I just installed stall mats in my garage gym and went with the advice to use gorilla tape to keep the mats together. I was just curious what people did with the free edges as I’m only covering half my garage with them? Tape that to the ground or just leave as is?

Looking for a bench recommendation for a tall person. I would like adjustable, and if it accepts accessories, that would be great, but not a must-have. I'd like to invest in a great bench that can support me (I'm 6'4" 260lbs), so I'm willing to go pretty high on cost if I need to.

I'm looking at the Ironmaster Pro V2 because of the attachments, but it looks less sturdy than some of the other options on the market.

Any thoughts welcome. Thanks in advance!

Hello! Not sure if this is the right place for this. I have a rack with a functional trainer option. It has a ton of friction the whole way through but especially on the descent. I use silicon lubricant and it helps but it still ain't ideal. I was looking at replacing the pulley bearings but they have an "extended race". I wasn't sure if using a regular bearing with washers was possible but I haven't tried. I also thought maybe I could replace the bushings on the carriage with linear bearings. Does anyone know if this is possible or even worth doing?

I am trying to find out if the dimensions given on line are ID or OD on the crossmember. For instance, for a 30” crossmember, would the actual width from upright post be 30” or 30.5” given the mounting plates are 1/4”?

Given my basement ceiling restrictions (90") I am currently looking at the Vesta Pro 2in1 series racks and the BoS All in one Trainer (two pulleys, one weight stack). The Rep Athena or Ares are also being considered (first choice), but given my ceiling height I would have to go with the the 80". Any info on either the racks and/or the company (customer service, etc). would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking for a weight stack functional trainer that can fit into a closet. I was gonna demo the closet to make room for equipment in the room but realized there are some functional trainers that can fit into the closet and I can save myself some headache. The weight stack option would be great because I won't have to try to load plates in the small space. I dearly, the functional trainer would be 80" tall about 60" wide and options for depth.. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I have a Rep Apollo half rack and looking to add a pulldown/low row capability. Unfortunately, the REP attachment adds too much depth so I'm looking at alternatives and came across the Bridge Built system. It looks like it would work, but I haven't seen any reviews out there.

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions/solutions for a mat or tarp to protect our gym floor in the winter. We have a single car garage and have no choice but to park one vehicle in the garage for 10 weeks in the winter when we are not allowed to park on the street. We have interlocking mats on the back half of the garage where our gym is located. I’m ideally looking for a solution to protect these mats but also that I can move out of the way easily once the car is moved out so we can workout. Ideally something available in Canada or Ontario!

Looking to get an all in one home gym for my basement. Drop ceiling is 81”. I have been going to the gym for past 20 years and it’s time to invest. Workouts are consistent with your average 35 year old bodybuilder. Budget is 2k including 3-400 lbs of plates.

I’ve got a Fitness Reality 810XLT that I’d like to start tacking on to.

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I’d love to get the bumper weights off the inside 24” of my rack and put somewhere else, while keeping the rack stable. I think my only option is the

• Rep 1000 weight storage extension

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Next I want to get a lat pulldown. I think I should probably just go with

• Fitness Reality lat pulldown / pro gear lat pulldown

But want to keep from using the terrible leg pad that slides into the pin and pipe. Should I go with

• Rep 1100 flip down safeties
• Rep 5000 series leg roller attachments (into flip down safeties)

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I need to stay safe while benching inside the rack. I’d also love to do deadlifts, but my floor can’t handle it. Maybe rack pulls will suffice? So maybe one of these two options

• Rep 1100 flip down safeties (as mentioned before)
• Rep 1100 safety straps

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Hack / mod:

I’d love to find a way to attach a lat pulldown seat to the front of my rack and rig up a pulley system to get my lat pulldown to the front of the rack so I can have a dedicated pulldown station without needing to set up leg rollers every time. Looks like a 2x2 for this might be possible https://a.co/d/2IlBuZv

Any other ideas from the community?

Has anyone purchased this or heard anything about this unit? Looks like a budget, plate-loaded, freemotion machine kind of. Seems pretty cool and at that price it could be a steal.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-SF-XF922044/dp/B0CL5J7SXQ?crid=36WV9BNX7Y4YE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.txLTlY-16JMXzTnEvxY1Bw7OW-DhaBwo51gqcQcNaULRnWMvaZ1KKRgHSEx2xtzcrws_woP90x3QL-DGuqBgl9UQQqnoVG0Xx7OSMKxE8ZDrfi3iMaCMA5jUkApXBq19AezmYaNaqUjswgBhEb75NitAmAbnhQy1QZcjAnxunbq4BJBRQstHU1bgKJAy5MPWLiGG473SUjv_V8YdWoVgzxlwcqxiXTnNTgjy2mCFOA4k6oYACojlSgefi0MSTkpVGd_SYiBEWBE0xcVwFPWmbaRBc0RBbPgO5Yhbp_pRo8GAEU50p_DnovBSm1DEe_vMf13HWCRDjsrNBmjfPlHSjjdj0fu1Eo6cn4YNYrFIGp_mocfzjo4Jxc9AvTeeAcqUbuPrLKQBA_USqmqyABdCvGx-uKFw1SPOAh4vrOzDcE8WxjSD7eZdqiJOSIfvT3Vy.NucGzlacm3zNjTACzKik8rVu0ex5HNKzoJuy8SaDuUE&dib_tag=se&keywords=functional%2Btrainer&qid=1738331099&sprefix=functional%2Btrain%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-18&th=1

For any body in this group looking at buying either the Aries 2.0 or the Reppin dumbbells, I have from a reliable source that REP is about to stop offering local pickup for their preorder products for the next SIX MONTHS. This is because their leadership visited their main factory in China and was unhappy with safety standards so they fired them and are now looking to fill a massive gap in their supply chain. They don’t have another factory ready and have less then 200 Aries left before they are completely out. This is something they are going to roll out quietly and probably will not advertise on their socials

This means no one can get the discount for warehouse pickup on these items and all of them will have to ship. I was told they are also hoping this time gives them the chance to fix the manufacturing errors a lot of people are seeing in their crates where people are getting the wrong items or items with problems. Even for getting them shipped, within the next few weeks expect the wait time for an Aries to jump from a few weeks to a few months like back earlier in the year

I have an old cap bar that’s slightly bent and cap metal plates from high school. I am about to upgrade to a new bar and some rubber plates. Price wise they come out to about the same for a new 20kg bar with 4x45, 2x25, and 4x10 plates (the black plates from Nike and Rogue Echo V2). Rogue is slightly less but with shipping it comes out to Nikes price at Dicksportinggoods with free shipping.

I can’t make up my mind on which way to go.

1” Bioplastic Grip Nuts - 3D printed PLA over metal nut

$16.95 for 1 at SurplusStrength.com

Knurled Hand Knobs - 3D printed PETG over metal nut

$20.00 for 2 at JDGymEquipped.com

ARC Speed Knobs - 3D printed over stainless metal nut - Colors!

$15.99 for 1 at MutantMetals.com

Any others out there that you know of?

I am looking to see what cable attachments might work on my rack. I know they have some from Titan but just wondering if anyone has used them or another companies cable system. Thanks.

I am planning on building a home gym. Starting with dumbbells (most likely getting the rep pepins), I am now wondering what bench I should buy. I looked at the Iron Master Super bench and the Rep BlackWing. Does anyone have a suggestion?

I've spent the last few days researching power racks, and from what I've gathered, the most important factor is ensuring it has 3x3 uprights for maximum attachment compatibility. Other key features people emphasize include:

1. 3x3 uprights – Essential for compatibility with a wide range of attachments.
2. 6 uprights – Provides better stability and eliminates the need for bolting it down.
3. 1-inch hole size – Again, improves attachment compatibility.
4. Max 2-inch hole spacing – Helps with fine-tuning bar and safety placement.
5. 11 gauge steel - I'm not doing crazy weight, so not sure how important this is for me

I'll primarily be using it for squats, bench press (flat/incline), shoulder presses, and deadlifts (though those are outside the rack). I'd also like to add cable attachments to simulate a gym-style cable machine—lat pulldowns and leg attachments would be a big plus.

The problem is, finding a true 3x3 power rack is harder than expected. Google and Amazon keep flooding results with 2x2 and 2x3 racks. After some digging, I found these two:

• REP (PR-5000) - $1650

• Rouge RML-690 Monster Lite Rack - $1800

The Rouge one has the smaller hole size (5/8" instead of 1"), and the prices are just for racks with no attachments. Is that just the going rate for a 3x3, 6-upright rack, or are there solid clones at a better price?

So I have in total 6 garage spaces, 3 attached to our home and 3 detached with the deck and skyway bridge that leads over to the loft and detached garage. I used one of the bays on the attached garage as my gym for a while but still looking to start fresh and fill this space. I would like to start with:

• Power Cage
• 2 barbells
• new gym floor
• bench
• quality plates that aren’t rogue or nike(overpriced!)
• rowing machine

Also eventually wanting to add a belt squat and hack squat.

Any recommendations?

Hi All, I’m building a home gym and curious if this seems like a decent deal on Powerblock adjustable dumbbells. Descriptions says barely used and goes up to 90 lbs. thanks in advance!

Squatting 2 days ago, usually feel a bit of pressure on rear delts during squat but nothing concerning, re racking weights I used my left arm a bit (I know) and felt some discomfort which subsided immediately. Next morning rear delt area of shoulder is sore to rotate and aches. Sounds like no big deal but stupid me researched this and everything comes up as rotator cuff and l'm screwed. It's possible as rear delt doesn't hurt when flexed just rotated. Anyways I'm scared honestly and don't want to lose any/much progress, anyone have any experience with minor shoulder injuries/ strains? Will I be back to 100% soon? Full ROM w/ some pain. Pain subsides slightly with motion and stretching

I’ve been waiting approximately five months for the Prime Smart Arm to finally be released. Upon seeing Prime’s teasers this past Summer, I decided to take the risk and sell my selectorized Prime Leg Extension/Curl Combo, my selectorized Strive Bicep Curl, and my selectorized Strive Tricep Extension machines. It just made total sense to replace three (four) machines with one, not only to free up space in my garage but to free up coin for other wants and needs (leg press etc) to cover as many bases as possible.

I knew it was a risk but it seemed like a risk worth taking because I have been a Prime Fitness fanatic since receipt of my HLP rack in 2022 and I figured if anybody could pull something like this off it’d be them.

Enter receipt of the Smart Arm. Unbelievable packaging as usual. The Smart Arm was heavier than expected but I consider that to be a good thing so it’s not some flimsy attachment. Installation was pretty easy because Prime provides assembly instructions AND a user guide.

Setup: Not rocket science but definitely a slight learning curve that will definitely get easier with experience. Even though the guide is readily available I’m going to save the settings in my phone same as I do with all the machines I’ve had both past & present (I note them right in my workout app). I may also make some markings on the floor if I find it necessary.

User Experience: As good as expected (insert phew emoji)!!! Not better, not worse, but as good as expected (further explanation will be included in my constructive criticisms). I have the unique ability to judge the Smart Arm exercises against their stand alone counterparts since I’ve owned each one of them (Selectorized Strive Lying Leg Curl, Selectorized Strive Leg Extension, Selectorized Strive Bicep Curl, Selectorized Strive Tricep Pushdown, and the Selectorized Prime Leg Extension/Curl Combo).

Thankfully, each exercise felt fantastic. Once I got things dialed in I tried the main four movements…

Lying Leg Curl: It did feel similar to Prime/Strive’s stand alone leg curl and leg combo machines. I was unsure how this would feel after seeing the higher angle on Austin Current’s YouTube video but luckily it did seem to hit right.

Leg Extension: Surprisingly good! I was most worried about this movement as I was not sure if the bench post would prevent full stretch like my combo machine provided but I did have enough clearance for the biggest stretch possible and the movement felt great! Very similar to both my Selectorized Strive Leg Extension and Prime Leg Extension/Curl Combo.

Bicep Curl: This was my second biggest concern considering the main point of offing my leg combo would be to do it for the addition of a preacher curl machine (thus having a three in one machine in lieu of a two in one machine). I also had concerns about setup for this movement as it doesn’t utilize the bench locator but after nailing down perfect positioning it hit just like my Strive Bicep Curl Machine!

Tricep Pushdown: I figured if the main three movements on the Smart Arm were good this would be an added bonus. This was probably the easiest to setup and it did hit just like my Strive Tricep Pushdown, although the lack of a back pad might force me to lighten the load to maintain stability.

Constructive Criticisms: My main criticisms are kind of expected when you’re dealing with attachments and setups vs the use of stand alone machines. It takes a minute to setup. There is some slop (slight play in the bench, the arm, and the attachments, because all the parts move in conjunction with one another but are not connected) and the bench is light-unlike a several hundred pound stand alone commercial machine. The top of the leg extension seat that I received does not look like Prime quality cosmetically because of loose/wrinkled material and the disc-like ends on Tricep Extension attachment handles are a cheaper material than my Strive Tricep Attachment had.

Overall Impressions: I’m happy to say that I’m a bit relieved. I had alot riding on this and I am not disappointed. I’m very particular and everyone who knows me knows that there was a 50% chance I’d be returning this or selling this within 24 hours if it wasn’t up to my standards.

So, was it worth the risk? For me, YES! 💪🏼

@garage_gym_connoisseur on IG

I am looking to build a rep ares 2.0. The blackwing has the hope of future attachments and fits in the lat pull down foot guard because it's made for it. That's nice.

But my wife might also use the bench and that would be too heavy to move around I think..

We put 80 pounds on a bar in a landmine to try and simulate it and it was quite heavy for me, especially for her.

But I'm building the ares 2.0 so I feel like I should get the blackwing for the possible leg extension and whatever else to get the most of my experience.... But damn that was heavy.

Looking at other options. Came to ask if anyone could nudge me in a direction. Seems simultaneously silly and smart to buy something for "future" compatibility but not current.

Maybe the future attachments will be rack attachments and not bench attachments?

Thanks

Hey, I'm hoping some people who own this bench can weigh in.

I'm considering purchasing the iron master super bench pro v2. I like that it's light weight whilst being heavy duty, and that I can face the pad without having to make out with the bench by raising the seat height.

However, I am wondering whether it's worth paying the price for the bench if I'm not interested in buying into the rest of the ecosystem. I'll be purchasing other equipment which can do those exercises better. Possibly I'll get the preacher curl some day, but that's it.

Also, I'm a little worried about the bench seat being fixed at 90° compared to the bench. Is this uncomfortable during incline exercises or when facing the bench? In gyms, I leave the bench seat horizontal, so I'm unsure how cumbersome it would feel.

Thanks in advance!