This $100 Squat Rack Provides INSANE Value

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Welcome to Home Gym Club! Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:

  • Coop breaks down squat racks across ALL price ranges

  • An expert guide on how to front squat

  • Reviewing the famous MyFitnessPal app

  • Plus: Can’t-miss deals on a versatile squat rack, top-rated treadmill, and more!

Watch Party

Cheap vs. Expensive Squat Racks

When it comes to squat racks, Coop makes one thing clear: expensive doesn’t always mean essential. In his latest video on the new Budget Gym Co-op YouTube channel, our founder compares racks ranging from $100 to well over $7,000, demonstrating that even the cheapest models can hold their own for most home gym owners.

From the humble Cap Barbell FM95Q—which handled far more than its listed 500-pound capacity—to budget-friendly power racks and functional trainer combos, Coop highlights how much value you can squeeze out of racks that cost just a couple hundred dollars.

While few people truly need a $7,000 U.S.-made rack, those higher-end builds deliver smoother functionality, better attachment options, and long-term durability. The takeaway? You don’t have to spend like a commercial gym to get strong at home—but knowing the tradeoffs between “cheap” and “inexpensive” racks will help you find the right fit for your budget and goals.

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It’s time to stop guessing and start getting guidance that’s 100% personalized.

Weigh In

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We Asked, You Answered
In the August 27 edition of HGC, we asked, “What’s your #1 must-have for a great workout?”

Here are the results:

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🏋️ High-quality equipment (33)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ 🎧 The perfect playlist (31)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 💥 Pre-workout (or coffee) (24)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 👟 The right shoes (14)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🤝 A motivating workout partner (6)

👉 From high-stim to sweetener-free, check out our best pre-workout roundup so you can find the right fuel for your training session.

Front Squat Fundamentals

Despite being frequently overshadowed by its popular cousin, the front squat brings just as much value as the back squat. However, as a certified personal trainer who’s dabbled in powerlifting and CrossFit over the years, I’ll be the first to admit it requires plenty of patience and practice to master your front squat technique.

With a unique loading pattern that places different demands on your body, it’s important to understand the nuances of the movement so you can maximize your time under the bar. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the proper front squat form, explore variations and alternatives, and highlight common mistakes that can quickly turn this exercise from rewarding to frustrating.

So, strap up your favorite weightlifting shoes and let’s show some love for the unsung hero of the squat family.

Test Drive

MyFitnessPal Review

Struggling to stay on track with your nutrition goals? You’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to trim fat, build muscle, or simply eat healthier, accountability is often the missing piece of the puzzle.

That’s where calorie-counting apps like MyFitnessPal (MFP) come in. With its massive food database, barcode scanner, and macro-tracking tools, MFP has become the ultimate sidekick for millions of people trying to make sense of the complicated world of nutrition. But is it really worth downloading—or is it just another app taking up space on your phone?

Our team put MyFitnessPal to the test by logging meals, syncing devices, and digging into both the free and paid features to see if it truly helps you hit your nutrition goals. If you’ve ever wondered whether meticulously tracking your food intake is the game-changer you need (or a headache you don’t), our full review has the answers.

GGR Deal Zone

Welcome to the Deal Zone — where the gains are BIG and the prices are LOW. Each week, the GGR squad tracks down the best sales and promos on everything from strength and cardio equipment to supplements and recovery tools so you can stay on top of your game without breaking the bank.

Let us do the hunting so you can focus on the sweating.

Save 30% on the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack

  • Upgrade your strength training game with the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack, which earned perfect scores for durability and construction from our experts.

  • Some of our favorite aspects of this model include:

    • 600-pound weight capacity

    • Integrated pull-up bar

    • 2” x 3” uprights are compatible with many attachments

  • Check out our full review for more details on this versatile, budget-friendly rack.

  • Garage Series Squat Rack final price: $499 $349

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill Sale

  • Earning a spot on our best treadmill list, you can snag the Horizon 7.0 AT for less than half the list price.

  • Some of our favorite qualities include:

    • A spacious running deck

    • Excellent incline capabilities

    • Ultra-quiet when in use

  • Use code FREEMAT at checkout to get a free exercise mat to pair with your treadmill.

  • Read our full 7.0 AT review to learn more about this value-packed treadmill.

  • Horizon 7.0 AT final price: $2,100 $999

Stock Up on Legion Creatine Gummies

  • Legion is running a Buy One, Get One 50% off sale on several popular supplements, including their highly rated Creatine Gummies.

  • Why did these earn the top spot on our best creatine gummies list? Here are a few highlights:

    • Each serving provides 5 grams of creatine monohydrate.

    • The gummies contain no artificial sweeteners, fillers, or dyes, earning a perfect formulation score from our team.

    • At about $45 for a 30-serving bottle, these gummies also rank highly in terms of price and overall value.

Save $300 on the Peloton Bike

  • The uber-popular Peloton Bike offers a dynamic cycling experience that can help you stay engaged at home with gamified rides, scenic routes, and more.

  • For a limited time, you can add this smart bike to your home gym arsenal for a discounted rate, as Peloton is running promotional sales on the bike, as well as bundles.

  • Here’s what our product tester said about this tech-driven machine: “Even if it’s only a few times a week, having the bike right in my living room has had a positive impact on my own mental health journey.”

  • Peloton Bike final price: $1,445 $1,145

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