GGC is Over - Hello HGC

Home Gym Con prep and the new rack is here

What To Expect In This Newsletter

  • GML - New Rack and Accessories

  • Community - Darko Mounts and Bowflex Recall

  • GGC - Spring is complete

  • HomeGym Con - Will I see you there?

Links throughout may include Affiliate Links. These help fund the Newsletter, Website, Garage Gym Competition, Videos and more at no expense to you.

Gray Matter Lifting

It is here… YASSSS!!!!! The Iron Bull Strength Frankenstein Rack has arrived, been assembled, and we are putting it to work.

This thing is a BEAST and freaking beautiful. I’m very happy. As a reminder, the big win here is the KeyHoles throughout the entire rack. I have keyholes on everything except for the Iron Bull Strength name plate. So the crossmembers, uprights, everything is ready to rock. I’ve detailed everything about this rack so far in Review Pipeline Article on the site.

I snagged a few new rack attachments in prep for this rack, two of which now have their own Review Pipeline Articles as well! First up is the REP Belt Squat. I’m hoping this will pair well with the VOLTRAs and give us some Belt Squat awesomeness.

And then the REP Pegasus. Again, pairing this primarly with the VOLTRAs. I actually used it today for some standing leg curl variations. I’ve got some creative plans in the works for this pairing.

What Do YOU want to see?

I also snagged a bunch of Magnetic Rack Pins… I just ordered some more… and I’m going to do a full comparison and write up on all of them. I snagged a set of Bremmy Spotter Arms, DARKO Quick Mounts, an Oak Club KLO Step, and even some 3d printed accessories.

But I want to know what YOU want me to check out next. So if you have an idea for a rack attachment or accessory I should check out, reply back to this email and let me know.

What Is Next?

I’m going to be spending the next ~6 Months with this rack in its current orientation, adjusting, tweaking, testing, and making it even more MY RACK. The goal is for this thing to eventually come off of the platform and be free standing, and be the ultimate home gym power rack for our space.

I’m actively working on the bench comparison video.

I just got some details from one of my favorite companies that a new piece is headed my way for testing. This should be a fun one.

And right now we are preparing for Home Gym Con (more on that in a second).

Whats New In The Community?

Darko dropped the QuickMount Handle for the VOLTRA I. Since I just grabbed the Quick Mounts, these are obviously catching my attention. I’ll use the QuickMounts by themselves for a bit before I jump to grab a handle. But I’m already seeing this as a potential nice upgrade.

Mutant Metals Fundraiser

Chris at MM is partnering with a charity to raise funds to help kids. He is tossing up a UDA to help raise funds. Check the details in this Instagram post to participate.

Bowflex Recall

If you own a number of the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells, they just announced a recall. You can get details at this link.

Discount Codes

Remember that these discount codes are active all year round for you to save some cash and support what I do.

Garage Gym Competition

We just finished the Spring GGC, with just shy of 500 athletes. Thanks to everyone who participated and joined in on the fun. You can check out some of the results, videos, and data on the homepage at the button below.

Fall Event

I will have more on the Fall event when we roll into July.

Home Gym Con

Normally we wrap up with r/HomeGym, but we are kicking it over to Home Gym Con prep. Myself, my wife, and my daughter are headed out to Kentucky to join in the festivities.

Will you be there? If so, hit me back with a reply so we can try and meet up.

If you aren’t going, but have a request for some pics, videos, or anything else I can share of our trip, same thing… hit me with a reply and I’ll see what I can do.

My Plans

I have a couple goals with HGC. First, is to shake the hands of people I’ve chatted with for years behind a screen. Whether that is you, manufacturers, or other content creators.

Second, I want to see some new gym equipment. Duh!!!

Third, I’m planning to take a lot of pictures and handle a lot of equipment that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. As a content creator with a limited space, I’ll be able to add to my knowledge and hands on experience. I’ll get to touch and feel and see the Rogue Monster series, REP PR-5000, which will help me with my Frankenstein Rack comparison.

Who I Am Going To See

There are over 100 vendors, so I can’t see everyone. Here is my list of vendors to hit up. These aren’t exactly in any order. I’m prioritizing seeing some of my favorite people and also getting to connect with ones I would like to create a relationship with.

Prime Fitness / Intek

Bells of Steel

Surplus Strength

Mutant Metals

Executive Fit

Living.Fit

Pioneer

Arm Assassin

Buffalo Bully

Iron Bull Strength

Ironmaster

Marrs Bar

Cerberus Strength

Wide Body Bench

Bolt Fitness

Maiak GO

Darko Lifting

Resistance In Rotation

Plate Snacks

Barbell Rescue

TAKEOVER Strength

Weight it Out

Porter PhysED

ANCORE

Micro Gainz

GORX

Temple of Gainz

Black Widow

REP Fitness

The Mini Barbell

Primal Armor

ATX

Powerblocks

Freedom Fitness

Dialed Motion

Body Solid

If you are headed to Home Gym Con, I look forward to seeing you there. I MIGHT miss the next couple of newsletters. But I will be back in full swing in middle of July.

  • Joe