Backyard Warehouse Gym Tour: 20 Years of GVT Discipline in Korea

1. The Sanctuary: A Private Warehouse in Paju

Six years ago, I moved from a city apartment to a detached house in Paju to provide a better environment for my family and my six dogs. On this land, I built my own Private Warehouse Gym. It’s not a commercial space; it’s a dedicated sanctuary where I’ve spent the last six years focusing on raw strength and longevity.

2. The Protocol: German Volume Training (GVT) over 40

My training history spans over two decades, and my core philosophy is rooted in German Volume Training (GVT), specifically the 10 sets of 10 reps protocol.

• The Routine: I follow a classic 3-day split: 1. Chest/Biceps, 2. Back/Triceps, 3. Legs/Shoulders.
• The Reality: At 45, I listen to my body. While I aim for 10×10 with 100kg (225lbs) on Bench and Squats, I adjust the volume based on my daily condition. Consistency is about staying in the game for 20 years, not just hitting a number today.

3. Reliable Gear: Original Mazurenko & Vintage Iron Bull

I value equipment with a soul—gear that has stood the test of time.

• The Mazurenko Table: I’ve had this professional armwrestling table for years. It’s an original Mazurenko, built with a distinct feel that modern mass-produced versions can’t replicate. It serves as a reminder of the many sessions spent honing grip and vector strength.
• Vintage Iron Bull Rack: Purchased 15 years ago, this was the pinnacle of the Korean home gym market back then. It remains the backbone of my strength journey.
• Versatility: Beside the heavy iron, I keep a Table Tennis table for hand-eye coordination and active recovery.

4. Atmosphere: From Brutal Winter to Spring Focus

Paju is known for its extreme winters, sometimes dropping below -20°C, making my Raptor P60 Pellet Stove a necessity. But as the frost melts and spring settles in, the warehouse takes on a new energy. It’s the best season to train alongside my Golden Retriever, Rocky, without the bite of the cold.