My own home gym evolution (part 2)

[alexthaman]

Basement gym:

Hoist fitness RPL-5203 Mid row
Hoist fitness CF-3661 Incline t-bar row
Hoist fitness CF-3663 back hyper bench
Bodysolid SLM300-G3 Lat pulldown/mid row combo
Hoist fitness RPL-5301 Chest press
Hoist fitness RPL-5405 Standing calf raise
Hoist fitness HD-3900 Pec fly/rear delt combo
Hoist fitness CF-3555 Standing biceps preacher curl bench
Hoist fitness RPL-5363 Seated calf raise
Atlantis GHD bench
Atlantis B-177 flat incline bench
Altantis Flat/incline/decline bench
Mech6 custom functional trainer
Bodycraft smith club Mech6 modified with 2 sets of uprights, 2 sets of spotters, trigger rollers, dip attachment, landmine and dumbbells spotters full system with counter weights
Rogue monster sandwich j-cups
York 10-150 pro welded dumbbells on Hoist fitness 3 tier rack
Assault air bike
Rogue bar
Ivanko obx-20kg
Ivanko obz-55
Ivanko obz-40
Cap barbell deluxe black oxide straight and ez bar
2x Rogue 6 bar gun rack v1
Rogue MG1 multigrip bar and TB-1 V1 trap bar
Maximum advantage grip bars (all of them 7)
Prime ROT-8 handles
Hampton cable attachments
Ivanko revolvers plates 670lbs (8x45 8x25 8x10 4x5 4x2.5)
MuscledriverUSA 6 digits interval timer

[grumpytude]

top notch all the way.

[alexthaman]

top notch all the way.

thanks man, you were one of my inspiration back a few years ago with the bodycraft leg press and the storage wall.

[MajorTendonitis]

thanks man, you were one of my inspiration back a few years ago with the bodycraft leg press and the storage wall.

That’s an insane looking gym you have built. I was also inspired by grumpytudes store wall idea

[Bluemirage75]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for posting updated pics of your awesome gym! I've been watching your gym morph since joining these forums a few years ago. Looks like your basement ceiling height is pretty typical of Canadian basements. We are looking to move there over the Summer. How high are your basement ceilings?

[alexthaman]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for posting updated pics of your awesome gym! I've been watching your gym morph since joining these forums a few years ago. Looks like your basement ceiling height is pretty typical of Canadian basements. We are looking to move there over the Summer. How high are your basement ceilings?

I don’t know if basement are all like this in Canada but i am working in construction in Quebec and all around Quebec the ceiling regular height is just a little under 8ft something around 7’10’’. There are some exceptions, lower or higher but recent builts from the 90-2000 and over are like this except if someone wants higher ceiling, in this case some houses could have different heights. My next house will for sure have all 9ft ceilings all around the house.

[gym62richard]

top notch all the way.

^^^ This, and then some.

[ItsAMi]

This is really nice!! Me, I chose to go simple as I didn't have as much space. I only bought a machine so I can do pull-ups and dips, and I also bought a workout rug. It was for sure much cheaper than all of those things you bought. I think it's cool to have your own gym at home but as I prefer to do bodyweight exercises is much simpler for me.

[grumpytude]

thanks man, you were one of my inspiration back a few years ago with the bodycraft leg press and the storage wall.

Thanks, still rocking the body craft. Its a good piece, although I was looking at something like the cybex squat press. Actually have a few pieces I was thinking of trading out or updating. But last couple of times dealing with craigslist people was exhausting.

[alexthaman]

Thanks, still rocking the body craft. Its a good piece, although I was looking at something like the cybex squat press. Actually have a few pieces I was thinking of trading out or updating. But last couple of times dealing with craigslist people was exhausting.

I was planning of upgrading the Bodycraft too for a 45 degree commercial leg press but my space is too limited and all leg presses are really long compared to the Bodycraft. I also have the Hoist Roc-it dual action leg press, the movement is near from a Cybex press as it is a pivot too but the machine kind of move up and down, as all Hoist Roc-it equipment. The worst thing with the Bodycraft is the annoying metal grinding noise when in use but except from that, price, quality and versatility of this machine is over every other one. I also really like the calf press movement. And yes, dealing with craiglist people is really a pain. I had some problems too except from that guy from my big Hoist pick up, he was a team membre from an elementary school and he was really helpful.

[grumpytude]

[QUOTE=alexthaman;1543475761]I was planning of upgrading the Bodycraft too for a 45 degree commercial leg press but my space is too limited and all leg presses are really long compared to the Bodycraft. I also have the Hoist Roc-it dual action leg press, the movement is near from a Cybex press as it is a pivot too but the machine kind of move up and down, as all Hoist Roc-it equipment. The worst thing with the Bodycraft is the annoying metal grinding noise when in use but except from that, price, quality and versatility of this machine is over every other one. I also really like the calf press movement. And yes, dealing with craiglist people is really a pain. I had some problems too except from that guy from my big Hoist pick up, he was a team membre from an elementary school and he was really helpful.

The hoist looks like a nice piece, I wish I had the room for two units, no brainer in keeping the body craft then. was also looking at the body solid leverage squat- or something similar maybe a bit better quality. seems like you have to really stoop down to get into it. Ah yes, the grinding noise.... can't escape it, but true-love the calf less operation on the machine.

[alexthaman]

The hoist looks like a nice piece, I wish I had the room for two units, no brainer in keeping the body craft then. was also looking at the body solid leverage squat- or something similar maybe a bit better quality. seems like you have to really stoop down to get into it. Ah yes, the grinding noise.... can't escape it, but true-love the calf less operation on the machine.

Looks like we are interested in the same units. I was looking to buy the Bodysolid Pro Club line leverage squat before finding the Hoist gear. It looks like a really good unit but i am not sure I would replace a leg press/hack squat for this kind of machine that could be easily replaced by a simple squat or ssb squats. I was planning on addind this to my setup so keeping the bodycraft. I don’t know for you but for me, the Bodycraft has so many functionalities, every leg workout i am using it, for hack squat, leg presses, single leg leg presses, calf presses or even standing calf raises.... For home gym purpose, it is one of the best things to have...

[grumpytude]

Looks like we are interested in the same units. I was looking to buy the Bodysolid Pro Club line leverage squat before finding the Hoist gear. It looks like a really good unit but i am not sure I would replace a leg press/hack squat for this kind of machine that could be easily replaced by a simple squat or ssb squats. I was planning on addind this to my setup so keeping the bodycraft. I don’t know for you but for me, the Bodycraft has so many functionalities, every leg workout i am using it, for hack squat, leg presses, single leg leg presses, calf presses or even standing calf raises.... For home gym purpose, it is one of the best things to have...

agree. if I decide to get some sort of squat-leverage- changes are I will keep the body craft. I think it would be better option-standing units take up less room too- works big time to my advantage. Of course the kryptonite of my home gym is its access. a regular doorway. so any piece I get needs to fit through it one way or another. This eliminates a lot of higher end stuff that is fully welded. The hammer stuff I bought some needed to be dis-assembled and re--assembled to get it in.

[irongrandpa]

Looks like we are interested in the same units. I was looking to buy the Bodysolid Pro Club line leverage squat before finding the Hoist gear. It looks like a really good unit but i am not sure I would replace a leg press/hack squat for this kind of machine that could be easily replaced by a simple squat or ssb squats. I was planning on addind this to my setup so keeping the bodycraft. I don’t know for you but for me, the Bodycraft has so many functionalities, every leg workout i am using it, for hack squat, leg presses, single leg leg presses, calf presses or even standing calf raises.... For home gym purpose, it is one of the best things to have...

agree. if I decide to get some sort of squat-leverage- changes are I will keep the body craft. I think it would be better option-standing units take up less room too- works big time to my advantage. Of course the kryptonite of my home gym is its access. a regular doorway. so any piece I get needs to fit through it one way or another. This eliminates a lot of higher end stuff that is fully welded. The hammer stuff I bought some needed to be dis-assembled and re--assembled to get it in.

I had a Magnum Squat machine ( in addition to a leg press) for several years and it was a great option to have. Also, it was fairly compact , space wise. If either of you add a squat machine , I highly recommend you find a commercial one, they're much better than the Bodysolid or Powertech machines that I have used. Here's a pic.

[tonypearn]

Your set-up looks amazing and I love many of the pieces! I think Hoist does not get enough credit here. I actually love their plate loaded rockit chest piece. It feels great to me! Several others are very nice also. I agree with your thoughts on making it nice. I am the same way, I know myself enough to know if I did not make my setup clean and nice to look at that I would not use it. I wanted it to have a good atmosphere and you nailed it with the stone walls! Good job!

[alexthaman]

Your set-up looks amazing and I love many of the pieces! I think Hoist does not get enough credit here. I actually love their plate loaded rockit chest piece. It feels great to me! Several others are very nice also. I agree with your thoughts on making it nice. I am the same way, I know myself enough to know if I did not make my setup clean and nice to look at that I would not use it. I wanted it to have a good atmosphere and you nailed it with the stone walls! Good job!

Thanks man, i appreciate! Having a nice and clean setup is as important for me as the quality of the equipment. Working out in a dusty room would not be for me, i would not be motivated to train in such conditions.

I can not say it enough, I love Hoist equipment. Their Roc-it plate loaded line is great, the leg press, chest press, mid row and standing calf are some of my favorite pieces and also the lat pulldown from the same line (i don’t have it but would love to). They make great equipment and what i like the most is the ability to put everything in pieces as it is all bolted up and initially coming in boxes. For us home gym owners it is great as it is so easy to take them wherever you want them, i have brought them down to my basement only by myself, without any help...

[Bluemirage75]

I don’t know if basement are all like this in Canada but i am working in construction in Quebec and all around Quebec the ceiling regular height is just a little under 8ft something around 7’10’’. There are some exceptions, lower or higher but recent builts from the 90-2000 and over are like this except if someone wants higher ceiling, in this case some houses could have different heights. My next house will for sure have all 9ft ceilings all around the house.

Good to know! Thanks for taking the time to let me know the info. We are moving to Ontario, either the Greater Toronto area or Ottawa so we shall see. I was just curious to know if I will need to order a rack with posts cut or not to fit. It would be nice to not have to do this.

[alexthaman]

New update, i added a Mech custom flat bench (he had one left from previous batch) with Rogue Thompson fat pad, spud inc. long ab strap which has become one of my previous cable attachment, awesome for bent over cable pulldowns and long rope cable triceps extensions! Also a Rogue abmat and a wind shield attachment for my assault air bike, i was tired of having a dry mouth and having too much wind during my cardio sessions, such a big difference!

[C123C]

New update, i added a Mech custom flat bench (he had one left from previous batch) with Rogue Thompson fat pad, spud inc. long ab strap which has become one of my previous cable attachment, awesome for bent over cable pulldowns and long rope cable triceps extensions! Also a Rogue abmat and a wind shield attachment for my assault air bike, i was tired of having a dry mouth and having too much wind during my cardio sessions, such a big difference!

Awesome adds. I have one of his flat benches and fat pad too - perfection. Also have the same Abmat which is a really nice low cost/space addition. Been contemplating the long ab strap but haven't pulled the trigger. Whenever I see your thread I can't wait to open it!

[alexthaman]

Awesome adds. I have one of his flat benches and fat pad too - perfection. Also have the same Abmat which is a really nice low cost/space addition. Been contemplating the long ab strap but haven't pulled the trigger. Whenever I see your thread I can't wait to open it!

Thanks man! Yes the bench is perfection with the wheels and handle. I don’t know yet if it will get the use it deserves as i dont powerlft but could not resist! For the long strap, i was hesitating too for a long time, but i can assure you that this piece is awesome. I did some bent over cable pulldowns with lat emphasis and it destroyed my lats, way better than using two ropes! Love it

[zoom008]

Did you buy your windscreen from rogue? I can't find anyone in Canada that sells them. Emailed assault fitness a few times but not getting a reply.

[Cleveland33]

a towel and a couple bungee cords will work until you find them

[alexthaman]

Did you buy your windscreen from rogue? I can't find anyone in Canada that sells them. Emailed assault fitness a few times but not getting a reply.

yes rogue, 60$ plus shipping. I was waiting to have a few stuff to order for a grouped shipping!

[Deep-Voiced-One]

New update, i added a Mech custom flat bench (he had one left from previous batch) with Rogue Thompson fat pad, spud inc. long ab strap which has become one of my previous cable attachment, awesome for bent over cable pulldowns and long rope cable triceps extensions! Also a Rogue abmat and a wind shield attachment for my assault air bike, i was tired of having a dry mouth and having too much wind during my cardio sessions, such a big difference!

Nice! I noticed Mech did the rubber feet at the bottom of the flat bench frame, that's a cool touch (my custom flat bench from Strength Inc. got rubber glued under the feet as well since the bench is sometimes rolled onto the concrete portion of the garage).

I actually asked for the rubber to be glued on the feet of my custom seated row as well when it arrives since it'll be on the basement floor and I didn't really feel like getting additional stall mats.

The long ab strap is great, I use it for many movements and have completely replaced my rope attachment for it on facepulls.

All in all excellent additions and rad cardio bike!

[dragon360]

New update, i added a Mech custom flat bench (he had one left from previous batch)

Nice as always. I wonder what else Mech may have hidden away!!!

Been debating between the long an strap and that overbuilt tricep strap. Seem similar for the same price but like the tricep strap better (by sight).

[murphyreedus]

Nice as always. I wonder what else Mech may have hidden away!!!

Say his name 3 times and see if he appears.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Nice as always. I wonder what else Mech may have hidden away!!!

Been debating between the long an strap and that overbuilt tricep strap. Seem similar for the same price but like the tricep strap better (by sight).

Hahaha hopefully a secret stash of 2X3 monolift attachments in two toned black and silver...too specific? 😉

[dragon360]

Say his name 3 times and see if he appears.

I’ve even added the click of my heels. No such luck yet!

[Greybird2]

Say his name 3 times and see if he appears.

What if you get Beetlejuice instead?

[Mech6]

Nice as always. I wonder what else Mech may have hidden away!!!

Been debating between the long an strap and that overbuilt tricep strap. Seem similar for the same price but like the tricep strap better (by sight).

Story is a bit off. I had PARTS to make 2 benches and made myself one (still need wheels for mine). Alex being local (10 mins away) means he just picked up the other one (and got the wheels I was saving, lol). There's only about 15mins of actual welding in there, which is about how much time I have available these days.

Long strap is nice. I've had the original yellow one since it was first sold on elitefts many years ago. I used it for pulldown abs back then but haven't touched it since. Never thought about doing the straight arm pulldowns with it, or whetever those are called.