There’s no denying the benefits of having access to equipment in the comfort of your own home for those days you can’t make it to the gym. These days hundreds of different machines and gadgets claim to be the best, which can make it difficult to know where you should invest. We’re here to help you cut out the noise and zero in on equipment that will give you the most bang for your buck, no matter your budget. Whether you’re only looking to grab a few staples or have the funds to go all out, we’ve got you covered with three tiers of investments.
Tier #1: Budget Friendly
If you’ve got your money and your muscles on your mind, this tier is for you. A good home gym doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should have these essentials:
- A 20lb, 40lb, and 60lb kettlebell
- Heavy-duty resistance bands
You’re looking at a price range of about $100-$200 for everything, depending on how you shop. If you’re trying to keep costs down, check out websites like Craigslist or OfferUp for the kettlebells. We recommend buying the bands new so that you get the most life out of them.
Tier #2: More to Spend
If you’ve got a little more to spend, you can bump up your at-home gym by adding some weightlifting materials to the mix. We’re adding onto the previous tier here with some nice extras that will make training at home a little more badass:
- A 20lb, 40lb, and 60lb kettlebell
- Heavy-duty resistance bands
- A barbell
- Bumper plates
This tier is customizable based on how much you would like to spend. Your costs could range anywhere from $200-$500 and up, depending on how many bumper plates you purchase.
Tier #3: Go Big, At Home
If you’re looking to splurge and transform a space in your home into a total body gym fit for any athlete, then the following additions are absolute must-haves:
- A 20lb, 40lb, and 60lb kettlebell
- Heavy-duty resistance bands
- A barbell
- Bumper plates
- A power cage
- Platform risers
- Foam pads for under the cage
- A treadmill with incline options
- Training bench
A power cage is the ultimate flex that not only boasts a “wow” factor but also has various uses that will help you train dynamically and balanced. I advise against it if you hate training with other people because once word gets out to your circle that you’ve got a badass in-home gym, you won’t be able to keep it to yourself!
Investing in a home gym can be tailored to your needs, preferences, and budget. With this list, you can confidently choose items within your means that are effective and long-lasting.