This post may contain affiliate links. This means we receive a commission on the sale of certain items. This is at NO additional cost to you. Visit the policies page to learn more.
So you want to build yourself a home gym without remortgaging a house or eating nothing but ramen for the next 5 years. I got you covered today.
Table of Contents
What is Essential in a Home Gym?
Nothing. Seriously. You can do entire bodyweight workouts.
However, I’m guessing because you’re here that’s not what you want. Which leads us to the first thing you need to consider when building your home gym:
What’s Right For YOU!
There are hundreds thousands of items you can purchase for your home gym but do you need them? I have a pair of 1 pound dumbbells that I don’t think I’ve ever used. Same with a pair of 35 pounds dumbbells.
Instead of writing a list of all the things you want/need for your home gym, I suggest you start with your workouts. Write out all the exercises you do and the equipment you need for it. That’s the equipment you need.
Anything else is a want, and should not be the top priority.
If you’re on a budget, are there any exercises that use a special piece of equipment? Can you change that equipment or exercise?
Be careful of buying new equipment because you, “want to start doing X.” If you’re not sure you’ll use it, but a cheap used version first. If you do end up using it, you can always upgrade. If you don’t, at least you didn’t waste a bunch of cash.
The Standard Home Gym Essentials
If you’re not sure where to get started, these four home gym items are a great starting place. They’ll provide you ample options for home exercise!
DUMBBELLS
 |  |  |  |  |
| Hex Dumbbells Best Overall Buy Now | Bowflex SelectTech 552 Best for Tiny Spaces Buy Now | j/fit Dumbbell Set Best Set for Beginners Buy Now | Aquatic Dumbbells Best for Mermaids/Mermen Buy Now | Dumbbell Bars Best on a Budget Buy Now |
Looking for the perfect dumbbells? Look no further! We’ve reviewed the 5 best dumbbells so you can choose the perfect pair for your home gym. Read the full reviews, get a dumbbell buying guide, and find answers to your most frequently asked dumbbell questions.
WEIGHT BENCH
 |  |  |  |  |
| MaxKare Adjustable Weight Bench Best Overall Buy Now | Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench Best for Tiny Spaces Buy Now | Escape Fitness Deck Best Multipurpose Buy Now | Body Champ Olympic Combo Bench & Stand Best Combo Buy Now | CAP Flat Bench Best on a Budget Buy Now |
A weight bench will improve your home gym a lot. We’ve reviewed the 5 best weight benches so you can choose the perfect one for your home gym. Read the full reviews, get a weight bench buying guide, and find answers to your most frequently asked weight bench questions.
BARBELL (& PLATES)
 |  |  |  |  |
| Day 1 Fitness Olympic Barbell Best Overall Buy Now | MX Select 80 Adjustable Barbell Best for Tiny Spaces Buy Now | CAP Barbell 300-lb Olympic Set Best Barbell with Plates Buy Now | Yes4All Adjustable Dumbbells with Connector Best Multipurpose Buy Now | CAP Barbell 60″ Standard Bar Best on a Budget Buy Now |
Are you buying a barbell? Get the best barbell for your home gym. We’ve reviewed the 5 best ones so that you can purchase with confidence! Read the full reviews, get a barbell buying guide, and find answers to your most frequently asked barbell questions.
WEIGHT RACK
 |  |  |  |  |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Power and Squat Rack Best Overall Buy Now | F2C Adjustable Rack Pair Best for Tiny Spaces Buy Now | Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage Best Cage Buy Now | Body Champ Bench and Squat Rack Stand Combo Best with a Bench Buy Now | CAP Barbell Rack Stand Best on a Budget Buy Now |
Ready to buy a weight rack for your home gym? Look no further! We’ve reviewed the 5 best weight racks so you can choose the perfect fit for your home gym. Read the full reviews, get a weight rack buying guide, and find answers to your most frequently asked weight rack questions.
Other Home Gym Items
Like I said earlier, there are thousands of things you can buy for your home gym. Check out these guides to 6 more things you might want in your home gym!
The Best Exercise Balls
The Best Kettlebells
The Best Medicine Balls
The Best Pull-Up Bars
The Best Resistance Bands
The Best Yoga Accessories
Home Gym Buying Guide
Once you’ve decided what to buy for your home gym, how do you make sure you get the best of each (that you can still afford)?
Quality
A higher price does not always mean a higher quality. More features does not always mean a higher quality.
Quality is about how strong and durable a piece of equipment is. Here are some questions to ask before you hand over your money.
- What is it made of?
- What do the reviews say?
- Where’s it made?
- Just because it’s made in China doesn’t mean it’s a cheap piece of crap. BUT, a lot of cheap low-quality items are made in China, so you’ll want to do more research.
- What are the weight limitations?
- How does it store?
- Are there any safety features?
Price
For a lot of people price is going to be one of the top factors in their purchasing.
Remember: more expensive doesn’t always equal better. Set your budget and then be patient, you don’t have to purchase everything at once.
Buying used is generally going to give you the most bang for your buck.
How to Build a Home Gym FAQs
Answers to all your frequently asked questions about building a home gym.
Should I Buy Used Equipment?
YES! I love buying used workout gear. It’s a great way to save money.
Facebook Marketplace is my favorite place to shop for used fitness equipment. Why? Because it’s attached to a person’s Facebook account so IMO they’re more likely to be honest.
Other places you can shop for used equipment include
- Craigslist: My least favorite. In my experience, it’s the most likely to have a serious mismatch between description & actual condition.
- Your Local Online Buy/Sell Site: In my area, it’s Kijiji.
- Garage/Yard/Estate Sales: I love these places but it’s a lot of early morning work and no guarantee of any gym essentials.
- Thrift Shops: Another place I love! But also unreliable.
- Used Sporting Good Stores: these will be a little pricier than other places but you can (generally) trust the safety and condition of items.
How Much Space do I Need?
As much as you need.
There is no right or wrong answer to this. You can buy storable equipment that gets pulled out when used and put away when not. You can devote an entire room (or garage, or basement) to your home gym.
Choose a space, measure it, and then buy appropriately sized (and storable) equipment.
Can I DIY Some Equipment?
You sure can! You’ll get tons of results from a quick google for” DIY ____” <– your equipment name.
Or, just check out some of these awesome examples.
- DIY Kettlebells
- DIY Basic Incline Bench
- DIY Rowing Machine
- or some DIY Storage:
What Are Some Good Home Workouts?
If you have the right equipment, any workout can be a good home workout. Why not start with one of these two:
It’s Time to Build Your Home!
Get in the best shape of your life with a home gym that works for your needs and budget.
Get started building your home gym today.
Tell me about your home gym in the comments below!
Like this post? Please PIN IT on Pinterest. Thanks.
Back
Next
