Basic Home Gym Equipment You Need to Get Started
- Juraj
- Jan 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 21
POST TYPE: PRO TIPS
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
For fitness beginners, going to the gym can feel intimidating due to the variety of machines.
A September 2023 survey in the United States found that more than half of respondents preferred working out at home as their favorite place to exercise. Home fitness offers a convenient and efficient way to stay active without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Discover the Key Benefits of a Home Gym
The most important benefits and, at the same time, the most common reasons to exercise at home rather than in the gym are privacy and convenience. At the same time, you have flexibility regarding your training time because you do not have to drive to the gym, which means you are more likely not to miss a workout. Ultimately, a home gym pays off in the long run because you'll save a lot of money. You only need to purchase the basic gym equipment for home, which lasts forever, whereas a gym membership requires ongoing payments.
How to Build a Home Gym on a Budget with Basic Equipment?
Building a home gym on a budget starts with finding a dedicated space that suits your needs, whether a corner of a room or a small garage. The key is to keep it functional and clutter-free, allowing room for movement. Passion for exercise is crucial; having a space at home where you feel motivated can help you stay consistent and focused. With basic equipment and a little creativity, your home gym can become a motivating environment for long-term health.
Why Basic Equipment is All You Need for Effective Home Workouts?
You don't need special equipment for strength exercises at the beginning or intermediate level. Depending on your goal, you may need a bench, a barbell, and a set of weights. All Olympic competitions use this, so let it also be your basis.
You can do many exercises, including some of the most famous: bench press, deadlift, squat, rowing variations, overhead press, etc. These exercises can help you gain strength and muscle very quickly. Compared to machines in the gym, this is an even better option for developing balance and overall body coordination. Simplicity and old school always work.
5 Basic Strength Training Equipment
To make it easier to understand, we have listed the essential equipment for the home gym, arranged by type and characteristics. For each section, we will list our recommendations according to the best ratio of quality and usability. It is the best value for money and should suit most people planning their fitness journey. Check out the equipment below.
Barbells
Barbells come in different types for various exercises:
Standard Barbell: A fixed-weight barbell for general lifting.
Olympic Barbell: A 7-foot quality barbell used in competitive weightlifting.
EZ Curl Bar: A curved bar designed for bicep and tricep exercises.
Trap Bar: A hexagonal-shaped bar used for deadlifts and shrugs.
Olympic barbells offer quality, durability, and specialized design, making them ideal for heavy loads and Olympic lifts. Their precise engineering improves performance, promotes better form, and reduces injury risk. Suitable for all levels, they help improve strength, muscle development, and lifting skills.
There is a men's and women's Olympic bar! Women's barbell is about 6.5 feet (201 cm) long, while men's barbell is longer at 7.2 feet (220 cm). The diameter of a woman's barbell is typically 25 mm, thinner than the 28 mm diameter of a man's barbell, making it more comfortable for smaller hands. Women's barbells generally weigh 15 kg (33 lbs), compared to the 20 kg (44 lbs) weight of men's barbells.
Of course, women can use a man's barbell. The main difference is that men's barbells tend to be slightly thicker and heavier, but the functionality remains the same for anyone.
Men's Olympic bar, 7.2 feet, 44lbs, 28 mm
Are you looking for a reliable and affordable Olympic barbell? Check out the CAP Barbell Olympic Bar (affiliate link) and start building your home gym today!
Women's Olympic bar, 6.5 feet, 33lbs, 25 mm
Check out the affordable PAPABABE Olympic Barbell (affiliate link)—perfect for your home gym. It offers quality and durability at a great price!
Squat Stands/Racks
A SQUAT RACK offers excellent stability, can handle heavier weights, and provides extra storage options, making it ideal for building overall strength and versatility. In contrast, a SQUAT STAND takes up less space, is easier to move, and is more affordable, making it a better choice for those with limited space, mobility needs, or a smaller budget. The best option depends on your fitness goals and available space.
The most popular types are:
Independent Squat Stand: Entry-level squat stand.
Linked Squat Stand: Linked together so they won't topple over.
Squat Rack: A squat rack offers more freedom and can include spotter arms for safety.
Power Rack: It's the safest squat rack with four uprights and a metal cube structure.
If you're looking for a compact yet durable power rack that offers excellent value for money, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-XF9931 (affiliate link) Multifunction Squat Power Rack is the perfect option for small spaces without compromising quality.
Weight Plates
Weight plates vary based on three factors:
Hole Sizing: Common sizes are Standard, Studio, and Olympic.
Materials: Different materials offer various benefits and drawbacks.
Types: Other specific features should also be considered when choosing the proper plates.
Basic types of weight plates include standard plates (1-inch hole), Olympic plates (2-inch hole), bumper plates (rubber-coated for dropping), cast iron plates (traditional metal),
rubber-coated plates (durable and floor-friendly), and fractional plates (small increments for fine adjustments).
If you're looking for a durable and high-quality set to kickstart your fitness journey, the XMark Olympic Plates 255lbs Set (affiliate link) is a fantastic choice. Customers like the build quality, noting the well-made, durable design that matches gym-quality weights with a tough outer rubber coating and a sturdy metal inner ring.
Weight Bench
A weight training bench is used for weightlifting and comes in various designs, including fixed horizontal, inclined, foldable, and adjustable models, some with racks for bars.
A weight bench allows you to perform various exercises targeting the chest, shoulders, back, arms, and legs. It is indispensable equipment for exercises such as the bench press and all its variations.
The Bowflex 5.1S weight bench (affiliate link) is a top-quality choice, offering excellent durability and multiple adjustable positions for various workouts! This bench is made for space-saving design, making it an ideal choice for compact living areas.
Dumbbells
Studies indicate that dumbbells provide a wider range of motion, closely associated with increased muscle growth. Additionally, they promote greater muscle activation in several common exercises, including the dumbbell bench press. So, dumbbells also have some advantages, but the best option depends on the individual's goals and preferences.
Dumbbells are a popular form of free weights in fitness and strength training. They consist of a small bar with weights on each end, which can be equal or varied in mass. Their compact size makes them essential for any workout routine.
If you are limited by space at home, this is the only and best option for working out.
I use them in my apartment and recommend them to beginners and anyone already familiar with training. Dumbbells are great for many exercises, which you can easily find online.
The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (affiliate link) are known for their exceptional quality, ease of use, and reliability, making them a great addition to any home gym. The selection mechanism is simple to use, and no assembly is required so that you can start your workout immediately.
Other Workout Equipment to Consider
Kettlebells
A kettlebell is a free weight with a round shape, flat base, and curved handle. In most exercises, the handle holds the kettlebell, shifting the center of gravity away from the hand. Unlike traditional weights, where the center of gravity remains on the handle, this design allows for a broader range of exercises with unique benefits.
Treadmill
The treadmill is a popular home exercise equipment that offers an effective aerobic workout. It's an excellent option for beginners, as walking is easy for most people. As strength and endurance improve, it can also be used for jogging and interval training. Treadmills offer the benefit of indoor walking, as highlighted in this medically reviewed article, ensuring a convenient way to stay active. The Sunny Health & Fitness Premium Foldable Treadmill (affiliate link) for home offers excellent value for the price, providing high-quality features and a space-saving design for your home workouts.
Resistance Bands
Studies suggest that strength gains from using elastic resistance bands are comparable to those from dumbbells or weight machines. Resistance bands benefit both the general population and athletes. They are also affordable, compact, and easy to use at home, likely contributing to their popularity.
Achieve your fitness goals with the well-made Fit Simplify Resistance Bands (affiliate link)
5-Loop Fitness Bands Set, which is perfect for all levels of exercise.
Estimated Total Cost for Setting Up Basic Home Gym
Setting up a basic home gym is a wise investment in your fitness and doesn't have to cost a fortune. For about $1,300, you can get high-quality essentials like a bench, barbell, racks, and weights – all carefully selected for their great value and durability. While cheap equipment might seem attractive, it often leads to poor performance and safety issues.
The items we recommend offer the best quality for your money. If you'd like to add dumbbells, you must spend an extra $400. For cardio lovers, a reliable treadmill costs around $500. This well-rounded setup ensures you're investing in long-lasting, effective fitness equipment.
Investing in home gym equipment is an excellent decision. It's a one-time purchase that lasts a lifetime, offering lifelong health benefits, saving you money on memberships, and providing the convenience of working out anytime at home.
Our Recommendation
Start with the basics for strength training: a standard bench, squat racks, an Olympic bar, and rubber-coated Olympic plates. You can add more equipment as you learn more about your body and goals. If you're into cardio, a treadmill is a good choice. Dumbbells are an excellent option for limited space and a focus on strength or muscle growth. Resistance bands offer adjustable resistance for many exercises if you want something portable and low-impact.
Basic strength training equipment:
Standard Bench
Linked Squat Stands
Olympic Barbell (Men or Women)
Rubber Coated Olympic Plates
Dumbbells (additional if you want)
For cardio:
Treadmill
Limited space & strength/muscle growth:
Dumbbells
Portable & low-impact workout:
Resistance bands (adjustable resistance for various exercises)
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or lifestyle. The author and publisher are not liable for any consequences of using this information. Thank you for visiting!
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