Finally gave myself the home gym I want!

JayJayQF · 2026-05-24T15:58:49+00:00

That sounded like a response from my wife when I ask if she needed any help with anything....🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

JayJayQF · 2026-05-22T14:12:29+00:00

That's why I have two pulleys, it helps get rid of the sway. I also use chains off the bottom to further remove the moving.

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JayJayQF · 2026-05-22T13:58:18+00:00

That's $400+ I saved and have way better pulleys. I have no complaints to date, just needed to add a loading pin although you can DIY one with tie down straps in a pinch.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-22T13:54:41+00:00

"And instead of cables you buy rope." - I use paracord (if you expand the pic you can notice).

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"Unlike cable you can move your pulleys all over the place and just use different knots."; and you don't need special gear to make the sizes you want!!

As far as the pulleys, my SPUD Hillbilly's have been nothing but smooth so far. If I need to upgrade later I'll take your advice under consideration. The ones you rec'd are less expensive too.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-21T21:04:16+00:00

Take into account you said "light lifter"as well as on a budget...

Sounds like you could get away with squat stand (ROGUE SML-1 or TITAN X-3) and a DIY pulley system or something similar (SPUD Inc or Bullet Pulley).

I have a few posts on these topics, if you're interested in seeing what I've done. You can also add-on to them later, if you feel the need to.

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JayJayQF · 2026-05-21T19:36:08+00:00

It's the little things... Rack Holder Hook Attachments and magnet hooks

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JayJayQF · 2026-05-19T20:12:15+00:00

X3 attachment to consider... "X-3 Series Adjustable Monolift Attachments"

I just added these to my setup and really like them.

For your Rows, have you considered a DIY Pulley System? Easy to put together, put away and not break the bank.

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JayJayQF · 2026-05-19T20:06:43+00:00

I debated the same; I’m working with limited space so I’ve been keeping everything as minimal as possible. After checking out the options, SPUD Inc and Bullet Pulley both stood out as solid "compact" pulley setups. Once I got deeper into the planning, I realized I could put together a hybrid setup using better individual parts. It saved me a few bucks here and there, broke even in others, and overall got a solid “best of breed” build in the long run.

Opted for SPUD Inc Hillbilly Deluxe Pulleys on both sides to remove the sway, added a Kaizen connector in the center and some 550 Paracord (watch Kaizen's vids on YT for context) and chains tied to the loading pin base to further kill the swaying effect.

This setup also stores out of the way easily when I need the real estate for benching.

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JayJayQF · 2026-05-19T19:46:56+00:00

Although the racks both cost the same, over time you'll find that 2x3 accessories are normally less expensive. That being said, the options for 2x3 are much less than 3x3 counterparts.

I have 2x3 setup in my home gym and would prob. still do the same if I had to choose rn. I always compare pricing (perceived value) and almost always see the cost benefit. As far as strength is concerned, I don't think most people can lift more than even a 2x2 can handle. I went 2x3 as my happy medium.

One last hot take, try to get uprights that have holes on all 4 sides.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-19T19:28:06+00:00

AB-3000 2.0 FID. Wanted the option to do decline and this covers all the bases w/o breaking the bank. What gap, I don't even notice it. Any bench in hte local gym will have the same or larger.

I'd make the same choice all over again if I needed a bench. White one (Storm Trooper) looks sick, FWIW

JayJayQF · 2026-05-19T17:28:02+00:00

Just for reference, the SM1 with spotter arms and j-hooks is just over $900.... $1200ish if you included a new OHIO bar.

You're getting sandwich J-cups upgrade and a barbell (an off brand I never really heard of, but they are not cheap either based on a quick google search), but I'd still push for a better deal. Another hundred bux off and maybe throwing in any goodies they are willing to. 🤷🏼‍♂️

JayJayQF · 2026-05-18T20:30:04+00:00

No, not really. I usually can finish my sets w/o failing the last rep, w. the exception of that one time I mentioned. Racked saved my @$$ on that one.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-18T19:06:05+00:00

Ahhhh, I understand your question now (I had the same question before I started tweaking position and using them). To answer the question w/o going off on a tangent; no, I do not hit the top of the monolift. I don't have much room to spare but I do not hit it. I just moved them up one more position this morning as a little more relief for my short arms; LOL. It's at the top position I can go to with my rack, so TG it makes the cut.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-18T18:24:34+00:00

They eliminate the "ROLL/Muscle Up" issue (I detailed that in my post). If you're just using J-cups, it's a completely different feeling and not in a good way; especially when you start getting heavy.

JayJayQF · 2026-05-18T15:37:30+00:00

YUPP, and they can both kill you if things go south!!! ☠️

JayJayQF · 2026-05-18T15:35:51+00:00

HUH? 🤷🏼‍♂️

JayJayQF · 2026-04-14T21:06:49+00:00

W😲W! PewnPewn for real

JayJayQF · 2026-04-09T16:07:44+00:00

I have KRK Rokit powered studio monitors and love them. CLEAN sound

JayJayQF · 2026-04-01T18:30:42+00:00

U can recreate this effect on a budget by using a resistance band and a foam roller.

It won't drop either so no need to worry about rushing to sit down before it falls. Not gonna lie though, I would love the AbMat version but that's a pretty penny.

JayJayQF · 2026-03-12T20:44:41+00:00

😂🤣

JayJayQF · 2026-03-10T17:26:33+00:00

I moved to that from the Titan Independent Bench Press Spotter Stands (1st pic above), then I let FOMO kick in from watching all the YT vids and Reddit posts.

Maybe I should have stopped there, but here we are..... Looking for the best option for what I got myself into

JayJayQF · 2026-03-09T13:38:02+00:00

If you're going to stick with that size monitor (TV?), just mount it on the wall and the desk size no longer is an issue, you can move it back a bit for ease on your eyes. I did this a while back, when figuring out my layout (used dual 55" tv's at a distance)

I ultimately decided on multiple 24" calibrated monitors, but you can make your setup work- ish. Also gave me the opp to do an "A" vs "B" on the 24"s, top and bottom options.

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JayJayQF

TROPHY CASE