The Online Home for Strength Sports
Written by Andrew GutmanUpdated by Ben Emminger on June 7th, 2024 Expert Verified By: Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC Scissor Car Parking Lift
Tired of spending a hefty chunk of change on your commercial gym membership? Struggling to find time to commute to your center, only to find your favorite machines already occupied by other gym-goers? A dedicated home gym can be excellent for making your fitness journey more efficient and enjoyable, and there are plenty of pieces to choose from when making a shopping list of the best home gym equipment. From the best home gym machines to squat racks, weight plates, jump ropes, and more, there’s no shortage of gear in today’s home gym landscape.
With so many fitness disciplines to choose from, though, and an equal amount of supporting at-home machines, gear, and accessories, it can be difficult to know just where to start when building out your personal workout wonderland. So, our team of experts have run the gambit on home gym essentials, testing hundreds of products across varying training methods and categories. Here are our picks for the top-performing home gym equipment available today.
This article has been reviewed by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, a certified personal trainer and CrossFit Level 1 instructor. She reviewed the research we cite and the home gym essentials we listed to help ensure we’re providing helpful, accurate descriptions and recommendations. She also tested several of the home gym equipment herself.
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. For this round-up, we combed through our years of experience with home gym equipment, gathering our testing feedback from over 200 trials spanning treadmills, free weights, strength equipment, and more. Here are the factors we considered:
Space is going to be a main factor when choosing which equipment you fill your home gym with for home workouts. Yes, an old school leg press machine may be nice to have at home, but can you justify its single-use design over another, more versatile piece of gear like a squat rack or treadmill? We looked for workout equipment that supports multiple training disciplines, movements, or styles.
Naturally, home gym equipment is going to vary in size. That said, there are ways to make the most of your available space, so we looked for fitness equipment that toed the line when it came to each silhouette’s footprint. Some categories, like free weights, could be more accommodating through adjustable features, while others, like a squat rack, offer little wiggle room.
[Related: What to Consider Before Building a Home Gym]
When thinking about which home gym items you’d like, it helps to focus on equipment you typically use in a given workout. Amanda Capritto, our expert tester as well as a certified personal trainer, backs up our logic, stating, “What’s considered a home gym essential varies from person to person.”
”Generally, I think of home gym essentials as your basic free weight items, a cardio machine, and some nice-to-haves, like resistance bands, a suspension training system, a plyo box, and a jump rope,” she adds. “Not everyone needs ALL of those items (though that would be nice!), but having a few makes for a well-rounded home gym.”
According to a 2021 study, the average gym price sits around $37 monthly. (5) While the gear we’ve included in this round-up surpasses that number, we looked at items that were justifiable investments in terms of hitting our fitness goals. We chose high-value items that provided excellent workout experiences that allowed us to avoid the other costs associated with a dedicated gym membership, like fuel. If you’re interested, we also have a roundup of the best budget home gym equipment.
This rack from Bells of Steel offers custom height, width, and depth dimensions, West Side spacing, a plethora of accessory options, and a 1,000-pound weight capacity.
If you’re looking to bring your strength training interests home, a high-quality squat rack can be a great starting point. These rigs can support your bench press, squats, and deadlift sessions, and many come with add-ons that facilitate exercises like pull-ups, dips, and more. While we’ve tested plenty of these setups, we feel the Bells of Steel 3×3 Inch Four Post Hydra Rack reigns supreme because it’s available in a variety of different sizes for home gyms big and small.
Unlike other squat racks, you can pick and choose between four different heights, three depths, and two widths to ensure the rig you order fits comfortably in your training space. Jake Herod, certified nutrition coach, said the customization options are top-notch, rating the rack at 5 out of 5 for the category.
Additionally, we appreciate how sturdy and well built this Hydra Rack is. This rig uses 11-gauge steel capable of holding up to 1,000 pounds — enough for a 4.5 out of 5 rating for construction and durability. That can be quite the reassurance when throwing around new PRs. “I never felt like the rack was going to tip when repping out some strict pull-ups, too,” adds Herod. “Of course, though, I always recommend bolting your squat rack to the ground for added safety. Better to leave no room for errant movement whenever possible.”
The Bells of Steel 3×3 Inch Four Post Hydra Rack’s customization doesn’t stop at the overall footprint, either. We rated this setup a 4.5 out of 5 for available attachments, which can elevate your setup to accommodate more movements beyond traditional barbell exercises. The 27 available attachments include items like a seal row pad, hanging ab straps, belt squat lever, and much more. Be cautious, though, when building out your dream setup — the extra add-ons can quickly balloon the final cost well over the $890 starting price.
Finally, the assembly process is pretty straightforward with this squat rack, so there’s no need to have an engineering degree before getting into the nuts and bolts of this rig. The instructions are clear and descriptive, but we do recommend having a helping set of hands to assist with placing uprights and mounting everything safely. This is especially true if you’re building a larger squat rack, as we found some of the components to be cumbersome when handling them on our own.
Read our full Bells of Steel Hydra Rack Review.
This beast of a weight bench supports up to 1,000 pounds, offers vertical storage, and features a ladder-style adjustment system for the back pad. REP also incorporated their patented ZeroGap™ seat to eliminate the awkward gap between the two pads, regardless of the angle.
Like a squat rack, weight benches can be a versatile piece of home gym equipment worth considering for your setup. We love the Blackwing adjustable weight bench from REP Fitness for its true FID construction, meaning it can be adjusted for both inclined and declined setups across ladder-style increments between -8 and 85 degrees. This can be ideal for changing up your angles to achieve muscle activation across different areas of your targeted muscle groups. (1)
We’d count the Blackwing among the best weight benches we’ve tested, as its 11-gauge steel frame provides plenty of stability and sturdiness. We rated the construction and stability of this adjustable weight bench a 5 out of 5. Additionally, you have the option of a standard pad width (12.2”) or a “wide” variant measuring 14 inches. This larger back pad can be excellent for athletes with broader shoulders that need the extra surface area for optimal bracing.
In total, this REP Fitness weight bench weighs 131 pounds, which could make it a hassle to maneuver around your home fitness setup. Thankfully, REP includes a sturdy handle and a wheeled front base to make toting the profile in and out of your routine more feasible. For these key components, we gave the Blackwing a 4 out of 5 for portability.
Another unique component of this weight bench is the optional Leg Roller Attachment. This add-on slides into the top of the bench, allowing you to brace for exercises such as crunches and sit-ups. According to our tester, though, this bench is not the best solution for Nordic ham curls. “Even with the wider back pad, I was unable to find a comfortable position for this specific movement,” they said. “Additionally, there’s no kick plate on the Leg Roller Attachment, so maintaining form throughout the exercise can be difficult.”
Naturally, some athletes may scoff at the price tag of the REP Blackwing. We understand that nearly $600 is a lot for a weight bench. In thinking of this unit in terms of value, though, we gave it a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a heavy upfront cost, but one you won’t have to replace for years — even after daily strength sessions.
Read our full REP Fitness Blackwing Weight Bench Review.
The Hydrow is a high-tech rower with a library full of live and on-demand workouts, a smooth drive and electromagnetic resistance. It’s a quiet machine and provides a great full-body workout for both beginning and advanced rowers.
Looking for a full-body workout that’s low impact but still plenty engaging? Rowing can be a worthwhile alternative to other cardio disciplines, and we recommend the Hydrow Rower. Not only is this machine sleek and stylish, but the embedded tech is enough to make every stroke as enjoyable as the last.
According to our tester, this rowing machine earns a 5 out of 5 for its tech capabilities thanks to its massive 22-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and integration with the brand’s library of live and on-demand rowing classes. “While a subscription is $38 per month, I do like the fact that a single membership can account for more than one profile,” they add. “You’re also able to view additional programming for yoga, strength training, and more, via the app, which can be downloaded on Apple or Android phones.”
The Hydrow Rower also scored highly when it came to adjustability at 4 out of 5. The computer-controlled electromagnetic drag system moved seamlessly through the available resistance levels during testing, and we experienced noise when going up or down in intensity. This can be ideal for home gym enthusiasts that need to be mindful of other housemates during their workouts.
The Hydrow Rower’s footprint sits at 14.93 square feet — a common metric we’ve found in the best rowing machines and enough for a 4 out of 5 rating in the category. You can store this machine vertically for more convenient placement in-between sessions, but be mindful that extra hardware is needed to accomplish such a setup. You’ll need a separate wall-mounted Upright Storage Kit, which serves as a bracing anchor to keep the entire unit from toppling over.
Finally, we’d be remiss to not mention the price tag associated with this high-quality rower. At nearly $2,500, it’s higher than other machines we’ve tested and above the average price, which rarely tops $1,700. If you’re an athlete that values sleek aesthetics, engaging programming, and a near-quiet operation, however, you cannot go wrong with this rowing machine.
Read our full Hydrow Rower Review.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose.
Your home gym doesn’t need to be a palace of brawn and muscle — there’s plenty of room for some cardio training, too. When thinking of cardio equipment to add to your at-home setup, odds are that a treadmill is the first product that comes to mind. Across our months and years in testing the best treadmills on the market, few have impressed us as much as the NordicTrack Commercial 1750.
This impressive machine earns our praise for multiple reasons. First off, this treadmill boasts a powerful 3.5 continuous horsepower motor capable of reaching a max speed of 12 miles per hour. This makes it a quality pick for walking, jogging, and running, as the motor can effectively support your intensity throughout extended use.
Additionally, Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, enjoys this machine’s compatibility with iFIT, especially the integrated AutoAdjust technology that seamlessly changes your speed and incline in-step with your chosen on-demand workout. “It was cool to be watching my avatar run downhill and simultaneously feel like I was running down a hill,” she said about the adjustment features, which she rated a 5 out of 5. “Plus, I noticed a definite, audible hum as the motor changed speeds and inclines, but it’s not incredibly loud.”
We also give iFIT and the Commercial 1750 accolades when it comes to dynamic programming. Our 5 out of 5 rating was based on the abundance of live and on-demand workout programs available through the service. Naturally, you’ll need to pay for such a service to the tune of $39 monthly, but there’s no shortage of programming once your membership becomes active. There are even courses dedicated to non-treadmill disciplines that can be streamed through the 1750’s swiveling HD touchscreens.
Finally, while we hold this treadmill in high regard, we do admit that it isn’t the most space-saving option in the category. Yes, the Commercial 1750 does feature a foldable deck for more convenient storage, but with a working footprint of 21.11 square feet, it is by no means a compact piece of exercise equipment, hence our footprint rating of 3.5 out of 5. Be sure to break out the tape measure and ensure you have the available space before ordering this otherwise worthwhile profile for your dream home gym.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill Review.
This Swedish-designed “smart” dumbbell adjusts from 5 pounds up to 80 pounds — all you have to do is twist the handlebar. Its sleek, modern design will make a great addition to any home gym.
With free weights, dumbbells are typically one of the first things thought of. Like kettlebells, though, having an abundance of weights can quickly consume all your available space. Thankfully, adjustable dumbbells have become heavy hitters in terms of home gym trends, with the NÜOBELLs from SMRTFT continuing to dominate the space.
With just one pair, you can replace 16 standard dumbbells across the 5- to 80-pound weight range. I’ve personally used these dumbbells since they first jumped onto the scene, and really appreciate the larger weight range that caters to heavier lifts like dumbbell rows or goblet squats. I give the weight range a 4.25 out of 5 — it’s not the largest I’ve seen when looking for adjustable dumbbells, but it’s definitely heftier than other popular picks in the category.
Of course, an adjustable dumbbell is only as valuable as its adjustment mechanism. Thankfully, SMRTFT has that component figured out with its turn-style handles. When resting in the included stand, you just need to turn the knurled handle to your desired weight, almost like turning the throttle on a dirt bike.
According to our tester, who rated the adjustability a 4.75 out of 5, “I have yet to see any other dumbbells as quick and easy to adjust as these. The stand is a little finicky at times, but changing the weights takes seconds, and I also appreciate the easy-to-read dial that makes it simple to identify which total you’ve toggled to.”
The SMRTFT NÜOBELLs are also a top pick for home gym equipment, because their silhouette is one of the closest we’ve found to traditional dumbbells. Each included heavy-duty steel plate is the same diameter, so as you progress through the weight range, the only dimension that changes Is the dumbbell length. Unlike other adjustable dumbbells with weight plates of varying sizes, this allows you to mimic your standard dumbbell movements without much alteration to your range of motion or in-movement feel.
Be mindful, though, that to get all these perks, you’ll need to cough up some coin. At $765 for the 5- to 80-pound set, these aren’t the cheapest adjustable dumbbells on the market. We still scored these free weights a 4 out of 5 for value, though, because of the quality design, robust weight range, and easy-to-use adjustment system. If you’re looking for the best home gym equipment for limited space, these are a no-brainer.
Read our full SMRTFT NÜOBELL Adjustable Dumbbell Review.
This versatile adjustable kettlebell from Bells of Steel can replace up to 41 kettlebells in one silhouette, keeping your setup compact for less than $300. While swapping out weights takes a few tools and some patience, if you're looking for an efficient method to add kettlebell training to your repertoire, look no further.
With their oblong shape, kettlebells can be a great tool for challenging your muscles and improving your cardiorespiratory health. (2) Having a variety of kettlebells in your home gym, though, can quickly consume your available space. This adjustable model from Bells of Steel eliminates such headaches with an all-in-one silhouette that packs 41 different weight totals in one sleek, compact profile.
I’ve been using this adjustable kettlebell in my personal home training regimen for months now, and cannot begin to describe how convenient it is. I give the versatility of this pick a 5 out of 5 for the sheer fact that a similar set of the best kettlebells would take over an entire wall of my dedicated workout area. The starting weight of 26 pounds may be a little much for kettlebell novices, but it’s still a fantastic assortment of working weights.
Plus, there’s a good bit of quality baked into the design of this free weight. The steel shell and cast interior plates are plenty durable and ready for any challenge, and I especially appreciate the competition-style build. This Bells of Steel offering is a solid pick for competitive kettlebell athletes and budding enthusiasts. In terms of construction, I rate this profile at 4.5 out of 5.
After training with this pick for months — and subsequently shifting weight totals every now and again — I can attest that on-the-fly adjustments are out of the conversation, leading to my 3 out of 5 score in the category. First, the interior cast plates are secured through a nut and bolt system, so you’ll need two tools — a provided allen key and socket — to undo the locking mechanism.
Additionally, while each plate is stamped with its weight, there is still some math involved when trying to achieve a specific total. This is different (and more time-consuming) than adjustable kettlebells that use a well-labeled turnstyle or lock and pinion mechanism for shifting between weights.
While you’ll need to make extra time when adjusting working totals, there’s still no denying this profile’s versatility. If you’re looking to add some kettlebell workouts to your training program, but don’t have the space to accommodate an entire rack’s worth of bells, I highly recommend going with this adjustable silhouette.
[Related: The Best All-Around Kettlebell Training Program]
These cast iron profiles can be a great way to build out your strength training setup while keeping costs to a minimum. The vintage look and standard barbell fitment are sure to fit any home gym, and REP's available bundles allow you to load up on weight plates at a number of popular totals.
You’ll need some extra iron to go along with your setup in your efforts to achieve progressive overload. While there’s a definite debate pitting bumper plates and iron plates against one another, we recommend going for cast options when keeping your budget top of mind. These Old School Iron Plates from REP Fitness are some of our favorites thanks to their approachable starting price as well as the fact that you can buy these plates at multiple bundled weight totals.
In addition to the paired packages of 2.5-pound, 5-pound, 10-pound, 25-pound, 35-pound, or 45-pound plates, REP also offers six bundled sets — 175lbs, 245lbs, 265lbs, 335lbs, 355lbs, and 425lbs. This can be great for keeping your orders as efficient as possible, allowing you to get all the weight you need and nothing you don’t in one fell swoop. For this, we give these Old School Iron Plates a 4.5 out of 5 for value.
I have personally used these plates in both home gyms and commercial gyms and really enjoy the construction at play across each disc. The standout feature — aside from the 5 out of 5 aesthetics — is the deep lip cast around the edge, something we tend to look for in the best weight plates. This raised shelf makes grabbing and controlling each plate a breeze, whether loading a barbell for a heavy set or re-racking the weights post-workout (remember, gym etiquette).
Of course, there are some negatives that can be associated with cast iron plates, mostly in their more rigid makeup. These plates will give off those classic clangs and bangs if dropped or racked violently. While this can be a motivation source for you mid-workout, it can also be an annoyance for neighbors or other house dwellers. Additionally, cast iron plates, when dropped, can potentially lead to floor or equipment damage, so you’ll need to be a little gentler than you would with, say, a set of bumper plates.
Lastly, as impressive as these Old School Iron Plates are, they aren’t the most accurate options out there, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in the category. The ± 3 percent weight tolerance gives some room for inaccurate totals, which may be fine for the average lifter but can be troublesome for strength athletes chasing a specific max. For those needing precise setups time and time again, it may be best to opt for a calibrated plate.
This bundle of latex superbands provides four resistance bands, ranging in resistance from 2-15lbs up to 25-80lbs. Loop these around a pull-up bar for assisted pull-ups, or attach them to your barbell to add resistance or assistance throughout your lift.
When building out your dream home gym, you shouldn’t forget about the little things. The best resistance bands, for example, can be handy accessories to have at the ready when looking for an efficient pre-workout stretch or on days where free weights are a little more laborious than you’d prefer. This four-pack of Titan Fitness resistance bands are our top recommendation, both for their affordable price, uniform 41-inch length, and wide range of resistance.
BarBend Reviews Writer Rosie Borchert uses these Titan bands for upper-body work, like bicep curls, push-ups, and rows, and also to warm up her shoulders before rock climbing. “I dislocated my shoulder golfing and make sure to use these bands twice a week to keep my shoulders strong and stable,” she said, noting their usefulness as a rehab or prehab tool. Functionality scored a 5 out of 5.
Portability also scored a 5 out of 5. “They’re small and lightweight, so keeping the bands permanently in my climbing bag isn’t a pain at all,” she said. Of course, they may be too lightweight for some athletes, as the heaviest of these four bands provides 25 to 80 pounds of resistance — some bands can provide up to 200 pounds of resistance.
They also lack handles, which may be a dealbreaker for some. “I just held onto the end of the loop for a few sets of rows, presses, lunges, bicep curls, and interior/exterior rotator cuff work,” said Borchert.
She scored them a 4 out of 5 for durability, noting that these kinds of lightweight bands are bound to snap eventually. Thankfully, Titan offers two- and three-year protection plans for $8.99 and $11.99, respectively. Should one snap during that time frame, you can make a claim and get a replacement at no added cost.
The lightweight Concept2 BikeErg eschews the moveable arms you'll find on most air bikes, delivering a power-driven ride that operates more like a standard cycle than a spin bike. The flywheel's unique damper allows riders to adjust airflow, which is akin to switching gears on a mountain bike.
Indoor cycling can also be an effective form of low-impact training, according to studies. (3) Now, there are plenty of stationary bikes to choose from for these needs, but we’re big fans of the Concept2 Bike Erg for its combination of two challenging profiles — exercise bike and air bike.
Unlike other air bikes you’d find online at retailers including Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods, this unit employs a more traditional profile that resembles a typical bicycle. There are no moving arms for an added dose of upper-body engagement, but the air-powered resistance gives every pedal stroke that realistic level of resistance — the harder you pedal, the more challenging the workout is. This mode of resistance is utilized by many CrossFit athletes, as it’s great for interval training.
Our tester gave this machine a 4 out of 5 when it comes to customizations. “I really enjoy how tailored the seat and handlebars are,” they noted. “Adjusting the height of the seat is as simple as pulling up or flipping a lever. The handlebars are customizable, too, with settings that allow you to move the system up, down, forwards, and backward.”
You can even swap out the pedals to your liking, too. While the process is a little more involved, you can swap out the included kit for a clipless variety or other units that mimic your on-road system.
In terms of tech, there isn’t a huge digital presence with the Bike Erg. We gave the machine a 3 out of 5 for tech capabilities because its basic LCD screen offers only a “Just Ride” mode, as well as the ability to set up a variety of workouts. The saving grace for this category is the convenient Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity that allowed our tester to connect their heart rate monitor and fitness tracker for more informed data metrics mid-workout.
Lastly, we recommend keeping your mid-training refreshments nearby and plan to pause sessions for a sip every now and again. Unlike other exercise bikes, this machine doesn’t come equipped with an on-unit water bottle holder. Of course, if you’re focused on getting in a workout, you may be less inclined to have such luxuries at your disposal.
The REP Fitness 3-in-1 boxes offer three different heights depending on which side of the box you lay down. Their sturdy, interlocking design allows for a 400 pound weight capacity and their affordable price make them a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality plyometric box.
While not an absolute necessity for every home gym, owning one of the best plyometric boxes can encourage the kinds of HIIT intervals that can boost your explosiveness and endurance. We like these 3-in-1 Wood Plyo Boxes from REP Fitness because of their stability, versatile design, and clean aesthetics.
Regardless of which size you opt for — Small (12” x 14” x 16”), In-Between (16” x 18” x 20”), Medium (16” x 20” x 24”), or Large (20” x 24” x 30”) — each box essentially operates as three platforms in one, depending on which side you’re resting on. We give these home gym boxes a 4 out of 5 for versatility. There’s also no questioning which height you’re training atop, thanks to the burned-in measurements on each side for added clarity.
As far as workouts are concerned, we also appreciate the overall construction of these plyo boxes, giving them a 4.5 out of 5 for the category. Outside of the Small box, each profile features a reinforced interior to help withstand those intense box jumps and heart-pumping intervals. The edges are also sanded down for a more comfortable setup — trust us, you’ll enjoy this feature when you miss a landing or fail to achieve that optimal jump height.
Now, these REP plyo boxes do not come assembled, so be prepared to have some pre-training build time. According to our tester, though, the process is simple thanks to the clear instructions. “I also like how each piece is CNC machined during manufacturing. This makes for a precise fit across each panel, almost like a training-specific jigsaw puzzle,” they added.
Will plyo boxes fit in every home gym setting? No. They’re (ahem) boxy and don’t store easily, so you’ll need to dedicate a corner of your space to house these units when not in use. Additionally, we found that the ruggedness and stability comes with a bit of weight, especially when it comes to the Large plyo box. Weighing in at 50 pounds, this could be too cumbersome to move around your training center.
If you want to step up your plyometrics training, though, it helps to go with a sturdy profile that can last session after session. In our opinion, REP hit the nail on the head with these high-quality silhouettes.
For wallet-conscious athletes looking for a high-quality barbell, this profile from Major Fitness can be tough to beat. This bar features a comfortable, passive knurling, multiple coating options, and varying weight capacities of 750 and 1,000 pounds — all for less than $300.
A barbell can also be a great addition to your home gym setup, as it allows for a variety of movements and weight training disciplines you can partake in. While there’s nothing wrong with catering your bar to a specific strength sport like powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting, we’d generally recommend a multi-use bar like this Major Fitness 20-kilogram 7-foot Home Gym Barbell, one of the best barbells we’ve tested thanks to its versatile makeup, dual knurling marks, and approachable $269 price point, which is below the $300 to $400 average.
We like this multifaceted barbell for home gyms because of its versatility across different movements and disciplines. Our tester rated the versatility at 4 out of 5. “I think this can be a great pick for cross-training across multiple disciplines. Plus, I found the knurling to be a nice middle ground — not too passive yet not too toothy. I wouldn’t hesitate to put this barbell through the rigors of a CrossFit workout.”
We also scored the value at 4 out of 5. Regardless of which coating option you choose — chrome or black Cerakote — you can still expect to pay less than $300. Even the sturdier 1,000-pound weight rating is just a $10 increase from the starting $269, so there’s still some savings on the table when comparing this bar to other top-performing silhouettes in the category, which typically come in between $300 and $400.
Of course, this barbell isn’t ideal for every athlete. If you regularly lift over 1,000 pounds in training, odds are that you’ll need a sturdier profile. We rated the weight capacity at 3.5 out of 5, because while budding home gym enthusiasts and general athletes can likely get plenty of use out of this profile, we understand that it’s not a fit for every strength level.
Finally, we recommend paying close attention to the warranty package offered through Major Fitness. This barbell is only covered for up to one year. In comparison, this is a shorter timeframe than the multi-year or lifetime packages offered by other brands. If you don’t mind shelling out an extra $270 or $280 if things go awry, this can be a worthwhile pick for your setup. If you’d rather have some extra security in your back pocket, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Need a quick, efficient jump rope for your next workout? The RPM Comp4 features a lightweight cable-style rope for fast rotations, and the Dual-Axis Rotation technology eliminates potential torque at the handles for seamless turnover no matter your training intensity.
Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. Jumping rope can be a great full-body workout that also helps improve your coordination, endurance, and balance. (4) The best jump ropes offer intuitive rotations, comfortable grips, and a good blend of speed and efficiency with each turnover. For our money, few ropes hit those marks as well as the RPM Comp4.
According to our tester, a certified personal trainer, “I really appreciate how RPM takes the waffle-style knurling completely across the handle. It felt nice in my hands, and I never lost that sense of grip, even once I worked up a sweat.” Naturally, we gave the Comp4 a 5 out of 5 in terms of the handle construction.
The Comp4 is also my personal jump rope of choice thanks to its lightweight, durable design. I appreciate the bare cable that moves effortlessly through the air, and the brand’s Dual-Axis Rotation technology eliminates any torque across the setup. With other ropes, I’ll typically need to untangle the rope after some intense double-unders, but this profile stays true throughout its flight time and time again.
RPM offers the Comp4 with both bare and coated cables. If your home gym is based in a concrete garage, though, we recommend opting for the coated variety. The brand states that beating the bare cable over concrete can sacrifice the jump rope’s integrity. Our tester noted no major durability concerns while training, but it may be best to err on the side of caution. Plus, a coated cable is only $10 more — a minor investment if it means more regular use from your gear.
When it comes to adjusting this jump rope to your preferred size, you will need to cut the 12-foot cable according to the brand’s instructions. This is where we noticed the main drawback of the Comp4 — the set screws. “They’re the bane of my existence,” said our tester, who rated the adjustment experience at 2.5 out of 5. “The screws are so small and difficult to get into place. I’d rather put together IKEA furniture than fickle with these screws.”
From my personal experience, you only need to worry about the set screws when adjusting your cable length. If you get everything cinched down properly from the start, this headache (albeit a big one) can be pushed aside, leaving you with nothing but a speedy, enjoyable fitness tool.
From always having access to your gear for worthwhile workouts to potential savings in the long run, the benefits of a home gym are aplenty. Naturally, though, as Amanda Capritto, our expert tester as well as a certified personal trainer, puts it, “The benefits to each category of home gym equipment featured in this round-up are unique.”
While differences exist between silhouettes, below are some of the more generalized perks that can come from building out a dedicated training center of your own.
When you have your own home gym equipment, you’re the curator of the setup. This means that the gear you have on hand is chosen solely by you for your needs and wants. If you don’t want to crowd your floor plan with cardio machines or unnecessary contraptions, you don’t need to.
Every piece of your home gym setup can cater to your training interests, but you can also customize the aesthetics of your performance palace with décor as well. There aren’t any outside opinions (aside from, maybe, a spouse) that can tell you otherwise. Think of a home gym as your canvas — and the client you’re creating for is you.
Another big perk to having your own home gym is that there’s no traffic, crowded layouts or center hours to navigate around. Your commute shrinks from a few miles to a few steps in no time, which can make scheduling your daily workouts much easier. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about your equipment being used by a fellow gym-goer — everything is at the ready.
Home gyms can also be great for keeping a good regimen with your training plan. You don’t need to fit in a workout based on your schedule as well as the center’s. You can literally work out whenever you want or have an open window.
Having access to your own home gym also allows for multitasking. Think about it, who’s to say that you can’t watch dinner or tend to minor errands while also working in some working sets? These tasks would be unachievable if you were off at a brick and mortar center, doubling down on a home gym’s influence on your daily schedule.
Also, your home gym gives you quicker access to supplements and post-workout needs. This can be ideal for athletes looking to stay on a strict regimen with their diet, as there’s no drive home to block you from hitting those all-too-important macros post-training. Additionally, you can treat any aches or pains in an instant — no more sitting in traffic with a sore back knowing that your massage gun or foam roller is miles and minutes away.
Home gym equipment can vary pretty widely in price, depending on what you plan to purchase. A treadmill or elliptical, for instance, is probably far more expensive than a jump rope or set of resistance bands. Use the chart below to compare prices across pieces of equipment.
When deciding on which home gym equipment to add to your space, you have plenty of options to choose from. Below are the factors we recommend thinking through when developing your home gym floor plan that’s fit for your individual fitness goals.
One of the first items worth considering when constructing your home gym is how you prefer to train. If you enjoy lifting free weights and stressing your muscles with heavy sets, be sure to look at gear that supports this need. If you’re a dedicated runner or just want a home gym to keep your blood pumping with low-impact training, there are options for that as well.
In the end, though, remember that you’re the main client this gym should cater to — there’s no sense in adding equipment that doesn’t align with the types of strength-training and cardio routines you prefer.
Before you begin your home gym renovation project, be sure to break out the tape measure and actually determine how much space you can afford to give up for training. If you want to have a treadmill or set of dumbbells at the ready in your living room, make sure that your chosen pick is capable of being conveniently stored during non-workout days.
You want to make the most of your setup through versatile equipment that gets its regular use rather than a fair share of collected dust. When looking for worthwhile home gym essentials, it can be helpful to opt for picks that will accommodate multiple exercises and movements.
Yes, we appreciate single-use items like landmines and leg presses, but when just starting out, it may be more fruitful to go with items you’ll use more regularly.
Home gym equipment prices can vary from category to category, so giving a range to shoot for can be quite the tall task. When thinking about your top picks and how you’d like to build out your training room, be mindful of how much you can afford and how much you’re willing to invest in your dedicated fitness space.
A home gym can be a great investment, especially if you take your fitness goals seriously. Having 24/7 access to workouts can help alleviate potential headaches surrounding getting to the gym, and may even save you money in the long run.
Of course, though, saying you’ll build a home gym and actually going through with the plan are two separate ordeals. When looking for the best home gym equipment, it’s best to think about how you intend to train, and how much space you have available for housing these pieces of gear (speaking of which, you may also want to peruse our list of the best compact exercise equipment). Look for quality, stick within your budget, use this round-up as a guiding light, and soon you’ll be able to have a muscle mecca of your own.
There aren’t any cut and dry answers when it comes to determining which items are absolute necessities in a home gym. It all depends on your preferred training style and what you’re looking to get out of your personal fitness journey. We recommend thinking through your normal workout routines and circling which pieces you traditionally use often in a given workout, and starting from there.
The “best home gym equipment” is a subjective moniker, and with so many ways to train, we cannot give a concise answer. It all comes down to your preferred training style. If you really enjoy running, for example, we hold the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 in high regard thanks to its quality construction, embedded tech, and comfortable running surface, but we understand that this pick means virtually nothing to a dedicated powerlifter.
Use our recommendations as a guide rather than gospel, and be sure to go with the home gym equipment that creates your best workout setup possible.
There are three main factors to consider before building a home gym: Space, functionality, and budget.
This is a tricky one because there isn’t a straightforward answer. Each category of equipment has its own price range, and home gym essentials, in general, can range in price widely from as low as $40 to thousands of dollars for larger pieces (like power racks, cardio machines, and weight plate sets).
We did our best to select high-quality pieces of equipment that were still cost-effective, so you can outfit your space with a variety of equipment rather than blowing your entire budget on one thing.
Andrew Gutman is a former senior associate editor at Muscle & Fitness and has contributed to Men's Journal, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, and Spartan Race. Outside of work you can find him training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lifting weights (he prefers a full-body/upper/lower split) and air-frying chicken wings.
BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.
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