ARTICLE: No more curls in the squat rack...what do you need
Article:
No More Curls in the Squat Rack
by Matt Vincent
About three years ago I decided to clean out the mess in my
garage and get a couple of items so I can train at home. I had seen
enough of the mutants and morons training at commercial gyms and
couldn't take it. Also after years of athletic training there were some
options I needed that a typical chain was not providing me. I need
chalk, better music, and less people. Fast forward three years later
and I have no desire to train anywhere else. This has been the best
investment I have ever made. It is easier and cheaper than you think
and can be done numerous ways.
One of the great things about a home gym is that most of us
will be limited on the space we have. Typically the size of the garage,
outdoor building, or basement ( I am turbo jealous of basement gyms,
but not jealous of people who also have basements also have snow. heck
that.). Having limited space will force you to prioritize your
equipment purposes and get what gives the most bang for you buck.
Forget having 8 different curl machines.
If you have the ability to order all new equipment, good for
you I had to like many of you piece it together over time. Using
Craigslist for your city is great option to find equipment cheap also
you can find dates with trannies. It is a one stop shop. There will be
some items that you will want to get new, but they are pretty
affordable.
Shopping list:
- Squat Stands or Power Rack: used $300 new $ 1500 EFS or Sorinex
- Steel Weights: used $ .50/pound or cheaper 800lbs= $400.00
- Decent Flat bench: new $50.00 Academy
- Texas Power Bar: new $300.00
- Prowler: $279.00 EFS econo version
This would be the way I would start my hunt and
purchasing. $1050 seems like a lot of money but not when you compare it
to a gym member ship of $50/month and driving to a from. You will also
want some other things as time goes on like a platform to lift on.
This is easy enough with rubber stall mats and plywood. A rock solid
platform can be built for about $100.00. This can all be done for much
cheaper, my first purchase was a squat rack on Craigslist list that came
with a bar and an awful bench and 500lbs of weight. I got all of this
for under $300.00, I have since changed all of it, but it got me
training at home on day one.
Having your home gym is great and the main thing it
does is eliminate another excuse. There is no commute time and it is
open 24hrs. Get your self a cheap stereo and get to making gains.
Being able to push hard and consistently make gains while training
alone in your garage will be something that you can be proud of. Build
your own dungeon and get to rebuilding your self into the strength
athlete you want to be today. Time is running out.
