Crazy expensive order at Rogue for garage gym - please help prioritize

[BillNyeTheLush]

If you're looking a dumbbell set, and ordering from Rogue, but will have Olympic plates, have you considered their loadable dumbbells? They might be $175 for just some handles (with collars) but you have those plates, you could adjust them to be within that 5-50lb range, and then some, giving extra versatility to your set up. Just a thought

[jmb66]

If you're looking a dumbbell set, and ordering from Rogue, but will have Olympic plates, have you considered their loadable dumbbells? They might be $175 for just some handles (with collars) but you have those plates, you could adjust them to be within that 5-50lb range, and then some, giving extra versatility to your set up. Just a thought

Yes, I am thinking about DB-15 instead of wall of full of dumbbells. I am comparing prices of rep fitness hex plates with Rogue change plates. Rogue change plates are overpriced, but again, zero shipping costs make it comparable. Also, I could reuse collars and plates. But avoiding my wife's comments about why I need so many dumbbell is important
I hope db-15 is not too lengthy.
Regards.

[EricAtl]

If you have the space and the money, then get the full set of dumbells.

[jmb66]

..THEN SPEND THE REST ON A MUSCLE CAR OR MOTORCYCLE!!!

I just got rid of a motorcycle
Still even if I spend these 8k, it's nothing compared to what middle age guys spend on cars and such. I know I am overdoing it, but even if I just lose some fat it will be beneficial to my health.

[jmb66]

$8,000 on equipment is overkill for a beginner .. Once you start putting things together, your vision might change, and your selection on equipment might change.

Yes, it is true. I keep thinking why I am willing to spend so much. Partially it is driven by my son who wants to lift weights. I likely want to impress him with cool equipment and I hope he will exercise with me. Anyway, it should be beneficial to my health.
I truly appreciate all the responses I am getting. I already modified the list significantly. I will post the updated list when I place my order. First I need to build the platform.

[jmb66]

..I'm afraid all the internet surfing/forum reading/internet "research" isn't going to tell you the whole story. The problem is, you have no idea what you want because you don't have nearly enough personal experience to figure it out.

Yes, I wouldnt post this question if I knew all the equipment. Still, I learn a lot from hours of daily reading and responses I am getting. If I did not do this research I would just buy some random cheap junk that I wouldn't use. At least now I know what is quality equipment.

[jmb66]

Thanks.

[jmb66]

If you have the space and the money, then get the full set of dumbells.

I am seriously thinking about loadable dumbbells db-15.

[Domicron]

do yourself a favor: buy a bench, a rack, a bar, and some weights

then shop used equipment and get input from your son on what'd be nice to add and bring him along with you to pick up your finds, clean them up and put them together. it's more fun and you get to enjoy his company regardless of if he wants to lift (hopefully he does)

[cwcmac]

Yes, it is true. I keep thinking why I am willing to spend so much. Partially it is driven by my son who wants to lift weights. I likely want to impress him with cool equipment and I hope he will exercise with me. Anyway, it should be beneficial to my health.
I truly appreciate all the responses I am getting. I already modified the list significantly. I will post the updated list when I place my order. First I need to build the platform.

Just out of curiosity, how old is your son? If he hasn't lifted before make him read starting strength and focus on form. Lesser weight and good form will make him much stronger but that argument can be a battle with younger kids.

[EricAtl]

I am seriously thinking about loadable dumbbells db-15.

I would seriously think about them too since they look cool. However, nothing beats just walking up to the dumbbell rack and grabbing what you need. Or gets some adjustable Dumbbells. Way more convenient than loading some up.

[jmb66]

Just out of curiosity, how old is your son? If he hasn't lifted before make him read starting strength and focus on form. Lesser weight and good form will make him much stronger but that argument can be a battle with younger kids.

24. He was lifting in college for two years. He also tells me I don't need all of it.
I always overdo things; i think it's called OCD-obsessive compulsive disorder - mine is borderline, mostly controllable; but isn't lifting weights one big overdo?

[jmb66]

.. bring him along with you to pick up your finds, clean them up and put them together. it's more fun and you get to enjoy his company regardless of if he wants to lift (hopefully he does)

Thanks. He wants to lift, no question about it. He even talks about bringing a friend or two. But it's different story when I talk about cleaning and organizing garage first
Regards.

[gym62richard]

I would seriously think about them too since they look cool. However, nothing beats just walking up to the dumbbell rack and grabbing what you need. Or gets some adjustable Dumbbells. Way more convenient than loading some up.

I agree with Eric, obviously budget isn't an issue, so if you have sufficient room a set of fixed dumbbells is just so easy, plus a rack full of shiny db's look really cool

[Greybird2]

You are on the equipment forum. Everyone here likes equipment. But, At 50, and never lifted weights before, I think you should try a 10 dollar a month gym. Lifting weights is not for everyone. The medical issues you describe will not be solved with weights. The treadmills, elliptical, and bikes of a 10 dollar a month gym will. And the machines they have will get you in better condition to lift free weights.

[keyboardworkout]

24. He was lifting in college for two years. He also tells me I don't need all of it.
I always overdo things; i think it's called OCD-obsessive compulsive disorder - mine is borderline, mostly controllable; but isn't lifting weights one big overdo?

All of us here have this problem to some extent. We see some cool piece of equipment and buy it. Then try and figure out how to incorporate it which results in a constant lack of consistency and program adherence.

Do yourself a favor and only buy a rack, flat bench, good bar, nice plates and stall mats. Strictly adhere to a barbell linear progression program for one year and then see where you are at.

At 50 you are going to find that recovery is your biggest issue. Especially, if training with your 24 year old son. As a result, you will have to tame your volume quickly. This will limit your exercise selection to pretty much just the core lifts. As an example, you aren't going to be able sustain benching heavy twice a week along with a bunch of chest assistance exercises. You will crash hard.

[gym62richard]

All of us here have this problem to some extent. We see some cool piece of equipment and buy it. Then try and figure out how to incorporate it which results in a constant lack of consistency and program adherence.

Do yourself a favor and only buy a rack, flat bench, good bar, nice plates and stall mats. Strictly adhere to a barbell linear progression program for one year and then see where you are at.

At 50 you are going to find that recovery is your biggest issue. Especially, if training with your 24 year old son. As a result, you will have to tame your volume quickly. This will limit your exercise selection to pretty much just the core lifts. As an example, you aren't going to be able sustain benching heavy twice a week along with a bunch of chest assistance exercises. You will crash hard.

As you get older, inevitably recovery takes longer, I've been consistently lifting weights since I was a teenager, as I approach my 55th birthday I just can't lift as heavy or as often as I did even 10 years ago. My advice, start out steadily and progress slowly, remember, slow progression is better than burning yourself out.

[Hardgains88]

Just want to throw a few more encouragements as a fellow older lifter:
Dont let anyone tell you your being foolish with your money, it's subjective, advice on what pieces or combination is fine though.
Weight trainings benifits become greater as you age in my opinion, your at a different place financially in your life at ypur age, so the risk reward on this deal isnt the same as for others. Notice Gymrichard isnt chirping on about how crazy it is to spend 8k on a gym... nope, hes busy shopping for his # 3 rack, because he knows at his age theres nothing thats a better investment to his quality of life like money put in his gym. I agree, im just hittin later 40's and thats already clear.
Anyway, some more equipment advice:
I like the rack, bench, bars
Plates i would go with iron and plenty of it. If you cant find used, the Rep are a good deal. and get much more then 300#, if your going to have visitors. My bestfriends son is competitive high school wrestler just getting into lifting. They have a membership to planet fitness, theres no actual barbells,squat racks, or plates. They have been comming one night a week to just work on big 3 lifts with some teammates. There a great group of boys, but im Glad i have enough plates to load several bars so still stay in my program. Nothing wirse then waiting for weights. If you do wind up with a premium set with only 300 ish pounds, plan on picking up some cheap iron on craigs list, nothing wrong with having unmatching spare weights.
I regret having a full dumbell set and im not a fan of the db-15's either. I would look to power blocks or ironmasters. I my opinion isnt shared by everyone though. I find they take up a ton of room, get scattered during use, and are very exiensive. The db-15's are a better value, but are more cumbersome, adjustables seem the perfect combo of price, space, conveniance, you could get a high capacity set and still have money left over.
Finally, you mention space limitations, but i think you could probably find room for a cable station. Now this also wont be popular advice, but i believe that this is the best "extra" you can get after the basic rack, bench, weights. there lat pulldown seems overpriced, you could get a high low pulley station from legend, body solids commercial line, or plenty of other choices for $1200-1500, less if you go used.
you get an entire secondary exercise option set for most body part! If space is really tight, rogue makes a version that attaches to the rack, Or you could have someone like edge fitness, or BWTG make a custom add on piece. Pull ups for you will be too hard at first, pull downs are a great way to start. high low pulley set up you can do every manner of pull diwn, row, cable curks, tricep movements from several angles, one arm shouder stuff and more!
My last two points may catch some heat, but if im spending your money i might as well get what i want, right?

[irongrandpa]

Hardgains, tempted to neg for referring to age 46 as an old lifter, ha! OP, this is a very informative post. Whatever you end up buying, USE IT!

[jmb66]

Just want to throw a few more encouragements as a fellow older ... so the risk reward on this deal isnt the same as for others...
...pull downs are a great way to start. high low pulley set up..

Thanks for encouragement. Yes, age changes perspective. I am ready to overpay for some equipment but have it rather sooner than to build/collect it over years. I want quality and hope that Rogue is the right choice.
>pulldown
I was thinking about adding self-made lat pull down to the rack. 2 or 3 quality pulleys from Amazon, steel cable from lowes, Rogue shackles and Rogue grip triangle. Will it work?

[jmb66]

..try a 10 dollar a month gym..

Thanks for feedback. I have tried it. I could do it even for free through my work.
I don't like gyms, no matter how well equipped. Many reasons, but the long story short is that I enjoy excercising at home. I have quality exercise mat, kettlebells, couple of medicine balls and I really like it. After reading Starting Strength, etc., I am ready to risk building garage gym. Based on the feedback I got I cut my list at least 1k already. 7k is a lot of money for me, but again, I see high chance of improving health and having good time with my son.
I will not go back to gym. Regards.

[urbanlifter]

I was thinking about adding self-made lat pull down to the rack. 2 or 3 quality pulleys from Amazon, steel cable from lowes, Rogue shackles and Rogue grip triangle. Will it work?

HG is right on the money, especially with the high/low pulley. Most people's top 5-10 items will vary, but a high/low pulley for me is in the top 5 most important items to have. I forget, did you ever mention your location? Commercial pulldowns can be found on CL from time to time, I know waiting sucks but it could end up saving you a fortune once you get past buying the essentials.

[vhd16]

If you want to control your blood glucose levels ( hope your PCP did not prescribe metaformin) then you are better off incorporating some form of cardio with weight training. So treadmill or stationary bike may not be bad idea.

Yes, Lat pull down is excellent idea for moderate to light weight training. Body solid ones can be found for around $200 on CL depending on location

Once you get into form and routine then you can upgrade to high end commercial ones like Legend and others

[RestoringTally]

>pulldown
I was thinking about adding self-made lat pull down to the rack. 2 or 3 quality pulleys from Amazon, steel cable from lowes, Rogue shackles and Rogue grip triangle. Will it work?

Sure it will work. So will vinyl coated concrete plates. The better question is will it work well? Nope.

I put together a pulley system using stuff I had sitting around. You need large diameter pulleys - 4" is typical, but larger is better. If you are going to the trouble of sourcing quality pulleys and cable, you might just as well buy a real machine. I bought a Body Solid high-low for $75. I just bought a Body Solid High-Mid row with a 210 lb stack for $150. There is no comparison between my homemade effort and a real machine. The machines are much more versatile, solid, and convenient.

[sera310]

OP: Have you checked into the shipping cost from Rogue? I was shopping for a rack & bench, & their shipping expense was so much lower than any of their competitors' shipping charges, that it really made a difference in the deal. I suppose this is because they ship so much that they get a huge price break from UPS. In other words, putting together that massive order when you are just starting out, just to save on shipping costs, might really be letting the tail wag the dog.

[HomeGymHungry]

Some people buy motorcycles - I decided to build a garage gym as a mid-life present to myself. I�m considering placing this crazy expensive (as for myself) order. I am certainly overdoing it, but I don�t want to hear anymore suggestions �get couple of dumbbells first�, etc. Also, I want to avoid shipping charges. This is supposed to be the one-time, large gym order. Here is my shopping cart that I am working on for couple of months.

What would you remove? What would you add? Any other suggestions for building garage gym?

Thanks,
J.B.

Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 - 2210$
Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench - 935$
The Ohio Bar - Stainless Steel - 350$
320LB Color Training Plate 2.0 Set - 915$
Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set: 5 - 50lbs - 660$
Rogue Adjustable Monolift - Monster - 325$
37.5LB Change Plate Set - 181$
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 - 695$
RH-2M Rogue Hyper (I have back pain, and no space for standalone hyper) - 625$
Hyper Roller Attachment (I read this may be unnecessary) - 245$
Rogue Curl Bar - 195$
Rogue Arm Blaster - 56.50$
Rogue Monster Landmine - 118$
Rogue Monster Matador - 140$
XM-43M Monster Multi Grip Crossmember - 182$
Rogue Parallel Landmine Handle - Fat Grip - 62.50$
Rogue Monster Grip Triangle (will build lat pulldown) - 53.50$
Rogue Vertical Bar Hanger - 50$
OSO Barbell Collars - 49.95$
Rogue Single Landmine Handle - 39.5$
Rogue Monster Shackle - 2x30$
Monster Band Pegs - 4 Pack - 41.50$
Mini Deadlift Bar Jack - 62.50$
Rogue Wise Crack Abmat - 45$
Total: 8297$ (around 8K is my limit)

Bumping this cause I have been prepping for Black Friday and wanted to see if you made this order and your thoughts on the pieces if you did.