Table of Contents
Building a gym is a learning process. After three years of training in my 12x14 garage gym, I've accumulated both victories and defeats. This honest tour reveals what worked, what failed, and what I'd do differently if starting over.
The Backstory
I started this gym in 2021 during the equipment shortage. Desperation led to some questionable purchases that I'm still living with today. But constraints breed creativity, and I've learned to work around my mistakes.
My Biggest Regrets
Regret #1: Cheap Flooring
I bought 1/2" foam puzzle mats from Amazon. Within six months, they were compressed, torn, and shifting during heavy deadlifts. I've since covered them with horse stall mats, but now I have an uneven floor because I didn't want to waste the initial investment.
The lesson: Buy horse stall mats from day one. The $150 investment pays for itself in durability and stability.
Regret #2: Wrong Rack Size
I bought a squat stand instead of a full rack to "save space." In reality, the footprint difference is minimal, but I lost the safety of full-length spotter arms and the ability to add attachments. I've since upgraded, but the original stand sits in the corner collecting dust.
Regret #3: Neglecting Lighting
For the first year, I trained under a single 60-watt bulb. It was depressing and dangerous—I couldn't see the barbell knurling properly. Adding LED shop lights for $80 transformed the entire experience.
The Winning Decisions
Win #1: Quality Barbell First
I invested $350 in a Rogue Ohio Power Bar before I had plates to put on it. Some thought I was crazy, but the tactile feel of good knurling makes every rep feel better. Three years later, it still spins smoothly and has zero rust.
Win #2: Dedicated Deadlift Platform
I built a simple 8x4 platform from plywood and stall mats. It protects my concrete, reduces noise, and gives me a consistent pulling surface. Total cost: $120 and one afternoon.
Win #3: Climate Control Investment
A $300 mini-split AC unit means I can train year-round in Texas heat. This single purchase has probably added hundreds of training sessions that I would have skipped otherwise.
Optimizing the Space
Often, optimization means making hard choices. I decided against a cardio machine to prioritize a larger power rack. My cardio now consists of:
- Running outside
- Jump rope in the driveway
- Barbell complexes
In a small space, you often have to choose between cardio and strength. I chose strength, and I don't regret it.
What I'd Do Differently
- Start with a plan - I bought equipment impulsively. A drawn-out floor plan would have prevented several mistakes.
- Buy once, cry once - Cheap equipment gets replaced. Quality equipment lasts decades.
- Prioritize atmosphere - Good lighting, a speaker system, and even paint colors affect motivation more than you'd think.
Current Equipment List
After three years of refinement:
- Rogue RML-390F Rack
- Rogue Ohio Power Bar
- 500 lbs of bumper plates
- Rep Fitness adjustable bench
- Ironmaster dumbbells (5-75 lbs)
- Concept2 rower (my one cardio exception)
The journey continues, but I'm finally happy with where it's landed.
