25 Best Home Gym Equipment Items of 2023

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

How we vet brands and products

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process .

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

To help save money and space, we looked for equipment that could be used for various exercises.

All the products on this list were selected using the following criteria:

high density to protect floors and carpets from equipment

too thin for some

As a bonus, the mat is simple to clean and rolls up easily for storage.

While the 3 x 6.5-foot (ft) (91.4 x 198-cm) mat is large enough for most cardio machines, the 2.5 x 5-ft (76.2 x 152.4-cm) size works well for smaller equipment or as a supportive surface for bodyweight cardio exercises .

The mat may also help reduce noise and vibrations.

Available in two sizes and a foldable option, the BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Equipment Mat is made of a high density textured material that prevents slippage, adds stability to your exercise equipment, and protects your floor.

While you can fill the base with water, the company recommends using sand for better stability.

Another benefit is that it’s freestanding, so you don’t have to worry about anchoring it to your ceiling.

Plus, thanks to a series of springs, it’s designed to absorb shock and reduce noise better than its competitors.

Standing 70 inches (in) (177.8 centimeters [cm]) tall, this punching bag from FITVEN is flexible and durable.

Boxing gloves are a great investment if you enjoy:

might be too short or narrow for some users

It comes fully assembled and supports up to 600 lb (272.7 kg) for a safe and stable workout experience.

It’s made from high quality steel and durable leather, so you don’t have to worry about it tearing or breaking anytime soon. Plus, it’s foldable and weighs only 21.3 lb (9.7 kg), so it’s easy to move and store.

With six back positions and four seat positions, this bench is easily adjustable for a full-body workout.

With more than 18,000 online reviews, most of which are 5 stars, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench is a popular choice for any home gym.

In addition to five resistance bands, the kit includes two handles, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and a travel bag to keep all your equipment in one place.

These highly rated bands from Whatafit are a great option. They range from 10 to 50 lb (4.5 to 22.7 kg) of resistance when used individually and can be combined for up to 150 lb (68 kg) of resistance to help grow and strengthen your muscles.

Many band sets include accessories, such as handles and door anchors, to improve your range of motion and allow for a greater number of exercises .

When shopping for resistance bands, remember that most are color-coded according to their tension level. Therefore, it’s best to buy a set for maximum versatility.

A good choice for those tight on space, resistance bands offer a compact and budget-friendly way to add intensity to your workout.

too thin for some

possibility that paint may come off or smudge

Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Editor Kelli McGrane , MS, RD, says this mat is her go-to, and she likes that the surface is easy to grip even during hot yoga classes.

What’s more, the mat weighs just 3 pounds (lb) (1.4 kilograms [kg]) and is extra thick, with 6 millimeters (mm) of padding to keep you comfortable on almost any surface.

It also features a textured nonslip surface to keep you safe and secure while you sweat.

While there’s an abundance of options to choose from, the Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat is one of the best because it’s:

A workout mat is a simple yet essential piece of exercise gear for everything from yoga and stretching to weightlifting and high intensity interval training.

PVC; latex-free and 6P free (free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP phthalates)

Best suspension trainer

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer

• Item dimensions:

  ‎50 x 1.97 x 0.1 in

• Material:

  nylon, foam handles

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON

Healthline ‘s review

You can get a full-body workout anywhere and anytime with this suspension training kit from TRX.

Featuring a series of straps and handles, suspension trainers allow you to perform a full-body resistance workout without weights.

Instead, the trainer uses gravity and your body weight to provide resistance during exercises, including:

• lunges
• squats
• pullups
• pushups
• planks

The suspension straps also increase the difficulty of workouts by adding an element of instability to bodyweight moves, which helps you use more of your core muscles.

Plus, because it’s lightweight and adjustable, the system is great for small spaces and people of all sizes and fitness levels.

While the company offers a more advanced kit, this product is a good option for beginners. It includes a TRX suspension training strap, suspension anchor, door anchor, and mesh travel pouch.

• lightweight

• adjustable

• durable

• portable

• expensive

• may not be for every home, as it requires a strong anchor point

• Required space :

  ‎50 x 1.97 x 0.1 in

• Special features :

  lightweight, adjustable, portable, and durable

• Shipping :

  free shipping for Prime members

• Price :

  $$

Best dumbbells

Rogue Dumbbells

• Weight range:

  2.5–125 lb (1.1–56.7 kg)

• Material:

  rubber, chrome

SHOP NOW AT ROGUE

Healthline ‘s review

If you prefer the feel of traditional dumbbells or like to have multiple weight increments available at the same time, these Rogue Dumbbells are a solid addition to any home gym.

The hex shape helps prevent rolling, and the rubber coating can help protect your floors and other surfaces. The chrome-plated handles feature an ergonomic design that’s comfortable to grip.

They’re available in weight increments of 2.5–125 lb (1.1–56.7 kg), so it’s easy to purchase additional pairs if needed.

Plus, these dumbbells are compatible with the Kettle Gryp, a specialized handle that allows you to use traditional dumbbells for kettlebell exercises.

• hex shape to prevent rolling

• rubber coating to protect floors

• wide range of weights available

• can be expensive to buy multiple pairs

• high shipping cost

• Adjustable :

  no

• Shape :

  hexagonal

• Number per package :

  2

• Shipping :

  shipping calculated at checkout

• Price :

  $–$$

How to choose the best home gym equipment for you

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.

Benefits of a home gym

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!

How does a home gym compare to a gym membership?

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 membershipPros• 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

Frequently asked questions

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:

• adjustable dumbbell set
• resistance bands
• jump rope
• exercise mat
• core sliders
• medicine ball

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.

The bottom line

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.