What gym equipment do you need at home?

1. Dumbbells

The diverse exercises you can do with decently weighted dumbbells are endless. You can easily purchase dumbbells at any local store, such as Walmart, Costco, Target, and even places like CVS or your local GoodWill.  Dumbells are a justifiable purchase for any home workout gym, an absolute necessity that can transform your workouts. When purchasing, look for hex shaped dumbbells with protective black rubber coating. Purchasing a nice set of Dumbbells is worth the cost because they will last the longest.

When working out, try to do 3-5 sets in a range of weight that is about 75% of max for 8 – 12 reps. Dumbbells give you the flexibility and accommodate a variety of muscle building and weight loss exercises that will support your workout.

2. Concept 2 Rower

A lot of people will tell you the Concept 2 Rower is one of the toughest workouts you can do. This piece is essential equipment for any home workout gym. Concept 2 movements will test your cardio and strengthen arms, legs, biceps, traps, and core muscles. I personally have a Concept 2 Rower, and I warm up with a 500-meter sprint in at least one minute and fifty seconds.  The Concept 2 Rower movement is unique and strenuous; however, it does not take much time to complete a good workout.  The Concept 2 Rower is a foundational movement for motocross, bicyclists, and other extreme athletes; just start rowing, and your body will be taxed, and after a few weeks, you will feel much stronger. Increase the distance up to 2500 meters and add a more challenging resistance, and you will most likely just row on some days.

I think the concept 2 rower is a worthwhile investment for any athlete because it will add variety to any of your workout routines. Look for Concept 2 Rowers on their website.

3. Pull Up Bar

Pull up bars are not only use for basic pull-ups! There are a number of complex and basic athletic exercises you can practice if you have a pull-up bar installed in your home workout gym.

You can buy pull up bar systems built for hallways and doorways, but I prefer the system that has the pull-up and dip bar in unison. I like the stability and flexibility of the pull-up and dip bar combination. The Pullup bar doorway system seems a little cumbersome. But again, that is just my opinion. The doorway system is still a good and inexpensive option. If you can’t yet do pull-ups on your own, you can buy some resistance bands for bodyweight assistance.

I like to do 2 -4 sets of 10 – 20 reps of dips and pull-ups.

4. Stretch Strap

The stretch strap is great for the home gym or for traveling hotel workouts. The stretch straps help you get a nice stretch and support you in difficult to maintain positions.  Stretch straps are lightweight and add another level to your bodyweight exercises and stretch. Stretch straps also give you the flexibility to add variety in your workouts by adding a whole library of gymnastic exercises and athletic stretches.

When looking for stretch straps, make sure you get a brand that is light in weight, strong, and easy to hang. We have a great stretch strap that is long, flexible, and durable.

5. Jump Rope

Just ask any boxer weight they do to improve their fitness, and they will tell you to jump rope and run. If you have not jumped rope since you were a child, you’re in for a sore legs and calves day. Jumping rope is more difficult and tiresome than it looks and is an incredible fitness and cardio workout. Jumping rope also works your total body coordination in addition to lower body explosiveness. If you are an advanced athlete or beginner, just get a durable rope, and don’t worry about making mistakes. Just jump!

If you have some jump roping skill, look for a weighted jump rope or lightweight rope to work on speed, explosiveness and timing, or a heavy old school thick rope for those that like the pain.

6. Ab Roller

An ab roller is a great tool for ab exercises and core strength movements. An ab roller is an essential purchase. Whether you are using the elastic bands that assist or doing abdominal exercises without the assist band, the ab roller delivers an excellent core workout.

Look for a SOFT ab roller with assist bands, as this provides a safe way to do ab exercises. An ab roller will help build ab muscles and the six-pack abs that everyone wants. An ab roller with assists is forgiving when you do ab exercises involving focused difficult ab exercise movements.

7. Box

Box jumps are a staple in my workout routines. What’s more fun than having a box to jump on? Boxes are a great tool for building explosive power, quickness, and lower body strength. You can also use them for assisted lunges, squatting, one leg squats, and for other non-jumping exercises.

You can build your own jumping plyometric box if you have the skill or order one from your local store. Right now, during the COVID-19 situation, I am jumping onto the edge of my couch.

8. Mat

Your home workout gym, of course, would not be complete without a floor mat. A mat will provide the comfort and safety needed to do floor exercises.

Look for a durable, not too cheap and not too expensive mat. If you have a small frame, a basic mat will do. If you are taller than 6 feet, you will need to pay attention to the length of the mat and consider purchasing a longer mat.

9. Full-Length Mirror

When working out at home, you will find watching yourself in the mirror provides motivation and a greater level of inspiration, as you can focus on technique and having fun. Additionally, you can finish your workout with a little dance time. I do it all the time with my kids. A mirror is a great tool as you will actually feel like you have a partner working out with you. Sounds weird, but try it!

10. Stationary Bike

I use a stationary bike to warmup and also as a great cardio workout. You can get a great leg workout by increasing the resistance level. A stationery bike is also good to have when recovering from injuries. 

Music with an Awesome Playlist

Seriously, you have to workout to soulful music and inspiring tunes while you work out. Music will increase the energy you’re willing to put out and help you hang in there for a longer workout.

This list of ten items will give you the tools you need to get a great workout at all times. I am confident you could create many muscle building, fat burning workouts for yourself and family with these exercises and home workout equipment, because this is exactly what I use. If you can’t see purchasing all ten at once, slowly start building your gym by adding one piece of home workout equipment at a time, starting with the least expensive.

If you’re on a tight budget, check the local classifieds, GoodWill, Craigslist, and your local garage sale.

Working out on your own isn’t for the uninspired. Some people spend enormous amounts of money buying this listed equipment, but then never touch it because they actually find more inspiration and support in group classes. Before committing effort, money, time, and more money, check out the simple warmup exercises we posted on the Souletics YouTube channel that can be done at home without equipment and all the extra stuff.

But for those of you who know you need a home gym and are under a pressure cooker, are self-motivated, and ready to get going, the above list of workout equipment could cost you less than $1000, if you do your research and purchase wisely.

Here are a few links to help you get started: