If your fitness center has yet to reopen due to the coronavirus pandemic, you might consider building a home gym in your garage. Garage gyms allow you to include specific equipment and machines that you’ll use. While you can buy these items new, you’ll also find plenty of second-hand pieces that would be perfect after some simple welding repairs. Here is the best free weight equipment to add to your collection.

3 Free Weights to Buy for Your Home Gym

1. Squat Rack

A squat rack, or a power rack, serves as a mechanical spotter for barbell exercises. This allows users to set safety bars at different heights to catch the bar should something happen where you can’t control the weight. These metal racks can be welded to the wall for extra sturdiness.

If you buy a used squat rack, the safety bars might be loose or broken and in need of repairs. A metal fabrication shop can easily weld the bars, making your rack like-new and ready for use.

2. Barbell

A barbell is commonly used in weight training, weightlifting, and bodybuilding. These cast iron or steel bars hold weight plates on either end. Sometimes the ends have a stripped thread and will not tighten to hold weights in place. Welding on new threads is an inexpensive and quick fix. You can also install hooks that allow you to hang the barbell on the wall.

3. Bench

Free weight benches come in two types: adjustable and flat. These steel frame benches offer users a place to press, fly, curl, and lift various weights. Adjustable models allow you to change between flat, decline, and incline positions during your workout. However, a simple flat bench is compact, making it ideal for garage gyms without much room. These are sturdily built and don’t usually need repairs, but a metal fabrication specialist can weld broken legs if needed.

If your used gym equipment needs repairs and welding services, trust the team at Nadler Welding & Repair Shop in Wentzville, MO. This family-owned and -operated business has repaired and fabricated metal products and equipment for clients throughout St. Charles and Warren counties since 1951. Call (636) 327-4404 to ask for an estimate, or visit their website to learn more about this metal shop’s services.