Reddit mentions: The best exercise machine parts & accessories

I have both the valor bd-7 power rack+dip handles as well as the FG pro utility bench. They're solid, budget pieces of equipment, offer good bang for your buck, and get the job done. Both the rack and bench are more lightweight than other options out there, but as long as you won't outgrow their weight capacities, they should be fine (I think 500 lbs for the rack and 600 lbs, weight and user combined, for the bench). Keep in mind, the lat pulldown gets in the way of incline benching inside the rack. If that's going to be a problem, you can elect to get just a rack without a lat pulldown and attach something like this for pulley work. There are definitely more luxurious options out there in terms of racks, like ones from Rogue (and they have the option of a bunch of cool attachments) but it all depends on your budget and goals. There are some flaws to the rack, like the storage pegs getting in the way of benching inside the rack when loaded with plates (I ended up removing the top pegs and am thinking about moving the pegs to the front by switching the front and back posts so I can actually store plates on the pegs). Overall, the rack gets the job done for me and I like having the option to do pulley work. Here's a thread on the bench that helped me decide on buying it. Definitely happy about it, especially at the price I got it for. Dick's always has 10% off when you sign-up for emails here. At the time, I was able to stack the 10% with a 20% off coupon to get the bench for $140.77 after tax and free in-store pick up.

I got a package that included the triceps rope and single handle here for $21 that are working fine if you want to save some money on attachments.


If you're interested in doing olympic lifts farther down the road, this barbell is generally considered the best bang for your buck barbell and comparable to more expensive options out there. It all depends on your needs, the Dick's set might work just fine.

Let me know if you have any questions.

This is the ultimate in space saving for a home gym:

Yaheetech 2pcs Adjustable Rack Standard - $69.40 - Somehow this has spotter arms and can hold up to 480lbs... That is absurd, and I would love to try it out.

Elite FTS Pro Mini Bands $4.80x4=$19.20 These are normally $9.60. You can use them for basically any movement and double looping them is more than enough for most people. These are also a forever item for some people. When you decide to upgrade to a larger or better rack these can still be used.

Titan Adjustable Pull-Up Bar - $45.89 - You can use this with your bands for triceps and just for regular pull-ups. Multipurpose

Fitness Gear 300 lb. Olympic Weight Set - $168 - Coupon still good at the time of typing this.

Titan Gymnastic Rings with Straps - $17.99 Honestly, these are super versatile and can be used for dips, rows, hanging leg raises. Just a great item to have in your back pocket.

Titan Incline Bench 650 lb Capacity $111.60 - Another forever item right here. You can use this when you upgrade to a larger home gym if you feel like it.

If we aren't allowed to use out of stock items then this is my bench:

Rep FB-3000 Flat Bench - $93.99 Cheaper and just as long-lasting (if not more-so), however, it is not as versatile

Eye Hooks with Rings - $14.99 You get a 2 pack of these for this price. Attach them to the wall at your desired heights and you get a pretty convenient, easily storable cable row and chest fly system.

A2ZCARE Combo Tricep Press Down Cable Attachment | Multi-Option: Double D Handle, V-Shaped Bar, Tricep Rope, Rotating Straight Bar - $52.09 This is a four pack of different cable attachments that you can use with the bands. Another forever item. These are genuinely what gyms use.

Total - $499.16 - This gym was built with someone who does not have alot of room in mind. All of it is either fairly collapsable (Squat stand, bar and bench) or not in your visible eyeline. I could have chosen a few different accessories and made it a bit stronger overall, however for your average gym goer this is a pretty solid set-up.

I'll preface this by saying you should consult your doctor for clearance before you try anything.
I see that you're starting PT so that's good.

https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Nylon-Ankle-Strap-Connector/dp/B00749XREG

This is something you can try, (again, with your doctor's consult). You can wrap it around your arm, elbow, anywhere away from the wrist, and the hoop serves to connect to the clip of the cable machine. A youtuber (Amanda Bucci) used this to train after breaking her wrist and she managed to pull it off. With the strap, you should be able to do some pulling exercises on any cable machine with stacked weights to tide you over for now. Chest flies too. Be creative. Just be careful, always.

I'd personally stay away from pushing exercises (or anything directly stressing your wrist) until your wrist returns to 100%. A good PT regime is really the best thing you can do right now, and you can ask your physiotherapist for scaled exercises to rehab and strengthen your wrists. Ignoring the million variables in recovery, being patient now may get your wrists strong enough to train well in the future. Laying off sucks, but patience is the fastest way to where you want to go. Just my two cents.

Bouncing off yoyoyo15's comment, swimming, or just moving around slowly in the water even, can be a rather cathartic rehab if you can do it.

There's really so many different things you can do related to movement, and perhaps this rehab period is a good time for you to try new things that don't involve your wrists like stationary biking, running, etc while working with a PT. Expand your horizons! Haha.

edit: just so it's really emphasized: consult a doctor and get some professional medical advice before you try anything.

Wishing you a quick and good recovery.

Besides the amazing grip tape from wizard tricks or some special silicon grip tape, try getting EPDM grip tape. It is nicely made, in that as you use and wear it down, small bits of wear and tear appear that actually increase the grippiness. So the more you use it, it won't badly degrade and might actually feel better.

Something like https://www.amazon.com/Grip-Tek-Grip-Tape-Handles-Dumbbells/dp/B01CJRJG7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525119729&sr=8-2&keywords=epdm+grip+tape is nice, I've used it before.

A couple of these style pulleys and these (or some rope tied in a loop) , some rope(rope with a sheath, or tighter braid will work smoother), Paracord, or vinyl coated wire and some carabiners will make you a good cable machine for cheap. Get one or two loading pins if you want it a bit nicer. These are useful for other things as well.

Put one pulley at the top for high position and attach the other at bottom for low and move the bottom pulley onto the bar or around the safeties if you want to move it anywhere in between. If you get one or two extra pulleys you could to cable fly/crossovers.

You'll spend a lot less than other options and be able to customize all the lengths to your situation. Those pulleys are also way nicer than the spud or archon pulleys. High weight rating, can use a wide rope and allow you to remove the rope easily.

Recently picked up 2 cable pulleys from Archon - if you’ve been thinking about cable routines you should check them out!

Cable pulleys are super versatile tools I think every home gym should have.

ARCHON Single Pulley Cable Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763DZ466?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Using 2 pulleys instead of 1 helps stabilize the weight plate

Of course you can also use both pulleys independently for crossovers, etc.

You can also link 2 pulleys together to change the pulley height.

I put one pulley on the pull up bar and the other around a J-hook. Lots of flexibility to get the exact heights you want.

For example in the pic below I’m using 2 pulleys linked together for high cable rows

Also, I’m pretty sure the Valor Fitness pulley is the same as the Archon one, either way really solid buy for the home gym.

Valor Fitness PY-1 Portable Cable Station https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZ244XO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HilCCb7B4N7EB

I bought these plate holders, these J-Hooks. Both fit perfect on the rack, the j-hooks are nice on the barbell compared to the default ones it came with.

I was looking at dip attachments but went with gymnastic rings instead. I'm finding out that the rings are quite hard to dip on so I'm looking now for dip attachments. Only really two options Titan Fitness or Valor dip attachments. I really want one that fits on just one 2x2 frame like this 2x3 Dip attachments but can't find a 2x2. You can use the plate holders for dip attachments kind of since the rack isn't very wide on the sides.

I looked into UHMW tape which is the same material they use on newer hooks with but I haven’t tried it. My concern is that it would raise how high the bar sits on the hook relative to the front stop.

Also there is no stop/catch behind the hooks so the bar will eventually wear the paint off the rack like this Also see that my Ohio power bar wore a flat grove in the top of the hook in only a few weeks before I got the nybb hooks.

Here are the nybb hooks I was referring to here

Safety hole spacing ended up not being an issue for me because one horse mat elevates the bench to the sweet spot for me. You may have to play with it a bit or you might just get lucky and the safeties will be exactly where you need them.

I use the squat bar pads you can find on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/POWER-GUIDANCE-Barbell-Squat-Pad/dp/B01LYYFG1H?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_7 It's around $14 and I've never had an issue. Mine has lasted me about 2 years so far as well. Latest lift I had with it was 85kg. It comes with little velcro straps to keep it on the bar but I honestly just put the opening up away from my body and I don't have to use it. Best of luck!

I don't have much personal experience with butt pads, but here are some examples that look suitable. Check out some reviews and don't spend too much.

You definitely want to wear running shoes, simply because the foot stretchers are sized to accommodate bulky running shoes. Plus socks won't give you the traction or the support that you need for a consistent stroke.

Good luck!

I'm sure mine is probably the same base, with rubber grips.

I bought a package from amazon.... Cap landmine post, and Cap double d handle, and Cap loop thingie to go on the barbell with a chain (don't know what it's called, and it is useless IMO).


https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Insert-Landmine-Eyelet/dp/B0793HPLSL/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?keywords=cap+landmine&qid=1558294352&s=gateway&sr=8-17

Anyway. I'm not as strong as you, but I've been doing bent over landmine rows with about 100 pounds on the bar, and the double d is holding up great so far. It's nice and grippy, I like it!

In my opinion, gymnastic rings are more versatile than TRX straps, and can make you wicked strong all on their own. I bought two of these brackets brackets and drilled into the ceiling joists in my apartment to hang them up. They've been great so far, and I really have only scratched the surface of their usefulness.

I just saw this Power Company video about making it easy to exchange hangboards. Not sure what your plan is but it could be useful.

This setup (right down to the tension board) is something I've been dreaming up almost to the letter for months now - I want to see pictures when it's done! Sounds awesome

A few other things in addition to what was written below (above). Definitely narrow and you get used to the black bars. If you're a larger guy, i can see it being really tight. I wish you could bolt the rack down as i build a cheap platform and sometimes when i rerack on a heavier squat i move the rack inadvertantly.

That said, out of all the gym equipment i have, this is probably the last thing on my list to upgrade. I bought it for $150 from amazon last year and have no regrets. Also the valor dip bars fit perfectly with this rack which is nice. Like others have said, i never felt unsafe or felt that it wasn't supporting my lifts (squat: 315 lbs).

If you mean the actual rack etc. itself, you are looking for a Power Rack similar to:

http://smile.amazon.com/BD-11-Hard-Power-Rack-Pull/dp/B004RXRTS2/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0TZD763JXBPZMFDCEK6R

with the optional attachment:

http://smile.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-BD-11L-Attachment-BD-11/dp/B004SB849Q/ref=pd_sim_sg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HAZZZ8BCWGZB518QK77

you can also DIY your own cable attachments to most racks (I did a basic version here: http://imgur.com/a/YM57v ), but if cost isnt the pimary issue, a rack with formal attachment (and some are more integrated etc, there are a few different styles) is probably easier to start with and ensure smooth pulling etc

I just put mine together, so far I have:
Set of 50lbs. PowerBlock Elites
Ironmaster Adjustable Weight Bench w/ Situp Attachment

I really want to get the Dip and Pullup attachment as well. I live in a semi-cramped apartment on the third floor of a very old apartment building, otherwise I'd have a heavy bag and a jump rope to go with it. I love being able to workout at home, I should have started setting up a home gym years ago. Tough to do when before you find a place that you know you're going to live in for a while. I honestly think the biggest upside of owning a house for me is going to be the epic home gym setup I can have there.

The three most popular and affordable plate loaded and adjustable single pulley systems are these:

Titan - https://www.titan.fitness/wall-mounted-pulley-tower.html

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

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

Plate loaded is definitely the way to go unless money is no concern. I own the Valor and would recommend it, though if I were buying again I would get the Archon since its the only one of the 3 that has wall mounts on the bottom of the tower in addition to the top.

If you want to go extremely minimialist you could do something like this - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZ244XO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use the Iron Bull Squat Pad from Amazon it’s super durable and comfortable!

this one!

Only used it once so far but as you can tell I'm a fan haha

I see this one recommended a lot.

Iron Bull Strength Advanced Squat Pad - Barbell Pad for Squats, Lunges & Hip Thrusts - Neck & Shoulder Protective Pad Support (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A86Z870/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rI33BbQXZ4VB5

Thanks if i were to get something like https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LZ244XO/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1487625357&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cable+system+for+power+rack&dpPl=1&dpID=41sMqqoYZlL&ref=plSrch that would it be worth it ?

I got this https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01LYYFG1H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nyMZAbWNYE4KB it’s pretty good and also pink.

Check out the valor BD-7! I got it for $440. It's a squat rack with a upper and lower pulley system. It also has dip attachments that are only $40. It's great quality and not a crazy price.

nice , that rack and bench is all I am getting, I will just attatch this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0763DZ466/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=AYSOEJGXM5NBU&psc=1 for triceps to save money

Amazon FTW! Here is the

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B29E0HM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

You should look into the exercises in the Strong Curves program, or consider doing the Strong Curves program. I have been doing it for 4 months now and my glutes (and the rest of my legs: quads, hammies, calves) have never felt stronger. He has so many great exercises in that program.
Also, I use a bar pad when I do hip trusts because the bar would dig right into my pelvic/hip bones and it would be seriously painful. Here is the one I use, they arent very expensive, and it made all the difference for me.

Yea those hooks were a blessing for me. I adjust the barbell in the rack to be as high as I need and hook the dumbbells onto the barbell using them and then just lift/rack from there.

​

For the pulley I'm limited on space too so I had to go with something like this. I hook it up to the pullup bar on my rack but you can also put an eyelet bolt in your ceiling and hang it from there too. I put it away when I'm not using it. Been using it for about a month and all is well so far. Eventually I'll upgrade to an actual pulldown set up but for right now it's worth it for me.

Try something like this or this or this.

Your problem is why I always advise people, buy a FULL RACK; never a half rack. Half racks are half the functionality with all the footprint and pretty near all the price as well.

This is the squat pad I use to do my hip thrusts and it is GOLD.

https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Squat-Women-Perfect-Peach/dp/B071L4VYYP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510948358&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=extra+thick+squat+pad&psc=1

Also, reverse hyper extensions and 45 degree hyper extensions, frog pumps (look on youtube or bret contreras for tutorial) switching it up and doing the same exercises but UNILATERALLY will also increase the level of difficulty in your leg day and make sure you stay strength/aesthetically balanced. Bret Contreras is the glute god so look into some of his posts.

I have had this happen to me (although I haven't had the lingering tingling after) as well. I can definitely see it causing that, though. Getting a barbell pad like this one basically stopped it from happening for me. You need the cushion to take the compression off that area.

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 would go for the rack since it's a lot more versatile than any individual piece of equipment. Also 8x8 isn't very big so you'll want to eliminate as many unitaskers as possible. With a budget of $600 you should try and look at used equipment on OfferUp or Craigslist to get better quality equipment, but new is not out of the question.

Here's a list of what you can get for a pretty decent setup at $600...

(Prices are sale prices. Sign up for CamelCamelCamel or Keepa and set alerts for the items on Amazon. The frequently go down to the prices listed)

Item | Price
---|---
Fitness Reality 810XLT Power Rack | $150
Fitness Reality Adjustable Bench | $85
CAP Barbell 300 lb. Olympic Grip Weight Set | $180
4 ft. x 6 ft. x 3/4 in. Thick Rubber Stall Mat | $40 x 3
Valor Fitness MB-A BD-7 Dip Handle Accessory Set | $35
CAP Barbell Olympic 2-Inch Plate and Bar Storage Rack | $30

That gets you to the $600 budget on the dot.

This should cover most of your needs. You can replace the plate tree with some Titan weight pegs to hang from the rack if you want that instead. You can also just throw some plywood on the floor instead of the floor mats or mix and match plywood and floor mats.

This is almost the same setup I have except I was able to pick up some dumbells and plates off OfferUp so it came out a little cheaper. So far my home gym setup is at $520 and all I'm missing is the stall mats so I should be hitting the $600 goal myself once I get those.

This one is perfect!

I got the one by Perfect Peach:

https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Peach-Athletics-Squat-Barbell/dp/B071L4VYYP/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524772013&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=perfect+peach+barbell+pad&psc=1

Used it for the first time today. So far so good.

I have these: Valor Fitness MB-B Dip Handle Accessory Set for BD-11, BD-20 and BD-41 (fits 2.5" tubing) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B29F5JE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cR0IBbR3TWDKH

Supports up to 365. Of course, that's assuming you can use 2.5.

Here's the link from my order history (looks like they are only in stock from 3rd party sellers... I paid $33.06): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B29E0HM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with these because they "snap" right on or you can just lift them up and they stay out of the way... no bolts or anything to adjust them.

When you say it destroyed your shoulders, what was causing the problem?

One thing I've found is that getting a really high-quality squat pad (example: https://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Squat-Pad-Shoulder-Protective/dp/B01A86Z870/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1525177758&sr=8-4&keywords=squat+pad) can be a big help in reducing soft tissue bruising during squats. Your issue might be different, but this has been a big help for me.

This is what I use. Diamok anchor

I actually bought the pulley system. It's a Valor PY-1. It has bad reviews on Amazon but so far it's been legit.


https://www.amazon.com/Valor-Fitness-PY-1-Pulley-Station/dp/B01LZ244XO

to piggyback off of /u/HomegymFriend

This is my setup and a little less expensive option:

Necessities

• Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage - 214 (seen as low as 160)
  
  
• Fitness Gear 300 lb. Olympic Weight Set - 200
  
  
• adidas Performance Flat Training Bench - 80
  
  Accessories
  
  
• CAP Barbell 2 in. Plate Rack - 30
  
• 4 ft. x 6 ft. x 3/4 in. Thick Rubber Stall Mat - 43
  
• Valor Fitness MB-A BD-7 Dip Handle Accessory Set - 40
  
  
• Cap Barbell - 112 for future reference
  
  
• Total without tax and accessories 494 with accessories 607 w/o upgraded bar
  
  Google around for promo codes and check camelcamelcamel for additional discounts.
  
  
  If I'm understanding you correctly, you plan on carrying your weights from inside your spare bedroom to outside in order to do OHP? Sounds like a pain in the ass to me but to each his own.

Forgive me I'm on mobile, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B29E0HM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500414693&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dip+bar+attachment&dpPl=1&dpID=31CZ4TuZU%2BL&ref=plSrch

These are the ones available for prime, Amazon Whitehouse deals was a seller you could choose instead of prime, still fulfilled by Amazon though. They do not seem to have any for the Lowe price currently but keep looking..it was 30$ at one point but I missed out because lazy.

TL:DR: Would a squat pad like this one from amazon damage the form practise and learning of a newbie?

-----

Almost a month into the RR and my wife and I have both moved out of bodyweight squats and into using a 50 lbs. bar. While the weight is still challenging my legs the weight isn't a challenge for my wife's legs. She's having trouble balancing the bar on her shoulders without putting it up on her neck or supporting all the weight with her arms. After watching a bunch of form videos and then doing research on alternative bars it seems that her form is reasonable and that alternate bars are bad for beginners as you can learn bad form habits? It seems that she's just slender enough that there is very little of her back to rest the bar on. I'm thinking of buying something like this from amazon but I'm worried it could teach her bad form habits? It's surprising to both of us that when doing squats with some weight she is having more trouble holding the bar in place than actually doing the squat.

Thanks for any feed back.