This episode centers around Michael and Kyle reflecting on the impact of their recent Coop interview, the rise of smart fitness equipment like the VOLTRA, and how innovation is reshaping home gyms. They also explore personal fitness journeys—Kyle’s bodybuilding transformation and Michael's experiments with "sugar fasting"—and discuss current controversies and trends in the home gym community.

Cooper Mitchell joins Mike and Kyle for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of home gyms, the rise of digital resistance technology, and the power of community in the fitness world. They share personal stories about moving and setting up gym equipment, balancing traditional tools with modern innovations, and managing work-life balance while building passion-driven businesses. The discussion also dives into the importance of transparency in the fitness industry, lessons learned from competitors, and the growing role of online communities. Coop offers insights on the value of Facebook groups, the future of podcasting, and highlights some of the most innovative companies shaping the space.

In this episode, Kyle and Michael chat with Rory Ellis, founder of Rorman Strength. Rory shares his journey from being a musician in metal bands to discovering weightlifting during his time in the military. He talks about what led him to start a home gym and eventually create the Megalith handles. Rory discusses the challenges of building a business in the fitness industry, including manufacturing hurdles and potential partnerships.

👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELB

https://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

Chapters

• 0:00 The Bougie Traveler's Dilemma
• 03:05 Product Testing and Equipment Reviews
• 05:53 Innovations in Home Gym Equipment
• 09:07 The Importance of User Feedback
• 11:55 Navigating Pre-Orders and Consumer Trust
• 14:54 Rogue's Redemption Tour
• 18:12 The Future of Home Gym Equipment
• 30:18 Navigating Controversy and Resolution
• 35:09 Lessons Learned from Conflict
• 40:24 Excitement for HomeGymCon 2025
• 44:00 Embarking on a Bodybuilding Journey
• 49:27 Motivation and Transformation Stories
• 53:14 New Equipment Innovations in Home Gyms

Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/

Follow Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygym

Follow Michael on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JsmAFsAGqRpyWMNxL15Qw

Follow Kyle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGCfbYPyFpITa0mbwbTmhA

HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

Kyle and Michael welcome fitness entrepreneur Emily Samuel. Emily shares her journey from training celebrities to launching the Booty Box, tackling manufacturing challenges, partnering with Fringe Sport, and highlighting the untapped potential of female-focused fitness products.

Follow BootyBox on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bootyboxplatform/

Follow Emily on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyy_fitness/👉🏼 👉🏼

HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

00:00 - Intro & Catching Up

03:00 - Optimizing Home Gym Setups

07:00 - Gym Equipment Talk: Attachments & Monolifts

12:30 - The Business of Assembly Videos

14:30 - Home Gym Con 2025 VIP Experience

16:30 - Special Guest: Emily Samuel Joins the Podcast

29:00 - The Booty Box: From DIY to Market Success

34:00 - Social Media Strategy for Fitness Brands

42:00 - Why Women’s Fitness is an Untapped Market in Home Gyms

48:00 - Will Emily Attend Home Gym Con?

54:00 - Future Innovations: Booty Box 2.0 and More

1:01:00 - Home Gym Community & Closing Thoughts

Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/

Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygym

Michael on YouTube: youtube.com/@nicelikemike

Kyle on YouTube: youtube.com/@KaizenDIYGym

In this conversation, Kyle discusses his recent transformation of his garage from a woodworking space to a dedicated gym area. He shares insights on the arrival of new gym equipment, particularly from Temple of Gainz, and reflects on the delivery experiences, including a memorable encounter with a helpful driver. The discussion also touches on the upgrades of the Dane 2.0 machine, initial impressions of the new selectorized machines, and the evolution of home gym equipment. Additionally, they delve into experiences with selling gym equipment on Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the challenges and frustrations that can arise. In this conversation, Mike and Kyle discuss the intricacies of selling items online, particularly on Facebook Marketplace, and the challenges of engaging with followers on social media. The discussion transitions into the topic of building the ultimate home gym, where both speakers share their dream equipment lists and considerations for gym design. They also touch on upcoming events, including HomeGymCon, and the excitement of future guests on the podcast.
Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Garage Transformation: From Woodworking to Gym Space
• 03:10 New Equipment Arrival: The Temple of Gains Machines
• 05:52 Delivery Experiences: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird
• 09:06 Dane 2.0: A Closer Look at Upgrades
• 11:48 Initial Impressions: Selectorized Machines in Action
• 15:04 The Evolution of Home Gym Equipment
• 17:46 Marketplace Experiences: The Trials of Selling Equipment

• 25:39 Navigating the Challenges of Online Selling
• 27:31 Engaging with Followers and Managing Expectations
• 34:56 Building the Ultimate Home Gym
• 43:32 Dream Equipment for a Home Gym
• 50:52 Upcoming Events and Future Guests

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• Michael on YouTube
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In this conversation, Michael and Kyle welcome Lindsay Scheele, who shares how she came to join the team at Garage Gym Reviews. Lindsay talk’s about the 6-month audition process, her approach to reviews and FOMO from not having attended HomeGymCon yet.

👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELB

Chapters

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