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Are you interested in putting together a home gym? But there is so much home gym equipment out there. It can almost feel impossible to choose the right items.
If you feel a bit confused, don’t worry - you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll break down the five essential pieces of home gym equipment you need. We’ll also help you match each piece of equipment to your space, budget, and training goals so you can build a smart, efficient setup instead of buying random gear.
Let’s dive in.
Before You Buy: Space, Budget, and Goals
Before you click “add to cart,” take a minute to plan. A little clarity here will save you money and frustration later.
Ask yourself three key questions:
How much space do I really have?
- Measure the length, width, and height of your training area.
- Most power racks need at least 7–8 ft of ceiling height, plus extra room above for pull-ups and overhead presses. You’ll also want space in front and behind the rack for a bench and barbell.
What are my main goals?
- Are you training mostly for fat loss and general fitness, or are you focused on strength and muscle?
- If you love heavy squats, presses, and deadlifts, a solid rack, barbell, and plates should be your priority. If you just want to move more and tone up, a good bench and dumbbells might cover most of what you need at first.
What’s my realistic budget for the next 6–12 months?
- Instead of buying everything at once, think in stages. For example:
- Budget under $1,000: focus on a basic rack or stand, a sturdy bench, a barbell, and a smaller plate set. Add dumbbells later.
- Budget around $1,000–$2,000: upgrade to a full power cage with cable system, a heavy-duty bench, and a more complete set of plates and dumbbells.
- Budget $2,000+: consider an all-in-one package (like a Smith machine or rack package) that covers most exercises in one footprint.
Once you know your space, goals, and budget, the five essential equipment types below become much easier to choose.
Power Rack
Putting together a good home gym starts with a power rack. Its primary objective is to support a barbell, allowing you to do exercises like squats and overhead press safely and with more weight.
A good power rack model will come with extras that make your training fun and varied - for example, a pull-up bar, weight stand, and cable station.
Why the power rack is your home gym “hub”
A power rack turns a simple barbell into a full-body training system. With just one cage, you can safely perform squats, bench presses, overhead presses, rack pulls, and more — even when you train alone.
Because the safety bars or straps catch the barbell if you miss a rep, you can push closer to your limits without needing a spotter. That’s a huge advantage for home training.
How to choose the right power rack
When you compare power racks, pay attention to:
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Height and ceiling clearance
Make sure the rack is short enough for your room, but tall enough for pull-ups and overhead work. Most home users do well with a rack around 80–90 inches tall. -
Footprint and stability
Check the rack’s depth and width to be sure it fits your room with space for a bench and barbell movement. A deeper rack feels more stable and gives you more room to lift inside. -
Weight capacity and steel gauge
If you plan to lift heavy over time, look for higher weight ratings (e.g. 800–1000+ lb) and stronger steel. This gives you more long-term room to grow. -
Attachments and expandability
Pull-up bars, plate storage, landmine attachments, dip handles, and cable systems can turn a simple rack into a complete home gym. If you want to keep options open, choose a rack that accepts add-ons.
Starter recommendation
For most beginners and intermediate lifters, a basic full cage with a pull-up bar and safety bars is the best starting point. If your budget allows, upgrading to a rack with an integrated cable system gives you even more exercise variety in the same footprint.
Adjustable Bench
An adjustable gym bench is another versatile piece of equipment you should consider. First, an adjustable bench goes great with a power rack because you can use the two for flat, incline, and seated overhead pressing.
Second, an adjustable bench works well for all sorts of exercises, including:
- Dumbbell rows
- Incline dumbbell press
- Seated shoulder press
- Chest flyes
And much more.
What to look for in an adjustable bench
Not all benches are created equal. When you choose one for your home gym, focus on:
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Stability and weight rating
A bench that wobbles will make you feel unsafe and limit how heavy you can lift. Look for a solid frame, wide base, and a weight rating that comfortably exceeds your bodyweight plus the heaviest dumbbells or barbell you plan to use. -
Adjustment options
At minimum, you’ll want flat and several incline settings. Many lifters also appreciate a near-upright position for seated shoulder presses. If you like decline work, choose a model that includes a decline setting and leg holder. -
Pad size and comfort
A pad that’s too narrow can feel unstable. A pad that’s too soft can waste energy. Choose a bench with a firm, supportive pad that’s long and wide enough for your torso. -
Mobility and storage
If your training space doubles as a living area or garage parking spot, wheels and a handle make it easier to roll the bench out of the way. Foldable benches are great for very small spaces, as long as they still feel stable when locked in place.
Starter recommendation
Pair your rack with a sturdy adjustable bench that covers flat-to-incline pressing and basic seated work. If you’re on a tight budget, a simpler flat bench can still be extremely effective — you can always upgrade to a higher-end adjustable model later.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the third piece of home gym equipment you should get. They allow you to train one side at a time, prevent side-to-side imbalances, and improve your balance better. Plus, dumbbells work great because you can use them for all sorts of isolation movements, such as bicep curls, tricep extensions, chest flyes, lateral raises, and more.
You can buy various dumbbell sets or get yourself a single adjustable pair, which is more compact and cost-effective.
Fixed vs. adjustable dumbbells
You’ll generally choose between two main options:
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Fixed dumbbells:
These are the classic individual pairs. They feel great in the hand, are very durable, and let you transition between weights quickly. The trade-off is that they take up more space and cost more as you add pairs. -
Adjustable dumbbells:
These give you many weights in a single compact system. They’re ideal for small spaces or tighter budgets, though they may feel slightly different than traditional dumbbells and can be slower to adjust between sets.
How heavy should your dumbbells be?
If you’re new to lifting, you don’t need every weight from 5 to 100 lb right away. Instead:
- For general fitness and toning, a set or pair ranging from about 5–30 lb per hand will cover many upper-body and accessory exercises.
- If you plan to train heavier, consider a range up to 50–60 lb per hand, or choose adjustable dumbbells that can grow with you.
Remember, your barbell and rack will handle your heaviest compound lifts. Dumbbells are fantastic for accessory work, unilateral training, and movements that don’t need extreme loads.
Barbell
RitFit 4FT/5FT/6FT Straight Training Bar
No home gym setup is complete without a barbell. Similar to the other home gym equipment on our list, barbells are incredibly versatile and have many uses.
Most notably, you can use a barbell to do compound movements like:
- Barbell rows
- Shoulder press
- Deadlift
You can also pair a barbell with a power rack and do excellent exercises like:
- Front and back squats
- Heavy overhead press
- Bench press
- Incline press
- Rack pulls
If you are unsure how to categorize this powerhouse lift in your workout split, check out our guide: Is the Deadlift a Push or Pull?
Choosing a barbell that fits your training
For most home gyms, an Olympic-style barbell (with 2-inch sleeves) is the best choice. It works with standard Olympic plates and fits well on most racks. When selecting a barbell, consider:
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Length and sleeve compatibility
A standard 7-foot bar fits most power racks and gives you enough sleeve space for heavy loading. Shorter training bars can work in very tight spaces but may not fit all racks or support as much weight. -
Knurling (grip texture)
Medium knurling is comfortable for most lifters and exercises. Aggressive knurling is great for heavy pulls but can feel harsh if you’re newer to lifting. -
Weight rating and durability
If you plan to train heavy or perform explosive lifts, choose a bar with a solid weight rating and good reputation for durability. It’s a piece of equipment you’ll use almost every session.
Starter recommendation
Start with one versatile barbell that works for squats, presses, deadlifts, and rows. Over time, if you get more specialized (for example, powerlifting or Olympic lifting), you can add a second bar tailored to that style.
Weight Plates
If you’re going to get a barbell, you’ll also need weight plates. The barbell might be heavy enough if you’re new to training, but it will eventually feel too light to keep you challenged.
We recommend getting pairs of 45, 35, 25, 15, 5, and 2.5-pound plates if your budget allows.
Having a couple of each plate denomination is beneficial because that allows you to adjust the load to perfection. For instance, if you bench press 135 pounds, you can add a pair of 2.5-pound plates and train with 140 pounds a week later. Doing so makes for more seamless progression and allows you to train with proper form as you get stronger.
Micro weight plates are also worth considering for exercises like barbell rows and overhead presses. These plates weigh anywhere from 0.25 to 1.5 pounds and allow you to make slight adjustments to your load for optimal progression. Getting a few can put the finishing touches to your home gym, allowing you to train well, stay safe, and get strong.
Bumper vs. iron plates
You’ll often see two main types of plates:
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Bumper plates (rubber):
Designed to be more floor-friendly and quieter, especially if you’re doing deadlifts or Olympic-style lifts. They’re a great choice for garage or basement gyms where noise and floor protection matter. -
Iron or steel plates:
Usually thinner, so you can load more weight on the bar. They often cost a bit less per pound, but they’re louder and harder on unprotected floors.
Many home lifters like to mix the two — using bumper plates for big lifts and iron plates when they need more load in a smaller space.
How much weight do you need to start?
Instead of buying every plate size at once, think in terms of total weight:
- New to lifting: a total of 160–200 lb in plates (plus the bar) is often enough for the first 6–12 months.
- Intermediate lifters: may want 230–260 lb or more to allow progression in squats and deadlifts.
- Stronger or long-term lifters: can eventually build up to 300+ lb of plates as needed.
The key is to have pairs of each denomination so you can progress in small, manageable jumps — especially for upper-body lifts.
Sample Home Gym Starter Pack Combos
To make things even easier, here are a few simple ways to combine the five essentials into a complete home gym, based on space and budget.
1. Compact Essentials Setup (Small Space, Starter Budget)
Best for: apartment or single-room setups, beginners who want a solid foundation without going all-in.
You’ll need:
- A compact full or half rack that fits your ceiling height
- A foldable or lighter adjustable bench
- One barbell and a smaller plate set (for example, totaling around 160–200 lb)
- A pair of adjustable dumbbells or a small range of fixed dumbbells for accessory work
This setup fits in a relatively small area but still lets you squat, press, row, and deadlift safely.
2. Balanced Strength & Muscle Setup (Most Home Lifters)
Best for: lifters who want long-term progress in strength and muscle with plenty of exercise variety.
You’ll need:
- A sturdy full power cage with a pull-up bar and safety bars (ideally with the option to add cables and attachments later)
- A heavy-duty adjustable bench with multiple incline settings
- One Olympic barbell
- A more complete plate set (for example, 230–260 lb total or more)
- A small dumbbell set or adjustable dumbbells for isolation and single-arm work
This is the “sweet spot” for many home gym owners — big enough to grow into, but still realistic in terms of space and cost.
3. Premium All-In-One Setup (Future-Proof Home Gym)
Best for: dedicated home lifters who want a near-commercial experience in one footprint.
You’ll need:
- An all-in-one rack or Smith machine package with built-in cable systems and multiple training stations
- A commercial-grade adjustable bench
- An Olympic barbell (or two, if you want a backup or a specialty bar later)
- A larger bumper or mixed plate set for heavy squats and deadlifts
- A wider dumbbell range or higher-capacity adjustable dumbbells
This type of setup gives you the closest experience to a full gym, while still living in your garage or dedicated room.
Conclusion
FAQs: Building Your First Home Gym
1. I only have a small bedroom or corner of the living room. Can I still build a home gym?
Yes. Focus on a compact rack or squat stand, a bench that can be rolled or folded away, adjustable dumbbells, and a smaller plate set. You can still train all major muscle groups in a tight space with smart exercise choices.
2. Should I buy everything at once or build my home gym in stages?
Most people are better off building in stages. Start with the core essentials you’ll use every week (rack or stand, bench, barbell, plates), then add dumbbells and attachments later as your budget and training expand.
3. Do I really need a power rack, or can I just use dumbbells?
You can make great progress with only dumbbells, especially as a beginner. However, a power rack opens the door to heavier, safer compound lifts like squats and bench presses, which are very efficient for strength and muscle over the long term.
4. How much weight should I buy if I’m completely new to lifting?
Start with enough weight to challenge your lower-body lifts but still allow room to grow — often around 160–200 lb in plates plus the bar. As you get stronger in squats and deadlifts, you can add more plates over time.
5. What should I prioritize if my budget is very limited right now?
If money is tight, prioritize a safe way to perform the basics: some form of rack or stands, a stable bench, one barbell, and a modest plate set. You can always add dumbbells, more plates, and attachments later — your consistency matters far more than having every piece of equipment on day one.
