With the right equipment, you can work out anytime you want in your own home gym. The type of equipment you choose will depend on your experience and how you use your space. It can be tricky to figure out what to get, but knowing your options can help you get the best value for your money.
A balanced fitness routine needs both cardio and strength training, so ideally, your equipment should cover both. There are also compact options if you’re short on space. We’ve put together a list of essential gear and some space-saving choices to help you get started.
What is the best home exercise equipment?
The “best” home workout equipment really depends on what you need, your goals, and how much space you have. Some equipment, like treadmills, takes up a lot of room and needs more space to store. On the other hand, things like dumbbells are small and can easily fit on the floor or in a weight rack.
Best home exercise equipment
Yoga mat
A yoga mat is a must-have piece of equipment. It’s great for everything from high-impact workouts to low-impact activities like yoga and Pilates. You can go for a high-quality option like Manduka or a more budget-friendly one like Gaiam, which also offers non-slip versions for different types of exercises. To keep your yoga mat in good shape, make sure to clean it regularly. Check out CNET’s tips for cleaning yoga mats to help it last longer.
Dumbbells
If you’re into weight training or thinking about starting, having dumbbells (or free weights) is a smart move. Dumbbells come in different weights, so it’s a good idea to have a few sets: light, medium, and heavy. I also recommend getting an A-frame dumbbell rack—it’s compact and fits in most spaces.
I like rubber hex dumbbells, like those from Rogue or CAP. The rubber coating helps keep noise down if you drop them, and the hex shape stops them from rolling away.
What weights you need will depend on your personal strength, which can vary from person to person. As you get stronger, you’ll want to use heavier weights. If you’re short on space, adjustable dumbbells might be a better option. They save room and can go up to 50 pounds each. The Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells are a popular choice, but there are plenty of others to consider based on what you need.
Resistance bands
Resistance bands come in various weights, colors, and lengths, making them a great choice for beginners in strength training. They can help make many exercises more challenging. Mini bands are especially useful for targeting the glutes with exercises like clam shells, squats, hip bridges, hip thrusts, and hip abductions. I also use mini bands to make core workouts, like pushups, tougher.
For bigger exercises, like assisted pull-ups, deadlifts, or squats, longer resistance bands can be really handy. They can even mimic cable machine exercises like rows, lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, and chest presses.
Brands like Perform Better and Rogue are popular for their resistance bands. There’s also the LIT Axis, a high-tech set that’s great for Pilates and strength training at home or on the go. The LIT app lets you track your workouts and progress. No matter which type you choose, resistance bands are a fantastic tool for a solid workout.
Suspension training system
Suspension trainers are a fantastic way to make bodyweight exercises like pushups, split squats, and squats more challenging, depending on your goals. You can set them up outside, hang them from a pull-up bar, attach them to a ceiling anchor, or secure them behind a door. Unlike resistance bands, suspension trainers use adjustable nylon straps with handles, and they’re perfect for a home gym because they don’t take up much space and offer great full-body workouts.
I personally like the TRX suspension trainer. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s built to last. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you might want to check out the Lifeline Jungle Gym on Amazon. It offers similar features at a better price.
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Adjustable weight bench
An adjustable weight bench can be really useful for upper-body strength workouts, especially when you need to lie flat or on an incline. There are lots of options out there, including foldable benches, incline, and decline benches. My top pick is the Flybird exercise bench. It can hold up to 800 pounds, has eight different settings, and folds up easily for storage.
If you’re looking for something more versatile, you might like the Yes4All Multifunctional Aerobic Deck. It works both as an aerobic step and a weight bench. The best choice depends on what kinds of workouts you plan to do and how much space you have.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are super versatile and can be used for both conditioning and strength training, making them a great addition to any home gym. If you’re new to kettlebells, it’s a good idea to get some tips from a coach or trainer who knows their stuff to learn the basics.
Kettlebells have a rounded base, a handle, and are usually made of cast iron. They come in various weights, measured in kilograms. For example, a 12-kilogram kettlebell is roughly 25 pounds.
There are lots of brands out there, but it’s worth investing in a high-quality kettlebell that will last. Look for one made from single cast iron with a powder finish from trusted brands like Rogue or Kettlebell Kings, as these are less likely to be slippery. If you’re just starting out, having a set with weights ranging from 8-10 kg (about 17-22 pounds) and 10-14 kg (around 22-30 pounds) is a solid choice.
Jump rope
Jumping rope might look simple, but it’s actually a fantastic way to boost your heart rate quickly and affordably. A jump rope can give you a full-body workout without breaking the bank. You can choose from different types, like basic, weighted, smart, cordless, beaded, or speed ropes, depending on what you need.
For example, a smart jump rope is great if you want to track how many skips you do, while a speed rope is ideal if you’re working on mastering double-unders.
No matter which type you go for, jumping rope is great for your health. Check out CNET’s picks for the best jump ropes or find out how to create a jump rope workout circuit.
Medicine Ball
A medicine ball is another great piece of equipment for home strength and conditioning workouts. These balls are usually round and solid, made from leather or synthetic materials, and they come in weights ranging from 4 to 30 pounds. The larger and heavier the ball, the more you’ll need to budget. Bigger balls are typically used for exercises like wall balls, ball slams, squats, and overhead throws, while the smaller ones are often used for partner workouts, pushups, and ab exercises.
There are lots of brands that make medicine balls, so it’s important to choose one that’s durable and can handle regular use. For smaller medicine balls, SPRI and CAP are popular choices. For larger ones, Rogue, Dynamax, and Titan Fitness are reliable brands.
Cardio machine
Ideally, your home would have space for all sorts of cardio equipment, but that’s not always realistic. If you only have room for one piece, choose the cardio machine you’ll use the most. If walking or running is your thing, a treadmill might be your best bet. But if you prefer a smoother, low-impact workout, an elliptical could be a better fit. For short bursts of cardio, you might like a rowing machine. And if you’re into classes and like the style of the bike, a Peloton could be a great option.
There are plenty of choices out there. Before you buy, think about your budget, the space you have, and what features you want. If you need help deciding, check out our top picks for ellipticals, treadmills, exercise bikes, and rowing machines.
