For real, I was like "wait did this video really last half an hour?" He sounds so passionate and I love his gym! Gotta say, I'm in a gym with a similar concept/community, but it's very small and we have almost no machines - I'm fine with free weights but these plate loaded stuff look very nice
I'm Korean and not good at english. It's tough work but I want to say something to you. Thank you. I have learned many things here and it's helpful. In my opinion, you are a good man and handsome also^^. Good luck and be happy al~~~~ways.
@@iJorgePaz reformer Pilates is very difficult. Not sure if you have ever tried it but it requires intense mind body connection and it does leave you sore. Of course it will not bulk you, but don't mock it.
When I got my PS4 on launch day at 14 I was so excited, the console came bricked(it wasn't working) so I sent it back, 2 weeks later another one came, and it was bricked too, waited 2 more weeks and got a working one after a month or so. Glad to see that my childhood disappointment will be carried into adulthood when I open my own gym.
Awesome to see someone respond to member's wants. My gym would never do that. I'd have to clear out my garage to have all of that equipment. In my gyms defense they are packed full of machines, they're all just worthless machines.
@@Weeble_Warbles Overall its a good cheap gym but for £5 more I could join a commercial gym that has lots of good equipment and showers. My gym doesn't has showers but does have a big boxing bag area with even a ring. The gym itself has okay equipment but has little nagging issues like no flat benches asides from a bench press that you can't move around and a decline bench which your head will not go on if you are tall so kind of useless for benching with the rack unless you don't mind an awkward racked bench press, plus can't do triceps extension on it or the flat bench press due to parts of the bench getting in the way. Tube lights right next to my eyes when I use the treadmills. I literally have to wear shades. Most of the cardio equipment doesn't have working LCD screens asides from the treadmills which are kind of shitty treadmills and an exercise bike or two but the screens on them aren't that great to begin with. I don't know why he got three benches that go incline and decline but not flat. On top of that they have no wheels on them so they are hard to move around the gym and the bottom leg of the bench id one very big segment that gets in the way of your feet. So unless you are tall your feet will be touching the bench leg and even if you are tall you have to stretch out your legs to avoid this issue unless you want to put your feet on the leg of the bench. The gym definately has some issues but because I suffer from agorophobia it's a good gym for me because it is only a 6½ minute walk from my house. Plus you can pay by cash so don't need to use a debit card.
If the roller on the lat pull down doesn't rotate very freely it is probably what is causing the cable to wear out. Have a look to see if there is a cartridge bearing at the centre of the roller, if not you should swap them out for ones that do have bearings. In any case there is clearly a flaw in the design, a piece of commercial grade gym equipment should go a decade before anything wears out on it. Elitefts supposedly pride themselves on having the most premium heavy duty equipment so they should really withdraw and replace the item for all customers.
my highschool's gym had a dip machine that was specifically for dips and it was sick. The schools maintenance guys just went to home depot and bought metal piping and welded it together. sturdy as hell
I'm super lucky. My college gym has 8 squatting/bench press stations. Combine that with the fact there is usually very few people in there makes it so that I never miss squatting.
I love the reverse hyper for the simple reason that it helped my back recover after a deadlift injury. I get that milage may vary though, so to each their own.
Never underestimate human stupidity when it comes to gym goers and their pursuit of “gains”, for it will always astonish you, and then blame you for it. Love how Alan basically had to survive, adapt and thrive.
I haven't seen half the shit you have in big box gyms. I like that the machines you have that let you put weights on them rather than useing the pin with the weight stack. Currently I train at the crap gym of purple and judgement and I feel like every machine is giving me an assist but most of them feel that way now even at my old gym.
I like machines with stack of weights. So much easier to switch between weights. Like I can do 120lb and then go all the way down to 50lb if I feel like it or if my buddy is weaker than me.
Notice the trend. Bought rogue. Love it. No issues. Works great. I have the same experience with my home gym, except for barbells where I like other brands.
I've just started watching your videos and your tips and form guides have helped me so much, especially in my deadlift. Imagine my surprise when I play this video and you have some Watson Gym Equipment (which is who I work for) and I'm glad you enjoy it, I'll definitely be showing Simon this video.
That Watson row is amazing. I've seen Olympic athletes use similar exercises, just with slightly different set ups. They would put a plank in a wooden ladder thingy (the gymnastics one, which is in most school gyms) and support the other end and do rows on that. Must be awesome if you have lower back issues.
You think that a 3-D printed wedge could go on the hack squat machine to prevent it from catching? I ask because I have access to a 3-D printer and could print and send it you.
Magia Majia if it uses ABS or a similar material, it would probably wear out really quickly, especially if people are rough and using a lot of weight. It could be machined from aluminum or steel and bolted on maybe.
For the hack squat machine problem. Get a doorstop, the wedge one. glue one on each side so the handle could slide off instead of catching on the plate. I hope it can solve your problem
Alan, you can 'fix' the squat hack machine. Just buy some rubber mat with the same or a little more thick than that excessive metal and put some glue in it
The Beast Metal commentary was hilarious. Dude sounds promising though. I know a small engine mechanic who started just like that and now the guy goes to the Bahamas every summer.
You could consider getting a metal file and filling down the edge of that ridge that the hack squat gets caught on. If you can create an angle where that lip is, it should slide down into the hook when racked that way.
Can you make a video on what equipment is important to have when first starting out in owning a budget strongman gym. I really want to start one but I lack funds and the knowledge of what’s the best equipment to start out with. I’m thankful 🙏🏾 for the free information you put out, this really helps everyone.
just make a solid bench out of wood and put it between the safeties in a squat rack, it works great for seal rows and you save $800 (atleast for home gyms)
Informative video for me, someone who has never been to a gym but might outgrow home non machine random stuff. @ 23:40 perhaps a bit more of your DIY you could unbolt those stoppers one at a time and round that catching edge off with an angle grinder. (wouldn't take too much considering the handle is round) One arm accidently engaging on a stopper on a rapid downward motion might be enough to have bent one arms different to the other giving its uneven engagement.
Man, been watching your videos for about a year when I started getting into powerlifting. I'm local to NorCal and you're such an inspiration. Would love to come up and check out Untamed Strength sometime (I'm in Stockton 2-3 times a month)! Keep it up, Alan. Some of the best content on UA-cam for little dudes like me!!
Aboutthe hacksaw squat machine, you should put a wedge going from the surface of the beam to the beginning of the hook plate. A wooden wedge glued with loctite would do.Would be much safer.
Awesome video! I hope you really do talk about different types of bars, because I don't understand how to identify the difference & what bar to choose. Thanks!
Awesome videos Alan. I'm loving the Death Leprosy flag. I've be going to the gym since October this year, I haven't been in like 2 maybe 3 years. Love watching your videos it helps me a lot when I go to gym. Thank you very much. Keep these coming!!!!
6:11 This can probably be done on the cheap with a Landmine adapter, a belt designed for weighted pullups, a bit of chain and a heavy duty carabiner. I haven't tried this yet, but the only downside I can think of is that you will be limited in the amount of weight you can put on.
Saw a big nut in half, or use the top part of a lock or something of similar shape and attach it to the latpulldown, so the cable cant jump out at the top. I'm sure you could come up with something fairly simple.
the other issue is the other types of belt squat will often bottom out before you get to the bottom, especially if you have shorter legs. that beast metal one looks cool
23:30 I think to solve that, you could make a small wedge of wood so that it could just slide right down to the resting area, since that could potentially be dangerous.
With the hack squat machine, just bring out a grinder and round down that hard edge that gets caught, grind it down like a ramp so there's nothing to get caught.
3:44 this can be done on the cheap by hanging some gymnast rings off of your rack. It's sort of like doing a pullup on your back. If you can't keep your body straight while doing this, you can bend your knees to make it easier and pivot on your heels. Need more difficulty? Put your heels on a bench while doing it. Still to easy? Put a weight plate on your chest while doing it. By using gymnast rings, you are turning this into a full body exercise and it's easier on the shoulders, because your hands can move around. Now flip over, lower the rings and do pushups on them. Awesome chest and core workout for people who don't/won't do situps. Use a weight vest to make it harder. I've been doing both of these for a while now and I actually have abs now and I don't do any other kind of ab workout.
Add a link where the shackle attaches to the plate holder, (to lengthen the cable by an inch or so) you don't want that rubber stopper ball to hit at the top....this is likely where the cable jumps the pulley, due to the rubber ball. Also, the wear on the cable and covering looks like a design issue with the machine, it appears the pulley does not project far enough beyond the frame member...at 20:58 you can see where it can scrape if the bar is held too close to the machine, most likely on tricep push downs.
21:35 Needs a piece bolted across(so it can be removed for cable changes) 23:45 Get a piece of angled wood and double sided tape it on, ez fix, but you're right, wasn't designed properly
Not sure if someone else has commented this, but maybe a nearby metal worker could sort out some of the issues you have with the equipment you pointed out. Could be significantly cheaper and more convenient!
Where is the Lunk Alarm?
lol!!!
you can here it at 8:15 😂
Probably the doorbell
In the dumpster with the smith machine
Love how he had to buy machines to keep his members from killing themselves with wonky DIY solutions.
The pursuit of gains does strange things.
This is like the perfect gym but how do you get people to join without pizza and 100 cardio machines
I donuts are his trick..
Or the beard
His attitude and catering to his gym patrons are why he’s successful. Looks like an amazing place to train.
I could listen to you talk about your equipment all day Alan...
Brandon Campbell Diamond Hey now..*cues Jamaican air horn sound*
For real, I was like "wait did this video really last half an hour?" He sounds so passionate and I love his gym! Gotta say, I'm in a gym with a similar concept/community, but it's very small and we have almost no machines - I'm fine with free weights but these plate loaded stuff look very nice
I think you want Alan's cambered bar
Batman I would prefer his stiff bar
Brandon Campbell Diamond it’s not the bar you need right now, but the bar you deserve
I'm Korean and not good at english. It's tough work but I want to say something to you. Thank you. I have learned many things here and it's helpful. In my opinion, you are a good man and handsome also^^.
Good luck and be happy al~~~~ways.
이석진. English looks good friend
@@jjhill1305 but not vision ;-)
@@rivahkillah 🤣🤣
이석진. You english is very good
@@rivahkillah stop
Where is the smith machine?
scrapyard where it belongs
RandomGames There isn’t one b/c untamed is a real gym 😬
and what about
zumba, pilates and seated calf raises machine ????
Yeah I mean how do they squat without the Smith machine?
@@iJorgePaz reformer Pilates is very difficult. Not sure if you have ever tried it but it requires intense mind body connection and it does leave you sore. Of course it will not bulk you, but don't mock it.
If only the owner of the gym I go to was half as passionate about his job as Alan...
When I got my PS4 on launch day at 14 I was so excited, the console came bricked(it wasn't working) so I sent it back, 2 weeks later another one came, and it was bricked too, waited 2 more weeks and got a working one after a month or so. Glad to see that my childhood disappointment will be carried into adulthood when I open my own gym.
Your machines look like the Mad Max version of the machines in my gym.
This is the perfect way to put it
Awesome to see someone respond to member's wants. My gym would never do that. I'd have to clear out my garage to have all of that equipment. In my gyms defense they are packed full of machines, they're all just worthless machines.
AZ0960440 You don’t do accessory work??
You think that's bad, we don't even have a flat bench for dumbbells at my gym.
@@fightermma Whoa, TIL my gym isn't all that bad.
@@riv6580 I do. I'm being a bit hyperbolic. They're not *all* worthless.
@@Weeble_Warbles Overall its a good cheap gym but for £5 more I could join a commercial gym that has lots of good equipment and showers. My gym doesn't has showers but does have a big boxing bag area with even a ring.
The gym itself has okay equipment but has little nagging issues like no flat benches asides from a bench press that you can't move around and a decline bench which your head will not go on if you are tall so kind of useless for benching with the rack unless you don't mind an awkward racked bench press, plus can't do triceps extension on it or the flat bench press due to parts of the bench getting in the way. Tube lights right next to my eyes when I use the treadmills. I literally have to wear shades. Most of the cardio equipment doesn't have working LCD screens asides from the treadmills which are kind of shitty treadmills and an exercise bike or two but the screens on them aren't that great to begin with.
I don't know why he got three benches that go incline and decline but not flat. On top of that they have no wheels on them so they are hard to move around the gym and the bottom leg of the bench id one very big segment that gets in the way of your feet.
So unless you are tall your feet will be touching the bench leg and even if you are tall you have to stretch out your legs to avoid this issue unless you want to put your feet on the leg of the bench.
The gym definately has some issues but because I suffer from agorophobia it's a good gym for me because it is only a 6½ minute walk from my house. Plus you can pay by cash so don't need to use a debit card.
Damn, a 27 minute Alan Thrall video, Christmas has come early!
Santa came early this year... jizzed all over the fireplace, the fucker
I would join the first untamed strength over a big commercial gym any day
Get on the hunt for a local strength gym bro, you'd be surprised.
Same here.
In a heartbeat.
ŇøHă Ģ. Most of those gyms are gonna charge 2-3x a decent commercial gym membership
Envee _ but it is worth it. I would happily pay 2-3x more just so I can squat with a Texas squat bar and monolift and deadlift with calibrated plates
If the roller on the lat pull down doesn't rotate very freely it is probably what is causing the cable to wear out. Have a look to see if there is a cartridge bearing at the centre of the roller, if not you should swap them out for ones that do have bearings. In any case there is clearly a flaw in the design, a piece of commercial grade gym equipment should go a decade before anything wears out on it. Elitefts supposedly pride themselves on having the most premium heavy duty equipment so they should really withdraw and replace the item for all customers.
my highschool's gym had a dip machine that was specifically for dips and it was sick. The schools maintenance guys just went to home depot and bought metal piping and welded it together. sturdy as hell
Should get a landmine setup and that can be used for T-bar rows and many other exercises.
I'm super lucky. My college gym has 8 squatting/bench press stations. Combine that with the fact there is usually very few people in there makes it so that I never miss squatting.
@Dave Smith It was a community college so I only had to pay a small fee of $3000. Cheapest gym ever.
That fuckin power trip shirt though!!!! i love you man such awesome taste in music!!
20:15 I wonder if that member thought Alan was talking about him lmao
Such a legit gym. I like all the unique equipment. I wish I had a belt loaded squat around my gym.
My gym has 1 squat rack...
Luke Mallaghan and there is always that fat power lifter who likes to hog it for an hour and a half
And people probably curl in it right?
find a new gym
I wish there was a better gym in my village but for now it will suffice as I am a novice
Mine too
and it's not even a fucking rack just two poles with holes in it
I love the reverse hyper for the simple reason that it helped my back recover after a deadlift injury. I get that milage may vary though, so to each their own.
Never underestimate human stupidity when it comes to gym goers and their pursuit of “gains”, for it will always astonish you, and then blame you for it. Love how Alan basically had to survive, adapt and thrive.
The best past of my day is Alan's beard.
POWER TRIP 🤘🏽
youthcaleb Clicked on the video just because I saw the shirt. Their Nightmare Logic album is absolutely amazing.
Swing of the ax
Hell yeah!
i had the same reaction
@@fj4293 This album was responsible for getting me out of my plateau
Swing of the axe! the first time i saw power trip was with cannibal corpse, fun show.
Awesome Man! Saw Power Trip this year in Pittsburgh. They are the rescue metal music needs.
Would love to see a bar and speciality barbell video 👍
Sick Power Trip shirt 🤘🏻 all the thrash and hardcore played during a lifting session
Nice selection of machines, really like the belt squat. What, no calf machine for Omar!
That's quite a success story!!! Love seeing people follow their dreams and have them work out in the long run!!!
I’m from Texas and I HIGHLY APPROVE that t shirt.
You should do a video on what it takes maintaining a gym toilet 🚽
I haven't seen half the shit you have in big box gyms. I like that the machines you have that let you put weights on them rather than useing the pin with the weight stack. Currently I train at the crap gym of purple and judgement and I feel like every machine is giving me an assist but most of them feel that way now even at my old gym.
I like machines with stack of weights. So much easier to switch between weights. Like I can do 120lb and then go all the way down to 50lb if I feel like it or if my buddy is weaker than me.
That chest-supported row equipment looks awesome. Wish they had one in my gym.
*short video series* 27min *SHORT VIDEO SERIES*
forsenCD
High row machine the goat for hitting lats.
Seal row is definitely one of my favorites things in the gym.
Notice the trend. Bought rogue. Love it. No issues. Works great. I have the same experience with my home gym, except for barbells where I like other brands.
I've just started watching your videos and your tips and form guides have helped me so much, especially in my deadlift.
Imagine my surprise when I play this video and you have some Watson Gym Equipment (which is who I work for) and I'm glad you enjoy it, I'll definitely be showing Simon this video.
That Watson row is amazing. I've seen Olympic athletes use similar exercises, just with slightly different set ups. They would put a plank in a wooden ladder thingy (the gymnastics one, which is in most school gyms) and support the other end and do rows on that. Must be awesome if you have lower back issues.
you are a good guy and i hope you are truly happy
You think that a 3-D printed wedge could go on the hack squat machine to prevent it from catching? I ask because I have access to a 3-D printer and could print and send it you.
Magia Majia if it uses ABS or a similar material, it would probably wear out really quickly, especially if people are rough and using a lot of weight. It could be machined from aluminum or steel and bolted on maybe.
Or just use an angle grinder to cut the edge off
Or just a thick rubber mat with glue
That four minute ad for rogue bars is awesome. I have watched it......more than once. Keep doin your thing Alan
Dude, do more of these. Idk why it was so fascinating, but holy fuck I sat here for the entire thing and enjoyed all of it.
You really set the example on how to run a gym. Thanks for the lessons!
I wish i had a gym owner that cares this much about the clients :)
For the hack squat machine problem. Get a doorstop, the wedge one. glue one on each side so the handle could slide off instead of catching on the plate. I hope it can solve your problem
Since you are kind of a big deal now Elite FTS should just come to you and fix your stuff.
Alan Thrall: kind of a big deal.
somebody needs to fix his shit.
11:38 also needs a MEME THIS graphic.
Alan, you can 'fix' the squat hack machine. Just buy some rubber mat with the same or a little more thick than that excessive metal and put some glue in it
That Power Trip tshirt just earned you another subscriber!
Hip Belt from Ironmind works well for hip squats. Works well if your lower back is tweaked.
One of my favorite lifting channels. Learn a lot about technique. And the stories are great.
The Beast Metal commentary was hilarious. Dude sounds promising though. I know a small engine mechanic who started just like that and now the guy goes to the Bahamas every summer.
Great video! It’s helpful to see where you’ve invested and hear your assessment of the value of each piece of equipment.
Alan, for the hack squat, take an angle grinder and chamfer the edge of that plate that the bar is catching on. it will slid right off.
You could consider getting a metal file and filling down the edge of that ridge that the hack squat gets caught on. If you can create an angle where that lip is, it should slide down into the hook when racked that way.
Awesome videos and channel. Love how you explain, and the Powertrip shirt!!!
Looking foward to that UNTAMED business plan video! Great job with your gym Alan!
Can you make a video on what equipment is important to have when first starting out in owning a budget strongman gym. I really want to start one but I lack funds and the knowledge of what’s the best equipment to start out with. I’m thankful 🙏🏾 for the free information you put out, this really helps everyone.
Holy shit that power trip shirt rules. Greetings from Argentina!!
18:50 is da best of the vid
I pressed the time and just kept laughing 20 presses in.
11:40 is pretty good too
just make a solid bench out of wood and put it between the safeties in a squat rack, it works great for seal rows and you save $800 (atleast for home gyms)
No.
Yessssssssss
Informative video for me, someone who has never been to a gym but might outgrow home non machine random stuff.
@ 23:40 perhaps a bit more of your DIY you could unbolt those stoppers one at a time and round that catching edge off with an angle grinder. (wouldn't take too much considering the handle is round)
One arm accidently engaging on a stopper on a rapid downward motion might be enough to have bent one arms different to the other giving its uneven engagement.
That seal row bench is beautiful. I have to put a bench of a stack of boxes to set up my seal row.
Hey Alan, loved the video. You should make one where you talk about the barbells @Untamed, it would be really helpful. Thanks for the good content!
Man, been watching your videos for about a year when I started getting into powerlifting. I'm local to NorCal and you're such an inspiration. Would love to come up and check out Untamed Strength sometime (I'm in Stockton 2-3 times a month)! Keep it up, Alan. Some of the best content on UA-cam for little dudes like me!!
Legend Fitness in TN makes a flat chest supported row. I actually think their design is better than Watson’s.
18:48 I got tears in my eyes from your description of those dips 😂😂😂
My biggest complaint at gyms were machines that had worn out padding. Do knee raises with no padding for your shins is a real bummer.
9:56 When people come up and ask me if I'm done with my squats yet.
I would love to train in this gym
(Untamed of course)
Aboutthe hacksaw squat machine, you should put a wedge going from the surface of the beam to the beginning of the hook plate. A wooden wedge glued with loctite would do.Would be much safer.
Awesome video! I hope you really do talk about different types of bars, because I don't understand how to identify the difference & what bar to choose. Thanks!
Awesome videos Alan. I'm loving the Death Leprosy flag. I've be going to the gym since October this year, I haven't been in like 2 maybe 3 years. Love watching your videos it helps me a lot when I go to gym. Thank you very much. Keep these coming!!!!
Very nice video with an honest review and no BS
6:11 This can probably be done on the cheap with a Landmine adapter, a belt designed for weighted pullups, a bit of chain and a heavy duty carabiner. I haven't tried this yet, but the only downside I can think of is that you will be limited in the amount of weight you can put on.
That Power Trip shirt is on POINT!!! Excellent band choice.
SWING OF THE AXE
WOW!!!
watching Alan demo some of these machines cracks me up
Great hardware. And here's another piece of equipment you can give good use: a steadycam.
Saw a big nut in half, or use the top part of a lock or something of similar shape and attach it to the latpulldown, so the cable cant jump out at the top. I'm sure you could come up with something fairly simple.
the other issue is the other types of belt squat will often bottom out before you get to the bottom, especially if you have shorter legs.
that beast metal one looks cool
23:30 I think to solve that, you could make a small wedge of wood so that it could just slide right down to the resting area, since that could potentially be dangerous.
With the hack squat machine, just bring out a grinder and round down that hard edge that gets caught, grind it down like a ramp so there's nothing to get caught.
3:44 this can be done on the cheap by hanging some gymnast rings off of your rack. It's sort of like doing a pullup on your back. If you can't keep your body straight while doing this, you can bend your knees to make it easier and pivot on your heels. Need more difficulty? Put your heels on a bench while doing it. Still to easy? Put a weight plate on your chest while doing it. By using gymnast rings, you are turning this into a full body exercise and it's easier on the shoulders, because your hands can move around.
Now flip over, lower the rings and do pushups on them. Awesome chest and core workout for people who don't/won't do situps. Use a weight vest to make it harder.
I've been doing both of these for a while now and I actually have abs now and I don't do any other kind of ab workout.
You could make some type of wooden wedge and attach it to the hack squat to solve the racking problem
Alan I’m so happy you listen to Power Trip. So good 🤘🏽
Mad respect for the Power Trip t-shirt
Add a link where the shackle attaches to the plate holder, (to lengthen the cable by an inch or so) you don't want that rubber stopper ball to hit at the top....this is likely where the cable jumps the pulley, due to the rubber ball. Also, the wear on the cable and covering looks like a design issue with the machine, it appears the pulley does not project far enough beyond the frame member...at 20:58 you can see where it can scrape if the bar is held too close to the machine, most likely on tricep push downs.
21:35 Needs a piece bolted across(so it can be removed for cable changes)
23:45 Get a piece of angled wood and double sided tape it on, ez fix, but you're right, wasn't designed properly
Not sure if someone else has commented this, but maybe a nearby metal worker could sort out some of the issues you have with the equipment you pointed out. Could be significantly cheaper and more convenient!
This is actually really great cause I'm about to purchase a home gym and only want the essentials thanks Alan!
Great video. I’m a subscriber now and gonna check out Elite FTs because of you
1:30 were you trying to destroy your knees?
You can get someone (like beast metals to make an anti-lash piece for that lat pulldown to stop the cable from jumping.
>there are people that squat twice as much as I do.
That's not true. Nobody does sets with 440kgs.
Was watching the entire video, don't know why ... it's just nice watching somebody with love for the details of his job i guess