A little gym canopy should cover it right? Even if it rusts, will it affect performance?
I'm setting up the same and there are a few things I'm considering:
- if the rack rusts, and it likely will outdoors, how long will it remain structurally safe? Depends how much load you put through it and whether you'll replace it eventually. I'm not even sure what the load rating of mine is. It held at 200kg.
- bumper plates may rust depending on type and storage. Mine I currently have on a raised wooden platform with a liner underneath and a trap over the top. I've oiled the collars - if those rust it could make it more difficult getting them on and off the bar.
- the bar is probably most prone to rusting.
Currently my bar, squat rack and bench are stored in my summer house and come out for each workout. I'm considering a gazebo for the winter on the patio space where I workout. I'm not only thinking of the equipment - it rains a lot in the winter - I don't mind the cold, but I wont workout in the rain or on a wet surface due to it being slippery.
Longer term I have a space where I will build an air conned outbuilding, but that will have to wait until next spring.
Bulldog do galvanised variants, but the lead time is longer.