The home gym community continues to evolve, and 2025 is shaping up to be another year of innovation and growth. Below are some key predictions for the coming year based on industry trends and my observations.
More Content Creators
I think consumers are hungry for more home gym content.
I see the home gym content space growing significantly in 2025 after a few lackluster years of momentum post-COVID.
With more people building gyms at home and brands continuing to innovate, it feels like the perfect time for creators to step in and make an impact. Whether it’s sharing equipment reviews, setup tips, or workout ideas, there’s a growing audience hungry for relatable and useful content. Many tools make it relatively easy to create content, and the home gym community thrives on authenticity—you don’t need fancy equipment or the world’s best home gym, just a real voice and valuable content that resonates.
Companies are encouraged to support these creators as they play a vital role in educating consumers and promoting the industry.
The Year of the “2nd Rack”
2025 may be the year home gym owners embrace the concept of adding a second rack to their setups, driven by the desire for greater versatility and specialization. A dual-rack setup—one for traditional lifting and another as an all-in-one machine with features like a Smith machine, landmine, and functional trainer—provides unmatched functionality and variety.
The rationale behind this trend is simple: traditional racks can become cluttered, limiting their “comfort.” Adding an all-in-one machine not only expands workout options but also enhances overall efficiency.
Think of an all-in-one machine as your first “specialty machine.” Over time, many gym owners are likely to find this addition far more valuable than a standard functional trainer, as it combines multiple functions into a compact, versatile solution.
Magnetic Resistance Machines: Promising, But Not Yet Mainstream
Magnetic resistance technology has significant potential and is likely the future for many home gyms, offering superior versatility and portability compared to traditional weight stacks. However, 2025 may not be the year for widespread adoption due to high costs and concerns about software reliability. As advancements are made and prices come down, magnetic resistance equipment is expected to become a staple in home gyms—but it’s not quite there yet.
I’d be very curious to hear how REP, Rogue, and some other larger brands are thinking about this.
Strong Brands Who Differentiate Their Offerings Will Thrive
While economic challenges may force some companies to close, brands with strong identities, innovative products, and solid community connections are likely to thrive. Companies like Rogue, REP, Bells of Steel, Fringe Sport, and Get RX’d are well-positioned for success, thanks to their thoughtful design, strong brand reputation, and commitment to customer engagement—qualities that resonate with increasingly discerning consumers.
In contrast, copycat brands or those that rely on “off-the-shelf” products are expected to struggle as consumers grow more educated and seek out companies that stand out through originality and value.
More Products Designed for Women
The home gym industry has predominantly catered to male early adopters, but more women are entering the space. This shift calls for equipment tailored specifically to female users, such as optimized barbells, hip thrust machines, and platforms like the Booty Box.
Expect more brands to innovate in this area to meet the needs of diverse home gym owners.
Commercial Gym Brands Enter the Home Gym Market
As more home gym owners add specialty machines to their setups, it’s likely we’ll see commercial gym brands take notice and start catering to this audience. Prime Fitness has already set the standard by offering premium specialty machines and actively engaging with the home gym community. Their focus has helped them build a strong reputation among home gym enthusiasts.
Brands like Life Fitness and Hammer Strength could gain a lot by following a similar path. With a little more attention to the home gym market, these companies have the opportunity to connect with a passionate and growing customer base eager for high-quality, commercial-grade options.
Equipment Trends to Watch
- Adjustable Dumbbells: Adjustable dumbbells continue to gain popularity in home gyms, surpassing traditional dumbbells for many users. The key advantage is their ability to save space while still offering a wide range of weight options. With advancements in design and durability, adjustable dumbbells now rival traditional sets in performance and reliability
- Mini Commercial Gyms: Veteran home gym owners are building setups resembling commercial gyms, adding specialty machines over time.
- Cable Attachments: As pulley systems become standard, cable attachments are growing in demand, allowing users to replicate various gym machines. The growing variety of attachments—ranging from handles to specialty grips—offers unparalleled versatility. Home gym owners are now curating impressive collections of cable attachments, enhancing the functionality of their pulley systems and allowing for highly customized workouts. This trend is similar to what we see some do with barbells.
- Custom Work: More gym owners are investing in personalized designs to create unique, inspiring spaces. From custom racks with branded logos to unique color schemes and personalized storage solutions, these touches turn a gym into a one-of-a-kind environment. For many, the gym isn’t just a workout space—it’s a sanctuary.
- Smith Machines: These versatile machines, often part of all-in-one systems, are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to mimic specialty equipment, target certain muscles, and more.