With so many brands, putting together a home gym that works and everything fits can be a hassle. So, I put together this guide to show you how to design a Rogue home gym without purchasing equipment from other brands.
More...
In a Hurry? Here Are My Top Recommendations For Each Category:
Bench:
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Rack Stand:
Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
Safety Spotter Arms:
Rogue Infinity Safety Spotter Arms
Barbell:
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Weight Plates:
Rogue Deep Dish Plates
Change Plates:
Rogue LB Change Plates
Collars:
Rogue Aluminum Collars
Dumbbells:
Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
Dip Bar:
Rogue Monster Lite Matador
Cardio Machine:
Rogue Echo Bike V3.0
Let’s now put together three home gyms based on your budget, going from a bare-bones set-up to a complete home gym that puts your local commercial gym to shame.
Rogue Home Gym: Budget, Mid-Range, and Premium (Quick Comparison)
The following table overviews and compares three Rogue home gym setups:
Table Comparison Between the 3 Rogue Home Gym Options | |||
---|---|---|---|
Cell | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
Rack or Stand | |||
Bench | |||
Barbell | |||
Plates | Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2 (230-lb set) | Rogue Deep Dish Plates (230-lb set) | Rogue Color Echo Bumper Plates (350-lb set) |
Change Plates | - | Rogue LB Change Plates (35-lb set) | Rogue LB Change Plates (35-lb set) |
Collars | |||
Safety Spotter Arms | |||
Dumbbells | - | Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set: 5-50 lbs | Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set: 5-50 and 55-100 lbs |
Dip Bar | - | ||
Cardio Machine | - | - | |
Total Cost | $1844.50 | $3405.50 | $9679.50 |
Let’s now take an in-depth look at each of the three options and what type of training you can do.
Budget Rogue Home Gym ($1844.50)
To start, we have this setup, which is ideal if you’re on a budget, have limited space, and don’t mind more minimalistic training:
- Rack: Rogue RML-3WC Fold Back Wall Mount Rack ($705)
- Bench: Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 ($195)
- Barbell: Rogue Ohio Power Bar ($295)
- Plates: Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2 230-lb set ($495)
- Safety Spotter Arms: Rogue Infinity Safety Spotter Arms ($145)
- Collars: Rogue Spring Collars ($9.50)
I also highly recommend a pair of budget adjustable dumbbells for even more versatility in your training.
A good pair that weights enough (up to 52.5 lbs) and won’t break the bank is the Bowflex SelectTech 552. You can read my review of them here.
These cost $429 and come with free standard shipping.
What You Can Do With The Gym
This gym gives you enough freedom to get creative with your training and do many effective exercises to build muscle and strength.
- Space-efficient training: One benefit of the wall mount rack is that it doesn’t take up much space, and you can fold it against the wall (the pull-up bar detaches easily via pins) when you’re not using it. The rest of the equipment also doesn’t take up much space.
- Basic strength training: You can do countless effective exercises to train your entire body with a rack, bench, barbell, and plates.
- Versatility with adjustable dumbbells: Adding a pair to the mix would allow you to do even more compound and isolation exercises. That way, you can change up lifts more frequently and keep your training fresh and engaging.
- Safety features: The Rogue Infinity Safety Spotter Arms add a layer of security for squats and the bench press. This allows you to safely lift heavy and test your maxes even if you’re home alone.
Mid-Range Rogue Home Gym ($3405.50)
This is a more expensive setup that comes with more equipment, allowing you to enjoy greater variety when selecting exercises for each training phase:
- Rack: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack ($765)
- Bench: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 ($320)
- Barbell: Rogue Ohio Power Bar ($295)
- Plates: Rogue Deep Dish Plates 230-lb set ($582)
- Change Plates: Rogue LB Change Plates 35-lb set ($196)
- Safety Spotter Arms: Rogue Infinity Safety Spotter Arms ($145)
- Collars: Rogue USA Aluminum Collars ($52.50)
- Dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set: 5-50 lbs ($955)
- Dip Bar: Rogue Monster Lite Matador ($95)
If spending close to $1,000 on a dumbbell set that only goes to 50 lbs feels like a waste, you can look for second-hand weights to save money or go for a pair of adjustable dumbbells.
The Ironmasters are relatively costly (about $700 for a pair), but they go from 5 to 75 lbs in 2.5-lb increments and have a quick-lock mechanism that allows you to easily adjust the load when necessary.
Plus, they cost less than the 5-50 lbs dumbbell set (you get to save $255) and take up far less space.
What You Can Do With The Gym
At almost twice the cost, the mid-range Rogue home gym setup provides even more workout options.
- Greater rack mobility: Since the Rogue HR-2 isn’t designed to be mounted on a wall, you can move it around your home gym if necessary. However, despite that, you still get a compact unit that isn’t likely to get in the way or take up too much valuable space when you’re not using it.
- Sturdier bench: While adding the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 might seem unnecessary, this item is worth the extra money. It provides excellent stability and support for your training, and the wheels at the front allow you to move the bench around.
Here’s what a customer named Jon wrote:
“Big, heavy, expensive. Worth every penny. Keeps my scapula planted and keeps me in form, making numbers go up and pain go down. I can use it for other exercises or a nap between sets. It’s that big.” - More dumbbell options: Assuming you don’t pick up a pair of adjustable dumbbells for the budget Rogue home gym setup, buying a 5-50 lb set for this build would provide numerous exercise options.
However, even when comparing a 5-50 lb set to a pair of adjustable dumbbells, the set is generally better (assuming you have the space and money) because you never have to change weights. All you have to do is pick up the dumbbells you need, and you’re good to start your set. - An added dip bar: Having a dip bar allows you to do bodyweight dips (more upright to emphasize the triceps, as well as ones where you lean forward to work the chest). You can also do suspended knee raises and L-sits.
Premium Rogue Home Gym ($9679.50)
Finally, we have the premium Rogue home gym setup. This is the perfect option if money is not an object because you get all the necessary equipment for less than $10.000.
- Rack: Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 ($2610)
- Bench: Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 ($595)
- Barbell: Rogue Ohio Power Bar ($295)
- Plates: Rogue Color Echo Bumper Plates 350-lb set ($931)
- Change Plates: Rogue LB Change Plates 35-lb set ($196)
- Safety Spotter Arms: Rogue USA Aluminum Collars ($52.50)
- Collars: Rogue Monster Safety Spotter Arms 2.0 ($295)
- Dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set: 5-50 and 55-100 lbs ($955 + $2680)
- Dip Bar: Rogue Monster Matador ($175)
- Cardio Machine: Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 ($895)
Like with the previous two setups, you can get a pair of adjustable dumbbells to save a ton of space and money. The 5-50 and 55-100 lbs Rogue rubber hex dumbbell sets will set you back $3635.
You can stay in the Rogue family with their loadable dumbbell option. The 15-lb version costs only $150 (for a single), but you will have to get some metal plates to load it.
I recommend their change plates, but you can find cheaper alternatives on Amazon and other websites. Just make sure the hole diameter is 50 mm (the same as the plates you’d get for your barbell).
What You Can Do With The Gym
For close to $10,000, you can enjoy even more versatility, convenience, and security for the ultimate home gym experience:
- The rack truly is a monster: The Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 is an expensive behemoth that offers everything you need in your training. It has safety nylon straps to catch the barbell inside without damaging it and eight weight storage posts for your weight plates.
You also get a standard pull-up bar and four band pegs (two on each side) to wrap your looped bands around the sleeves of the barbell for power training.
To top it off, you can pick from 12 frame color options and customize the rear crossmember at an extra cost.
The standard height is 90”, but you can choose 100” or 110”. - An adjustable bench for versatility: Adjusting the back support on your gym bench would allow you to do more fun exercises and target various muscles in new ways.
Examples of excellent exercises include chest-supported rows (back), incline press (upper chest), seated overhead press (shoulders), and seated incline curl (biceps). - More weight for barbell lifts: While not a ton of weight, 350 lbs is generally enough for most lifters to get a good workout in. Plus, this set includes a pair of the following: 15s, 25s, 35s, 45s, and 55s. This allows you to adjust the weight based on what you need. You can always get extra plates later if necessary.
- All the dumbbells you’ll (likely) ever need: Similar to the mid-range Rogue home gym setup, you have plenty of dumbbells to work with––ranging from 5 to 100 lbs.
- Fun cardio sessions: The Rogue Echo Bike V3.0 is a sturdy fan bike that doesn’t weigh much (123 lbs), allowing you to move it around when necessary. It has a digital screen displaying distance, intervals, heart rate, and burned calories.
Also, thanks to its ANT+ and Bluetooth capabilities, you can pair it with a heart rate monitor or your phone to connect cycling apps like Zwift.
Picking the Best Dumbbells For Your Home Gym
The Rogue hex dumbbells are excellent and likely to last a lifetime. That said, they are also expensive and take up a decent amount of space.
If money and space are not an issue, by all means, get yourself a set and set yourself for life (I apologize for the terrible pun).
However, if you still want to save some money (while getting mostly Rogue Fitness products) and space, consider adjustable dumbbells.
Gone are the days of using the dreaded spinlock mechanism that takes forever to adjust the weight on your dumbbells (though I still use these old-school dumbbells).
These days, you can get a pair of adjustable dumbbells that:
- Are durable
- Have a simple mechanism for adjusting the weight in seconds
- Weigh enough and offer many weight options
- Look good and are compact
- Cost far less than a whole dumbbell set
- Take up far less space
Some good options include:
You can also read my guide on adjustable dumbbells.
3 Alternative Pieces of Equipment From Rogue Fitness
1. Rack Alternative
Original rack recommendations:
Alternative option: Rogue SML-2C Squat Stand
It’s cheaper ($515 for the base version), comes with a pull-up bar, and the package includes everything you need to train. The frame also comes in 11 color options.
2. Barbell Alternative
Original barbell recommendation:
Alternative option: The Bella Bar 2.0
It’s cheaper ($235), weighs 15 kilograms (33 lbs), which makes it easier to move around in your home gym, and has a 25-mm diameter, making it ideal for trainees with smaller hands.
3. Cardio Machine Alternative
Original cardio machine recommendation:
Alternative option: Black Concept 2 RowERG Rower - PM5
It’s more expensive, but it’s also a rowing machine, which means it involves a larger percentage of your body. It’s a fantastic way to get your cardio in if you’re not a fan of cycling but still want to keep the joint impact low.
A Few Words on Building Your Home Gym
While I’m a huge fan of Rogue Fitness and think their products are stellar, building a home gym with just their equipment might not be the best approach.
Sure, you will have an iron heaven and will likely not need to spend another dollar on training equipment in your lifetime.
However, Rogue products are also quite expensive, and there are cheaper alternatives for some products that will work just as well, especially if you’re okay with purchasing used equipment.
So, is a Rogue home gym worth it? It depends on your preferences, budget, and how long you plan on owning the equipment.
Read next:
Leave a Reply