I'd really appreciate some home gym help

[coreygb]

Well the gym at school just isn't cutting it anymore, so I've decided to get some equipment of my own and work out at home. For now, I'm mainly concerned about doing the compound barbell lifts, and that type of thing. After doing some research, I've decided on what power rack and bench I'm going to get. However, I'm a little unsure which route to take as far as the plates and bar go. I definitely want 300 pounds, including the bar. That much should last me a little while. I'm still a little boy. I'd also like to spend under $400. Anyway, right now I have it narrowed down to 3 options. Here they are:

1) York Set: (sorry about the dotcom thing. I have < 25 posts, so I can't post links) amazondotcom/York-Barbell-Olympic-Weight-Collars/dp/B003LT8KDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295222267&sr=8-1

2) Troy Set: amazondotcom/Troys-Premium-Olympic-Weight-GOSS-300V/dp/B000MX5ZS2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295230272&sr=8-1

3) Buy some cheap-ish plates, maybe even get some used plates for .69 per pound at the local store, then spend the rest ($200 or so) on a nicer bar than what would come in the York and Troy sets. Maybe the 7' 1000lb one: homefitnessequipmentdotorg/yorkhardchromeinternationalbarswsplitsleevesfreeshipping.aspx

If you think option 3 is the way to go, if you have any bars/plates to recommend, that'd be great. Obviously I'm just looking for a bar that wont warp and some plates that wont...uhh...break? I appreciate any feedback. This is a great place, and I've learned so much here. Thanks a lot - Corey

 

[the.gladiator1987]

Bro I would def get the Troys. They have good reviews on them, look very nice, and have those handles that are awesome when you gotta load a bunch of plates

You can always add weight later when you get stronger. Damn this makes me wanna buy a home gym

Id also keep your eye out on CL

 

[coreygb]

Bro I would def get the Troys. They have good reviews on them, look very nice, and have those handles that are awesome when you gotta load a bunch of plates

You can always add weight later when you get stronger. Damn this makes me wanna buy a home gymId also keep your eye out on CL

Ha, you really should. I'm just getting the rack, bench, and weights, but it's still not quite as expensive as I had expected. Plus, the Powertec power rack comes with pull up and dip bars, has nearly perfect reviews, and its only 450. You can't really ask for more.

Thanks a lot for the advice, man!

 

[the.gladiator1987]

thats a perfect set up bro! i dont do isolation shit anyway since i am all about full body workouts for strength. lemme know how it goes and what u end up buying

 

[zedhed]

I didnt check out any of the sets.
But after you get the set all you need is a bench and a power rack.
Also get a couple of saw horses from Lowes or Home Depot. The yellow metal ones.
You use these with your bench for stop cuz you wont have a spotter.
Then youre pretty much all set to go bro.
Oh yeah I use 2 4 x 4s to do weighted dips on. I just set them accros the bars on my power rack. Works very well.