Weight Benches · Power Racks · Dumbbells · Home Gyms
Honest Home Gym Equipment & Workout Program Reviews
Fitness Rocks is where I share honest, hands-on reviews and guides — workout programs, gear, and supplements I’ve actually tried across four decades of training, racing, and staying in shape. No fluff, no recycled press releases, just what worked and what didn’t.
By Eric Ellis · former college athlete & triathlete · 40 years of training
Recently Updated Reviews
Shoulder Reliever Review: My Old Shoulder Injury After 4 Weeks
I could finally throw the football again without pain after 4 weeks.
- About 5 min a day
- 4 weighted balls + night sleeve
- 60-day home trial
- Lifetime warranty
Best for
Nagging shoulder pain for weeks, months or years
Skip it if
You can’t lift your arm to your waist
What I Tried Before, and Where I Am Now
- DoctorIt didn’t require any surgery. He suggested PT.
- Physical therapyHelped stabilize it so I could do normal activities, but I never was 100% again.
- Band work and shoulder exercisesGot me past the trouble sleeping, but the sharp pain when throwing or pressing never went away.
- Shoulder Reliever, week 4Throwing without that sharp pain. About 98%.
- Week 8 (coming)The 60-yard bomb test. I’ll update this page.
40
Years of Training
I’ve spent four decades in sports, weightlifting, and nutrition, and I don’t mind sharing what I’ve learned in the hopes it helps the next person.
Eric Ellis · former college athlete & triathlete
Browse by Category
Start With a Buying Guide
Best Weight Benches: Adjustable, Olympic, and Folding Reviewed
Real, current picks for the best adjustable, Olympic, and folding weight benches, with honest pros and cons and a buying guide to help you choose.
Best Adjustable Dumbbells (Reviews & Guide)
I compiled this list of reviews to help you find the best adjustable dumbbells for your home gym, comparing types, features, and price ranges.
Best Power Rack Reviews For Squats, Pull-ups and Bench Press
I researched the best power racks from leading fitness equipment manufacturers to help narrow down the right one for your home or garage gym.
Best Elliptical Machine Reviews and Buyer Guide
Real, currently available elliptical machines compared: two Sunny Health & Fitness models, the Schwinn 411, Body-Solid E300 and Sole E35.
Real, currently-available weighted vests reviewed and compared — Tone Fitness, Hyperwear, CAP Barbell, and Cross101.
Beachbody Product Comparison Review
Not sure which Beachbody workout program is right for you? I compare 8 programs based on my own experience to help you pick the best fit.
Recently Updated Reviews
How I Review
I’ve done a lot of the BODi programs, including T25 with my wife. I have an adjustable bench at home, and I wore a GPS watch through my triathlon training. Other things I’ve only used in a class, like the Keiser bike, and some reviews are based on the specs and what buyers are saying. I try to make it clear which is which.
Products get discontinued all the time. I check that something is still for sale before I write about it, and I take a review down when it’s gone.
Some links pay me a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. That’s not what decides what I recommend, and the affiliate disclosure has the details.
Contact Me
Have a question about a review, a program, or anything else on the blog? Send me a message below and I’ll get back to you.