Is a power rack all you need to lift?

[huhjunn]

My goal is to just in general be strong and fit. I've been doing starting strength for a year so far and I'm squatting 225, benching 165, and deadlifting 180. I've been doing the program for so long because I get sick or just don't go to the gym for long periods cuz of school and so I try to get my gains back before moving on to another program. I'm thinking of moving onto 5x5 once I get my gains back.

So, I'm thinking of starting a home gym with just a power rack. Will it be enough for my training in the years to come? Or am I better off with a gym membership? I'm mainly getting a rack because its the same as a years worth of membership and is more worth it in the long run.

THanks!

[JK1]

My goal is to just in general be strong and fit. I've been doing starting strength for a year so far and I'm squatting 225, benching 165, and deadlifting 180. I've been doing the program for so long because I get sick or just don't go to the gym for long periods cuz of school and so I try to get my gains back before moving on to another program. I'm thinking of moving onto 5x5 once I get my gains back.

So, I'm thinking of starting a home gym with just a power rack. Will it be enough for my training in the years to come? Or am I better off with a gym membership? I'm mainly getting a rack because its the same as a years worth of membership and is more worth it in the long run.

THanks!

thats all I had for a long time, although a cable attachment (high/low pulley) has its pluses. You will save a fortune in the long run if you sit down and do the math. Going to a gym isn't only gym membership, its gas to and from in your car and other expenses that all add up.

[D-RAS03]

I use a power rack with upper/lower cable and it has yet to hold me back.

[huhjunn]

Yeah, some people are saying I'll want machines in the long run but I don't know if that's true. I see myself doing SS and the moving on to 5x5. But I'm worried about the future and whether or not I'll need to get other machines to be fit.

I'm not a competitive power lifter or bodybuilder. I just do it casually for recreation, health, and physique.

[D-RAS03]

Yeah, some people are saying I'll want machines in the long run but I don't know if that's true. I see myself doing SS and the moving on to 5x5. But I'm worried about the future and whether or not I'll need to get other machines to be fit.

I'm not a competitive power lifter or bodybuilder. I just do it casually for recreation, health, and physique.

Worried about the future? I can't think of an exercise I can't do with my power rack and bench.

[tom183]

I'm mainly getting a rack because its the same as a years worth of membership

I hope this isn't a stupid question but are you remembering to factor in the price of the barbell, bench, weights etc? Sounds like a very expensive gym membership if that's the case.

[huhjunn]

I hope this isn't a stupid question but are you remembering to factor in the price of the barbell, bench, weights etc? Sounds like a very expensive gym membership if that's the case.

Yup I am. The gym prices around here (North York (Toronto)) are steep.

Edit: Plus I save travel money and time.

[tom183]

If you can buy a power rack, bench, olympic bar and weights for the same price as a gym membership I'd definitely be going with the home gym.

[chris mason]

Yes, a power rack and a barbell with weights is all you really need. More is good, but you can make due with just those things.

Your strength sucks for having lifted for a year even on an off. Starting Strength is really an inferior program.

Will you be able to stick with training if you get the rack?

[Ace Corona]

Investing in a home gym is a good plan until you can afford a commercial gym membership, in my opinion.

[IFBB David H]

If your goal is to just generally be strong and fit, then a rack with a barbell and some weights should be fine. A little creativity in your workouts goes a long way. You don't need all kinds of extra stuff.

The money spent on travel and gym memberships up north seem to be incredibly steep! I'm from Florida and from my standpoint, it is far less expensive to go with the gym membership route. Good thing I don't live up there....I might be forced to buy myself a power rack

Good luck!

[hellagrant]

As already answered, a cage, barbell and plates goes a long ways. My guess is the OP is limited on money and/or space. If that is the case I think the cage can keep you progressing for a year or so. After that you may need to expand the home gym.

[Dank27]

Hit Craigslist. Cages/ plates, etc are usually pretty cheap to come by.

[GazzyG]

Yes, a power rack and a barbell with weights is all you really need. More is good, but you can make due with just those things.

Your strength sucks for having lifted for a year even on an off. Starting Strength is really an inferior program.

Will you be able to stick with training if you get the rack?

C'mon Chris, say it how it is, don't sit on the fence! lol!

[Tom Mutaffis]

My goal is to just in general be strong and fit. I've been doing starting strength for a year so far and I'm squatting 225, benching 165, and deadlifting 180. I've been doing the program for so long because I get sick or just don't go to the gym for long periods cuz of school and so I try to get my gains back before moving on to another program. I'm thinking of moving onto 5x5 once I get my gains back.

So, I'm thinking of starting a home gym with just a power rack. Will it be enough for my training in the years to come? Or am I better off with a gym membership? I'm mainly getting a rack because its the same as a years worth of membership and is more worth it in the long run.

THanks!

I started my home gym with a power rack, 300 lbs Olympic Weight set, adjustable bench, and set of light adjustable dumbbells.

Deciding which option will be the best for you really depends on a number of factors - how close the gym is to your home, your work/personal schedule, cost of the gym membership, interest in different training styles, etc.

If you can find a reasonably priced commercial gym it is always nice to have a membership, but having equipment at home can be good as well since you have the flexibility to train whenever you would like. If you decide to go the home gym route I would check Craigslist for used equipment since that will save you a significant amount of money.

[method115]

If your goal is to just generally be strong and fit, then a rack with a barbell and some weights should be fine. A little creativity in your workouts goes a long way. You don't need all kinds of extra stuff.

The money spent on travel and gym memberships up north seem to be incredibly steep! I'm from Florida and from my standpoint, it is far less expensive to go with the gym membership route. Good thing I don't live up there....I might be forced to buy myself a power rack

Good luck!

Over time gym memberships start to add up. Home gym is always cheaper in the long run.