Gym time comes with several benefits, including weight management, reduced health risk, managing any chronic conditions, and strengthening your bones and muscles. However, long commute times to the gym, joining queues to use your favorite equipment, and constantly renewing your gym membership can sometimes be challenging and discourage you from achieving your fitness goals. As a result, you may be considering whether to start your own home gym. If that’s the case, you might need help picking up the right equipment for maximum gains. Below are 11 must-have pieces of equipment worth considering. 

1. Exercise ball 

An exercise ball is not just a trendy office accessory but a game-changer for your home gym. This simple ball does wonders for your posture, spine, and abs. Get ready for a total body workout that engages your hips, core, and shoulders, making you an all-round fitness champ. Plus, it won’t break the bank as it’s a budget-friendly addition to your DIY home gym. There are a few exercise ball routines you can try to give your body a complete workout. 

2. Training bench 

A training bench is a simple yet effective tool to make your weight training more effective. It helps you tackle different muscle groups and level up your workout game. You can tweak the backrest to go from flat to incline to suit your needs. If you’re looking for the best option for you, conduct thorough research online for one that is durable and easy to adjust. You can also consider visiting your local thrift shop for a training bench if they offer such options.

3. Adjustable jump rope 

The adjustable jump rope can come in handy on a rainy day and help you smash simple fitness goals. When the weather isn’t friendly enough for an outdoor workout, or you’re not up for a morning jog, you can still get a cardio workout using your adjustable jump rope. Aside from getting your heart pumping, jumping rope is good for your coordination skills. It’s also a calorie-burning machine; 10 minutes of jumping ropes can beat running an 8-minute mile any day. You might see a few at your local store, adjusting to heights from 4’9” to 6’6”. You can also add a fun twist by choosing colors that reflect your style and personality. 

4. Weighted medicine ball 

A weighted medicine ball adds a cool twist to your regular dumbbells. Apart from helping you improve your lifting, it’s also a great combination of speed and coordination. The best part is that you can try a wide variety of exercises using the weighted medicine ball. That includes squats, Russian twists, slams, and lunges, depending on your fitness targets. This versatile gym equipment is a great addition to your home gym, allowing you to work consistently toward your exercise goals at your own pace.

5. Treadmill 

The treadmill is a favorite for many due to its multi-functional nature. It’s best to look for one that’s not just about speed but also has varying inclines and heart rate monitoring to reap the most benefits. You may also invest in a commercial-grade treadmill that’s basically like having a gym in your living room. If you want to go the extra mile, there are also several options available with virtual tracks or other cool add-ons to turn your workout into an adventure. This way, you can easily lace up your sneakers and bring the gym feeling home. 

6. Barbell set 

Barbells come in various sizes, depending on your preferences. The most common ones include the Olympic bar, which weighs 55 pounds for men and 45 pounds for women. You can go further to get the whole set, which includes the squat rack, bench press rack, and removal plates. You can also keep things simple with a set of fixed or easily adjustable barbells with a sleeker profile. Don’t forget the rack for storing this equipment and also extra components like barbell collars to enhance your lifting performance while ensuring safety. But before you dive in, it would help to check this guide on Olympic barbell vs. standard barbell: weights & differences to make an informed choice and find your perfect home gym barbell set. 

7. Pull-up frame and bar 

The pull-up frame and bar are terrific for building a great upper body. There are several options to choose from. For instance, you may get a squat rack that comes with a built-in pull-up bar, saving you cash and space. Or, you can get a simple pull-up bar on the floor. This equipment is not just for pull-ups and chin-ups, as you can get creative with dips and decline push-ups, too. These help improve your upper body strength and even prepare you for some rock climbing adventures. You can try classic pull-ups and chin-ups using the pull-up frame and bar. But remember to get some assistance with a band and throw in hanging leg raises for that extra burn. 

8. Aerobic step bench 

The aerobic step bench is the unsung hero of home workouts. When the jump rope loses its charm or a stroll around the block just won’t cut it, this bench can be your best approach to fitness fun. It’s like your personal stage for step-ups, knee-ups, triceps dips, and cardio workouts. You’re also less likely to strain your joints, as the aerobic step bench allows you to enjoy all your HIIT workouts without having to worry about any aches. This equipment is also easy to assemble and put away when not in use. 

9 Wrist or ankle weights 

Wrist or ankle weights can help you level up your strength game. These weights add resistance, helping to enhance your exercise routine. You only need to put them on, and you can use them to walk down the street, try your favorite yoga poses, or do a bodyweight circuit. These weights are also comfortable to use, as they’re made from soft silicone and stainless steel and are totally adjustable to hug your wrists or ankles perfectly. 

10. Rowing machine 

The rowing machine is a simple yet powerful tool for working on your lower body. It helps engage your legs, core, and upper body, allowing you to work on these body parts in sync. It also helps you burn some calories while doing some low-impact cardio exercises. Although there might not be several moves you can do with the rowing machine, it still allows you to break a sweat effectively and achieve your lower body goals. 

11. Yoga mat 

Yoga mats are a must-have, even if your yoga game is a work in progress. These trusty mats are great for your back, making sure you’re not doing crunches on scratchy carpets or attempting other yoga stretches on a hard floor. You can also use these mats for other activities like meditating or just relaxing for a few minutes. Yoga mats are portable and easy to roll up, meaning you can take your zen from the living room to the great outdoors in a heartbeat. There are various yoga mat options at your local store or online shop, giving you a wide variety to choose from. 

Ultimately, working out should be a fun activity, making it essential to find those activities you enjoy to help you stay consistent and pursue your fitness goals. That is why finding the right equipment is beneficial. However, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to equipment for your home gym. So, it would be best to focus on those that are suitable for your needs and your particular fitness goals.