Best Home Gym Equipment 2023

Build muscle, improve your cardio, and simply get fit right here!

The best home gym equipment is generally going to be made up of several different things. What remains consistent across all of them though is that home gym equipment is great for your fitness. Whether it's because it's a cardio machine that's designed to work a little bit of everything, one that's just easy to use at the end of a hard day, or weights, which are always going to be an important piece of kit for flexible, muscle-building based workouts.

Rather than giving you a run-down of loads of different options in each category, we've just listed the best in each single one. That means that some of these items are fairly pricey, but the idea is to have everything you need to complete a home gym setup right here in one handy guide.

For example, if you've got a rowing machine, you probably don't need an exercise bike too, despite listing both here. Or, if you own a set of the best adjustable dumbbells, you may want to pair it with a top weight bench to perform the likes of a chest press, shoulder press, and rows effectively. If this is the case, then we've got you covered.

We've got a lot to get through here, so enough of the preamble. Here are some of the best home gym equipment pieces on the market...

Best all-in-one home gym equipment

If you're low on space, or you just don't want heavy weights around the house, then grabbing yourself something that can do a little bit of everything is a great idea. That's exactly what this TRX system provides.

Designed to easily attach to a door or to branches outdoors, you can use this selection of cable and pulley devices for a range of different exercises, with the resistance being applied by your own body.

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It can be a little tricky to get used to it all, but once you've spent some time with it and probably watched a few videos, you'll be able to work just about every muscle in your body.

Don't worry if you struggle though as you can sign up to the TRX Training Club (30 days free upon purchase) to access 500+ on-demand workout videos using this suspension trainer. It's basically an entire gym packed into one portable package capable of holding 318kg, so what's not to like?

Best home gym dumbbells

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i dumbbells are a premium set of weights that can seriously upgrade any home gym setup. They're rugged, versatile, and extremely useful for tackling a wide range of upper and lower body exercises.

To begin with, these weights can be adjusted from just 4kg all the way up to 41kg using the handy rotating dials on each end. These dials provide 17 different weight settings to suit a wide range of strength and experience levels.

Read More: Best dumbbells under 150

They also come with a handy storage tray when you've finished training, plus, with the JRNY App, you can use a Motion Tracking feature alongside your phone's camera to track your reps and form in real-time. So, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, these adjustable dumbbells have you covered.

Best home gym weight bench

Of course, if you do get yourself some weights, the only other bit of equipment you'll likely want to grab is a good weight bench. We've tried to do without one for a long time, using your sofa, a mix of cushions, or whatever else you can think of, but a weight bench is literally built for the job.

This bench can easily be folded away when not in use, has leg support for when you're really going for it, and is easy to adjust for multiple levels of incline, allowing you to hit way more than just a flat chest press like a fixed bench offers.

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That's not all though. You can also decline this thing 35 degrees, giving you the option to incorporate decline chest press, pull-overs, skull-crushers, or even decline crunches into your workout. It's a fantastic offering from Flybird, and the added foldability makes it almost a no-brainer for those trying to save space.

Best home gym cardio machine

The NordicTrack S27i presents a compelling argument for being regarded as one of the most versatile exercise machines for a home gym. Packed with advanced technology, it offers the necessary tools to conquer demanding workouts every time.

Highlighted by an inertia-enhanced flywheel, the bike features a sizable 27-inch rotating and tilting HD display. This integrated screen enables seamless streaming of iFit spin classes as well as yoga, pilates, and full-body training sessions, serving as a powerful motivator while you strive to attain your fitness milestones.

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It also boasts -10% to 20% live incline matching technology and 24 levels of digital resistance. Each resistance level facilitates continuous progress as well as ensures you keep each of your cardio sessions varied as you improve your fitness.

So, if you're aiming to bring a professional-grade, studio-quality fitness machine into your home gym setup, the NordicTrack S27i spin bike stands out as a top choice.

Best home gym pull-up bar

A pull-up bar is a great way to work your back, core, and biceps. While pull-ups and chin-ups might be a scary prospect for some people, ultimately, you'll never get better at them unless you try them. If you do want to try, then this multi-grip pull-up bar is perfect for beginners and pros alike.

It can easily be placed between a sturdy doorframe, and it allows you to utilise a mix of different grips to better work different parts of the back, or place more emphasis on the biceps when lifting too.

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When you throw in the ability to do things like leg raises as well, you've got one of the best pieces of home gym equipment you can buy for a full-body workout. Definitely worth checking out when looking to upgrade your home gym.

Best home gym barbell

This REP FITNESS Sabre Barbell is a versatile and robust weightlifting bar designed to meet the demands of various training regimens. With its budget-friendly pricing and diverse range of options, it stands as an excellent choice for home gyms, Olympic weightlifting, as well as HIIT workouts.

Build-wise, it features dual knurl markings that adhere strictly to the standards established by the International Powerlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation. What's more, it comes in both 15kg (33lbs) and 20kg (44.1lbs) variations, ensuring suitability for a wide spectrum of strengths and skill levels.

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Equipped with high-performance ball-bearing, no-rib sleeves, it also seamlessly rotates throughout lifts, effectively reducing friction and optimsing your training session. With it capable of holding up to 1,000lbs as well, we truly believe this to be an ideal companion for any home gym.

Best home gym power cage

The CAP Barbell FM-8000F is an outstanding half cage built for home gyms. It's so good in fact, that we consider it to be one of the best power cages on the market.

One of its most prominent features is its remarkable robustness, achieved by employing 12 and 14-gauge steel to create its sturdy structure. This robust build essentially guarantees longevity and establishes a solid base capable of supporting any heavy weights you attempt to lift.

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Furthermore, CAP has taken careful steps to finish its half-cage with a resilient powder coat and industrial zinc, resulting in minimal upkeep requirements as its outermost layer is robust as well.

With a bar across the top, this cage also serves as the perfect place to perform pull-ups, thus enhancing the versatility of this rack. Ultimately, it's an ideal choice for those in pursuit of a multifunctional weight setup for their home setup.

Best home gym cable machine

So far, we've covered a range of great exercise equipment that can target a whole manner of different muscles and fitness needs. However, if you're after more of an all-in-one solution akin to the TRX suspension system, then consider this Inspire Fitness FTX cable machine.

It's extremely versatile, offering you two weighted cables (75kg x 2) on either side where you can perform exercises like chest flyes, lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, and even bicep curls with the right attachments. It also features a straight bar across the top where you can perform pull and chin-ups with ease.

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We mentioned attachments, well included in the relatively budget-friendly price for a cable machine are a tricep rope, two D handles, a dual-hook curl bar, and a chin/dip belt, giving you almost everything you need for the aforementioned exercises.

Yes, it may take up a fair amount of floor space, measuring 54 in x 40 in x 82 inches, but in our opinion, you won't find a more versatile bit of kit for weight training than a good cable machine, hence highlighting this one from Inspire Fitness here.

Best home gym rowing machine

Rowing is an intense full-body way of doing cardio that'll not just get your heart pumping and your lungs working hard, but will also have you feeling it in your legs and back too. It's a great way to work out, and if you've got the space for a rowing machine and the money for one, it'll serve you well.

The Concept2 RowErg is one of our top picks here as it can be easily adjusted to be as hard or as easy as you need, but is also surprisingly easy to store despite its size.

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It also has an integrated device holder to make sure you can use fitness apps while working out, or stream your favourite TV shows while you complete a killer cardio session. In turn, this excellent rowing machine can make it easier to stay motivated and track how well you're doing with the heads-up PM5 Performance Monitor tracking your stats, thus making it an excellent piece for a home setup.

Best home gym heavy bag

Finally, we have a punching bag. A punching bag isn't something a lot of people would consider the best home gym equipment, but we'd argue it's actually well worth considering. As long as you do know how to punch, or kick, then the FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag is going to do wonders for your fitness.

Aside from being a good way to practice techniques, even with just basic punches and footwork, you can get an incredible workout that's unlike anything else you can do at home. It's also just a very good way to vent your frustrations too, which can be essential if you have a bad day at work, or just need to try and relax a little bit.

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If you're unsure just how good a boxing session can be, then take note that, according to research by Fryar et al., a 15-minute heavy bag workout can burn around 133.9 calories for a man weighing 196.9lbs, and around 114 calories for a female weighing 167.6lbs. So, if you're looking to improve your cardio while engaging your muscles, look no further than a punching bag like this bit of kit from FITVEN.

No need to panic if you've had any questions so far. We've answered some of the most commonly asked queries below.

The first thing you should consider buying for a home gym largely depends on your fitness goals, preferences, and available space. For instance, if your goal is to get bigger and build muscle, then you'll definitely want to prioritise free weights. By contrast, something like an exercise bike or treadmill should be your first port of call if you are more interested in improving your cardio.

That being said, some of the most versatile and foundational pieces of equipment that can benefit most workout routines are a set of adjustable dumbbells and/or resistance bands. They can be used for weight/resistance training as well as cardio-based routines, making them a great first item to consider purchasing.

From there, it's really up to you. For more serious weight training, we'd recommend adding a weight bench, squat rack/power cage, and a barbell to your setup if you have the space. This combination means you can perform heavy compound movements as well as great accessory exercises that target both your upper and lower body.

Cardio-wise, a rowing machine is definitely worth considering if you're looking to incorporate cardio training with a full-body workout to some degree. That said, we appreciate a rowing machine can be quite expensive and takes up a lot of space, so you may find opting for something like a heavy bag or even just a skipping rope more beneficial to your situation.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that starting with a few essential items and gradually expanding your home gym setup over time is a practical approach. Be sure to prioritise equipment that aligns with your fitness goals and suits the available space in your home.

This is a really tricky one to answer as it depends on quite a number of factors. For example, having a home gym allows you to work out at any time that suits you, without the need to travel to a commercial gym. This convenience can help you stick to a consistent exercise routine. However, building a home gym that rivals that of a commercial gym is both incredibly expensive and takes up a lot of space.

That being said, while there might be an upfront investment in equipment, over time, a home gym can save you money on gym membership fees. Additionally, you have control over the type and quality of equipment you purchase and you never need to wait for equipment to become free to use during your routines. Just bear in mind that you may incur some additional costs in upkeep over time and consistent use.

You'll also need to consider the social side of a gym. You may prefer the privacy and comfort of exercising at home, without the potential discomfort of working out in a crowded space. On the flip side though, the interaction with trainers or fellow members can provide motivation and accountability that might be lacking at home.

Ultimately, the decision to build a home gym should be based on your personal preferences, lifestyle, fitness goals, and financial situation. If you have the space, budget, and commitment to utilise a home gym consistently, it can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you thrive on the social aspect of a commercial gym, or if you're concerned about maintaining motivation at home, a traditional gym membership might be a better fit for you.

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