Build Your Own Garage Gym

By far THE most asked question that Mike and I get about our Hybrid Muscle Building program is, “Where do I get all that crazy ass equipment to train with?”

First, please understand that you DO NOT need all of the cool stuff that I train with at my gym in order to use our program.  In fact, if you are a member of our Hybrid Muscle Building Coaching program you have discovered that about 95% of the exercises in the program can be done with nothing more than some basic strength training equipment.

Well, if you are anything like me… you love weight training but HATE going to the typical gym.  I understand that the majority of these so-called “Health Clubs” are really facades.  They are simply erected in order to collect membership from lazy bums who take pride in that fact that they *have* a gym membership (“it’s a good start isn’t it?”)

But there are some of us who really enjoy lifting and throwing things around in our own environment.  In fact, in many cases it is your Training Environment that can determine the quality of your fitness results.  All of the silly rules and customs at most foo-foo fitness centers just makes some folks go CRAZY!

So, If you are wondering how to avoid getting so pissed off that you hurl dum bells at mirrors… then I think you’ll really enjoy my list of 7 Essential Home Gym Equipment Pieces For Hybrid Training below   Also, note that most of the equipment below had been acquired for below market value and in most cases are used or made.

#1. The Power Rack

This is THE most important piece of equipment for your Hybrid Training Home Gym.  Super versatile and affordable… I grabbed this one for $50 from a gym that was going out of business (lots of gyms are going out of business now!).  You can use this for everything from squats to chin ups to bench press.  If you get nothing else, get a power rack!

#2. Barbell (with weights)

Okay, your power rack is useless without a barbell and some plates… so, you gotta get this too.  But the cool thing is that Wal-Mart and Play-it-Again often sell barbells with 300 pounds of plates for around $200.  Not too bad considering that I often pay about $200 for a single barbell by itself.  You see, I like to abuse my equipment… throw it around and stuff so I spend extra on some heavy duty bars.

#3. Sand Bags

These are cool because you can perform a variety of exercises with them including on of my favorite exercises, “loading”.  Also, they are cheap and easy to make.  All you need is some “play sand” from Home Depot a box of contractor bags and an Army Navy duffle bag to be in business.

Speaking of business, when I started my own Warehouse Gym Business on a limited budget 5 years ago I made about 10 of these to train my athletes and members with.

#4. Tire Sleds

Another staple in my Warehouse Gym Business were these homemade tire sleds.  These are great for a variety of exercises including sled dragging backwards sled dragging.

I acquired these by driving around my city and collecting used tires (with wheel) from the sides of dumpsters and found in large piles in the crappy side of town.  To fabricate these bad boys, I simply tied a small piece of chain around the tire and attached a tow rope… done!

#5. A Wooden Box

Yep, just like it says… a frick-in box.

#6. Used Dumbells

These can be purchased from well intentioned lazy bastards from Craigslist.  People buy em brand new some time around  January 1st and quickly assert that they don’t have the time (read: discipline) to ever use them… so the quickly try to pawn them off to Craigslist buyers for pennies per pound!

#7. Hose Stall Mats

If you are anything like me, you enjoy lifting heavy things over head and then dropping them to the ground JUST to revel in  the sound of the weights crashing to the ground!  You can get these for about $50 a piece from Tractor Supply Company (of stores of that sort)

So go get-a-crackin’ and start building your very own Hybrid Training Home Gym where you can bust you ass and build some muscle…. the hybrid way!

Oh, and if you’re a coach or trainer who is sick of putting up with pansies at the local gym… the quit that sh*t and Start Your Warehouse Gym Business like I did.