The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Mr. McGibblets on May 20, 2015, 01:34:13 PM
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Ever since I saw MMM's outdoor bench press/pseudo-gym set up, I've been trying to think of the most practical ways to replicate. I would ask him directly, but he's a tough man to get a hold of.
I am moving into a rented house next month, and it has privacy from the neighbors and has a little concrete patio that would be perfect for a bench press. My concern is that the iron will rust after no time at all, especially considering the area I live is very humid. Does anyone else have an outdoor bench/squat setup?
The only solution I can think of is to buy used off CL, grease it, and put a tarp over it. Bring it in during the winter and when the rust starts, just repeat.
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Maybe think outside of the normal bench press equipment....not sure what that is exactly, but maybe look up some training ideas for extreme outdoor bootcamps where they rarely use a bench press but all kinds of other things (i.e. large tires....I know not practical, but you get the idea).
For example, I was doing work in my yard and pushing around some heavy stuff in our wheelbarrow up a hill in our backyard and realized what a kick-ass workout that was - cardio (panting like a dog!), legs and arms were on fire. So, just for fun, I went back down the hill (working the muscles differently), and then back up! So, think outside the box!
My DH built me a homemade squat rack in the basement, but I think it could easily be done outside with pressure treated wood - and you could build in a pull-up bar, too! Bars and metal plates aren't that expensive when bought used - someone is always getting rid of them on CL. The plates (assuming their the solid type) should last forever even in the weather, not sure about the bar, but I think mine was like $30, used.
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I bought a used power rack that came with a few bars, a bench and 600lbs of weights, and they were all pretty rusty when I got them. They still work great, regardless of the rust. I think your proposed solution sounds great, tarps to keep the water off of it. Good luck!
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Do you workout regularly now? How many times a week?
-- Vik
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Very timely thread creation Mr. McGibblets!
I've been thinking about doing this very thing for the summer on my B.C. Gulf Island. Recently bought a slew of rubber coated hex dumbbells (15 lbs to 50 lbs) and a very nice bench. But I'm really nervous about rust in the sea-infused air. Have set it all up in a relatives garage for now, but really want to set it up outside until the end of September - I have a perfect spot right beside a giant redwood tree. :)
It's just part of who I am, but if the dumbbell handles start to rust, that would really bug me.
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I work out 4 days a week and have a great routine going. I just miss being outside when I am at the gym, so I figured why not combine the two.
I suppose if rust starts forming, I could use gloves or something to protect me.