Jan 13

Installing my Rogue home gym

As you all know, I decided to finally get my ass in gear and get in shape back in 2011. (Here’s the proof.)

Since I moved to the States I’ve been working out at LA Fitness, which is a 10 minute walk from my house. However, the article Everything You Know About Fitness is a Lie inspired me to quit my gym and buy my own equipment and work out at home. Five reasons:

I’ve already proven I have the willpower to work out consistently (thus not needing the ‘gym experience’ to keep me going).
I waste 30 minutes walking to/from the gym. I could be spending this time with my family or working.
I know how to lift barbells properly because I was trained by a great gym in the UK.
I’m throwing my money way on my gym membership. Hopefully I have 40 years left to work out, so at $30 x 12 months x 40 years = $14,400. A great setup from Rogue costs around $1500, shipping included, and it’s got a lifetime guarantee. (It’s basically a bunch of steel bars so it’ll last forever.)
It was a good excuse to buy some nice gear

It arrived in a bunch of boxes and I finished assembling it this week (only took 30 minutes). I put it down in my creepy basement.

I’m going to use a simple iPhone app called StrongLifts to track my progress. I’m doing really simple lifts: Deadlifts, Bench Press, Overhead Press and Squats. I’m also reading Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training.