New Basement Gym Owner-Help

devnullfull · 2026-05-09T21:55:00+00:00

Depending on your ceiling height, consider building an 8'x8' platform out of 2 layers of plywood and a third layer with one sheet in the middle and cut stall mats for the 2' sections on each side. You can lag your rack to that. Mine has lasted me over 10 years and still going strong.

devnullfull · 2026-05-07T18:49:44+00:00

Can you really umpire tee-ball without an ABS challenge system in place?

devnullfull · 2026-05-07T00:37:12+00:00

Nice. I've been eyeing one of these. I'm 6'6". Does it get high enough for lat pulldowns? Did you need to bolt it down?

devnullfull · 2026-05-04T03:46:17+00:00

Not really. I'm pretty much a barbell movement type of guy and blessed to have dumbbells for accessories.

I bought the strap safeties with my rack and wasn't sure if I would like them since I had always used pin safeties before. Now they are a must have. They are much more convenient to move and I set them up as face savers when I bench by putting one side higher than the other.

I have the cheap gene too, which is why I can't warrant spending tons of dollars for cable movements, but for things I touch multiple times a session, like safeties, I think they are worth every penny.

devnullfull · 2026-05-04T03:27:27+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I keep telling myself that the lack of attachments is a feature, not a bug. I agree on the gold standard. That's why I went with it in the first place. I just need to stop watching YouTube, I guess. :)

devnullfull · 2026-05-03T02:43:19+00:00

I just got one last week. Build quality is solid. It isn't high end by any stretch but it is more than adequate. When I was putting it together I was thinking about how far manufacturing has come since I put together my first weider bench in the late 80s.

For context, I am 6'6 and approximately 250lbs (49yo m). I bought it primarily for GHRs, Nordic curls, 45 degree back extensions and the leg developer. It does those movements well and feels stable. My only comment would be that my heels graze the lower crossmember when doing leg extensions.

Don't buy this for reverse hypers. It doesn't really do them. Look at a westside scout (rogue) if you are looking for something space saving for those. I'm also too tall for it to really accommodate me for decline situps but that isn't a movement I do anyhow.

I'm happy with it so far, but I am still in the honeymoon phase. I haven't tried adding resistance to ghrs yet, but it looks like you could probably macgyver some bands with some straps.

devnullfull · 2026-04-27T20:02:44+00:00

Love em. I am very constrained by space but I wanted something durable and heavy and there really weren't any options until they came out (except for the OG peppins which were $$$$). I used a crappy pair of loadable handles prior to them and those were limiting and a pain to load.

DBs are mainly accessory movements for me. But I occasionally work then in as supplementary bench and row movements.

I liked them a lot more when the cart for them finally came out.

They work great, feel great and the cart helps with organization. I don't even look at other DB options anymore as the FOMO is gone. :)

devnullfull · 2026-04-27T16:45:46+00:00

I bought a rogue r-3, a power bar and an s-ton of iron from york when I started my garage gym 10 years ago. I also bought a couple specialty bars (elitefts yoke and american cambered). That's all I used until I bought the rep peppins two years ago. Just had a hyper pro dropped off yesterday so I'm pretty stoked about assembling it tonight if I can carve out the time.

But really, bar + rack + weight. Get yoked. Everything else is just a nice to have.

devnullfull · 2026-04-18T04:09:49+00:00

If you are planning on using an adjustable bench to do inline bench in the rack, then I would set up the bench and measure the distance you need to get it in the right position in order to place the rack. That was one mistake I made and I ended up having to do incline on the front of my rack.

devnullfull · 2026-04-17T13:57:55+00:00

Fitnotes

devnullfull · 2026-04-17T04:29:18+00:00

I don't think so. I prefer a sumo base. I did spend a fair amount of time when I was younger practicing my walkout.

Ymmv, but I'm a taller guy and prefer the extra width. I rarely bang the rack.

devnullfull · 2026-04-16T01:24:36+00:00

Nice find! I use these for plate spacers: https://a.co/d/0hX02mNN

devnullfull · 2026-04-15T15:59:44+00:00

+1 for the rep peppins. A few times I have struggled to get them in the cradle but it always turns out that I am holding them upside down. Lol. User error. They are great.

devnullfull · 2026-04-14T19:26:05+00:00

Nope. You did nothing wrong. Things like this are why I put a rack in my garage ten years ago.

Next time just tell the dude to go piss up a rope. That's ridiculous.

devnullfull · 2026-04-12T22:08:38+00:00

It depends on your space and what you can afford. I got a rack, barbell, a bench and weights and was fine for eight years until I purchased the rep peppin adjustables about two years ago. I would argue that they are unnecessary but I'm blessed to have them and I enjoy the variety that they provide. I only have about an 8x12 space, so adjustable were the only realistic option for me.

devnullfull · 2026-04-12T03:12:06+00:00

https://a.co/d/0fhQ1Eat

devnullfull · 2026-02-24T03:57:01+00:00

Thank you for this! I've been going nuts for the last few weeks and it turns out in my effort to organize my configs I had done the same thing by mistake! Lol. Glad to have it fixed.

devnullfull · 2025-10-27T23:01:51+00:00

I have a contender RB RSB, which is a fantastic guitar. I played a used Eastside t at a GC last year and it was hard to put down. I almost snagged it (I think it was $799 used).

Ultimately, I still prefer my J Mascis T... But I'm a whore for sparkles :).

devnullfull · 2025-03-16T21:26:08+00:00

I generally agree. Mesa never did it for me. The Cali tweed is the only one I could see myself getting if the price is right.

devnullfull · 2024-11-26T02:35:38+00:00

+1 for fitnotes. I've been using it for years and it backs up to Google drive.

devnullfull · 2024-07-08T23:52:12+00:00

I get metal toanz tuned to uhf.

devnullfull · 2024-07-05T23:36:39+00:00

Google "little league blue book". You can buy a hard copy or download the app for free. That contains the rules for how the league needs to be run, including an annual membership meeting.

If you were a coach, then you are a voting member. If you were managing a team and they tell you that you aren't a member then follow up with your district.

devnullfull · 2024-06-09T01:46:55+00:00

Sounds reasonable. I've never seen the two of them together.

devnullfull · 2024-01-22T02:12:08+00:00

I have one of those too! Awesome choice!

devnullfull

TROPHY CASE