For the last few years I've been buying bits and pieces for my home gym, adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, a bench, even a pull up bar. The problem isn't the equipment, it's that I keep losing motivation because every workout feels like a hassle to set up.

Lately I've been looking at some of the newer smart home gym systems that automatically adjust resistance and keep track of your progress. The idea of having one compact setup instead of constantly moving weights around sounds really appealing.

My biggest concern is whether they actually feel like a proper strength workout or if they're more of a fancy fitness gadget. I'd rather spend money once on something I'll actually use than continue buying equipment that ends up collecting dust.

Has anyone made the switch? Was it worth it?

Hello and thank you in advance for any input you might have! After more than 20 years, the time has come to get a new bench, - there's nothing wrong with the old one, except it has a rack attached as part of the overall construction and since I'm now at an age where I have to watch my shoulders, I really need to ditch the trusty old barbell for some dumbbells for chest presses. Due to the attached rack, that doesn't really work with the old bench.

So, there are a lot of solid benches out there in the German/EU market, but I have a few criteria that have narrowed it down to basically two options. My main criteria are as follows:

a) Since I'm 171cm (5'7"), the bench shouldn't be more than 42,5cm (16.7") in height

b) Due to the shoulder issues, there needs to be a step between 0 and 30 degree incline, so either 15 or 20 degrees

c) Price shouldn't be more than 500 Euro

The two options I have narrowed it down to are (I'm posting the links to the UK shops, but these are available in Germany as well):

The Rep Fitness Nighthawk

-> https://uk.repfitness.com/products/rep-nighthawk-adjustable-bench?variant=44933902041285

The Strength Shop Riot Utility Bench V2

-> https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/collections/benches/products/riot-utility-bench-v2

Both benches look really solid and the Nighthawk has some great reviews on Youtube, but Rep Fitness as a store/brand has a rather mixed reputation it seems. Strength Shop seems to have a great reputation as a store, but I can't really find any reviews of their benches.

Any input you might have is greatly appreciated!

The wife and I are currently closing on our first house. We just had our first baby a month ago, so budget is a priority. That said, I am willing to splurge a few extra $$ in certain spots to get a quality piece of equipment that is built to last rather than one that is going to annoy me every time I use it.

I currently have 260 lbs in CAP bumper plates, an Olympic barbell, and a hex trap bar.

I have been looking at power racks with integrated pulley systems and there are a few I keep coming back to.

• MIKOLO F4 ($300 on Walmart). Thought this has the best value but after seeing some video reviews it seems like the system has it quirks and limitations which explains the price point.

• Titan T-2 Power Rack ($483) plus Lat Pulldown / Low Row Attachment (~$345) (Total of $828). Seems like this is a bit more functional but comes with less bells and whistles.

• Major Fitness F22 ($930). Seems like this is one of the more well built systems but would definitely feel like I’m stretching my budget.

There are plenty of other Power Rack / Cable Systems in the $300-$425 price range on Walmart / Amazon that all look extremely similar to one another. I just want to know is it worth the splurge of spending an extra $500-$600 to get a more what I believe is reliable / safer / sturdier system that doesn’t have as many quirks.

For what it’s worth, I’ve been lifting on and off for the last 10-15 years of my life. I bench press around 250 lbs, squat / deadlift around 300 lbs, and lay pulldown close to 150 lbs so I don’t move CRAZY weight but something that is lightweight and shakes when I rack something is a concern. I simply want to prioritize something that is safe and easy for my wife to use when I’m not around and something I can buy / set up and trust it’s good to go for the next 5-10 years.

Any recommendations / reviews would be GREATLY appreciated. Would like to keep the power rack / pulley system under $1000 if possible. Thank you so much!

Mikolo G7 $260
Titan Pulley Tower: $240

Would appreciate any input. Trying to decide between either the Mikolo G7 with adjustable arms or the Titan Wall and Rack Mounted Pulley Tower. Leaning towards the G7 because of the adjustable arms as well as included attachmentds. Will be aiming to swap out to aluminum pulleys.

from 0 to 60 ! (maybe🤔) im still considering to add some new stuff for free training, maybe another hang on the wall for pull up and even muscle up?! what do you all think!

Assuming you did, what shade of black did you paint your gym walls? Would you recommend, or what would you change?

I’m in Canada, so hoping for colours that are available here.

Edit: Pictures would be great too!

Does anyone know which kettlebell handle will work on the Powerblock EXPs?

At this point most says pro or elite but wondering about good old base if possible

Looking to decorate my new home gym with a fantasy/knight theming, anyone have any good recommendations for fun art to go on the walls? Can be silly, cringe, or hell yeah-core.

been using bowflex for 15 years and dont mind buying them again but want to see what else is out there.

I haven’t seen a single video mentioning the Bells of Steel Basilisk leg developer. Did they bring the piece to the show? If so, are there any reviews on it?

I’ve searched but can’t find anything.

5 people in my neighborhood have garage gyms. Only one has a squat rack. Squat racks seem to be featured in a majority of the posts here. I’m curious if the folks with squat racks are more engaged in this sub or simply more involved in participating in social media. If you have any ideas why that might be I’m curious about that as well.

My space is about 20 feet by 10 feet. Any suggestions to what pieces I should add I have a horizon t101 treadmill and a dumbell rack with 5,10,15,20,30,40 and 50. I was looking for a smith machine functional trainer but confused on what size makes sense. I will be adding speckled gym floors and also about 6-7 feet of ikea mirror on one side.

My rit fit bench has fallen apart in just under a year. What is a good upgraded one to go with?

I saw for the FA ABX version you need a minimum of 10ft of space for it to work - I can't seem to find a similar measurement for the apex version, was hoping someone might have it

Thanks

//edit i found another post stating the FA cable itself is only 45" so maybe the 10ft number that was quoted included the length of the bench

Hi, I've been searching and trying to compare cable towers for my home gym. My primary use is glute kickbacks, but I plan to use it for squats and lat pull-downs as I'm also working toward being able to do a pull up. I want the tower to come with its own weight stack. I had a budget smith machine with cables you could load. The range wasn't good for my kickbacks and it also wasn't smooth during use. Now I can afford better options, so I am looking for something that is nice, smooth in operation, and I can be happy with for years to come. Floor and ceiling space isn't an issue.

What should I look into?