Cage, bar, plate recommendations?

Hi, all. I promise I did a search before posting, but didn't come up with much.

So, I love the Stronglifts 5x5 program and would like to be able to do it at home (love the gym, but for those days when I can't...and my husband is just getting in shape and doesn't have time or desire for gym). Want a cage, straight Olympic bar, plates. Not sure what to get and would love feedback from folks. I'm 5'1", my husband is 6'2" and neither of us is planning to compete in the future. We aren't fortunate enough to have endless supplies of cash (although I acknowledge we ARE fortunate enough to even be able to consider buying a setup ), so really the lower the cost the better.

Can you let me know what you have used (either at home or at the gym) and what you liked or disliked about the different parts?

Many thanks!

Pauline

1. For getting decent equipment on the lower-cost side, eBay and Craigslist will be your best friends. Best deals you'll find, just that you may need to pick items up yourself. That's how we've furnished half of our training facility, almost exclusively through Craigslist ads.

2. For new equipment, visit http://newyorkbarbells.com- they're more reasonably priced than many manufacturers (the general rule with them is, so long as it doesn't have moving parts, you can trust it! Their machines with lots of attachments aren't the best, though.) This would work perfectly fine for most people for a decent power rack that will allow all the safety you need for squats, benching, etc. - http://newyorkbarbells.com/92563.html Otherwise, if you have low ceilings, this would be a good choice, too - http://newyorkbarbells.com/pro92560.html, as well as this: http://newyorkbarbells.com/92565.html. They also have fairly reasonable rates on benches and weight plates, but you could definitely do better with a Craigslist deal than what you'll find there.

Basically, if you get a good power rack, bench (preferably adjustable incline, but flat will suffice) bar and a few hundred pounds of plates, you should have everything you need to get stronger. It's pretty uncomplicated, but sometimes just finding the best deals for price are the toughest part!

Thanks so much. When I have more time (tomorrow) I'll take a closer look. I found this on Craigslist and emailed asking about parts, etc. http://westernmass.craigslist.org/spo/2920012603.html Seems like--if everything is there--it would be fine for us. Maybe even more than we need.

I appreciate your input and can't wait to check it out.

Thanks so much. When I have more time (tomorrow) I'll take a closer look. I found this on Craigslist and emailed asking about parts, etc. http://westernmass.craigslist.org/spo/2920012603.html Seems like--if everything is there--it would be fine for us. Maybe even more than we need.

 

I appreciate your input and can't wait to check it out.

Looks like a decent enough deal especially if it comes with the two bars and 300 lbs. in plates, so that right there should get you going well enough!