Home gym Build *Advice*

[omnip0tent]

Sup boyos. Just came up on a nice house and I've got quite alot of projects in mind for renovation, one of my first priorities is converting one of the rooms into a gym.

- What flooring do you guys recommend use? I had heard some bros say tractor supply flooring was good BUT I see its about $2/sq ft. On amazon I see something for about $1/sqft both are 1/2inch thick. Any advice or opinions on the best flooring to use & Why?
Tractor Supply: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...n?cm_vc=-10005
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-P...15&sr=8-5&th=1

- MUST HAVE EQUIPMENT IN YOUR GYM? What do you guys use weekly that are must have's? Other gear than whats mentioned below for Isolation work? Maybe someway to get some cables in a home gym?
So far im getting from Titan fitness:
> Power Rack (https://www.titan.fitness/racks/powe...RIES-RACK.html)
> Olympic Barbell (https://www.titan.fitness/strength/b...ll/430090.html)
> Adjustable Bench (https://www.titan.fitness/strength/b...ch/400969.html)

>I also own 1" dumbbells but I'm thinking of getting a set of 2" dumbbells to use with the same weights that fit on Olympic bars. This way I'll have 4 dumbells for super setting.
> I will get my actual weights used from offer up. Found some dudes willing to part with plates from 5lb-45lb at $1/lb.

- Any major tips? Tricks? Setup problems I should be aware of or look into before making major decisions?

You can have all my reps.

[litljay]

So far, I've been able to keep it pretty simple. The only thing I would like to add (and have wanted since the beginning) is a lat/row cable machine.

Rack
Olympic Bar + weights
Dumbells
Adjustable Bench

[omnip0tent]

So far, I've been able to keep it pretty simple. The only thing I would like to add (and have wanted since the beginning) is a lat/row cable machine.

Rack
Olympic Bar + weights
Dumbells
Adjustable Bench

[img]https://i.imgur.com/slD8ZPY.jpg[img]

thnx broski

You got a link to that Rack? I didn't consider weight storage. If I can get an accessory for the rack, rather than a weight tree thats something Im def going to add ASAP.

[anonkunbrah]

[MuscleXtreme]

Sup boyos. Just came up on a nice house and I've got quite alot of projects in mind for renovation, one of my first priorities is converting one of the rooms into a gym.

- What flooring do you guys recommend use? I had heard some bros say tractor supply flooring was good BUT I see its about $2/sq ft. On amazon I see something for about $1/sqft both are 1/2inch thick. Any advice or opinions on the best flooring to use & Why?
Tractor Supply: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...n?cm_vc=-10005
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/BalanceFrom-P...15&sr=8-5&th=1

- MUST HAVE EQUIPMENT IN YOUR GYM? What do you guys use weekly that are must have's? Other gear than whats mentioned below for Isolation work? Maybe someway to get some cables in a home gym?
So far im getting from Titan fitness:
> Power Rack (https://www.titan.fitness/racks/powe...RIES-RACK.html)
> Olympic Barbell (https://www.titan.fitness/strength/b...ll/430090.html)
> Adjustable Bench (https://www.titan.fitness/strength/b...ch/400969.html)

>I also own 1" dumbbells but I'm thinking of getting a set of 2" dumbbells to use with the same weights that fit on Olympic bars. This way I'll have 4 dumbells for super setting.
> I will get my actual weights used from offer up. Found some dudes willing to part with plates from 5lb-45lb at $1/lb.

- Any major tips? Tricks? Setup problems I should be aware of or look into before making major decisions?

You can have all my reps.

I have the tractor supply mats and they stink!

I aired one out in the sun for two months and it still smells.

I’m a bit concerned with the VOC (volatile organic compounds) that are released when it’s off gassing.

Let me know if you find some good mats that don’t stink or at least know how to get rid of the smell.

[Drew23]

I have the mats from Tractor Supply. They are heavy duty and don't slide around. I suggest placing them grip side down. You can cut them pretty easily by scoring with a razor knife repeatedly and rolling the mat until you cut through. Have had mine in place 2 years and they are still in perfect shape.

The one piece that I use the most is a SS Yoke bar from Elitefts. Other than the normal bars and weights, this is the best thing I own.

Just make it your own place. Try to lay it out the way you want your workouts to go and add on as you go.

Good luck!

[omnip0tent]

repped for the input. Thnx bros

[Comply_or_Die]

repped for being home gym crew

[mvitz]

Repped for home gym crew.

I am amazed stuff is in stock. Its been out of stock for over 6 months at this point.

Home Depot is good for shelving that can handle a ton of weight - good for kettlebells, plates, etc...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Bl...0W-5/206813267

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Bl...8W-4/202251082

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiato...4XEG/206727800

I built my own Powerblocks stand out of stuff I found. Powerblocks are good if you can find them in stock as they dont take up a ton of space. You can go up to 90lbs each.

[omnip0tent]

Repped for home gym crew.

I am amazed stuff is in stock. Its been out of stock for over 6 months at this point.

Home Depot is good for shelving that can handle a ton of weight - good for kettlebells, plates, etc...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Bl...0W-5/206813267

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Bl...8W-4/202251082

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gladiato...4XEG/206727800

I built my own Powerblocks stand out of stuff I found. Powerblocks are good if you can find them in stock as they dont take up a ton of space. You can go up to 90lbs each.

Hnnngggg smart smart. Love the shelving idea. Repped boyo

[MajorTendonitis]

I’m all about being organized . Purchased this product called StoreWall , and have no regrets.
I’d recommend a full cage and a separate Lat machine . I’m fine with squat racks,as it works for me.
I also like MAGs for pulling exercises,as it gives you a variety of grips .
https://www.maxagrip.com/products/


For flooring I used 1/2” megalock rubber flooring and am happy with it , other than I would pay the difference and get the version with the coloured speckles ,as it’s impossible to keep it looking clean . Sure feels awesome under my runners though
https://www.americanfloormats.com/me...-interlocking/





Built my own wall storage for plates


Love the MAGs



If your wondering about the weird colour combinations, everything yellow is slowly being converted to orange

[litljay]

thnx broski

You got a link to that Rack? I didn't consider weight storage. If I can get an accessory for the rack, rather than a weight tree thats something Im def going to add ASAP.

Link to rack: https://www.legendfitness.com/produc...power-station/

I ordered directly from Legend. Took quite a while to get (10-12 weeks) pre plandemic.

Not sure what options Titan has on their racks for weight storage.

[litljay]

I’m all about being organized . Purchased this product called StoreWall , and have no regrets.
I’d recommend a full cage and a separate Lat machine . I’m fine with squat racks,as it works for me.
I also like MAGs for pulling exercises,as it gives you a variety of grips .
https://www.maxagrip.com/products/



[img]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9275651&d=1604085984[img]

Built my own wall storage for plates
[img]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9275661&d=1604086029[img]

Love the MAGs

[img]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9275641&d=1604085958[img]

If your wondering about the weird colour combinations, everything yellow is slowly being converted to orange
[img]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9275711&d=1604086422[img]

Love your space. Didn't ever notice before that you have a drop ceiling. Are the squat stands/uprights tied into rafters above the acoustic tiles?

[MajorTendonitis]

noice. i bought my rubber + foam mats from a local store, just make sure the horsemats don't stink. can't comment on tractorsupply but a lot of ppl seem to like it.

rubber mats are expensive for obvious reasons. heavy duty - rack, bench, weights, cardio equipment
puzzle foam mats for stretching, bodyweight stuff, calisthenics etc, they will get a perm imprint if you leave heavy equipment on them

any power rack with weight storage to save space and $
any olympic bar & weights
i use adjustable dumbells
adjustable bench +500 lbs capacity enough for your bodyweight + bench or whatever exercise

I have to say I had some off gassing from my flooring . Don’t notice it 5 years later though , but maybe I’m nose blind

[HYDRAE]

Here's my set up:

- Bodycraft f430 w/ the lat/cable system. Its held up well for going on 7 years now.
- bodycraft bench (make sure whatever one you get will fit in the rack)
- EZ Curl
- Rouge BB
- Oly plates w/ tree
- Iron Master DB's
- Landmine attachment w/ Titan Landmine Stand<--super cheap and adds a ton of movements
- all the normal cable attachments
- Forearm wrist roller
- Ply Box
- Body Solid SCB26 Squat Calf Block
- Trap Bar
- Roman Chair
- Heavy Bag
- TRX
- Treadmill
- Some random kettle bells
- 5/8" Cattle mats <-- get them, they are indestructible

Welcome to the home gym master race.

[MajorTendonitis]

Love your space. Didn't ever notice before that you have a drop ceiling. Are the squat stands/uprights tied into rafters above the acoustic tiles?

Yes your correct . Unfortunately it’s an older house with a 7’ ceiling . The product I used was a pita to install , but you only lose 1” of space .
https://www.homedepot.ca/product/cei...pid=1000726910

The right hand side of the basement went awesome , as the floor joists spacings worked out perfectly for both posts .


The closest side not so much ,so I had to build it out

[HYDRAE]

I have to say I had some off gassing from my flooring . Don’t notice it 5 years later though , but maybe I’m nose blind

Mine smelled for a week or two, but nothing terrible.

[MuscleXtreme]

I’m all about being organized . Purchased this product called StoreWall , and have no regrets.
I’d recommend a full cage and a separate Lat machine . I’m fine with squat racks,as it works for me.
I also like MAGs for pulling exercises,as it gives you a variety of grips .
https://www.maxagrip.com/products/


For flooring I used 1/2” megalock rubber flooring and am happy with it , other than I would pay the difference and get the version with the coloured speckles ,as it’s impossible to keep it looking clean . Sure feels awesome under my runners though
https://www.americanfloormats.com/me...-interlocking/





Built my own wall storage for plates


Love the MAGs



If your wondering about the weird colour combinations, everything yellow is slowly being converted to orange

Any weird smells with the flooring?

Do the mats protect the floor well with heavy deadlift? (300lb+)

[MajorTendonitis]

Any weird smells with the flooring?

Do the mats protect the floor well with heavy deadlift? (300lb+)

I wouldn’t know as I never go that heavy on deadlift . I think I’d double up the thickness to 1” to be on the safe side on that area

[MuscleXtreme]

yea some ppl don't mind it but i couldn't stand it. left them outside for 1 week to off gas, it still stank up my basement so i returned the horsemats after 1 week. went to a local distributor and bought mats commercial gym use, had to pay a bit more but zero stink.

Could you share the type of commercial mats you got? I’m absolutely fine with paying more.

These tractor supply mats are bad...

[MajorTendonitis]

Mine smelled for a week or two, but nothing terrible.

I’d have to say the same , but other people noticed it . I had no issues with it and would buy the product again ,as I think it’s much easier to install

[Unstumpable]

If you're not using horse stall matts you're doing it wrong. That puzzle piece flooring is garbage.

[MajorTendonitis]

If you're not using horse stall matts you're doing it wrong. That puzzle piece flooring is garbage.

Have you seen the megalock product ? This isn’t from WalMart

[Unstumpable]

Have you seen the megalock product ? This isn’t from WalMart

No I haven't. I did a lot of research before building my home gym, and the consensus was horse stall matts are the best bang for your buck. There were some examples of the puzzle peaces getting mushed and having big indents in them from weights being left on them, or racks sitting on them. Maybe those you mentioned are higher quality.

[Fozzy13]

the tractor mats are rubber..heavy duty.

amazon is fkn foam mats.

as for the smell..you just sit them in the sun for a couple of days.

[Coach McGuirk]

the tractor mats are rubber..heavy duty.

amazon is fkn foam mats.

as for the smell..you just sit them in the sun for a couple of days.

Came in to post this for OP.

Don’t waste your money on those amazon foam mats.

[litljay]

the tractor mats are rubber..heavy duty.

amazon is fkn foam mats.

as for the smell..you just sit them in the sun for a couple of days.

It does help a little to clean them with simple green too.

I was lucky in my TSC stores their mats outside in the 110* sun.

[Shortfuze]

I'd like to recommend getting a power bar/twister. I thought it was a gimmicky item but it's actually very good for building upper body strength and also as a warm-up tool and also as a portable workout equipment. I have the BOA Power Twister Spring Forearm Blaster Bar that goes from 65 lbs to 120 lbs and it really kicks my ass.

[dankydank]

I have these floor mats

https://www.americanfloormats.com/ul...lone-gym-mats/

The only reason you buy Horse Stall Mats is because of the cost. If you’re not a poorcel then JFL at buying them.

[JStrez]

So far, I've been able to keep it pretty simple. The only thing I would like to add (and have wanted since the beginning) is a lat/row cable machine.

Rack
Olympic Bar + weights
Dumbells
Adjustable Bench

Honestly this is all you really need. If anything I'd probably add an EZ Curl Bar and some sort of adjustable cable machine. EZ curl is for biceps, triceps, and shoulders. Adjustable Vertical Cable machine and you could do pretty much anything, but I'd say cable rows would be the biggest advantage.