Garage Gym - In Progress

[Shock6050]

The FI bench I initially bought just isn’t really cutting it and really miss my incline. It says it’s rated to 600 lbs, but believe that is pushing it. The main issue I have with it is the edges where the support bars are. There is a good 1.5” or more unprotected which limits me to only using it when my body weight is centered. I like to do tricep dips and sometimes step ups on a bench, but don’t trust it as the board seems be be made out of particle board and is quite flimsy even by slightly bending it with little force. Pretty sure I’d end up cracking the unsupported board in the future. Was able to get a full FID bench from REP which has great reviews with a max weight of 1000 lbs. probably will still keep the other one for accessory work as I do like the attachment to do back extensions and preacher curls, though wish it were a bit wider for the latter. The REP also has wheels and a handle to easily move it around. Not the top of the line but should be plenty for home use.

Currently am working to get my CSCS certification back as I’m interested in doing some 1 on 1 PT on the side, where I’d basically set someone up with a workout based on their goals, have maybe 4 weeks of sessions to get them acclimated, then cut them free, as the exercises I prescribe can easily translate to any gym…kind of like a weightlifting boot camp. Could also add in some nutrition guidance given I do have multiple degrees in nutrition science and exercise physiology. I just don’t use them in my current job, though the physiology part definitely was helpful in the medical science research field.

Here is the bad boy that should be here in a week. Mine will be all black.

 

[Poppy]

Nice bench

 

[Shock6050]

So finally got my gym logo figured out. Ran across what appears to be a start up business and were extremely helpful to work with me to tweak it how I wanted. It’s on a canvas and 24” x 48”. I just blurred out my City/State. Those are in maroon letters behind the black boxes. Turned out pretty cool and is currently being printed…should be in its new home in a few days.

 

[Bigmurph6]

That is actually cool as hell

 

[Shock6050]

It up! Looks so much better in person. Now I need to move my Jocko “Good” poster to a new spot.

 

[Bigmurph6]

Looks great

 

[Shock6050]

Thanks! And it’s level! Little things like that just drive me crazy. Spent way more time that necessary using multiple levels but made sure it was spot on. Used heavy duty gorilla tape all over the back so it’s definitely not moving!

I ended up painting the next section of the garage around the main door and put my ‘GOOD’ poster there. Now just working my way around as I clean out things to eventually just paint the entire garage. Definitely makes a huge difference as it almost looks like an additional room but has a car in it. LOL

 

[Bigmurph6]

I bet it is like a basement now you basically finished the room especially if you paint it rich people have cars in rooms why not you lol right

 

[Shock6050]

Fully embracing this will be a never ending project. put a couple wall hangers up to put my Oly adjustable dumbbells on and a longer rack for bands, belt, clips, and some other accessories. Found a good spot as it is definitely out of the way for my workouts but easy to access. Probably could do this cheaper by just getting some hooks or pegboards at the hardware store but these ended up being on sale.

 

[Bigmurph6]

I have the same Olympic size dumbbells I really don’t like using them how about you?

Everything looks so organized brother I really like your set up

 

[Shock6050]

Thanks! I don’t really use them too much as I have those 0-90 dial dumbbells. However, if going heavier than 90 or when I prefer to be a little rough on the dumbbells I’ll use them. Most often I use them the most for single arm dumbbell rows as I can easily do pretty high reps above 110.

 

[Bigmurph6]

I actually bought those and honestly hated them because of the way the weights sit on the ends there too round. I was able to find a regular sized set that each dumbell holds 200lb. There honestly not the best either 20 10lb weights.
The Olympic dumbbells you put on the 25s or the 10s and the plates are just to big for me in diameter. They definitely get the job done though that’s for sure.

I really like the dial a weight dumbbells I should have not been cheap and bought a set

 

[Shock6050]

Yeah they can definitely be awkward when loading up a couple 25s and 10s on each side. Usually slightly adjust my grip placement as my forearm will rub against the 25 if holding it in the middle. I can only imagine how awkward it would be if doing presses with both arms. Definitely just prefer to use barbells if going heavy.

 

[Bigmurph6]

my forearm will rub against the 25 if holding it in the middle

This is exactly it brother I wanted to see if you have the same issue with them like I was saying they get the job done but those plates digging into your arm kills me.

 

[Shock6050]

Yep, if I do quite a few sets using 25s on the old school Olys, I come back in the house looking like I got in a fight with a few stray cats.

 

[Shock6050]

As far as the tidiness and organization, this is basically my one room that is really just mine! As such I like to keep it clean and clutter free since it is virtually impossible to do in the rest of the house with 5 little monsters always causing chaos. I clean a room and come back 10 min later and it’s trashed. Oh well, I know I’ll miss these moments one day once the triplets get older, but it can be quite frustrating at times…especially at night when there are always legos or doll landmines on the floor to trip over if I need a glass of water in the middle of the night.

 

[Bigmurph6]

5 little monsters always causing chaos.

Lol

I can only imagine my gym is my sanctuary also 5 is alot lol bless you brother

 

[Shock6050]

So it’s been a bit since I’ve added a little update as we know this project is never ending. I’m just now to the point where I’m good with all the main essentials. I’m very cautious to minimize the use of the precious floor space as I’m not going to use the other half of the garage, so need plenty of space for deadlifts and eventually to add in other Olympic lifts. One thing I really miss is doing weighted lower back extensions holding a plate across my chest. I have a history of some lower back issues so keeping that area strong is really important to me. Found this on the cheap on FB Marketplace from a guy 3 minutes from me. It’s pretty light so easily can be moved around as needed. Can also use it for other core work so it’s not just a single purpose piece (also get a great hamstring stretch). I think most know what this is but it’s an adjustable hyperextension bench/Roman chair. Will be putting it to use during my next “pull” day.

 

[JLee]

Nice grab!

 

[Bigmurph6]

I’m very cautious to minimize the use of the precious floor space as I’m not going to use the other half of the garage,

Sure you won’t @Shock6050 lol