We chat with Aaron from Curls in the Rack about the start of his home gym, YouTube channel, DIY projects, future of the industry, and MORE.
You can check out this interview on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, Anchor, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
(0:00) When did you start your home gym, and how has it evolved over time? This is Aaron’s third gym. He started in a condo with some Powerblock’s doing some trendy videos. These dumbbells are the only item he still owns from that first “gym.” He eventually morphed it into a gym with a budget setup in his second gym but went all-in with his third home. That’s ultimately where he discovered Rogue Fitness.
(3:20) What has been your biggest mistake in building out a home gym? The biggest mistake did not have ample enough space!
(4:46) Can you tell us how you started your YouTube channel? It’s been about four years ago or so. It took some time to figure out “what stuck,” but it ultimately led him to get behind the camera to showcase his findings with products projects and solve problems for those with home gyms.
(7:26) What’s your favorite DIY project you’ve ever done? He believes that his most innovative was the rack-mounted calf machine or belt squat. He got creative with a cross-member for both of these and turned them into comfortable movements.
(9:23) What’s your favorite YouTube video you’ve ever done? The ones that get no views are his favorite ones. Haha. He laughs at himself, but
(10:20) It looks like you had some interactions with the Surplus Strength founder recently. What would you like to say to someone that gets upset when you create a DIY project based on their product? He said that the primary issue was no difference between the DIY version and the real one. In addition, Aaron didn’t know it was a start-up, with this being their only product. Aaron doesn’t recommend anyone creating a DIY option with all that being said.
(14:23) Do you have any DIY fails? There aren’t any true failures other than some fixable minor mistakes. In this section, he also explains how he taught himself to weld.
(21:06) What are your thoughts on the future of home gym equipment? Rack-attached accessories will continue to be emphasized going forward since the power rack is the focal point for most people with garage gyms.