We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Sergeant Cort is a strong guy with a big heart. Not only is his garage gym the envy of his neighborhood, but when he’s not putting up crazy numbers on the platform, he’s a member of SWAT busting in doors and serving his community on the local Police Force. Cort is no doubt, Garage Gym Built.
Cort has an epic powerlifting home gym filled with some of the best equipment from Rogue Fitness, ER Equipment, Buddy Capps, and more. However, what’s more impressive than his gym is the way he’s able to stay strong and compete while serving his local community as the Sergeant for his Police Force.
Most recently, during our 2019 Garage Gym Tour we were able to visit Cort, talk about his training, do a walkthrough of his gym, and learn more about what he does for a living. Despite all of the time he puts in at work both as a Sergeant and a member of SWAT, Cort lifts massive amounts of weight and competes on a high level.
You can find Cort on Instagram @sergeant_gymaddict.
Here is the equipment he has in his garage gym.
Sergeant Cort’s Home Gym Video Walkthrough
Squat Racks
Main Power Rack
Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack
Product Highlights
- Made in the USA
- Self-stabilizing base (no need for bolting)
- Compact, 48-inch base size
- Monster Lite J-Cups and pin pipe safeties included
- Pull-up bar included
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack is one of the only flat footed power racks that Rogue sells (which probably explains why it's so popular.)
- Although we have heard of Rogue screening their review sections, the RML-390F currently has over 140 reviews with a 5/5 star rating making it one of the most reviewed racks on Rogues site.
- As with all racks in the Monster Lite line, this one uses 3"x3" 11-guage steel and â…" holes that allow it to be compatible with the entire line of Monster Lite Attachments such as pull-up bars, lever arms, and spotter safeties.
- Due to the flat foot design, the rack doesn't have to be bolted to the ground to be used.
- Because the rack is spaced 48" deep, you shouldn't have to worry about the rack falling over due to a lot of weight on the barbell for squats or bench press.
- Pin Pipe Safeties are included with the rack, but they can be upgraded to straps (which we most often recommend to protect the knurling on your barbell.)
- The entire rack is made in the USA with US-sourced steel, including the bolts.
- Westside Hole Spacing is included through the bench area which means you can dial in your j-cups in 1" increments to get the perfect setup.
- You can't use band pegs or half spotter safety arms on the rack because it's bolted down and could topple over if not careful.
- A pull-up bar with Rogues signature textured powder coat is included, but can be upgraded if desired.
Cons
- The RML-390F only comes in one height, 90", which may be too tall for basement home gyms or not tall enough for certain trainees.
- The rack is definitely less stable than one bolted down, but for most home gym owners, it should be fine.
Bottom Line
The Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack is a great squat rack option for home gym owners that don't want to bolt their rack to the ground. In our review, we've found that the rack is pretty stable due to its weight (even more stable if weight plates are added to plate posts) and it checks all the boxes for a typical overbuilt Rogue rack. This is honestly Rogue's best option for someone who doesn't want to bolt their rack to the ground and doesn't want a 6 post rack like a Rogue RM-6. However, understand that because it's made in the USA, it is pricier than some of the competition that is imported like Titan Fitness or Rep Fitness.
Cort has two racks in his gym, three if you count the bench which is basically a squat rack made to only bench out of.
The first is the Rogue RML-390F.
The Rogue RML-390F is a flat foot rack that has all the features of Rogue’s bolt-down racks, without the requirement of having to be bolted down. It’s one of the most reviewed racks on Rogue’s website and is a favorite among many who have no desire to bolt into their foundation.
The Rogue RML-390F has recently been replaced by a red Rogue RM-3, however. The RM-3 is similar to the RML-390, however, it has bigger holes and bolts, color options, and can be bolted to the ground. Both racks are beastly, but the Monster series is definitely a step up. See more of the best squat racks here.
The other rack that is likely the one used most often by Cort is the ER Equipment Combo Rack. This rack can be used for squats or bench thanks to its removable bench pad, and is similar if not the same rack to what Cort uses when competing in the USAPL. This Combo Rack features metal rollers that are known to wear down the knurling on the bar (something Cort mentioned), safety spotter arms, and an adjustable height that makes it easy to lift with other people.
Bench
Rogue Westside Bench 2.0
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Cort also has a Rogue Westside Bench 2.0 that we’ve reviewed in the past. This bench is an absolute beast as it pretty much is just a squat rack with a bolt-on bench included. Cort said that now that he has the Combo Rack, this gets used less, but it’s still a sweet piece of equipment.
Barbells
Best Power Bar
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Product Highlights
- Volcano knurl provides a great grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- 205K PSI tensile strength
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value
- Volcano knurl
- Fantastic grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- Made in the USA
- 205K PSI tensile strength
- F-8R rating
- Self-oiling bronze bushings
Cons
- 205K PSI tensile strength is not the strongest on the market
- Some may feel the knurling is too passive
- Bare steel Version rusts quickly
Bottom Line
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the power bar we recommend most often. You cannot spend less and get a better bar. You can spend more, and depending on your preferences get something maybe better, but even then, it's debatable.
Every garage gym that is worth its weight has a nice collection of barbells and Cort’s is no different.
The bars that get used most often are two Stainless Steel Rogue Ohio Powers. We’ve reviewed these in the past and they are one of the most used bars in our gym as well.
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar features high tensile strength with one of the best knurlings in the industry. Cort has a 45 LB and 20 KG version so he has all his bases covered.
In addition to the OPB’s, Cort has a Rogue Westside Power Bar that has a slightly more aggressive knurl than the OPB’s as well as a Rogue Ohio Bar for general training and a Buddy Capps Texas Deadlift Bar.
We love the variety of Olympic Bars in Cort’s gym known as the IronBorn Strength Club. If there was one thing we’d suggest, it would be to add some specialty bars like some of the best trap bars. They add a lot of variety to your training and are honestly just fun to use.
Weight Plates
Powerlifting Plates
Rogue Calibrated KG Steel Plates
Product Highlights
- Machine calibrated precision (+/- 0.35oz)
- Thin-cut design
- Color-coded weights
- Quality cast-iron
- Good value
Pros & Cons
Pros
- After using Rogues KG Calibrated Powerlifting Plates over the past year, we can confidently recommend them for their durability and accuracy.
- Price-wise, these are some of the best value calibrated plates on the market.
- Due to being IPF-approved, these plates are extremely accurate and if they're not as stated, Rogue will send you a replacement.
- The lips on the plates are large enough to make carrying and loading them easy.
- Due to how thin the plates are, you can fit more weight than you'll ever lift on the bar.
- They've been known to go on sale during Rogues Matte Black Friday Event.
- Available in Kilograms or Pounds.
- The lettering is raised and painted in a contrasting color to make identification easy.
Cons
- The paint on these plates is known to chip rather easily. Ours look much more used than they really have been. One reviewer wrote, "These weights are what you would expect for the price, except for the paint. The paint comes off very easy. They would be better if they used Cerakote like some of the Rogue bars."
- Due to how thin they are, they can be difficult to lift off the ground if laying flat.
Bottom Line
The Rogue KG Calibrated Powerlifting Plates are the best value calibrated plates that we've tested and reviewed. If you want consistent size and weight on your plates and plan to compete in powerlifting, these are by far your best option. They also look good, although expect the paint to chip over time.
The only plates Cort has in his gym, and the only plates he needs, are the Rogue Calibrated KG Steel Plates.
We have a full 459KG set of these as well and havereviewed them with great remarks in the past. The Calibrated Plates from Rogue are known for being extremely accurate, being able to take a beating (although expect the paint to chip) and priced as well if not better than most of the competition.
If you powerlift and plan to compete like Cort does, it’s helpful to use the same equipment in practice as what you’ll use on gameday. Cort has more than enough weight for himself to use, but does say he sometimes runs out of plates if he has a training partner with him.
Miscellaneous Equipment
Belt Squat
Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue Rhino is the most versatile belt squat we've tested. The only belt squat that may be more versatile is the Westside ATP, however, it takes up twice as much space and costs over twice as much.
- The size of the Rhino lends itself to working in just about any space from a garage gym to a commercial gym.
- There are three versions available and thanks to it's drop-in nature, it can perform extremely well in a Monster Series Power Rack.
- The same 3"x3" 11-gauge steel is used as the frame for the Rhino.
- The price makes it one of the most budget-friendly versatile belt squats on the market.
- The Rhino is one of the best engineered products we've tested from Rogue. There are an insane amount of custom parts.
- The platform size is small enough to fit in most places, but large enough to be very useful. We were even able to stack rubber tiles on top and use it for step ups.
- The platform is made of diamond plate that is then sprayed with a textured powder coat that allows your shoes to grip the floor well.
- Eventually, we foresee the Rhino having multiple attachments like a lat pulldown.
- The weight trolley is very smooth and because it's not uncoated metal like most systems have with guide rods, it doesn't need any lubing or maintenance.
- The new belt squat belt that comes standard with the unit is great, although we still prefer the Spud INC Belt Squat Belt.
Cons
- The assembly for the Rhino is pretty intensive. Here's what one user had to say, "The instructions are utterly pathetic but once you get it put together after the 5th attempt, the machine is awesome.
- The Rhino can be a bit difficult for taller people to use. One user had this to say, "Our tall members need an additional height setting ( 1' higher ) on the middle horn position. Also, we added more quick links to the belt to make it easier to hookup."
- Although squatting on the Rhino is nice, the SquatMax-MD is much better in that regard. However, the Rhino blows it away when versatility is taken into consideration.
Bottom Line
The Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat is by far the best belt squat we've tested. There are many contenders now on the market, however, the Rhino is the most versatile and offers the best value. We don't recommend lever based belt squats due to the sheering forces that occur on the knees as well as lower versatility. If you're in the market for a belt squat, the Rhino is what we recommend.
Cort has quite a few other pieces of equipment that stand out, most notably, the Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat.
We have a full review of the Rogue Rhino that you can find here, but suffice it to say, this is our favorite belt squat currently available. It has a great combination of features for the price and is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in our gym. Cort uses his Rogue Rhino for belt squats, but also for calf raises, lat pulls, curls, and more. The Rhino also doesn’t take up too much space so it fits well in a garage gym. Although pricier than other options like the SquatMax MD (which we honestly prefer for just squatting) the Rhino simply can’t be beaten for its level of versatility by competitors.
Best Air Bike
Rogue Echo Bike
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty steel
- Overbuilt for smooth ride
- 350 lb weight limit
- Solid foundation for max outs
- Easily portable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable, beefy construction
- Very little rocking or side-to-side movement
- Black powder-coated metal on almost everything
- Belt-driven fan for much less maintenance.
- Easy-to-read LCD console screen
- Legs feature adjustable leveling feet
- Somewhat compact
- Oversized, heavy-duty front wheels
- Sleek, attractive look
Cons
- Larger than other stationary bikes
- Belt drive is overall harder to push than a chain drive
- Not the cheapest air bike on the market
Bottom Line
We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.
The other piece of equipment that stood out to us from Cort’s Home Gym was the Rogue Echo Bike. This is another piece of equipment we reviewed when it was released and it even made the top pick for the Best Air Bike guide.
The best way to describe the Echo Bike is it’s like Rogue took a squat rack, chopped it up, and turned it into an air bike. It’s that beefy and is even sturdy enough for a 600 LB deadlifter like Cort to do max effort sprints on without it shaking. For real, even the fan blades are metal. Who makes metal fan blades?! The Echo Bike is by far the air bike that we recommend most often. So, if you’re in the market for one, check it out. Cort approved.
Best Adjustable Bench
REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
In addition the the equipment mentioned, Cort has the Rep AB-5100 Adjustable Bench. He said he chose the bench based on our review of the AB-5000 Zero Gap and wishes he would have spent a bit more for the one we have. The 5100 has all of the same features as the Rep AB-5000 Zero Gap, but without the sliding seat.
Regardless, the 5100 is an awesome bench and honestly, one of the best value incline benches on the market. And, because it’s red, it matches his ER Combo Rack and new Monster Rack.
The other bench Cort has is a Rogue Monster Utility Bench with a Thompson Fat Pad. That makes for four places to bench from in Cort’s gym and probably why he benches almost 400 LBs.
Lastly, Cort has a set of IronMaster Adjustable Dummbells that can be used for everything from weighing his Combo Rack down to being used for incline bench, dumbbell rows, curls, and other more isolated movements.
Sergeant Cort’s Best Lifts
Although we’re unsure of exactly what Cort’s best lifts are, his latest meet proved to be impressive.
His results gave him 2nd Overall at the 2019 Midwest Regionals by the USA Powerlifting Federation where he went 8/9
His numbers were:
Squat: 491 LB – 507 LB – 524 LB
Bench: 336 LB – 352 LB – 369 LB
Deadlift: 573 LB – 606 LB
Further reading
Do you have five minutes? Good, then you can do our 5-minute arm workout and make some progress on your fitness even when you can’t make more time! Read more
We third-party tested this protein powder ourselves. Find out what our tester thought in this GNC AMP Wheybolic Review. Read more
Discover the muscle-building power of German volume training with our comprehensive guide that includes sample workouts, tips, and mistakes to avoid. Read more
Which reigns supreme in the battle of hammer curl vs biceps curl? We asked an Olympic athlete to help us break down each and get you the answers you need! Read more