The best home gym equipment is generally going to be made up of several different things. What remains consistent across all of them though is that home gym equipment is great for your fitness. Whether it's because it's a cardio machine that's designed to work a little bit of everything, one that's just easy to use at the end of a hard day, or weights, which are always going to be an important piece of kit for flexible, muscle-building based workouts.
Rather than giving you a run-down of loads of different options in each category, we've just listed the best in each single one. That means that some of these items are fairly pricey, but the idea is to have everything you need to complete a home gym setup right here in one handy guide.
For example, if you've got a rowing machine, you probably don't need an exercise bike too, despite listing both here. Or, if you own a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, you may want to pair it with a top weight bench to perform the likes of a chest press, shoulder press, and rows effectively. If this is the case, then we've got you covered.
We've got a lot to get through here, so enough of the preamble. Here are some of the best home gym equipment pieces on the market...
Best home gym equipment
- TRX All-In-One Suspension Training System - a great all-in-one system
- Bowflex SelectTech 1090i - best dumbbells for a home gym
- Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench - an excellent accompanying bench
- NordicTrack S27i Studio - a superb machine for cardio
- ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar - best pull-up bar
- DMoose Regional Barbell - lift big with this barbell
- CAP Barbell FM-8000F - pair your barbell with this top rack
- Inspire Fitness FTX - best cable machine for training
- Concept2 RowErg - top pick for rowing
- FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag - best heavy bag for boxing
1. TRX All-In-One Suspension Training System
Best all-in-one home gym equipment
If you're looking to maximise your fitness potential while dealing with limited space or a desire to keep your home clutter-free, the TRX suspension training system is an ideal solution.
This versatile system effortlessly attaches to doorframes or outdoor spots, offering a range of cable and pulley exercises utilising your body's resistance, making it a convenient and efficient fitness tool. Although it might take some practice, instructional videos can swiftly guide you into mastering the techniques, enabling a full-body workout targeting every muscle group.
Once acquainted, this portable powerhouse becomes a comprehensive gym replacement. It allows you to engage virtually all muscle groups, offering up to 318kg of weight support. Plus, with the TRX Training Club's 30-day free access post-purchase, guided workouts are at your fingertips. In essence, the TRX suspension trainer condenses an entire gym's worth of equipment into one portable package, making it an unrivalled all-in-one fitness solution.
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2. Bowflex SelectTech 1090i
Best home gym dumbbells
The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i dumbbells are a premium set of weights that can seriously upgrade any home gym setup. They're rugged, versatile, and extremely useful for tackling a wide range of upper and lower body exercises.
With a simple turn of the rotating dials located at each end, you can fine-tune the weight from a mere 4kg all the way up to an impressive 41kg. These dials offer a total of 17 distinct weight settings, catering to individuals across the spectrum of strength and expertise.
For added convenience, these dumbbells are accompanied by a thoughtfully designed storage tray, ensuring your workout space remains organised and clutter-free. Moreover, they integrate seamlessly with the innovative JRNY App, which introduces an ingenious Motion Tracking feature. By using your phone's camera, this feature allows you to monitor your repetitions and form in real time, providing valuable feedback.
So, whether you're a fitness novice or a seasoned pro, these adjustable dumbbells are your ultimate workout companions.
- Read More: Best dumbbells under 150
3. Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench
Best home gym weight bench
If you decide to invest in some weights, another essential piece of equipment to consider is a high-quality weight bench. While it's possible to make do without one, using your sofa or a hodgepodge of cushions, a purpose-built weight bench offers several advantages.
This bench is a great pick, in particular, as it can be conveniently folded and stored when not in use. It also features leg support for intense workouts, and it offers easy adjustment for various incline levels. This versatility goes beyond a standard flat chest press, as it enables you to incorporate exercises like decline chest presses, pullovers, skull-crushers, and even decline crunches into your routine.
The Flybird weight bench is an excellent choice, all things considered, and its foldability makes it a compelling option for those looking to save space.
- Read More: Best shoulder exercises for mass
4. NordicTrack S27i Studio
Best home gym cardio machine
The NordicTrack S27i stands tall as a versatile powerhouse for any home gym. Its cutting-edge technology and design make it a standout choice for demanding workouts.
The bike features a substantial 27-inch HD display that rotates and tilts, allowing you to seamlessly stream iFit spin classes, yoga, pilates, and full-body training sessions. This integrated screen serves as a powerful motivator while chasing your fitness goals.
What sets this bike apart though is its -10% to 20% live incline matching technology and 24 levels of digital resistance. This range ensures continual progress and keeps every cardio session dynamic as your fitness improves. With an inertia-enhanced flywheel too, it's primed for intense workouts, offering a professional-grade experience right in your home gym setup.
- Read More: Best exercise bikes
5. ProsourceFit Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
Best home gym pull-up bar
A pull-up bar offers an excellent workout for your back, core, and biceps. While the idea of pull-ups or chin-ups might seem daunting, the key to improving is to take that first step and give them a try. For anyone eager to attempt this exercise, a multi-grip pull-up bar serves as an ideal choice, catering to both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
This ProsourceFit bar conveniently fits the bill and, coincidently, within a sturdy doorframe, providing various grip options that target different back muscles or accentuate the bicep workout. Additionally, it facilitates exercises like leg raises, making it a comprehensive piece of home gym equipment for a full-body regimen.
If you're seeking to enhance your home workout setup, this pull-up bar is a definite must-have, offering an array of exercises that contribute to a holistic fitness routine.
- Read More: Best back exercises for mass
6. DMoose Regional Barbell
Best home gym barbell
The DMoose Regional Barbell is a versatile and exceptionally durable piece of gym equipment designed to cater to the diverse needs of any training regimen, whether that's Olympic weightlifting or CrossFit and HIIT workouts at home.
With an impressive tensile strength of 190,000 psi, it can comfortably handle loads of up to 1,500 lbs. This might seem like overkill, given some of the most renowned world record deadlifts barely surpass the 1,000 lbs mark. However, you can at least rest assured that no matter what weight you throw on it, this thing will hold.
It also features a 1.2 mm diamond knurl pattern, providing an exceptional grip that can enhance your control and confidence during lifts. No slipping, no distractions – just the perfect hold for your workouts. With five needle bearings per sleeve as well, it boasts a seamless and consistent whip to help you maintain momentum during critical moments in your lifts.
The DMoose Regional Barbell is great, offering versatility and exceptional quality, all at a relatively inexpensive price point. Whether you're a seasoned powerlifter, a dedicated weightlifter, or someone committed to intense workouts, this is the barbell for you.
- Read More: Best barbells
7. CAP Barbell FM-8000F
Best home gym power cage
The CAP Barbell FM-8000F is an outstanding half cage built for home gyms. It's so good in fact, that we consider it to be one of the best power cages on the market.
One of its most prominent features is its remarkable robustness, achieved by employing 12 and 14-gauge steel to create its sturdy structure. This robust build essentially guarantees longevity and establishes a solid base capable of supporting any heavy weights you attempt to lift.
Furthermore, CAP has taken careful steps to finish its half-cage with a resilient powder coat and industrial zinc, resulting in minimal upkeep requirements as its outermost layer is robust as well.
With a bar across the top, this cage also serves as the perfect place to perform pull-ups, thus enhancing the versatility of this rack. Ultimately, it's an ideal choice for those in pursuit of a multifunctional weight setup for their home setup.
- Read More: Best squat racks
8. Inspire Fitness FTX
Best home gym cable machine
So far, we've covered a range of great exercise equipment that can target a whole manner of different muscles and fitness needs. However, if you're after more of an all-in-one solution akin to the TRX suspension system, then consider this Inspire Fitness FTX cable machine.
It's extremely versatile, offering you two weighted cables (75kg x 2) on either side where you can perform exercises like chest flyes, lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, and even bicep curls with the right attachments. It also features a straight bar across the top where you can perform pull and chin-ups with ease.
We mentioned attachments, well included in the relatively budget-friendly price for a cable machine are a tricep rope, two D handles, a dual-hook curl bar, and a chin/dip belt, giving you almost everything you need for the aforementioned exercises.
Yes, it may take up a fair amount of floor space, measuring 54 in x 40 in x 82 inches, but in our opinion, you won't find a more versatile bit of kit for weight training than a good cable machine, hence highlighting this one from Inspire Fitness here.
- Read More: Best multi-gyms under 500
9. Concept2 RowErg
Best home gym rowing machine
Rowing is an intense full-body way of doing cardio that'll not just get your heart pumping and your lungs working hard, but will also have you feeling it in your legs and back too. It's a great way to work out, and if you've got the space for a rowing machine and the money for one, it'll serve you well.
The Concept2 RowErg is one of our top picks here as it can be easily adjusted to be as hard or as easy as you need, but is also surprisingly easy to store despite its size.
It also has an integrated device holder to make sure you can use fitness apps while working out, or stream your favourite TV shows while you complete a killer cardio session. In turn, this excellent rowing machine can make it easier to stay motivated and track how well you're doing with the heads-up PM5 Performance Monitor tracking your stats, thus making it an excellent piece for a home setup.
- Read More: Best rowing machines under 500
10. FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag
Best home gym heavy bag
Finally, we have a punching bag. A punching bag isn't something a lot of people would consider the best home gym equipment, but we'd argue it's actually well worth considering. As long as you do know how to punch, or kick, then the FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag is going to do wonders for your fitness.
Aside from being a good way to practice techniques, even with just basic punches and footwork, you can get an incredible workout that's unlike anything else you can do at home. It's also just a very good way to vent your frustrations too, which can be essential if you have a bad day at work, or just need to try and relax a little bit.
If you're unsure just how good a boxing session can be, then take note that, according to research by Fryar et al., a 15-minute heavy bag workout can burn around 133.9 calories for a man weighing 196.9lbs, and around 114 calories for a female weighing 167.6lbs. So, if you're looking to improve your cardio while engaging your muscles, look no further than a punching bag like this bit of kit from FITVEN.
- Read More: Best heavy bags
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No need to panic if you've had any questions so far. We've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.
What is the first thing you should buy for a home gym?
The first thing you should consider buying for a home gym largely depends on your fitness goals, preferences, and available space. For instance, if your goal is to get bigger and build muscle, then you'll definitely want to prioritise free weights. By contrast, something like an exercise bike or treadmill should be your first port of call if you are more interested in improving your cardio.
That being said, some of the most versatile and foundational pieces of equipment that can benefit most workout routines are a set of adjustable dumbbells and/or resistance bands. They can be used for weight/resistance training as well as cardio-based routines, making them a great first item to consider purchasing.
From there, it's really up to you. For more serious weight training, we'd recommend adding a weight bench, squat rack/power cage, and a barbell to your setup if you have the space. This combination means you can perform heavy compound movements as well as great accessory exercises that target both your upper and lower body.
Cardio-wise, a rowing machine is definitely worth considering if you're looking to incorporate cardio training with a full-body workout to some degree. That said, we appreciate a rowing machine can be quite expensive and takes up a lot of space, so you may find opting for something like a heavy bag or even just a skipping rope more beneficial to your situation.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that starting with a few essential items and gradually expanding your home gym setup over time is a practical approach. Be sure to prioritise equipment that aligns with your fitness goals and suits the available space in your home.
Is building a home gym worth it?
This is a really tricky one to answer as it depends on quite a number of factors. For example, having a home gym allows you to work out at any time that suits you, without the need to travel to a commercial gym. This convenience can help you stick to a consistent exercise routine. However, building a home gym that rivals that of a commercial gym is both incredibly expensive and takes up a lot of space.
That being said, while there might be an upfront investment in equipment, over time, a home gym can save you money on gym membership fees. Additionally, you have control over the type and quality of equipment you purchase and you never need to wait for equipment to become free to use during your routines. Just bear in mind that you may incur some additional costs in upkeep over time and consistent use.
You'll also need to consider the social side of a gym. You may prefer the privacy and comfort of exercising at home, without the potential discomfort of working out in a crowded space. On the flip side though, the interaction with trainers or fellow members can provide motivation and accountability that might be lacking at home.
Ultimately, the decision to build a home gym should be based on your personal preferences, lifestyle, fitness goals, and financial situation. If you have the space, budget, and commitment to utilise a home gym consistently, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you thrive on the social aspect of a commercial gym, or if you're concerned about maintaining motivation at home, a traditional gym membership might be a better fit for you.
How much space do you need for a home gym?
The amount of space you need for a home gym can vary depending on your fitness goals, the equipment you plan to use, and the exercises you want to perform. For example, if all you're after are a few dumbbells, some bands, and perhaps a weight bench, then you'd probably get away with setting up a home gym in a relatively small space such as a spare room.
A larger home gym with more equipment in it, including a machine for cardio, a few cable machines, and maybe even a squat rack, will require a significantly larger area. In this instance, most people's best bet will be to set up their home gym in their garage.
The main factors you'll need to consider though are the dimensions of your equipment, your available floor space, and the comfort of movement when determining the size of your home gym. Ensure there's enough space for safe and effective exercise without feeling cramped.
Additionally, consider the height of your ceiling, as some equipment, like power racks, may require taller ceilings to accommodate exercises like pull-ups or overhead presses. Proper ventilation and lighting are also important for a comfortable workout environment.
Remember that you can make the most of a smaller space by choosing versatile equipment, using wall-mounted storage solutions, and keeping your gym area organised and clutter-free. Tailor your home gym size to your fitness needs and the available space in your home.
How do I decide on the right type of cardio equipment for my home gym?
Selecting the right type of cardio equipment for your home gym is an important decision as it can greatly influence your workout routine and fitness goals. To make the best choice, you should consider various factors that suit your preferences and needs.
Begin by assessing your fitness goals. Are you looking to lose weight, improve cardiovascular health, or enhance endurance? Different cardio machines cater to various objectives. For instance, a treadmill is great for running and walking, while a stationary bike is effective for low-impact workouts and leg strength.
This is incredibly important actually. If you have joint issues or prefer low-impact workouts, options like recumbent bikes, ellipticals, or rowing machines might be more suitable than high-impact equipment like treadmills.
This consideration should then be teamed with an evaluation of your available space. Treadmills, for example, often require more floor space compared to compact options like foldable bikes. Ensure that the equipment fits comfortably without crowding the room.
Determine your budget for cardio equipment too. While high-end machines offer advanced features and durability, there are more budget-friendly options available. Be sure to find a balance between quality and cost that fits your financial constraints.
Additional factors to consider include additional features like an option to run incline on a treadmill, for example, the noise level each machine in question produces, and general storage and maintenance.
Bearing all this in mind, you should be able to find a great cardio machine for your home setup. You can, of course, go to a gym and test out a few different machines as well in a 'try before you buy' scenario just to be sure.
Can I get a full-body workout with just a few pieces of equipment?
You can, and you can do it pretty easily too with the right kit.
For building muscle, owning a set of dumbbells with a high enough weight limit and an accompanying bench is pretty much all you need to tackle all muscle groups. Things like cables, resistance bands, and other machines you'd typically find in a gym are great for targetting and isolating specific muscle groups, but if you're limited by space, then you can perform variations of most exercises with just some dumbbells and a bench.
You can, of course, take things a step further by adding in a barbell and perhaps a squat rack or power cage. By doing so, you can lift heavier than you would otherwise with just your dumbbells, allowing you to improve your strength as well as muscle mass.
On the cardio side of things, you could probably get away with owning just one piece of equipment, with the best option for you being something we've highlighted above. However, you can improve your cardio without any machines, as things like skipping, running, and playing sports like football and basketball essentially require next to no equipment, so you don't necessarily need to invest in an exercise bike, for example, if you don't want to.
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