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Rogue and NordicTrack came up again and again as we vetted the best home gym equipment, from bags, bands, and barbells to bikes, treadmills, and rowers.

The home gym landscape has changed drastically over the past few years.

While a home gym was once considered a luxury, many people now dedicate space to work out in their homes and garages.

From simple weights and yoga mats to high end cardio machines, there are many ways to stay in shape without setting foot in a gym.

To help you get started, we selected our favorite pieces for our home gym equipment list, that fit various fitness needs and budgets.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is more affordable, whereas four dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, list prices range from $8.21 to $2,999, though this may vary depending on available discounts and where you shop.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $150
  • $$ = $150–$700
  • $$$ = $701–$2,000
  • $$$$ = over $2,000
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All the products on this list were selected using the following criteria:

  • Versatility: To help save money and space, we looked for equipment that could be used for various exercises.
  • Materials: From kettlebells to cardio machines, we included products that are stable, reliable, and well made overall.
  • Size: We looked for items that work for home gyms of all sizes.
  • Customer reviews: All the products below have mostly positive customer reviews.
  • Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Having small home gym equipment offers several benefits that may entice you to give up your gym membership. You’ll also be able to skip the monthly fee unless you choose to pay for an online training subscription.

Convenience

Certified strength and conditioning specialist Brooke Mathe, MS, says, “One of the biggest benefits of a home gym setup is the convenience. There’s no commute to get to your workout, which allows you to maximize the time you do have.”

Plus, you can work out at any time of day, and you won’t have to wait for someone else to finish using the equipment you need. You’ll also get to choose your own workout equipment and set it up exactly how you want.

Equipment selection

“Because you create your home gym, it’s likely to be filled with equipment that you enjoy or prefer, which means you’re more likely to stick to your fitness routine,” adds Mathe.

Additionally, choosing only the equipment you like and need can help you save space and makes cleanup a breeze.

For example, you can get a great full-body workout with only a bench and some dumbbells, or you can combine a piece of cardio equipment, such as a treadmill or bike, with a home gym machine like the Bowflex PR3000 for a mix of cardio and resistance training.

Being in your own space

The privacy of a home gym is another selling point. Going to a gym can feel uncomfortable — maybe you’re newer to exercise, the gym is really crowded, or you’re unfamiliar with the machines.

With a home gym set, you can take as much time as you need with each piece of equipment or exercise without feeling rushed or like other people are watching you. This may help you feel more at ease while you exercise, which can make it easier for you to focus on giving your all during your workout, Mathe explains.

Plus, you can play whatever music you want!

A home gym offers convenience since you may be more likely to do a quick workout when you’re short on time. However, your setup may be limited and you may have more distractions.

Gym memberships give you access to all types of equipment and various group classes. Plus, you may have the option of working with a personal trainer.

Some people enjoy the feeling of connection that a gym membership provides and may feel less motivated to exercise on their own. According to a 2020 study, feeling connected to others is linked to persistence, self-esteem, and physical and psychological health (1).

Here’s a look at some of the key features of each option:

Home gymGym membership
Pros• private
• convenient
• no commute
• flexible schedule
• no membership fee
• customized setup 		• personal training options
• group classes
• sense of community
• social connection
• more equipment and space
• fewer distractions and interruptions
Cons• more limited equipment options
• smaller space
• more distractions possible
• no in-person form feedback
• potentially high cost to buy equipment 		• can be crowded
• possible wait time to use equipment
• possibility that heavily used equipment may break or malfunction
• equipment layout that may not suit your training style
• possible high costs for membership and personal training

While there’s wide variability in home gym equipment, here are a few key factors to consider as you’re shopping around:

  • Purpose: Are you looking to build strength, or is cardio more important? You’ll want to prioritize items that meet your current fitness needs, especially if you don’t have the space or budget for multiple pieces of equipment.
  • Price: Gym equipment items range in price from around $10 to several thousand dollars. While you should not sacrifice safety or quality, you can often save money by choosing products with fewer high tech features such as touch screens and Bluetooth capabilities.
  • Warranties: Even high quality gym equipment can break, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the type of warranty the manufacturer or retailer provides.
  • Customer reviews: Make sure to read several customer reviews, as they often provide honest feedback about the design, durability, and functionality of a product.

What is the first thing you should buy for a home gym?

The home gym equipment you purchase first will depend on your individual needs and factors such as space, budget, and fitness goals.

The following home gym equipment items may be good starting points:

  • free weights
  • weight bench
  • treadmill
  • exercise bike
  • rowing machine
  • elliptical trainer
  • workout mirror

What basic equipment is needed for a home gym?

Even with minimal equipment, you’ll be able to do a range of workouts.

Here are some of the best basic pieces of home gym equipment:

What is the most effective piece of home gym equipment?

The most effective piece of home gym equipment for your home will depend on your goals, the space you have available, and the type of exercise you like.

For example, a cardio machine like a treadmill or exercise bike can allow you to do high intensity workouts and target several muscle groups without taking up much space.

Another option is an all-in-one home gym such as the Bowflex PR 3000, which will allow you to perform a wide variety of exercises that work your whole body. These machines help save space but tend to be more expensive.

Are home gyms worth it?

Yes, gym equipment may be a worthy investment if you plan to train consistently and your workouts are equipment-based. You may get more value if several people plan to use your home gym setup.

What’s more, without the need to commute to the gym or pay for a membership, you’ll save time and money.

Can you build muscle using a home gym?

Yes, you can do a variety of home gym workouts to gain muscle and build strength.

Whether you’re looking for weights or a cardio machine, thousands of products are available to turn your home gym dreams into a reality.

When deciding what to buy, be sure to consider:

  • your budget
  • space
  • fitness needs

You’ll also want to factor in the quality and versatility of the products.

We’re confident that by using the list above as a starting point, you’ll find the home gym equipment that’s right for your space.