RIPPEDUPCOACH'S DORM ROOM

Some say it can't be done. A few just don't have the discipline. Still others prefer the lively gym atmosphere with the clanging weights (hardcore power outlets), the hot girls, and the perennial overtrainer grunting out 137 reps with the ez bar. The bonafide gymrats who live for this stuff will not agree, but for those of us who live miles from the closest gym - and whose budget is consumed by food, diapers, gas, and protein powder (with nil left for a gym membership!), a good home set up can be the back road to Hugeville.

Now listen (or look ;) closely at what I said. Notice the words good home set up and can be the back road...

If you aspire to massive, ripped proportions in the solace of your abode, then a few dumbbells just won't make the grade. You will need to invest some time and cash in your muscle machinery - and the payoff can be huge, my anabolic (or soon to be anabolic) friend.

I have been training in my personal gym (The Basement) for years and as you can see, I am Olympia-bound! (That is Mt. Olympia, of course - where I hope to take a vacation some day when I cash-in on my substantial diaper investments. :) But seriously, I have made major progress over the last few years in transforming my 5' 6" frame from a flabby and lethargic 197 lbs. to a lean and muscular 185 lbs. (currently in a major fat-burning cycle - and soon to be in another major mass-building cycle.)

But I digress. My point is, over the years, I have learned that a good home set up will keep you on that back road to the Big H - and off the expressway to Stagnation City (pop. Millions). So what should be included in a good home set up? I am very glad you asked! Let's keep it simple, so here's the list of equipment in The Basement...

1) Smith rack with high/low pulleys. (I prefer the free-weight variety so I can utilize all my existing iron [see #6].)
2) Incline/decline bench with leg attachment (mine came with my Smith Rack)
3) 3 sets of dumbbells handles with enough standard weights for 85 lb. dumbbells (although I will need more soon as I continue to get more advanced).* This covers every dumbbell weight I need - and allows efficient progress for advanced techniques like triple-drop sets.
4) 2 olympic barbells (1 for free weight barbell moves with the smith rack, 1 for floor use for moves like deadlifts and barbell curls)
5) EZ bar
6) Weights, weights, and more weights! This is your muscle. (I have around 800 lbs. and need to get a few more 45s for the brutal squat/deadlift days.)
7) Optional equipment that I use regularly: rope (for pressdowns, extensions), push up bars, lifting straps, olympic weight rack, and a treadmill (preferably with a view of the TV!)
8) Other equipment I don't have, but wish I did: Power Tower for pullups/dips; extra incline bench; alternate cardio machine

* if you can afford it and have the space, a dumbbell rack with solid dumbbells is the optimum choice

Ok, that's it! This mix will cover every major exercise you need to take control of those stubborn red and white fibers!

And remember I said that this "can be the back road to Hugeville?" It can be with one other thing: Discipline. You must have the discipline to not let ANYTHING keep you from your gym. The discipline to get up when your body says lie down. The discipline to push when your mind says park. The discipline to step out of your crib of comfort and into your house of pain every scheduled time the iron calls! Hey - isn't that the same discipline every bodybuilder needs? Why, yes it is - it's just a little closer to home! So if you're ready to roll - and want the convenience of taking the back road to the Big H - put down your keys and your gym membership card and step into The Basement!

See you in Hugeville, my friend! I'll be back as soon as I pick up some diapers and protein powder! :)