[Dznts]

Originally Posted by blake-b

Thanks guys.

All anyone ever needed to get big and strong was a bench, a rack or squat stands, and a barbell with plates. Those and the basic lifts have done for anyone than anything else. I suppose you have to add in determination as well.

I started buying stuff in 1997 when my son was born because my gym didn't have a daycare or anything like that. I bought most of the dumbbells, plates, one of my barbells, and the chest supported row off Craigslist over years. I bought the punching bag and stand for $20 from a friend.

I researched power racks for weeks, if not months, before I bought that one to replace the one I had before. EFS wasn't selling the selection of racks they do know or I would have went with one of theirs. It has 1/2" adjustments and is made of 11 gauge steel. The feet are made of 7 gauge steel because I dropped a barbell on one of them and it bent so when I replaced them, I got the thicker stuff. I have added dip bar attachments and the L hooks for racking a bar on the front. The lower crossbar in back is something I had made. I call it the poor man's monolift. The maker of my rack actually does offer a monolift attachment but I don't need it.

It is a good feeling knowing I am the strongest guy in my gym. When you are the only fish in the pond, it isn't hard being #1.