Build Your Strength Corner: Dumbbell, Racks & Olympic Plates

Want to build a chiselled body without leaving your house?

Because one thing we all agree on is, gyms are too much of a commitment. Fitting your routine around gym hours, battling traffic on the way there, and then waiting for a free rack because you are too nice to fight for that. Not much of a pleasant experience, right?

It throws your routine off and makes consistency harder than it needs to be. So, the biggest hurdle to strength training is no-more motivation, but timing.

The good news?

You don’t need to turn your garage into a commercial gym to solve the problem. You can make a simple strength corner home gym to stay on your fitness track. And for that, a dumbbell set, a rack, and some Olympic weight plates are more than enough.

Here at Trojan Fitness, we’re helping Perth locals in smart home gym setups for 16 years. So, let’s share some secrets to smash your goals from the comfort of your own space.

Why Should You Build a Strength Corner at Home?

Across WA, home gym purchases have surged in recent years.

Because Covid-19 days have given everyone a taste of working-out from the comfort of home. And now, no-one wants to go through the gym crowds anymore.

Training at home means no need for commute, waiting for machines or scheduling stress. Just some savings in your time & money. You can easily make your own customised fitness routine and workout in complete privacy & freedom.

When your equipment is right there, you’re likelier to train more. You can’t give excuses like “gym closed” or “too busy”. Hence, progressive overload, skill development becomes easy.

How to Build Your Setup with Strength Training Gear Perth

Now with rise in trend, the search for home gym equipment Perth also got refined. People want equipment that lasts, is covered by warranty & doesn’t cost a fortune. We’re noticing cleaner spaces, more variety & better quality in equipment.

So, let’s guide you about some essentials to adorn your strength corner.

Step 1: Start with a Quality Dumbbell Set

Dumbbells are the easy-to-use strength equipment out there. They don’t take much space and you can carry them wherever you want.

Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Some common & useful styles you can consider are:

Type	Pros	Cons
Fixed dumbbells (solid cast iron, rubber-coated)	Durable; simple; no adjustment needed; easy to grab and go	Takes space; cost adds up; heavy set is expensive
Adjustable dumbbells (dial or plate change)	Saves space; more cost-efficient per kilo; ideal for lighter or moderate lifts	Can be slower between sets; moving parts = more possible wear; max load sometimes limited

As for material, cast iron is a traditional option as it is tough and affordable. But it is noisy & your flooring should be able to take more abuse. Now some people are using rubber or urethane coated dumbbells. Because they are quieter & floor-friendly, but they cost more.

How to Choose the Right Weight Range

Once you’ve decided the type & material, the next decision is to select a weight range.

Level	Dumbbell weight range to consider
Beginner	2.5 kg to ~15-20 kg per hand Small increments (~2-5kg) are useful
Intermediate	Up to ~30-40 kg per hand depending on lift Need heavier range for pressing/deadlifting
Advanced / Heavy Lifter	Sets above 40kg Need to mix fixed + adjustable options

Also think about what lifts you do & buy dumbbell sets accordingly. Overhead presses need you to be able to handle full lockouts, while curls / flyes need smaller ends.

Benefits of Owning Your Own Dumbbells

• You can safely apply progressive overload by increasing weight or reps.
• Dumbbells allow versatility for full-body moves, isolation, compound movements, & unilateral work.
• They’re low maintenance, & have no moving parts (if fixed).

Step 2: Choosing the Backbone: Power Rack or Squat Rack

Now, let’s talk about the heart of your strength regime, the heavy lifting equipment. You can select from a power rack or squat rack. Difference in them? Let’s find out.

Power Racks vs Squat Racks WA
A power rack (or cage) has four uprights, safety bars, built-in attachments (pull-ups, dip stations etc.). It offers more safety for heavy lifts, especially when training alone.	A squat rack tends to have two uprights (or two main supports) and fewer features. It is suitable for squats & overhead presses, but lack built in safety or attachments if you want to level-up.

Vendors Australia-wide emphasise that a proper power rack allows you to push past limits with less risk. So, it suits more to the athletes.

Power Rack Multi Chin Up Safety Bars Dip Handles + Jammer Arms

Choosing the Right Rack for Your Home Gym

Compare the following specs and features to get the best suitable equipment.

• Footprint and height: Measure your room, garage or shed. If ceilings are low or roof supports close, tall racks or pull-ups can hit the roof or not fit at all.
• Load rating: Consider how much weight you expect to lift + future growth. If the rack is rated for 300kg & you’re working towards 200kg, that’s fine. But keep safety margins.
• Attachments You Need: E.g. Lat pulldowns, safety spotters, dip bars, J-hooks etc.
• Storage: Some racks have built-in weight storage pins or pegs to keep Olympic weight plates tidy and safe.

Squat Rack/Dip Adjustable Stand L315SR

Local Power Racks in Perth

Fitness shops Perth stock racks with full warranties and local support. So, you can reduce shipping delays, inspect quality, talk to staff, & try pieces before buying. And the sellers will be within your reach for after support.

Plus, WA-based stores also offer power racks Perth delivery + installation options. Thanks to contractors in metro areas. So, you’ll be worry-free of setup too.

Step 3: Add Olympic Weight Plates to Your Setup

The third and final essential for your setup are Olympic plates. They give you varying resistance in a rack, and let you take your fitness journey from beginner to pro.

They have a 50mm (2-inch) hole designed for Olympic bars. Regular “standard” plates have smaller (usually ~25mm) holes. If you plan to use a full-sized barbell, Olympic plates are necessary for it. They are made to fit snugly, in their standard size across brands.

The options you’ll see in market includes:

Material	Traits
Cast iron plates	Traditional and cost-effective Resist wear but are loud and less forgiving on flooring
Rubber-coated or rubber plates	Offer noise control Protect both floors and plates. Good for regular lifting where you won’t frequently drop weights
Bumper plates	Shock-absorbing materials designed to be dropped Protect the floor and barbell. Needed for Olympic lifting or explosive movements

Keep material quality in mind too, because it makes a huge difference. E.g. Virgin rubber or urethane last longer & resist damage from weather / moisture. While lower-end recycled rubber is cheaper but degrade sooner under heavy usage or frequent drops.

Storage & Floor Protection

You need proper storage for your plates & floor protection too, if you’re using cast iron plates. Get a weight plate tree or storage posts to keep your plates organised. It’ll reduce the risk of tripping & protect the plate edges.

For floor protection, use thick rubber mats or interlocking floor tiles. They prevent shock, protect subfloors, & reduce noise. Leave some space around the rack for safe lifting and moving of weighted bars.

Bonus Equipment for Strength Training Corners

Want to go further than basic strength equipment? Here are some extras that push your setup from solid to standout and make your sessions more enjoyable.

• Barbells and collars: Get standard Olympic barbell (20kg) or women’s bar (15kg) depending on style. Choose one that can handle high loads with good sleeve bearings.
• Adjustable bench: Incline, flat, decline benches allow presses, rows, chest work. Search for stable options especially when lifting heavy.
• Resistance bands and chains: So, you can accommodate resistance and add variety. They are good for warming up, adding variable tension, or handling weak points.

Keep adding equipment pieces whenever you feel like it. These small & incremental upgrades are better than trying to go “full gym” at once.

Space Planning & Safety Tips

Safety is paramount wherever barbells and weights are involved. Keep these tips in mind to build an efficient strength corner & prevent accidents.

• Measure ceiling height before anything else. You need clearance for overhead lifts. Also measure doors / garage doors for delivery and rack assembly.
• Check your floor strength. If floor is timber or weak slab, heavy loads, dropped plates or heavy home gym machines can damage or deflect it. Choose flooring accordingly.
• Keep lighting and ventilation in mind. Good light helps lift safely and ventilation or fan makes exercise bearable and safer (heat, sweat = slippery surfaces).
• Check your gear every few months or after heavy usage for any signs of wear & tear. Inspect bolts, welds, anchor points, barbell sleeves, spotter arms & J-hooks.
• Start from small weights and focus on body mechanics. Strength exercise involves repetitive movements and can cause serious injuries.
• Stick to consistency. A few well-chosen items that you use regularly are better than an expensive setup collecting dust.

Buying Locally in WA: Perks You Can Avail

Instead of relying on promises of foreign companies & waiting for deliveries, we suggest you to buy local. Because this way, you can get:

Faster delivery in Perth metro	Buying weightlifting equipment Perth or from WA stores means shorter transit times and fewer delays.
Easier warranty & support	Local stores have technicians available on spot, & can supply spare parts too.
Product visibility & testing	Visiting a showroom lets you test the gear, see finish, check safety features, feel quality. Photos online can’t show imperfections.

Searching for Best Strength Training Equipment at Affordable Rates?

Choose Trojan Fitness for Strength Corner Gear

Trojan Fitness has everything you need to build an efficient strength corner.

We offer durable gym equipment WA with full warranties and expert advice. Our team in Perth has been delivering strength gear, installation, and support for over 16 years.

If you want dumbbell sets, power racks Perth, or high-quality Olympic weight plates,

Browse Our Strength Equipment Stock

Or Reach Out to Us

Let’s build your strength corner together.