Pic's and discussion of your "Home Gym"

[rthawker]

It looks like your pulley station has to stay assembled as a quad unit. It would have been nice to separate them with the lat and adjustable pulley on one side and the low row and the other pulley on the other.

Something like this.

[irongrandpa]

2reps, thanks for the updated pictures. One of our sons lives at Fort Worth, if we ever drive down again I'll stop by.We drove down a little over a year ago and ate lunch in Texarkana, a small place about a block past the courthouse. Everything looks great, also, how high is the ceiling in the gym?

[thedickus]

continued...
Power-Lift pulley station.

I'm loving the Power-Lift station. I can't tell from this pic but can the two adjustable pulleys be used for cable crossovers? I'm not sure how much ROM you'd be able to get out of it.

[2MoreRepz]

Thanks Iron. Texarkana doesn't have much, but it does have ample places to eat. You were in our downtown area, sadly our downtown isn't Texarkana's best area. I would guess you might have ate at Hopkin's Ice House, which is a nice place. Def stop in next time you come down.

Ceilings are 12 ft.

Dickus, currently I don't have the proper handles to do cable crossovers. Monday when I did chest I did crossovers just holding the rubber stop balls, range of motion was a lot better than I expected. I actually don't have any complaints. Being able to do cable crossovers was one of my concerns before picking it up...I am very pleased.

[STR8OUT]

Thanks ! they have a promo going on until march 15 : 40% off for all additional posters.

And they ship to Canada !

time to search for hig res pics of Arnold

I ordered 3 last night. 2 Arnold and 1 Bane.

Hi Both! Glad I could help!! I just uploaded my entire Arnold album onto a free site called ge.tt but it will only be live for 2 weeks.

Here is the link: http://ge.tt/6hdE74Q1?g

EDIT: Not sure if that is working. Try this?
http://plus.url.google.com/url?sa=z&...1Uf0YHo7WU-i7k.


If for some reason the pics arent high-res. I can email you the one you need. Just PM me

[STR8OUT]

Thanks Iron. Texarkana doesn't have much, but it does have ample places to eat. You were in our downtown area, sadly our downtown isn't Texarkana's best area. I would guess you might have ate at Hopkin's Ice House, which is a nice place. Def stop in next time you come down.

Ceilings are 12 ft.

Dickus, currently I don't have the proper handles to do cable crossovers. Monday when I did chest I did crossovers just holding the rubber stop balls, range of motion was a lot better than I expected. I actually don't have any complaints. Being able to do cable crossovers was one of my concerns before picking it up...I am very pleased.

Gym looks awesome!! I'm considering ordering a 5-100 York Legacy set directly from them. York is local to me. The new design is a 33mm handle size which I really like. My Ironmasters are 32mm and I love the fat grip so I am really about to jump on it. Your set looks awesome. The only problem with the new York Legacy is that they are "stubby" so the handle isnt very long. This means normal DB stands like your wont work. They need a flat-platform type rack. I'm currently designing one that I may weld up.

[thedickus]

Dickus, currently I don't have the proper handles to do cable crossovers. Monday when I did chest I did crossovers just holding the rubber stop balls, range of motion was a lot better than I expected. I actually don't have any complaints. Being able to do cable crossovers was one of my concerns before picking it up...I am very pleased.

Looks like it has a fairly small footprint which is a huge bonus. The only combo units like these I've ever seen have the full crossover in the middle like the one rthawker linked to.

[2MoreRepz]

Thanks STR8. I see what you are saying about the shorter handles, I have 15 and 20 lb round heads that I have to keep on the floor. They won't fit in my rack quite right. Although, I prefer the shorter handles while using them, like the older bun dumbbells. A forum member I have spoke with knew a guy who had a set of round heads shortened by cutting the handles and re-welding...I'm assuming then he had the handles lathed back down to size. He said it cost a small fortune.

dickus, it is surprising how compact the unit actually is. I can also raise the low row bench up to vertical while not in use and that frees up the space behind it.

[Northernmoris]

Still a sweet deal. I wish I had more room. It would probably be filled with more useless sh!t.. I have so much stuff I just don't even use. Anyone else have tons of stuff they don't use but can't find areason to pay with it?

[matrix563]

play with it or part with it? lol

[2MoreRepz]

I'm with you Northern. I believe I have become some what of a hoarder. I find myself not wanting to sell certain items just because I got a good deal on them....which in reality makes no sense.

[Northernmoris]

I'm with you Northern. I believe I have become some what of a hoarder. I find myself not wanting to sell certain items just because I got a good deal on them....which in reality makes no sense.

liquidable assets. I also tell the wide that. I usually find myself selling stuff weeks or months later.

[Stasher1]

liquidable assets. I also tell the wide that. I usually find myself selling stuff weeks or months later.

Duuude......don't let her see that.

[irongrandpa]

I'm with you Northern. I believe I have become some what of a hoarder. I find myself not wanting to sell certain items just because I got a good deal on them....which in reality makes no sense.

I agree, I've got a nice flat bench, several commercial weight trees,a dumbell rack that's stored in my barn and I just picked up a Cybex 16000 FID bench from an auction. I'm holding on to them "just in case"my needs change.

[ndmike99]

I agree, I've got a nice flat bench, several commercial weight trees,a dumbell rack that's stored in my barn and I just picked up a Cybex 16000 FID bench from an auction. I'm holding on to them "just in case"my needs change.

I used to hold on to everything "just in case" I decided to open a gym. I am over that phase thank god. I do find myself holding on to rarer items though, even if I am not currently in love with them, just because I know how hard they would be to find again.

[2MoreRepz]

ND I haven't forgotten you on that plate. Just still need to get around to packing it.

[geofftheoctopus]

If I may turn this discussion into a (perhaps) dangerous direction, I have an entirely different "home gym" I'd like to share with you.

I joined this site to spread the idea that weights are not necessary for strength gains, and not even essential for size gains. For the last few years, I have done nothing but bodyweight exercises in my own home, or on the road. With the right knowledge of various exercises, there is a way to train strength, power, or endurance (thus fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers, and everywhere in between) with any muscle in your body, using only your own body. I have taken a number of breaks from the routine but have generally stuck with it. My custom routines are directly inspired by Mark Lauren's (U.S. special forces physical trainer) book: You Are Your Own Gym.

I started struggling to crank more than ten push-ups at once (I always blamed my 75 inch reach chimpanzee arms) or more than 20 standing squats (seriously, I was always a swimmer before, so leg strength was never crucial). Now, I can perform 26 one-handed push ups, 46 one-legged squats, and am currently working towards my goal of performing unassisted handstand push ups.

If you're interested, I would love to answer any questions any of you might have on this forum. If you see my picture, you might choose to scoff at my bulk, yet my strength is, pound for pound, extraordinary. I know this because I'm told regularly as I train in mixed martial arts with live opponents.

I'll even offer you an exercise if you doubt, for example, you could train your glutes for power using only your body weight.

Cheers, everyone!

[matrix563]

If I may turn this discussion into a (perhaps) dangerous direction, I have an entirely different "home gym" I'd like to share with you.

I joined this site to spread the idea that weights are not necessary for strength gains, and not even essential for size gains. For the last few years, I have done nothing but bodyweight exercises in my own home, or on the road. With the right knowledge of various exercises, there is a way to train strength, power, or endurance (thus fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle fibers, and everywhere in between) with any muscle in your body, using only your own body. I have taken a number of breaks from the routine but have generally stuck with it. My custom routines are directly inspired by Mark Lauren's (U.S. special forces physical trainer) book: You Are Your Own Gym.

I started struggling to crank more than ten push-ups at once (I always blamed my 75 inch reach chimpanzee arms) or more than 20 standing squats (seriously, I was always a swimmer before, so leg strength was never crucial). Now, I can perform 26 one-handed push ups, 46 one-legged squats, and am currently working towards my goal of performing unassisted handstand push ups.

If you're interested, I would love to answer any questions any of you might have on this forum. If you see my picture, you might choose to scoff at my bulk, yet my strength is, pound for pound, extraordinary. I know this because I'm told regularly as I train in mixed martial arts with live opponents.

I'll even offer you an exercise if you doubt, for example, you could train your glutes for power using only your body weight.

Cheers, everyone!

strong first post. but seriously I love my equipment. bodyweight has its place but so does equipment

[swimmer32]

Love coming to this thread to see all the awesome home gyms. I'm definitely jelly of the equipment some of you guys can get. I very rarely see anything commercial in my area. Anyways, thought I'd throw some pics up of my new home gym. For a number of years I lifted in the garage with a Weider smith machine, then we moved houses and I moved my stuff into an extra bedroom in our basement - approx 12 x 12 big. Thanks to this forum I purchased a TDS rack with crossover attachment.........then I discovered craigslist. The rest of my equipment came from craigslist, and hasn't cost me much. I would love to upgrade some of my equipment to commercial quality, but it's slow going around here.

Last year my wife and I decided to add on to our house, so being an equipment junky like most of you, I had them dig a basement underneath to make a new workout room. It's approx 13 x 28. Pics below:

The day they showed up to dig:


The basement hole is completed:


Skipping ahead a bit to speed things up - the cement is up, and I had the contractors put the stud walls in in case we ever decided to finish the basement off. I had them put up drywall on the former outside wall since it was pretty crummy looking.


This was initially going to be the final product:


Then the polar vortex hit, and the unfinished walls made it really cold in the finished part of our basement. So I manned up and, for the first time ever, put up some drywall, mudded, and painted the remaining walls. I did have a little help:

[swimmer32]

I still need to put up some additional mirrors and decorations, but for the most part it's done for now.

Upper body half of the room:


TDS Rack with crossover attachment, and Paramount commercial lat pulldown/seated row:


Big craigslist find for me was the Ivanko DB's with commercial rack:


A few lower body pieces (Nautilus Leg Ext/Curl, and Body-Solid abductor). Also, the weight tree is new - it's the Tuff Stuff Gladiator tree that is currently on clearance on their website ($95 plus free shipping):


Parabody Leg Press/hack squat, Elliptical, and a really old Treadmill:


So that's a brief tour of my new place. I'm always looking to upgrade equipment and flip things out. But it's tough in my area - I really need to drive to Chicago (3 hours one way) to get anything too great.

[AttyGuy]

Sweet.

[rlundregan]

Looks great, Swimmer--repped!

I'm sure that insulating those walls made a big difference!

[nuckswincup]

Those Ivanko dumbbells are gorgeous. Craving for the day a full dumbbell set appears on craigslist for a cheap price.

[BIgOrange865]

Very nice swimmer. Always great to have the help and support from the family.

[D2rmind]

I still need to put up some additional mirrors and decorations, but for the most part it's done for now.

Upper body half of the room:


TDS Rack with crossover attachment, and Paramount commercial lat pulldown/seated row:


Big craigslist find for me was the Ivanko DB's with commercial rack:


A few lower body pieces (Nautilus Leg Ext/Curl, and Body-Solid abductor):


Parabody Leg Press/hack squat, Elliptical, and a really old Treadmill:


So that's a brief tour of my new place. I'm always looking to upgrade equipment and flip things out. But it's tough in my area - I really need to drive to Chicago (3 hours one way) to get anything too great.

Nice setup there. Love the transformation photo's. Great Job !

[ugmoe2000]

Thanks Iron. Texarkana doesn't have much, but it does have ample places to eat. You were in our downtown area, sadly our downtown isn't Texarkana's best area. I would guess you might have ate at Hopkin's Ice House, which is a nice place. Def stop in next time you come down.

Ceilings are 12 ft.

Dickus, currently I don't have the proper handles to do cable crossovers. Monday when I did chest I did crossovers just holding the rubber stop balls, range of motion was a lot better than I expected. I actually don't have any complaints. Being able to do cable crossovers was one of my concerns before picking it up...I am very pleased.

Jealous of your Power-Lift pulley station. I almost got the exact same one a few months back for about $400 but I didn't have an easy way to move it and had to pass at the time. Love those Yorks man... that's one of the sexiest pictures I've seen in a long time!

[CYMlift]

Love coming to this thread to see all the awesome home gyms. I'm definitely jelly of the equipment some of you guys can get. I very rarely see anything commercial in my area. Anyways, thought I'd throw some pics up of my new home gym. For a number of years I lifted in the garage with a Weider smith machine, then we moved houses and I moved my stuff into an extra bedroom in our basement - approx 12 x 12 big. Thanks to this forum I purchased a TDS rack with crossover attachment.........then I discovered craigslist. The rest of my equipment came from craigslist, and hasn't cost me much. I would love to upgrade some of my equipment to commercial quality, but it's slow going around here.

Last year my wife and I decided to add on to our house, so being an equipment junky like most of you, I had them dig a basement underneath to make a new workout room. It's approx 13 x 28. Pics below:

The day they showed up to dig:


The basement hole is completed:


Skipping ahead a bit to speed things up - the cement is up, and I had the contractors put the stud walls in in case we ever decided to finish the basement off. I had them put up drywall on the former outside wall since it was pretty crummy looking.


This was initially going to be the final product:


Then the polar vortex hit, and the unfinished walls made it really cold in the finished part of our basement. So I manned up and, for the first time ever, put up some drywall, mudded, and painted the remaining walls. I did have a little help:

Nice home gym. great to have the family all chipping in. your boys are going to be very lucky to have a sweet place to workout when they get older. reps to you.

[lumocolor]

I still need to put up some additional mirrors and decorations, but for the most part it's done for now.

Upper body half of the room:


TDS Rack with crossover attachment, and Paramount commercial lat pulldown/seated row:


Big craigslist find for me was the Ivanko DB's with commercial rack:


A few lower body pieces (Nautilus Leg Ext/Curl, and Body-Solid abductor):


Parabody Leg Press/hack squat, Elliptical, and a really old Treadmill:


So that's a brief tour of my new place. I'm always looking to upgrade equipment and flip things out. But it's tough in my area - I really need to drive to Chicago (3 hours one way) to get anything too great.

What kind of mats do you use?

[matrix563]

which delt pec dec is that?

[swimmer32]

Those Ivanko dumbbells are gorgeous. Craving for the day a full dumbbell set appears on craigslist for a cheap price.

One of the few real nice pieces that has ever come up on craiglist around here. I had to travel a little over an hour one way for them. I picked up the 10-100 pound set (increments of 10) and the rack for under $800. In the Ivanko thread I have pics where I sanded them down, repainted, and then bought some new Ivanko decals for them. The best part? Shortly before those came up for sale I acquired a set of 10-100 pound hex DB's (increments of 5) for free. I ended up selling those, used the cash for the Ivankos, and still had some money left over. So they entire set was free.

Looks great, Swimmer--repped!

I'm sure that insulating those walls made a big difference!

Thanks! Yeah, I'm REALLY glad we decided to finish it off. And it wasn't that expensive to do it either. I just had to learn what the heck I was doing (thank you Youtue)

Nice home gym. great to have the family all chipping in. your boys are going to be very lucky to have a sweet place to workout when they get older. reps to you.

My oldest is really into jump roping, and uses the space a lot for that (and pullups). It's cool to see.

What kind of mats do you use?

I actually bought those used. They're 5/8 inch thick. I got them for $27/mat, and they were delivered to my house which was awesome.

which delt pec dec is that?

That's a body-solid. It wasn't a necessity, but my wife is a big fan of pec deck machines. And I've actually ended up using it a lot. It gives a great stretch.