Best strenght training dumbbell racks according to redditors

Steeper bends are generally more flexible because you can always go to a shallower angle by moving your hand towards the tip of the bump whereas you can't make a shallow one deeper with hand placement. Another neat thing with the EZ bar is you can change the difficulty dynamically by how deep in the divot you hold because it changes the lever length, and a steeper one will give you a longer lever and overall it just feels smoother.

The one I have is the the troy rackable ez bar. It's slightly shallower than I like but it's so damn convenient to be able to rack it like a barbell that I'd definitely choose it again. In addition to curls it's also great for close grip bench press, going heavy with lying triceps pullovers (using a rack), zercher squats, etc because of the rackability.

There are a lot of ways you can go about this. If you are going to buy your pieces here and there you WILL be spending more money on shipping throughout this entire process.... I would avoid this as much as possible. I probably have spent about $600-700 on shipping throughout the years. I'd have been better off to have been patient and do a nice bulk order. Incidentally, in November a ton of companies have amazing black Friday sales.... something to keep in mind.

So.....if you are trying to get the bare minimum and start lifting NOW you could....
1.) Get a nice barbell.... Do NOT skimp on this. It may be tempting to pick up something cheap... but it just isn't worth it. <$500
2.) Get a squat stand. (Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Adjustable-Standard-Barbell-Dumbbell/dp/B019EWU6U8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1520808845&sr=8-13&keywords=squat+stand) You might be able to find these on Craigslist for cheap. You just need something to actually hold the weight. <$60
3.) Get some plates (ideally 2-4 pairs of 45s, 1 pair of 25s, 2 pairs of 10s, 1 pair of 5s, and 1 pair of 2.5s.... all in LBs). You can probably find cheap used plates on Craigslist as well!
4.) Get a bench.... or make one... Craigslist might be an option here.... <$50
5.) Get collars.... <$12

From there I would just save your money and prepare for a nice big purchase during the holidays this year or next year. Do your research and see what would make the most sense for you.

I would continue to do bodyweight exercises (pushups, pullups, dips, pistol squats) and just save your money and buy a nice rack. I wouldn't bother with dumbbells, personally... but it depends what your goals are.

I hope this helps steer you in the right direction.

https://www.amazon.com/F2C-Adjustable-Barbell-Portable-Dumbbell/dp/B018XDH17K/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1496547084&sr=1-4&keywords=bench+press

Nothing is a "waste". It is good to do squat variations.

Do barbell until you're unable to safely clean the bar raise it to your back. Like others mentioned doing squats with the bar up front are great alternatives after. When that becomes too challenging because you're unable to clean the bar... Then do single leg variations with dumb bells, or goblet squats.


Formally speak to your condo/apartment management for a squat rack. They usually have some sort of annual budget for the fitness room.

If you really really love back squats and don't want to give them up and your building won't buy one, look into bringing your own rack to the gym.


Soozier Adjustable Stable Power Squat Stand Portable 2 Bars Barbell Holder Weight Rack (Black/White) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MG8IMS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DotDDb630RE58

I found squat stands like these cheap on Craigslist and used them for awhile as a landmine stand.

They were serviceable, but not the sturdiest with any significant weight on it or at any real heights higher than the base height of the stands.

I ended up selling them and getting the Titan one and it's much sturdier. Plus the angle of the stand makes it much easier on the barbell. I find that it's worth it having something made specifically as a landmine stand than anything I tried to DIY.

Also thought about using a weight tree, but never actually did.

I thought the squat rack was the "cage". While of course he could buy something like that (it is expensive), what I meant was something like this: https://www.amazon.com/F2C-Adjustable-Barbell-Portable-Dumbbell/dp/B018XDH17K/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1480146512&sr=1-4

Not sure if you can call this a traditional squat rack though...

I ended buying a few things because my work schedule doesn't allow me to go to a gym. I wake up at 3:30 am so I can work out. Luckily I have a detached garage so that's where I work out.

Bought this about it the same price from Dick's. I read the reviews that they bar may bend as you get closer to 300 lbs. I have only put 255lbs on it to test DL max.

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/p/fitness-gear-300-lbolympic-weight-set-16fgeu300lbstwth7brb/16fgeu300lbstwth7brb


I bought this rack for the bench and squat double features. Works great so far no issues. Will be wobbly if you are throwing the weight around but otherwise no issues.

F2C Pair of Adjustable Rack Sturdy Steel Squat Barbell Free Bench Press Stands GYM/Home Gym Portable Dumbbell Racks Stand (one pair/two pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018XDH17K?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


This works as a bench. Nothing fancy.

Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench for Weight Training and Abs Exercises SB-315 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G44X9D6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf


I just bought this 3 months later because my weights were starting to rust a bit. Damn Texas and humidity.
Fitness Reality Olympic Weight Tree/Plate Rack/Bar Holders/Chrome Storage Posts, 1000 lb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZBELJ7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_n5a6TLPDAevXq

So total cost is $400 all together. Not bad for a home gym. Simple and just what I need. I know in the future I will beat more weights and a new bar but at least this works for now.

I lift weights in my basement. I got a bench and some squat stands. The squat stands I have feature a "safety bar" of sorts that I can position for bench press or squats to add a level of safety.

https://www.amazon.com/F2C-Adjustable-Barbell-Portable-Dumbbell/dp/B018XDH17K/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1493843453&sr=1-5&keywords=squat+stand

If you want to go all-out, you can get a power rack.

Power block personal trainer stand. It’s on Amazon. Then I just put the gray dumbbell holders that came with the bowflex dumbbells on top of that.
Here is a link that I found: https://www.amazon.com/POWERBLOCK-Large-Column-Stand-Silver/dp/B000XEAUBM/ref=asc_df_B000XEAUBM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198090817675&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14814912474225002382&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031020&hvtargid=pla-318841230449&psc=1

I have a set like these but don't like them.

The main issue is...it is a pain to constantly unscrew or screw on each plate every time you want to change the weight. Many exercises are done at different weights depending on what muscle you want to exercise.

Also, the length of the bars is rather long, sometimes the ends of the bars can hit your thighs or sides on certain motions.

I've just gotten myself some traditional cap barbell weights: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cap-Barbell-Cast-Iron-Dumbbell/11099738

And this rack: http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Type-Dumbbell-Rack/dp/B002OOYIOY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1312400914&sr=8-2

Or...

Buy this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZEYSVDU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_g87TCbN3XTFSF

It's what I have https://imgur.com/2NaCRjd.jpg

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: troy rackable ez bar


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|




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Awesome feedback so far, really appreciated everyone! I have been checking craigslist and the marketplace on facebook for a few weeks and haven't really seen anything, though will keep my eyes open.

I was really leaning towards just buying the cheap fitness gear 300 lb set (https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/fitness-gear-300-lbolympic-weight-set-16fgeu300lbstwth7brb/16fgeu300lbstwth7brb) to start off. This will give me at least something to be able to lift. It is $190, but maybe i'll convince the wife to give me some of her "gift." :)

I think after getting this, getting a decent squat stand would be a good next step. https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Adjustable-Standard-Barbell-Dumbbell/dp/B019EWU6U8/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1520808845&sr=8-13&keywords=squat+stand looks like it would allow for both squatting and benching, so after that I would just need to find a bench and I would have the big 3 covered.

What I'm going to get is going to be for short term, 8-12 months probably. Would much rather throw ~$400 at a home gym than the gym around me. After the 8-12 months, debt should be gone and will have lots more money freed up to invest in long term equipment.

Thanks again everyone and please keep it coming with the thoughts if you have them!

Titan adjustable dumbbell stand?

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Adjustable-Dumbbell-Column-Stand/dp/B01L9V2F6A/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526626888&sr=8-5&keywords=titan+adjustable+dumbbells