"What do I need to have a serious training at home?" This is one frequently asked question by new lifters. To get an adequate answer to this question you will find my four essentials that allows every one to absolve a serious strength training at home.
In advance : If you've got the chance to buy some stuff from a closing gym, use this chance. You can get some good equipment for little money. Take also a look at craigslist, ebay Kleinanzeigen (if you are from Germany) and the other portals to buy used things. There might be some real treasures.
#1 : Barbell
There are many alternatives on the market with a big range of prices. You can find bars for $100, which will work for the most, or bars like the ones from Eleiko that will cost about $1000.
The only thing you should watch out for the beginning that you get one that is fitting to plates with a 50/51 mm diameter. Trust me there will be a time when you regret that you bought some with the smaller diameter (about 29/30 mm).
If you are already serious about lifting I would recommend you to buy a bar that is made to handle some serious weight and movement. One example for this is the Rogue Ohio bar.
#2: Weights
You should buy weights with a diameter of 50/51 mm. Normally they have the perfect size for Deadlifts for example and they are easy to resell if you notice that barbell training is not your thing.
You don't have to buy bumper plates (which are quite expensive for a beginner) but it should be at least some honest iron plates. If you decide to go full iron then think about your floor and find a way to protect it (the best option would be a homemade lifting platform).
#3: Bench
Try to find a used one from a gym. This would be perfect. Most of the offered home gym benches are garbage because of their poor limited weight capacity. Try to look one that is able to do flat and incline and with a max weight capacity of 400 kilos and above (there are some in the home gym section if you search for them).
This is an investment in your safety and always remember that if you buy cheap, you often buy twice.
#4: Rack
As I mentioned before don't buy too cheap because this is an investment into your safety and health. Watch out for a proper weight capacity (at least 400 kilos) and solid material. Your rack should have some kind of pull up bar and if there is a possibility to do dips this would be great.
It is up to you if you go full or half. I prefer a half rack because I haven't that much space and I'm used to standing in front of the rack during my exercise. If you are new and you want to be secure than get a full rack.
Now you've got all the important information to set up your home gym. If there are any questions fell free to ask.
Stay strong and brave
Sven
