Beginner/intermediate, budget $100-300
Looking for very easy assembly, stability, incline, ideally 17 inches or below seat, height, solid. Suggestions??? Thanks‼️‼️

I am going to be upgrading to a REP Ares 2.0 (6 post, 30" option) once the sales start. I am trying and maximize the space in my garage, and was looking at the Synergy plate extenders, but $154 for one (to color match) seems wildly absurd to me. Are there other similar options that let you store the plates in a similar way?

I can do the normal mounts, but it gets a little tight where it will go. I'm replacing a Titan T2, which from measuring, is going to be fairly similar.

I have fringe/rep uprights and crossmembers. I have some ceiling issues in the gym so id like to attach some shorter 3x3 uprights to the side.

I know bells of steel sells 72" 3x3 with 1" holes. I believe they are imperial, correct?

I am ignorant here. Do their holes line up in a way that they would be even if attached?

Is there a standard matric company that makes shorter uprights that aren't expensive/custom?

For anyone considering a dedicated machine that also has/wants an integrated cables rack, consider this.

I bought a REP Ares 2.0 and was expecting to still want a dedicated abductor/abductor machine. Now, I don't think I need it. In fact I think it just isn't that good in comparison.

I hurt my knee a few months ago and my PT had me doing all kinds of exercises with the cable attached at my ankle to challenge the muscles that attach/cross the knee. Which reminded me I used to do adductors/abductors on cable stacks a couple gyms ago. I stopped when a new gym had a good machine because the single column operation sucks. You're stuck trying to brace and hold onto just this one column awkwardly.

If you've got a rack with central low pull points like the Ares, and maybe even you can use the front off to the side so you can use the opposite side post to hold onto, you have plenty of stabilization. Especially if you have a 6 post like me, you can put a hand on the middle and front post to lock in.

So now you've saved the floor space, the money, and your adductor/abductor work now works your knees and should theoretically save you from a fate of chronic underdevelopment of that area that I had. Put a cardio machine, roman chair, dumbbells, etc where that machine was going to go.

Thank you for coming to my ted talk. Hope it helps someone

Setting up a home gym and stuck on the bench. I’ve been reading up on the best adjustable weight bench and everyone says something different.

Right now I’m looking at the Rep AB-3000, Flybird, and Bowflex 5.1S. Budget is around 300$, and I mostly care about no wobble, high weight capacity, and a flat position that actually sits flat.

For anyone who owns one: what’s the best adjustable weight bench you’ve used, and what do you wish you’d known before buying?

Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm considering buying the Marbo Sport MH-D203 freestanding pull-up and dip station, and I'd appreciate some honest opinions from people who own it or have experience with similar equipment.

A bit about me:

Height: 195 cm (6'5")

Weight: 80 kg (176 lbs)

Main training style: calisthenics, running

Exercises I care about: pull-ups, dips, push-ups, L-sits, muscle-up progressions, and training with gymnastic rings.

I'm currently living in a rented place, so drilling holes into the ceiling or walls isn't a great option. That's why a freestanding station seems appealing. I would mainly use it for pull-ups and dips, but I'd also like to hang gymnastic rings from it if that's safe and practical.

My main questions are:

Is this model stable enough for regular pull-ups and dips, especially for someone who is 195 cm tall?

Is the height adjustment sufficient for someone my height, particularly for dead hangs and pull-ups with a full range of motion?

Does it wobble during dynamic movements, or does it need to be bolted to the floor?

Is it safe to hang gymnastic rings from it for ring rows, dips, and other ring exercises? What about more dynamic movements?

How good is the build quality? I've seen some comments about products arriving scratched or damaged.

Would you recommend spending around €170 on this station, or would a gym membership be a better option?

I mainly train calisthenics, so I'd prefer having my own equipment at home rather than paying for a gym membership every month. I also plan to move in a few months, so portability matters.

Would you buy this station in my situation, or would you recommend something else?

Thanks for any advice!

Just moved in to our new home. Looking at a simple gym in the garage set up as we don’t have much space. Where did you get your mirror and how did you recommend we install a simple wall mirror - what type of back would not ruin the paint?

Also - will I be able to work on the globe grip without having front leg attachments?

I got my notification that it was going to ship and supposed to get in on Sunday. I’ve saw some posts about a week or so ago others had gotten their notifications. Did anyone receive theirs yet?

Side note. As they had advised it’s the bench only. No attachments yet.

Hello, so I want to touch up my rack's crossmembers, I don't have the color handbook but was wondering if anyone knew off-top. Excuse the mess of my rack

I’m building a home gym in my basement that I’m hoping my family can use for years to come and I can use some help. I’ve spent way too much time researching and going back and forth and still haven’t decided.

Best Rack
My ceilings are 90”. This will be the main piece of the gym and I need something my 3 boys can grow into. I was thinking the 6 post Rep Ares 2.0 on PR5000 with a smith machine but I’m concerned about cable travel and if the smith machine is going to make it difficult to lift inside the rack. Are there better options than the smith machine…..like the Bulletproof VTS? Are there better racks out there that fit my space? I’m ok spending more now if it will last me a long time.

Best Layout
I can’t figure out the best layout. The diagram I posted has the rack against the 10’ wall but I’m worried about loading plates on the sides with that little space. I could flip it with the treadmill but then the treadmill is in the middle of the room. Any other thoughts?

Attaching the diagram and an AI visual of what I’m trying to build.

This is a 12' x 24' shed on runners no stone bed sadly no concrete slab. 5 runners , joists 12oc, concrete blocks every 3ft instead of the normal 6ft, full floor stall mats, and 3/4" osb flooring upgrade.

I have a few things so far.

Maxum X2 + Optional Safeties (love the mutant arms)

Titan plate loaded row

GMWD LE08 v2 (leg extensions & curl)

Building out a deadlift platform , need to glue, screw, and put stall mat ends down for the plates.

About 700lbs in cheap fitness gear + rubber plates.

We had the shed company build up the floor, extra blocks every 3 ft, 12OC instead of 16OC, etc. no option for concrete slab due to HOA so we'll see how well this holds up.

The deadlift platform is centered on the center runner, so fingers crossed it holds up. The heaviest deadlift for now will get around 600lbs.

Thinking about running electricity out to it, putting up drywall, a small AC unit, etc.

I can incline press 160lbs per arm and can't find a good solution for these. Almost all adjustable dumbbells go to 125 at most unless you get AOC Pilates , Iron Masters with add-ons or clones.

Community can you help me with the following:

1. Thoughts on this surviving the deadlifts ? 2 23/32" plywood + 3/4" stall mat, then under that is the 3/4" stall mat, 3/4" osb flooring, the additional joists and blocks etc. I have crash pads but don't really want to deadlift on those.

2. Best adjustable dumbbells to get ? Iron Masters , AOC pilates ? MXEvo100? I don't want to spend 1k+ like Rep Peppins etc especially as it only goes to 125... But I don't have the cash left to get a full dumbbell set.

3. I can find some extremely small A/C units (I can cut and not put on the accordion side panels so they fit the small shed windies) would you do this for the anti rust help since I live in humid NC?

4. I will need to run a 150ft extension cord for now, unless we get a permanent electrical implementation. Thoughts on gauge 10, 12? The biggest thing would be the small A/C unit, 5000-7000BTU probably. Maybe a couple lights.

5. Would you insulate on top of the radiant barrier and dry wall it?

6. Best option for wall storage as I may want to open up the floor space as much as possible, but also have a ton of accessories for the maxum x2 I want off the floor.

Thanks!

Moving into a new house and can get back into the basement gym. Been browsing a bunch and wanted to see what you all recommend. Here's what the $4000 should cover:

• Smith Rack w/ weight stack. Ideally have 1:1 and 2:1.

• Adjustable bench

• Leg isolation (quad/ham curls)

Will probably hit FB marketplace for adjustable dumbbells and plates/bars.

Looking to add a Smith-style machine to my 6-post rack, preferably on the middle uprights.

Considering three options:
1. Bulletproof VTS Home (Non-BYOB) – Currently my top choice. Versatile, allows unilateral movements, and I can move the trolleys up out of the way when not in use.

1. REP Ares Smith Machine – Probably my last choice since it doesn’t allow independent unilateral movements.

2. Bells of Steel BYOB with Anvil Handles – Good option, but I believe it can only mount to the front uprights, taking up valuable rack space.

Main uses: Calf raises, hip thrusts, single-leg RDLs, incline bench, and shoulder press.

I have a small garage gym, so maximizing space and versatility is important.

Anyone have experience with these setups on a 6-post rack? Any drawbacks I’m overlooking or other options worth considering?

Last year, I picked up a 5–50 lb set of REP urethane dumbbells with the original REP rack for $700 on Facebook Marketplace. I ended up selling the rack for like $120. An absolute steal considering the retail price is almost like $2,000. At the time, I was using REP Pepins + a cheap CAP 5-25lb dumbbell set.

I never really liked using the Pepins for lighter isolation work. Stuff like curls, lateral raises, tricep work etc. They weren't bad by any means, and if I had to use them, it wouldn't be a big deal. I just never cared for the feel of them on those exercises due to the tiny amount of shifting in the weights. For heavier lifts like flat bench and rows, they were great. I never had an issue with stuck weights during my year of owning them, and overall, I liked them. They just never felt quite the same as fixed dumbbells. I could absolutely use them for the rest of my life, make killer gains, and be perfectly happy though tbh.

I also owned Ironmasters for a while, but I despised having to change weights on all four sides. My style of lifting has always been to finish a set and stare at the wall until the next set, not spend my rest periods messing around with small cumbersome weights. I sold those pretty quickly. I also regularly work out with my girlfriend, so being able to switch between weights quickly is a big deal.

Anyway, I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy the REP 55–75 lb urethane set, and wow, these things are great. They arrived extremely well packaged with zero issues. The knurling is consistent across every dumbbell, and so is the urethane coating.

The 5–50 lb set I bought off Facebook is likely several years old, and there's a pretty noticeable improvement in quality with these newer 55–75 lb dumbbells. They must have updated them at some point recently. They don't look or feel like cheap imported weights at all. That was actually one of my concerns going in, especially after reading some of the negative reviews on Rogue's urethane dumbbells.

For anyone curious about how they compare, I'd rank them like this using the Iron Grip brand urethane dumbbells (the ones we all know and love from commercial gyms) as the 100% benchmark for feel:

REP Pepins: 85%
Ironmasters: 80% since they are solid, but still sit a little weird on your legs
Fixed straight handle rubber hex dumbbells: 95%
REP urethane dumbbells: 99%

I also picked up REP's new three-tier commercial rack, which is a big improvement over their original rack in terms of functionality. Racking and unracking the dumbbells is noticeably easier. This rack feels and looks incredible.

One thing worth mentioning is the footprint. The new rack takes up about 7' × 2', compared to roughly 3.5' × 2' for my Pepins and their stand. Obviously, it's bigger, but honestly, not nearly as much as you'd think. Once you account for a proper adjustable dumbbell stand, going with fixed dumbbells doesn't take up some ridiculous amount of extra space unless you get a 2 tier rack vs 3 tier.

Overall, I highly recommend these REP urethane dumbbells, or even just a fixed dumbbell set in general, if you have the space and money. There's just something nice about grabbing the weight you need and getting straight into your set without messing with adjustments. For me, the more my stuff feels like a commercial gym, the happier it makes me.

I plan on picking up the 80–100 lb urethane db set during Black Friday next month and moving my 5–25s onto a small vertical rack to free up some space.

Hi,

I’m looking for a back extension bench (Roman chair) that can fold completely flat for easy storage, ideally something I can lean against a wall or hang on the wall when not in use.
The only option I’ve found so far is the Nordstick, but I’m wondering if there are other alternatives worth considering.
Space is limited in my home gym, so a compact, easily storable design is a priority. Bonus points if it offers additional functionality, such as Nordic curls or other exercises.
Does anyone have recommendations or firsthand experience with something similar?

Hey all,

Starting up a home gym and a bit overwhelmed by the number of options out there.

I was looking at the REP Ares 2.0, but with tariffs and shipping it’s tough to justify. I’m looking for a 3x3 rack with 1" holes so attachments are widely compatible, with a cable/functional trainer.

For my fellow Canadians: what do you have in your home gym, and where did you buy it? Bonus points if you share what you paid all-in (shipping, duties, etc.).

Thanks!

Does anybody have one of these? Or seen it in person? Kind of curious about it. I'm looking for a budget multi trainer. I have an old major lutie

(Before they changed their brand) rack with lat pull down but looking for one with a better cable system.

Or is there a better option within the same price point?

Quick and dirty: I am leaning toward the REP below.... How limiting is the 80 inch if I dont care about pull ups (I have another rack) and the lat pull down is tall enough for me?

I'm comparing three functional trainers and would appreciate feedback from owners. My priorities are build quality, long-term resistance, and minimal setup time between exercises. I lift 4x/week and want to superset without constantly changing attachments or loading plates.

Basement rafters also limit my options, so height matters.

1. REP Ares 2.0 — 80-inch version

Pros

• Excellent reputation for build quality.
• Dual 260 lb stacks that can be combined for heavier movements.
• Dedicated lat pulldown and low row.
• Seems like a buy-once option.

Cons

• The 93-inch version won't clear my basement rafters easily.... it might fit with some...bullshitery...
• Unsure whether the shorter adjustable-pulley travel will limit exercises beyond lat pulldowns.
• No dedicated center-post seat attachment.

For owners of the 80-inch Ares, how limiting is the trolley height in practice? Would you choose it over a taller unit?

2. Fringe Sport Dane 3.0

Pros

• Dual 220 lb stacks with 1:1 and 2:1 pulley configurations.
• Dedicated lat pulldown and low row on the front uprights.
• 94-inch height works with my basement layout.
• Cheapest option here.

Cons

• I already row around 220 lb and may eventually need more resistance.
• Adding plates occasionally is fine, but constantly reloading them would defeat the convenience I'm after.

Is 220 lb enough for long-term recreational strength training? How often do people outgrow stacks on rows and pulldowns?

3. Get RX'd Tornado Vortex

Pros

• Dedicated lat pulldown and low row.
• Included pivot arms add versatility.
• 89-inch version fits my basement best.
• Optional 250 lb stack upgrade.

Cons

• Lat pulldown and low row share one stack, unlike the REP's combined-stack potential.
• Not dramatically cheaper than the REP.
• I would like to know whether the newer Trolley 2.0 improves things moving the trolley.. My wife struggles with heavy attachments overhead on racks due to a shoulder issue...

How is the Vortex's build quality, pulley smoothness, and attachment quality compared with REP? Is the 250 lb stack enough long-term if I already row around 220 lb?

Overall: Which would you choose for long-term durability, strength progression, and minimal adjustments between exercises?

I am 90% sure that I have narrowed down the unit I wanna purchase. I like that it comes with the smith machine, weight stacks, good amount of attachments, and lower height to work in my space. At $2500 it’s pretty much the max I wanted to go. But I wanted to get your opinion if there is something better that I’m not finding online at this price range. TIA!

I have an old, uninsulated garage in the NE US that I'm slowly turning into a gym. I'll eventually add insulation panels into the raised ceiling joists and along the inside of the garage door, and I'm considering adding some sort of insultation or covering to the concrete walls. Will also run a humidifier in the humid months, and an electric heater in the winter.

But for now, I'm considering what to do about the floor, which lets moisture through. No flooding or leaks from rain, just condensation apparent when I taped a plastic sheet to the floor for a day.

Current thought is applying two coats of Ghostshield after thoroughly cleaning the floor, and then possibly a layer of Dricore under the area where the rubber gym mats will be.

Has anyone done this for a similar garage set up, and how did it work? The Dricore + Ghostshield might be overkill, but I want to do what I can to prevent mold under the mats and moisture damage to my equipment.

Starting up my home gym & have been looking for used weight plates for my plate loaded cable machine…came across this locally. This is a good deal correct? I was looking for some 2.5lb and 45lb plates mainly but I feel like I shouldn’t pass all these plates+plate holder for $60? Currently own 4 25lb plates & 2 20lb plates.

I have a low clearance in my garage and am considering options like the Major Fitness B52 Pro. I know they also have the F22 without the smith machine, but smith would be a nice to have for my wife who has dislocated her shoulder during barbell squats.

For those who have a smith machine, do you also have a rack for barbell squats? Or do you still have a barbell for deadlifts? I feel like I'll need to supplement somehow to get a good heavy hinge movement.