So you want to build your own home gym but you don’t know where to start. Should you just go buy a bowflex or some other type of all-in-one machine? Or do you want a treadmill or maybe a stationary bike? Or maybe just some dumbbells, or resistance bands, or a yoga mat, or an elliptical…
It doesn’t need to be that complicated.
There is no one way to build a home gym. Everyone is different – what they want and need, what their individual fitness goals are, what they do or don’t enjoy doing when working out – it’s all unique to you. If you want to put together a home gym that won’t just end up collecting dust, it needs to be tailored specifically to you.
So the first step is deciding what your goal is. If you want to drop a few pounds, you might want a treadmill. Trying to pack on some muscle? You’ll need some weights. Enjoy yoga? Get a nice mat…you get the idea.
There’s some pretty ridiculous workout equipment out there – the shakeweight, the thighmaster, the vibro-belt??? If it sounds gimmicky it probably is. Stay away. You should, of course, do your research before purchasing any item, but the best advice we can give you, particularly if you’re just starting out, is to just keep it simple. You might find you don’t really need that super fancy $800 all-in-one fitness machine.
Begin by purchasing one item – a weight bench or some type of cardio machine is a good starting point – and go from there. Your home gym will most likely end up being an ongoing project. As you start to discover what you do and don’t like doing, you can can add a little of this and a little of that.
Purchasing new items to add can become almost like a hobby, and keep you motivated to workout. It can be something as simple as a new water bottle, some hanging ab straps, or getting these clamps for your barbell in different colors. And then matching your outfit to the color. Yes, I do that.
Below you’ll find a list of the most common items to consider adding to your home gym, alongside some general benefits and uses of each.
Treadmill
If you enjoy running, it’s a great machine to have for cardio, especially during winter months and rainy days. While it never hurts to get outside, running or walking on a treadmill actually puts less strain on the body than doing the same on solid ground. Any decent treadmill will have a small amount of give on the running surface which provides some cushion for your joints. There’s much less risk of injury vs running on concrete for instance.
If you want all the bells and whistles, the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill does it all. From adjustable cushion on the running surface and an automatic 10% incline, to a 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen and being collapsible for storage.
For something a little more affordable, the XTERRA TR150 has many of the same features and can be delivered to your door for under $400.
Elliptical
Elliptical machines have pedal-like platforms for your feet while also providing you with hand grips to work your upper body. You move in a running motion but your feet never leave the pedals, almost like riding a bike but standing up straight. This further reduces risk of injury even more than a standard treadmill since there is no impact at all. The downside to this is it doesn’t burn quite as many calories as running on a standard treadmill would. However, most ellipticals will have adjustable resistance to up the intensity of the workout.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-E905 Elliptical is super-affordable, has adjustable resistance, and is fairly compact. It’s a great entry-level elliptical for a home gym.
If you want something with a few more features – bluetooth connectivity, in console speakers and a fan for example – the Schwinn 470 will treat you well.
Weight Bench (With Barbell Rack)
If you’re looking to improve upper body strength and build muscle, a weight bench is essential.
You can target every major muscle group in the upper body with a standard barbell and weight bench and it won’t cost you a fortune. Compound exercises – exercises that work multiple muscles at the same time – are the best types of lifts to build muscle. Think bench press, overhead press, and bent over rows. You can perform all of these with a barbell and bench. And girls, do not be afraid to lift weights! Resistance training will benefit you possibly even more than cardio.
The Body Champ Pro3900 2 piece set has everything you need for an affordable price. The bench is fully adjustable, from a decline to sitting upright, and is a separate piece from the rack which allows for plenty of versatility. It also has wheels attached to make it easier to move.
There’s really no need to get fancy here. Just choose a bench that’s well-built, sturdy, and adjustable.
Pull Up Bar
The pull up is the best exercise you can do to target the muscles in your back. If you’re a beginner, you may not even be able to do one, but when paired with your bench, you can place your foot on the bench to assist until you build up enough strength. It will also offer you more than just pull ups. You can use it to hang ab straps to work your core, or attach a pulley kit for even more variety.
There are plenty of pull up bars available that hang inside a doorway without causing any damage to the door. The ProSourceFit Pull Up Bar is just one example and only costs around $30.
Another option is to get a weight bench or squat rack (see below) that includes a built-in pull up bar.
Barbell
A barbell is a long metal bar that holds weights on either end. A standard barbell is 7 feet long and weighs about 45lbs. If you have any interest in building muscle and strength, this is a mandatory item.
Being able to adjust the amount of weight it holds and using it for a range of different exercises, it offers you an incredible amount of versatility and allows you to target virtually every muscle in your body. If you’ve ever been to a gym, you’ve seen all the machines – one that works your chest, one for triceps, one for shoulders, etc. Bench pressing a barbell works all of those muscles at once, and that’s just one exercise. It saves you time and provides a better, more efficient workout.
The POWERT Olympic Barbell is your standard barbell. You can find others that come in different colors or sizes, so get what works best for your setup. Keep in mind the barbell may or may not include weight plates. If you purchase plates separately, be sure they’re the correct size to fit your barbell. Standard olympic barbells require 2-inch weight plates.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are pairs of weights that you hold in each hand separately. You can use them in different ways than a barbell to help target specific muscles, but these might be something you purchase a little later on. The barbell will be a better starting point. Once you really get into working out and want to expand into different types of lifts, you might find you need some dumbbells for a few specific exercises.
Most dumbbells come in sets of various weights, but you can also find some that are adjustable like the Bowflex Home Gym Series. These will obviously take up much less room than a whole set of dumbells, but you’ll probably end up realizing you don’t really need an entire set – are you really going to use those 2.5lbs for like, anything? Make your decision on set weights vs adjustable based on how much you plan to use them.
Squat Rack
If you’re ready to go next-level with your home gym, it’s time for a squat rack. Squats are performed by holding a barbell across your upper back, squatting down as if sitting down on a seat, and standing back up.
These obviously target the muscles in your legs but also hit your core as it works to stabilize the weight. A full squat rack is going to take up a lot of space, but if you have the room and want to go for it, do it. If you want something a little more compact, but still versatile, look for what’s known as a half rack. A half rack will allow you do to squats and can double as your rack for bench pressing, shoulder pressing, etc. Some even come with a pull up bar at the top. Pair that with your bench and you’ve got all your bases covered.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Power Zone Squat Rack includes a pull up bar, spotter bars for squats, weight plate storage, and holds up to 1000lbs. Don’t let the name fool you, this thing is hardcore. There’s even an option to include an adjustable bench – done and done.
It also comes in the Half-Rack Version for those that want to save space.
These options do not include the barbell or weights, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.
Other Accessories to Consider
While none of these items may be essential, they’re just a few things you might want to think about:
Interlocking floor mats – Use these under your equipment to protect the floor or padding to workout on.
Fan – Because, sweat.
Bluetooth Speaker – A good playlist will always help motivate you. Get your personal workout mix ready.
Gloves – If you plan on lifting weights, you’ll want some decent gloves.
Dip Bar – Not required, but dips are a great exercise for your triceps.
Box or step pad – For cardio and/or interval-type training.
Fitness Tracker – Again, not required, but a Fitbit or Garmin tracker can help you keep track of your progress and stay motivated.
Barbell Back Pad – Padding for the barbell while sitting across the top of your back.
Conclusion
The thing to remember here is that there’s no specific, correct way to build a home gym. If you do want to take the all-in-one machine route, they can certainly offer plenty of variety and benefits. But if you want something more tailored to you, a better idea is to start small and build your gym as you go.
Decide what your specific fitness goal is, and purchase equipment that’ll help you achieve it.
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