Amy's Garage Gym

I've worked out for a long time (I have and love my Peloton equipment), but honestly, it wasn't until we got our PRX setup that I started taking it seriously. Even more directly — it wasn't until I ordered the Functional Trainer that I really got into it.

I'm 46, and I have big plans to be on a sailboat with my husband someday doing fun things like scuba diving. I also work in healthcare, so I get a front-row seat to how chronic illness impacts people's lives. For those reasons, I knew it was time to start taking control of my health. Also — if I'm being honest — I saw Eric working out every day and just killing it (he's a former cop and SWAT guy, so he's way more adept at this than I am), and I couldn't let him completely show me up. So when I got the Functional Trainer, I developed a plan and got to work. (Side note: I actually built an interactive workout tracker using Claude — it's easy to use, and a big reason I stay consistent.)

Training has given me freedom and flexibility. I actually just wrote about this — when I was taking strict Peloton classes, I felt like I had to keep up with whatever they were doing. I also felt limited by only having dumbbells and body weight exercises. And admittedly, a lot of barbell work is still intimidating to me, but I'm getting there. That's why the Functional Trainer has made such an impact on my routine. I have the freedom to design my own program and progress as my body is ready, instead of feeling like I have to keep up. My tracker does push me to progress when I'm ready, but I get the final say.

We chose our home gym setup because we wanted something easy, convenient, and versatile enough to fit our workouts without ever needing to leave home. We originally started with the shorter rack setup, then later added the functional trainer and ended up ordering the taller rack as well. Honestly, having two setups isn’t necessary at all — you can absolutely do this with one setup — but we loved it so much that we decided to keep both separate.

What we love most is the versatility and functionality of the equipment. There are so many workout options, and it really feels like we have everything we need at home. My absolute favorite part is the functional trainer. It’s incredibly smooth, versatile, and has completely changed our workouts. The convenience is also unbeatable. I usually work out in the morning, but being at home gives me the flexibility to fit it in whenever my schedule allows. No more driving 15+ minutes to a gym!

I want to live and enjoy a long life. I want to be in good physical health and shape to enjoy things when I'm older — not be limited by mobility or ability. I've seen too many people decline as they age because of a lack of movement, and I don't want that to be my story.