🏋️ This new adjustable dumbbell is a game changer

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve awoken from what we assume is a gnarly food coma. Congrats and welcome to today’s Home Gym Club newsletter, featuring a mix of workouts, product reviews, and a look at some really weird eating habits.

What’s in today’s newsletter:

• Our favorite squat racks that you can buy this year

• Coop’s top Black Friday fitness deals to look out for.

• Our take on REP Fitness’ new QuickDraw Dumbbell.

• The weirdest diets you’ll find on the internet.

Roundups

The BEST Squat Racks

Can you imagine Mermaid Man without Barnacle Boy? Shrek without Donkey? What about a quesadilla without cheese? Well, at GGR, it’s hard for us to picture a home gym without a squat rack.

Squat racks are undoubtedly the heart of your gym, providing support and exercise versatility. Lucky for you, the GGR team has tested countless of today’s best options, putting them through heavy squats, bench presses, pull-ups, and many other exercises.

Based upon our use, experience, and community input, we’ve compiled the best power rack, half rack, squat stand, and fold-away squat rack for most people — including recommendations for various budgets. Click the link below.

Reviews

REP’s Newest Dumbbell

One popular company that hasn’t cracked our list of the best adjustable dumbbells is REP Fitness. Why? Their only set of adjustable dumbbells were simple loadable dumbbells with standard weight plates and spin locks. While well made, these simple dumbbells don’t compare with many of the latest adjustable dumbbells for your home gym. But the times are changing.

REP Fitness announced their new QuickDraw Adjustable Dumbbells, which are currently available for pre-order on their website. REP claims they’re the fastest-changing, highest value, and most durable adjustable dumbbells on the market, backed by a wildly strong warranty. Before you dig into the review for our take, here’s a quick list of notable specs:

• It’s available in four weight ranges — 30lbs ($279.99), 40lbs ($354.99), 50lbs ($429.99), and 60lbs ($499.99).

• It’s lengthier than other dumbbells, with the 60-pound model measuring 18.5” long.

• The 32-millimeter-thick handle is fully knurled, giving you a better grip and a sturdier feel.

• REP drop-tested this dumbbell to no end, even throwing it from the roof of their headquarters (the dumbbell survived) as a marketing stunt.

Deals, Baby

Coop’s Top Black Friday Deals

Yes, we are plugging Black Friday deals in two consecutive newsletters. Why? Because we want you to build the home gym of your dreams, an iron paradise that Dwayne Johnson himself would applaud. But not everyone has Fast & Furious franchise money underneath their mattress, so we’re determined to spread the word about the best Black Friday deals happening right now.

In the above video, Garage Gym Reviews founder Coop Mitchell breaks down 10-plus Black Friday deals that should be on your radar. Notable brands with solid deals include Bells of Steel, REP Fitness, Rogue Fitness, Shogun, and more.

Get Strong

Your Go-To Powerlifting Workout

Going to the gym is great for your physical and mental health, but some light weightlifting and cardio won’t cut it for everyone. Some people need more. They need the thrill of grabbing a barbell, racking as much weight as possible, entering a state of complete mental focus, and totally nailing the lift, obliterating PRs in the process.

It’s an absolute adrenaline rush, and it’s one of the many reasons why powerlifting is enjoying a surge in popularity. Organizations like USA Powerlifting (USAPL) have effectively tripled in size over the past decade. Competitions are more cutthroat than ever, and you’ll need some serious chops if you’re going to stand toe-to-toe with the best of the best.

Caine Wilkes, a USAW-L1 coach, GGR Staff Writer, and an Olympian in weightlifting (yes, for real), shares his top tips to help you get into tip-top powerlifting shape, including step-by-step instructions, a sample powerlifting workout program, and more.

Quick Hits

A Cigarette Diet???

• Up your protein intake using GGR’s guide to making a DIY protein shake. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure game but for gains.

• Build a stronger core using the Pallof press, with tips from a personal trainer on perfecting the movement.

• In this fun read, the GGR team breaks down the weirdest diets they’ve encountered. Yes, that includes the “Cigarette Diet”…