How We Built Our Garage Gym (and What We Actually Use)
A simple garage gym, built a piece at a time. Here is what is in it, what we'd buy again and what to know before you start.
Our top picks
- Top pickThe anchorSimilar to ours CAP Power Rack with Pull-Up Bar
- Squats, presses and pull-ups in one frame
- Open front is easy to step into
- Best benchBench workSimilar to ours Marcy Olympic Weight Bench
- Flat, incline and decline in one bench
- Built-in bar catch and leg developer
- Best add-onRack add-onIn our home Landmine Attachment
- Fits over a rack post in seconds
- Adds presses and rows without more gear
Jump to…
We didn't plan a big build. We started with a rack, a bench and a bar, then added pieces as we actually needed them. Start with the rack and bench, then add what you miss.
The rack wall
CAP power rack with pull-up bar
Everything starts here. An open-front rack holds the bar for squats and presses and gives you a pull-up bar on top.
CAP Barbell Power Rack Stand with Pull-Up Bar (FM-CS7000F)
- Pull-up bar and bar catches in one frame
- Small footprint for a one-car garage
Watch out: Measure your ceiling height first
HXD-ERGO landmine attachment
The exact landmine on our rack. It slips over a post and turns one end of the bar into presses and rows.
HXD-ERGO Landmine Attachment for 2" Olympic Bars
- Rows, presses and twists with one bar
- Fits 2-inch Olympic bars
Good to know: Needs a heavy base or a rack post to anchor it
Jamestry pull-up assistance bands
The bands hanging on our hooks. Loop one over the bar for help on pull-ups, or use them for warm-ups.
Jamestry 5-Level Pull Up Assistance Resistance Bands
- Five strengths, from assisted pull-ups to stretching
- Light enough to hang on a rack hook
Watch out: Check for nicks before each use; replace worn bands
Bench, bar and weights
Marcy Olympic weight bench
A bench that goes flat, incline or decline, with a built-in bar catch and a leg developer.
Marcy Olympic Weight Bench with Leg Developer (MWB-4491)
- Flat, incline and decline in one bench
- Built-in bar catch and leg developer
Good to know: Assembly takes a while; plan an afternoon
CAP 7 ft Olympic bar and grip plates
A standard Olympic bar with spring collars, and plates with cut-out handles that are easier to carry and load.
CAP Barbell 7-Foot Olympic Bar with Clamp Collars
- Standard 7 ft bar for bench and squats
- Clamp collars included
Good to know: Make sure your rack is wide enough for a 7 ft bar
CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plates
- Hand grips make plates easy to carry
- Fits any 2-inch Olympic bar
Watch out: Cast iron can rust; keep it dry
Yes4All adjustable dumbbells
For short sessions when we don't want to load the bar.
Yes4All 40 lb Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell Set (pair)
- Adjustable pair that grows with you
- Spin-lock collars keep plates snug
Watch out: Changing weight takes a minute between sets
The floor
Titan turf flooring
Turf covers the concrete, so the floor is softer and quieter, with room to stretch.
Titan Fitness Artificial Turf Gym Flooring Roll, 15 x 4 ft
- Covers concrete for a softer, quieter floor
- Room to stretch and warm up
Good to know: Lay it out flat for a day before use
What we'd tell a friend
- Measure ceiling height before buying a rack, and leave room overhead for pull-ups.
- Buy the rack, bench and bar first. Add dumbbells and attachments later.
- Keep bands and attachments on hooks so the floor stays clear.
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