I Need to Spend $4000

Ron Nelson · 08-01-2007, 07:07 PM

Yes, it may just be true. My school is getting a grant of about $4,000 and I need to put together a wish list ASAP.

Space is not a problem. . .yet. What do I need to set up a sweet weight room where I can move groups of 5 through stations?

Here's what I'm thinking right now: At least one squat rack and bench, 2-4 oly bars (normal size and smaller. . .we're talking junior high), weights, bumper plates, a platform, some D-Balls (between 8-12lbs), some kettlebells, a sled or two.

We have Swiss balls, some weights, enough PVC to teach lifts, etc.

Suggestions wanted, and don't bother telling me I'm lucky.
I already know.

Dave Van Skike · 08-01-2007, 07:31 PM

Two words........Pec Deck...

Your current list sound good, maybe a hank of nice climbing rope, squat stands are prawly cheaper than a rack, handleballs are spendy but kids love them so maybe someone like agatsu or lifeline will hook you up with a dealyo.

Axly, Dan John seems to have the inside track for efficient weight room gear. Maybe PM him.

Mike ODonnell · 08-01-2007, 08:45 PM

Kegerator with taps....

How much heavy weights do you need for junior high kids? What sports are you training for...is it just general phys Ed? I am sure you can improvise and save costs where you can....build you own pullup bars...maybe get some sandbags and fill them up....who knows. Never trained junior high kids....I guess equipment that will make it fun for them to use....throw in a slip and slide.....

Allen Yeh · 08-02-2007, 02:49 AM

Does the school/weight room already have decent pullup bars? I really like the Again Faster bar that hangs down.

William Hunter · 08-02-2007, 08:30 AM

I'd send the entire 4K to Chuck Norris ASAP before he finds out you're holding out on him.

Ron Nelson · 08-02-2007, 04:29 PM

Turns out to be closer to $4500 and so far I've ordered a rack with a bench, some med balls (not D-balls as my vendor doesn't have them) an exercise bike (like from spin classes and you can keep your snickers to yoursleves, I like these type of bikes as opposed to LifeCycles because you can adjust the tension faster and do sprints better), some plyo boxes, and a bunch of other equipment.

The good news is, I still have about $1200 to spend on some bars and bumper plates.

08-03-2007, 10:28 PM

Give us a look at Rogue Fitness, we have a pretty complete list of stuff:

http://www.roguefitness.com/catalog/

We use York and Pendlay bars at Rogue with black Kraiburg bumpers. They are pretty much indestructible and Pendlay Economy bars are the best deal period.

Shoot us an email - bill@roguefitness.com

or call us - 614-358-6190

Danny John · 08-05-2007, 11:36 AM

Five squat racks with chains.
Five Bench press racks with chains.
Plywood for platforms.
5-6 alumalite bars
10 300lb Olympic Sets
Lots of Kettlebells
Pull up bar across the length of the gym
a few Med balls

Or,
Kbells
5-10 sets of O bars
Some "free benches."
Pull up bars.

The kbells are a great investment for youth. They aren't afraid of them and they work hard.

$4000 is a lot of money for kbells and cheap O bars. One leg ab/add machine will run that much...

Danny John · 08-05-2007, 11:39 AM

I see I am too late. The exercise bikes and rowers and that kind of thing have a very short life in a "multiuse" setting. In other words, expect to be carrying them out soon.

Kids are hard...hard on equipment. Also, if you have forty athletes and one exercise bike, what will the other 39 be doing? These are the questions I deal with every day. In a gym setting, adults will selfmotivate away to other equipment or just leave. In a school setting, I don't have those options...

Mike ODonnell · 08-05-2007, 08:11 PM

Forget everything else....you need one of these treadmills....I think I will franchise a gym around this concept...no one will ever want a cookie again...

http://break.com/index/japanese-trea...challenge.html