bigrobbie
TID OG Member
- Sep 19, 2010
- 861
- 406
So you think maybe you are ready to convert your extra space into a home gym. I know you don't hate your gym but maybe the grass is greener or something like that.
I prefer a gym setting but for arguments sake let's lay out just a couple pros vs cons in the event there may still be some fence sitters.
Local gym:
Pro- there is always a spotter and equipment as far as one can see!
Con- for reasons that still perplex me, there always seems to be a Space Mountain size line for the bench press stations; look, bench is important but geez! Does the entire membership demographic under 35 have to wait like they're in line for a porta-potty at a music festival!
Home gym:
Pros- you can be as messy as hell and not have to worry bout small talk!
Cons- It's easy to say you'll just workout later! You may be interrupted with family stuff!
I am assuming that anyone wanting to make a home gym should* be well versed in resistance training. Just for safety you have to understand that and form...
I think prior to commiting to this adventure it is a very good idea to buy some basic equipment ie: 110# barbell set, a few dumbbells, a chin bar and maybe a cheap bench. Take a couple months and see if you enjoy working out at home.
You will either enjoy the privacy or simply despise it! If ya hate it then you are saving yourself time and money. If you like it, you know for sure you should go for it! It's either your cup of tea or it isn't so just be honest with yourself.
We've decided that the folks who want to keep with the local gym will do just that....so now we're going to address the home gym heros and try to give some perspective on this project. First thing I recommend is as easy as it gets. Make a list to help with planning, focus and practicality.
The List:
1) Determine how much space (sq. footage) you have.
2) Decide on an ergonomic floor plan-you will use this plan again when equipment selections are made.
3) Set a budget for equipping your gym, then find trusted dealer(s) and finally, make a call on what / how much to buy to begin the process of furnishing (for lack of a better term).
Here is the grey area: I want to suggest starter equipment but without knowing your space and budget I'll just have to guess-ta-mate on this. Here goes:
Let's say you have chosen to get the following-
1) Dumbbell racks stocked with pairs in the 10-100 #'s- side note here, please don't buy adjustable bells. The extra money you'll spend buying fixed olympic dumbbells is well worth it! Cost estimate including dumbbell rack system=$700-$900
2) Olympic barbell set. Standard 300# set as you can add more plates later. Most include the following... 1 bar weighing 45#'s; 2 plates @45#'s; 2 @ 35#'s; 2 @ 25#'s; 2 @ 10#'s; and generally 4 plates @ 5#'s and 2 @ 2.5#'s. Also unless you want to be a YouTube viral video or the topic of your local EMT's "wtf" conversations remember the clips. I prefer spring clips. Estimated cost should be in the $100-$300 range. (If you buy used it's much less).
3) You're always important barbell bench is a must...To save space as well as money I would go with a multi function bench. An incline, decline, flat bench with rear dip bar and squat rack is the BMW of in home equipment. Estimated cost $200-$500. Again used is a money saver!
In my opinion guys and gals, this is a solid start. Remember there are endless ways to spend money stocking your gym...but start conservative, please...
Lastly, we need to understand that building a home gym is about ease of access, being in your own space. It is not to save money! It won't!
Finally, even though you are comfortable working out at home, DO NOT COMPROMISE SAFETY! USE THE SAFE GUARDS ON YOUR EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE WITHOUT A SPOTTER!
There ya have it...another sub par post by your pal bigrobbie! Start the disagreement, JK! Enjoy!
I prefer a gym setting but for arguments sake let's lay out just a couple pros vs cons in the event there may still be some fence sitters.
Local gym:
Pro- there is always a spotter and equipment as far as one can see!
Con- for reasons that still perplex me, there always seems to be a Space Mountain size line for the bench press stations; look, bench is important but geez! Does the entire membership demographic under 35 have to wait like they're in line for a porta-potty at a music festival!
Home gym:
Pros- you can be as messy as hell and not have to worry bout small talk!
Cons- It's easy to say you'll just workout later! You may be interrupted with family stuff!
I am assuming that anyone wanting to make a home gym should* be well versed in resistance training. Just for safety you have to understand that and form...
I think prior to commiting to this adventure it is a very good idea to buy some basic equipment ie: 110# barbell set, a few dumbbells, a chin bar and maybe a cheap bench. Take a couple months and see if you enjoy working out at home.
You will either enjoy the privacy or simply despise it! If ya hate it then you are saving yourself time and money. If you like it, you know for sure you should go for it! It's either your cup of tea or it isn't so just be honest with yourself.
We've decided that the folks who want to keep with the local gym will do just that....so now we're going to address the home gym heros and try to give some perspective on this project. First thing I recommend is as easy as it gets. Make a list to help with planning, focus and practicality.
The List:
1) Determine how much space (sq. footage) you have.
2) Decide on an ergonomic floor plan-you will use this plan again when equipment selections are made.
3) Set a budget for equipping your gym, then find trusted dealer(s) and finally, make a call on what / how much to buy to begin the process of furnishing (for lack of a better term).
Here is the grey area: I want to suggest starter equipment but without knowing your space and budget I'll just have to guess-ta-mate on this. Here goes:
Let's say you have chosen to get the following-
1) Dumbbell racks stocked with pairs in the 10-100 #'s- side note here, please don't buy adjustable bells. The extra money you'll spend buying fixed olympic dumbbells is well worth it! Cost estimate including dumbbell rack system=$700-$900
2) Olympic barbell set. Standard 300# set as you can add more plates later. Most include the following... 1 bar weighing 45#'s; 2 plates @45#'s; 2 @ 35#'s; 2 @ 25#'s; 2 @ 10#'s; and generally 4 plates @ 5#'s and 2 @ 2.5#'s. Also unless you want to be a YouTube viral video or the topic of your local EMT's "wtf" conversations remember the clips. I prefer spring clips. Estimated cost should be in the $100-$300 range. (If you buy used it's much less).
3) You're always important barbell bench is a must...To save space as well as money I would go with a multi function bench. An incline, decline, flat bench with rear dip bar and squat rack is the BMW of in home equipment. Estimated cost $200-$500. Again used is a money saver!
In my opinion guys and gals, this is a solid start. Remember there are endless ways to spend money stocking your gym...but start conservative, please...
Lastly, we need to understand that building a home gym is about ease of access, being in your own space. It is not to save money! It won't!
Finally, even though you are comfortable working out at home, DO NOT COMPROMISE SAFETY! USE THE SAFE GUARDS ON YOUR EQUIPMENT IF YOU ARE WITHOUT A SPOTTER!
There ya have it...another sub par post by your pal bigrobbie! Start the disagreement, JK! Enjoy!
