Garage Gym Setup

[OperationGarage]

Hey all-


Had some requests to do a more detailed write up on my garage gym setup. People have reached looking for list of this I actually bought. For those of you who haven’t seen my garage project thread here: https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1979041 . Some of this is somewhat redundant. But it was a summary of getting my garage to a point from plain to satisfactory. Part of that was getting a good home for my cars setup, and a fun place to clean/detail them. The other part was a small space to escape for my wife and I to lift.

Will post all links here. Now I want to preface this by saying I am by no means saying this is the best gym, or everyone needs it. It is just what has worked for me, and meets my needs as of now.

General goal for the gym was to have everything I need to complete major lifts as well as as much accessory work as possible. Truth be told, you don’t need what I got. With some simple equipment, or even just body weight you can get a great workout in. But I tried to have a balance of convenience and necessity.

We added some rubber gym flooring by the roll over the top of our finished garage floors. Didn’t want to damage them and it really made the space feel like a true gym. Plus was softer to lay/kneel on haha.

A huge goal was to be able to retain full use of garage for a motorcycle or second car for myself in the future. So we would need everything to be able to get out off the way. It’s a rather small space but one of the biggest barrier was a squat rack. Luckily Rogue (as well as other manufacturers) have folding racks. I opted for the ones with longer arms to retain a more versatile setup with being able to add rack attachments in the future. This was a relatively easy install and is great. Folds right up against the wall if you want to move it.

The package we bought with the bar etc (linked below) had all the weight we needed at the moment would pair great with the rack. We added some kettle bells, bands, physio ball, med balls, etc to get more granular with equipment.

I would say one of the best things I would recommend are the adjustable dumbbells. Man do I love them. Now they do have two major fallbacks. One, you can’t drop them. Two, they only go up to 80lbs. But for the price when comparing to regular dumbbell sets and other adjustable dumbbell sets…I love them. Got them in all Matte Black as well. My favorite.

We added an adjustable bench and trap bar from Rep Fitness. Rouge’s didn’t fit the bill on these two. Way more expensive. And just like that we were pretty built out. I ended up adding two “Pulley Pro’” you see advertised online. Have no complaints but allowed us to do some cable work which is huge.

Some of the little touches were the accent wall painted black. The banners. Quotes white board. And clock. Really makes you feel like your own gym is right there. Oh and also, a Bluetooth speaker is a must as well as a fan. Here in AZ working out with no AC in the garage is hott. But with a fan blowing and lots of fluids, you’re good to go!


Photos:






Links to equipment:

Misc Items--

Chalk: https://www.roguefitness.com/primo-chalk-loose

Patches for Vest: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-u...ch-blacked-out

Bands: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-loop-bands

Gym Floor (1/4in): https://www.rubberflooringinc.com/ru...bber-roll.html

Fan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2VB8FB4...p_mob_ap_share

Digital Clock: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q58TZ4R..._ap_share&th=1

Pulley Attachments: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FNXH3CK..._ap_share&th=1


Strength--

Plates for Vest: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-e...ht-vest-plates

Weighted Vest: https://www.roguefitness.com/condor-...-plate-carrier

Adjustable Dumbbells: https://www.roguefitness.com/nuobell-matte-black

CF Package: https://www.roguefitness.com/alpha-crossfit-package

Adjustable Bench: https://repfitness.com/products/ab-3...e-weight-bench

Trap Bar: https://repfitness.com/products/trap-bar

PulleyPro 2x: https://shoppulleypro.com

Monkey Feet: https://animalhousefitness.com/products/monkeyfeet


Rack/Attachments--

Black/Grey Folding Rack with 41.5in Arms: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-r...-color-edition

Landmine press: https://www.roguefitness.com/landmines

Spotter Arms: https://www.roguefitness.com/saml-24...tter-arms-pair


I think that's everything, but could be wrong. Let me know if anyone has any questions!


Thanks for reading!

[floridaorange]

Sick setup!

What weight are your kettlebells. I've been on a kettlebell kick for months now, life-changing for my body.

Next on my list is Neuro-Grip for pushups.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Sick setup!

What weight are your kettlebells. I've been on a kettlebell kick for months now, life-changing for my body.

Next on my list is Neuro-Grip for pushups.

Thanks!

So the package I bought came with 2x 35lbs and 2x 53lb kettlebells. Want to buy more. They are the best. Can do your whole workout around those. But can get everything I need done now. So don’t want to spend the money haha.

But agree. They are amazing

[heitzke]

Nice! Setup looks great and good timing too - i'm in the process of rebuilding a setup for myself as well. I could use a little push to actually put my stuff together as it gets delivered.

I ended up with a bunch of Titan Fitness gear (rack and deadlift platform), some Rogue barbells (standard power bar and a deadlift bar), some PowerBlocks, and a few misc rack attachments. I'll have to get some pics when I start getting it put together as it comes in this week.

I probably need one more set of iron 45's (I went all iron plates) but otherwise I think the only other thing I desperately want is a belt-squat machine (or rack attachment). I competitively powerlift (I try, anyway, i'm not getting any younger at 37) and still have a few competitive years left where I can still make some strength jumps.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by heitzke

Nice! Setup looks great and good timing too - i'm in the process of rebuilding a setup for myself as well. I could use a little push to actually put my stuff together as it gets delivered.

I ended up with a bunch of Titan Fitness gear (rack and deadlift platform), some Rogue barbells (standard power bar and a deadlift bar), some PowerBlocks, and a few misc rack attachments. I'll have to get some pics when I start getting it put together as it comes in this week.

I probably need one more set of iron 45's (I went all iron plates) but otherwise I think the only other thing I desperately want is a belt-squat machine (or rack attachment). I competitively powerlift (I try, anyway, i'm not getting any younger at 37) and still have a few competitive years left where I can still make some strength jumps.

Sounds like a great setup! I would also love a belt squat machine. Have some back issues as well. And prefer to not load my spine when necessary. Post some pics when you get it all set up!

[heitzke]

Not much to look at yet but it's a start! Got my rack put together and both barbells in yesterday. Still waiting on my deadlift platform and ALL the plates lol.



Also snagged a weight tree and a few other accessories last night, plus went ahead and got my last pair of 45's that I really need for deadlifting. I've been working on breaking a 600 pull forever but just haven't hit it yet. Bunch of 585's, 590, even pulled 600 to mid-quad but the lockout isn't there yet. Hoping to finally hit that here in the comfort of my own home

[floridaorange]

^nice, I'd love to have one in my garage.

Originally Posted by obsessedspeed

Thanks!

So the package I bought came with 2x 35lbs and 2x 53lb kettlebells. Want to buy more. They are the best. Can do your whole workout around those. But can get everything I need done now. So don't want to spend the money haha.

But agree. They are amazing

I have been working with them exclusively for a few weeks and I am completely amazed by how efficient and affective they are. I have actually put on weight but have a flatter stomach. I have stopped all supplements besides protein and the occasional bcca. I also have way more functionality than I did when I was doing my split routines. I keep looking for a downside but I can't find one. I'm even becoming more vascular and Im 42 for a few more months.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

^nice, I'd love to have one in my garage.



I have been working with them exclusively with a few weeks and I am completely amazed by how efficient and affective they are. I have actually put on weight but have a flatter stomach. I have stopped all supplements besides protein and the occasional bcca. I also have way more functionality than I did when I was doing my split routines. I keep looking for a downside but I can't find one. I'm even becoming more vascular and Im 42 for a few more months.

The kettlebells are great for functional workouts. Great for high intensity or low.

[CornerGorillaPit]

Totally digging your setup @OperationGarage, especially with the dedicated space. I have a folding rack as well but from Titan.

There's a whole bunch of other miscellaneous attachments and equipment that are not in these pics but I don't want to spam your thread .


I have a BBQ cover for the bench during the rainy season. Yes, that is a transmission.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by CornerGorillaPit

Totally digging your setup @OperationGarage, especially with the dedicated space. I have a folding rack as well but from Titan.

There's a whole bunch of other miscellaneous attachments and equipment that are not in these pics but I don't want to spam your thread .

Attachment 3067947
I have a BBQ cover for the bench during the rainy season. Yes, that is a transmission.
Attachment 3067948

I appreciate it! And I love it!! Great setup. Nothing better

[smokinHawk]

I'm the guy who came up with and designed your folding rack. I designed about half of rogues products when I worked there back in the day., then of course titan (and a few other companies) copied my products.
This is my basement gym.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by smokinHawk

I'm the guy who came up with and designed your folding rack. I designed about half of rogues products when I worked there back in the day., then of course titan (and a few other companies) copied my products.
This is my basement gym.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xIDNJK8Y5-s&feature=shares

Wow! Well I love the design. That is sick, love your setup

[forumlurker]

Originally Posted by smokinHawk

I'm the guy who came up with and designed your folding rack. I designed about half of rogues products when I worked there back in the day., then of course titan (and a few other companies) copied my products.
This is my basement gym.

Better than commercial

[CornerGorillaPit]

Originally Posted by smokinHawk

I'm the guy who came up with and designed your folding rack. I designed about half of rogues products when I worked there back in the day., then of course titan (and a few other companies) copied my products.
This is my basement gym.

Respect on the original designs. That is one helluva gym setup you've got there

[marseille82]

Thank you for this excellent write up.
We have just bought our first home and my first project when the house is completed is to build a gym. You just did most of the research on equipment for me 😅. Appreciate it.

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by marseille82

Thank you for this excellent write up.
We have just bought our first home and my first project when the house is completed is to build a gym. You just did most of the research on equipment for me 😅. Appreciate it.

Hahaha thanks! And glad it helps!

[Gratefulm4]

My sanctuary

[OperationGarage]

Originally Posted by Gratefulm4

My sanctuary

Now that is a setup!

[Gratefulm4]

Thank you!

[terranmagelan]

Thanks for sharing your links and tips on what equipment works best for your setup. Adjustable dumbbells are definitely a must-have and I agree that they can be a more cost-effective option than a full set of dumbbells. And I totally feel you on needing a fan in that Arizona heat!
If you're ever looking to add some boxing training to your routine, I recommend checking out the best boxing gloves for beginners. They can really add some variety to your workouts and build up those arm muscles. Keep up the great work with your gym and enjoy those gains!