Building a studio gym (formerly: Beefy half rack questions)

[OSUDimond]

Hey guys i have been looking for kettlebells and see they go for anywhere from $1.60 a pound up to $2.00. I offered these people a dollar per pound for 2 X 70, 2 X 53, 2 X 35, and 2 X 20. I offered 364 and they countered with 400. I think if I stay firm at 364 I can get them for that price. Should I jump on the opportunity or could I find a better deal? I told them I would give them a call back tonight so any answers would be greatly appreciated.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/spo/2792204432.html

[ndmike99]

Hey guys i have been looking for kettlebells and see they go for anywhere from $1.60 a pound up to $2.00. I offered these people a dollar per pound for 2 X 70, 2 X 53, 2 X 35, and 2 X 20. I offered 364 and they countered with 400. I think if I stay firm at 364 I can get them for that price. Should I jump on the opportunity or could I find a better deal? I told them I would give them a call back tonight so any answers would be greatly appreciated.

I would not pay more than $1 a pound. You can get kettlebells from Christans Fitness Factory, Kettlebell King, and even Fitness Factory pretty cheap sometimes. Also, the ones in the photos look to have flat tops instead of the normal rounded handle. I am not sure the difference, but it does look like something I would consider.

[KBKB]

Hey guys i have been looking for kettlebells and see they go for anywhere from $1.60 a pound up to $2.00. I offered these people a dollar per pound for 2 X 70, 2 X 53, 2 X 35, and 2 X 20. I offered 364 and they countered with 400. I think if I stay firm at 364 I can get them for that price. Should I jump on the opportunity or could I find a better deal? I told them I would give them a call back tonight so any answers would be greatly appreciated.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/spo/2792204432.html

Stand firm.

You can get new KBs for less than a buck a pound here:

http://shop.thekettlebellking.com/co...on-kettlebells

And, FWIW, I don't really like the shape of the handles of the bells in the CL ad.

I really like these:



They're Lifeline USA kettlebells. You can get them for a slightly better price from the Monkey Bar Store.

[OSUDimond]

I would not pay more than $1 a pound. You can get kettlebells from Christans Fitness Factory, Kettlebell King, and even Fitness Factory pretty cheap sometimes. Also, the ones in the photos look to have flat tops instead of the normal rounded handle. I am not sure the difference, but it does look like something I would consider.

Did not notice that. I have only used the rounded top and want to stick with those ones. Looks like I am going to pass on these ones.

[OSUDimond]

Stand firm.

You can get new KBs for less than a buck a pound here:

http://shop.thekettlebellking.com/co...on-kettlebells

And, FWIW, I don't really like the shape of the handles of the bells in the CL ad.

I really like these:



They're Lifeline USA kettlebells. You can get them for a slightly better price from the Monkey Bar Store.

Those flat black Lifeline's are beautiful. I may have to go with the first ones you suggested. Any idea what the shipping charges would be from the kettlebell king?

[KBKB]

Those flat black Lifeline's are beautiful. I may have to go with the first ones you suggested. Any idea what the shipping charges would be from the kettlebell king?

Yeah, shipping is a concern from the kettlebell king. I tried to figure it out one time, but I had to go through more of the checkout process than I wanted in order to learn what shipping would be. If you purchase some, let me know what it is because I'm curious about it too.

[buffbrown21]

I agree with KBKB and ndmike 99. Dont pay one dollar over $364.

[OSUDimond]

Can anyone identify the brand of this back extension. The seller says it was originally purchased from Barry's Barbell.

[OSUDimond]

This Cybex has been the closest thing I can find to it. Obviously not the same one but similar.

[817boy]

Can anyone identify the brand of this back extension. The seller says it was originally purchased from Barry's Barbell.

Sorry cant help, however i did find some links so you can see retail price.

Elite Fts Econo Version: http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...id=391&pid=809

Elite Fts Professional Version: http://www.flexcart.com/members/elit...id=167&pid=824


Outlaw Strength Version: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Outlaw-S...item3cb41bb6d4

[Kodokan]

Can anyone identify the brand of this back extension. The seller says it was originally purchased from Barry's Barbell.

Looks like cybex to me. I used to workout on one of these at my old gym.

[OSUDimond]

Power Block Adjustable Weight Training Bench. Is this any good or even close to commercial grade. I know they make the adjustable db's but have no clue about the rest of their products. The picture makes it look heavy duty but I am thinking it is an illusion. I decided to pick up the back extension. I will post pictures and let everyone know the brand and quality once it gets here tomorrow.

[Keetman]

I had one of those powerblock benches for awhile. I did a review on it here: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...werblock+bench


I liked it. I think it was rated to a low poundage, but I'm not sure why. It wasn't as heavy as the true commercial ones I've found since, but it certainly reminded me of them. Very stable, very comfortable, and easy to adjust. It was also low to the ground, which is a feature I have to have in a bench now. I was really impressed with the pad, although many may not be. It was an all one piece molded type of foam material. It was nice because I could stand on it if I wanted to and it didn't crease like some other benches (most actually). It was definitely a different material than anything I'd seen before or since, and like I said...it may not be for everyone. I think they changed that on their new stuff, but it appears from your pic that it is the same material as mine. I would give this a good rating, depending on what you want to use it for and how much you're getting it for.


As far as the hyperextension bench, I'm not sure. It looks really nice though, so you'll probably be fine, depending on what you're paying. I'd probably have just got a GHR, since you're going all out with your gym here....but I guess some people prefer the 45 degree bench, so you'll have that if those are the people you'll be training.

Are you familiar with Berry's Barbell? I assume you are, but wasn't sure. Here's their site: http://www.berrysbarbell.com/

They've been in Columbus for a long time and used to have 3 stores, but according to their site, they only have 2 now. They sell good to high end residential and commercial equipment and have quite a few brands carried in their stores. I haven't been in one of their stores in a long time, but it is where I bought my original equipment many years ago...I may have bought my treadmill there too, but I can't remember as its been 12 years ago.

One thing, they did have a brand they carried in the 80's & 90's that was some what of a "house" brand. It was heavy duty, no frills equipment that was typically gray with black or red pads. I have gotten my hands on a couple of those older pieces (still own their vertical leg press) and I haven't seen too much to complain about. It wasn't the prettiest equipment, but it was damn near indestructible. Not one piece that I've seen has had a manufacturer or builder's name on it though. I always assumed they had them built relatively locally and didn't badge them with anything other than "Berry's" to avoid competition with the builder? (Kind of like Elite & Williams Strength now). There's always a chance your hyper bench was one of these items, but I'm not even sure if those were in style when they were selling this equipment. It could be Cybex too, like you're thinking as that is one of the brands Berry's sells.

Here's a couple examples of the equipment they used to carry:

Vertical Leg Press:




Ab Bench:




Bench Press:




Dip Stand:




Pec Dec:

[OSUDimond]

Great info Keetman. That bench is listed on craigslist for $33. I want commercial grade, but this one will at least be a step up and I can probably resell it for a slight profit after I find the ones I really want. I never heard back from the grove city guy with the blue nebula incline bench and the magnum decline bench and have seen him re-list the items since then. I am guessing my offer of $300 was too lo0w to even get a response. The amount of quality products being listed has greatly declined since before Christmas, I am getting antsy waiting to find that next amazing deal.

[OSUDimond]

The guy I bought my half rack from was selling one of those pec decks for $100. I considered it but it was a little bit older than that one with like a burnt orange leather. What kinda price should a used one of those in great condition go for? His had a plate stack also so slightly different.

Pec Dec:

[/QUOTE]

[Keetman]

Great info Keetman. That bench is listed on craigslist for $33. I want commercial grade, but this one will at least be a step up and I can probably resell it for a slight profit after I find the ones I really want. I never heard back from the grove city guy with the blue nebula incline bench and the magnum decline bench and have seen him re-list the items since then. I am guessing my offer of $300 was too lo0w to even get a response. The amount of quality products being listed has greatly declined since before Christmas, I am getting antsy waiting to find that next amazing deal.

I'd definitely pay $33 for the bench. That is a strangely specific dollar amount though?

I think I got $125 or 150 for the pec dec when I sold it. Not sure exactly though. I had a bunch of stuff listed and a guy from Toledo came down and pretty much gave me my package asking price for everything. One with a stack and in great condition would be worth a couple of hundred unless you're just waiting for a great deal (maybe more too....weight stacks make everything expensive and if its commercial grade, you're getting your money's worth).

I've seen the benches you're looking at. The guy's crazy if he won't take your cash. I don't think some people on CL realize how specific a move incline is and how much real estate that bench is in a home gym. His market is limited and should take your cash. I balk on almost any deal I've been close to on incline/decline benches because they're not worth trying to unload for much money.

[OSUDimond]

I'd definitely pay $33 for the bench. That is a strangely specific dollar amount though?

I think I got $125 or 150 for the pec dec when I sold it. Not sure exactly though. I had a bunch of stuff listed and a guy from Toledo came down and pretty much gave me my package asking price for everything. One with a stack and in great condition would be worth a couple of hundred unless you're just waiting for a great deal (maybe more too....weight stacks make everything expensive and if its commercial grade, you're getting your money's worth).

I've seen the benches you're looking at. The guy's crazy if he won't take your cash. I don't think some people on CL realize how specific a move incline is and how much real estate that bench is in a home gym. His market is limited and should take your cash. I balk on almost any deal I've been close to on incline/decline benches because they're not worth trying to unload for much money.

I think the guy buys and resells equipment. When I originally asked him about the incline he listed off a few other brands that he had available. That magnum decline is amazing I would be a happy guy if he ended up responding and taking 300 for both. I finally figured out what was going on with the TKO heavy bag mount and hope to be getting that ordered within the next few days.
"We are proud to announce that TKO has just licensed out the TKO Boxing Division to Unified Fitness Group Inc. Going forward, all TKO Boxing Products will need to be purchased through UFG Inc. This strategic alliance will allow TKO to focus on and continue to grow the following divisions: Free weights (SDS Dumbbells, cable attachments, kettle bells, etc) Racks/Benches (Olympic Benches, Functional Trainers, etc) and Fitness Accessories (Mats, Med. Balls, etc)…"

[OSUDimond]

I think I have given up hope on the TKO heavy bag mount with the rotating arm. I haven't got any response from the UFG inc people about the mount and am sick of waiting for something that may never be sold again. I purchased a 6 foot 100 pound heavy bag and need a solid mount that will be bolted to the wall. I want it to have a long enough arm that I can move around the bag. Any suggestions would be appreciated, I am hoping to place an order today.

[OSUDimond]

Nevermind on the bag mount advice. Found and ordered this one today. Mark Commercial Rated Heavy Bag Wall Mount



and the bag I already purchased that will hang from this.

[OSUDimond]

Finally got that back extension. This thing exceeds my expectations. Bigger, sturdier and heavier than I expected. I did a few weighted extension sets today and the thing didn't move an inch. Really happy with this purchase.

[matrix563]

looks nice

[Coolcicada]

Very cool thread! I am impressed by the quality and amount of equipment that you were able to find!

I have plans of hopefully turning my basement into a gym on a budget. This is great!

[john-t-b]

Have you opened yet? If so how's business?
Best of luck.

[OSUDimond]

Have you opened yet? If so how's business?
Best of luck.

The Supplement store has been open for 2 weeks and business has really started to increase over the last few days. I have been training clients in the store for about 2 weeks and that has helped to expose little issues with the equipment. EX. need more 10-20 lb dumbbells, need more small sized plates, I hate my adjustable benches. The gym is a work in progress but I am happy with the progress so far. Thanks for asking.

[OSUDimond]

Little update on some new equipment I picked up. My heavy bag mount was supposed to arrive today, but I just received an email saying it is out of stock. I cancelled that order and placed another one and should get the mount in a few days. It is driving me crazy lookin at that heavy bag just laying on the floor. I think I may end up getting that commercial lat pulldown for 300. The guy just keeps lowering his price and I think I am really the only one interested in it. I will be extremely happy if I get that, but for now the cable setup in the new rack will have to cut it. Last night I picked up...

Powertec rack with high and low cables, dip bars, bunch of extras


Ironmaster Utility Bench


Plate tree


more plates, 4 more horse stall mats, random lat attachments, dip belt, Hanging ab straps. I now have 6 clients and have already started to make some good extra money training, mostly when the store is closed, but also during store hours since we aren't extremely busy yet.

[jmon22]

Nice Pickup. I was mirin' that power rack on craigslist myself. Too bad I don't have a house yet. Hopefully I'll find some good scores when I have the space.

[OSUDimond]

Nice Pickup. I was mirin' that power rack on craigslist myself. Too bad I don't have a house yet. Hopefully I'll find some good scores when I have the space.

Are you in the Columbus area too? It wasn't my top pick for a rack, but I can really use the attached cable setup until I get something more permanent so I couldn't pass up the deal. Eventually I will probably sell and upgrade to a nicer cage and a separate cable setup.

[jmon22]

Yeah I'm in Columbus. I'll keep you in mind when I'm ready to start buying stuff but it probably won't be until the end of the year. Your set-up is looking great though.

[gp92089]

This is awesome! One of my dreams is to build a gym, maybe down the road when I have more to spare.
I would have:
5 Rogue R3 racks
Pro-style dbs 5 to 150
2 8x8 platforms
GHR
Reverse Hyper
Kettlebells
Bumper plates and Steel plates
Elitefts Prowler
20 foot high manila rope
all types of bars
Lat pull down
Low row

BTW how high is your ceiling?

Keep up the good work man its fun to day dream through your thread!

[OSUDimond]

This is awesome! One of my dreams is to build a gym, maybe down the road when I have more to spare.
I would have:
5 Rogue R3 racks
Pro-style dbs 5 to 150
2 8x8 platforms
GHR
Reverse Hyper
Kettlebells
Bumper plates and Steel plates
Elitefts Prowler
20 foot high manila rope
all types of bars
Lat pull down
Low row

BTW how high is your ceiling?

Keep up the good work man its fun to day dream through your thread!

If I had all the money in the world I would have one of everything you listed. The ceiling is about 15 feet but it is a drop ceiling so I cant do any mounting to it. Just keep your eye out for deals on craigslist. I have spent just over $3000 on everything so far and am very happy about that. A nice truck is coming up in the near future and once I have that I think I am going to start buying and flipping equipment pretty regularly until I have all commercial grade sweet equipment.