Garage Gym Reviews Garage Gym Fitness Equipment, Apparel, and Shoe Reviews
In this edition of Home Gym Builds, meet Kelly. This desk jockey trains CrossFit 6 days a week in a decked out home gym with everything someone would need!
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kelly Lare, I'm 44 and live in Park City, Kansas.
I work in Operations in Tech Industry and to counter a desk job, I train 6 days a week at 5am.
Do you follow a program or just go by feel?
Currently, Brute Strength Compete Program. Outside of that, I like a mix of weightlifting and Crossfit.
Awesome, I've heard great things about Brute Strength. What equipment fills your home gym?
I started with a Rogue Fold Away Rig, one bar and a bunch of bumper plates, but have since added a few bars, Airdyne Bike, Concept 2 Rower, Box, Dumbells, Kettlebells, Titan Fitness GHD, Crossover Symmetry System (see our full review here), and have just in the last month added rings, a rope and a cable system to the rack to do pull downs, etc.
I also have a pegboard that I haven't had time to hang.
Looks like an awesome setup and everything you'd need to train for CrossFit. What made you want to create a home gym in the first place?
I wanted to have the convenience of working out at home, but equipped enough to get stronger and perform better.
Then I started expanding so the whole family could use it and share in my passion.
I tell my Wife the same thing, “this new GHD is really for you honey…” Any mistakes you feel you've made since starting?
I guess the biggest regret was not convincing myself earlier to giving up a full parking space and buying more equipment up front. I passed up on some great deals on dumbells and kettlebells!
Understandable. Any favorite pieces of equipment?
Other than bars and weights, I would probably say my rower, but only because the bike and I have a love/hate relationship.
What equipment is on your future purchase list?
I am currently looking for a good deal on a sled and about to buy more plates.
Have you made any customizations or DIY Equipment in your gym?
I really have only made the box, but I am going to make some storage and have been looking at making a reverse hyper.
Finally, what advice would you give to others looking to build a home gym?
Research far ahead for what you need and make a habit out of sharing your plans. You never know who might have a lead on a good deal on a piece of equipment or something collecting dust at their house. Also, sometimes you find great stuff in unexpected places. I found my bike on Haywire of all places at 40% off.
