Switch From Gym To Home/garage Gym

txguy8888

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I started doing crossfit about 5 years ago and have really enjoyed it. I particularly enjoy the strength workouts and I basically just struggle through everything else. When I lived in a bigger city for the first couple of years, I really made a connection with the other members and there was a sense of community and accountability. I haven't been able to find the same environment at any of the 3 crossfits in my smaller town. For the past year I did alot of working out on my own due to traveling for work. Now that I'm not traveling, I rarely want to go to the gym after I get home from work. I am considering purchasing about $800 worth of squat rack, barbell and bumper plates so that I can workout on my own and have access to equipment. I already have a rower and a few other pieces of equipment at home. My question is: has anyone been in a similar situation and made the move from working out in a crossfit-style format to working out at home. When I worked out alone earlier this year, I followed a site called Street Parking that does all the programming for you and membership is about $20 per month. Looking forward to hearing any guidance.
 

twoton

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Do you need the bumper plates?
I ask because I spent some time looking into them and had a conversation with a guy who knows fitness and sells equipment (including bumper plates). He kind of steered me away from the bumpers.

He said the people I had seen dumping weights in the CrossFit videos aren’t themselves paying for those plates and bars. In other words, dropping bumper plates puts a lot of wear and tear on the plates and bars and they wear out and break down. For me, it wasn’t worth the investment.

I think the rack and bar are definitely good investments if you have the floor space. (I’d invest in a couple sheets of plywood to protect the flooring underneath, too.).
 
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txguy8888

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Do you need the bumper plates?
I ask because I spent some time looking into them and had a conversation with a guy who knows fitness and sells equipment (including bumper plates). He kind of steered me away from the bumpers.

He said the people I had seen dumping weights in the CrossFit videos aren’t themselves paying for those plates and bars. In other words, dropping bumper plates puts a lot of wear and tear on the plates and bars and they wear out and break down. For me, it wasn’t worth the investment.

I think the rack and bar are definitely good investments if you have the floor space. (I’d invest in a couple sheets of plywood to protect the flooring underneath, too.).

Thinking of bumper plates because that's all I've ever used. Plus won't make alot of noise if I do have to drop weight (which I generally don't even at the gym now). I will look into metal weights though. I have plenty of room, a two-car garage that I don't park in. It will be hot in the summer, but the gym is hot as well. I have some rubber horse-stall mats to put underneath everything even though it's just painted concrete.
 
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twoton

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Rubber mats are definitely a good idea. I’d still lay plywood underneath, or OSB, to help protect the concrete. Spending $20-$25 on the wood will save a whole lot compared to repairing cracks.
I guess I’m recommending a basic lifting platform.
 
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bothhands

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Good luck my brother!!! I have just about everything in my basement and never use it. I have to go to the gym, I make time to go after work if I wait till I get home, I think of a shit load of other stuff I need to get done.
 
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4294991

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I'm just not a gym person, I don't go to the gym. I've bought my own equipment. I have a workout bench, a kettle bell, three sets of dumbbells, weighted jump rope, resistant bands, parallettes, medicine ball, ankle weights. And I just research all the the different exercises I can do and I've had great progress. I focus better, and I'm a writer, so It allows me to just transition right into that. I also don't like drawing public attention so.

I think it comes down to what feels more comfortable and beneficial to you.
 
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894956

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I'm just not a gym person, I don't go to the gym. I've bought my own equipment. I have a workout bench, a kettle bell, three sets of dumbbells, weighted jump rope, resistant bands, parallettes, medicine ball, ankle weights. And I just research all the the different exercises I can do and I've had great progress. I focus better, and I'm a writer, so It allows me to just transition right into that. I also don't like drawing public attention so.

I think it comes down to what feels more comfortable and beneficial to you.
And you can wear it not wear whatever you want to.
 

palmer

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I went to a big box gym and decided it was cheaper /easier to do a home gym with some kettlebells/maces/clubs and a rower.
I'm surprised there's not a crossfit spot near you because they're usually everywhere.
 

Das_Boot

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I did the same. The commute killed my drive to workout so over the summer I invested in a rack with a pullup bar, bench, bars, plates, and a set of dumbbells. The freedom to be able to lift at home is great. No more rushing to the crowded ym afterwork while trying to figure out dinner. It also like that I don't feel pressure to hurry through sets. Luckily for me my work has a gym with treadmills and cable machines so I can still do cardio and other workouts. The bodybuilding.com app is great for choosing workouts that match the equipment you have and your goals.

The only downfall is that the garage isn't insulated so the winter sucks. I also miss the locker room views and occasional fun.