Reddit mentions: The best exercise & fitness home gyms

Warning: wall of text, plus links. For some reason your post resonated with me, and I want to help you. So here goes.

Food is the most important thing. Your base metabolic rate is probably upwards of 4000 calories per day. If you can run a deficit of 1000 calories per day, on average, you can lose an average of 2 pounds per week. Losing 1-2 pounds per week is slow and steady, but considered healthy, safe, and will not cause you to "bounce back". Some people here will advocate other methods but this has worked for me.

So, how do you run a caloric deficit? I paid a lot of money for a nutritionist, but what she taught me can be broken down into a few basic ideas.

1. LOTS OF VEGETABLES. Seriously, make friends with your oven. Roasted vegetables saved my life. I eat it 4-5 times per week for dinner. In the beginning I would just cut up a roasting pan full of vegetables, and experiment with different ones to find which ones I like. I would just toss them in some olive oil (I don't do that part anymore) put some seasonings on them (I would choose salt free seasoning blends, like italian blend, or chinese or indian spice blends). Cut up the veggies and spread them out on the roasting pan (you can line the pan with tin foil to save some clean up), queeze half a lemon over the top of it all, and put it in the oven at 400ºF for 30-40 minutes. It's a huge meal, but only like 500-750 calories depending on what you put in it. Typical for me would be cauliflower, cubed yams or sweet potato (like a half a potato or yam, you don't want too much starch), some Brussels sprouts cut in halves, maybe some mini sweet peppers and a few cherry tomatoes, butternut squash (you can find it pre-cut in the supermarket), carrots. Salads are good but they get boring. Someone on this subreddit said "if you're not hungry enough to eat a salad, you're not actually hungry" and I found that to be pretty useful to remember, early on. I also love this simple recipe, takes no effort and is an easy clean up - I have kabocha for lunch or dinner, 3-4 times per week! And tuna fish - instead of mayo, use half an avocado. You'll be surprised, I was.
   
   
2. Eat a good healthy breakfast - every damn day. In the beginning of my weight loss I would have 2-3 egg whites, scrambled or in an omelet (no cheese!). Plus a regular size container of greek yogurt, with a teaspoon of chia seeds and a teaspoon of agave (for sweetness instead of sugar). Now I have one or the other, not both. Sometimes I would have a small bowl of plain oatmeal (1/3 cup) with berries instead of the yogurt, for variety.
   
   
3. Have plenty of fruit (and only fruit) in the house for snacks. Frozen berries are the best. You can eat a small bowl full of frozen berries as a dessert, and it's like 70-90 calories. Frozen cherries are also a good dessert - 90-100 calories in a small bowl of them! Bananas are higher in calories, but again - in the beginning it's about developing good habits, so do what you can.
   
   
4. Don't go too long in between meals. You'll get too hungry and end up eating too much, if you wait too long. 4 hours should be the max between a meal and at least a snack (the aforementioned fruit).
   
   
5. Eat mindfully. Meaning, think about what you are eating, before you eat it. If you eat for emotional comfort, ask yourself if you will really feel better after eating that thing, or worse? When you think about it, you realize you hate being fat more than you like the temporary comfort of bad foods. This has saved me from bad decisions on many occasions.
   
   
6. Eliminate as much meat as possible from your diet. I'm not saying you have to go vegetarian (I already suggested eating egg whites, which isn't a vegetable), but realize that calorie-wise, meats - chicken, pork, beef - pack a lot of calories into a small amount of food. The palm of your hand is ONE SERVING of meat! Get your protein from the yogurt, the egg whites, from green leafy vegetables, and from beans (not sugary baked beans) rather than from meat, as much as possible. You'll feel way more full eating a huge bowl of vegetables than you will eating a palm-sized piece of chicken breast.
   
   
7. Track what you eat. This ties in with mindfulness. I use the LoseIt app now, but I didn't in the beginning. When I first started out I just got a small notebook and I would write down everything I ate each day. I didn't worry about counting calories, I just worried about following the above rules and by writing it all down (being honest with myself and never lying in the book is important!) I became more mindful of what I was eating, and stopped eating crap. After a while I got used to writing it down, it became a habit. Then I switched to the LoseIt app, and started measuring everything, and recording it in the app in detail. That helped me in the next phase, where I am now down to 1500-1700 calories per day (keep in mind that your base metabolic rate will go down as you slim down, and to keep that 1000 calorie deficit you have to lower your max calories per day). But don't worry about all that right now - if you just start small and write things down, it will help a lot in terms of mindfulness, and in developing the habit that you can apply to a calorie-counting app later on.
   
   
8. Last but not least. Get in 20-30 minutes of cardio exercise per day. Walk at a vigorous pace (faster than a stroll but slower than a run) if that's all you can do. Make it a family thing, if you can - having team mates helps a lot. Plus, you will teach your son great habits by example, that will last him a lifetime and help prevent him from getting in the same situation as you are in today. Also, it is quality time you can spend with your significant other and son, going for a daily walk.
   
   The exercise at first isn't really a big part of losing weight, because you won't be burning a significant amount of calories at first, but it will help you feel healthier and it will help you want to do all the other things in terms of sticking to a good diet. Later on, as you lose some weight, you will feel more motivated to exercise more vigorously. In addition to cardio, you might want to start strength training. I highly recommend the TRX, but it's expensive and you said money is tight, well you're in luck - you can make your own for less than $20 worth of gear that you can get at Home Depot. And you can watch some of these free videos that show you how to use it properly.
   
   I really hope this helps you, brother. I want to see you succeed! 8 months ago I was 350 pounds and felt completely hopeless. I started in February with all of what I am telling you. Today I am 72 pounds lighter, and am looking forward to making it to my goal weight by May of next year. I have been losing 1.98 pounds per week on average, and I only exercise about 2 or 2.5 hours per week (I have been steadily increasing it over time, and will continue to do so.) I have a better relationship with food, I no longer obsess about it, I no longer starve all day and then eat huge fast food dinners. My posture is better. My confidence is better. I have thrown out all my 4x and 3x shirts. I actually am starting to feel pretty damn good, I must say!
   
   You can do the same, I am certain of it! It is a mathematical certainty that if you run a caloric deficit you WILL lose weight. Figuring out a good system that you can stick with is the hardest part. Once you get a system going, you will succeed.
   
   Edit: crap, I knew I was forgetting something. WATER. Drink lots of it. In fact, drink only water from now on. Juices, sodas, or any of that diet crap will just mess with your metabolism. You need lots of water to keep hydrated, flush out your system, and it's really super important. Minimum of 64oz per day (2 large bottles of water) but really you should drink more if you can.

Hey there. Guy here. Started the year at 240, currently at 206, GW is 180 (might change to 170, still deciding). I have some thoughts. I broke it into three groups below. This is purely what's working for me, but maybe he can take something from this. Sorry in advance for the wall of text.

Diet

So, I'm basically doing CICO. I say basically, because I really have no clue how many calories I should be eating in a day, nor do I have any clue how many I do eat. I estimate everything. I started out a lot stricter, but found it to just be a pain. There's a key component I'll get into with that in the next section that really makes this whole thing work, but basically it comes down to estimating, and adjusting every meal based on what I think my last meal consisted of or my next meal is going to consist of.

I try to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day (sometimes even 7). I only eat when I'm hungry. I eat protein at every single meal, and try to combine that with either a fruit or a veggie (more veggies than fruits, reason why in next paragraph). I also make all of my food the night before (except dinner. My wife and I make dinner together, usually make extra with leftovers, and as I'm packing up the leftovers I'll make my food for the next day) and I use small containers. Lots of little tupperware and mason jars. My thought, just make everything look like a good-sized snack. Worst possible case, I'm still hungry an hour after eating that snack, in which case, I just go an eat another one. Lunches are a lot of green salads with a protein, like the protein from last night's dinner, snacks are a fruit with cottage cheese or peanut butter, I do edemame, etc. I try to make very different things every day so I don't get bored.

Now, I should say that I really don't eat a lot of carbs. Practically none, except for fruit once or twice a day (no more than twice, because they really do have a lot of sugar, which translates to carbs) and veggies. I have nothing against carbs, I'm not trying to live a carb free life or go on a carb free diet. But when I was counting calories, I basically saw that carbs just have WAY too many calories for it to be worth it. I was looking at the nutrition once on a cheeseburger at Carl's Jr. It was 500 calories. But if you doubled the meat and the cheese, it became 700 calories. Think about that, double the burger, double the cheese, and it only went up 200 calories? That means that 300 of the original 500, 60% of the damn calories, came from the bun! Holy hell, that just didn't seem worth it. So I've all but cut them out, unless I really want something with carbs, in which case I eat it, but adjust the size/portions of all my meals the rest of the day to compensate (which is another reason I like making all my food the night before, I can literally see all of my food/calories and adjust them accordingly).

Final thought on diet. Cheat meals. I'm a firm believer in cheat meals. Note I'm saying cheat meals, not cheat days. I think you should be able to eat literally anything you want. No food should be off the menu. BUT, if I'm going to eat something that I estimate to have a high number of calories, that means the rest of my day needs to adjust for that. I mentioned in another thread this example, but basically my wife and I love sushi. Sushi is no good for my calorie intake. I get everything with rice and cream cheese and holy hell does it add up fast. So if I'm having sushi for dinner tonight, my breakfast is going to probably consist of a little protein powder in water, my snack will be a small scoop of peanut butter, my lunch will be a small green salad with a little cheese for protein, etc. I'm still shooting for the same total intake for the day, and if 80% of that is coming from one (cheat) meal, then the rest of the day gets that 20%. And yes, I might go over a bit, and yes, I'll see it on the scale, but it's not nearly as bad as if I hadn't adjusted, and I can also keep adjusting the next day a bit to make up for it.

Weigh Ins

Like I said, I'm estimating everything food wise, and we all have a tendency for under estimate calories. The main thing that keeps me on track, even though I'm not actually counting calories, is my weigh ins. I weigh myself every day, and I have two types of weighs ins: official weigh ins and unofficial weigh ins. Official weigh ins occur on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, every week. I weigh myself every single day, always at the exact same time (first thing in the morning right after my workout).

Here's the plan: whatever I weigh on Monday, my goal is to weigh half a pound less than that on Wednesday. So if I'm at 210 on Monday, Wednesday's goal is 209.5. Now the most important part: I write 209.5 Wednesday everywhere. I put it on a sticky note on my desk, another on the back of my phone, and another in my medicine cabinet. I look at it and obsess over it, all day.

On Tuesday, I'll weigh myself again, but this is an unofficial weigh in. What I'm seeing is if I'm on track or not. I'm trying to hit 209.5 by tomorrow. Maybe I'm at 209.6. Cool, easy day, just cruise on through and lose .1 by tomorrow. Maybe I'm at 209.5, or even lower. Excellent, should be an easy day, even if I'm over shooting I just need to be at 209.5 or under by tomorrow. Or, maybe I'm at 209.9. Or even worse, 210.2 (yup, I went up). Still good, today isn't official. But, maybe I don't need that extra piece of fruit with breakfast. Maybe I'd rather skip a meal and sub it for a protein powder/water combo instead. Maybe I'm going to push even harder in the gym tomorrow morning. Whatever the case, I am not on track right now, but I have a goal and dammit I'm going to hit it.

Final step: whatever I weigh on Wednesday, be it 209.5 (the goal), 209.0 (ya!!! totally overshot today!) or even 209.7 (dammit, I didn't hit my goal), Friday's goal is now .5 less than what I actually weigh on Wednesday.

Thus, the cycle continues. Note that I actually have 2 days in between Friday and Monday official weigh ins. That's mainly because if I am going to cheat, it's 99% of the time going to be on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Like I said, cheats are fine, and this gives me one extra day to hit Monday's goal.

What I actually find is I usually overshoot my goals, but not always. Monday I completely missed my goal this week, I was 2 lbs over (friggin' sushi on Saturday). But I've kept it super clean since, and this morning I actually hit my original Monday goal, mainly because I was obsessed with it for the past two days. It totally works.

Working Out

Final thought on this wall of text. You mentioned your boyfriend likes lifting weights. I'm currently doing mostly cardio, but I have lifted at home in the past with great results (used to be in a much better body about four years ago) and also know what I'm going to be doing once I hit the GW. I'm a firm believer in the Beachbody programs. P90X, Insanity (no weights), Body Beast (ALL WEIGHTS), etc. I do Insanity and P90X (actually Insanity: Max 30 and P90X3, because both are only 30 minutes a day), but I'll be switching to Body Beast come June hopefully. If your boyfriend wants to lift weights, I recommend getting some home resistance stuff and following either P90X or Body Beast. the former is going to be more total body fitness, and the latter is going to be like going to the gym with a really buff friend who wants you to keep up. I like them because they keep me on pace. I never wonder if I went hard enough or long enough, it's all programmed for me. Especially since I work out early in the morning, being able to let my brain shut off and still get in a workout is great.

As for weights, I've found great success with these adjustable dumbbells and this door gym. Combine this with an in-door pullup bar and there really isn't any exercise I can't do. And you can also get away with P90X just doing bands too. Lots of options.

If Beachbody isn't your thing, there's also literally thousands of free workout videos on YouTube. My wife does a lot of Zumba and Yoga, and the best overall fitness guy I've found is Millionaire Hoy. You could get in amazing shape just following along with this guy every day for a year. It's amazing. But no matter what, I really love the workout video plan. It keeps you on track, you never have to question your workout quality, and they're all designed to do from home.

Alright, that's my ridiculous wall of text. I'm seriously wishing your boyfriend a ton of luck!

Alright well I've looked up some stuff, your going to want a power cage with olympic weights and a bench at the bare minimum.

Some stuff I've found about $950 before shippping:
cage 390: https://www.titan.fitness/cages-and-racks/t-3-racks/titan-t-3-series-short-power-rack-36-deep.html
Titan cages aren't as nice as rogue, but they are still very nice cages that has a wide variety of attachments you can have. Since your on a somewhat limited budget and this will save you $400


weights/bar 190: https://www.walmart.com/ip/CAP-Barbell-300-lb-Olympic-Set-Includes-7-Bar/27137654?u1=V1c5ZTFRb0tNcXdBQVNnclhqWUFBQUND&oid=368707.1&wmlspartner=NKa3hZyYoHA&sourceid=32308939332914019695&affillinktype=10&veh=aff
This is a very cheap set, but this will get you some starter weights and a starter bar. Since your a complete beginner, this bar should be fine for a while. Most bars will bend before they break so you'll know when you need to replace it, but probably around a 315 squat or deadlift.

bench incline/decline 300: https://www.amazon.com/Rep-Adjustable-Bench-Capacity-Incline/dp/B00YNS7D9G/ref=sr_1_17?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1500496016&sr=1-17&keywords=adjustable+bench
I don't know a lot about this bench, but I like it because it has a high weight capacity and it is incline and decline. This will give you a much wider range of stuff to do vs a flat or just an incline bench.

landmine attachemnt for cage 30: https://www.titan.fitness/landmine-rack-attachment.html
A landmine is super nice for rows and I even use it for shoulders

adjustable dumbbells 41: https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Solid-20-Inch-Dumbbell-Handle/dp/B0010YOBB4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500496213&sr=8-1&keywords=adjustable+olympic+dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells, more inconvenient than individual weights or the quick change sets, but this gives you a lot of flexibility for very cheap and you can re use the weights you already have.



EDIT:

Since I'm still about 800 short I'l throw some more suggestions:

Maybe upgrade the bar - this way you don't need to worry about it bending on you or you growing out of it while your in college. The rogue bars are suggested a lot on here because they are good quality for their price. They should hold up for a very very long time and be a nice bar. When looking for a bar, the only thing you really need to look at is weight capacity and the knurling (groves in the bar for grip). You probably want center knurling for your squats. There are other factors with bars like the amount of whip, how much the collars spin and such but you'll pretty much want a good quality general purpose bar.
$275
http://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-ohio-power-bar


Lat pulldown / cable row machine $200
https://www.amazon.com/Akonza-Machine-Fitness-Attachment-Pulldown/dp/B01FYLE7OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500497021&sr=8-1&keywords=cable+pulldown+machine
I know nothing about this particular machine, but it looks like it has decent reviews. This will allow you to do rows and pull downs.

You may want to build a platform for your cage, you'll want to do this with plywood and horsestall mats so that you can do deadlifts without breaking your floor. This will probably run you 300, probably less, but lets go with 300.

Look in to [TRX Cables] (http://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Trainer-Basic-Anchor/dp/B002YRB35I/ref=pd_sim_sg_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=08Q44D2YJWQRBHSC26CH). They're not super cheap, but well worth the money if you use them right. They're all about body-weight exercises and suspension training to give your body a break from standard iso-exercises. You can set them up in a doorway or any solid beam. I think the doorway anchor is like $25 or something but not too bad. You can hit pretty much every body part in a relatively short period of time. The program that comes with it has a pretty big emphasis on core and legs but you can put your own routines or whatever together. The canned program is cool cause you're never working just one body part so it's time-efficient. They're not ideal for gaining mass but are solid for endurance, flexibility, (some) cardio, and functional fitness.


I found they're also great for stretching, mainly the back and hips (a perk when you're stuck in one position for most of day--say in a T-39 or an E-2 or something).


The best part is they're portable so you can toss them in your luggage and bring them with you whenever you have to move around. Plus they were invented by a SEAL so yeah...hooyaaaahhhhh

Here's the details on the stuff:

Power Rack. Had this about 6 weeks and I'm extremely happy with it. Looks fine, feels very sturdy, no feeling of tipping or instability even when I hang from the bar at front. Paint scratches when you move and insert the spotter bars but what do you want for $350 shipped. It's held 215 on multiple occasions with no issues. If you lift significantly heavier than this (300+) you may want to read reviews first, or invest in a less-starter rack, but for many/most people this will be fine forever. It's dead easy to assemble if you have a socket set and if you don't, great opportunity to get one, they're cheap! Assembly can be done mostly solo but the final bits really need a second person to hold stuff in place while bolts are inserted. Rack comes shipped in 2 or 3 (can't remember) boxes which are pretty unwieldy and heavy.

I went with this CAP barbell. This suits my needs very well with great knurling and came without bend, and I'm unlikely to put a bend in it with my sub-300 deadlifts. The barbell ships in a fun 7 foot cylindrical tube which caused the dude at the mail place to nearly topple over because he expected it to be light for some reason.

I also got this plate tree which holds 2x 45# bumpers, 2x 45# plates, and 2x 25#, 2x 10#, 4x 5#, and 2x 2.5#. Does the trick but paint scratches off the pegs like crazy but is easily cleaned up. Single box, about 30 pounds.

The bench is this one by Marcy. I wanted a simple bench and that's what I got. Great bench for the price and I haven't had any instability problems. Had this for a year and used up to 70# dumbbells and 215# barbell with it (I'm 215). Most weight total that's been on it was a 270# friend benching 185# for sets and he found it fine.

Assorted stuff: got these puzzle mats which do the trick for the right price and are stowable unlike a permanent mat. As I mentioned elsewhere the 45# bumpers are meant to mitigate any floor impact, and I'm not terribly concerned with keeping this floor perfect anyway (it's 10 year old laminate on top of concrete, and the "path" is linoleum). The plates were from a sale at the local FitnessDerp store (not its real name) and were 85 cents a pound -- I never saw any on Craigslist for less than that in the month I looked. Finally just some collars.

The cat in the picture highly recommends this crinkle tunnel.

Hey Keith! welcome! i just started/discovered BWF last week (5'10" 230 pounds), i was at my heaviest at 262 pounds with 30% bodyfat. I have a few tips from my very limited experience, but since it has to do with starting, i feel qualified. Most of the exercises on the simple beginner routine you can do without any equipment, actually, everything but the pulling exercises. And since you are just starting, a door jam works great for vertical rows, and so until you actually need to progress to incline rows, you wont need anything. I recently invested in a pullup/dip station since i also didnt have anywhere to do exercises. I had to throw some heavy bags of wheat on the foot supports so it wouldnt topple under my weight, but besides that its been working great.

I'm also counting calories, working out 3 times a week and doing my best to lose my fat. Good luck, you're not alone!

Couple of things.

• I often don't eat enough. Used to be fat, don't want to be again. Heck, I'm not exactly skinny now, no showing abs and still some lovehandles. But I kind of need those calories. Without them my lifts stall or I injure myself.
  
  
• T2 Diabetes. Recovery sucks for me, I heal slowly, and it's a lot easier for me to strain something and be out of commission for days, if not weeks. This has improved though since I started supplementing with celery seed for potassium, and creatine.
  
  
• I probably don't sleep enough. Maybe 6.5 - 7 hours a night. That's just normal for me though. I often wake up naturally after about 7 hours of sleep. Plus, let's face it, life can be busy, and something's gotta give.
  
  
• Laziness with calorie counting/macro management. As a diabetic, I have enough work on my plate managing my blood sugar and energy levels. I should be counting calories and ensuring I reach my macros, but I honestly have no clue. I just eat a high protein/low carb diet and kind of wing it.
  
  
• Not owning a squat rack, and not willing to pay for a gym membership. Limits how much I can back squat right now, and I'm just doing variations, like last night it was hack squat, and clean to front squats. Will hopefully change that in the near future by buying one of these. Main issue I haven't gotten a rack is because my apartment is small, but that should fit in a corner when not in use.
  
  With all the above, I'm practically the poster child of what not to do. All this said though, I'm still getting it done. Not just sitting on my ass doing nothing, so I got that going for me. I'm in good health, pretty fit now, and happy with myself, which is way more than I could say two years ago. So I guess I've met my goals, and now I need new ones. :)

I'm later to the party but I'll through in my two cents.

It is perfectly safe to lift alone. I have done it since I started lifting again in college. If you are slowly moving up your weights its highly unlikely you will get to something you cant handle and hurt yourself. Dont shoot for 50lbs more than your last 1rm max or something crazy like that. In fact I wouldnt recommend working at you 1rm while alone. If its at or near the limit of your abilities safety starts to become more of an issue.
So you can you fix that? Safety equipment! Get a squat cage. If you dont have room for a full squat rack like me buy something or build something like these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GFHR6K/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

I've been using those exact ones for a year now and they are great. I've never had to have them save my butt yet but I know I can push myself and that they are there to catch me if I need them.

You also probably don't need to worry about this if the weight your lifting with isnt that high. I personally only bothered to get the above equipment when I started working at 1.5 times my body weight and started getting a little scared of the weight I was putting up each day.

Have you included your drive time in your 10 month figure? What is an hour worth to you? For me, this is worth more than just what an hourly wage would be. I have pretty limited free time (wife & a baby) My time from 6-10 is extremely valuable, so this was the biggest driver for me to build a home gym.


My commercial gym is only 10 minutes, but ends up being 15 by the time I get there, check in, drop off my coats, etc. For my home gym, I am 30 seconds max.

You can get a cheaper rack for sure. I have the older version of this one from Powertec. Good rack and under $600. My only complaint would be that my rack wasn't super heavy and if I was using much weight during pullups, I could rock it. (215 lbs bodyweight plus 25 or greater). Problem solved by placing a few dumbbells on the "feet" of the rack. Very solid now.

Check local classifieds / Craig's list for weights/bars.

You can outfit your entire home gym for under $1000 with the basics. Don't drop it all on an expensive all-in-one or an overpriced rack. On the other hand, maybe it is a super nice rack / bench / ton of weights, I don't know. As long as the rack will hold your weights, keep you safe, has somewhere to dip and pull up, you should be good.

UK links here but I've just bought this one, and it's great.

The main advantage of this one is that the bar is much higher than the ones that hang down from the door frame, like this.

I found I was almost kneeling on the floor with the latter type and they feel a bit unsteady sometimes. Having said that, the only time it fell off was when I forgot it was there and headbutted it off the door. I've headbutted the new one once and it fucking hurt, but the bar stayed up.

It's sturdy as well so you could probably bludgeon someone quite effectively if you needed to defend your property, which is great because bludgeoning isn't really covered in the RR and it's a wonderful all round workout.

So, why all the dumbbells?

The price depends on the stuff you want. There's plenty of cheaper options. I spent around $650 to start and did fine. My current set up now may be $3000.

Here's the beginner sets I usually recommend:

• Dicks Sporting Goods 300lb Weight Set which is currently at $199. It also includes a bar. I do not recommend dropping these for Deadlifts, though. Decent price for weights, but the bar isn't great. May want to pick up a Rogue bar but isn't necessary. I love the Chan Bar.
  
  
• Fitness Reality Full Cage which is currently for $234. I have this cage and love it. Only thing I dont like are the chrome attachments. They run off on the knurl.
  
  
• Fitness Gear Bench which is currently about $90. That is a budget bench, so if you want to spring for something better, that's a good idea. I have this bench and it works fine, I just have to tighten the bolts every couple months.
  
  That'll probably run you about $650 after taxes. Other supplies:
  
  
  Additional items:
  
  
• Weight Storage Tree which should hold everything from your set.
  
• Bar Weight Locks currently $9.
  
• Floor Protection which are for walking around, not weights to land on. Make a platform for your cage.
  
• Pull Up Bands
  
• Back Extension/Sit up Bench
  
• Platform: 5 pieces of plywood (1 of those can be "pretty" to be stained and coated), 1 4x8 horse stall mat, 1-1/4 in wood screws, wood glue, stain of choice, polyurethane, brushes.
  
  
  -----
  
  For the other questions:
  
  Mine is set up in a spare bedroom. I love it. I dont have to deal with temp swings. Just protect your floor and make a platform.

The weight set could be sufficient (weight-wise) for some exercises, but you'd quickly outgrow if you're doing compound movements, and if you're going to bench press, you would also need a rack.


If you're looking to spend under 200$ to get started, perhaps consider a TRX set that you can hookup to a tree or a doorway. It allows you to control the resistance by manipulating the angles.

http://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Trainer-Basic-Anchor/dp/B002YRB35I

I'm sure there are cheaper versions that are more like olympic rings, and there are a bunch of people selling used ones on CL around here anyway.

For the long-term, this may be a fun thing to start with, and if you love it, the next step could be a gym membership or a slightly bigger investment in a weight set. My worry with the one you've linked is that it won't be of much use to you before long. Good luck :)

Yep, T2. I was going to get the T3, but right before I clicked the buy button, I decided to measure. Glad I did, the height clearance wouldn't have worked where I wanted to put it.

I rocked a pair of Valor BD-9 Squat stands for a bit (I still have them), but man was it dicey upwards of 295. There were a couple of occasions where I thought I was going to be toast when re-racking.

Good point on the safety bars. I'd prefer straps, but this seems much more cost friendly. Thanks for the tip.

I have the Powertec power rack but it's nearly twice the price of what I linked. (what I linked doesn't have dip bars, but you can buy dip bars if you want them, looks like for $30 or so.) I have the matching powertec utility bench, which is very nice but completely overkill.

If I was doing it over again, I'd buy the $289 rack that I linked above (seemed to get great reviews on amazon and is amazingly priced), a flat bench (used), a used set of olympic weights, and a used 45lb olympic bar. I would also just buy real dumbbells as I needed them rather than buying adjustable ones.

There are always people selling used weights on CL, which would probably be your best bet..

I've got: a nice barbell and a rack for squat, bench, etc. A trap bar because I like trap bar deadlifts. Nice horse stall mats and bumper plates.

The thing I don't see on your list that I really like is a plate-loaded cable machine. For tricep pushdowns, cable rows, lat pulldowns, face pulls, cable curls, etc., it's a one-machine-does-all solution, and you load it with your own plates so you're not playing for a separate weight stack. I have this one and like it: https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-CB-12-Plate-Loading/dp/B0031Q5BQI/

Also miscellaneous stuff like a few kettlebells, chalk, dip attachments for your power rack if you want to do those, a pullup bar attachment if your rack doesn't have it. I also really like having a preacher curl platform attachment for my bench to do nice stabilized curls that isolate the biceps/brachialis.

I have a 7' basement as well. I'm almost certainly getting the Body Solid Multi-Press Rack on Craigslist at a very good price. I have enough experience where I feel confident lifting without a cage, at least for the foreseeable future. It comes in at 6', so fits easily and has weight storage. People say they do chins with a bar across the top, but at 6' tall I'm not counting on it. Weight storage is a nice bonus.

The other item I'm considering is the Powerline PPR200x. Comes in 2" under 7' I believe, and other users attest it can be constructed and used with as little as 1" of clearance. Chins would probably be hard, though my basement ceiling is open, so there is some space between the joists. Obviously safer, smaller footprint, and has options of dip bars and (I assume) weight storage, though that's more money.

Since I have my home gym in a second bedroom, I have issues with height and overall footprint (small room). I bought one of these earlier this year and have been quite happy with it. Natively takes 1” plates but bought adapters and it’s all good.

It’s definitely on the shorter side so I do a lot of exercises seated to get better ROM, but it’s been perfect for the limited amount of vertical (and horizontal) space I have.

Ha. I haven't had a doorframe pull-up bar in a while, in part out of fear of bringing the door down, but in just as large part because of the lowered clearance. I just got one of these, and am pretty happy with it so far: https://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/

Not ideal height-wise, but sturdy and a better option than a doorframe pullup bar almost certainly; I think the height is 7 foot, with the leg-tuck (or extension) not awful as an option.

Also, here's a similar product which people in /r/bodyweightfitness seem to regard well: https://www.amazon.com/Stamina-50-1690-1690-Power-Tower/dp/B002Y2SUU4/

http://www.pullupbar.com

This bar costs more but it can be used on wider doors, doors with wider trim, and doors that are in walls that are thicker. It's made in Canada... can be used on most any door anywhere. It's my favorite temporary door pull up bar.

I also like the Perfect Pullup if you can put screws in your door frame. It allows you to do Australian pull-ups, incline pushups, assisted squats/pistols, etc. All good things for a beginner. http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Fitness-31011-Basic-Pullup/dp/B008DNAKQK

It's also less than $20 at Amazon or Walmart.

Here's the Amazon link. It has far less reviews than the one from Iron Gym, but I have both and the Perfect Pullup is much better construction, imo, plus you can close the door with it installed.

One of the things I didn't like with the Iron Gym was that you had to take it down if you wanted to close the door. It only takes a few minutes, but sometimes that can make a difference, especially if you just want to knock out a couple aka greasing the groove.

You also have the option of doing Australian pullups and standing rows which is great when you've maxed out on pullups for the time being, or if you have an SO or someone else who cant do pull ups.

I got mine from Dick's Sporting Goods and I think it was 20 bucks

I bought my rings from amazon: These have worked really well for me for the last few years now.

I generally go to the park and hang my rings on a tree branch or a large rugby goal post. Given that you're probably in the US, a football goal post would do pretty well for you.

Best of luck!

You can build your own bench, buy some squat stands. I have been using these these with great success. They have a little safety arm too, and i use them for bench press too.

This is the bench plans I used. I bought a weight set on craigslist (olympic bar + 300 lbs of plates) for $100. Lastly, I have a simple door frame pull up bar. Gives me a great complete workout and cost me a total of ~$300. That's the price of a year membership at a gym. It has been over a year and it's now paying for itself! :D

You could buy a sturdier one that you drill into the wall. The guys at r/bodyweightfitness might have some suggestions if you are a heavier weight. For reference, back in 2016 I bought this, which has an option to drill into the wall, but I'm 115lb so I didn't try that and like being able to easily store it away when not in use since I'm in a small apartment and hang this on my guest bathroom doorframe. I also bought these olympic rings since they are easy to store when not used.

Generally, I'm weary of buying equipment that takes up a lot of space, is hard to store/get rid of, is pricey and that I wouldn't use regularly. r/bodyweightfitness helped me figure out some realistic options, so hopefully it can help others here who want a low-cost solution

Jiffers and I have this one and it's pretty useful for a few things. Some guy in r/weightroom made a little plywood stand so he can use his as a belt squat, too. I'm sure the Valor Fitness one is okay too, I have their chest supported row and I like it a lot.

yeah. Golds is my travel go to just because they are typically everywhere. (I don't actually have a membership because I like a different local chain where I live)

Otherwise, not to be a product shill, but "I live out of a hotel half the time" is pretty much the situation TRX was made for. All you need is a solid anchor point. Door frames are ok, but if you're willing to work out in public, a sturdy tree is all you need.

Its definitely not one of those all hype products. Its a legit workout.

So a set like this seems solid? Like, if price was no issue, this would be a solid set to purchase? Thanks again!

http://www.amazon.com/Pellor-Gymnastic-Workout-Exercise-Buckles/dp/B00DW2DJOM/ref=sr_1_4?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1451710231&sr=1-4&keywords=gymnastic+rings&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A4576559011


EDIT: OR, this one looks to be the best and by far the most rated item on Amazon - any thoughts?

http://www.amazon.com/Nayoya-Gymnastic-Strength-Crossfit-Training/dp/B009RA6C1K/ref=sr_1_13?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1451713450&sr=1-13&keywords=gymnastic+rings

Valor cable rack . For the price (~$270 with free shipping on amazon) I had low expectations but it actually works really well! Pulls smoothly and can take a fair amount of weight. Has a small footprint as well. Hope this works for you!

Hello all. My city has long winters so I would like to exercise in my house. I was considering buying some sort of structure to hang my gymnastic rings (my doors are not sturdy enough to support a pull up bar and my house does not have any beams to hand them from). I was wondering if a pull up tower such as this one would be stable and adequate enough to hang rings?.If not I was wondering if someone could please give me guidance about what I should do. Thanks.

Good morning Monday!

1. This is probably slightly dumb, but I've never gotten below 9-10% body fat (and this was some years ago). I think I am roughly 12-13% ish right now at 175lbs. Any thing else I should do differently or mentally prepare for?
   
   I understand logically it's really straight forward and mathematical - just set your calories threshold lower....focus on maintaining strength (should I prepare for an inevitable strength loss down ahead?) Maybe utilize yohimbine and ephedrine. It's just something I've never done so I'm putting more thought in it then I should.
   
   
2. I think I'm getting to the point where I may want to seriously consider a Power Rack (my ceiling is like 6 1/2 feet?) as I am currently doing heavy dumbbell press (still prefer dumbbells) but want to at least have the mental option of going to a barbell incline press, squat and maybe even rack pulls.
   
   Does this look good and for its price? Atlas vs. TDS?
   
   I currently have a squat stand (rated at ~300lbs) and just use stacked chairs as safe guards. I know I can always throw the bar off my back but I'm scared of potentially just screwing up my body or shoulders or something like that. Plus got a credit card....$200 cash back on $500, may as well ;). You would think at this point with the money spent on a home gym.....maybe go to a real gym but it's so convenient but no girls and low ceiling -_-.

I have the Body-Solid Multi Press rack and it is extremely sturdy and well-made. Definitely recommend. It also has built-in plate storage, and strong 17" safety rods that could catch the bar if you drop it, so it's a great all-in-one solution.

The only downside is that you don't have as much protection from accidents as a full power rack, where you're essentially lifting inside a cage and it's virtually impossible to drop the weights on yourself. Body-Solid also makes one of those, and it also looks very sturdy. It's larger and more expensive, and doesn't have plate storage, but if you have the space and money it looks like a great choice.

Ahh I see. Well in that case, check out squat stands on amazon. Here is a decent price that looks like something you might be interested in

http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Stands-Support-Weight-Spotter/dp/B004GFHR6K/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1382533377&sr=8-6&keywords=Squat+stand

You can use them for squatting and benching because the height is adjustable. Just put a bench in between them. You're also going to need some weights and a barbell, I'd shop around on Craigslist for them. Good luck.

How to bail out of a squat

That said, get a rack with safeties as soon as you can. It'll help you feel more confident in your squatting, and help keep you safe. At the very least, get some stands that you can set low, like these.

You would do yourself a favor buy purchasing a pull-up & dip tower instead. A "hanging" leg raise is more effective, and you can also elevate yourself on the dip bars for leg raises as well. Then, you've got the added benefit of a pull-up bar and a dip bar, to really go HAM.

Or for the whole monty, on Amazon search for "Power Towers" http://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406076311&sr=8-1&keywords=pullup+tower

I have one of these and I like it.

I definitely think it's a worthwhile purchase because I love pull ups.

I squat at home while I save up for a squat rack. This is probably your best bet for a cheap one (it's price has dropped 40 bucks, and free shipping with amazon prime).

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Fitness-BFPR10-Multi-Press/dp/B000VLMOPM/

I squat by basically powercleaning the bar up above me, and then I put it behind my head. Obviously, I have to squat at a lower percentage of my 1RM, but I try to make up with it with perfect form and more sets/reps. Afterwards, I'll walk to my bench, and sit on it, and roll the bar onto the rack.

You can also do a hack squat or lunges. Some also suggest a front squat, or a Zercher squat, although I don't do these ones.

is there any way you can spend 180 to get squat stands? If so there are some great squat stands on sale for 180 that can hold a lot of weight. and it takes up no room. the one i have has a safety catch too.

mysquatstand

now if youre squatting heavier than 550 or benching more than 300 or close to those numbers, this isn't for you, otherwise its really great.

these are probably going to be your 2 best options:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LOX2PPO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://fitarchon.com/product/adjustable-duel-pulley-station/

I have the valor one and its pretty good, if I were buying again tho I might go with the archon

Safety stands, man! I have these for my garage setup and they're great. I can confidently fail both squat and bench press, and really push myself and hit PRs because of it. I've even used them for rack pulls and dips quite effectively.

I've posted this a couple of times but not affiliated with the company. I think the Powerbar (made by a UK company) is really the best design. For me it is higher than any others, fits more doors (only restriction is the width of the door), leaves no marks and most importantly folds flat for easy storage under a bed/sofa.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerbar-assembly-Folds-Design-protectors/dp/B00376I6G4

I have the Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station
https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-62-Mount-Station/dp/B01LOX2PPO

I like it a lot. It is about a 2 foot square footprint so it doesn't take up much space at all. It comes with 2 individual handles, but I ordered a rope, a curl bar, and a wide lat bar as well. The only 2 issues I had with it was

1. When repositioning the height of the cable, you can't use the highest settings or the pulleys bump into each other. This hasn't been an issue for me. 2) I had to bolt the base to the floor with a small angle bracket from Lowes. The top bolts to the wall, but the bottom doesn't and when doing exercises like curls that lift up on the cable, the base wanted to slide around.
   

This machine will not mimic free weights. But depending on your goals you might not need or want free weights - a machine could definitely get and keep you pretty well toned.

If your concern is space, there are lots of options, though. For example, I have a system that totally slides/rolls/folds away out of sight when I am done: dumbbells, a standalone bench, etc. There's even for example these things.

I got this one in February and it's amazing, you just put it up when you want it, doesn't break your door and is just generally awesome.

PERFECT PULL-UP is robust when properly screwed into the doorway, very adaptable, and removeable leaving the basic frame installed but unobtrusive....

I think it's the best doorframe pull-up bar....very well designed....

https://www.amazon.com/Pellor-Gymnastic-Workout-Exercise-Buckles/dp/B00DW2DJOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481128432&sr=8-1&keywords=pellor+rings

I use these and I am extremely satisfied. I have had them for 6 months now and apart from chalk marks, they are like new.

EDIT: https://www.amazon.com/Pellor-Gymnastic-Bodyweight-Excercising-Suspension/dp/B00KR6P8VI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1481128432&sr=8-7&keywords=pellor+rings

These ones (I don't have these) are better because their straps are marked and you won't have a hard time aligning them.

That weight bench: "It has a 250-pound maximum user weight and a maximum combined user weight and lift load of 430 pounds." I don't know what you weigh, but I'd be pushing up against that limit really fast. Heaven forbid you want to do some very heavy partial reps.

But right now, you're limited to 300lbs by the bar, which is just to low. I would buy less, but buy better (to keep money the same)

Buy the bar new, and get something that can take up to 1000lbs. You won't need it, probably ever, but it will last and last, and you can sell it when you're done.

Buy the weights off of Craigslist. You can usually find them for $0.5/lb. YOu can also optimize, buying more 5s and 45s, fewer 35s.

If money is really tight, consider getting squat stands (like the BD-9). You can bench just fine, as long as you are sensible. Also they are stowable, unlike the powercage.

Head on over to /r/homegym for some more ideas.

These are pretty cheap depending where in the world you are located.


I have this set and they work great.

Is it safe to hang/pull up from a barbell resting on a rack? I have a home gym with a half rack and I'd like to try to do pull ups. Is it safe if I place the bar on the highest notch and use it as a pull up bar? Here's the rack I have: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Solid-GPR370-Body-Solid-Multi-Press/dp/B00HAURYRK

This is the first time in months and months I've ever seen it out of stock, but the Valor Fitness BD-62 generally retailed for $225.00 on Amazon. I hope they get more in stock soon.

I bought this recently from amazon for $116. It was delivered within a week for free as a prime member and only took 20 minutes to put together. I couldn't be happier with it. Though as the reviews say some people have a problem stepping over the support bar or moving a bench over it. I find it's not that big of a deal and that when I do squats I back right up to it, so I never/rarely have to worry about it.

I use a moveable bench for bench press and other exercises when not squatting. The bench is the same Best Fitness brand but not the one on amazon, I picked it up at my local Play It Again Sports, which is also where I found the cheapest 300lb set of olympic weights and bars.)

I recently build an entire gym in my basement. Most of the stuff I picked up dirt cheap on craigslist. I managed to get just under 1000 lbs of weights 2 Olympic bars and presses along with several Olympic Dumb bells, and a weight tree all for under $300.

The thing I needed was a power cage. I didn't have enough cash for a good one so I figured I would pick up something to hold me over until I could save up. So I picked up this:

http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1321542451&sr=8-11

For under $200 it is easily just as good as the power cage at my old gym. I highly recommend it.

Weider Power Tower https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_3lYlub0JW77JK

A little on the large side, but totally worth it for the price and the number of exercises you can do. Easy to put together and sturdy.

It's very sturdy, those hooks are made to hold pretty much anything in a garage for as long as needed. I made sure to screw them in all the way and put it as far apart as I could to make it stable.

Here's a similar pull-up bar on Amazon for 15 bucks.

A plain squat rack will work for you. You could use something as simple as this: http://amzn.com/B006CW02ZS

As for the floor, There's 400 pound people, if two of them hugging doesn't break a floor I don't think a squat rack will. For overhead press you can take it outside most of the year, otherwise seated is the next best option.

If you are going with home equipment I would get something like The Tower200 and a doorway pull-up bar.

$100 won't get you much as far as actual weights go though, you'd be better off just joining a gym. We have a few in my town that will let you join month to month so you aren't stuck in a long-term contract.

Looks pretty solid. More solid than mine and it handles a pull up bar just fine.

Edit: bear in mind the "between the doorframe" bars will probably damage the frame anyway through compression and rubber rubbing off on the paint.

Ones like the powerbar2 (which are much much better imo) won't damage the frame but you may well get some black from the rubber rubbing off on the frame. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00376I6G4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7kYSBb7VV59BH

>this room isn't tall enough to have a power cage and certainly not high enough to have a power cage where I can be doing pull ups. I have to work with what I got, ya know?

The Atlas Short Power Rack gets a lot of love around here for those of us with low ceilings in our basements.
I own one and absolutely love it- and you could probably do pull ups on it if you start with a bit of a bent leg. There is a space on top to store/anchor a bar you could use for that although we have a doorway thingamajiggie as well.

My only caveat about the low ceilings- both my husband and I are tall and we both have to step outside to do our overhead presses, but that's an accommodation that you get used to. We have an older Olympic bar and some old rusty plates that we just leave out there under a carport and it suffices just fine.

I have a studio apartment and use a half rack (something kind of like this but not exactly). Then I have an adjustable bench that goes under it. It's great for squats and benching. Then I have a custom-built narrow deadlift platform made of plywood topped with foam. You don't really need a huge platform unless you want to do Oly lifts, which probably isn't happening in your apartment.

If I were to do it again, I'd probably go even smaller (and cheaper) by getting squat stands like these. A rack is probably a little sturdier, but the stands are more versatile. You could probably rig them up to do dips off of, which is something I don't currently have equipment for.

I have one of the these

Pros - folds flat in 5 seconds

Very solid (I was ~200lbs when i started with these on a fairly flimsy door)

Can hang rings off the wide handles


Cons Things like skin the cats are hard due to the 2nd bar.

Need to make sure legs are in right place or you can dent your wall (very very minor dent above my wall from this)

Need to check it would fit your door

This is in the UK so not sure if you'll find the same but it's extremely well built and sturdy, I really like it. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerbar-assembly-Folds-Design-protectors/dp/B00376I6G4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1382368135&sr=8-7&keywords=pull+up+bar

I use this pull up bar and think its great. Doesn't damage the door and feels very solid and can be installed and removed in seconds if having something permanent is not possible - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerbar-assembly-seconds-Design-protectors/dp/B00376I6G4/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1332259730&sr=1-7

The one you link to looks ok.. the safeties are kind of short though. I have a Rogue S-1 that works great. Here's a shorter cage, too: http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW

If you are willing to spend the money, TRX may be the way to go for you. It gives you a lot more options with your workout if you plan on just using bodyweight. Also, pilates or yoga will certainly help with the flexibility.

Offer to pay for any damage? Mine has taken off some paint and left a black smudge on the right side (after ~10 years use).

Some people come up with ways of limiting damage. I use towels for wide-grips, but it's a bit of a nuisance.

(I know it's too late now, but I would have just bought one, used it, and apologised later).

edit: some come with extra padding (although that one gets some shitty reviews). This one might spread the weight better than my own - it looks like a good design.

lol slippers

Anyone use this or something similar?

Have been looking for an all in cable solution and it seems like this would fit my use case and fit in my short ceiling basemen.

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-61-Crossover-Station/dp/B01LOX2A2M

Why specifically those muscles? Aesthetics?

There is a ton you can do body weight wise, check out r/bodyweightfitness.

I don't really see the point on focusing on just arms, I really don't. I'd invest in something like in a doorway pull up bar.

From this I would probably do a beginner program that a professional has created, and add in a few exercises for whatever your aesthetic goals are. Without a gym membership, or a power rack, it will be challenging to get good a good leg workout, which sucks, but there are body weight exercises you can do.

Give this one a look. I'm planning on getting one myself. From my research this one looked the best in the 500 price range. Most top end cross over machines are over $1000-2000. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LOX2A2M/ref=mp_s_a_1_4/146-7540558-4333624?ie=UTF8&qid=1510095148&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cable+crossover&dpPl=1&dpID=41EDLkl6Y7L&ref=plSrch

No problem. I'm glad, this helped at least a little bit :)

This is how our park looks, that we build:

Pictures

BarBroZ Austria - The Beginning - Short Video with more pictures

Edit: Something like This could also be useful.

I have a lat pulldown / low row and a small footprint Cable Crossover station

Neither are perfect, but for the space I have they are very good and reasonable quality. The only problem I have is with the lat pulldown not being high enough. When I am seated I cannot stretch at the top without the weights bottoming out. I'm 6'2 so if you are significantly shorter you may not have that problem. if I was to start again I would stick with just the cable crossover station and not bother with the lat pulldown unless I could find a really tall one for a reasonable price - but there are enough V-Pull and H-Pull variations I can do with a pull-up bar, barbell, the cable station and a landmine attachment.

I just grabbed this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00376I6G4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

It's all my budget can afford right now. Christmas killed me. Should be ok on one of the supporting walls. My door frames are pretty strong.

I have one called the perfect pullup and the width is adjustable. Was 25 bucks at walmart. One cool thing about it is that it swings down and you can do incline rows with it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008DNAKQK/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

Edit: it fits 27-36inch doorframes.

$400? for $200 you can get a full sized squat rack on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4I8FOY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used to have one of those benches in the CL ad and on the highest setting I'd still have to do a 1/2" squat to get started with squats, plus there's no safety bars to catch if you fail and that goes for bench press too on the lack of safety.

Another hundred bucks and you've got a good quality bench:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OHQALU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Spend the rest on weights (admittedly you'll be just above the $400 price point but you won't be needing to spend more money on the same equipment a few years down the road) and whey and you'll be good to go.

I bought what appears to be the identical machine rebranded (Akonza Lat Machine Low Row Cable Pull Down Fitness Closed Handle Attachment Pulldown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYLE7OY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EXsTAb59GWKRJ). I was really limited w options due to low ceiling height. I’ve had it several months now and use it regularly for accessory work. For the price (I got it for about $150) and for fitting in my basement, it’s been great. Feels pretty solid using it with 100-150 lbs of plates. I do weigh it down w some plates in the back for stability. A sandbag would work. Due to the design, the lat pull down and seat position is not ideal (sitting directly under or even a bit in front of the pull down cable), but thats so it can connect to the bottom cable. It’s not a big deal but I could understand not liking that. I also might not want it if I were a bit taller - I’m 5’10” and can just get a full stretch. If you are 6’ + you probably wouldn’t. Finally for facepulls I use the low cable and sit on the floor. Not a big deal but it’s what I have to do. Overall I’m very happy for the price and footprint size and height.

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Fitness-31011-Basic-Pullup/dp/B008DNAKQK

The picture of it with the guy is more accurate of what it is.

My girlfriend uses it and I think it works pretty good. If you are renting it should be pretty easy to repair any screw holes. Bands will work, but nothing beats the real thing.

• I have the Euro bar and I like it a lot. I do wish it had a little more whip, but then again, I'm not lifting a ton of weight (100/120ish).
  
  
• Stall mats: See if there's a tractor supply store near you. Horse stall mats are like $40 for a 4' x 6' x 0.75" piece.
  
  
• Squat stand: I got this one from Amazon. It's kinda shaky but I've never had a problem and it's rated for 500lbs. It also comes with arms that attach to the stands for benching.
  
  
• Most important item: A chair to sit on between sets

Is this similar to or possibly the exact thing you are talking about?

If yes, I'd be interested in a review. I could possibly see myself buying that after the intial bar+yoke and stuff are purchased.

cc /u/okayatsquats

Just put together somewhat of a beginning of a home workout space in a spare bedroom. I'll give you the links of what we purchased and you can see if it's something you'd be interested in.

Power Rack

Bench


Weights

I'm sure I'll be adding more stuff to it eventually down the line but as for right now that will cover every lift I need to do. We also purchased a storage rack for the weights when not in use as well as some other misc. stuff but it's not really necessary to own.

Here's what the garage looked like last week.

The only decent gym in my area charges $50 per month and it's always packed, so I figured i'd try building a gym for the price of roughly a one year membership (~$600).

Here's the rundown:

• Standard weights (220 lbs), dumbbells, ez bar and standard bar on CL - $100
  
• Olympic weights (400 lbs), olympic bar and pair of 35 lb hex dumbbells on CL - $200
  
• Olympic bar from Amazon - $70
  
• Power Rack from Amazon - $200
  
• Bench from Amazon - $100
  
• Floor mats - $80
  
• Weight stand from play it again sports - $25
  
• 5 54x24 mirrors on CL - $40
  
  Total - $815
  
  I went a bit over my budget, but I might still end up selling some of those Olympic plates. I justified the extra I spent by telling myself I can always just sell most of this stuff on CL and still end up with a relatively minimal loss compared to what I originally bought the stuff for.
  
  I'm also probably going to buy a pair of dip handles and something to tag onto the side of the cage to hold the rest of the weights i've got stacked in the corner.

what you'd need is a Self supporting pull up bar - something like these https://www.gearhungry.com/best-free-standing-pull-up-bars/

You'd need the space to place it in and a couple hundred dollars.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0098MAYNY/?tag=gearbeacon-20

I'd suggest looking for a local place that sells and installs (unless you are handy)

You can stack up squat stands when not in use, mine seem pretty stable with 300# on them and 95# sitting on each post.

http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-9-Power-Squat/dp/B006CW02ZS

I am looking into buying a free standing pullup bar as well. I have not done too much research, but have been looking into:

• Weider Power Tower
  
  
• Stamina 1690 Power Tower
  
  
• Elite XL
  
  My major concern is that I plan on doing more than just pullups on these. To start, I plan on using a [homemade version of these climbing power balls] (http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Climbing-Training-Power-Balls/dp/B00JJU4ME2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405523170&sr=8-2&keywords=climbing+power+balls) (plan to hang from pullup bar and make them from softballs) and eventually transitioning into rings. My fear is that the power towers will not sustain the power balls or the rings very well as the COG would be lowered significantly.
  
  OP, I looked at the TAPs system, and it seems pretty comparable to the Elite XL model, except that it is taller. I am not sure if that is good or bad, depending on if you plan on indoor/outdoor use. Also, it is WAY more expensive and the shipping is $90 on top of that.
  
  
  

you're gonna be hard pressed to find a full cage under that price point.

i used valor fitnessbd-9 power squat stands up until my squat started breaking 300 lbs for reps. after that point, not having full safety bars was getting dicey.

if you're willing to go up to $250, i've been using the fitness reality 810XLT for well over a year, and it's held up beautifully.

I over estimated most of the prices, but these are things I figured I would need in a home gym if I ever build one. If you take out a few, you can make it fit your budget.

Home gym Equipments
Adjustable dumbells: $100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0087T8UOE/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Power Rack + Bench: $310 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01MR0BM7X/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Olympic Barbell: $101 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005PGBFQW/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weights: $264 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00ZKJ08I0/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Clips: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000BJKWXK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weight Tree: $56 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000ASDXP6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Mat: $44 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00KHT4L1I/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=all&mv_size_name=0)
Lat Pulldown/Leg Extensions/Leg Curls/Preacher curls/cable flys : $420 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JGRBSS6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Decline Bench/Ab crunch: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0744FP4RF/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
dip accessory: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00B29F5JE/ref=olp_tab_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Hanging knee strap: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00G8UGUAK/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Ab/ decline Bench: $750 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00U1WJCFQ/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Treadmill: $3100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0010XI81E/ref=dp_olp_refurbished_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished)
Seated Cable Row: $400 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000M0GWUK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)

About $2629 without treadmill, and $5729 with treadmill. Another few hundred for some mirrors and paint.

I bought these squat stands and I love them.

Yep! And even brand new they're not that expensive.

Can definitely be found for less.

I use a version of these by Valor and they are quite sturdy as long as you have at least a 25lb plate on the peg, preferably more. I don't have any stability issues with bench, and the price is great.

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-9-Power-Squat/dp/B006CW02ZS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543423508&sr=8-3&keywords=valor+squat+stand

I have this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006CW02ZS/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I only use it to do squats, I don't do bench press. I think it could work well. I am only 5'1" and the smallest setting works perfect for me. I don't go anywhere close to failure either so I don't worry to much about the safeties

I have the following pullup bar and I'm very happy. It's a simple set up and you have a little bit of additional height due to design of the bar

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00376I6G4/

Thanks for responding, so I looked a little more, so I can get this rack with the fitness bench it suggests, and the barbell set and that would be a good start? I also looked at this power rack, but I don't need to be dealing with serious weight, as I'm just starting out, and going for muscular endurance.

http://www.amazon.com/fit-Deluxe-Doorway-Pull-Up-Bar/dp/B00D9Q7ZVY/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1420522873&sr=8-9&keywords=chinup+bar this one seems like it'd work ...... or just get a freestanding one if ya got the dough http://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1420522873&sr=8-8&keywords=chinup+bar

Dumbell squats

Dumbell squats 2.

Plenty of ways to do squats without a power rack.

There's also these handy things if you want barbell squats and save space.

My recent purchases... by recent I mean, to be delivered within the next week:

Bench: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MWCN24

Rack: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VLMOPM

Barbell set: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Y9WTUQ

Bench is rated to 800lbs. Rack to 400. The reason for the rack was price point and easy adjusting until I can afford a sturdier one. Also, 400 on the rack should be plenty for a while. The "weight capacity" of the bar according to TroyBarbell is 600lbs, so I'm just going to buy more plates down the road as I can afford/need them.

None of the clients I'm going to be training with this equipment can squat more than 200lbs (only two can get that high) so I have no urgent need to have more weight. My own squat (due to back injury/leaving a gym with good equipment) has barely been tested in the past year, so 300 should be plenty to work back up to.

Total: $680.13.

I'll be purchasing some floor mats from a home depot in the area for cheap and some dumbbell handles later, but all of that will add up to probably another $200 total spread out over the next couple months. Can't complain.

Edit: Oh and I've had a pullup bar forever now so I neglected to mention it, but it was $30 back when I got it.

I have the Valor Fitness BD-9 since I’m very tight on space and constantly need to move it around. While I recommend it, I am looking forward to upgrading to a full cage when I have the space

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW and I squat 400+ on it and have done rack pulls and shrugs with over 500. It is a little wobbly so I put a few sand bags against the back. The nicer ones are much more stable, and the hole spacing is closer. I haven't worried about the rack collapsing on me.

This works out well for me for squats at home:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CW02ZS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Might work well for you since you mentioned compact. g/l!

If you're using a doorway setup at home and can swing it you might want to check out the TRX. Great for a lot of exercises. I use one at the gym for both upper and lower body development.

http://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Trainer-Basic-Anchor/dp/B002YRB35I

I think I remember reading/seeing power cages that are designed to be shorter. Might have to search them up.

Like this one. Just save up over time.

I bought this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerbar-assembly-Folds-Design-protectors/dp/B00376I6G4/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=powerbar&qid=1564424441&s=gateway&sr=8-3

​

It saves fucking about with screws, and can be stored away. The build is great; doesn't move during use. It also gives you more head clearance than screw-in bars.

Nice set up,while saving for the full power rack, would you consider something to 'spot' you while benching or squatting such as :http://www.amazon.com/Safety-Stands-Support-Weight-Spotter/dp/B004GFHR6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425911118&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+stands ?

I got these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DW2DJOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Jcq4ybDJ09ZE5

There's no height markings on the straps, and it can be a bit iffy to fit the straps through the clips, so they're not great if you want to unloop and loop quickly.

But if you're just going to hang them up and not mess about, they're good enough.

I have this one: Valor Fitness CB-12 Plate Loading Lat Pull Down https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031Q5BQI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-oiLzb646MBWX

It's not amazing or commercial quality, but it is totally functional and adequate. Also, the price is right.

Dang this is far better than the Akonza one I just bought last week.

https://www.amazon.com/Akonza-Machine-Fitness-Attachment-Pulldown/dp/B01FYLE7OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502912799&sr=8-1&keywords=lat+pulldown

People are assuming you want to squat from bench press height. Definitely squat from the proper height... I assumed you're looking at something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-9-Power-Squat/dp/B006CW02ZS

They're also correct that you'll probably get complaints though.

I have these squat stands: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006CW02ZS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I paid $150 for them, apparently they went up in price since then.

These stands have some pros and cons.

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive (at least when I got them)
  
• They are easy to move, in case you decide to rearrange or relocate your home gym.
  
  Cons:
  
  
• You need to have at least 25 lbs of weight on each storage peg at the bottom to provide stability
  
• The safety catch is kind of small, not much of a problem for bench press but for squats it may be an issue.
  
  I also have a bench that I bought years ago (I used to work out with dumbbells until I got the barbell and stands 6 months ago).

I'm wanting to add some cables to my home setup. Thoughts on one of these?

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-62-Mount-Station/dp/B01LOX2PPO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=home+cable+machine&qid=1572727422&sr=8-3

This looks the same to me. I already have a Titan rack that works fine.


https://www.titan.fitness/strength/specialty-machines/upper-body/wall-mounted-pulley-tower-%7C-tall-%7C-v2/400749.html?cgid=specialty-machines-upper-body

Or

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-CB-12-Plate-Loading/dp/B0031Q5BQI/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=home+cable+machine&qid=1572727446&sr=8-7

>however, what I'm seeing is that all these machines have a fixed top pulley, which would be an issue for doing cable crunches & tricep extensions.

It shouldn't. I've done both on countless machines with a fixed top pulley. My hi/low pulley machine is fixed and I can do both on it them just fine. Just use a length of chain (about 18" is pretty versatile) and adjust it by connecting it at different links along the chain (e.g., maybe you only need/want 12" of chain extension rather than the full 18"). They also make "ab straps" of various lengths for that purpose. You probably wouldn't need to make any adjustments at all for pushdowns. But if you did, again, just use a short portion of your chain to adjust the range of motion.


I've got no personal experience with them, but I've seen some people praise/recommend the Archon units recently:

https://www.amazon.com/ARCHON-Mount-Bearing-Cable-Station/dp/B075X5BPNT/

https://youtu.be/DSzqkbxdS58


Valor has a similar one:

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-62-Mount-Station/dp/B01LOX2PPO

yes. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VLMOPM/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00

I bought these Valor squat racks:

http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-9-Power-Squat/dp/B006CW02ZS/

But I'm also use it for benching. The room I have it in is way too small for a 7' bar. I think 5' is the longest that could fit in there without putting holes in the walls.

Would something like this realistically work for dips?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71Efj0NG%2BHL._SL1500_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00376I6G4

Found they have an Amazon store, I also sent them an email asking about why its so light. My guess is that it is actually two boxes and they only entered tracking for one. Here is the link to Amazon which says its 64 pounds: https://www.amazon.com/ALPINE%C2%A9-Machine-Fitness-Attachment-Pulldown/dp/B01FYLE7OY/ref=sr_1_27?m=A3RCRUQZKOMTW7&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1464824008&sr=1-27&refinements=p_4%3AAlpine

I found it at a local store, but here is the Amazon link! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008DNAKQK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521320327&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=perfect+pullup&dpPl=1&dpID=31OLEGTq7mL&ref=plSrch

https://www.amazon.com/Akonza-Machine-Fitness-Attachment-Pulldown/dp/B01FYLE7OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492109886&sr=8-1&keywords=akonza+lat+machine

Bought one a couple weeks ago for $179 and it really surprised me how much I like it. Really small footprint in my gym. Front comes off the ground but I just put my foot down until I permanently anchor it.

Can't beat this guy, and you can get it shipped 2day for free with prime.

http://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1398525778&sr=1-6&keywords=weider+home+gym

I think I found it a bit cheaper, you know how Amazon will screw with the prices day to day. I have rings on it and its sturdy, but the captain's chair does get in the way.

I was just thinking of asking about this last night. I feel like I get nervous between sets and rest longer than I really should. For me it's not so much physically failing, I'm pretty confident in my squat rack safety bars (I've found this works pretty well for my home gym, if you're looking). I think it's more mental, and being afraid of disappointment, knowing I didn't do as well as I wanted. I'm also afraid of injury, and just deloaded my squat and deadlift after a few sessions of my form feeling off rather than push through it.

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


Here is link number 1 - Previous text "TRX"



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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete

Does anyone have input on these machines? Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station with Adjustable Dual Pulley System and Strap Handles for Functional Home Gym https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LOX2PPO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SrxvDbJPHYFT4

Powerbars have no foam and have a bit of extra height on them which is nice

If you're limited on space, I would look at something like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002CNIML2/ref=mlt_B000VLKOB8_B002CNIML2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00376I6G4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1426494794&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&keywords=pullup

Solid product. If your doors can handle it that is...

I did this myself.
Building a platform is a must. That will run you maybe $250. I bought these horse mats.

I bought all new stuff from pendlay.com (well worth it) for around $1600. If you can find someone on craigslist getting ride of bumper plates then go for it, they don't exactly go bad. I would suggest buying your own bar though. I recommend pendlay bars.

Get yourself some squat stands and a pair of shoes and you're set.

Be prepared to spend a lot of money but these purchases will last you forever. The only thing your'e missing is a pull up bar.

I was looking to do the same with my t6 but decided to just buy this instead. And built a 6" tall platform for it to sit on. BD-62

1 2

I bought http://www.amazon.com/Marcy-SB670-Deluxe-Utility-Bench/dp/B002OHQALU?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 two years ago and haven't had any issues. I haven't gotten above 225 benching on it at 200 lb body weight, but I haven't felt any movement while benching on it.

Squat stands also: http://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-9-Power-Squat/dp/B006CW02ZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394058999&sr=1-1&keywords=squat+stand

This is the one I have. I got it at the start of last December to start working out. This is how I have it set up. Rings around the chinup bar for rows, band around the back for pallof press, strap at the bottom for harrop/nordic curls. The sandbags need to be below the dip bars for rows and on the middle as in the pic for the nordic curls. Other than that I have a bench for Bulgarian split squats and extensions and an ab wheel for well...abs.

Are these the TRX bands you're talking about? They're expensive

http://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Trainer-Basic-Anchor/dp/B002YRB35I/ref=sr_1_1?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1458088927&sr=1-1&keywords=trx

perfect pullup. i picked mine up at wal mart.

Are these the Pellor rings you and the OP are referring to?
http://www.amazon.com/Pellor-Gymnastic-Crossfit-Workout-Exercise/dp/B00DW2DJOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413569711&sr=8-1

I have one of these. It's cantilevered to put the bar higher up than you would usually get from a doorway pull up bar, so you haven't got to bend your legs as much.

Has anyone seen a decent and cheap lat pulldown machine? I have been looking at this one.

This is $100 cheaper and you can do dips and stuff on it too: http://www.amazon.com/Weslo-WEBE99712-Weider-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=sr_1_2

This is half the price of the one you listed

https://www.amazon.ca/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=pull+up+bar&qid=1555084233&s=gateway&sr=8-6&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

It looks identical to the Valor CB-12.

https://www.amazon.com/Akonza-Machine-Fitness-Attachment-Pulldown/dp/B01FYLE7OY/

Here is the mobile version of your link

I have one of these at the house. I place a piece of hardboard where it touches/rests on the wall. I check this every so often. My son doesn't and we now have holes punched through where the hardboard moved whilst he was repping out 30Kg weighted pullups. He checks now.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00376I6G4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1452767768&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=folding+pull+up+bar&dpPl=1&dpID=41z9NBO9E%2BL&ref=plSrch
It might be UK only, I couldn't see similar on the US site.

This is the one that I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Weider-WEBE99712-Power-Tower/dp/B0098MAYNY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406059946&sr=8-1&keywords=captains+chair

Works great, very sturdy, no complaints.

Here ya go. I mentioned it in another comment, I wouldn't recommend buying it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01FYLE7OY/

I have the same problem. I got one of these. It mounts inside the door frame and nothing sticks out to the side. I leave it in its upright position at all times. Just make sure to mount it high enough that people won't knock their head on it.

I bought this one. Granted it's shorter for lower ceilings, but I have a mounted pull-up bar in the garage already. http://www.amazon.com/Short-Power-Ceilings-Squat-Squatting/dp/B005PNJHTW/ref=sr_1_13?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1414674480&sr=1-13&keywords=power+rack

No worries.

My advice:

invest in

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EJMS6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Cz6cBbH2E5RR9

And

TRX Training - Suspension Trainer Basic Kit + Door Anchor, Complete Full Body Workouts Kit for Home and on the Road https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002YRB35I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YA6cBbYQW1CK3

And

URBNFit Exercise Ball (55 CM) for Stability & Yoga - Workout Guide Incuded - Professional Quality (Pink) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019730QQI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JB6cBb7XZWP9Y

And

A pair of 20 pound dumbbells.

My apartment doesn't have a gym either, so I just work out in my room with these. There are a ton of resources online for workout routines so Google and Reddit are your friend.

If you can't drop 150 on the straps, just buy the other 3 items. That'll get you started. And remember...

https://imgur.com/gallery/QARdY

Don't buy one of those, they will come loose eventually and fuck up your paint regardless (and bash your knees), you also can't do pull ups on them because your elbows hit the door frame, get one of these instead, more expensive but worth it, you won't fuck your paint up and you can do both pull ups and chin ups, you can also take it off easily with no bother.

No cables yet. This is arriving in a few weeks.

The single extension is what I'm looking for solutions for. I don't have true dumbells, just handles. But, to load the handles to a heavy enough weight, I have to use all my 10's and 5's OR use larger diameter plates.

Which bonk ma' noggin'.

You could try getting some squat stands. Like these or these. They're cheaper than a squat rack and take up less space. Some people say they can be unstable though. I've been using mine regularly for over a year now and I've had no issues.

Bought a rack on Friday actually, after I struggled out a 4th rep and really felt like I had another one in me but was too afraid to fail.

Bought this one to fit under my 7' ceiling.

> the weights are in my room and there is no space.

Have you looked into a squat stand?

Either way, yes you'll have to drop the weight down and work back up, but it's a hell of a lot better than not squatting at all. They do work your core, and from my experience they hit my arse a bit harder, though that's likely due to the greater ROM as compared to a low bar back squat.

I considered building one (2/3 of my basement it finished, luckily this space is not so my fiancee allows me to do what I want in it). I bought one of [these](Perfect Basic Pullup, Pull Up Progression Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DNAKQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_03aOAbF9XDKG4) last night to try first though. Less work on my part lol. But I definitely realize I need to get some pull ups in now. I had a power tower for a while but it wouldn't fit in my basement and the weather around here isn't great for garage use...and I was a lazy piece of shit for a long time lol

I have this one, called the "Powerbar 2". It is very stable and in contrast to some competitors it puts much less weight on the door frame. It folds aways nicely, but there are two obvious problems:

1. It's from the UK and a quick search on amazon.com didn't show up any results.
   
2. I have no idea how door frames in the US compare to European ones, so I can't vouch for compatibility concerning the door width.
   
   EDIT: "Fits most doorways 680mm - 800mm"

For those of you who have a lat pulldown tower with a low row similar to this:

https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-CB-12-Plate-Loading/dp/B0031Q5BQI

What do you sit on when you do low cable rows? It seems sitting on the floor would be uncomfortable/awkward. The low row in my gym has an attached flat bench to sit on and sits about 12" above the ground. I don't really want to buy a separate low bench for this, so what are some good substitutes? I was thinking maybe buying an aerobic step platform for this, which I can also use for HIIT workouts.

This is a pull up bar that I bought years ago, it screws into a doorway and is extremely solid! At 210 lbs it holds my weight without any problems! This one does have other options for use which I never bothered to try out. What I do know is it holds my fat ass with no issues.

https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Basic-Pullup-Pull-Progression/dp/B008DNAKQK/ref=asc_df_B008DNAKQK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194945998049&hvpos=1o40&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14652440721375153334&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031290&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-316259124675&psc=1

I have a mental block from squatting heavy, but no such problem for deadlift. It comes from the weight being on my back. With a heavy deadlift, I can just drop the weight and fail the rep. With a squat that's too heavy, I'm pretty much fucked cause I have these baby squat stands.

Two questions:

1. Is it normal to have that mental block for heavy squats?
   
2. With this particular stand, which way should I face when squatting? (for optimal safety)