01
Rubber flooring
skipped this to save $200, cracked the slab under a dropped plate within a week
02
A real Olympic barbell, not the $80 special
the cheap one bent at 225. RPE 8 on a bar that flexes is terrifying
03
300lbs of plates, used first
04
Adjustable bench
05
A full squat rack, not a half rack
bought a half rack thinking I'd save $150, immediately capped at squat + bench, nothing else fit under it
06
Chalk
07
Lifting straps
cheap nylon ones are fine, don't overthink this purchase
08
Flat shoes (Chucks work)
09
Spring collars for the bar
the clip-on plastic ones that came with the bar slip loose mid set (form > ego, but also just buy real collars)
10
One adjustable dumbbell set
11
Pull-up bar attachment
12
A box fan
13
Foam roller
way too late to the party on this one, recovery was an afterthought for the first year