Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
If you're building a home gym, you have a lot of decisions to make. One of the most important being, what gym equipment to buy? What makes this tougher is there is a lot to choose from!
Therefore, we wrote this article to help give an overview of the most important equipment that the best home gyms should have. Use this to help plan the building of your gym!
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
What Home Gym Equipment Should You Buy?
One of the cool things about building a home gym is you can personalize it for whatever equipment you want! Therefore, as you can guess, this is going to be highly individual to you and your needs.
There are many variables which will dictate what you should buy, with the main 3 being;
- Budget
- Space
- Training Goals & Needs
With that said, we would advise you to first decide on your budget and then purchase your primary pieces first. While everyone's budget is different, we believe in purchasing what you can afford. Quality equipment will go a long way, so if it fits your budget and makes sense, get it.
Now, this assumes you're serious about your lifting. If you're just a recreational lifter who just wants to stay fit, this may not be as important but you should still buy higher quality within reason.
How Much Does Home Gym Equipment Cost?
Over the past 5 years or so, there has been a huge influx of companies building and selling home gym exercise equipment. This means there are a lot of options which has led to a wide price range.
There are some people who may buy a minimalist gym that costs just $300. On the other hand, there are plenty of premium home gyms costing $10,000 or more.
Obviously, a lot can dictate what you spend such as the brand and what exactly it is you buy. With that said, most average home gyms seem to cost around $1,000 - $3,000 with the "average higher" end being around $5,000 - $6,000.
With that said, we're going to get into different types of home gym equipment.
Racks
The rack is the centerpiece of any home gym, providing the foundation for most strength training exercises. A good rack will be where you perform the majority of your exercises, such as;
Depending on how advanced a lifter you are, this equipment can take a beating. This is why it's crucial not to buy cheap if you can afford not to.
Buying a solid rack that's built well will provide durability and sturdiness. This can give you the confidence you need to perform big lifts—trust us, it makes a difference!
With that said, there are quite a few different styles of racks on the market that we'll go over below.
For more specific details on racks for home gyms, check this out!
1. Full Rack
A Full Rack, sometimes called a "cage," provides you with the most stability and versatility. While different products vary, this comprises two pairs of uprights supported by legs. This makes a large "cage" that you can perform your exercises in.
These are more robust than other options and also allow for more features, such as pull-up bars and cable attachments.
If you're an advanced lifter, these are a must. Now, if you're a beginner, these could be overkill, so if you're on a tight budget, you could get away without one.
2. Half Rack
The name can seem to apply to its half-size, but in reality, it offers nearly the same range of exercises as a full power rack. They are generally a bit smaller than full racks, so they may be a good option if you're trying to minimize the space.
While a half rack still has four pairs of uprights, they are much closer together. Further, the back pair is merely there to support the front pair, which is where you perform the exercises. This means you are standing outside compared to how you perform racks inside a cage.
The good thing is they still come with safety bars; however, some are permanent fixtures you can't adjust, while others still allow you to change height.
While it's called a half-rack, these are still great options that can handle a ton of weight.
3. Folding Rack
A Folding Rack is the ultimate choice for saving space. This option is ideal for those in apartments or smaller homes who need a rack tucked away when it's time to make the room multifunctional.
These are fixed to the wall and have swinging arms attached to uprights. When not in use, this rack folds away to free up valuable space, taking up just mere inches off the wall. Still, when you do pull them out to use them, the depth on most is still generally pretty shallow compared to other wall-mounted rigs.
We like folding racks so much we have an entire article dedicated to them!
4. Squat Stand
Another option for those on a budget or who prefer being able to move their equipment is the squat stand. A squat stand is a minimalist option that offers support for squats and overhead presses without the full coverage of a rack.
Now, we'll tell you that these can be sketchy if you lift bigger weight. Even solid squat stands can be a bit wobbly. However, they still get the job done.
Typically, squat stands are adjustable in height, which makes them great for lighter lifters or those who don't need all the features of a full rack. They are ideal for home gyms with limited space and budget while still allowing for essential strength exercises.
Barbell
After your rack, the barbell is going to be the most important piece of gym equipment—at least for many home gyms. The barbell is the tool with which you will perform most of your exercises.
Therefore, it's another piece we advise you to get the best that you can afford. Now, if you don't have the cash, no worries! There are plenty of quality budget options. However, a quality barbell can make a big difference in your training experience, and if you take care of it, it can last years.
Check out our picks for top barbells for home gyms!
1. Olympic Barbell
An Olympic Barbell is the standard bar used in weightlifting competitions. It is designed to handle heavy loads and is very durable.
One of the reasons it got the name "Olympic" is its spinning collars. If you were to perform Olympic movements with a fixed barbell, the barbell would want to spin as the weights spin.
With spinning collars, the shaft will stay static as the collars rotate with the weight. The point is, you don't have to perform Olympic movements if you buy this bar.
You'll generally see two sizes;
- Men: 20kg
- Women: 15kg
In addition, a woman's bar will have a thinner shaft, making it easier to grip.
Regardless, every lifter needs a quality barbell as this will be used for the majority of your exercise, especially your heavier lifts.
2. Safety Squat Bar
While the Olympic barbell is your primary barbell, other specialty bars could be a good purchase.
The Safety Squat Bar is a specialized bar designed for squatting that uses a unique design with padding. It's a type of cambered bar called a "curved bar" that has arms that drop down 90 degrees on the ends. Then, in the middle, two handles come out, and there's thick padding on the arms and in between on the barbell.
This allows a lifter to hold the arms in front of their body, which can be very comfortable for those with shoulder mobility issues. Further, the bar sits high and promotes a more upright torso, taking stress off the lower back.
Check out this article for our favorites!
3. Trap Bar
The Trap Bar (or Hex Bar) is a unique type of barbell that can be used for a variety of exercises such as;
- Deadlifts
- Shrugs
- Bent Over Row
The barbell is hexagonal, with two collars coming out to the side to load plates. Further, they generally have a set of raised handles. This design shifts the load to a more neutral position, reducing strain on the lower back and making it a safer alternative to traditional deadlifts.
Another movement we really like is the frame carry, which requires the trap bar in a home gym setting.
If you like the idea of having a trap bar in your home gym, check this out!
Weight Plates
Weight plates are another central component of any home gym, as it's how you load the barbell!
When it comes to weight plates, we have a pretty simplistic motto: weight is weight. That means unless you have a big budget or are a professional lifter, you should try to find the cheapest option, or at least the cheapest, that fits your needs.
Further, be sure to have a good selection of weights to make it easier to adjust the load. With that said, you pretty much have two options.
- Bumper plates
- Metal plates
1. Bumper Plates
Bumper Plates are made of dense rubber and were originally used for Olympic lifting. However, they have become popular for home gyms as they can mitigate damage to flooring or surroundings if dropped.
Their main advantage is that they're designed to be dropped without damaging the floor or the plates themselves. Bumper plates come in various weight increments, and their high durability makes them a popular choice for home gyms. If you plan on performing dynamic lifts or have limited space, bumper plates are the way to go.
In addition, bumper plates are usually cheaper than their metal counterparts, making them a popular choice for home gyms.
Here are our top picks for bumper plates!
2. Metal Plates
While bumper plates are usually the better economic choice, some people love the Clank-Clank of metal plates. We get it because we love it too.
Metal plates can be another good option for a home gym as long as you know the possible risks. We would not recommend you use metal plates in a small gym or if you have a lot of belongings around. Besides that, they're a great choice and take up less room than bumper plates.
That said, you can find metal plates of cast iron or steel.
- Iron Plates: Generally cheaper but will be more prone to rust if not taken care of properly. Further, they are not as dense as steel plates.
- Steel Plates: Much denser than iron plates and more resistant to rust and damage. However, this comes with a more expensive price tag.
A common practice is buying iron plates that are covered with some sort of rust-resistant coating or even rubber coating.
Weight Bench
Benches are another essential piece of home equipment, allowing you to lay or sit and support various movements. This can include;
- Bench press
- Seated overhead press
- Bulgarian split squat
- Seated bicep curl
If you purchase one, we advise you to buy a more durable option of higher quality. While you're lying down to perform a bench press, you don't want a wobbly bench—trust us!
Adjustable Weight Bench
While a bit more costly, an adjustable weight bench will allow you to place the backrest at various angles. This will support even more exercises such as;
- Incline bench press
- Spider curl
- Incline seal row
A couple of other possible downsides are that they'll take up a bit more space and are more difficult to move around. Therefore, just consider this if you have a tight space.
These are our favorite weight benches for home gyms!
All-In-One Gyms
An All-In-One gym machine is a compact piece of equipment that combines multiple exercises into a single unit.
These machines are designed to provide a single piece of equipment that includes an array of exercises, including;
- Squat rack
- Pull-up bar
- Various pulley stations
- Attachments for landmines or other accessories
These can be a very practical solution for someone who has more training needs than empty space. While these still require a certain amount of space, a single machine can replace 4 or 5 machines!
There are quite a few good options out here, but these are our favorites!
Dumbbells And Kettlebells
Dumbbells and kettlebells are essential tools for strength training, offering versatility and functionality to any home gym.
Dumbbells consist of a short barbell with a fixed weight on the end. This design makes them ideal for movements such as chest and shoulder presses, as the weight is evenly distributed.
Kettlebells, on the other hand, have a unique design with a handle attached to a weighted bell. This allows for dynamic, swinging motions such as kettlebell swings, cleans, and snatches.
However, you can still perform movements such as rows and presses.
While they're different pieces of equipment, there is actually a lot of crossover in their use. Unless you have a large budget, you don't really need to have both, at least in the same size.
1. Fixed Weight
One option is to buy individual equipment at a certain weight, such as a 20-lb dumbbell or 24-lb kettlebell. These are the common styles of dumbbells and kettlebells you find in gyms.
These great, durable gym equipment will last forever due to their simple designs. The major problem is you need to buy a set for every weight, such as;
- 15lb dumbbell
- 20lb dumbbell
- 25lb dumbbell
- 30lb dumbbell
This will take a lot of room and cost a lot of money. However, these can be a great option if you have the resources.
2. Adjustable Weights
Instead of having multiple dumbbells or kettlebells of different weights, you can purchase an adjustable weight set. These adjustable sets usually feature a dial or pin mechanism that allows you to increase or decrease the weight depending on your workout needs.
Adjustable weights have become extremely popular over the years, as they allow you to have a variety of weights in one compact piece of equipment. Adjustable weights are perfect for home gyms, providing flexibility and practicality without compromising on performance.
We compiled a list of adjustable dumbbells here to check out.
Cable Workout Machines
We love cable workout machines—after the barbell, they are the single most versatile piece of home gym equipment you can purchase.
While we call them "machines," they're a bit of a crossover between machines and free weights as they allow much movement.
These machines often come with multiple attachment options, such as handles, ropes, and bars, giving you a wide range of exercises.
In fact, when we're in the gym, 90% of the exercises we do personally occur with the barbell or cable machine. Here are some of the reasons we love them;
- The cable has minimal limitations on the path of the movements.
- The attachment can still move quite a bit during the exercises, so it's not completely fixed.
- You have an array of adjustments between the height and direction of the load.
- It allows a huge number of exercises that are easy to change.
1. Cross Cable Machines
If you have the space, cross-cable machines are an awesome choice for a cable machine.
These consist of two cable pulleys attached by a large crossbar, which are generally at least a few feet, allowing you to perform movements such as flies.
The setup also allows for multidirectional movement, making cross-cable machines ideal for improving range of motion and functional strength.
These machines are especially useful for compound exercises and are often used to mimic natural movements, helping to improve athletic performance and overall muscle development.
2. Wall-Mounted Cable Machines
Wall-mounted cable machines are basically space-saving versions of traditional cable machines. This makes them perfect for home gyms where space is limited, but a full range of cable exercises is still desired.
These are installed against a wall and feature adjustable pulleys for various exercises. The primary difference is that the two standing cables are close to each other rather than spread apart like a cable crossover. This mitigates the ability to do exercises such as dual cable flies or other exercises that require space.
While they won't allow the same number of exercises as the cable crossover, they're still incredibly effective and allow many great exercises.
Another plus is that these are generally cheaper than a cable crossover.
If you think a cable machine would be a good buy for your home gym, check out this article.
Pull-Up, Chin-Up, Dip Bars
We're combining all these calisthenics because we think they complement each other. These relatively cheap additions to a home gym allow some of the best exercises for upper body development and athleticism.
Your best choice is to purchase a rack that can support these exercises. Many styles of racks integrate pull-up/chin-up bars into the equipment, generally as a crossbar at the top. For dips, many racks have a place to attach a dip bar.
1. Captain's Chair
The captain's chair is a great addition to a home gym. It allows all three calisthenic exercises and has a few extra benefits.
This equipment consists of a padded backrest and armrests that allow you to perform leg raises, knee lifts, and other abdominal exercises. The captain's chair supports your back while engaging your core, making it a great option for those who want to focus on their abs without straining their lower back.
Many models also allow additional features like adjustable footrests for increased comfort and effectiveness during your workout.
Check out some exercises here!
2. Wall-Mounted
While dip bars aren't reliable options, a space-saving option is wall-mounted pull-up bars. These are relatively cheaper yet very effective at providing the support you need for chin-ups.
Cardio Equipment
Some people choose to get cardio equipment for their home gym. While this can be a costly investment initially, it can add a lot of value to training.
Having cardio equipment can help keep you on track due to a variety of benefits, including:
- You can choose the type of exercise you do
- You don't need to depend on good weather
1. Treadmill
Due to its versatility, a treadmill is one of the most common choices for a home gym. Many modern treadmills come with adjustable incline settings and a good range of speed for awesome workouts.
With increased popularity, you can easily pair treadmill walking with rucking for an awesome, low-impact, high-intense workout.
If you want a treadmill but need to save space, check out these folding treadmills for home gyms!
2. Rower
Since Crossfit, rowers have become increasingly popular home gym fitness equipment choices.
Using a rowing motion mimics the act of rowing a boat, combining both anaerobic endurance and cardiovascular training while burning a good deal of calories.
Further, many rowers have adjustable resistance levels, allowing users to increase or decrease the intensity of their workout.
Here's a collection of compact rowers for home gyms!
3. Air bike
Unlike Cycling, an air bike is a type of stationary bicycle that uses a large fan to create resistance. The fan acts as the resistance, so the harder and faster you pedal, the more resistance the bike creates.
In addition, air bikes have handlebars that move, engaging your upper body in addition to your legs, making it a full-body workout. This has made it a very popular choice for high-intensity workouts and HIIT.
While you can technically use it for endurance training, it's not the best choice. Regardless, they're a great choice to push your cardiovascular limits, helping to improve stamina, burn calories, and increase overall conditioning.
4. Indoor Cycling
Indoor Cycling is another great way to get a cardio workout at home. It's actually one of our favorite forms of cardio, as it's low-impact but can produce very high-intensity levels. In fact, the original Tabata protocol was performed on a cycle ergometer, which is the recommended tool!
There are various styles, but the three main categories are:
- Spinning Bike: A spinning bike resembles an actual road bike. The handles are generally lower, allowing you to lean over. Further, you can stand to simulate Cycling. These generally provide the most intense session.
- Upright Bike: An upright bike is somewhat similar to a spinning bike but is generally more "rugged." The handles are also higher, so you don't lean over as much, making them a good choice for anyone with weaker backs. Further, you can't stand on these. These give a good workout but are generally less intense than spinning bikes.
- Recumbent Bike: Recumbent bikes are the most different from the other options. Rather than sitting atop a small seat, you sit in a "chair" with a cushioned, full-back seat. Next, your legs go out before your body rather than down underneath. These are generally used for older trainees or those with disabilities as they give full support. If this fits your needs, check out some options here.
Leg Press Weight Machines
One of the most popular weight machines for targeting the lower body is the leg press, with several variations offering unique benefits and drawbacks. These include:
- Leg press machine
- Hack squat machine
- Vertical leg press machine
- Combo machines
While each of these has its distinct features, they all primarily serve the purpose of strengthening the lower body. Here's a breakdown of each:
- Leg Press Machine: The leg press is a staple in most strength and bodybuilding gyms, and it's increasingly found in home gyms as well. Its main function is to mimic squatting movements but, with the added benefit of being a safer alternative to free-weight squats for some lifters. You can modify your foot placement to target different muscle groups or even perform single-leg presses to isolate each leg.
- Hack Squat Machine: The hack squat machine is a variation of the leg press, with your feet placed on a platform while your back and shoulders are supported by pads on a sliding sled. This setup focuses heavily on the quads by minimizing hip flexion. Some models also allow you to perform a reverse hack squat, which shifts the emphasis to the posterior chain (hamstrings and glutes).
- Vertical Leg Press Machine: A vertical leg press is a unique variation where you lie on your back and push a sled vertically. This machine is great for small spaces since the weight load moves upward, saving floor space. It also offers a different angle for leg training, which can help target muscles in a slightly different way compared to other leg presses.
- Combo Machines: Many newer machines combine the leg press and hack squat into one unit. These combo machines offer the advantage of having two exercises in one but generally take up the same amount of space as a single machine. The price is often comparable to that of a standalone leg press, making it a convenient and efficient option for home gyms or facilities with limited space.
Each of these machines provides excellent options for leg training, and your choice will depend on your specific goals and space requirements.
Check out our article for the best lower-body weight machines for your gym!
Gym Equipment Accessories
In addition to the large pieces we discussed above, several smaller accessories for home gym equipment are to be considered.
- Resistance Bands are long, stretchy bands with several uses, including mobility work, assistance with calisthenics, and using with strength exercises. They come in different levels of resistance and are lightweight, so they don't take up a lot of room. They're also cheap, so it's always nice to have a couple on hand, even just for warming up.
- Jump Ropes are a classic, simple piece of conditioning equipment. They can also help improve coordination and endurance while burning a good amount of calories fast. They'll also give your lower body a nice workout, especially your calves.
- Boxes are sturdy platforms for exercises like box jumps and step-ups. You can also use them for exercises such as box squats as well. If you buy shorter boxes, you can perform block pulls.
- A Landmine is a piece of equipment that holds one end of a barbell in a hinged sleeve connected to a grounded end. This allows you to load the barbell's free end and perform various movements, including rotational exercises. These are relatively cheap and one of the most versatile pieces of home gym equipment you can buy, making it one of our favorite pieces of equipment.
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
Building Out Your Home Gym
Building your home gym is a huge investment for both economic and fitness reasons. Spend some time examining your needs, available space, and budget so you can make the best purchase you can. There are a ton of options out there on the market, so if you spend the time, you will find what's best for you.
In our opinion, you should spend what you can afford on most pieces of equipment. This will differ for everybody, but the point is that you should purchase the highest quality you can afford. Buying quality equipment can make a big difference in the entire experience and last long if you follow some basic maintenance.
Garett Reid
Author