Taking Shit Into Your Own Hands

[Fanya]

Ho ho, hope you don't think I'm talking about picking up feces :D

To put it simply, the gyms I train at don't have the room or attitude necessary for olympic lifting. But hey! I want to do that shit. I have ample room in my back yard for this stuff, and I've always wanted weights at home to fuck around with, so I've started to browse the internet for deals.

http://store.net2fitness.com/300lbolweset.html

This is one of the first results that popped up, and I'm sure I can find comparable sets with a better price.

This thread is to ask people about their experiences buying/constructing home gyms and what to look out for/be prepared to deal with when going over it all.

[chicanerous]

If you want to do Olympic lifts, the plates or bumpers don't really matter, but you need a high quality bar, not just a generic one.

I'd recommend one of Glenn Pendlay's bars: http://store.wfwclub.com/bars.html

Compare with the price of the highest quality bars: http://www.dynamic-eleiko.com/products/elbars.htm

[Fanya]

Well, that changes things a little.

If I'm able to drop the weight onto grass instead of some sort of platform, would that decrease wear on the bar?

[compleks]

I never realised bars were that expensive. Gold plated all the way.

Also, dropping weights onto the grass may not be such a good idea. I did that for a while and there are still big divits in my backyard (from over 6 months ago). Try and find some sort of soft mat (not too soft) to lay over the grass, this should reduce the damage.

Also, and 300lb olympic barbell set should be sufficient. It will last you long enough, and shouldn't be too expensive (incase you loose interest/motivation).

Check ebay. They have some good deals, if you can find something local.

[compleks]

I think you could probably get a 300lb set for roughly $150usd. I'm pretty sure someone here bought a set for about that.

[Fanya]

Thanks for the advice :good:

[thereid]

I thought the title was taking a shit into your own hands, now I'm disapointed.

[chicanerous]

Well, that changes things a little.

If I'm able to drop the weight onto grass instead of some sort of platform, would that decrease wear on the bar?
Besides wear on the bar, actual Olympic bars spin and whip better and last longer than ones not made for the Olympic lifts. One big concern, even if you're dropping on grass, is the way the sleeves are attached to the bar. Regular bars usually use a pin / bolt that will eventually work its way out, which you don't want.

IMO, the difference in feel between an Olympic lifting bar vs. a regular one is tremendous. It is much easier to snatch and clean on them than it is to do so on a regular bar.

BTW, Pendlay also sells a further discounted set: http://store.wfwclub.com/crsp.html

Were I you, I'd go for as much quality as I can possibly afford as it will pay off with a bar that feels much better and lasts much longer. Since top of the line Eleiko, Ivanko, etc. bars are a little unrealistic (and probably unnecessary), I think Pendlay really has about the best alternative that I'm aware of. If you can't afford his competition spec bars (which are already pretty cheap), his Crossfit bar is a pretty good deal. You can find deals on plates (and sometimes bumpers) extremely cheap online on eBay or craigslist most of the time, so I would splooge on a good bar and then worry about the plates.

[Fanya]

Most excellent, and thanks.

[Lobo]

I have to retighten the sleeves on my regular bars every other workout or so. I wasn't really aware of the differences when I bought my stuff.

[rock_ten]

if you decide to settle for a normal gym-quality bar, try to ask at local gyms if they're selling any of their shit. I've seen bars and plates being sold off several times at different gyms I've been at. Even a full power cage and some other stuff.

Second hand gear will be much cheaper, and should be fine if you don't need high-spec shit. Make sure you see it before you buy it, though, to check that the knurling is still acceptable, it isnt bent, etc.

[anfeyd]

Yea, I bought a generic bar and 300lb set for $ 100. I'm debating on buying a higher quality bar that handles spin better, because I have the same problem as Lobo.

I also have a flat bench with no uprights for barbell bench press, which costed $120

I have adjustable dumbbells that I got for christmas a while back, so I don't know the price.

I bought a squat stand for $130ish.

The only downside is that I can't do the o-lifts, because of ceiling height (I can do them outside, but the weather isnt too nifty).

[compleks]

That must be a low ceiling.

Just do power cleans.

[Fanya]

This is a lot more help than I anticipated receiving. Thanks a lot, everyone. I will keep this stuff in mind when I start purchasing equipment and planning everything out with the parents. :dead:

[Vince]

I enjoy taking a shit in my owns hands, usually it ends up all over my face after, as I wash my face with it :good:

[anfeyd]

That must be a low ceiling.

Just do power cleans.

Yea, it is a low ceiling. I can do power/squat cleans thats it. It's my garage- 8 foot I think. I'm 6'3 so it doesnt work out too well.

[Fanya]

anfeyd, where did you get your 300lb set? ebay, froogle, classified newspaper ad?

[Syn]

he said generic... so maybe walmart