Family Training Equipment Recommendation

[Paul Hernandez]

Hello BBM Team,

Thank you for taking the time to help! I have been training well by myself in a very small basement utility room using an R3 Power Rack. The room is only 8 foot in depth, but it affords enough room for the rack and 4 foot of horse stall mat in front (of the R3) for deadlifts or presses outside of the rack.

Now, my wife and two girls (10 and 13) are seriously interested in training with me. So, we have opened up a larger 13.5’ x 11’ room in the basement (high ceilings) for the family gym area. The cement floor is covered with 3/8” rolled rubber flooring.

My question is what type of rack and/or platform configuration would be best to train the family together? I am assuming the single R3 rack would not be enough to accommodate everyone? I have enough floor space for two R3 racks and a 4’ x 8’ platform between the racks (each rack being against opposite walls). Or I have the option to get a larger Rouge RML-690 Rack just like the one Leah uses. There would not be enough room for a deadlift platform, but I would be able to put a small section of stall mats in front of the larger rack.

So, what do guys feel would be the most optimal configuration for my family gym! Again, I really appreciate your feedback! Thanks and have a blessed day!

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

I think the RML and monster racks made by Rogue are too big, too expensive, and less versatile than the R3. I'd just do another R3 if you have room.

[Paul Hernandez]

Thanks for the feedback, sir! So, do you feel I would be more advantageous to have two R3 racks or would one R3 bolted to an 8’x8’ platform be sufficient?

Also, I see on Instagram how you mostly train on an R3 and deadlift on a separate Rogue DL platform. Given this, what option do you prefer: an R3 bolted to an 8’ x 8’ plywood platform OR an R3 bolted into the cement and a separate Rogue 4’ x8’ DL platform?

Again, thanks for the help! We are excited to train as a family, so I just want to make sure our training works smoothly together.

[Paul Hernandez]

Also, my the knurling on my Ohio Power Bar might be to harsh for my wife, so I am needing another bar for her. Would you recommend just a 28.5mm Ohio bar or a B&R Bar (Center knurling)? I already have 15kg Bella Bar for my daughter.

Thanks again!

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Thanks for the feedback, sir! So, do you feel I would be more advantageous to have two R3 racks or would one R3 bolted to an 8’x8’ platform be sufficient?

Also, I see on Instagram how you mostly train on an R3 and deadlift on a separate Rogue DL platform. Given this, what option do you prefer: an R3 bolted to an 8’ x 8’ plywood platform OR an R3 bolted into the cement and a separate Rogue 4’ x8’ DL platform?

Again, thanks for the help! We are excited to train as a family, so I just want to make sure our training works smoothly together.

I think this is mostly personal preference. What I'd do personally is bolt the r3 to a 4 x 8 platform (bolting to cement is a pain and a platform is nice to lift on) and then DL on a separate 4 x 8 platform

[Paul Hernandez]

Thanks for the advice on the platform! So, if you were training with two other ladies (much shorter than you), would you one R3 Rack be sufficient or would you prefer two racks? I am probably overthinking this, but I just want us to enjoy training together and accommodate everyone. Thanks for your help! Have a blessed New Year!

P.S. Will the Beginner Template go on sale after the New Year? Thanks!

[Jordan Feigenbaum]

Thanks for the advice on the platform! So, if you were training with two other ladies (much shorter than you), would you one R3 Rack be sufficient or would you prefer two racks? I am probably overthinking this, but I just want us to enjoy training together and accommodate everyone. Thanks for your help! Have a blessed New Year!

P.S. Will the Beginner Template go on sale after the New Year? Thanks!

I would probably pick two racks or, if > 6' I would do 1 movable pair of squat stands (to press out of) and 1 r3 rack.

I don't expect the beginner template to be on sale, but we might run a special with the nutrition book.