I spend a lot of time reading this and other forums, but do very little posting. Lurker I guess. Well, I finally ditched the commercial gym...
Here is me brand new home gym and the fruits of a weeks labor with much more left to do...
I made a big ol' lifting platform to accommodate two power racks, one for me, and one for my wife,so that we could work out together without spending a crap load of time switching weights and pins. The platform is 8' wide by 14' long. 2 layers of OSB and a top layer of 3/4" AB plywood and horse stall mats cut to 2'x6'. Stained and polyurethaned with the top layer of poly being a poly and sand mix to ensure a non-slip surface.
I made chalk stands out of scrap plywood, 2x4 and bowls from the dollarama (bowls spray painted silver with a clear coat for protection). Screwed the bowls onto the 2x4 and put elmers white glue over the screws so nothing fleshy would snag on them.
I went with the OSB after a lot of research looking at the pros and cons of each and not finding anything to suggest OSB would not be adequate. Time will tell. Saved me about $200. Total cost of the platform (including a few needed tools) was roughly $250.00
I currently have a power rack and about 300lbs of plates and a FID adjustable bench I HATE. Also have a Dip / Pull up station. Total cost so far - $300 on craigslist. Need another rack, bar, a fixed flat bench and another 300lbs or so of weight. The rack is an oldie and a touch narrow but seems nice and sturdy. Did my first workout today and it was nice. Black Metal blaring in the back ground, chalk clouds flew everywhere and I screamed like a madman. T'was awesome!
Need to sell some furniture I have on the other side of the garage and then I can move that annoying white shelving unit loaded with paint and tools out of the way
