I am sure others more knowledgeable about most of these items but here is what has worked for me with regards to exercising over the years (25 years).<br><br>I have really enjoyed rebuilding a gym with what I have. Here are several photos of my current set-up:<br><br>My new hip sled that allows me to safety do squats, calf raises, leg presses, and more. Also my main Olympic weight cage for presses, lat pull-downs, etc.:<br><br><br>Here is my homemade preacher bench (connects to my bench):<br><br><br><br>Here is what I use for leg extensions and also decline sit-ups.<br><br><br><br>Here is my Dumbbell rack (an old bench that prevents me from having to pick up heavy dumbbells):<br><br><br><br>I cut a 4x4 and was able to make my Hip Sled into a leg press without much problem:<br><br><br><br>One thing I found that the stock Lat Bars were not long enough. When I was using the shorter ones, and without the hand grips, my shoulders would hurt. I found that I can use this 48” swivel lat bar without any pain and hence, use more weight:<br><br><br><br><br>I found that using a straight bar for rows hurt my elbows with heavy weights. This double rowing handle, with grips allows me to use heavy weights without pain:<br><br><br><br>If you use dumbbells, I am really sold on these hooks. They can be placed on a barbell and I no longer have pain in my elbows and shoulders due to swinging heavy dumbbells. Plus, the wrap that covers the dumbbell handle makes it easier to grip due to its larger size:<br><br><br><br><br>Here are several photos of New Grips as compared to a normal glove. I am really sold on them. I have used them for two years and it helped me stop over gripping the bar. I found that when bench pressing, etc., I do not even have to fully grip the bar. Also, between sets, you can let your hands breathe and I have yet to get any calluses:<br><br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/newgrips2.jpg[/img]<br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/newgrips3.jpg[/img]<br><br>Here is an ab strap. This is a pain free way to do crunches:<br> <br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/abstrap.jpg[/img] <br><br>Here are needed knee supports. They really do warm up the knees and I feel naked without them when I do any leg exercises now. These were design for Olympic style lifters and hence, are very study as compared to ones you can pick up at Wal-Mart:<br><br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/kneesupport.jpg[/img]<br><br>I just bought some new shoes. This is the first time I bought training shoes over running shoes and I can tell a difference with regards to stability. My foot doctor told me to make sure I buy quality shoes. My old running shoes were New Balance 855 and these are New Balance 1007. The orthotics are fiberglass and take awhile to get used too but have kept my feet and probably my knees injury free for years:<br><br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/trainingshoes.jpg[/img]<br><br>Here is our old treadmill. It works fine for walking although my feet always hit the front of it (you may notice cat toys around...it helps keep them away from the weights when I use them. When they were young kittens, they always seemed to jump up on me at the wrong time)!<br><br>[img]http://homepage.mac.com/biggerfoot/.Public/treadmill.jpg[/img]<br><br>Here is a site that helps me:<br><br>http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html<br><br><br>

I don't think I could lift anything I see in those pictures. <br><br><br><br>When did the National Guard turn into the foreign legion?

There is always my shoe!<br><br><br><br>

Thanks for your post and for sharing your home gym.<br><br>That looks killer ...<br><br>Congrats! <br><br>****************<br>

Man, that's a great set up! All you need now is a full wall mirror and a sound system. <br><br>It looks like you have this in your basement. Don't forget about good fresh air flow into the room. One other suggestion, if you do heavy weight, you might want to carry a beeper type device that if you get hurt or pinned, you can signal someone upstairs.<br><br>Okay, enough reading, go get pumped up. <br><br>

I have trouble with my own shoes.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>When did the National Guard turn into the foreign legion?

Actually, since I normally work out alone, some beeper device is a good idea...never thought about it (other than yelling!). <br><br>I do have fans and a HEPA filter downstairs.<br><br>

Dude! That's some exercise area you have there! Like you need to be ANY bigger! <br><br>

That set up of yours looks very thorough! I've been working out for 3 years now and if I had the room I would definitely get my own gym set. Until then it's "24 fitness" for me. <br><br>