In a world of instant gratification and fast-tracked builds, elitefts Equipment Sales Leader Matt Goodwin reminds us that the best things take time. After 12 years of methodically building, investing, and training, Matt invites us into the G3 gym—a personal powerhouse stacked wall-to-wall with elitefts gear, ingenuity, and lessons learned from a decade-long grind.

Humble Beginnings: From One Rack to Full Arsenal

What started with a basic power rack, a Texas Power Bar, and 500 pounds of standard plates has evolved into a comprehensive strength training setup—carefully curated, paid for out of pocket, and built with patience.

"I paid for everything. I waited for lead times just like everyone else. There were no shortcuts."

That ethos sets the tone for the tour. Whether you’re starting with a few basics or dreaming of an elite setup, Matt’s home gym is a visual blueprint of progression.

Dumbbells, Racks, and Custom Touches

The G3 dumbbells—custom-labeled rubber sets from Ferris Prime—sit neatly on a matte black, saddle-loaded rack from Troy Barbell. The flat black aesthetic matches Matt’s no-frills, all-function vibe.

A prototype adjustable bench, slated for Summer 2025 release, is one of Matt’s favorite new additions. Designed to stand upright and lock tightly, it’s perfect for rows, presses, and minimizing space. A hinge redesign is already underway for the production model.

Flooring and Form: Stall Mats and Smart Setup

The foundation? Old-school stall mats from Tractor Supply. Durable, functional, and wallet-friendly, they’ve anchored the G3 gym since day one. Mixed in are scraps from past job installs, proving that utility doesn’t have to be flashy.

The Evolution of the Rack: Accessories Gone Wild

As training demands grew, so did the need for better organization. What once was a single rack turned into a dual-rack setup—one for core lifts, the other an accessory rack loaded with:

  • Quick Shift 0-90 bench for rows and presses
  • Adjustable J-cups with 1” spacing for bench shirt days
  • Dip and glute-ham attachments
  • Single leg curl and decline ab bench

Matt admits he underestimated the Glute Ham Blaster, once a piece he “hated,” but now swears by for torching glutes and abs.

Attachment Overload? Nah. It’s Strategic Versatility.

From blast straps to foam squat boxes, the gym is rigged with versatile tools for a wide range of lifts. The belt squat, landmine, and DC blocks open doors for joint-friendly leg training—critical as lifters age and adapt.

Safety features like spotter straps allow for confident solo training. Bonus: they’re adjustable, offset, and far cleaner than the clutter of pipe safeties.

Storage That Works as Hard as You Do

Organization is key. Between magnetic Prolock collars, smelling salts, bench blocks, and belt storage hooks, everything has its place.

The upcoming storage tray attachment keeps essentials on-rack and within reach. Another bonus is the Erecta storage line—ideal for plates, med balls, or trophies (Matt’s a decorated powerlifter, after all).

Bars, Turf, and the Undisputed MVP: The SS Yoke Bar

Matt’s personal bar collection includes:

He’s also got Troy plyo boxes, a trifold mat, and Spirit Fitness treadmill—a heavy-duty, wife-approved addition that’s moved three times and nearly killed him.

Turf and the Prowler: For GPP and Sanity

Matt laid down turf not for Instagram-worthy aesthetics, but for Prowler pushes, drags, and general conditioning. In his own words:

"This thing gives me the Prowler flu. It’s building my GPP and killing fat."

Bonus: Pilates, Reformers, and Wife-Approved Gear

Yes, elitefts sells reformers—Matt’s wife is a Pilates fan, and her XT8-685 treadmill and reformer round out the space. It's not all bars and chains—this gym is built for a household of athletes.

Final Word

Matt’s home gym is more than a flex. It’s a testament to commitment, long-term thinking, and loving the process. Every piece tells a story. Every attachment has a purpose.

You don’t need it all now—but if you stick with it, you can build your own fortress too.

For any questions about outfitting your gym, reach out to Matt at mgoodwin@elitefts.net.

Product Highlights

Racks & Attachments

Benches & Seating

Accessories & Conditioning Tools

Bars & Specialty Equipment

Cardio & Conditioning