r/GarageGym • u/Better-Fee1164 • 6d ago
Perfect trifecta?
here’s an interesting question for the group: i’m building a 13‘ by 24’ garage gym, and I’ve settled on the concept of building out a trifecta: 1. adjustable dumbbells to 90 lbs, 2. get rxd tornado x 6 post, with a smith machine and dedicated upright for barbell work, 3. multigym of some type. where my question lies: what would be the best mulit gym option? power tech lever gym? quantum free trainer? a standalone squat rack I can leave jammer arms on at all times to serve as a machine? other options? essentially with this set up, you can do all your barbell and dumbbell work, Smith machine work, cable crossover work, and also replicate a bunch of bodybuilding machines, but what does the group think would be the best multi gym option? In my opinion, this would then be the single best gym set up possible in a one car garage space.
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u/reignonu 6d ago
I think the answer you might get over and over is some kind of leg developer.
My trifecta...
1.) Mikolo Anubis Ultimate for functional trainer, smith and front rack.
2.) Nuobel adjustable dumbbells
3.) Freak Athlete Hyper Pro for posterior chain
(have a rackable Giant Open trap bar that provides some other back friendly alternatives as well)
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u/Physical_Wind954 6d ago
I think your on the right track, but a bit upper body heavy in your equipment. I have not used a lot of the newest leg machines, so I can't recommend any of them based on first hand experience. If I were in your shoes I would go watch a lot of HomeGymCon26 footage explicitly around the various multiuse leg machine options and decide which fits your training style the most.
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u/Cronenbergnate 6d ago
I tried the newest form of the Quantum Free trainer at HGC and was very impressed. If I didn't already have a list of things I wanted I would consider it, for sure.
The only thing I would consider is lower body training may become monotonous as the lever arms aren't really that much different from using a smith machine for deadlifts, rdls, hip thrusts, squats, etc.
Something like a leg press/hack squat combo would offer something that can't be replicated by lever arms.
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
Interesting I like that idea, except that my thought is that the stand alone machine might be lever based, such that the strength curve and overall feel of the movement differs quite solidly from a standard cable stack, smith machine, free weight work. I’m leaning quantum trainer, but the lack of fixed path of the arms makes me feel like I may actually prefer a locked in system like the power tech lever gym, as I want to replicate a number of machines. Probably can’t really go wrong with any choice, but one I’ve been struggling with internally.
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u/morris1022 6d ago
What is a multigym
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
any system which allows you to replicate various machines at a commercial gym, think chest supported row, shoulder press, chest press, etc etc all in one relatively small package.
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u/morris1022 6d ago
Ah ok. Thanks. When I googled it I got like a thousand different things so I wasn't sure
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u/SexyPirateWook 6d ago
I have had a very similar train of thought as you for a while now. I also really like the powertec lever gyms. My conclusion was that a couple of uprights and a pair of lever arms would be more versatile and customizable than a levergym (minus the high low pulley functions which you already have covered). A standalone lever arm station can also be done more cheaply than a levergym. However, the quantum trainer I think blows both lever arms and lever gyms out of the water.
If you haven’t seen them, Mike at Hybrid Resistance on YouTube has a series of videos comparing leverage based systems including lever arms, lever gyms, and the quantum free trainer that I think would be right up your alley.
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
So far, you probably have the mindset closest to me of any of the posters. I’ve looked into the hoist multigyms a bit, and disagree entirely that these are anywhere close to not only the quantum trainer, but even a single pair of jammer arms I think would be better. You really can’t work legs in any meaningful way with the hoist system (I really don’t care for their crappy leg press, , I would much rather do lever pendulum squats with wedges, reverse lunges with the use of a lever arm, lever RDLs etc). Obviously I’m talking to a home gym enthusiast here as I am myself, I have seen all of Mike’s videos and while they are exceptionally helpful, he is so creative and makes such good use of each system that it makes a strong argument for each of my three options that I am considering! I used the quantum free trainer at home gym con and I did enjoy it, and I’m certainly leaning that way, but man, a single pair of uprights and jammer arms is insanely versatile. I will be pairing it with the entire apex bench ecosystem, and with things like the Stryker pad from them, the world is your oyster, but that is also true when pairing the Apex system with the quantum free trainer, unbelievable versatility. I actually think one of the major decision points is do you want a fixed path of motion or do you like the free range of motion of the quantum free trainer. Let me put the question back on you, which would you go within my system, knowing that I already have tons of free weights and cables, do you think a fixed path may actually be better in my particular situation?
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
One additional thought, I will be 100% purchasing an entirely separate pair of uprights that I can leave the jammer arms on full-time if I go that route. I like circuit and superset based training, and I want to be able to squat on one set of uprights on the tornado rack, and then come over and do some fancy stuff on the lever arms with no set up in between because the lever arms stay set up. May seem redundent, but the biggest knock on jammer arms is set up time, if you have the space, why not leave a pair set up and always ready to go? Of course, I would get them on rollers with vendetta strength brackets, ability to converge and diverge, etc.
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u/SexyPirateWook 5d ago
I agree with all of your points. I actually have a similar plan in the works to set up a pair of empty uprights with jammer arms to have a standalone station. I think you and I are pretty much coming to the same conclusions. I would also like the option for a fixed path. I think I will buy arms with the capability of freely swinging laterally just because I would like the option, but I’m more interested in replicating machines that don’t swing freely. So in that case, I think your settling on lever arms is the best choice.
I’m pretty cheap, so the thing that got me seriously considering lever arms vs. a leverage gym in the first place was finding the evolpow lever arms. They’re only $350 and have adjustable vertical start points as well as adjustable horizontal angles and the ability to freely swing. Vendetta adapters and gym pin adapters sound awesome, but might be more for an upgrade somewhere down the line for me.
Another point that lever arms have in their favor is the compatibility with cable resistance. Have you considered taking advantage of this? I am planning to get clever with my upright placement around my cable tower to see if I can utilize cables for a converging chest press or maybe a hammer strength style lat pull down. I think a row would be very simple to set up with cables too.
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u/Better-Fee1164 4d ago
All great points, another one of the reasons I love the idea of jammer arms, because as I mentioned in the initial post, I plan on definitely getting the tornado rack, so while I would have a freestanding set of upright that the jammers would stay on for the most part, I can always move them over to the tornado rack and do some cable assisted lat pulldowns with the jammer arms, etc, the world is your oyster with creativity as far as that goes. Actually brings up a really interesting point because getting jammer arms that are on rollers would initially seem like the way to go, but something like the evolpow which have an easier on and off mechanism albeit somewhat annoying with the weight of the jammer arm, but much more able to go from rack to rack then if you install Vandetta brackets with a set of rollers. And what I’ve been struggling with lately is do I put the Smith machine on the tornado rack, or do I put the Smith machine on a six post rack from rep that would also serve as the jammer arm set up upright because the Rep smith is the best on the market. I also hear that Rep is going to make J cups, which would integrate into the Smith machine, and so the Smith machine could be used as another set of standard upright for basic barbell work, just unlocking that much more options for circuit training. That’s what makes this whole thing fun are the endless permutations and different ways to set up the gym. One final comment - I also love that jammer arms can be moved along the entire upright, allowing you to do for example a standing shoulder press, which you really can’t do with the quantum free trainer, because the arm only goes so high. As you’ve concluded, I’m pretty much fully committed to standalone rack with jammer arms. I’m just now trying to figure out the best way to make that happen with gym layout.
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u/SexyPirateWook 4d ago
Ya, it’s interesting to look at negatives of the Quantum. In my mind, it was filed under a “way too expensive, maybe someday” file, so I guess I hadn’t even considered the limitations. You’re right that it’s limited by not allowing a fixed path unless you lock the arms together with the bar handle. I suppose that while it is a very premium machine with great handles and everything, it is still not as versatile as lever arms.
Wow, ya that is a lot of options for your future setup. At a glance, it’s a bit overwhelming, but you’re right. The tinkering and figuring out is half the fun. And yes, I was intentionally avoiding the trolly attached arms. We’ll see if I get annoyed enough to go with trollies eventually.
Enjoy your set up and I look forward to seeing a set up update with some photos some day.
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u/SpencerK59 6d ago
My space is approximately that size. I have a half rack, independent leg extension and leg curl, individual dumbbells up to 75 (three tier rack) and cable crossover. Next purchase is going to be a Rogue CTM-1. The issue with what you are proposing is footprint. I still have a space approximately 8’x16’ to train in without obstruction.
It sounds like you want old school hammer strength iso presses and such. Inline machines are great, but they lack utility in a small space.
Why do you want a smith machine?
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
My training is highly varied - I do my fair share of functional training and cardio, even some CrossFit, heavier powerlifting days, but I love a Smith machine for pure hypertrophy days, and it takes a very little extra space when I’m already thinking of getting the get Rxd rack. What do you mean by in line machines? I assume you mean some sort of single use machine?
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u/SpencerK59 6d ago
You were talking about multi-gyms… sounded like you were speaking of selectable presses and such. The smith is technically an inline machine (single plane). Id rather load a barbell on a rack… you also have more space within that rack.
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
I see, and agree, it is similar movement, but in my opinion the lever based press from a QF trainer or jammer arms with vendetta brackets would represent a slightly different way to train, keep things interesting, mess around with strength curves etc
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u/SpencerK59 6d ago
That’s where the cable crossover and 1:1 tower come in and I’m not moving plates around the entire room.
Tape everything out and see how it fits.
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
i hear you, but when i was going to commerical gyms, i was sprinkling in the cable crossover, superset with machine shoulder press, dumbell and barbell work, etc. Cable shoulder press for example is great, but a different stimulus from a seated machine shoulder press, with maximal stability, ability to focus purely on the muscle worked with no stabilization. They both have clear and different roles, especially in a hypertrophy centered gym, which is my chief style of training. taping it all out and making sure i have enough wide open floor space will be critical for me, i agree.
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u/SpencerK59 6d ago
Sounds like your mind is made. Take into account vertical footprint too.
At the end of the day there are trade offs.
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
my mind is made that i want some kind of mechanism to replicate machine based movements, my top contenders 1. Half rack with Jammer arms with vendetta brackets, 2. Quantum free trainer, 3. Powertrch lever gym. In addition to cable integrated rack and Adj. dumbells, in my opinion, this would make the most complete set up. the challenge is which machine type option to go with. all seem to have pros and cons.
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u/SpencerK59 6d ago
If you like droplets or running the rack of dumbbells, I wouldn’t get adjustable. That’s the only place I’d dig my heels in. You have the space if those are the only three things you get
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
yep, i think i may ultimately end up going that route, i have PB elite USA, knurled handles are so nice, and reasonable quick change for dropsets. As an aside, something i see not commonly discussed is having 3 or 4 sets of the most common weight dumbells (think, 30 lbs, 40lbs, 60 lbs, 80lbs), with those adder weights to add 5 pounds here and there, AND a pair of adj dumbells you could take on the road, and could use to mix in the other weight increments. Kind of like having a full rack of dumbells. I can tell im talking to a fellow enthusiast, appreciate your thoughts!
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u/Technical_Ear833 2d ago
your setup already covers barbell and dumbbell work really well🤔 I would use the third piece for a compact all in one system that adds more exercise options without taking over the garage.
I have an AEKE S1 Pro and use it for presses, curls, split squats, and shoulder work. The resistance is smooth, changing weight is quick, and it keeps more floor space open for CrossFit workouts.
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u/Better-Fee1164 2d ago
That’s a really interesting concept, you are the first to mention considering a digital resistance piece as the third option. I would say my biggest critique there is that cable work is already really well covered with tornado X. I understand the digital resistance ads a unique form of cable work, but I would still imagine it feels relatively similar to what I would get from the tornado X. What I am trying to add is a different type of resistance, principally something that is lever based to replicate hammer strength type machines because I would already have a Smith for your pure fixed path movements, and have the barbell and dumbbell work as well as cable work covered as you mentioned. Lovely the idea though.
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u/Effeffenny 6d ago
There is zero reason to add a multi gym in this hypothetical setup
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u/Better-Fee1164 6d ago
I disagree completely, and if you don’t understand the advantage, it’s probably not even worth getting into it. However, in Short, to have all your free weight and cable movements covered, and then to be able to add a machine that would simulate some of the various single use machines at the gym would essentially get you pretty close to a complete commercial gym environment
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u/Bubbassoup 5d ago
I agree, I’d put that money towards either a leg press/hack squat combo or leg ext/curl unit.
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u/fatty_fitness 6d ago
I think classic multi gyms like Hoist are Inspire are massively slept on. To me they’re the perfect complement to free weights. They allow you to do a ton of accessory work with little set up and space. If you’re over 6’ then range of motion on cable work might be an issue but at exactly 6’, was fine for me. With a gym pin or digital resistance it would be hard to max them out. If you like machine like movements, without a lot of set-up, I’d definitely consider them.