Exercise Mats

Fitness Squat Assist Trainer for Glutes Workout

Ab Roller

If you’re a gym enthusiast or someone just starting on creating a home gym with weights and benches in your home, there are several things you need to think about ahead of time. The space in your basement, spare room, or garage. You need to be fully ready, and prepared to accommodate the type of equipment for the space you have. Looking at the space I had to work with in the photo above you can see I had a lot of challenges, the 2 dormers and the space I had to work with, and the bigger space  from wall to wall, not to mention the ceilings and how they are slopped at an  angle, exept for the one side, however I have a door to work around, these are all things you can see and measure, but what about the things you can’t see, or you might not think about, like the flooring, this home is over 100 years old with wood plank floors, you might be squatting and a board might break, so putting a sub floor down might be needed, or building a platform where you will be lifting heavy weights, like 3/4 inch plywood on top of the old plank floor, or if your using a room with beautiful hard wood floors, you might want to use interlocking floor mats for your home gym like the ones in the gym above.

What are the first steps to take when building a gym?

  1. The first thing to do is find your space that you will be using to workout, then measure the total floor space, then the space from the floor to the ceiling. This is an  important step when buying your gym equipment
  2. The next step will be pick you gym equipment, and measure your gym equipment to make sure that it will not only fit in the area you have picked out, but also that it will fit threw any doors you have to bring it threw.  the average home gym cost is around $2,000 and typically can run between $300 and $15,000, depending on your training goals and how complex you want the setup to be. A simple home gym setup can consist of a pair of dumbbells and a weight bench,  while a more sophisticated one can include an entire weight room, a good size for a home gym is about 150-250 square feet. This gives you enough room for both strength and cardio equipment. But you can build a home gym even if you don’t have that much space available. You just have to be selective about which equipment you buy

Owning a home gym is convenient, cost effective in the long run, and more private. Better yet, if you train for a specific sport, you can outfit your home with only the equipment you need. For most home gyms, you’ll want a weight rack, a versatile barbell, a solid weight bench, and a set of weight plates at the minimum. Other pieces of equipment such as dumbbells, kettlebells, plyo boxes, and cardio machines can be essential too depending on how you like to work out. Of course, you need to know where to start, which is why we’ve curated a list of home gym essentials to get you started. “as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchaces” 

It’s no secret that getting a visible six-pack is a common goal for many people.

Doing targeted exercises like crunches is great for toning abdominal muscles, and if you want abs like me in the above photo, you’ll need to lower your body fat to about 14 to 6 percent.

Fitlaya Fitness Core & Abdominal Trainers AB Workout Machine

I have some back issues so this is perfect for helping me tone my stomach. Some people said it’s not sturdy but I have it on gym mats and no issue myself with that.

Exercise Ball

The stability ball is such a common piece of exercise equipment that I think it often gets overlooked in terms of its effectiveness. The unstable nature of it makes it great for ab work because it forces you to work on balance and coordination during every exercise, strengthening core muscles you didn’t know you even had.

Sunny Health & Fitness Essential Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Sunny Health Recumbent bike is the best bike for you money, I believe. exclusive easy seat adjustment allows you to make seat adjustments, hassle-free, all done while remaining seated on the bike. Large seat and back cushion, Seat: 11L x 14.5W x 1.5H in Self leveling pedals with straps Adjustable Inseam Height Min 29/ Max 38 in Adjustable 8-level magnetic tension Control System

Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series 230

Looking at both the 270 and the 230. Basically there are three main differences. One the 270 has 25 levels of resistance versus 20 levels for the 230. Two the seat has cushion on the 270 while the 230 has a plastic seat with holes for airflow. Three the 270 could have up to 4 saved profiles and the 230 has 2. Number of profiles on the 270 might be a good feature if you would share the bike with multiple people, but If your sharing with only one other person you might want to go with the 230, either way they are both great pieces of equipment and I am sure that you will be happy with which ever one you choose.

Schwinn Fitness Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike Series

The upright bikes are by far better for you knees than the recumbent bike. Use with popular third party cycling apps like Peloton and Zwift on your smartphone, tablet or smart TV, and, with a JRNY account, during your workouts transmit bike metrics, such as cadence and power, to compatible cycling apps via Bluetooth connectivity (Cycling app subscriptions not included.) Explore destinations around the world and discover 50 plus global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed (JRNY Membership required) Magnetic resistance with 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels Full color backlit LCD console monitors heart rate, speed, time, distance, calories and RPMs

Power Tower Dip Station Pull Up Bar Exercise Tower Gym Fitness Equipment

This is the one I have in my home gym in the photos above. This pull up station comes with a heavy-duty steel frame constructed with scratch-resistant coat finish, which is super stable and durable. Extended feet design, which can widen the force area to make your power tower more stable. Vaccum pads will protect your floor, and dip bar will stand during the training firmly. This exercise tower comes with Comfortable pads for elbow and back protection. The height adjustable range for pull up dip station is from 59" to 90.6''. The pull up bar station is suitable for the whole family workout. It is a multi-functional pull up stand home gym that supports pull-ups, vertical knee raise, dips as well as leg stretch, which help train your back, arms, shoulders, abdomen, chest.

Sportsroyals Power Tower Dip Station Pull Up Bar for Home Gym Strength Training Workout Equipment, 400LBS.

It is a multi-functional power tower that supports vertical knee raise, push-ups, dips as well as pull-ups, which help tone and target your arms, core, shoulders, chest, and back for a stronger body. Humanized design with PU pads for elbow protection, and the armrest of this dip station is slightly inclined towards the inside 10 degree to prevent the elbow from slipping off. The height of the pull-up bar can be adjusted from 64.56" to 88.18", suitable for all teenagers, and adults' fitness needs at home, and in the office. 7 adjustable holes(1.2"-6.7") in the supporting tube, back cushion of power tower can be adjusted. I hope this helps to make a better decision on your next prchase.

HARISON Multifunction Power Tower with Bench Pull Up Bar Dip Station

The removable weight bench and backrest provide flexibility during your strength training workout, The sit up bench could be decline , flat and collapsible.You can easily fold up the bench or remove it. by inserting the plug pin to change to a free standing pull up or leg ups for training abdominal muscles with this all in one power tower. The pull up dip station can support many kinds of exercise routines and strength building workouts such as pull ups, dip stands, push ups, hammer pull ups, chin ups, dips, leg raise machine, weight workout and chest exercise. HARISON pull up bar station have 4 adjustable height from 70.47 - 88.19 inches,you can adjust the height to fit your needs during workout. Over 660LBS high capacity Multi-functional, compact and foldable design.

CAP Barbell 60-Pound Adjustable Dumbbell Weight Set

I believe these are a great price when on a budget, they also offer 100lb set and 200lb with two bars, this single bar Set includes – 52. 5 lbs. Total: one 17” dumbbell handle, two 1. 25-Pound plates, two 2. 5-Pound plates, eight 5-pound plates, and two star-lock collars. Cast iron weight plates fit 1-inch standard handles and bars – plates will accommodate all standard 1-inch handles and bars. This all-in-one dumbbell set eliminates the need for multiple dumbbells in your home gym.

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) and Stand Bundle

I have two pair of these in my home gym, you can see in the photo above, I know you ask, why two pair, my girlfriend liked them so much that she bought a pair for her self. The only thing I don't have is the stand, I would recommend you buy it, or at least a table like I have so your not picking them up off the floor. This Bundle includes Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair) and Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbell Stand

BalanceFrom Cast Iron Olympic Weight Including 7FT Olympic Barbell, 300-Pound Set

This is simular to the weights I have in my home gym in the above photo, and at the best value. This is a 300 pounds set 7 ft Olympic Barbell (45 lbs), 2x 2.5lb, 4x 5lb, 2x 10lb, 2x 25lb, 2x 35lb, 2x 45lb cast iron plates. 700-Pound capacity Plates are made of solid cast iron with a 2-inch center hole fits any Olympic bar with diameter 2” or less. All plates features a durable, black baked enamel finish to prevent the plates from rust and corrosion. The weight set allows you to do a wide range of exercises from squats to bench presses

Amazon Basics Flat Weight Workout Exercise Bench, Black

If you are working with minamal space then the weight bench is the way to go it enhances any home gym. ideal for both beginning and advanced levels Accommodates a wide range of fitness routines for a full-body workout in a small amount of space.

CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Weight Bench

Recommended maximum weight capacity of 500lb, Resistance band posts can be utilized for resistance band exercises, Attached wheels and handle for easy transportation and storage; ADJUSTABLE – 7-poisition back pad adjusts from flat to incline positions; 3-position seat pad from flat to incline positions VERSATILE – Great for use with dumbbells for strength training.

Rep Fitness Adjustable Bench – AB-3000 FID

Heavy-duty 1,000 lb ASTM rated adjustable weight bench, great for use with dumbbells, smith machines, cages or power racks. FULL ADJUSTABLE INCLINE AND DECLINE: Now you can hit all your important muscle groups easily. 7 ladder adjustments go from an 85 degree incline to a -20 degree decline, while 4 different seat positions give you ergonomic support as your back angle changes. It’s comfortable to sit on but durable and sturdy under load.

Body Champ Olympic Weight Bench BCB5860

Made For Your Fitness Goals: This Multi-Function, Heavy-Duty 2.5-Inch Square Tube Olympic Weight Bench Comes With Added Attachments And Accessories For Complete Workout Circuits Enhanced Safety And Comfort: The U-Shaped Front-Leg Stabilizer Provides Safety And Stability During The Workout. The Racks Have Safety Hooks On Catches And A Safe-Grip Feature To Prevent Your Hands From Getting Pinched When Re-Racking 7-Position Adjustable Backrest: This Bench Press Has Customizable Features For Ergonomic And Optimal Training Positions, Including An Adjustable Full-Action Leg Extension/Leg Lifts Developer And An Arm Curl Bar With Adjustable Foam Rollers Attachments Included: Accessories Include The Plate Adapter, Spring Clip For Leg Developer, Preacher Curl Pad, Arm Curl Bar, And Ab Crunch With Foam Grip Handles Attachment. All Are Included With The Set; No Need To Buy Separately

Marcy Olympic Weight Bench M-D 857

With the Marcy Olympic Weight Bench you will no longer have to leave your home to work on all your muscle groups. Utilizing the four back pad positions allows you to pinpoint your pectoral workout while the adjustable arm curl support pad and arm curl bar make total arm exercises simple and effective. The seat and back pad operate on a slide track that place you in the exact positions to execute proper military and chest press exercises increase the benefit of the workout. The contoured roller pads and dual-function leg developer make sure your legs are kept in the mix as well. One of the unique features of this bench is the inclusion of two bar catches on the rear of the frame which gives you the space and freedom to perform squats now in your own workout space.

Body-Solid PowerCenter Olympic Bench GDIB46L

This piece of equipment will help you work every major body part. Get a total-body workout on the most versatile and complete combo bench available. The PowerCenter Combo Bench is a Flat Bench, Incline Bench, Decline Bench, 90° Shoulder Press Bench, and Seated Leg extention, leg curl all in one. The 6-position Flat / Incline / Decline / Bench features pop-pin adjustable DuraFirm seat and back pads that are extra-thick, ultra-comfortable, and will never bottom out. Strengthen, tone, and develop your knee, thigh, hamstring, and glute muscles with the six-roller Leg Extension / Leg Curl Station included with the PowerCenter Combo Bench. Thick, oversized foam rollers provide complete comfort through heavy lower body routines.

Valor Fitness CB-12 Lat Pulldown Machine

This is you budget Valor Lat Pulldown the CB-12 includes a Lat Bar and an adjustable lower utility T-Bar to offer a range of lat, shoulder, and arm exercises. Seat Pad using High density dual-layered padding to withstand intense stress over time. Cable pulley holds up to 200 lb. Includes double stitched harness strap with soft handles to perform seated ab crunches. Bar holder located at the top of the unit. Seat adjusts up or down in 4 positions for a 5” range of motion with locking pull pins. Textured, diamond plated foot plates for the user to stand on for extra stability while performing curls and upright rows. Weight storage pegs constructed with continuous Steel rod ensures strength. Holds standard 1” size plates but can also accommodate 2” Olympic size plates

Titan PLATE-LOADED Lat Tower V2

This is the lat machine I have in the photo above, this does need to be bolted to the floor, once bolted you can build your back and shoulders, chest, arms, legs. If you don't bolt it to the floor you won't be able to do curls or upright rows. This high-quality Lat Tower combines lat pull down and a low row position, making it a smart addition to any home gym. With dual, 13-inch loadable weight plate sleeves, you can slowly work up to higher intensity workouts with a weight capacity of up to 400-pounds. The tower comes with a Lat Bar, Low Row Handle, and Thigh Pads with four adjustable positions to accommodate athletes of all body types. Load up on plates and use lat pulldowns to efficiently target your upper body and back muscles to perform various pulldowns, bent-over rows, seated rows, and more.

Titan LAT Tower | 10 - 300 LB SELECTOR

This has a very smooth up and down motion that you would find in any fitness gym. This high quality stand alone unit features both a lat pull down and a low row position. Easily select your weight in ten pounds increments from 10 - 300 LB. With this lat pulldown machine you will be able to work your back, shoulders, chest, abs, and legs. Each machine includes a lat bar and low pull handle. With 6 thigh pad positions and 8 footplate settings, this machine is designed to be used by any size athlete. Achieve a greater workout with The Titan Fitness Lat Tower.

Fitness Reality 810 XLT Squat Rack

ASTM tested 800 LBS. weight capacity. Don't put your safety in the hands of a squat rack that hasn't been tested. this Squat Rack was ASTM tested at 2,000 pounds in order to get an official weight capacity of 800 pounds. solid steel long saftey arms gives you peace of mind knowing that our safety arms are solid steel rods, designed to handle heavy weight. multi grip pullup bar-Wide grip, narrow grip, hammer grip pullups are all available with this power cage. Can be reversed to lower the height of the cage. This is important if you have a lower ceiling. Standard size 1" holes Makes your squat rack compatible with standard sized attachments such as J hooks, Dip bars, Weight storage bars etc... twin support braces makes this power cage strong and sturdy. Our elevated and curved support brace means more workout space and nothing to trip over. Get an extra foot of space for your bench.

Mikolo Power Cage

With so many as 14 adjustable height adjustments to meet your personal needs. High tensile strength steel coated cable and high-quality pulley will ensure smooth operation. Product weight: 260 lbs and the weight capacity of this power cage is up to 1400lbs. INCLUDE ADDED ATTACHMENT Includes Pin/Pipe Safety Set, Dip Bars, BONUS J-Hooks, T-bar, Lat Bar, and Cable Bar attachments. The weight plates holder of the cable crossover machine can hold both Olympic or standard weight plates. Also, there is an extra standard barbell & Olympic weight plates holder on the side. You will get everything which showed in the first picture! Builds muscles on your whole body with a variety of exercises such as Wide & Narrow Lat Pull-down, Seated cable row, Bench press, Squat, Deadlifts, Bicep Curl, Triceps Extensions, Pull-ups, Chin-ups, Dips, and more. No need to change equipment, it can meet your multiple workout needs at home!

Marcy SM-7409 Smith Machine Cage

Marcy SM-7409 Smith Machine Cage Multi Purpose Home Gym Training System Perform intense exercises and achieve a stronger physique in the comfort of your home with the Smith Machine Cage System from Marcy! Turn your workout spot into a professional gym and bid goodbye to expensive gym membership by adding this multifunctional fitness center to your home. The Marcy Smith Machine is equipped with a multi-grip bar that is great for executing countless upper body exercises. The free weight rack allows you to store barbells and weight plates, so you can easily perform strength training without the need to stand and switch to a different workout station. With the assortment of equipment included in this innovative home gym, you can conveniently perform nearly any exercise and effectively target the development of specific muscle groups. The SM-7409 has a maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds.

Body-Solid GCLP100 Compact Leg Press

This compact leg press is absolutely amazing. It's small enough to fit darn near anywhere, and the dual leg bars holding the flat foot piece is far superior to competitors' single leg bars that cause their foot rests to wobble. Not this one. It remains stiff and sturdy through everything motion you engage in (double leg, single leg, calf, etc.). I highly recommend this to anyone considering a compact leg press. It's truly worth the money.

Powertec Fitness Leg Press Machine, 1000 LB Weight Capacity, Black - Professional Exercise Equipment for Home Gym - Heavy Duty Workout Equipment

Love it. smooth glide action very sturdy. Great quality components an holes line up good if you are sure to not over tighten too soon. Directions have couple misprints in order of assembly causing you to have to undo an redo some steps. Overall great piece of equipment.

Body-Solid ProClubLine Leg Press Machine with 210-Pound Weight Stack (SLP500G2)

This leg press machine is really sturdy and strong and easy to use. You can use it for a great leg work out or as a rehab tool for an injury. The only con this machine might have that it was really difficult to assemble but once asembly is done correctly and tightend, your good to go. I bought it for personal use but I can easily see this machine at a gym or a physical therapy center.