<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Level Up House</title> <atom:link href="/category/home-improvement/garage-home-improvement/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link></link> <description>Home is the best place on earth</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:52:01 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5</generator> <item> <title>Get Fit at Home with a DIY Garage Gym</title> <link>/2014/setting-up-a-home-gym-in-the-garage/</link> <comments>/2014/setting-up-a-home-gym-in-the-garage/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jan 2014 14:00:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Garage]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=2675</guid> <description><![CDATA[As we start a new year and everyone resolves to get fit, gyms are on everyone’s mind these days. If you’ve got a bit of space in your garage, here’s what you could do with it! Lifting is one of our favorite hobbies (both of us!), and we’ve always wanted to set up our own […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we start a new year and everyone resolves to get fit, gyms are on everyone’s mind these days. If you’ve got a bit of space in your garage, here’s what you could do with it!</p> <div id="attachment_2710" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2710" class="size-full wp-image-2710" alt="Setting up a home gym in the garage weight lifting cardio" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21.jpg" width="512" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21-185x185.jpg 185w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/our_home_gym_in_garage21-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2710" class="wp-caption-text">Home is where the gym is!</p></div> <p>Lifting is one of our favorite hobbies (both of us!), and we’ve always wanted to set up our own little home gym. Home gyms don’t have to be expensive or huge – ours cost <em>less than $2500 for everything in it</em>, thanks to buying our major equipment on Craigslist. (If $2500 sounds crazy, the home gym we priced out at Precor’s store was well over $6000.)</p> <p>In this lengthy post, I’ll show you everything that’s in our gym, why it’s awesome, and where we got it. If you’re interested in setting up a home gym in the garage, read on!</p> <h1>Setting up a Home Gym</h1> <p>We like to <strong>lift</strong>. Everything else is fluff! Obviously, the thing we both wanted for the home gym was a <strong>squat rack, </strong>a bench, a 45 lb<strong> Olympic bar, </strong>and a collection of <strong>plate weights </strong>to go with it. Throw in a set of adjustable dumbells and you’ve got all your major lifts covered!</p> <h2>Lifting Equipment</h2> <h3><strong>Power Rack + Olympic Bar + Weights</strong></h3> <div id="attachment_2696" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VLRVSC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VLRVSC&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2696" class=" wp-image-2696 " alt="setting up a home gym in the garage lifting rack" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/powerline_squat_rack.jpg" width="225" height="225" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/powerline_squat_rack.jpg 250w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/powerline_squat_rack-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/powerline_squat_rack-185x185.jpg 185w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/powerline_squat_rack-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2696" class="wp-caption-text">I don’t think the dude comes with it, which is too bad, because a built-in spotter would be <strong>sweet</strong>.</p></div> <p>Power racks are awesome: this simple cage positions the bar so you can do squats and bench presses. You can also do deadlifts, pull ups, and dips – heck, you can even stand in the rack doing curls. (Don’t do curls in the rack at a commercial gym. :P)</p> <p>This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VLRVSC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000VLRVSC&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">PowerLine Power Rack</a> isn’t the exact same rack I have, but it’s got the same features that make mine awesome:</p> <ul> <li>pull up bar</li> <li>adjustable safety bars</li> <li>separate set of hooks for squat mode</li> <li>plus, it’s well-reviewed on Amazon!</li> </ul> <p>The only thing I’d miss are the numbered stickers, but you could easily add your own with some tape. (My power rack is a discontinued Tuff Stuff brand power rack.)</p> <p>Find your 45-lb Olympic bar and weight plates at any local used sporting goods store. These equipment pieces are durable and easy to find secondhand for big savings.</p> <p><strong><strong>Power Rack Workouts</strong></strong></p> <p>A power rack is extremely versatile, and a safe way to set yourself up for the three biggie lifts: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sxrlGM2hU2Y#t=20">squat</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sxrlGM2hU2Y#t=20">bench press</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=rT7DgCr-3pg#t=8">deadlift</a>. <em>(Links go to YouTube videos showing proper form). </em>A rack is also good for pull ups, barbell lunges, and tricep dips.</p> <h3><strong>Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbells</strong></h3> <div id="attachment_2676" style="width: 189px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_gym_best_dumbells.jpg"><img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2676" class="wp-image-2676 " alt="setting up a home gym in the garage bowflex adjustable dumbells" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_gym_best_dumbells.jpg" width="179" height="142" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_gym_best_dumbells.jpg 425w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_gym_best_dumbells-300x239.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/home_gym_best_dumbells-185x147.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 179px) 100vw, 179px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2676" class="wp-caption-text">My <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ARYU58/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ARYU58&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbells</a> are absolute treasures. Quickly switch between different weights, from 7.5 up to 52.5 lbs.</p></div> <p>Adjustable dumbells <em>rule</em> because they take up so little space. It’s like collapsing that long row of dumbells at the gym into just one set. Bonus: the only sweat on them is yours.</p> <p>I have a set of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ARYU58/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001ARYU58&linkCode=as2&tag=diy07a-20">Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbells</a> and they’re worth every penny. They feel great in my hands, change easily, and haven’t broken after several years of near-daily use. (The pictured dumbells are a slightly newer version of the set I use.)</p> <ul> <li><strong>Go from 7.5 lbs to 52.5</strong> with the turn of a dial.</li> <li><strong>They take up almost no space</strong></li> <li><strong>Rugged as hell</strong> (though I don’t make a point of dropping them)</li> <li><strong>Flat “bottom” edge</strong> so they don’t roll away on you</li> <li><strong>Safe to hold over your head</strong> – the plates won’t fly or fall off the dumbell</li> </ul> <p><strong>Dumbell Workouts</strong></p> <p>There’s literally no shortage to the variety of workouts you can do with dumbells:</p> <ul> <li>dumbell bench presses</li> <li>bicep curls</li> <li>flyes</li> <li>upright rows</li> <li>tricep kickbacks</li> <li>lunges</li> <li>one-armed rows</li> </ul> <p>… the list goes on and on, it’s<em> ridiculous</em>. Check out <a href="http://www.dumbbell-exercises.com/top-10/">www.dumbbell-exercises.com</a> for like, a <em>billion</em> dumbell exercise ideas, complete with cute animations.</p> <p><strong>One last note:</strong> Don’t buy those “hand in a box” dumbells, they’re too restrictive on your range of motion and the variety of exercises you can do. You want dumbell-shaped dumbells.</p> <h3><strong>Body Vision Power Tower</strong></h3> <div style="width: 167px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M29CCI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000M29CCI&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" " alt="body_vision_power_tower" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/body_vision_power_tower.jpg" width="157" height="280" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M29CCI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000M29CCI&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">Body Vision Power Tower</a>: get a hardcore core workout!</p></div> <p>At first glance a power tower it looks sort of like a seatless chair, but the power tower is a versatile and efficient piece of equipment for your home gym. Back at the commercial gyms, I’d see ripped guys doing dips and chin-ups on these things with weights hanging from their waist – you <em>never</em> outgrow a power tower. It doesn’t have any moving parts – that’s because <em>you’re</em> the weight.</p> <p>Do push-ups, pull-ups, knee-raises, and dips to give your upper body and “core” muscles a pretty brutal workout. When I first got the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000M29CCI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000M29CCI&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">my Body Vision Power Tower</a>, I could barely hang from it for more than a few seconds – now I use it for pull-ups and dips.</p> <ul> <li><strong>chin-ups </strong>and<strong> pull-ups </strong>with multiple hand positions for arm strengthening workouts</li> <li><strong>leg and knee raises </strong>for leg and core workouts</li> <li><strong>dip station</strong> for tricep dips, working your triceps and chest muscles</li> <li><strong>foot grips / push up bars</strong> near the bottom for pushups (not that you can’t just do these on the floor…)</li> <li><strong>just plain hangin’ around</strong> because even that’s pretty tough after a while!</li> </ul> <p>This power tower is height adjustable on assembly – it’s not adjustable once it’s put together. At 5’8″ and 170 lbs I fit on it great, but my 6’4″ husband at 210 lbs finds it a bit rocky.</p> <p><em>PS: I can’t believe I got to write “power tower” in complete seriousness!</em></p> <h2>Home Gym Cardio Equipment</h2> <h3><strong>Precor EFX 5.23 Elliptical</strong></h3> <p>Precor is basically the king of elliptical machines, owning most of the patents and the best commercial models. Precor is by far my favorite brand: I’ve tried other brands in gyms and on showroom floors, and they’re just not as good. They wobble, or feel weird, or are missing great features like adjustable incline. My <a href="http://www.precor.com/en-us/commercial/products/commercial/cardio/precor-products/ellipticals">Precor 5.23</a> is a commercial model with static “arms”.</p> <p>Here’s an official photo of it:</p> <div style="width: 262px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.precor.com/en-us/commercial/products/commercial/cardio/precor-products/ellipticals"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" " alt="precor_home_gym_elliptical" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/precor_home_gym_elliptical.jpg" width="252" height="252" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">My <a href="http://www.precor.com/en-us/commercial/products/commercial/cardio/precor-products/ellipticals">Precor elliptical</a> has seen hundreds of hours of use, and it’s still going strong. Sturdy and rugged, I love this thing.</p></div> <p>And here’s mine in the garage, looking quite a bit more cluttered (but you get the idea!). I set it up to face a multi-tiered shelf, which used to hold a TV (until the TV mysteriously stopped working). Also on the shelf are my speakers, weight lifting gloves, and some household storage.</p> <div id="attachment_2680" style="width: 522px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/My_precor_home_gym_elliptical.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2680" class="size-full wp-image-2680" alt="My_precor_home_gym_elliptical" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/My_precor_home_gym_elliptical.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/My_precor_home_gym_elliptical.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/My_precor_home_gym_elliptical-300x225.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/My_precor_home_gym_elliptical-185x138.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2680" class="wp-caption-text">It’s not as cluttered as it looks, I swear. :)</p></div> <p>If you’re shopping for an elliptical, plan to spend a good deal of time figuring out your preferences.</p> <p>These are my preferences:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Adjustable incline </strong>– Good way to get some variety into your workout</li> <li><strong>Adjustable resistance</strong> – Don’t even consider an elliptical without the ability to crank up the resistance</li> <li><strong>Sturdy design</strong> – When testing, get on an elliptical and go <em>full speed – </em>half the models I tested wobble in a good HIIT workout, but my Precor is solid</li> <li><strong>No swinging arms</strong> – I’ve been smacked by swinging arms enough, and they become especially dangerous on high speed “runs”. I often carry weights when using the elliptical, anyway.</li> <li><strong>Water bottle / iPod shelf </strong>– Essential for a $1500+ piece of equipment, I think</li> <li><strong>Magazine shelf</strong> – for leisurely workouts :)</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Home Gym Accessories</strong></h2> <h3><strong>Cyber Acoustics Subwoofer Satellite System</strong></h3> <p>This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027VT6V4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0027VT6V4&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">Cyber Acoustics speaker system</a> is the same one I bought for my garage gym 2 years ago. It’s been a <strong>#1 best seller on Amazon forever</strong>, and for good reason: the base is thumping, the volume goes louder than most noise ordinances allow for, and it sounds <em>fantastic</em>. The deluxe speaker system hooked up to my computer cost 5x more than this system, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – this one’s <strong>better!!</strong></p> <p>My favorite features:</p> <ul> <li><strong>AWESOME BASE</strong> – my #1 requirement in a sound system. I <em>hate</em> flat sound!</li> <li><strong>Volume adjuster “pod” is on a long wire</strong>, making it accessible unlike, say, a knob on an out-of-the-way speaker</li> <li><strong>Base can be adjusted separate from volume</strong></li> <li><strong>Works with iPod/iPhone/smartphone</strong> – plug one end of an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K1C91W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005K1C91W&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">aux-in cable</a> into your device’s headphone port and the other end into the control pod’s “AUX IN” port</li> </ul> <div id="attachment_2697" style="width: 370px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027VT6V4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0027VT6V4&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2697" class=" wp-image-2697" alt="cyber_acoustics_subwoofer_satellite_system_best_home_gym_speakers" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cyber_acoustics_subwoofer_satellite_system_best_home_gym_speakers.jpg" width="360" height="197" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cyber_acoustics_subwoofer_satellite_system_best_home_gym_speakers.jpg 450w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cyber_acoustics_subwoofer_satellite_system_best_home_gym_speakers-300x164.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cyber_acoustics_subwoofer_satellite_system_best_home_gym_speakers-185x101.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2697" class="wp-caption-text">Badass sound and all the best features.</p></div> <h3><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">Resistance Bands</strong></h3> <p>I collected a number of resistance bands over the years, but if I was starting from scratch I’d get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7245456313/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=7245456313&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">this set of resistance bands by Black Mountain Products</a>.</p> <p>This set is awesome because multiple bands can be combined with one handle. If you’ve ever tried to use multiple handles at once, you know how frustrating (and silly) it can get trying to wrangle ’em into alignment. If you’re new to working out with bands, you’re in for a treat – bands are great at working smaller groups of muscles that get overlooked in larger lifts, travel easily, and can be used while idly doing something else (I often use mine while watching TV or going for a “float” on the elliptical).</p> <ul> <li>Multiple resistance levels</li> <li>Combine bands with one handle</li> <li>Convenient storage / travel bag</li> <li>Ankle strap for leg workouts</li> </ul> <div id="attachment_2698" style="width: 262px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7245456313/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=7245456313&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2698" class=" wp-image-2698" alt="BMP_resistance_bands" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands.jpg" width="252" height="252" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands.jpg 600w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands-150x150.jpg 150w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands-300x300.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands-185x185.jpg 185w, /wp-content/uploads/2015/01/BMP_resistance_bands-120x120.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2698" class="wp-caption-text">Black Mountain Products makes an awesome <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7245456313/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=7245456313&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">set of resistance bands</a> – use ’em alone or combine them for a tougher workout.</p></div> <h3><strong>Bowflex Adjustable Bench</strong></h3> <p>This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BH7CB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BH7CB2&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">adjustable Bowflex bench</a> is the exact same one I have in my home gym. I think it’s awesome – if you’re considering a bench, invest in an adjustable bench and open up a huge variety of free weight workouts. Combine with a set of adjustable dumbells and there isn’t much you<em> can’t</em> do with just these two pieces of equipment.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Four positions </strong>– straight upright, leaned back, flat, and decline</li> <li><strong>Sturdy with a rugged vinyl cover</strong> – if you’ve read this far, you know how obsessed I am with durability!</li> <li><strong>Leg pad attachment </strong>– holds your legs in place, essential for some lifts</li> </ul> <div id="attachment_2677" style="width: 250px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BH7CB2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BH7CB2&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20""><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2677" class=" wp-image-2677" alt="bowflex_adjustable_bench" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bowflex_adjustable_bench.jpg" width="240" height="223" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bowflex_adjustable_bench.jpg 500w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bowflex_adjustable_bench-300x279.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bowflex_adjustable_bench-185x172.jpg 185w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-2677" class="wp-caption-text">Adjustable benches are worth it for the variety of inclines.</p></div> <h3><strong>Mirrors</strong></h3> <p>I got mine free – I found ’em in a neighbor’s remodel garbage heap. Try yard sales or back-to-school season sales for cheap mirrors.</p> <h3><strong>Cork Bulletin Board</strong></h3> <p>I mounted <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D632TA2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00D632TA2&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">this simple cork board</a> near our home gym to hang lifting logs and write down rack settings, and a weight cheat sheet.</p> <h1>Advantages of a Home Gym</h1> <p>There are sooo many advantages to having a home gym. Here’s just a few:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Always open</strong> – I used to get mad when I couldn’t work out on a holiday!</li> <li><strong>Private </strong>– I can make all the silly lifting faces I like, no one’s watching.</li> <li><strong>Shower and dress at home – </strong>Showing at the gym sucked, especially for Jim because the showers were open. EW.</li> <li><strong>Eat breakfast at home</strong> – I used to have to eat breakfast at the office because it wasn’t economical to drive back home before work.</li> <li><strong>No waiting for equipment</strong> – That guy curling in the squat rack is not my problem anymore! :D</li> <li><strong>Use it for as little or as much time as you like</strong> – Sometimes I go down for just 10 minutes – not worth driving to the gym for, but easy to do at home.</li> <li><strong>Post logs and records on the wall</strong> – A cheap cork board mounted on the wall near our rack gave me a place to record workouts</li> </ul> <h1>Disadvantages of a Home Gym</h1> <p>Nope, none.</p> <p>Naw, just kidding – the biggest disadvantages of a home gym are the <strong>cost to set it up </strong>and the<strong> space it requires</strong>. At $2200, we were essentially buying a 3-and-a-half-year gym membership upfront. I do not recommend building a dedicated home gym unless you are already an avid gym-goer. We were somewhere in our fifth year of near-daily gym use when we put our home gym together.</p> <p>Some other (minor) disadvantages:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Negotiating gym time – </strong>There’s only one of each thing and two of us, so Jim and I coordinate who is using what and when</li> <li><strong>Less space in the garage</strong> – Many people here in the Pacific Northwest use their garages the way people in the Midwest use their basements – packed to the brim with stuff!</li> <li><strong>Garage can be kinda cold</strong> – but that’s just motivation to lift harder!</li> </ul> <h1>But I’m on a Budget! (Or In a Tiny Space)</h1> <p>I feel for you – I used to work out in my little apartment with equipment that could be tucked away when not in use. Here’s what I used – for less than $300 you can put together a respectable home gym with the following equipment:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EJMS6K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001EJMS6K&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">Iron Gym door frame chin-up bar</a> – Exact same model I have, has yet to damage a door frame or fall apart in 4+ years of use</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083QZA6W/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083QZA6W&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">CAP Barbell Adjustable Dumbell Set</a> – Goes up to 40 lbs, and you’ll run out of steam long before you run out of dumbell workouts</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7245456313/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=7245456313&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">Black Mountain Resistance Bands Set</a> – Combine ’em for extra resistance!</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000K7EPLS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000K7EPLS&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">GoFit ProBall Stability Ball</a> – Newer version of the stability ball I’ve used for four years (including a couple years of use as a desk chair)</li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007IS6ZG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0007IS6ZG&linkCode=as2&tag=leveluphouse-20">Valeo Deluxe Speed Rope</a> – For bursts of cardio (heck, jumping in place is pretty effective too, but I like the threat of a spinning rope to keep me going)</li> </ul> <p>The best part? All this stuff is super durable – you’ll use it for years, even if you put together a larger home gym later on. I think small equipment like the above is a great way to get started with home gymming – start small, and work your way up to a larger gym. If you don’t already like to exercise, jumping right into the deep end of a $3000+ home gym might not change that. I’ve seen <em>much</em> nicer home gyms than ours going unused, and I’ve seen crazy buff people whose only equipment is the sidewalk and a few dumbells.</p> <h1>Where’d you learn all this?</h1> <p><a href="http://forum.bodybuilding.com/">Bodybuilding.com’s forums</a> are my absolute favorite resource for nutrition, lifting techniques, equipment recommendations, and motivation. I’ve been a regular reader for six years and I highly recommend this community.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>/2014/setting-up-a-home-gym-in-the-garage/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Our Home Gym Equipment Comes Home</title> <link>/2011/home-gym-equipment-setup/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:56:53 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Garage]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=306</guid> <description><![CDATA[One of our reasons for buying a house was so that we could build a home gym into one half of the garage. This month, we worked towards that goal with the purchase of some gently-used gym equipment. Jim and I like to lift heavy things, so for years we’ve had this routine: – wake […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>One of our reasons for buying a house was so that we could build a home gym into one half of the garage. This month, we worked towards that goal with the purchase of some gently-used gym equipment.</em></p> <p>Jim and I like to lift heavy things, so for years we’ve had this routine: – wake up, drive to the gym, work out, shower at the gym, drive to work, eat breakfast at work, start work day. This is fine, but we would LOVE to do this at home instead. I found this great guy on Craigslist who was selling a suite of home gym equipment in great condition at a beyond-reasonable price:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Squat rack complete with safety bars</strong></li> <li><strong>Commercial grade Precor elliptical</strong></li> <li><strong>Olympic bars</strong></li> <li><strong>Weight plate set</strong></li> <li><strong>Adjustable dumbells</strong></li> <li><strong>Adjustable bench</strong></li> </ul> <p>Even better, he was located just miles away and he liked our offer. All we had to do was haul it home – my dad happened to be in town and with his rented minivan and our seller’s truck we got it all into our garage. Like this:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-307" title="HomeGym1" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym1.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym1.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>And our car like this:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sadcar.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-308" title="Sadcar" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sadcar.jpg" width="400" height="300" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sadcar.jpg 400w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sadcar-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p> <p>So we moved stuff around a few times until we finally got everything inside, and accessible, and with enough room for the car (who is now very happy). Our rack, weighs, bench, and leg curl machine go where our storage shelves, old vanity (we destroyed it), and garbage bins used to go.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-309" title="HomeGym2" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym2.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym2.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym2-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>Everything else got Tetris’d into the open area to the right of the car:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-310" title="HomeGym4" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym4.jpg" width="704" height="528" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym4.jpg 704w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym4-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px" /></a></p> <p>Everything’s cramped but accessible. This arrangement isn’t ideal, but I already have some ideas for improving it.</p> <p>The elliptical faces a TV I brought down from upstairs, which I connected to a low-end $50 Roku for access to Netflix and other channels while I air-jog. And the speakers connect directly to any device with a headphones jack, such as an iPod, for some good, loud workout music.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-311" title="HomeGym3" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym3.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym3.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/12/HomeGym3-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <h1>Home gym advantages:</h1> <ul> <li>I’m home 2 more hours a day</li> <li>I can blast my own music</li> <li>I shower and get dressed at home</li> <li>I don’t have to lug a gigantic gym bag into/out of the gym each morning</li> <li>No more gym membership fee</li> <li>I can grunt and yell and make faces</li> <li>I don’t have to drive 3 miles to get to an indoor workout</li> <li>I don’t have to share equipment with a hundred other people :D</li> <li>Jim or I can sleep late without derailing the other one’s workout</li> <li>It’s always open! Even on holidays!</li> <li>I can eat my breakfast at my table instead of my desk, with my husband instead of my coworkers</li> </ul> <p>Our home gym continued to evolve – <a href="/2014/setting-up-a-home-gym-in-the-garage/">read an update about our home gym here</a>!</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Garage painting part 2</title> <link>/2011/garage-painting-part-2/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mandi]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:36:30 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Garage]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">/?p=243</guid> <description><![CDATA[Question: What’s an easy way to make your neighbors think you’ve taken home updating too far? Answer: Paint your garage interior! The wall featured in last week’s painting project is making the rest of the garage look seriously grody. The garage is big and full of stuff, and some sections of its walls are in […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Question: What’s an easy way to make your neighbors think you’ve taken home updating too far? Answer: Paint your garage interior!</p> <p>The wall featured in <a href="/2011/07/garage-yard-upgrades/">last week’s painting project</a> is making the rest of the garage look seriously grody. The garage is big and full of stuff, and some sections of its walls are in need of repair, so painting it will be a multi-step process. Every neighbor who walked by quipped about turning our garage into a living room or some such, but the end result is worth it! Who wants a dirty garage?</p> <p>Uh oh, she’s got her painting clothes on…</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_3.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-244" title="GarageFarWall_3" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_3.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_3.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_3-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p>Target sighted:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_5.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-246" title="GarageFarWall_5" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_5.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_5.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_5-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_4.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" title="GarageFarWall_4" alt="" src="../wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_4.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a></p> <p>2 hours later:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_7.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-247" title="GarageFarWall_7" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_7.jpg" width="512" height="384" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_7.jpg 512w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_7-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></a></p> <p><a href="../wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" title="GarageFarWall_6" alt="" src="../wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_6.jpg" width="512" height="384" /></a></p> <p>Bet you can’t figure out where I ended the paint! Okay, I’m kidding about that, but I stopped there because the wall to the right of the door is in terrible shape and will need to have its lower section replaced. The door itself is a fright, and we’re still determining if we should try to salvage it or put in something new.</p> <p>And…the BONUS PROJECT makes its comeback, with Jim back in the game now that his back is better. Jim disabled the electricity and replaced the three electrical outlets with fresh new hardware. The plugs in the garage as so worn, it’s impossible to keep a plug in without resorting to tape. The wires were brittle and snapped off upon insertion, but Jim stuck with it and got ’em done.</p> <p>This particular outlet had a 3/4” gap in the drywall above it, like whoever cut the hole in the drywall messed up when measuring or cutting. Before painting this area, I cut a piece of drywall to fit from our stash of extra drywall and spackled it into place.</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-249" title="GarageFarWall_1" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_1.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_1.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_1-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>Sure, it’s not silky smooth, but the garage’s drywall is untextured and difficult to match to. At least the giant hole is gone! Check out Jim’s snazzy new plug and faceplate combo deal below. That Verizon battery never had it so good (yes, I removed the battery and painted behind it. We don’t paint around things in this house!).</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_8.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-250" title="GarageFarWall_8" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_8.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_8.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_8-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>Oh, and the mystery wall to the left of the window? It might’ve been cut to install this electrical box:</p> <p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-251" title="GarageFarWall_2" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_2.jpg" width="384" height="512" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_2.jpg 384w, /wp-content/uploads/2011/07/GarageFarWall_2-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></p> <p>Someone had something in mind for here, but for now we just put the cover back on it. I guess it’s nice to know we could have a really high up electrical outlet if we want one! So how’s that for a fun Saturday project? The 20 seconds I spent walking along this wall each day have just become a lot prettier!</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>