Commercial gyms are often crowded, expensive, and dirty (especially if the patron using equipment before you wasn’t too diligent in wiping it down). But exercising at home is cost-effective, and easier on your schedule. If you want to set up a home gym for a convenient workout without the hefty membership fees, you’ll need to start by investing in some exercise equipment and gear. Whether you want to go low-tech or high, focus on cardio or strength or flexibility training, there are plenty of equipment choices available.

Before stocking your home gym, note how much storage space you have at home and what types of workouts you want to be able to do regularly. Choosing items that are versatile and can be used for more than one activity is a good way to outfit your home gym space and still get the maximum fitness benefits. When evaluating home gym equipment for our list, we looked at the versatility of the product, stored size, quality, value, and durability.

Reviewed & Approved

The POWERBLOCK Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbells are a top pick for their space-saving convenience and ease of use. The TRX All-In-One Suspension Training System is an excellent choice if you need a full-body workout that’s portable.

Here is the best home gym equipment on the market.

If you want a piece of equipment for total-body strength training workouts that takes up very little space at home, these adjustable dumbbells are a top pick. Each dumbbell easily adjusts from 3 to 24 pounds in 3-pound increments.

Best Adjustable Dumbbell

POWERBLOCK Sport 24 Adjustable Dumbbell

Effortlessly change the weight of the dumbbell with the accompanying selector pin, which works like a weight stack at the gym. These are great for at-home lunges, front squats, rows, shoulder press, and more.

This all-in-one dumbbell set is the equivalent of eight pairs of dumbbells, so for heavy-to-moderate weightlifters, they’re a lot more efficient and cost-effective. The dumbbells come equipped with padded handles for wrist protection and a 10-year warranty.

Price at time of publication: $349

A TRX all-in-one suspension system is the perfect tool for at-home total-body strength training workouts for those who prefer to train with bodyweight. You can perform a variety of effective total-body strength and cardio exercises with nothing but a TRX. It’s great for pushups, squats, lunges, abdominal work, pull-ups, and more.

Best Suspension Training System

TRX All-in-One Suspension Trainer

The TRX suspension training system is easily anchored in your home or outdoors. Indoors, it’ll anchor to doors, rafters, or beams, and outdoors it can anchor to trees, poles, or posts. It only weighs 1 pound, so it’s also the perfect gear for the traveling fitness fanatic and has been safety-tested to support up to 350 pounds.

The suspension system comes with a 35-page workout guide and includes six-month access to the TRX app with even more exercises.

Price at time of publication: $180

Ok, so you have the space. But maybe you only have a firm 30 minutes to an hour to spare for exercise each day, and it’s not enough time to get to the gym and back. A Peloton bike will let you work out quickly and efficiently in the comfort of your own home, just a few steps from the shower—making it well worth the price.

Best Indoor Bike

Peloton Bike Essentials Package

The Peloton Essentials Package comes equipped with a standard Peloton exercise bike, your choice of 1-, 2-, or 3-pound dumbbells, Peloton indoor cycling shoes, and 24-hour access to Peloton studio cycling classes for your entire household.

If cycling is your exercise weapon of choice but you don’t have time to go to a studio, a Peloton might be just what you need.

Price at time of publication: $1,445

If you’re itching for a fitness class level experience in the comfort of your own home, check out The Mirror. From afar, this high-tech piece of equipment may seem like your average mirror, but turn it on and you’ll experience guided fitness classes of all kinds, one on one training, and a personalized workout experience.

Best High-Tech Equipment

lululemon Studio Mirror

Weighing 70 pounds, its sleek design can be rested against your wall or mounted, making it perfect for tight spaces. The mirror comes complete with a large library of workout classes from HIIT to yoga, which can be easily accessed from your phone, tv, or tablet. Keep in mind, a monthly $39 subscription fee is required on top of the physical equipment to use it.

While there’s no doubt the Mirror boasts an expensive price tag, it will transform your at-home-gym experience forever. And if you decide it’s not for you, the company offers a one-year warranty and a 30-day risk-free trial.

Price at time of publication: $1,495

To get a good full-body workout without storing bulky weights at home, consider investing in a set of resistance bands for your home gym. These loop resistance bands from Fit Simplify will make basic exercises, like squats, planks, bridges, side-stepping, and others, more challenging. They also offer great support for post-workout stretches.

Best Resistance Bands

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

This set comes with five 12-inch by 2-inch loop bands of varied resistance—from extra-light green to extra-heavy black. They’re made of 100% natural latex, are TPE-free, and come with a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publication: $21

If you’re kettlebell-obsessed and can’t imagine having a home gym without one, consider this adjustable kettlebell by Bowflex. Replacing up to six kettlebells in a single design, you can easily change the weight of this all-in-one model from 8 to 40 pounds with the turn of a dial. It’s perfect if you’re looking to share it with a roommate or partner who tends to lift lighter or heavier weights than you.

Best Kettlebell

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell

The weight settings on this space-efficient kettlebell include 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 pounds. With one weight you can easily get a full-body workout, switching from high-rep kettlebell swings to heavy kettlebell squats without having to buy a whole set. You’ll also get access to 24 trainer-led exercises that focus on foundational kettlebell techniques.

Price at time of publication: $199

Foam rolling after exercise can help ease post-workout muscle pain and reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness. The TriggerPoint foam roller has a rigid, hollow core and a multi-density exterior that’ll help you get rid of more stubborn knots without discomfort. The 13-inch by 5.5-inch foam roller gets the job done while taking up hardly any space, which makes it perfect for a home gym.

Best Foam Roller

Trigger Point Performance GRID 1.0 Foam Roller

Even if you have never foam rolled before, you’ll quickly learn how to use this tool. The foam roller comes with access to a free online instructional video library on foam rolling best practices. It also comes with a one-year warranty and can support a maximum of 500 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $37

Take your at-home rowing experience to new levels with the Hydrow Rower. Although it costs a pretty penny, this feature-packed rowing machine is well worth the price. Thanks to the rower’s electromagnetic, computer-controlled resistance, you’ll truly feel like you’re rowing on water. And its 22-inch display screen and built-in speakers will add to the realistic feel of your workouts, transporting you to a setting of your choice as you row.

Best Rowing Machine

Hydrow Rower

Prefer to listen to your own music? Simply sync your device to the Hydrow Rower via Bluetooth. Your rower will also ship with a pair of wireless headphones and a heart rate monitor that you can easily sync up to the rower to better track your heart rate. The rower supports up to 375 pounds.

Price at time of publication: $2,495

Testing Insight

“Throughout testing, I took a ton of classes—there are more than 2,383 on offer. Surprisingly, there were more than just rowing-specific workouts. Your Hydrow Rower also offers mobility, strength, yoga classes, and more. That is a definite bonus.” —Rozalynn S. Frazier, certified personal trainer and Verywell product tester

If you have some extra space to spare for your home exercise equipment and rowing is your cardio of choice, you might want to invest in an indoor rowing machine. This one from Sunny Health & Fitness has a foldable slide rail and two transportation wheels for easy storage.

Best Runner-Up Rowing Machine

Sunny Health & Fitness Multifunction SPM Magnetic Rowing Machine

The cardio machine’s resistance can be adjusted on a scale of 1 to 16, allowing you to choose the level of intensity for your workout. There’s also a bunch of handy features, like a bottle holder for easy access, a device holder to prop up your electronics, and nonslip handlebars.

The machine’s extra-large foot pedals help keep you secure throughout each pedal stroke, while the digital performance monitor keeps track of your pace, watts, distance, and calories burned. With an 11-inch seat height and a 250-pound weight limit, this machine fits most users.

Price at time of publication: $294

A standard treadmill can easily cost upwards of $1,000, which may be more than you’re looking to spend on workout equipment for your home gym. But the Horizon T101 treadmill offers quality at a more reasonable price point.

Best Treadmill

Horizon Fitness T101 Series Treadmill

Plus, with a 20-inch by 55-inch running surface, it’s a more reasonable size for home use. The “featherlight” folding frame is a handy space-saving feature that makes storage a breeze.

With firmer cushioning in the push-off zone and softer cushioning in the impact zone, the running deck is designed to be less harsh on your knees. It has 10 speed keys and 10 incline keys for a varied run, built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, fan, tablet rack, and water bottle holder—everything you need to get a great cardio workout from home.

Price at time of publication: $1,000

If your favored form of exercise is yoga, Pilates, or basic bodyweight strength training, a yoga mat may be all you need for home exercise. This lightweight, thinner model only weighs 2.32 pounds and measures 26 inches by 71 inches when open, so it’s easily storable.

Best Yoga Mat

Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat

It’s made with moisture-absorbent material that’ll help you keep your grip during sweaty exercises and balancing poses. The mat is also coated with an anti-bacterial additive that helps prevent mold and mildew. It comes in an elegant midnight orchid design suitable for any yogi.

Price at time of publication: $58

For a seriously intense cardio workout that can be done in pretty much any space—no matter how tiny—a jump rope is all you need. This adjustable one is suitable for people of just about any height, from 4-feet 9-inches to 6-feet 6-inches tall.

Best Jump Rope

Fitness Factor Adjustable Jump Rope

The skipping rope is designed with an anti-tangle mechanism that allows it to spin quickly and smoothly without catching. The foam handles are soft and easy to grip, which reduces tension on your wrists and hands during your workout. It comes with step-by-step instructions for setup and a list of trainer-recommended jump rope exercise routines.

Price at time of publication: $7

If you’re looking for the best home workout equipment for weightlifting, a bench is indispensable. With 12 backrest angles, this adjustable bench can be used for both decline and incline exercises—think chest press, rows, flyes, skull-crushers, tricep dips, step-ups, hip thrusts, and more. It adjusts from a 20-degree decline angle all the way to an 80-degree incline.

Best Bench

Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench

The bench is 59 inches long, 23.5 inches wide, and 48.5 inches tall, and it easily folds for storage so it won’t take up too much space in your home. It also has transportation wheels and only weighs 35 pounds, making it easy to move around and out of the way. It’ll support up to 800 pounds.

Pair this bench with adjustable weights for an at-home strength training workout parallel to what you’d get at a commercial gym.

Price at time of publication: $126 without expert assembly

Maybe you’re looking to set up a home gym in the basement but don’t want to work out directly on the cold floor, or you don’t want to ruin your expensive tile floors with heavy weights—either way, this puzzle exercise mat can help.

Best Flooring

ProsourceFit Extra Thick Puzzle Exercise Mat

These dense, durable square foam tiles will protect your floors and cushion your exercises for added comfort. Each tile measures 24 inches by 24 inches and is either 1- or 3/4-inches thick, depending on which option you choose. The tiles are made of non-skid material providing traction for plyometrics, are water-resistant, and are noise-reducing.

Choose between a variety of colors and sizes that’ll cover 24, 72, or 96 square feet.

Price at time of publication: $45

If you’re looking to add an extra dose of intensity to your workouts, using core sliders or gliding discs is a great way to do so. These small circular discs can be used to strengthen the major muscle groups in your body and can be integrated into nearly any type of workout, whether it’s HIIT, strength, or sculpting.

Best Gliding Discs

Synergee Core Sliders

The Synergee Core Sliders are a great option since they’re double-sided and versatile to use on any floor. There’s a softer foam side for use on hardwood floors, and a harder plastic slide that’s perfect for carpeting and rugs. They come in a pack of two, and each slider measures 7 inches, making them easy to take with you or stow away. Every order also comes with a handy exercise manual to guide you through workouts. Add these core sliders to your next workout and watch the sweat drip.

Price at time of publication: $11

When your muscles are extra sore from working out, nothing will give them the proper TLC like a massage gun. We recommend the Theragun Elite, since it features an easy-grip, OLED screen, and a customized speed range to target sore muscles. You can control the desired speed of the gun from the app on your smartphone, ranging from 1750-2400 pulses per minute. It also has a strong battery life that runs for 120 minutes per charge.

Best Massage Gun

Theragun Elite Massage Gun

Plug in this machine and feel it deeply penetrate and relieve those painful muscles, all without making a lot of noise. This is because Elite is made with QuietForce technology, making it 75% quieter than Theragun’s previous model. It also comes with a carrying case, five different attachments, and a power adapter for easy storage.

Price at time of publication: $400

Ankle weights are an effective, hands-free way to incorporate an extra level of resistance into your workout. We recommend these popular ankle weights from Bala, since they’re sleek, versatile, and will stay in place throughout any workout.

Best Ankle Weights

Bala Bangles

Each set of Bala Bangles comes with two bangles and a carrying case for easy transporting. Strap them around your ankles during any sculpt or cardio workout, or wear them on your wrists during walks for an extra resistance burn. They come in three different weight sizes, ranging from half a pound to two pounds, making it easy to choose the best weight for you.

Price at time of publication: $55

What to Look for in Home Gym Equipment

Versatility

When you are buying in home gym equipment, choosing pieces that are highly versatile is wise. Multiple pieces of single-use equipment can occupy a lot of space, and you likely won’t be able to use it all frequently enough for it to earn its keep. Gear such as dumbbells, kettlebells, suspension trainers, and resistance bands can be used for hundreds of exercise combinations. They also allow for progression with any type of workout program.

Quality

High-quality materials and construction are essential for home gym equipment. Shoddy products won’t give you a good workout and may even increase your risk of injury. And if your home gym gear breaks down quickly, you’ll be without the tools you need to work out until you can replace it. This is not only inconvenient but costly.

To ensure good quality, look for equipment made by known brands and constructed from durable materials. Look for reviews from trusted sources and consumers who have used the equipment for an extended period.

Size

Consider your available space when making a home gym equipment purchase. It is best to choose gear that you can tuck away, or that takes up minimal floor space. For instance, adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells have the footprint of a single item but can provide several levels of resistance. Suspension trainers and resistance bands are easily folded up and stored in a small area. You can even find treadmills and rowing machines that fold up when you’re not using them.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Isabella Broggini is a lifestyle and health writer and commerce editor for Verywell Fit, Family, Health, and Mind. She’s a NASM certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and former Equinox personal trainer. With an aversion to crowded gyms, she’s always scouting for the best home exercise equipment for her tiny New York apartment. She owns the Fit Simplify resistance loop bands and the PowerBlock Sport adjustable dumbbells and can’t get a good workout without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best way to organize gym equipment at home?
  • The best way to organize home gym equipment is to have a designated storage area with hooks, containers, and shelving. Purchase heavy-duty, purpose-built storage options that help organize and hold heavy equipment such as weight plates, barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. Hooks on the wall can hold resistance bands and suspension trainers. Sturdy boxes can hold other small pieces of equipment.
  • Learn More:
  • How to Set Up Your Home Gym Space
  • How do you clean home gym equipment?
  • Cleaning your home gym equipment is a good idea even if you are not sharing it. Remove dirt, dust, and grime by wiping hard surfaces with a cleaning spray and soft cloth. Use mild soapy water on softer items and resistance bands. Vacuum dust off of heavier items and and from hard-to-reach crevices.
  • What are the benefits of home gyms?
  • Home gyms have many benefits. You can exercise more conveniently, whenever you have the time. This could mean early in the morning, late at night, or multiple times through the day whenever you have a spare few minutes (but can’t leave your home due to child care responsibilities, weather, darkness, etc.). As well, home gyms allow you to use all equipment without waiting your turn while someone else finishes their workout. You may also find your motivation increases when your equipment is within sight.
  • How do you stay safe using home gym equipment?
  • To stay safe using home gym equipment, do not approach your one rep maximum for any weight you are lifting without a spotter. In fact, it is wise to have someone nearby when you do any type of workout in case of accident or injury. Inspect your equipment regularly to check for defects and be sure that any anchored equipment is sturdy and stable. Also be aware of your surroundings, ensuring you have enough space to perform the movements.
  • Learn More:
  • Kids and Treadmill Safety

The best way to organize home gym equipment is to have a designated storage area with hooks, containers, and shelving. Purchase heavy-duty, purpose-built storage options that help organize and hold heavy equipment such as weight plates, barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. Hooks on the wall can hold resistance bands and suspension trainers. Sturdy boxes can hold other small pieces of equipment.

Cleaning your home gym equipment is a good idea even if you are not sharing it. Remove dirt, dust, and grime by wiping hard surfaces with a cleaning spray and soft cloth. Use mild soapy water on softer items and resistance bands. Vacuum dust off of heavier items and and from hard-to-reach crevices.

Home gyms have many benefits. You can exercise more conveniently, whenever you have the time. This could mean early in the morning, late at night, or multiple times through the day whenever you have a spare few minutes (but can’t leave your home due to child care responsibilities, weather, darkness, etc.). As well, home gyms allow you to use all equipment without waiting your turn while someone else finishes their workout. You may also find your motivation increases when your equipment is within sight.

To stay safe using home gym equipment, do not approach your one rep maximum for any weight you are lifting without a spotter. In fact, it is wise to have someone nearby when you do any type of workout in case of accident or injury. Inspect your equipment regularly to check for defects and be sure that any anchored equipment is sturdy and stable. Also be aware of your surroundings, ensuring you have enough space to perform the movements.