These home gym set up ideas share the essential equipment for a basic home gym on a budget and when you have limited space available.
Are you looking to set up a home gym this year? Perhaps you’re ready to take fitness into your own hands and want a fab and fit home gym.
In this article, I’m going to help you get there with my list of the best indoor exercise equipment for a home gym set up.
Whether you want an exercise mat for yoga, a weight lifting bench, or an elliptical, I got you covered!
Within this list of home gym set up ideas, you’ll find something for every area of your body and fitness level.
I am confident you can use this list to determine the best exercise equipment for your home gym budget.
Why Set Up a Home Gym?
1. A Home Gym Makes It Easier to Work Out
It’s a lot easier to stick to your workout regimen when you have the gym at home with you. You won’t make up any excuses to get out of exercising every day.
I know I find it easier to wake up, put my stuff on, snack and get into my workout a lot easier than the hassle of packing up my workout gear, driving to the gym, parking, getting in, waiting for equipment, etc.
2. A Home Gym Saves Time
Having a gym already at home saves you a lot of time and hassle.
Waking up to putting on gym clothes to snacking and jumping into a workout takes 20 – 30 minutes.
Compare that to getting yourself packed for the gym, transporting yourself to the gym, changing, waiting for equipment, etc.
This can easily take up to 2 – 3 hours of your day or even longer.
I simply don’t have that kind of time to waste hence why I decided to convert to working out at home exclusively.
3. A Home Gym Saves Money
When setting up a home gym and ordering equipment initially, it will look like a huge chunk of change but you only make this investment once.
After that, the equipment is yours to keep and use as you like. Compare that to gym membership fees + trainers every month.
Moving? You can clean, sterilize and resell all your gym equipment quite easily.
I did that when I was moving countries and used the money to set up my gym again when I settled.
You can also sell something you decide isn’t working for you and use the money to buy other suitable equipment.
The investment in setting up a home gym isn’t really wasted.
4. A Home Gym is Customized For Your Needs
A home gym is customized for your needs – style, decor, color, layout, and everything in-between.
You can make your home gym completely all about you and this actually also motivates you to get up and workout.
Here’s a section of my home gym area with my motivational poster, which is of course in my favorite color (blue).
Those words and images really get me going every day.
5. A Home Gym Challenges You
Having a gym at home really challenges you to push yourself to your fitness limits and achieve your best body goals.
6. Keeps You Safe
This is a no-brainer with the current pandemic devastating the world.
Most gyms have been closed and even if they are open, you should still be careful.
With a home gym, you’re the only one who has access to the equipment and you can keep it clean and sterilized as you like.
There are several other reasons why it’s worth it to set up a home gym but the reasons above remain the best.
Best Home Gym Set Up Ideas
The most important equipment you should have in your home gym set up is broken down below.
You don’t have to buy all the equipment at once.
Start with the basics and build on them every month or every few months depending on your workout regimen.
1. Indoor Cycle Bike
An indoor cycle bike provides a total body workout. You can keep track of your activity, calories, pulse, time, and more via the LCD monitor.
This indoor cycle bike provides front and rear door levelers for stability, a fully adjustable seat, and handlebars while toe-caged pedals keep your feet secure.
The best feature of this indoor cycle bike – if you decide to workout outside, you can use the transportation wheels to easily move it anywhere.
Learn more about the features of the EFITMENT indoor cycle bike HERE.
If you have limited space, you can consider the XTERRA Fitness FB150 Folding Exercise Bike instead.
2. Set of Dumbbells
A set of dumbbells are essential for weight and resistance training and building your muscles.
You can buy just one set or several sets of increasing weights to challenge yourself. I have 4 lbs all the way to 15 lbs weights.
Get solid cast-iron weights coated in premium material for a gentle grip and protection for your hands.
Due to the hex shape of these dumbbells, they are also less likely to roll around and cause injury when not in use.
Learn more about the features of the Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights HERE.
For a heavier set of dumbbells with a rack included, try CAP Barbell 150-Pound Dumbbell Set with Rack.
3. Resistance Bands With Handles
You want to get resistance bands with handles so you can focus properly while working out.
Resistance bands come in light, medium, heavy and ultra-heavy. Whichever one you choose depends on your fitness level and regimen.
You can take out the guesswork by getting adjustable resistance bands like these.
These adjustable resistance bands come as a set of 5 in different colors for variable resistance levels.
It also includes 2 ankle straps, 1 door anchor, and a carrying bag. Learn more HERE.
You can add a set of booty squat resistance bands as well. These are primarily for the thighs and butt but this is entirely up to you.
4. Eco-Friendly Exercise Mat
This exercise mat is two-toned and made from eco-friendly TPE material with a textured surface to prevent slip.
It’s also extra long to accommodate tall people and includes a free carry strap. Learn more HERE.
If you want a customized mat with your name and a cool mandala design, check out these customized mat options on Etsy.
5. Total Gym APEX Versatile Indoor Home Workout Total Body
You can complete a variety of workouts with the Total Gym APEX equipment.
The home exercise equipment provides up to 1o levels of resistance and 60 plus exercises.
Accessories included with the equipment are wing attachment, leg pull accessory, exercise wall chart, exercise & nutrition guides, owner’s manual, and DVD.
It also includes Total Gym TV access so you have someone to follow for all the workouts.
Learn more about Total Gym APEX equipment and its features HERE.
6. Cordless Jump Rope
Skip your way to fitness anytime, anywhere with this Cordless Jump Rope.
Unlike the traditional jump rope, this doesn’t have a long rope connecting the handles meaning you can use it in a small space.
The EVA ball simulates a sense of jumping and is heavy enough to give you the feel of jumping while the handle is made of memory foam to facilitate grip for a long time.
Learn more about the Cordless Jump Rope HERE.
7. Real Relax 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill
The Real Relax 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill has two modes – adjustable walking pad mode and running mode.
This treadmill has a suspension shock-absorbing running board to reduce the impact of running on the joints and ankles.
There’s no assembly required and the treadmill is ready to go out of the box.
The treadmill easily folds away when not in use or you want to move it around.
Learn more about the Real Relax 2 in 1 Under Desk Treadmill features HERE.
8. Doorway Pull Up Bar
A doorway pull-up bar that can also be used to perform sit-ups, pushups, and dips.
Perfect Fitness pull-up bar has padded handles for 3 grip options and is sturdy enough for up to 300 pounds in weight.
Learn more about Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Doorway Pull Up Bar HERE.
9. Exercise Ball
This exercise ball is a great, vibrant color and sure to brighten up your home gym space.
An exercise ball can be used as a stability ball, for HIIT bodyweight workouts, core strengthening, and stretching.
Trideer Exercise Ball is available in 3 colors and 3 sizes – 45cm, 55cm, and 65cm. See all the options HERE.
Additional Equipment for Bigger Budgets
If you have a bigger budget and/or space, additional equipment you could add to your home gym includes:-
- Rowing Machine
- Mini Stepper with Resistance Bands
- Hoola Fitness Loops
- Kettlebell Weight Sets
- Foam Roller
- Deep Tissue Massage Gun
You don’t have to buy all the equipment at once for your home gym but if I were to choose the minimum from the list above, I recommend:-
Everything else can be added over a few months or even years as you settle into the best workout regimen for you.
Another budget way to set up your home gym is to buy used equipment. You can find some really great deals on used gym equipment on eBay.
Other equipment you would need for a home gym besides the above would depend on your fitness regimen.
For instance, if your regimen is kickboxing, you might require a heavy punching bag.
Home Gym Set Up FAQs
Should I Set Up a Home Gym?
Given the current state of the world, setting up a home gym is definitely a good idea.
In addition to keeping you in shape, regular workouts reduce anxiety and relieve stress from all the lockdowns.
What Should I Consider When Building a Home Gym?
When building a home gym, you should consider your fitness goals, space, and budget.
Start with the basics and then build on from there as funds become available.
Alternatively, you can also shop around for used equipment deals on eBay.
Which is Better: Using a Home Gym or a Public Gym?
Check out my top reasons for setting up a home gym above. A home gym saves you time, money and helps you achieve your fitness goals faster.
Health-wise, you are also safer in your home gym because you’re the only one using the equipment.
With a public gym, on the other hand, everyone uses the equipment and you frequently have to wait in line to use the equipment you want.
To make the best out of working out at a home gym, put your phone on silent and turn off the TV when it’s workout time.
I promise you, if you opt for a home gym, you will stick to your fitness goals and objectives.
Let’s get working out!
Check the home workout programs I’ve tried and my weekly reviews at Best Home Workouts.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I will make a small commission if you purchase through those links. Read full disclosure HERE.
2 thoughts on “Home Gym Set Up Ideas – 9 Essential Items for Your Home Gym”