a full rack so I went with a short half rack and safety arms.

    Bumper plates are good for keeping noise down and protecting the floor. You can find the economy style ones for a decent price but they do add up fast.

    I created a T shaped lifting platform out of 3/4 plywood and horse stall mats for deadlifts and a nice hard surface to squat and bench. The Tongue of the T sits under or inside your rack and the top of the T is used for the platform. I got the idea from our gym's Hammer Strength racks.

    Weight trees, plates, and bars are easy to find on Craigslist and way way way cheaper than in stores or online shipping. Bring a straight edge to check for bent bars when going used.

    Love having my own gym at home but I still like the gym atmosphere and getting out of the house a couple times a week.
  • pcdoctor01
    pcdoctor01 Posts: 389 Member
    Here is a mini home gym.

    Medicine ball, resistance bands, jump rope, sandbell, dumbbells (light and medium), heart rate monitor, stability ball, weighted gloves, workout mat and YouTube workout videos and/or inexpensive workout DVDs.

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