The Most Practical Home Gym Guide for 2023

Introduction

Below is a step-by-step guide for those looking for inspiration as they build out a home gym in 2022. For most, it’s a journey that takes place over time, and this home gym guide shows it’s not as complicated or intimidating. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best investments someone can make.

Home Gym Guide Outline

Intro & Article Explananation

• Who Own Home Gyms?: Anyone can benefit from a home gym.

• Methodology: A quick explanation of how this guide was created, who it’s for, and the overall goal of the article

Make Sure You Want a Home Gym & Choose a Spot

• Step 1: Start Small: Don’t go out fill up your home with gym equipment

• Step 2: Find a Spot and Clear Some Space: Don’t simply settle for a random room in your house

Get the Essentials First

• Step 3: A Barbell and Some Plates: The first serious purchase

• Step 4: Flooring Recommendation: This is an important step that you don’t want to overlook

• Step 5: Get a Rack: It’s time for the centerpiece of most home gyms

• Step 6: Time for a Bench: Buy once, cry once as you add this versatile item to the list

Take Your Gym to the Next Level

• Step 7: Pulley System: Help replicate a commercial gym with one of six options.

• Step 8: Cardio Machine: These take your gym to the next level

• Step 9: Add Some Versatile Tools: Equipment that takes up little space but add a number of workout options are ideal

• Other Home Gym Favorites: Here’s a look at some of the other favorite items of home gym owners as you grow your home gym

More to Consider

• Additional Tips: More advice to consider on your home gym journey

• Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t do these things. Here are some mistakes others have learned the hard way

• Conclusion: The most important benefit of a home gym is emphasized here

*Need some personalized advice? We’re happy to chat. Please check out our Home Gym Consultation form.

Methodology

Creating any home gym is a journey, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer because we all have different goals and spaces to work with. For each of the steps outlined below, these must be considered. This is a guide for those starting their home gym from scratch. Below are a few notes on the method:

• This advice comes from years of experience building out a home gym, testing hundreds of products, and survey results from the community. All the statistics mentioned in the guide below come from the data produced by others with home gyms.

• This guide is best for those building an all-around gym with strength training and cardio in mind.

• The product recommendations are simplified to just a few in each section. These are meant to be the best options for most people. They are not the cheapest or most expensive but have the best overall value. All recommendations will last for a long time if taken care of. Also, please note that plenty of other reputable brands offer very similar products and prices. A select few (where we’ve had the most direct experience) were chosen to keep this as concise as possible. All links will point to the product recommendation.

What types of people own home gyms?

Home gym owners are self-motivated, live busy lives, know the benefits of an active lifestyle, and want to eliminate excuses. They may label themselves as a weightlifter, biker, bodybuilder, runner, powerlifter, CrossFitter, or just someone who likes to get after it. The variety is infinite, but they are all hard workers looking to optimize the rest of their lives by owning a gym within their homes.

Even if you don’t utilize a home gym as your primary workout option, it will ultimately save time, is always open, and can be a good option when time is short. A home gym will benefit just about anyone’s life.

Related: 7 Reasons to Start a Home Gym in 2023

Step 1: Start Small

The first step in starting a home gym is making sure you actually want a home gym. Or figuring out how much you will plan to use it. It could be your primary or secondary spot to work out. Therefore, it is suggested not to go out and spend thousands of dollars, but first to purchase a few versatile items, do some workouts, and then expand if you are certain a home gym is right for you.

Related: My First 6 Home Gym Purchases If I Had to Do it Again + a more budget-friendly list

First Products to buy

A few examples of versatile products include a pair of dumbbells, a single kettlebell, pull-up bar, jump rope, bands, sandbag, etc. All of these options provide a nearly limitless amount of workout options in combination with traditional bodyweight workouts. Plus, they won’t take up a ton of space.

It’s Okay if the Master Plan Isn’t Set Yet

Within this first step, you don’t have to have yet a spot chosen for your setup, but these items should complement your current workout routine, and you know you’ll continue to use them as you continue your home gym journey. 87% of survey respondents are building out a home gym one step at a time, so this is the strategy of most.

Step 2: Find a Spot and Clear Some Space

Start small, but dream big.

When choosing a spot for the gym, you want to think long-term. Ceiling height, overall space, access, and weather are all features that need to be considered. Half of a garage or a larger room in the basement are several ideal spots.

Additional recommendations for finding a spot for Home Gym

• While you don’t necessarily NEED a ton of space, the spot chosen would ideally be permanent because you will not want to move much heavy equipment into a different section of the house.

• A spot that could be expanded upon if your home gym needs to grow is a plus. A small spot in the house is all that is needed. It’s important to note that within a 10′ x 10′ foot space, you can easily fit a power rack, barbell, plates, and many other items. Even just a single wall in one of those spaces that has the potential to expand can be an excellent option.

• The higher, the better, but a ceiling height of at least 8 feet of space is ideal. That is enough space for most to lift a barbell with plates overhead.

• Some rooms are more distracting than others. Therefore, you want to find a space where you will not be bothered by your surroundings.

Where are Most Putting Home Gyms?

According to the survey data, most home gyms are in the garage. 65% have there, while 17% in the basement, and another 18% have it in a different room, outdoors, or some other attachment like a barn.

This guide applies to garage gyms (and half garage gyms), basement gyms (view the basement gym guide), shed gyms, and other gyms you may place in the garage. In general, your equipment choices shouldn’t vary too much depending on your gym location, but certain pieces will need to be modified. We’ll touch on that in the applicable sections below.

Step 3: Barbell & Some Plates

No doubt, even without any equipment, you can get a great workout at home. There are plenty of bodyweight programs and workout videos out there. However, that can get boring, and it’s tougher to build strength that way. Although dependent on your goals, a barbell and a set of bumper plates are a great next step.

Also, if you are pretty sure that you are going to build out a home gym, this can simply be step #1.

Which Barbell Should I Choose?

When it comes to your everyday barbell, there are three or four different Olympic barbell options that someone should consider as their “primary.” If you’re just here to find out which one is best for you, here is a quick way to think about it.

• Multi-Purpose Bar: You want to be able to do Olympic movements like the power clean and snatch but also bench, squat, and deadlift. Whether you’re a CrossFitter, performing general strength training, or a beginner, this is a safe option for you where all movements can be accomplished. This is the most popular choice for most and a safe bet if purchasing something for multiple users.
• Power Bar: No Olympic movements will be done, and you want an ideal grip for bench, squat, and deadlift. These include a thicker diameter and likely more aggressive knurl.
• Olympic Weightlifting Bar: Improving the Olympic movements (power clean, snatch, clean & jerk) is your primary focus.
• Women’s Bar: The smaller diameter of these bars help women maintain a better grip, which is especially helpful for Olympic weightlifting movements. Some women think it’s necessary, while others do not. These can be found as a multi-purpose or Olympic weightlifting option.

The multi-purpose barbell of choice for most men is the Rogue Ohio Bar, and those not interested in performing Olympic lifts (clean & jerk, snatch) should go with the Ohio Power Bar. The Bella Bar has been the choice for most women who want to optimize Olympic lifting performance. Many similar options will get the job done, but Rogue dominates this category with solid pricing, performance, warranty, and they’re all made in America.

Most Should Stay Away from Bare Steel Coating

Furthermore, you’ll want to get a bar that’s been coated (as opposed to bare steel) to protect from oxidation. Stainless steel is ideal because it doesn’t take away from the natural feeling of a barbell, but black zinc, black oxide, and Cerakote will all reduce the chances of your barbell rusting significantly over time.

88% believe it’s worth paying a bit extra for this layer of protection.

Bumper Plates for Most

Unless you are a serious powerlifter or strongman, you should get bumper plates. 2 out of 3 survey respondents agree. They are more versatile, quieter, and easier on the floor.

For most, there is no need to get anything fancy or upgrade. Rogue Echo Bumper Plates, REP Black Bumper Plates, and Fringe Black Bumper Plates are durable, have a thinner profile, and have a low bounce.

Traditional iron plates will be a bit cheaper and thinner for those needing to fill up a barbell. Similar to bumper plates, the basic option will get the job done for most.

Step 4: Flooring

Waiting too Long for Flooring is a Common Mistake Many Make

A common error that people make is waiting too long to get flooring. Lifting on concrete or carpet is not a good long-term solution.

In addition, you should stay away from puzzle mats, which break apart all of the time and do not provide a very solid surface.

The best value home gym flooring is stall mats.

Stall mats are 3/4″ thick, which will help keep your floor underneath in good condition.

These have tremendous durability, solid grip, are thick enough to protect your floor from drops, reduce some noise, and can be pieced together over time. They can be picked up from a store like Tractor Supply or delivered from REP Fitness. They are heavy so it’s very helpful to have this sort of delivery option.

This type of flooring is heavy but isn’t too difficult to lock in place, specifically with some Gorilla Tape.

Step 5: Get a Rack

The rack is the focal point for most home gyms.

A rack will take any home gym to the next level. With this purchase, you want to make sure that you’re getting something that will serve you for years to come. You should also have the capability to add many attachments and ensure that they will fit the space you have. Here are a few recommendations based on the budget and area needed for the rack.

When asking the community, “Which rack is best for your home gym space/budget?” it’s very clear that most prefer the power rack. We’d have to agree. They are the most versatile, because of their ability to add attachments and you can lift in safety between 4 posts.

Rack Recommendations

For most, space would be the number 1 reason to go with a different option.

Best for Most: PR-4000 or PR-5000

Best Budget: PR-1100

A Premium/USA Option: RM-4 or RML-490C

For those with minimal space, the Rogue SM-2 or SML-2C Squat Stands will still provide versatility and stability with just two posts used. In addition, wall-mounted racks are ideal for those that don’t want to lose any ground and potentially want to continue parking in the garage.

Force USA offers a number of All-in-One Trainers at different price points that replicate a commercial gym within about the same amount of space a traditional power rack would. Many would say they provide the best compact home gyms on the market today. For example, the Force USA G20 Pro is likely the best all-in-one option in the world.

Step 6: Time for a Bench

Pony Up for a Solid Adjustable Bench

A good bench is going to be a staple item in building out your home gym. To give you the most versatility, most will want to first invest in an adjustable bench over a flat bench. In fact, 89% believe an adjustable bench covers all of their needs.

With that being said, you don’t want to choose a cheap random bench that you’ll ultimately be lying on and potentially lifting hundreds of pounds on.

Here are a few recommendations:

Pricepoint	Choice #1	Choice #2
Under $300	AB-3100	CF Heavy Duty Adjustable Bench 2.0
Between $300 and $400	REP AB 3000	REP AB-4100
$400-$500	REP AB-5200	Ironmaster Benches
Above $500	The FIDAB-2	Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Other Top Tier	AB-5000 Zero Gap Adjustable Bench	Irwin Fitness AB-1.0
USA-Made Top Tier	Bridge Built Phoenix Adjustable Bench	Straydog Strength Alpha Bench

For additional information on these benches, check out this in-depth article on the best value benches for the home gym.

You Have the Essentials Now

A common question is simply, “What are the home gym essentials?” If you’ve completed the last 5 steps already, we’d say you have the primary pieces, which are a barbell, weight plates, flooring, rack, and a bench.

Now, it’s time to add additional versatility.

Step 7: Pulley System

Some sort of pulley system will help add more versatility and allow you to replicate some of the machines you’re able to use within a commercial gym. There are a number of options that come in several sizes and prices.

Below is a breakdown of your options.

• Hung Pulley: This is a pulley that is hung from either a squat rack or pull-up bar that allows you to put a load on one side of the cable and perform an exercise on the other side. It’s easily the most cost-effective solution, relatively convenient, and space-efficient, but there is typically quite a bit of swing when you use it.

• Rack Mounted Lat/Low Row Towers: These are fitted to your power rack with a fixed high and low point. There are selectorized and plate-loaded options (more budget-friendly). Your choice of what brand you choose is largely dependent on what rack you have or choose to get. REP Fitness seems to be the clear winner with the design they offer with the option to add in the back not really disrupting the rest of the rack.

• Stand Alone Lat/Low Row Tower: These are stand-alone machines that you would find in a commercial gym. You have a fixed cable position suspended over a lat seat as well as one under the seat designed for lat pulldowns and low rows.

• Functional Tower: A functional tower is going to have many adjustable starting positions, but will be half the size of a full functional trainer; only being made up of a single-weight tower. They vary from having a single handle, to allowing 2 handles from the same starting location. These pieces give you the versatility of a functional trainer (adjustable settings), and with only a fraction of the footprint.

• Functional Trainer: This loaded cable system allows you to change between starting points, but also has 2 sides. Most functional trainers have two towers, but some versions have highly adjustable arms.

• Rack Attached Functional Trainers/Towers: These have some sort of trolley system to adjust the starting position on the uprights of your rack. With a setup like this, you’re able to add the benefits of a functional trainer

Step 8: A Cardio Machine

Just Get What You’ll Use the Most

When it comes to a piece of cardio equipment, you really want to ask yourself: “What am I going to use the most?”

With that being said, and without much controversy, the two most popular pieces of cardio equipment according to GGE followers (and we’d also agree) are:

• Concept 2 Rower – All of the Concept 2 cardio pieces would be an excellent addition to any home gym, but this tends to be the favorite. Durability won’t be an issue, and it supplements many different training styles and athlete types.

• The Rogue Echo Bike – This air bike is quieter, smoother, and beefier than most competition. It’s built to last and requires little to no maintenance. It’s a MONSTER and will get the heart rate going quickly.

Step 9: Add Some Versatile Tools That Don’t Take Up a Ton of Space

Dumbbells

For most, the next step is probably some dumbbells – or more dumbbells if you already own some. Loadable or Adjustable Dumbbells are options that’ll save space, but most prefer traditional hex dumbbells. A full set will be a dream for most home gym owners, but a few pairs will make a big difference in the variety of workouts you can accomplish. Fully knurled hex dumbbells are the ideal option for most.

Related: Did I keep my Powerblocks or NuoBells?

Kettlebells

Next up is probably going to be some kettlebells. As with dumbbells, these are extremely versatile and can be used for both strength-building and conditioning.

More Versatile Options to Add

A jump rope is an excellent conditioning tool, takes up next to zero space, and will not break the bank.

Traditional or Strongman Sandbags are versatile, affordable, humbling, and will add another dimension to your workouts.

Even if you have a pull-up attachment for your squat rack, having a designated area for pull-ups allows multiple people to train at once and can be more convenient depending on the workout you are doing. A wall-mounted pull-up bar is a great option and could easily be the best first purchase for some people.

With Olympic Rings, you have the ability to manipulate push-ups, rows, dips, muscle-ups, and other suspended movements.

A good set of bands can be used for a nice change of pace, warming up, and a way to change up resistance levels for certain exercises.

Other Home Gym Favorites

• While not as functional as traditional options, Adjustable or Loadable dumbbells are both traditional dumbbell alternatives that save space and are potentially less pricey than purchasing a full set.

• A soft plyo-box will add a ton of versatility to your gym. It’s an effective way to warm up and is routinely used in CrossFit, HIIT, or other high-intensity workouts.

• Slam them, carry them, toss them, hold them, etc. Slam balls are extremely versatile and an addition to many home gyms.

• We all need a strong core and beach season is always right around the corner. Medicine balls and AbMats will help you get there.

• Other Concept 2 products such as the BikeErg or SkiErg should be considered as one of your first pieces of cardio.

• With its ability to be easily folded up and stored against a wall, price point, and overall performance, the Westside Scout Reverse Hyper is a strong option for much of the home gym population.

More Tips as You Go Along

• The most popular and best gym equipment brands are Rogue Fitness (highest quality), REP Fitness (best overall value), and Titan Fitness (cheapest option). You can build out entire home gyms withthese companies.

• Make it a space that you enjoy to be. The more you love the setting, the more time you’re likely to spend there.

• Clear as much as you can off the floor as you go along. The more floor space, the better. Outside of storing on your rack, some storage options that will help you stay organized include:
  • Mass Storage Systems have the ability to hold dumbbells, kettlebells, plates, and more.
  • Horizontal Weight Plate Storage keeps plates intact on the floor, ideal for no wall or rack space.
  • Wall Mounted Storage Options are typically used to store plates, barbells, etc.

• To save money, DIY Projects can help.

• It doesn’t hurt to check the used marketplace (Craigslist, Let Go, Facebook Marketplace) before starting your search online. Most equipment will last for a very long time. This also goes the other way. As you grow your gym, you can also sell certain items that may not be used as originally planned.

• Outside of 2020, Black Friday typically offers good deals. This time of the year is best to buy, but the deals aren’t so good that it should delay your home gym start by much. Typical deals include free shipping, $20 off a barbell, etc.

• Many companies do not offer free shipping, therefore it may not be worth buying multiple items at a time to save on shipping. However, if you are looking to buy a single item, several companies offer free shipping such as Titan Fitness, Fringe Sport, and REP Fitness.

• Believe it or not, a leaf blower is one of the best ways to maintain your garage gym.

Mistakes to Avoid Along the Journey

When asking community members their biggest home gym regret, “not starting sooner” is actually the most popular answer. A close second is not buying quality equipment in the first place. Whether it’s not buying a decent barbell, to begin with, or cheeping on the first bench, “Buy Once Cry Once.” is a good motto to have on most purchases.

Other common mistakes include:

• Buying large pieces of equipment that do not get much use and take up precious space. Typical items tend to be something like a GHD or Reverse Hyper that doesn’t get used enough when considering the amount of space it takes up. In addition, many have noted that they’ve bought the wrong items for the current space. Not accounting for ceiling height or wall space needed may come back to bite you.

• Not choosing the correct squat rack to begin with (buying squat stands instead of a power rack, getting 6 post power rack that takes up too much space, etc.). Make sure the rack you choose ultimately aligns with the space you have and your workout preferences. For example, if you don’t plan on squatting heavy often, a 6 post power rack may not be your ideal choice. A half rack with spotter arms will be just as safe and take up less space.

• Not making the room necessary or choosing a spot that can be expanded into a larger area. In general, not planning for the long term is a mistake many make.

• Not buying good flooring sooner or buying cheap flooring. “Puzzle mats” are an example of bad flooring. It comes up on most searches as the first option, so it’s an easy mistake to make.

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Conclusion

If you are on the fence, keep this in mind. One of the surveys determined that 41% save at least 45 minutes a day by owning a home gym. Another 43% save between 15 and 45 minutes. Let’s say you typically go to the gym 5 times a week and will save 45 minutes a day by simply doing a home workout (no driving, wasting time in the locker room, etc.). That’s equivalent to nearly 5 workweeks a year. It’s ultimately more time to be with your family, do another hobby, start a business or just more time to invest in yourself. It’s also less time on the road and fewer gas dollars spent. A home gym is for those who want to optimize the rest of their lives ultimately. It’s their advantage.

In the end, the most important step is to start. From there, you can decide how much you are going to use it, what equipment would be most beneficial, and if it’s worth continuing (93% of survey respondents say they will own one for the rest of their life). Without question, it’s one of the best investments someone looking to live a healthy lifestyle can make. Plus, it’s not as complicated or as intimidating as it may first seem.

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