Inside a Versatile Home Gym: Equipment Tour and Setup Ideas
Setting up a home gym that meets both personal training needs and client preferences requires careful planning and strategic equipment choices. This article explores a well-designed garage gym setup that balances functionality, space utilization, and budget considerations.
Rack and Storage Area
The foundation of any solid home gym starts with a quality rack and efficient storage solutions. In this setup, the rack area features basic but functional equipment:
- Basic barbell (with plans to upgrade to a Rep Badlands Bar)
- Rep Night Hawk adjustable bench
- Wall control storage system for attachments
- DIY cable attachments inspired by Kaiser DIY
- French Sport Fitness sword attachment
- Lateral raise attachment on spotter arm
A custom-built weight storage rack is positioned strategically near plate-loaded machines like the leg press, leg extension, and hip thrust machine for easy loading and unloading.
Functional Fitness Zone
The functional fitness area emphasizes versatility for both personal training and client sessions:
- TRX straps for warm-ups and stretching
- Wall-mounted area for medicine ball throws
- Team New wall-mounted pull-up bar with dip station
- Battle ropes that extend to turf area
- RitFit squat rack wall attachment for pendulum squats, hack squats, and shoulder presses
- Freak Athlete GHD (second version)
- Medicine balls, kettlebells, plyo box
- Yoga mats, resistance bands, and ab rollers
This functional zone has proven particularly valuable for sports-specific training, including preparation for women's tackle football.
Cardio Equipment
The cardio section includes a donated treadmill that remains functional, with potential future plans to add a stair climber. A recent mini-split installation has significantly reduced energy costs compared to previous space heater usage.
Machine Section Highlights
The strength equipment includes both budget finds and carefully chosen investments:
- Yukon Crunch Machine (modified with band attachments for variable resistance)
- Hoist Dura 300 Multi Chest Machine (marketplace find for $100, upgraded with new cables and aluminum pulleys)
- Force USA Lat/Chest Hackspot combo unit
- Standing hip thrust machine
The machine section demonstrates how strategic marketplace shopping and DIY modifications can create commercial-quality equipment at budget prices.
Free Weight Area
The dumbbell area features a comprehensive set ranging from 3 to 50 pounds:
- 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12.5 pound pairs
- 15 to 50 pounds in 5-pound increments
- Future plans for Rep Heavens dumbbells when strength levels justify the investment
Decorative touches include Fringe Sport donut plates that add personality to the space.
Practical Considerations for Home Gym Builders
This gym setup offers several valuable takeaways for home gym enthusiasts:
- Prioritize based on use: Equipment was selected with both personal preferences and client needs in mind
- Budget optimization: Mixing marketplace finds with strategic new purchases maximizes value
- Space planning: Weight storage near plate-loaded machines reduces unnecessary movement
- Climate control: The mini-split installation demonstrates how proper HVAC can significantly reduce operating costs
- Gradual improvement: The space continues to evolve with a clear wishlist for future upgrades
Whether you're building a personal training space or just a home gym for yourself, this setup demonstrates how thoughtful planning can create an effective training environment without breaking the bank.
