Grading Gear, Gaining Strength
Helping You Build a Home Gym That Works for YOU
NEW reviews every Monday at 5PM CST
Honest Garage Gym Reviews and Expert Tips to Help You Choose the Right Equipment.
Your honest guide to building a home gym that doesn't suck
I'm Luke — a middle school English teacher by day and a garage gym obsessive the rest of the time. I started this channel because I kept seeing people waste money on equipment that looked great in a YouTube ad and fell apart in six months. Six years later, I've reviewed over 700 pieces of gear in my own garage so you can spend smarter, not more.
No brand pays me to say something is good. If it's not worth your money, I'll tell you. That's the whole point.
700+
YouTube Videos
6 yrs
On the channel
270k
Monthly views
No BS Reviews
Tested in my own garage
My Top Picks on Amazon
Same great gear, Prime shipping, and Amazon's return policy. Use my links — it supports the channel at no extra cost to you.
RitFit
All-in-one Smith machine and power rack combos. My top value pick for a full home gym setup — use code RFLUKE on my direct link to save 12%.
Shop RitFit on Amazon →
Major Fitness
My most-reviewed brand. The Drone 2 is my top pick if you want a Smith machine, cable system, and power rack in one compact unit.
Shop Major Fitness on Amazon →
Titan Fitness
The industry-standard budget rack brand. A proven, reliable option for first-time home gym builders who don't want to overspend on their first rack.
Shop Titan Fitness on Amazon →
Mikolo Fitness
Budget plate-loaded machines and barbells. A cost-effective way to add isolation work or a solid starter barbell to your home gym.
Shop Mikolo on Amazon →
GMWD Fitness
Budget leg machines and plate-loaded benches. Use code LUKE on the direct site, or grab it on Amazon with fast shipping.
Shop GMWD on Amazon →
HVO Fitness
My top budget hip thrust machine. If you want dedicated hip hinge work in your home gym without spending $1,000+, this is where I point people.
Shop HVO Fitness on Amazon →Gear I Actually Use
These are the brands I trust most in my own gym. Use my links and codes — it costs you nothing extra and keeps the channel going.
Major Fitness
Top PickMy most-reviewed brand. All-in-one machines combining a Smith machine, dual cable system, and full power rack in one footprint — the go-to if you want to do it all in one unit.
RitFit
Top PickMy top value pick for a full-featured home gym under $2,000. The M1 PRO with weight stacks gives you a Smith machine, functional trainer, and power rack — no loading plates between sets.
MAXUM Fitness
Top PickThe most underrated brand I've tested. The SX2 is my "buy once, cry once" rack — every attachment built in, bulletproof build. Available in the US and Canada.
Echo Strength Depot
Top PickCommercial-grade racks and functional trainers at home gym prices. The half rack and Smith combo is one of the best value setups I've reviewed — 15% off with my code.
ANCORE
Top PickMy favorite rack attachment. Mounts to any existing rack and gives you full cable functionality without buying a separate machine — saves $60 with my code.
Deltech Fitness
Top PickMy top budget bench. The DF9600 FID has an attachment ecosystem that grows with your gym — add a preacher curl, leg developer, or cable attachment without ever buying a new bench.
Some of my favorite
home gym equipment brands
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HELP ME KEEP DOING WHAT I LOVE!
Outside of equipment reviews, I am a middle school English teacher. I love both of my jobs and am passionate about helping people, whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom. I’ve had the privilege of running this channel for 6 years now, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without your support. Using my partner links is a HUGE help for me as a small creator.
DO YOU HAVE EQUIPMENT I SHOULD TRY?