What home gym equipment do you need

Whatever type of exercise you plan to do – and whatever you can see yourself doing long-term – will determine what equipment you’ll need in the beginning.

Here I lists several home gym essentials, from the basics to advance. And remember, you can build as you go or as you determine what else you need:

The basics (inexpensive)  

• An exercise mat or yoga mat.

• Resistance bands (light, medium, heavy).

• Stability ball.

• Bench, step bench or box (something to elevate you).

• Ab wheel.

• Gliding discs.

• Jump rope.

Weights

• Suspension trainer (this staple is great for beginners or before investing in weights).

• Dumbbells (light, medium, heavy).  

• Adjustable dumbbells (these can be pricey, but requires less space).

• Medicine ball (sandbags are also similar).  

• Kettlebell.

• Barbells and plate weights.

• Weighted vest.

• Don’t forget – bodyweight movements can be a great exercise if you don’t have weights!

Cardio

• Treadmill.

• Indoor cycling bike.

• Elliptical.

• Rower.

• Ski Erg.

• Vertical climber.

• Stairclimber.

• Assault bike.

• Agility ladder.

• Don’t forget – cardio can include things like jumping jacks, power walking, jump rope, walking lunges, burpees or running outside.

Advanced (more expensive)  

• Punching bag.

• Battle ropes.

• Power tower.

• Squat rack.

Other home gym items to consider

• Foam roller or massage gun.

• A fan.

• Towel.

• Mirror.

• A dry erase or chalkboard to write down workouts instead of trying to read off your phone.

• Storage for exercise equipment (like a dumbbell rack or wall mount for a stability ball).