10+ Rookie HOME GYM MISTAKES You Need to Avoid!

[@papasalvo]

Building a home gym is like bulding a gaming PC. U dont need the creme de le creme u need mid tier and then over time u buy one part at a time to get to the creme de le creme

[@ALVMACHETE69]

I agree. Get a home gym equipment buy what you can afford. Most important , use it.

[@TheFergarfergar]

😢 i use it to put my clothes

[@TheStooch]

I'm probably one of the rare cases where I never had a gym membership and decided to build a home gym and actually use it. If anyone reading this is in the same position I was in, do some bodyweight workouts at home for a while just to see if you can stick with an exercise routine before buying big gym equipment

[@toby9999]

Yeah, sticking with it is the toughest thing. I've failed multiple times and I'm still failling. Gym work is just so soul destroyingly boring.

[@greglabar9017]

Same, I am antisocial haha

[@ryanhkimmel]

bodyweight workouts to get started is great advice! I did the same before I bought my dumbbells and a bench!

[@tiitjuhei]

Pull-up bar, wooden rings and calisthenics workout plan is everything you need to get started and thats not even bad idea to use only those things for the rest of your life. So not only beginners equipment but for advanceds also.

[@tiitjuhei]

As i have home gym also i can suggest getting only squat rack and barbell and weights and bench. So you can buy second hand rack and if you dont like home gym anymore, can sell it probably for same price. And my gym is in 3x4m room so not much space needed also.

[@gifafi1969]

I started a home gym BECAUSE I never went to a gym and I couldn’t be happier. I’m working out all the time now. I totally understand the point but for some starting the home gym is the catalyst to getting going. Thanks for your channel, it’s been a tremendous help to me

[@peterfconley]

You are a rare breed. Mad respect 💪

[@teamofone1219]

And the best parts of a home gym it’s open 24/7 which those gyms are rare and it’s cleaner.

[@charlottegiles4949]

I've listened to his advice 7 years ago. And have not regretted any of the choices. From treadmill advice, rack, horse stall matts, bench, adjustable dumbbells, etc. Thank you so much for all of your advice. "Buy now, cry now" go for it, you will not regret it.

[@Eveningkiss]

I built a gym in my bedroom during Covid. I use it 4-5x a week. I built my own half rack and bench. Both solid made with 4x4. One place i found weights for a reasonable price (this obviously varies where you live) was Goodwill/Value Village. Ive found a lot of decent plates, Barbells and even Dumbells (upto 65lbs so far) from the goodwill for less than $1/lb. If you are JUST starting i would check those regularly for items. Mid week is your friend for thrifting equiptment. Its usually gone by Friday afternoon.

[@DR-kh6jb]

Currently Amazon has bumper plates for less than a dollar a pound. I don’t drop weight, so I don’t know how good they are from that point, but great as just plain weights.

[@lamebubblesflysohigh]

Quality squat rack, quality barbell and middle of the road plates and that is pretty much 80% of home gym. No need to overthink it

[@bigger62265]

I agree. It def helps to have been in and around commercial gyms for decades so you can really know what you will utilize, not just what you "think" you want. Getting equipment that will last is important but NOT overspending on names that carry price above their value.

[@gsquared2394]

The $300 barbell I bought was my best ever purchase. It’s awesome. Plates are meh, rack is good enough

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

same here the Rogue Ohio barbell and Rogue Trapbar are super awesome! Also bought a bunch of horsestall mats@@gsquared2394

[@edwardlimoges5709]

Certainly a strong start

[@georgemacdonald8667]

I would add a bench. My first "real" fitness purchase was a stupidly expensive Legend commercial bench. Haven't ever regretted it.

[@tylergran1]

During covid when I gained a lot of weight I bought power blocks and started 30min 3days/week amongst walking more and eating better and lost 20lbs. Then I wanted to try lifting heavy that's where i found this channel! I added stall mats, that $200 rack, a Rogue boneyard bar, and the Walmart everyday bumper plates. All just under $1k and I've used it pretty consistently for over a year doing a 4 day upper/lower split. It's basic but super nice to have living in the middle of nowhere! There's no way I would have drove to a gym so since it's in the garage I actually workout regularly now.

[@_syzz]

What rack did you buy?

[@claytonlister25]

Love it. I started going to the gym early 2020, but when covid hit I built a squat rack with pull up bar, flat bench and safety bars out of wood because it's all I could afford. Bought a used bar and plates right as prices started going up. I can't imagine going to a commercial gym, but I love the solitude and peace of working out at home. My whole setup was around 450. It's been one of the best investments of my life.

[@JskaAjao]

@@claytonlister25How much weight have you done for squat and bench are they strong enough?

[@IsaiahSalazar-ey5yd]

Thats a really healthy way to approach working out. Nothing crazy, basic, and consistent.

[@danielsaezv]

*would have driven to a gym 😏

[@bryce2939]

My home gym garage doubles as a sauna in the summer and a polar plunge in the winter.

[@gregpeterburs4155]

I’ve been training for a little over 60 years , training in home gyms and pro gyms such as the original Golds in Venice Beach. In my opinion Coop is 100% correct on everything. The only thing I’ve ever missed about pro gyms is the array of equipment and the competition along with the socialization. Over a period of time I have everything and miss nothing about a pro gym . No more driving 25 miles one way and membership fees. Great job Coop🤙

[@djsullivan7503]

Same here-60 years using a home gym. None of the info here was around back in the day -use him!👍

[@atlmikex]

😢😢

[@benjamin3615]

The socialization part is long dead in public gyms. Everyone comes in with earphones or headphones on, listening to music and tuning everyone out. Now you're the bad guy if you talk to someone or look in a pretty woman's general direction.

[@footrake5719]

CONSIDER YOUR SLANT!!!!! Most garages are not poured level and will slant toward the garage door.. Made the huge mistake of mounting the rig on the slanted wall, so when I would squat, one foot was lower than the other. Over time, at heavy weight, it started causing hip issues. Removed the rig, put the pull up bar on the ceiling and switched to individual squat stands. Saved a ton of space since I can move the stands completely out into the driveway if I dont need them, and I can squat with the slant to avoid hip issues.

[@TrevionHill]

Found this out one squat session in. This will def save some hips and knees

[@noahziegler3478]

I thought you meant consider your slant like the fact this Channel considers budget dumbbells in the $500 range

[@stc2828]

For those minimalist, All you need is an adjustable bench + adjustable dumbbell. That’s 2 equipments is all you need for building most muscle groups 😊

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

All you need is someplace to do chin-ups/pullups. If you want to add one more piece, then get a TRX. That's all you need.

[@seankayea2259]

The flooring is such a good point. I waited way too long to put down stall mats. It really does make the space so much better.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I bought a bunch from tractor supply for cheap and plate storage and dumbbell rack.

[@thebammer4832]

Coop, I'm on my 3rd home gym. My second garage gym was an extra long and had plenty of space. I had leg extensions, a full leg press, a smith machine, full rack of dumbbells' from 5Lb to 100lbs. It was glorious. Now, moved and had to unload just about everything, but my savior was the new "Jacked Up Fitness total Smith Machine" which has attachments for leg press and extension. I went we Eisenlink adjustable dumbbells' (your recommendation). Went from sponge flooring to 3'x3' carpet squares (it actually keeps everything warm). I have a hyper extension bench, a dip machine and (get this), a sissy squat machine .... it's fantastic.

[@AdamNeth]

part of the process is learning what works for your needs, your space, and what you value as an individual

[@justintremblay7203]

I started with a pull-up station where I could do pull ups , dips , pushups and leg raises. Did that for 4 months , added a rower , then good adjustable barbells. Added some accessories like med balls , plyobox , bands. Then got a bench. Finally after almost a year I added a squat rack , barbell and plates. Couldn’t be happier. I still go go my commercial gym sometimes because I love the community there , but it’s so nice to have it at home. I say I’m 70% at home and I workout 6 days a week. Great advice in this video , I’m quite pleased I did it right on my own but I did and still do have a personal trainer so I had guidance there.

[@hrshy491777]

I have a shed. I got a rack, bar, some plates, bench, DBs, I added some diy cable stuff and got a sled as luxury and then found a free treadmill online. Its not crazy but I can pretty much do all my favorite exercises.

[@scooobyj8714]

Agree 100% with you. I think the biggest one is using your home gym. My wife and I started very small and basic to make sure we would use our garage gym before spending $$$.

[@brucesummers7448]

With my setup in the garage I have no wall space and 6x6 feet of floor space. Everyone takes for granted having a room available for a home gym or having a garage that provides 200 square feet for equipment.

[@7ofhearts2ofspades56]

2 car garage converted into home gym. Floor is fully matted. Squat rack with pull up bar, 125 lb Muay Thai bag, TRX system, bench press, 50 lb adjustable dbs from nuobell, multiple KBs, weighted jump ropes, grizzly tub cold plunge, 3 person sauna, inversion table, concept 2 rower and a Nintendo cause it’s cool.

[@ElRey252]

I purchased horse stall mats 2 years ago. When I brought them home I set them outside rain and shine for a solid month, flipping them weekly to off gas. I set up my home gym in my basement, where kids can play freely as I lift. Since I brought them inside I’ve tried several methods of getting the rubber smell out but the smell refuses to come out nor fade. At this point I’m tempted to purchase higher quality gym flooring.

[@ForHonor69]

did you wash them with a soap vinegar mix? does wonders.

[@calcifires]

I bought almost everything in my home gym 2nd hand and it's saved me a lot of money/enabled me to have really solid equipment that i couldn't have afforded otherwise. Also, DIY has helped a lot too. I have DIY cable pulley systems that really make a difference when I'm on a hypertrophy program.

[@JJDBaca]

I live in a pretty small one bedroom apartment. For Christmas, we got a bonus at the job and I was finally able to get a Prx Performance Fold In (Murphy) rack. I'm finally able to have some workouts from home. Much happy with it so far.

[@mightymochi6320]

I went with a mix of titan fitness / rep fitness for equipment. Functional trainer, power rack, benches, olympic rings, etc. Been several years and all their products have worked very well for me and I practically use my home gym every day.

[@Fan-td8dv]

I bought a titan rack during the pandemic and want a new one but can't justify it,

[@musicman7297]

Sure you do.

[@emadraza3333]

Can you do a “top 10 essential attachment” for power racks please!!! Also stair climber/ stepper reviews?

[@GarageGymReviews]

Yep and yep! - Coop

[@pau1rose]

Plate storage. Monolift arms, if you bench alone, or often. Dip bar.

[@JAAPJXBIT]

It took me 3 years to build my home gym as I slowly purchased my equipment as I saved money. After covid closed all gyms in my city I decided it was time to build my own since it was a dream I wanted to come true. I decided if I was going to invest in a home gym I would go for the stuff and brands I like. Started with the barbell and bumpers, then got a rack, then started adding dumbbells, and finished with a platform and specialty bars. All free weights. My fitness level is definitely amazing now and I could not think of a better investment than investing in myself. Best part is that it’s low maintenance and it will last me for at least another decade if not more.

[@one44two45s]

It's pretty crazy to see how good the quality of these videos have gotten over the years. Besides my power rack, I've never purchased a new piece of equipment before first checking for your review -- it's been a mandatory part of my screening process since 2019 lol

[@Jinx-ig1fz]

Great tips. Definitely get horse stall mats. They are durable and can take a beating. Also get them during black Friday since they will be cheaper. You also don't need every single piece of gym equipment. Just buy equipment for your goals/needs and you will be happy.

[@fvRodRunner]

I LOVE that you continue to stay on top of this subject.

[@darthmelkor3099]

Buying over time is a great idea. Have slowly been building out over last few years. Wouldn’t have anything if I’d just tried to buy everything at once

[@TacoDea1er]

Glad i found channels like these. I was so close to buying EVA foam mats since they are cheap. But after looking into it, they dont last. Now i need to find affordable yet durable mats for my home basement gym

[@r0om4an]

Its so painful to keep having to find alternatives to suggestions for us Europeans ;) We need all your home gym must buys for things I can actually get in Europe!

[@Mentatstrategy]

Built my budget home gym based mostly on the advice on these videos. Lots of great advice - thanks!

[@noahziegler3478]

Respectfully asking, do you really think this channel pushes true budget options?

[@Mentatstrategy]

@@noahziegler3478 This channel tests a lot of things - they have a lot of experience. They don't push the budget options but, they do test and go over them. I literally used the advice from these videos. I bought the cheaper rack they recommended from Amazon - I spent bigger money on the actual bench itself - went with the Rep Fitness - it's not cheap but, it's the most expensive part of my home gym. I bought my bumper weights from Amazon - they are less than a buck a pound! Rep fitness also has great budget barbell options. You don't have to buy their most expensive stuff. So to answer your question - respectfully yes.

[@GU4RD14N4NG3L]

I’m glad I watched this. There were several things I didn’t think of. I’m in the beginning stages of wrapping my head around what I do and don’t want/need.

[@nickthompson529]

I paid $350 on Craig’s list back in the day for an older body solid smith machine (with pec deck, lat pull and row, dip station, preacher curl, and leg developer), bench, Olympic barbell, 740lbs of Olympic plates. They also threw in 3 plate trees. Best purchase ever.

[@AndJusTIceForRob]

I’ve had a home gym for a decade, and these are all really handy tips that have my wheels turning. Thanks for putting some thought into this!

[@spcysos]

I’ve built 2 garage gyms now. Second time around was much easier to decide what you actually need. On a budget you can get everything accomplished for around $600 these days new! Just did it, power rack with dip and pull up, 260lbs of bumper plates, 150k bar, and up to 45lb adjustable dumbbells, adjustable bench, crap foam mats. Will upgrade to stall matts for the extra $50, should have done that as they are much better and had them before. There’s always more to buy for assistance work, but that’s a great start for 100% of people.

[@WolfIronside]

If you get the Westside Barbell reverse hyper from Rogue it works great for a home gym. Folds nicely in the corner when not in use.

[@billeagen9579]

I started with a $50 squat stand from Amazon, a cerakote barbell, and bumper plates and bands. Now I have a rig with cable attachments for multiple muscle groups, and multiple sets of plates and more barbells, but some of my best workouts were with that cheapo squat stand and barbell. Great video.

[@dowpman1]

i put in foam flooring... but i did it the right way. 1. before the equipment was put in 2. giant/thick rug underneath with grip tape on the bottom 3. foam flooring connected underneath with grip tape as well. works great!

[@marksamarin8536]

1. Get a quality adjustable bench instead of a cheapo flat one. 2. Get a cage, I can't stress this one enough 3. Get separate dumbbells for up to 40 lbs for the isolation stuff, and adjustables if you want to go heavy. 4. Always try Craigslist first. I got my first 4 45lb plates for $20 each that way. And I see cages all the time.

[@TheXILLR]

Coop, you need to do more leg extension/lying leg curl reviews. Things like the ironmaster bench leg curl attachment, the body-solid glce365 leg extension/curl, and prime fitness leg curl/leg extension. Keep up the great work!

[@coanarcanius]

I'm glad that most of the guide Art of Manliness we used years ago helped dodge most of these for a budget home gym (rep rack, bos bar), but oh boy, they did not cover flooring to the best of my memory and we just gave away the cheap foam interlocking tiles we bought from amazon so they can be someone else's problem. We're re doing the the basement room the gym was living in, apparently there was a crack in the foundation that was already patched by prior owners (poorly), so new flooring has to go in anyway. Glad to see some recs.

[@YeetLord666]

I started with 2 cheap adjustable dumbells. Over the last year, as I have progressed, I bought new stuff incrementally, and now I have a squat rack, barbells and all manner of fun stuff. I agree to just get up and get started. The nicje items will come into view when you need them

[@abitbraindead8057]

I've been in the gym for about a month. Found I absolutely love working out, have lost 20 pounds even. But in that month I've onky touched weights maybe 5 times? Almost any time I've been there the weights, racks, smiths etc are in use. Hour later getting off the treadmill and they're still full up. I've decided a home gym is the goal for me.

[@brasshouse-og]

My home gym is some galvanized pipe to fit together and screwed to a board as a pull up bar. Two sawhorses I do tricep dips on. Space on the floor where I do push-ups. It’s a very sophisticated set up.

[@brianlarson1668]

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with a good adjustable incline bench and adjustable dumbbells.

[@SleepyPaul]

I use my GHD/Reverse hyper (Rogue Donkey) 3-4 times per week. Once you have have had disc issues you realize why the RH got popular. Also everyone should be doing more hamstring work, and the best option for home gym’s is a GHD.

[@osirissmith5254]

I’ve had a home gym for over 4 years now.. LITERALLY all of these points are correct!! My only thing is I would re-order the 1 - 10. Top 3 is: BUY SMALL (then gradually build)- I’ve always wanted an Rogue Assault bike since 2019.. lived in moms house (college), 1st apartment, now my own house- BOOM first thing I got was my bike! Trust me.. best purchase ever but I GRADUALLY BUILT. I started with DBs to KBs (functional fitness enthusiast). 2nd I’d say is have a plan (mesocycle), 3rd is balance price / quality. Good luck to the new home gym owners, keep succeeding & stay healthy!

[@ArmandoAguilarJr]

Thank you for convincing me to buy a small steel building. Ive been looking at this quote I have for ~$9,000 and im sold now.

[@marshall6113]

It's good that I'm watching this and I haven't made any of the mistakes. I feel like I spent money on the right things and built up as I needed to.

[@nmallica]

Shout out RossTraining in 2023!!! Ross and his forum got me building my home gym back in 2007!

[@GarageGymReviews]

Real recognizes real. He inspired me to start this whole things a decade ago. - Coop

[@nmallica]

Yeah man I miss that forum but he is killin it as a boxing trainer now with Katie Taylor. Never Gymless and Infinite Intensity are what got me into working out at home. Naturally I discovered your channel down the line and have made several additions with your reviews. Thanks Coop, keep it up! @@GarageGymReviews

[@skateata1]

These are such good tips. The flooring, the heat/temperature, and motivation.

[@flauze]

I actually use reverse hypers ALL the time, back rehab is so key

[@ALVMACHETE69]

The most important thing I'll buy is the adjustment bench so that u can. Tilt it up and do a dumbbell press

[@diggdep]

A great video that should have been made years ago! I made most of those mistakes! One thing to add, and this is super important: Get agreement with your SO about the home gym space. How far can you go with it? My wife and I agreed that I could do whatever I want with the backyard for a home gym and she'd support it. If I didn't secure that commitment ahead of time, then all the various expansions over the years (I now have 12 ft uprights w/ rope climb and 12x20 ft platform w/ stall mats) would have caused a ton of avoidable friction. I love my home gym!

[@briangrace1727]

i've had my home gym for 10 years now and moved it 5 times, and across the globe twice being in the military, The best thing you can start your purchases with is some Goruck sandbags. You can do almost every exercise with a set of sandbags. They take up almost no room and you can travel with them. In between Duty stations i would work out with these while the rest of my equipment was in transit. With a set of three sandbags of various weights i trained myself to max the Army ACFT. I can't say enough about them, and the results you can achieve if you put in the work.

[@JayHavs11]

Get a rack that has an upper lower cable rig and you have an endless possibility of exercises. Add on an adjustable bench and some adjustable Dumbless and you seemingly can do everything you need.

[@FerintoshFarmsPhotography]

I started out with cinderblocks, then moved up to an ezbar that I just buy more plates for every couple weeks. Now I have to buy some 25lbs since I've reached 65lb curl.

[@dawntodusk8903]

Horse stall mats were amazing and I would've never thought about that 😂

[@lekevinsmith2479]

I started my home gym while I was still playing professionally and I still didn’t buy everything new. I hit garage sales, Craigslist (most of my gear), and made some items at home. I still have my 1st plywood barbell storage box, home made plyo box and I even made my own half rack from 3x3 steel I bought from my local ironworks supplier, just bought rogues j hooks and spotter arms. There’s so many way people can get started and still have a quality setup. Also ensure as Coop said it’s worth it start with a gym membership and ensure you’re consistent before you start dropping G’s on equipment that becomes storage units.

[@SalvatoreCamachoFIT]

For me it started with the 110 lb CAP barbell set and a beat up wood shop getting content in there is 🔥🔥

[@Greywolf-hx4jv]

Just getting started with the gym in the basement. Did not even consider the mats for the floor. Thankfully, I’m just using a bench, dumbbells, and heavy bag. I will be sure to cover the floor before adding any more equipment.

[@pbh07]

Senergy half rack with pullup bar, 315 in plates, cap barbell, cap hex bar, sturdy adjustable bench, 35 lb kettlebell, 35 lb dumbbells, lat pulldown pull attachment. 400 give or take for equipment, got weights from friends. Around 800 total for a solid setup.

[@33gerth]

Bro!!! Your tip about the flooring was on point! I just got back from Farm and Fleet and boutgy 5 of those 4'x6' 3/4" pads and they are MILES better than the connectable 2'x2' squares. Feels legit like the floor in the DB area in my gym. Ur videos are boss homie! I appreciate you!

[@PlayerofNoobishness]

I'm glad you didn't talk about equipment the whole time. There is a difference between a person that will run through rain or sunshine and the person that wants a treadmill because they will finally get in shape if they do. Collecting gym equipment isn't a goal, that's a hobby. Don't fall into the trap of collecting equipment like Gluck's Gym with 50+ barbells. What matters is consistency and doing something that is fun enough that will keep you going.

[@NickPear-w9e]

We do use foam mats at my house because we do a lot of martial arts and rubber horse stall mats hurt lmao, but actual gym padded wall mats are like 400$ a piece so if your doing sparing and such foam mats are okay👍 but great video! Long time watcher/lurker first comment here

[@Jimmah_13]

One thing on the horse stall mats - be sure to get them well ahead of time and plan on letting them air out for several days (weeks even) because they really do off-gas a lot and will stink up any place you put 'em in.

[@SaisMoon]

I remember when I bought a basic incline bench. It broke when I was in the process of benching. Thankfully I invested in some spotter that caught the weight. Now I have the fitness reality bench. It got the support and it tall people friendly

[@Handygrrl]

Went to a local manufacturer of rubber goods once in Auburn, WA. Made mental note to buy my flooring from them as it will be dirt cheap, any size and thickness i want. Havent bought it yet but it's on my list!

[@HeadCannonPrime]

My dad used to work out with milk jugs filled with concrete in the 70s! My first home gym setup cost under $200! Pullup bar, Adjustable dip bars, and a full set of bands with GOOD QUALITY grips and door attachments. I was able to lose 30lbs in a year with that and bodyweight compound movements. Then Added adjustable dumbells and a bench the next year. Then bar and plates and some fun stuff like adjustable kettles etc. 5 years in and I'm still using every piece I ever bought. BUY OVER TIME and use what you have to the fullest.

[@UMCmetal]

Got my home gym stacked for the year already .. YEAH BUDDY!

[@colefaletti]

The overall premise is right, but the only thing I disagree with is the buy once cry once and the flooring. I started my home gym at 12 picking up an EZ-curl bar, standard dumbbell adjustable bar, and standard iron plates. I shopped garage/yard sales for used equipment and have been able to buy a squat rack, bench, cage, 1000lbs+, 4 barbells, and a ton of accessories for around $500. I have bought more equipment since then that I want to introduce to my final home gym because I can turn around and that equipment for close to $1500 to put into new equipment. plus you only need flooring protection over where you deadlift and might drop dumbbells, which I used barbershop mats that got the job done that were free. Start where you can and buy the basics, then from there sell up for upgrades.

[@ErrorMessage01]

So glad you mentioned #10! I sent $5k on my garage gym hope that I would get stronger through osmosis.

[@willibeaman7142]

Patiently waiting on the Rep wall mounted Athena review!!!

[@leehamsterg]

Yes this seems like a lynchpin to planning a small home gym. Need to see a review. E.g. can someone spot your bench in there?

[@nicoleduhamel1218]

Measure, measure and measure. My gym is in the basement and due to the drop ceiling our ceiling height is only 7’2”. I searched for over a year to find a functional trainer that would not be too tall. I can only use the pull up bar if I take the ceiling tile out and my head goes in the ceiling 😂. The footprint is also pretty small. When we were looking at squat racks I put tape on the floor in the footprint to make sure it wouldn’t be in my way. I knew it would fit but I wasn’t sure how intrusive it would be. Having my own gym has always been a dream of mine so while I’m isn’t huge I love it.

[@jukonion]

Nice Timing. This came in as I’m re-energizing my plans for my garage gym. I have a 2-car garage space that I am cleaning and going to begin construction in a couple months (flooring, insulation, joists, ¾” plywood, etc.) I believe this year I’ll be aiming to be ready to buy gym equipment by Black Friday…hopefully they have decent deals this year. My gym routine focuses on squats, deadlift, bench, barbell rows, pull ups, Lat pull downs, cable rows, and ancillary rope exercises - so I know I want a good rack and good cable machine option. I just on the ropes and I’m not sure if it’ll be good to go with a combo system like 6 post Rep Athena or another Rep variation or invest in the PRX fold in to save space and find a dedicated cable machine. I’m starting to look to bounce ideas around if there’s any good resources. Most of my knowledge and prep has to come from all the GGR videos I've watched over the years. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to cancel my gym membership right off the bat, it really depends on how creative I can be with the lack of all the ancillary exercise equipment, but this will make it more flexible when getting to the gym is a challenge.

[@tarian2024]

Man, love your tips and mistakes to avoid! I am fairly new to creating my own home gym and have ethos adjustable dumbbells and a weight bench. I purchased the RP Hypertrophy App as I am not up to speed on how to plan an effective training plan. And the Mesos I have at my fingertips, the exercises I can choose based on what is available to me has been spot on! Only thing is I have been wanting to get a power rack to do more - and your suggestions here to reward myself as I hit my workout mile stones is so spot on! Thank you!! And the advice to not go cheap, and buy a little at a time is just what I needed to hear! I watched your vid on selecting the right rack and to know what kinds of attachments I will be interested in - and again your information was spot on. Thank you for your channel and sharing your insight! And if you have not heard of Dr. Mike and Renaissance Periodization - totally worth it because he is funny, smart, and has lots of great videos for beginners, advanced lifting athletes and even veterans of the hypertrophy craft! I am not paid to say, just sharing what an epic find I discovered!

[@SWISS-1337]

I work out 5 days per week, have for a year now. I don't have the space atm, so I have a large room, but it also contains my bed and my desk, and my bench press bench and an incline bench, and a pull up bar, Olympic bar, 160 KGs of plates for bar and set of dumbells with 50 KGs of plates. You need to get creative to work all muscles, but you can.

[@michaelharris8144]

Your last point, you actually have to use the garage gym, good point! We built up a pretty good gym in the basement that my kids and I call the Gainz Cave. My daughter didn't like the space, mostly because she is a social work out person. We ended having to get her a membership at a great local gym so she could accomplish her fitness goals. My so ln and I continue to use the gainz cave because it fits our lifestyles. Jo matter you have, using it consistently, with a plan, is the crucial aspect. Thanks for another great video

[@Monarch15w]

Got good interlocking tile 3/8th” floor, Powerblock exp 90lbs, home made db stand, pull up bar, true treadmill. Working on finish my base,ent walls now. Looking to piece in a folding rack some day. I can do all my Bodi workouts for now.

[@juanmelgar152]

I just got my barbell and some plates. Using it!!! Gonna buy my rack next month. Gonna follow this advice.

[@ryanc769]

Other advice that you missed. Get a buddy who will workout with you. Totally changed the game when my friends started showing up to my home gym, combined equipment, and kept us all accountable. Saves money and way more fun.

[@WtfYouMeanDude]

It's good to have a partner that can keep you motivated but if you can't stay motivated and consistent on your own you're never going to make it

[@bruuhhhh]

​@@WtfYouMeanDude Personally I disagree, I think having a partner can be great for initial motivation and once you're into it you can carry on with internal drive. Also some people just continue to train with a partner their whole life so there's no problem

[@BamBam08x]

Anyone else notice Coop sounds like Owen Wilson? I built my first home gym back in 2018 and loved it. Didn’t buy storage and it was a hassle!

[@darrenbaker1113]

I love this. I have a home gym and yeah I do use it . but I do also go to a gym. mainly because there's better equipment and more weights. but it's nice to have gear at home when you can't make it to the gym or if your really not feeling going that day and maintaining what you work hard for. my advice is similar by basic stuff that you know you can use alot

[@travisroth4077]

From someone who built a pretty cool gym, made a few mistakes along the way and uses it daily, you hit all the targets on this one. I had a text message buddy even as you recommended.

[@zacharyhulsey6075]

I’ve had a home gym for about three gyms now and i’ve stayed consistent in my powerlifting journey with the basics: rack, bars, plates, dumbbells, flat bench plus a few attachments. I really want to get my hands on a Reverse hyper GHD combo next and then a cable tower and i’ll be set!

[@oafkad]

I will say. If you have the space for a GHD they are lovely. I use mine quite a bit and it is always killer.

[@ProjectRaijin]

At the time I bought my rogue monster rack after finding your channel, the Athena and Aries trainers hadn’t come out, I wish I had gone the rep route but hindsight is 20/20 and I still love my rogue rack it’s amazing, and for flooring 10000% go with horse stall mats it’s the best thing I did for my gym

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

Foam floor tiles are fine. Mine are two years old, use my gym 5 days a week, still looks like new. It was cheap enough that if I get tired of the color I can swap it all out for a new look. Just take care of it and it’ll be fine.

[@magnivore1603]

Hoping to see a ton of Rogue reviews this year!

[@GarageGymReviews]

Hoping they come out with a ton of new stuff this year too! Been a while! - Coop

[@Uprighthealth]

Was recently tempted to buy a GHD / Reverse Hyper. Thanks for saving me from that mistake 😂

[@b9904]

I built a home gym with gym rings, 10kg sandbag, and hiking backpack for rucking.

[@Boz196]

I started with a 20kg dumbell set a shitty plastic bar and weights and used a piano stool as a bench. About 6 months later I bought a rack, bench, olympic bar and curl bar and have been consistent every week since. There is literally 0 excuse to miss a workout when all the equipment is right in my house. I also save money in the long run and have equipment that'll last a life time,

[@braedenne10]

Don’t forget, you can also get creative and build some of your own equipment….. when first getting into fitness I started with a home built cable machine, I screwed a heavy duty eye into a rafter in my garage and attached a pulley to it with a locking carabiner ran a cable through it, used a piece of steel square tubing for a handle and hooked up a few lawn mower weights to it. Cost me maybe $10 since most of the stuff I already had laying around. I got tons of use out of it

[@mateo1726]

Get mats then get a jump rope. Then get a pull up bar. Then some adjustable dumbbells or a few kettlebells. You’d be surprised how much you can get done with that little

[@brittanygray2742]

I've been collecting equipment for my home gym for 10 years. It's my baby. One thing I do to get me reinvigorated is to repaint it... I'm getting ready to paint and do some new lighting. Don't underestimate how important making it feel nice is!!

[@Adam-f8r4h]

The best results in strength I ever had was from my home gym (RIP). 1 Squat rack with pullup bar attachment, barbell, 420 lbs of bumpers, two 55-lbs kettle bells, one 150-lb sand bag, an adjustable bench, and EZ Barl. Took up maybe 12 square feet total. Best gains ever.

[@Camping814]

Some great advice in there! Our basement home gym is a mostly equipment that I found on FB and CL, adding to it when needed. Over the course of a 1.5 years we had built a pretty legit home gym. Now we didn't do the flooring (it's a carpeted room), but that's next and yes we'll have to move everything out and back in. Next purchase is the lat pulldown and row machine reviewed last week.

[@ak-zw8jv]

Couldn't agree more on flooring and a nice barbell. Got my rogue ohio bar when i never even lifted weights and 3+ years in its one of my favorite things in my gym. Bought a crappy bar for super setting and i only use it in the landmine.