The GymCrafter Podcast

There is a lot of stuff in the world of garage gyms that is overrated. Join in and argue with me about why I'm wrong about your favorite piece of gear, training method, or YouTube channel. The comments on this one should be fun!

Check out the new GymCrafter training channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

2:29 Contest Winner

3:57 What is “overrated”?

7:24 Smith machines

11:30 Single use machines

14:50 Bench ecosystems

21:30 No gap benches

24:25 Science based training

28:15 Chasing depth and “the stretch”

33:49 Overadjustability

39:33 Articulating trolley arms

47:09 Nordic Curls

51:08 Complete home gyms

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

Cable systems make a great addition to any home or garage gym. The hard part is picking the right cable system for you. DIY, cable tower, functional trainer, or fully integrated? With so many choices, it can get confusing... Until now! In this episode, I'll help you pick out the perfect new cable system for your garage gym!

Check out the new GymCrafter training channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Featured in this video:

🪽Fringe Sidewing review: https://youtu.be/X9W9qlmZZD8

🪽 Fringe Sidewing: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/fringe-sidewing/

🔔Bells of Steel 2.5” cable tower: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/bos-single-stack/

🇺🇸Force USA Tandem Tower review: https://youtu.be/NY7PElktYxQ

🇺🇸Force USA Tandem Tower: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/force-usa-tt/

🧠Gray Matter Lifting Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GrayMatterLifting

🐕Dane 2.0 review: https://youtu.be/nYHUbUN3V2g

🐕Dane 2.0: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/fringe-sport-dane-2/

🇺🇸Force USA FTR review: https://youtu.be/WOoQBBko0hw

🇺🇸Force USA FTR: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/force-usa-ftr/

💪🏻Force USA C20 review: https://youtu.be/HhrZP-oGi-Y

💪🏻Force USA C20: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/force-usa-c20/

🏋🏼‍♀️Rep Ares 2.0: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-ares-2-0/

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

1:24 Contest winner

2:36 Single use options

8:27 Multi use options

13:25 DIY

22:11 Cable towers

33:14 Functional trainer racks

46:04 Fully integrated

1:02:22 Wrap up

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

After free weights, cables and cable systems are the single most versatile thing you can add to your garage gym. In this episode, I cover 6 reasons you should consider adding them to your home gym. Oh, and I give away more equipment, too. Check out this episode to see how you can win a free Fringe Sport SideWing!!!

Check out the new GymCrafter training channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Featured in this video:

🪽Sidewing Review: https://youtu.be/X9W9qlmZZD8

🪽Fringe Sport Sidewing: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/fringe-sidewing/

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

0:54 Winner for Last Week

4:38 Upcoming episodes

7:45 Changing Gravity

13:31 Versatility

23:12 Multi Format

26:34 Training Versatility

31:38 Varied Athletes

33:17 Training Variation

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

You'll never be big or strong enough for the YouTube comment section, but if you train in your garage gym to be bigger, stronger, and more capable, how do you rank your results? In this podcast, you'll learn everything you need to know to find out just how you compare to other garage gym owners!

📣‼️Entries for the contest mentioned in this video must be posted no later than Friday, June 26, 2026 at 12pm CST‼️📣

🔥Featured in this video:

Anatoly: https://www.instagram.com/anatoly_fitness/

Michael Eckert: https://www.instagram.com/michaeleckert_fit/

Mark Wildman: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkWildman

StrengthSide: https://www.youtube.com/@Strengthside/videos

Genetic Potential Calc: https://mennohenselmans.com/ffmi-calculator/

Compare your lifts: https://strengthlevel.com

Fitness Calc: https://fitnesscalcs.com/articles/how-strong-should-you-be/

Functional Strength Standards: https://drjohnrusin.com/functional-strength-standards/

Built From Broken Book: https://amzn.to/4xBNJ91

💪🏻Check out the new GymCrafter training channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

0:54 Giveaway details

2:47 Overview

5:27 Bigger, Stronger, More Capable

9:21 Size vs Strength

15:39 Real World Examples

22:36 Capability

30:30 How Big Can You Get?

35:31 How Strong Should You Be?

43:06 Can You Survive?

58:07 Functional Strength Standard

1:05:38 Upcoming Contests

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

YouTube reviewers can fall into a pattern of telling just how great every product they review is. But when it comes to knowing what they really think is the best, there's nothing better than seeing what they actually use in their garage gyms. Here's all the stuff I've been using lately, and some of it might surprise you!

Featured in this video:

💪🏻Living Fit Bands: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/living-fit-bands/

🏋🏼‍♀️Slant Stack: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/tbg-slant-stack/

💪🏻Foam Pads: https://amzn.to/4xtgRPJ

🏋🏼‍♀️Rep Plyo Box: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-plyo-boxes/

💪🏻Fringe Dane: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/fringe-sport-dane-2/

🏋🏼‍♀️Rep Ares: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-ares-2-0/

💪🏻Darko Tiny Bar: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/darko-tiny-bar/

🏋🏼‍♀️Rep Lat Bar: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-lat-bar/

💪🏻MAG Grips: https://www.maxagrip.com/medium-grip-supinate-ms006/

🏋🏼‍♀️Trak Bar 30: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/trak-bar-30/

💪🏻Delta Rack: https://synergycustomfitness.com/products/delta-5-tier-horizontal-rack?_pos=8&_psq=delta&_ss=e&_v=1.0

🏋🏼‍♀️Rep AB5200: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-ab5200-v2/

💪🏻Freak Athlete: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/freak-athlete-hyper-pro/

🏋🏼‍♀️Rit Fit Back Extension: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rit-fit-back-ext/

💪🏻TBG Sled Tred: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/tbg-sledtred/

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

3:50 How I Pick

5:48 Accessories

9:36 Ares vs Dane

14:27 Cable Attachments

19:58 Barbell & Landmine

21:30 Plates

23:44 Dumbbells

28:32 Bench

32:41 Freak Athlete

35:13 Sled Tred

36:54 Wrap Up

39:30 Giveaway Details

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

There are certain things about being a "garage gym person" that we all kind of take for granted. In this episode, I have some fun talking about them. I also let you know about the upcoming giveaway podcast series where you can win some seriously cool garage gym gear!

Featured in this video:

Force USA Compact Leg Press Review: https://youtu.be/i4BhygibYfA

Fringe Sport Drew Review: https://youtu.be/YKE3XAGpDL8

Fringe Sport Side Wing Review: https://youtu.be/X9W9qlmZZD8

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

3:51 It’s Not Cheaper

4:57 It Costs What?!

6:24 Gear is Overpriced

10:31 More Isn’t Better

12:39 Nobody Cares

17:43 Your Neighbors

20:29 You Are Weird

25:38 Upcoming podcasts

36:30 Home Gym Con Plan

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

It's the little touches that really make our garage gyms great. On today's episode, I share a bunch of things that make me really love my gym, but that I'd probably never make a video on. Big time bonus points if you get the thumbnail!😂

Featured in this video:

Legion Protein Powder: https://legionathletics.com/products/supplements/whey-protein-powder/

Freedom Fitness: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/freedom-fitness/

Use code “GC1“ for % off!

Ulanzi Phone Tripod: https://www.ulanzi.com/collections/phone-tripods/products/mt85-automatic-pop-up-phone-tripod

UAG Phone Mount: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/uag-mag-mount/

Swivel Shackles (2-3/4”): https://amzn.to/413sKgs

Foam Pads: https://amzn.to/4sI0trR

Ice Shaker Tumbler: https://amzn.to/4so0OiB

Drink Spotter: https://www.massenomics.com/shop/drink-spotter-xl

Barbell Rescue: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/barbell-rescue/

Use code “gymcrafter“ for % off!

RitFit: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/ritfit/

Lem’s Shoes: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/lems-primal-3/

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

1:52 Turning Down Free Stuff

5:22 The In Between Stuff

7:09 The Stinkers

11:55 Logo Floor Tile

13:45 Tripod & Phone Holder

21:42 Swivel Shackles

23:51 Foam pads

25:12 Ice Shaker Tumbler

28:08 Barbell Rescue Oil

30:51 Rit Fit Kettlebell

34:44 Steel Bells

37:25 Lem’s Shoes

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

It's fun to buy stuff for your garage gym... If you're a garage gym nerd. Otherwise, more gear could quite possibly be ruining your results. In this episode, I discuss the benefits of simplicity in both your gym and your training.

GymCrafter YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafter

GymCrafter Training YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

1:33 Lifecycle of a Master

5:17 Training Advice From a Master

6:40 Fun vs. Results

8:26 Complex Smith Machines

13:02 Complex Cable Attachments

16:23 Complex Programming

24:12 The Experiment

25:11 Twin #1

32:42 Twin #2

38:32 The Results

41:41 What You Should Do

There's a very good chance that sometime down the road, I'll be rebuilding my garage gym from scratch... again! But this time, it will be for completely different goals. In this episode, I take you through the entire gym build piece by piece!

Featured in this video:

GymCrafter Training YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

John Rusin Bands: https://drjohnrusin.com/product/resistance-bands/

Living.Fit Bands: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/living-fit-bands/

Pro Kettlebells: https://prokettlebell.com

Freak Athlete Adj Kettlebell: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/freak-athlete-kettlebell/

Rep AB-5200: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-ab5200-v2/

Reppin Dumbbells: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-pepin-fast-db/

PowerBlocks: https://powerblock.com

Black Widow DB Cart: https://blackwidowtg.com/products/dumbell-cart

FA Hyper Pro: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/freak-athlete-hyper-pro/

TBG Nordic V3: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/tbg-nordic/

Freedom Fitness: https://freedomfitnessequipment.com

*code GC1 = 5% off!

Rep Strive Treadmill: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-strive-tread/

GoRuck Rucker 4.0: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/goruck-rucker-4/

Yes 4 All Ruck Plates: https://amzn.to/4syUwgr

FringeSport Savage Plates: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/fringe-sport-savage-bumpers/

Rep Calibrated Plates: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-cal-steel-plates/

XMaster Grip Plates: https://www.xmasterfitness.com/products/urethane-black-grip-plate---gray-lb-

Rep Open Trap Bar: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-open-trap-bar/

Rep Ares 2.0: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-ares-2-0/

Trak Handles Sport: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/trak-handle-sport/

Rep Atlas Attachment: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-atlas-wide/

MAG Grips: https://www.maxagrip.com

Rogue VBar: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-rotating-v-grip-cable-attachment

Rep Strap: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-long-strap/

Belt Fed Strength: https://www.beltfedstrength.com

Eclipse Grips: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/eclipse-grips/

Dialed Motion Leg Developer: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/dialed-leg-developer/

American Barbell Power Bar: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/ab-mammoth-power-bar/

Rep Cambered Swiss Bar: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-cambered-swiss-bar/

Kleva Landmine: https://gymcrafter.com/recommends/rep-kleva-landmine/

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

2:07 How I’ve Built My Gym

4:50 GymCrafter Training

5:42 New Needs In The Gym

8:11 New Gym Guidelines

9:57 6 Movement Patterns

12:06 6 Aspects of Health

19:17 The Golden Rule

20:04 Building the Gym

20:43 Bands

23:47 Kettlebells

30:19 Bench

33:35 Dumbbells

41:38 Back Extension

46:24 Cardio

51:35 Rucking

55:34 Weight Plates

58:59 OTB

1:02:29 Cables and Rack

1:12:20 Attachments

1:21:47 Leg Developer

1:24:16 Barbell

1:27:02 Landmine

1:29:00 What’s Missing?

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

It's one thing to build a garage gym. It's another to know the best ways to use it to achieve your goals. In this podcast I talk about the challenges of knowing what kind of training to do and launch the brand new YouTube channel: GymCrafter Training!!!

Featured in this video:

The GymCrafter Training Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GymCrafterTraining

Pain Free Performance Book - https://amzn.to/46n33dG

Partners & affiliates: GymCrafter.com/partners

Website: GymCrafter.com

Newsletter: GymCrafter.com/Subscribe

Insta: Instagram.com/gymcrafter

Review Guidelines: GymCrafter.com/review-guidelines/

0:00 Intro

00:31 What To Do In the Gym?

10:48 Are We Helpful?

13:20 GymCrafter Training is Live!

13:47 Who It’s For

18:25 What’s on the Channel?

25:42 Coming Soon

34:22 Monetized?

36:35 Who Should Check It Out?

38:20 Wrap Up

*GymCrafter is viewer-supported. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links. A huge thank you to anyone who helps out in this way. It's what allows me to continue to make videos like this for you as often as I do!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases