Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
Home gyms have been around for decades. However, their popularity really took after the whole Covid fiasco in 2020. People who were stuck at home with no ability to work when they realized, 'Hey, we can just work at home!" Since then, home gyms have emerged as a valid option for many as they offer unmatched convenience and versatility.
However, knowing what you need and what to buy can be daunting. In this guide, we will explore everything there is to know about home gyms. This includes what to consider, essential equipment, and how to optimize your space for the best results. This is the only guide you need to build your new home gym.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Building a Home Gym
- What To Consider When Building a Home Gym
- Best Home Gym Equipment Brands
- Essential Equipment For Home Gyms
- "Nice To Have" Gym Equipment
- Highly Recommended Accessory Equipment
- Best Cardio Equipment For Home Gyms
- Building a Minimalist Home Gym
- Interactive Home and Smart Gyms
- Clothing and Lifting Equipment
- Conclusion
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Benefits Of Building A Home Gym
Building your own home gym can be a game changer in your fitness journey. When you have an adequate gym, it can help you be more consistent with your training and having better workouts as you get to choose what equipment you have.
Here are the top 3 reasons you may want to build a home gym.
1. Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of a home gym is the convenience it offers.
There's no need to commute to a gym, deal with crowded spaces, or wait for equipment. You can work out whenever you need to fit your schedule. Furthermore, you can wear whatever you want!
Think about the time spent going to a gym;
- Preparing to go to the gym
- Driving to gym
- Chatting with people
- Waiting for equipment
If you were to be able to cut all this out, you'd probably save anywhere from 30-60 minutes! That's a workout!
This ease of access eliminates the common excuses for skipping workouts. This makes it easier to stay consistent and committed to your fitness routine.
2. Personalized
Have you ever been to a gym, planning on doing a certain exercise, only to find they don't have the equipment?
Building your own home gym allows you to tailor your fitness space to your unique preferences and goals.
There's also no need to worry about sharing machines or adjusting to the needs of others—your home gym is designed specifically for you as you built it.
Further, you never have to worry about crappy music! You can play whatever you want.
3. Private
A home gym offers complete privacy, allowing you to work out without feeling self-conscious or distracted by others.
While many people associate this as being a benefit for beginners or newer lifters, anyone can benefit from this. Working out by yourself, in your own home, can let you stay focused on your workout.
Many people who work out are only interested in their workout and don't want to deal with any shenanigans in the gym.
What To Consider When Building A Home Gym
Building a home gym is easier said than done. What makes a good home gym for you, may not be for your friend and vice-versa. As a home gym is personalized, you should take the time to build a gym you need.
Therefore, we're going to go over what you need to consider as well as a step-by-step plan.
Budget
Determining a budget is crucial when planning your home gym and is one of largest factors; probably the largest.
During the initial building process, your budget is the first thing established, as it's what's going to dictate what you buy.
Your budget for your home gym will dictate 2 qualities;
- The amount of equipment you buy
- The quality of equipment
This is one area where your training level could play a role. If you're an advanced lifter deadlifting 600 lbs for your 5X5, you may need to get higher quality. However, a beginner woman could get away with much less.
With that said, we always think you should buy the best quality you can afford, this is especially true for barbells and racks.
When it comes to things like weight plates and dumbbells, we always say, "Weight is weight." Of course, it's cool to have color-calibrated plates, but 20kg is 20kg regardless of how it's made.
We'd also recommend checking your garage sales or Facebook marketplace. You can sometimes run across really good deals.
Space
Along with your budget, space plays another huge factor. Do you have your whole garage? Or do you just have a single corner?
The amount of space you have will determine how much equipment you can comfortably fit in your gym. Obviously, bigger is better, but you can build an effective gym with minimal equipment; we'll tell you how to do that below.
Also, remember it's not just about the equipment but also creating enough space for movement and proper exercise form. Ensure you have the right flooring, such as rubber mats or gym flooring, to protect both your floor and your gear.
Training Goals And Needs
Once your budget is set, your fitness goals should directly influence the type of equipment you purchase; you don't want to buy something you don't need!
For those focused on strength training, investing in items like barbells, dumbbells, weight plates, and a rack is essential.
On the other hand, those interested in cardiovascular health might prioritize a treadmill, rowing machine, or stationary bike. Flexibility and recovery equipment, such as foam rollers and resistance bands, are also important to include if your goals involve improving mobility.
Having a clear understanding of your fitness goals and the needs to reach them will ultimately guide you in the purchasing process.
Blueprint For Building A Gym
Before we get into equipment options below, we're going to go through a general plan you can follow when building your gym. This is a step-by-step process that will also include some things you may not have thought of.
1) Decide On A Space: Your first step is to decide where you're going to build your gym. Your primary factor is going to be space, with more pace being better.
2) Settle On A Budget: Set a budget of what you're willing to spend or would like to spend. You can alter this some if needed, but this will give you a starting point for building your gym.
3) Figure Out Flooring: The first thing you need to use your money is flooring, if needed. Ideally you won't need to buy flooring as it can cost quite a bit.
4) Decide On Your Essential Equipment: Decide on your primary equipment. This is the equipment you must have. For most people, this is the barbell, rack, and weights. However, it could include other things if it's something really important to you.
5) Look At Your Budget And Decide On Accessories: After you have any flooring dealt with, along with your primary equipment, look at what you have left over for any accessory equipment you might want.
6) Purchase Any Extras: i.e., Music, TV, Mirrors. If you have the budget, figure out what you will do with music or even TV and mirrors
This is the general order you should follow when building your home gym. However, be sure to do plenty of research at every step. While we will give you some awesome information, using a Reddit board can be very useful as well as there are actual users who give their opinions and advice.
Best Home Gym Equipment Brands
We're going to go over the basics of equipment below. However, if you want to buy a barbell, what one do you buy!?
Therefore, we're going to list some popular brands for gym equipment. To keep things simple, we're going to list them by quality and price; the most expensive at top and budget brands at the bottom.
To be clear, this is a list of brands that we would purchase so even the bottom brands are still viable options. Also, this order is in general, it's not meant to be a true rating of the brand but merely a list to give you some ideas.
Rogue
Rogue is a premium brand for gym equipment and while you can find higher quality i.e. Elieko, there's really no reason as Rogue is easily more than enough for the vast majority of lifters.
Consider they have sponsored the CrossFit Games for years and recently began to host the Rogue Strongman Invitational. So, unless you're planning on moving more weight than the literal strongest people in the world, Rogue is enough!
Their products are designed for both home gyms and professional use, with a focus on strength training. Recently, they have also begun manufacturing.
While the prices may seem a little expensive if you're in this for the long term and can afford the price, we think of the phrase, 'Buy once, cry once."
REP
REP Fitness offers a wide range of affordable, quality gym equipment, from racks and benches to barbells and dumbbells.
Depending on who you ask, REP is a step below Rogue but still very high-quality. They are known for providing excellent value for money, often bridging the gap between budget and commercial-grade equipment.
Vulcan
Vulcan is generally a tie with Fringe and Valor (see below) and all sit below REP. However, they all have very good quality equipment.
Vulcan is known for high-quality strength training equipment, including barbells, racks, and plates. Their products are designed for serious lifters, with a focus on durability and performance.
Fringe Sport
Fringe Sport is known for its competitive pricing and great value, especially for home gym setups.
They offer a variety of equipment, including bumper plates, kettlebells, and rigs, with a focus on functional fitness.
Valor
Valor Fitness sits in that mid-tier level and aims to provide durable, affordable fitness solutions for both home gyms and commercial facilities. Their product line includes strength training machines, free weights, benches, racks, cardio equipment, and accessories.
Known for their attention to detail and customer service, the brand caters to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts and gym goers; everyone from beginners to professional athletes.
GetRXd
GetRXd offers functional fitness equipment, including squat racks, barbells, and accessories, with a focus on affordability and reliability.
It's a popular choice for home gym owners who need quality equipment but at a more budget-friendly price.
Titan
Titan Fitness is going to be your economy brand that still delivers quality equipment. It delivers the same equipment as the other brands but at a lower price point.
We should tell you that there are reports of quality control, meaning that some people have no issues, and others get equipment that fails quite easily.
With that in mind, if you're a beginner, you probably won't be pushing a lot of weight, so Titan would be sufficient.
"Amazon Brands" And Dicks
You can go on Amazon and find a ton of what we will just call "Amazon Brands." These brands are very hit or miss. While it would be impossible to go over everyone in this article, a few include;
- Yes4All
- IronBull (IronBull is one of the higher-tier brands)
- Dark Iron (Dark Iron is another brand that stands out)
We will just say to do your research with these brands. To be clear, you can buy good equipment from these off-brands; just spend some time looking into it. This is especially true for your main pieces.
When it comes to accessories or weights, these places might be your best pick.
Essential Equipment For Home Gyms
Every well-rounded home gym requires a solid set of essential equipment to support a variety of workouts. The right gear can help you target all areas of fitness, from strength training to flexibility to cardiovascular endurance.
Racks
A power rack or squat rack is often the cornerstone of any home gym, especially for those focused on strength training.
These racks provide support for squats, bench presses, deadlifts, and more. Look for one that is adjustable and made of high-quality steel to ensure stability and safety.
Some racks even include attachments for chin-ups, dips, and other bodyweight exercises, adding extra value to your gym setup. This is something to consider when you purchase.
- Power Racks are the most sturdy and robust type of squat rack. They feature four or six thick upright bars arranged in a square, allowing you to stand inside the frame. This design provides extra stability, and unless you're lifting extremely heavy weights (400lbs+), you may not need to secure the rack.
- Half Racks are similar to power racks, but the front and back bars are closer together. While they don't save much space, they are generally more compact and still offer good stability. The price of half racks and power racks is often similar, making it hard to choose between the two based on cost.
- Wall-mounted Racks are perfect for those with limited space. These racks have two upright beams attached to a wall-mounting system. However, they require solid construction skills to install, as they must be securely fastened to the wall to avoid damage during use.
- Squat Stands are the most basic and affordable option. They consist of two vertical beams and a barbell support, making them lightweight and portable. While not as sturdy as other racks, many lifters use these for heavy training because they're easy to move and don't require securing to the ground.
- Folding Racks are similar to wall-mounted racks but have hinges that allow the front uprights to fold back against the wall when not in use. These racks save space, protruding only about 6 inches from the wall when stored.
There are a lot of options out there, so here are a few to get your research started.
Barbell
The barbell is an iconic piece of strength equipment and is central to any home gym.
With a quality barbell, you can perform a variety of exercises such as squats, deadlifts, presses, and rows. In addition, you can use one with a landmine setup (we'll discuss below) which gives you access to a ton of other exercises.
Now, many people will wonder about dumbbells instead. While dumbbells are great, they cost a lot and require a ton of space. Reason being is you need a new set for every increase in weight!
On the contrary, when you use barbells, you simply adjust the weight plates to increase or decrease the load.
For your primary barbell, get an Olympic barbell. These will allow you to perform any exercise you want and lay the foundation of your training.
Ensure you choose a barbell that can support your lifting goals, whether you're focused on heavy strength training or lighter, more functional movements.
Check out a selection of picks for all budget levels here!
With that said, we will go over some specialty bars below.
Weight Plates
Weight plates are essential for progressive strength training.
Remember what we said above with "weight being weight". Unless you have plenty of money, we'd recommend you buy the cheapest weights you can find.
Choose a set of weight plates that offer a wide range of increments, from light to heavy. This variety will allow you to challenge yourself at different stages of your training.
With that said, bumper plates are ideal because they reduce noise, protect your flooring, and are durable over time.
However, if you are lifting substantial weight, keep in mind that cheaper bumper plates are very thick, making it hard to put on a lot of plates. But this won't be an issue until you're past at least 5 plates per side.
- Olympic Weight plates have a 2-inch hole and are designed for use with Olympic barbells. These plates are often made from cast iron, steel, or rubber-coated materials providing greater durability and higher performance. They are commonly found in commercial gyms and are ideal for heavy lifting.
- Bumper Plates are made of solid rubber or a rubber-coated material, designed to withstand being dropped. These plates are commonly used for Olympic weightlifting, as they allow for the safe dropping of weights without damaging the floor or the plates.
- Competition Plates are specialized Olympic plates designed for precision and durability. They are calibrated to exact weight specifications and are typically used in professional and competitive settings where precision matters. Made with high-quality steel or iron, competition plates often have a thinner profile for a more compact design.
- Urethane-Coated Plates are similar to rubber bumper plates but are made with a more durable and abrasion-resistant urethane coating. These plates tend to last longer and are less prone to wear and tear, but they come at a higher price point.
Here's a good selection of bumper plates from which you can choose.
What Weight Sizes Should You Buy?
When buying weight plates, we would suggest you primarily look at 45s to save money. You could then buy one set of 25s, 10s, and 5s, which would allow you to work up to putting another set of 45s on.
Keep in mind this is just to start your gym. As your gym grows, you can invest in more plates.
Again, we strongly recommend that you check out Facebook Marketplace often for good deals.
We would suggest you try to find smaller plates as you add to your collection, as these can help make incremental jumps easier.
Bench
Having a bench should also be a priority for your home gym. The obvious purpose is going to be for the bench press. However, there are many other ways a bench can come in handy.
If you have the funds, we would suggest you get an adjustable bench as it allows more exercise. Other than the bench press, here are some exercises you can do;
- Incline bench press
- Seated shoulder press
- Incline curl
- Seal row
- Bulgarian split squat
- Box Squat
Compact Home Gyms/All-In-One Workout Machine
One option could be to buy what's known as a "compact home gym" or training center. These are space-efficient, all-in-one fitness systems designed to provide a full-body workout in a small area.
It typically includes features like adjustable resistance, multi-functional stations, and a variety of attachments for strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises.
Perfect for those with limited space, it offers a convenient and versatile way to exercise at home without needing bulky equipment.
The primary drawback will be the initial upfront cost. However, for those serious about their home gym and have limited space, these could be a good buy.
We made a list of our top picks.
Home Gym Set
As you're looking through your initial purchase for your home gym fitness equipment, we recommend you check out some home gym sets. These are basically sets that pair multiple pieces of equipment for an initial purchase – a starter set of gym equipment.
You can find different packages with various amounts of equipment, but these will generally save you a bit of cash during your initial setup.
(Here's a list of some good buys: LINK HOME GYM SETS)
"Nice To Have" Gym Equipment
Once you have your essential pieces of equipment in place, you can then consider adding a few pieces of equipment that would be nice to have.
As you'll see, this list is going to be quite a bit longer than the essential equipment list.
Therefore, you can go through this list and determine what you need in accordance with your budget.
Specialty Bars
While the barbell is your central piece of equipment, there are some specialty bars that can provide a lot of benefit.
Trap Bar
Trap bars are one of the first specialty bars we'd recommend you buy. These allow you to perform unique movements such as;
- Trap bar deadlifts
- Trap bar squats
- Trap bar carry
Trap bars are unique pieces of equipment and would be an awesome addition to any home gym.
Here are some of our favorites!
Safety Squat Bar (SSB)
A safety squat bar (SSB) is another very useful specialty bar. Due to its design, it allows you to perform squats while mitigating a lot of the stress placed on your back.
However, you can use it to perform more than just squats; for example,
- Hatfield squat
- Front squat
- Lunges
- Good morning
- Box squats
Having an SSB in your home gym will allow you to get more leg training while saving your back.
Farmer Carry Bar
We love carries due to their multiple benefits, including;
- Functionality
- Full Body Conditioning
- Grip strength
These bars are typically used for carrying heavy weights over a set distance. You can also perform deadlifts and unilateral deadlifts, which make them ideal for functional training. The exercise targets your legs, core, shoulders, and forearms, promoting balance and endurance.
They offer a challenging and effective workout that would benefit anyone. When not in use, they're easy to put away which makes them a great addition to any home gym.
Axle Bar
An axle bar features a thicker diameter than a standard barbell, which makes it a unique tool for enhancing grip strength and forearm development.
It's perfect for traditional lifts like deadlifts, presses, and rows, but its thicker grip forces you to work harder to control the weight. These can drastically improve your overall strength and power.
As they're so simple, a quality axel bar is generally much cheaper than an Olympic barbell and can easily add versatility to your training.
Dumbbells
If you have a lot of space and money, having a range of dumbbells can be very nice. The primary issue is that you need a whole new set of dumbbells for every weight, so you'll need to decide if they fit your needs.
What some people opt to do is simply buy just a couple sets on the larger end of the spectrum to use during burnout sets. For example, after doing a bench press, they may just grab a heavy set of dumbbells and do a couple sets to failure.
Check out this list we've compiled.
Adjustable Dumbbells Or Plate Loaded
If you want to have a wide range of dumbbell sizes, we would encourage you to look at adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells are basically a single grip that has a mechanism which allows you to change the weight.
These are going to provide you with a couple of benefits.
- Cheaper than having an equivalent range of dumbbells
- It takes up much less space than a whole set of dumbbells
Another option are plate loaded dumbbells. These are basically like small barbells in that they're dumbbells but you can load plates on them. This is definitely the cheaper option, just make sure you have some smaller, metal plates as curling massive bumper plates can be cumbersome.
If you want to get a pair, here's a list we compiled.
Pull-up/Dip Station
Having the ability to perform pull-ups and chin-ups is a huge plus. We include variations of these bodyweight exercises in the majority of our programs.
If you know you're going to want to perform these, you could look at a rack that allows these movements to be performed or the option to buy attachments.
However, if that's not an option, we would strongly encourage you to purchase a pull-up and dip station.
Your best option is a power tower or captain's chair, as these allow an array of exercises. Other options include;
- Outdoor systems
- Wall mounted systems
- High parallel bars for dips
Cable Machine (Plate Loaded Or Weight Stack)
We love the cable machine as it allows so many awesome exercises and is easy to use. In fact, we use the cable machine extensively on our programs, primarily for isolations and accessory work, and it is one of (our favorite weight machines for home use LINK: WEIGHT MACHINE article)
A cable machine can act as either a fantastic addition to your home gym or as its stand-alone piece. Multiple pulley attachment points (high, low, and mid) allow you to perform a wide range of exercises, including both isolation and compound movements.
Now, you can choose between a weight stack machine or a plate-loaded machine. Weight-stack machines are convenient and make it easy to change weights; however, they cost more.
They're also generally heavier and take up more space.
On the other hand, plate-loaded machines offer the same benefits but at a lower cost. This design allows you to add weight just like you would on a machine.
Leg Press
The leg press machine is a versatile piece of equipment for targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
The machine provides a seated or lying position, where you push a weighted platform away with your legs, offering an effective lower-body workout that can be adjusted for different fitness levels.
Ideally, you can purchase a multi-use that allows various movements, such as hack squats and reverse hack squats.
Your primary issue is going to be space as many leg presses take up a lot of space. However, if it fits your needs, it can be a great addition.
Check out some options for leg presses here.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are affordable, portable, and versatile tools for strength training and mobility exercises. Available in various resistance levels, they are great for customizable, space-saving workouts.
At the very least, we would recommend a smaller band for general warm-ups. For serious lifters, you may want to look into some for banded barbell movements.
Further, always remember you can use them to assist with bodyweight exercises.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a good option as they allow several unique benefits. The most obvious is they let you perform kettlebell swings and other awesome conditioning movements.
You can also perform movements such as farmer carries and Gorilla rows. Now, unless you have a big budget, we would recommend you choose between dumbbells and kettlebells.
You could also look into loadable kettlebells. These function by consisting of a loading rod which you can load plates.However, you'll need smaller plates for this to work.
Further, keep in mind that you can perform kettlebell swings with a dumbbell using a convertor.
If you think they might be useful, here's a list you can check out.
Highly Recommended Accessory Equipment
We're now going to go over some equipment that we strongly suggest you invest in if they fit your needs. Most of these are cheaper but add a lot of value; let's look at the best home fitness accessories for your gym.
Landmine Attachment
Without a doubt, we strongly recommend you buy a landmine attachment. To be honest, we're tempted to put this under the essential list as we firmly believe this should be your next purchase after your essentials.
You can find a quality landmine attachment for cheap. Figure a Rogue attachment (top of the line) only costs $80.However, this little attachment instantly increases the amount of exercise you can perform significantly.
Plus, you can buy a whole slew of different landmine attachments to increase the number of exercises you can do further.
Landmines are very effective; in fact, they could easily be the centerpiece of your entire gym and are one of the (best and cheapest purchases you can make for your gym LINK Small Gym Equipment)
Boxes (Various Sizes)
It's always nice to have multi-height boxes in your gym if you have the room and can afford them. They offer several nice benefits and allow you to perform certain exercises. Some of these include;
- Box jumps
- Step-ups
- Sit-to-stand
- Box squat
They also add a sturdy object to help assist with things like Bulgarian squat rest weight. Another useful benefit is they can allow you to perform exercises such as block pulls.
Now, for us, this would be lower on our list of "equipment wanted" but if it fits in your budget and needs, its something to consider.
Sandbag
Sandbags are a very effective piece of gym equipment for a full-body workout. They're easy to store, easy to prep, and easily transported to anywhere you'd want to train, whether it's at home or the beach!
These make an awesome addition to any home gym setup or could be used as a primary training tool. You can use these to perform;
- Sandbag picks
- Sandbag dumps
- Sandbag to Shoulder
Best Cardio Equipment For A Home Gym
Cardio equipment was the original "home gym", especially treadmills. Many homes across the nation had a treadmill or elliptical in the corner of a room – usually being used as a clothes hanger.
Assuming you're going to use it, cardio equipment is still popular for home use. Their biggest drawbacks are going to be;
- Cost
- Size
However, if you have the room, having cardio equipment in your home gym could be a good option.
Treadmills
Treadmills are among the most common cardio machines for home gyms and are a great addition. Thanks to the increase in technology over the years, you can find a range of treadmills that offer different functions at different prices.
You can find anything from basic walking treadmills to $5,000 professional models. While not everyone needs a top-of-the line treadmill, we would suggest you buy a quality piece of equipment that is built to last and allows plenty of speed and is capable of incline walking.
If space is an issue, check out these folding treadmills for home gyms.
Rowing Machines
Rowing machines have become immensely popular ever since Crossfit. They offer a full-body, low-impact workout that targets both upper and lower body muscles, making them a great choice.
Another benefit is that compared to other pieces of cardio equipment, they're easy to move. In addition, you can find some folding models if you have minimal space.
With that said, if you have never tried a rower, we would strongly encourage you to use one first.
Some people simply don't like rowing, so you could be wasting money – just be sure to try before you buy.
Rowers can be pretty expensive, so we created a list of rowers for less than $500.
Stationary Bikes
Stationary bikes are awesome. Plain and simple.
In fact, did you know the Original Tabata workout was performed on a cycle ergometer and that this is the recommended piece of equipment?¹
Stationary bikes are low-impact making them perfect for anyone with joint issues; this is true even at high intensities.
Building A Minimalist Home Gym
For those with limited space or a preference for simplicity, a minimalist home gym can still be incredibly effective.
Above, we spoke about buying a folding rack and mounting your bars on the wall. This is still true. However, there's another way.
If you really want to save on money and space, you can buy a landmine setup. That's it.
Landmine setups are extremely efficient, effective, and versatile, yet you can literally pack it away every time you use it.
Many people are aware of the basic setup, but there are actually a ton of attachments you can find, such as:
- Viking Press
- Straight Bar, T- Bars & V-Handles
- Shoulder Pads (for squatting
In fact, you can even buy two attachments and perform dual exercises.
Interactive And Smart Home Gyms
The future of home gyms lies in integrating smart technology to enhance the workout experience. Smart home gyms, which use artificial intelligence and interactive features, offer personalized workouts, performance tracking, and virtual coaching.
Now, these are going to have a pretty large cost. Additionally, they generally require a recurring subscription to their program.
Tonal
Tonal is a smart home gym that uses magnetic weights which provides smooth, adjustable resistance. It uses a cable system for exercises in addition to a touchscreen which provides guided workouts, real-time tracking, and personalized fitness plans.
Tonal offers a wide range of strength exercises and can automatically adjust resistance as you progress, making it suitable for all fitness levels. Its compact design saves space, and it's ideal for those looking to build strength and muscle.
Speediance
Speediance is a smart gym system that uses adjustable digital resistance for a variety of workouts, including strength training, cardio, and mobility exercises.
It comes with a smart screen that provides guided workouts, tracks progress, and offers personalized recommendations. Its sleek, compact design and versatile workout options make it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-tech, full-body fitness experience at home.
Peloton
Peloton came onto the scene during Covid and offers interactive workouts, including cycling, running, and strength training, through its high-quality bikes and treadmills.
It features live and on-demand classes with top instructors, real-time tracking, and personalized recommendations. Peloton is ideal for those looking for variety, motivation, and community in their home workouts.
Echelon
Echelon provides smart fitness equipment like bikes, treadmills, and rowers, paired with live and on-demand classes. For example, its Echelon Reflect is a smart mirror that doubles as an interactive fitness screen.
It offers a more affordable alternative to Peloton while still providing real-time tracking, personalized programs, and a supportive community. Echelon is perfect for those seeking flexible and budget-friendly workout options.
Clothing And Lifting Equipment
In addition to your weights and racks, an optimal home gym should have some proper gym shoes and equipment if needed.
Gym Shoes
You have several options for gym shoes;
- Go barefoot: Now, you can lift barefoot as it's your gym. Some lifters actually prefer this as they feel they have a better connection to the ground. Just be aware this increases the chance of foot injury
- Basic shoes: Another option is whatever you have. You don't technically need specialized shoes.
- Weightlifting shoes: Weightlifting shoes are specialized shoes that come with a raised heel and a hard, flat surface. These allow lifters greater mobility and a foundation from which to lift. These are for serious lifters and should be purchased after you have your basic gym shoes. Here's a list you can check out.
- Trainers/Gym Shoes: Another option is a pair of cross trainers or gym shoes. These are shoes that are made to satisfy the needs of a general trainee. For many people, a quality pair would be sufficient for all of their lifting; we've compiled a list of top picks here.
Weight Belt
A weightlifting belt helps support your lower back and core during heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses.
Many people mistake a weightlifting belt as a "brace'. It's not. You must still use proper form in the lift and utilize the belt appropriately but "push" your stomach into a tight belt. This will increase intra-abdominal pressure.
By increasing intra-abdominal pressure, it stabilizes the spine and reduces the risk of injury. A quality belt provides comfort, durability, and extra confidence when lifting heavy loads.
Sleeves
Knee and elbow sleeves are designed to provide support, warmth, and compression to joints during heavy or high-intensity training.
They help prevent injuries, improve blood flow, and enhance performance by stabilizing the joints during squats, lunges, or presses. Using them can be very useful when your intensity picks up.
Some heavy-duty sleeves can actually even help with your lifts. We have the best selections for both the knees and elbows.
Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps offer extra stability and support for the wrists during pressing movements, like bench presses, overhead presses, or push-ups.
They help prevent strain and reduce the risk of injury by stabilizing the wrist joint and minimizing discomfort when lifting heavy weights. Wrist wraps are essential for those lifting heavy or performing high-volume workouts as the repeated stress can lead to issues over time.
Wrist Straps
Wrist straps are used to improve grip strength and support when lifting heavy weights, especially during deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups.
They help secure the barbell in your hands by wrapping around the wrists and the bar, reducing the risk of your grip failing during heavy lifts. Wrist straps are ideal for people looking to maximize their lifts without worrying about grip fatigue.
While these can be very useful, just be mindful to not over use these! Do not use these for every single lift, and you should include specific grip training in your program.
Conclusion
Building a home gym in 2025 offers incredible flexibility and customization options to meet your fitness needs. Whether you are looking for an entire setup or something simple for days you can't make it to the gym, having a proper home gym setup can revolutionize your training.
The only downside is you'll run out of excuses not to get your training in, as your gym is right inside your house! If you're looking at building a setup, take some time and look at all of your options before you make a purchase, as this should be looked at as a long-term purchase.
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References
- TABATA, IZUMI, et al. “Effects of Moderate-Intensity Endurance and High-Intensity Intermittent Training on Anaerobic Capacity and Vo2max.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, vol. 28, no. 10, Oct. 1996, pp. 1327–1330, https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199610000-00018.
Garett Reid
Author