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Welcome to Garage Gym Lab
Since 2017, Garage Gym Lab has been the place to read reviews, find equipment, and get inspired to build the home gym of your dreams. GGL has hundreds of articles, helpful tools, and great resources to help you along the way.
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Reviews
The most detailed reviews in the business, each with a focus on helping you make informed decisions.
PRx Profile Pro Review: The Best Wall-Mounted Squat Rack?
Quick Overview
The PRx Profile Pro is a top-rated wall-mounted squat rack with excellent features and a compact footprint. This rack offers multiple pull-up arrangements, westside hole spacing,...
XMARK Functional Trainer (FT-9040) Review
Quick Overview
The XMARK FT-9040 is a well-equipped functional trainer with dual 230 lb weight stacks, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and smooth cables. It's taller than most, allowing...
Beyond Power Voltra 1 Review: Impressive Tech & Performance
Quick Overview
The Beyond Power Voltra 1 is a unique, portable, high-quality cable attachment with up to 200 lbs of digital resistance. It offers multiple training modes, including...
Shogun NORD-EX Review (2025)
Quick Overview
The Shogun NORD-EX is a posterior chain machine that allows for Nordic curls and back extensions. It's a heavy-duty piece made with thick steel and high-quality...
Best of 2025
See the best gym equipment for 2024 so you can buy with confidence.
8 Best Squat Racks in 2025: Top Picks for All Budgets
A squat rack is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any gym. With a squat rack, a barbell, some weight plates, and a weight bench, you...
13 Best Weight Benches in 2025: Top Picks for Flat and Adjustable Benches
A weight bench is one of the most important pieces of gym equipment that most lifters can own. I consider it to be one of the 'core four': a...
8 Best Adjustable Dumbbells in 2025: Top Picks for Your Home Gym
A set of adjustable dumbbells is one of the most versatile and efficient things you can add to a home gym. They take up considerably less space than traditional...
9 Best Weightlifting Shoes in 2025: Powerlifting, CrossFit, and More
Weightlifting Shoes are an invaluable training tool for serious lifters. A proper pair of "lifters" can increase support, put you in better lifting positions, and enhance performance.
We've tested all...
Advice
Insightful articles including buying guides, equipment benefits, tips & strategies, and much more.
16 Types of Barbells To Elevate Your Training in 2023
Did you know that there are dozens of different types of barbells?
From traditional Olympic barbells to niche specialty bars, there's no shortage of tools to help you reach your...
The Ultimate Guide to Building a Budget Home Gym (2023)
Let's be honest here...
Building a home gym isn't always the cheapest endeavor.
Depending on a number of factors, including quality, brand, product, etc... a home gym can vary wildly in...
10 Must-Use Craigslist Tips for Finding Used Gym Equipment
Let's be honest for a second...
Buying gym equipment isn't cheap. It can actually be pretty freakin' expensive.
But it doesn't have to be.
I'm a HUGE advocate for sourcing gym equipment...
Inspiration
Step into real home gyms around the world to find inspiration, get ideas, and read stories of actual home gym owners.
Step Into This Competitive Powerlifter’s Compact Home Gym
Meet Brian.
Brian is an accountant from Arkansas who has transformed half of his two-car garage into a beautiful powerlifting home gym.
As an award-winning powerlifter...
Step into Shawn Donaldson’s Basement Gym
Meet Shawn.
Shawn is a former collegiate offensive lineman at Kent State and now a father, husband, high school teacher, curator of morninglifter.com, and a...
Step into This Navy Veteran’s Incredible Garage Gym: Illuminati Iron
Meet Joe.
Joe is a veteran U.S. Navy Officer and current Certified Personal Trainer living in San Diego, CA.
I first learned of Joe and Illuminati...