Thinking of getting my own weights for home

[ViviTheMage]

I was thinking of getting some weights for home, and stop paying LA fitness.

Few questions, are the rubber weights worth the premium?

What kind of box rack seems to work best at home? One that I can slide a bench under and do some bench press as well.

Should I look at those 55lbs in one dumbells, or go for individual?

I have carpet, is there anything I should do to protect it, or just go to town and not worry about it? Sweat, excess weight, etc?

 

[TallBill]

For a rack I'd look on craigslist. People are always ditching lifting equipment and you might luck out. Might find plates as well, but theres a lot of highly inaccurate plates so be weary. If they are ALL 2 pounds short and weigh 43 lbs, then you're fine, but if they vary a lot, look elsewhere.

For dbs, they sell small bars that you can just add weight too. The all in one dbs are kinda dumb. I personally wouldn't lift on carpet because i just wouldn't want the springy factor of the floor to affect my lifts.

Some day I'd loooove to get a bench, rack, and some strongman equipment but I don't see it happening.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Oh yeah, I am definitely looking on CL for a rack and equipment... I am just wondering what type I should get.

I am stuck with carpet though, unless there's something I can lay over it? I'd hate to rip it out, haha.

 

[smackababy]

I believe you could lay some rubber mat on the carpet, but I don't know how effective it would be. I believe most gyms are rubber on concrete for weight areas with that industrial garbage carpet in other places.

As far as weights, I don't think there is a different between the rubber or straight metal ones, just make sure you stick with the same so there isn't any variance. Realistically, their accuracy doesn't mean a whole lot (unless you're trying to break records or something) as long as they are uniform.

I really wish I had the area to build a home gym. =(

 

[ViviTheMage]

I have a small enough area, but I could definitely fit a squat rack in it and a place to store the weights. I'll probably go with whatever is close to the number on the plate.

Are there any racks to stay away from? Like free standing posts? Should I get a 4 square style squat rack?

 

[smackababy]

I'd go for a 4 post type one, not the trestle, just because it looks more sturdy. You might have to adjust it for benching though.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I'd go for a 4 post type one, not the trestle, just because it looks more sturdy. You might have to adjust it for benching though.

Yeah, i'll make sure it's adjustable. Because I have a smallish area, i'd like to keep everything usable in the cage + 5~ feet around the sides I am leaving for room to move around.

 

[Maximilian]

Heres mine OP:

The whole thing is around 245cm * 245cm

There is carpet on the bottom, on top of the carpet ive put some plywood and on top of the plywood there are rubber stable mats. The weights just sit on the rubber part for storage.

I would definitely go with a power rack if there is room, such a flexible bit of kit!

I would say rubber weights would only be a good idea if you're planning on dropping them (which I don't think is ever recommended) but im no expert.

 

[ViviTheMage]

That is a good idea. I'll get some plywood and get the rubber mats. Were you able to pick those up from homedepot/lowes?

 

[Maximilian]

I dunno im in the UK so my options were a bit limited, the fitness stores here are a rip off for gym flooring.

I bought them from a farm supply company

 

[highland145]

That is a good idea. I'll get some plywood and get the rubber mats. Were you able to pick those up from homedepot/lowes?

Untreated. Maybe Uline for the mats if you can't fine another source but there should be something local.

Don't forget the extra clothes hangers to keep everything looking neat.

 

[Auric]

It may be preferable to remove or roll up the carpet in that area to avoid crushing it and having to get the plywood.

 

[solsa]

I'd go individual weights. You can just pick them up instantly whenever you want.

 

[TallBill]

Awesome setup Max. How wide is that rack? It seems narrow but maybe its the angle. Either way I'm jealous.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I may have found a pretty good deal, where I can get everything form one dude, all powertec.

http://minneapolis.en.craigslist.org/ram/spo/4580266974.html

Is that worth it? I got him down to $900 ...

 

[Pantlegz]

I think so, typically it's $1/lb so just the weights alone are worth about 900, It doesn't say what kind of bar comes with it but decent Rogue bars are 2-300 new, plus the rack and bench.

 

[ViviTheMage]

being used weight lifting equipment, I am going to try and squeeze a few more bucks outta him too... he has been emailing me a lot, sounding desperate to offload it.

 

[smackababy]

That looks like a decent deal, if it is good condition. The rack alone is going to cost you like $600 new.

 

[ViviTheMage]

yeah, and it has all the attachments I want, and is a 4 post of a decent brand.

 

[Maximilian]

Wonder why hes selling it all.

Looks good though :thumbsup:

 

[iluvdeal]

Nice setup. I'm sure you could sell off the stuff you don't need to further lower how much you ended up spending. For example, since you'll have a powercage, no need for the half rack.

 

[Koing]

That is a good idea. I'll get some plywood and get the rubber mats. Were you able to pick those up from homedepot/lowes?

Get some horse stall mats.

Rubber weights are only worth it if you intend to weightlift and drop weights from overhead. You would quickly destroy your floor with metal weights otherwise!

Koing

 

[ViviTheMage]

Nice, I was thinking of just putting the mats down where i'd sweat a lot, or the weights would drop.

I don't want to stink up my carpet, haha.