6 Essential Pieces of Equipment for your Home Gym
When you think about setting up a home gym, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea that you need a ton of fancy, expensive equipment to see results. You might picture rows of cardio machines, stacks of weights, and all the latest gadgets.
But the truth is, you don’t need all that to get in great shape. In fact, with just a few key pieces, you can create an effective and versatile home gym that won’t break the bank.
In this blog post, we will go over 6 essential pieces of equipment that will not only get you started but keep you going for quite a while before you reach max potential with available weights. I am going to list them in the order you should get the equipment to keep progressively overloading.
So Let’s dive into these essentials you need to start your fitness journey from home.
1. Resistance Bands
These should be the first thing you get when you are starting out. If you are just getting into a fitness routine, they will provide more than enough resistance to get started.
If you are more advanced and have been lifting for a while, you may want to skip the resistance bands. Although, they are still a good tool to have.
Resistance bands might look simple, but don’t let that fool you—they’re incredibly powerful tools for building strength and flexibility. They’re perfect for everything from warm-ups and mobility work to full-on strength training sessions. The best part? They’re affordable, portable, and take up virtually no space. You can even toss them in a suitcase for workouts on the go.
I personally always have a full set, complete with handles, ankle cuffs, and a door anchor.
Like this Multi-Colored Resistance Band Set on Amazon. (Side note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases)
2. Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for any home gym. They’re compact, versatile, and allow you to perform a wide range of exercises without taking up much space. Whether you’re doing strength training, HIIT, or just trying to build muscle, a pair of adjustable dumbbells will cover all your bases. Plus, they’re a cost-effective alternative to buying multiple sets of dumbbells in different weights.
I have used these Core Adjustable Dumbbells in my home gym since 2018 and they are still holding strong.
When I was looking at Adjustable dumbbells, Bowflex and Powerblocks kept popping up. But I hated how bulky they were! The Core Adjustable Dumbbells are sized like a regular dumbbell. They are magnetic, so if one gets off track it is easy to reset too!
3. Bench
A sturdy bench is another must-have for your home gym. It opens up a world of exercise possibilities, from bench presses and rows to hip thrusts, step-ups, and box jumps. Look for a bench that’s adjustable, so you can use it for both incline and flat positions. A good bench is an investment in your fitness that will last for years to come.
There are a ton of budget benches out there. I don’t recommend going for the cheapest option here. There is nothing worse than trying to use your bench for lifts and have it wobbling….. leaving you unstable during bigger lifts.
We personally have the bench pictured above.
4. Barbell
Once you start reaching your max weight potential with adjustable dumbbells, A barbell is the next step for lifting heavy and performing compound movements like deadlifts, squats, and presses. It’s versatile, durable, and allows you to progressively overload your muscles, which is key to building strength. Pair your barbell with bumper plates, and you’ve got the foundation for a powerful strength-training routine.
A standard barbell weighs 45lbs. They make barbells with varying weight capacites. A good quality barbell with a 700lb capacity is around $100.
I bought a 700lb bar, and have never hit the 700lb capacity. This will be the case for most people. If you are a powerlifter or pushing big numbers, you may want to look at a 1000lb or 1500lb bar.
My 700lb bar has also taken a beating getting dropped in my gym over the years by myself and clients.
5. Squat Rack
A squat rack is an investment, but it’s one that pays off in spades. This piece of equipment allows you to perform a variety of compound exercises like squats, bench presses, and pull-ups—all crucial for building strength and muscle. A squat rack gives you the stability and safety you need to lift heavier weights, making it a cornerstone of any serious home gym.
With a squat rack, you have safety bars. If you often lift alone, you can still challenge yourself with heavy weights safely.
A solid 3x3 rack with 1-inch holes will give you a heavy duty rack. Plus many rack attachments are made to fit 3x3 racks with 1-inch holes. So when you decide to add on to your gym, you won’t be limited because your rack is too small or light duty.
I love a squat rack with a multi-grip pull up bar too! It allows you to add super bands for assisted pull-ups or just straight pull ups if you have the strength to do them.
6. Set of Bumper Plates
When it comes to lifting heavy, you need the right equipment.
A set of bumper plates will allow you to push your limits without damaging your floors. Bumper plates are designed to be dropped safely, making them ideal for deadlifts, Olympic lifts, and other heavy movements that you may have to bail on. With a set of bumpers, you can gradually increase your strength over time without the need to constantly buy more weights.
Building a home gym on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing results.
With just these six pieces of equipment—adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, a bench, a barell, a squat rack, and a set of bumper plates—you can create a space that’s not only functional but also highly effective.
Remember, it’s not about having the fanciest equipment; it’s about how you use it. With these essentials, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fitness goals, all from the comfort of your own home.
In the comments, Tell us……What is your favorite piece of equipment in your home gym?