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Building the best home gym requires considering budget, space, and health goals. Here, we look at the best home gym equipment for various needs, and our editor reviews Bala’s wearable weights.
Completing a varied workout at home is often possible, and finding new gear can help people expand their options, discover new exercises, and keep their routine interesting.
This article explores the best types of home gym equipment a person can use for a diverse range of workouts, including options that make working out at home more accessible.
- Best dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells | Skip to review
- Best wearable weights: Bala Bangles | Skip to review
- Best exercise bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle | Skip to review
- Best rowing machine: Ergatta Rower | Skip to review
- Best stability ball: TRX Stability Ball | Skip to review
- Best resistance bands: TRX Exercise Bands | Skip to review
- Best treadmill: BowFlex Treadmill 22 | Skip to review
- Best exercise mat: Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat | Skip to review
- Best for those with limited mobility: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer | Skip to review
- Best squat rack: Titan T-3 Series Power Rack | Skip to review
Medical News Today selects fitness equipment that meets the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Size and capacity: MNT selects products to suit people of different heights, weights, and abilities. Where possible, we also find products that may suit people with accessibility needs.
- Connectivity: Where fitness equipment has fitness memberships or subscriptions, MNT ensures they provide a variety of classes and services that are safe and benefit a person’s health.
- Materials: MNT chooses home gym equipment that uses safe and durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Ease of use: MNT selects simple-to-use products that have clear instructions. If the setup is complicated, MNT chooses brands that offer a setup or installation service.
- Quality: MNT selects companies that adhere to high quality manufacturing processes that ensure its products are safe for personal use.
- Reputable: MNT chooses products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices and that offer reliable customer service and support.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Any products tested below were tried by Healthline editors. All opinions are their own.
Best dumbbells: Rogue Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Price: from $17 per pair
Dumbbells are versatile pieces of kit, and a person can use them for various strengthening exercises. These dumbbells come with an ergonomic grip, and their hexagonal shape means people can use them on the floor without the risk of the weights rolling.
Dumbbells can also save a person space, as barbell or weight machine exercises are easy to complete with dumbbells.
Rogue writes that the rubber coating protects a person’s floor, reduces noise, and minimizes wear. They are available in weights of 2.5–125 pounds (lb) and come in a pair.
Learn more about the best dumbbells.
Pros
- the hexagonal design means they do not roll or scratch floors
- the lighter weights are relatively inexpensive
- heavy-duty rubber may increase the lifespan of the dumbbell
- they can save space
Cons
- the larger dumbbells have a bigger handle circumference, which may make gripping them difficult
- some customers reported an odor from the rubber
- some customer reviews mention poor customer service from the company
Best wearable weights: Bala Bangles
- Price: $55–$65
Bala Bangles are resistance weights a person can attach to their wrists and ankles. They come in 1 or 2 lb options.
They are appropriate for a range of resistance exercises and may be suitable for people recovering from injury who want to build up their strength gently. Plus, they may work for people who find gripping a weight difficult.
Bala writes people can incorporate them into yoga, Pilates, boxing, aerobics, walking, and more. The weights are steel covered in soft silicone that comes in various colors. People fit them to their ankles or wrists with an elastic strap.
Two Bangles are in each pack, and the company includes a carrying case.
Our tester’s experience
Healthline senior copy editor Anne Arston tried Bala Bangles after picking them up at their local Marshalls store. They describe their experience below.
“Bala Bangles are great for people who want to add a little more resistance to their barre, Pilates, or yoga routines, or for folks who want to engage their muscles a bit more during their daily walks. The 1 lb weights provide just enough resistance during my classes.
“I have used wearable weights in the past, and I found that they tended to be scratchy and irritate my skin. I was skeptical of Bala at first, but I have been doing a lot more barre and yoga classes recently, and I was curious about trying the Bala Bangles because users so highly rated them.
“I scored my gray 1 lb set at Marshalls a few months ago and immediately put them to work. The hook-and-loop strap is wide enough so that the sides don’t dig into my skin, and the silicone that encases the weights is super soft — so no more skin worries. I’ve used the Bangles on both my wrists and ankles, and they fit and feel great.
“While I primarily use my Bala Bangles from the comfort of my living room when streaming a Peloton barre or yoga class, I like that they’re chic enough to wear on my daily walks or even when running errands. I love that they’re hands-free, and I often forget that I have them on.
“I also wouldn’t be opposed to sporting them while running errands since they’re cute and look like ’00s-era chunky bracelets. Now that I’ve had them for a few months, I’d like to increase to the 2 lb weights for even more resistance.
“Bala Bangles are pricey, which could be a con for many people. But I really do think they’re a versatile piece of equipment and great if you want to sneak in some resistance while you’re on the go.”
— Anne Arntson, Healthline senior copy editor
Pros
- easy to use and wear
- suitable for a wide range of exercises
- people can wear them on the go
- suitable for people who may find gripping weights difficult
Cons
- they are expensive
- only come in two weight options
Best exercise bike: NordicTrack S22i Studio Cycle
- Price: $1,999
The design of this bike mimics that of stationary bicycles in traditional spin classes. Stationary bikes provide a low impact way to strengthen the legs and buttocks and enhance cardiovascular health.
It has a rotating touchscreen that offers various iFit exercise programs, and people can also join live workouts. During these workouts, the instructor can control the incline and resistance of the bike to vary the workout.
The bike will also match the terrain of the global workouts a person chooses. These virtual workouts take people along trails across the world with an instructor.
The bike offers a 20% incline and 10% decline range and 22 resistance levels.
Read our review of the S22i Studio Cycle.
Pros
- users can participate in iFit classes with automatic adjustments
- the bike comes with two 3 lb dumbbells
- features 24 different resistance levels
Cons
- iFit family membership is only free for 30 days
- expensive piece of equipment
- heavy, so it may be difficult to move and assemble
Best rowing machine: Ergatta Rower
- Price: $2,499
This cherry wood rowing machine offers low impact resistance training. Rowing machines help a person mimic rowing to strengthen multiple muscle groups, including those in the back, legs, and buttocks.
This model uses water to create resistance and folds away to make storage simple.
It has a built-in screen where people can access game-based workouts and a limited range of other fitness programs. A $29 monthly membership opens up the range of workouts, with Ergatta hosting HIIT, endurance, conditioning, and recovery workouts on the platform. Ergatta states it posts at least six new rowing routines a week.
People can trial the rower for 30 days, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.
Learn more about the best rowing machines.
Pros
- people can access interactive workouts
- it features adjustable resistance
- it folds to make storage easier
- membership adds variety to the workout program
Cons
- does not include Ergatta membership
- it is an expensive product
- assembly assistance costs extra
Best stability ball: TRX Stability Ball
- Price: around $28–$32
This stability ball is made from nonslip vinyl using “anti-burst technology,” so it can withstand up to 1,000 lb of pressure.
Also known as Swiss balls, these oversized rubbery balls can double as a bouncing seat. A person might use it for exercises such as wall lunges or abdominal crunches. They can also work out their core and practice coordination, flexibility, and proprioception, which is the body’s ability to process position and movement signals.
A person can choose either a 55-centimeter (cm) or a 65-cm diameter ball. The company recommends that those who are 5 feet (ft) 8 inches (in) tall or more select the larger ball.
Pros
- two size options available
- it is burst-resistant up to 1,000 lb
- is made from nonslip vinyl
Cons
- it does not come with an air pump
- stability balls can take up lots of space in a home gym
- some customer reviews comment on poor customer service
Best resistance bands: TRX Exercise Bands
- Price: around $23 for a set of four
Resistance bands are a common piece of equipment in home gyms. People can use them for low impact strength training of the arms and legs, rehabilitation, stretching, and improving mobility. They can also be an alternative to dumbbells.
The complete set of TRX resistance bands consists of four color-coded bands offering the following amounts of resistance:
- 2–8 lb
- 5–12 lb
- 6–17 lb
- 10–25 lb
This makes them suitable for people at the beginning of their fitness journey and more experienced users.
TRX writes that the foot-long bands are soft, durable, and easy to store.
Pros
- they are affordable
- can facilitate a range of exercises
- easy to use for beginners and experienced users alike
- the material is durable and they are easy to store
Cons
- unsuitable for those with latex allergies
- resistance bands can break over time
Best treadmill: BowFlex Treadmill 22
- Price: $2,799
Treadmills are suitable for people who enjoy walking and running. This treadmill has an adjustable incline and an impact-absorbing belt. Its maximum speed is 12 mph, and a motorized incline range of -5% to 20%.
Through its touchscreen, a person can access a variety of running classes, music playlists, and video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
Customers get a 2-month free trial of the JRNY app with their treadmill, which offers personalized workout recommendations, thousands of workouts, and motion tracking with certain pieces of BowFlex equipment.
Buyers can choose to include the company’s setup service at checkout.
Learn about the best home treadmills.
Pros
- the treadmill comes with a 2-month JRNY trial
- the deck folds up when not in use, making storage easier
- has a wide incline range
- people can stream their favorite shows and music alongside workouts
Cons
- it is expensive and will not suit small spaces
- running is a high impact exercise that will not be suitable for everyone
- some customer reviews mention the screen and programming frequently shutting down
Best exercise mat: Gxmmat Large Exercise Mat
- Price: around $180
People who are choosing between a yoga mat and an exercise mat may prefer the larger workout area this product offers. It measures 6 ft by 4 ft, with a thickness of 0.28 in.
With these dimensions, it can support a wide range of activities, including aerobics, plyometrics, jumping rope, and stretching. It offers a nonslip, cushioned surface to safely complete a workout on, and it can protect a person’s floor against home gym equipment they use.
The company states it is free from latex, phthalates, silicone, and toxins.
Learn more about the best workout mats.
Pros
- suitable for a range of exercises
- large workout area, which some may find beneficial
- mat is easy to clean and roll up when not in use
- protects a person’s floor and provides cushioning
Cons
- may not suit smaller budgets
- some customer reviews mention the mat takes a while to uncurl once unrolled
- some buyers had issues with durability
Best for those with limited mobility: Sunny Health & Fitness Recumbent Bike Cross Trainer
- Price: $599.99
This exercise bike may be beneficial for individuals with limited mobility as it allows for workouts of the arms, legs, and shoulders all from a seated position. It may be easier to get on and off with its lower seat position compared to other indoor exercise bikes, and a person will have some back support with the seat’s backrest.
There is a simple monitor to track a person’s workout, pulse sensors, adjustable resistance, and a device holder.
The seat is extra wide to decrease pressure on the knees and hips.
The company offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- suitable for individuals with limited mobility
- high maximum user weight capacity of 350 lb
- the seat provides lumbar support
- offers a full-body workout from a seated position
Cons
- very short parts and components warranty of 180 days
- some customer reviews mention the product is not suitable for individuals of a shorter stature
- it will take up a lot of space in someone’s home
Best squat rack: Titan T-3 Series Power Rack
- Price: $441.97–$586.97
Squat racks are useful for people who enjoy weightlifting at home. They act as a person’s spotter and help people to lift weights safely.
This squat rack from Titan is available in two heights of 82 and 91 in, and two depths of 24 and 36 in. It also has optional weight plate holders.
Titan describes it as a customizable and versatile squat rack. It comes with all the hardware needed to bolt the rack together. The company includes free shipping and a 1-year warranty period.
Pros
- available in different heights, depths, and colors
- affordably priced in comparison to competitors with similar products
- tubing allows individuals to add attachments
Cons
- may require bolting down for safety
- one customer review comments on a lack of instructions
- there is a notable lack of negative reviews, suggesting the company may filter reviews on its website
The following table compares the top home gym equipment in this article on key features:
| Type | Price | Types of exercise | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Dumbbells | dumbbells | from $17 | resistance training | non-scratch | may be difficult to grip |
| Bala Bangles | wearable weights | $55–$65 | resistance training | versatile | expensive |
| NordicTrack Bike | exercise bike | $1,999 | stationary cycling | iFit classes | only offers a 30-day iFit trial |
| Ergatta Rower | rowing machine | $2,499 | game-based fitness workouts | digital touchscreen with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | does not include membership |
| TRX Stability Ball | stability ball | around $28–$32 | • wall squats • crunches • hip thrusts | burst-resistant up to 1,000 lb | does not include an air pump |
| TRX Exercise Bands | resistance bands | around $23 | • squats • lateral raise • leg press • bicep curl | easy to use | not suitable for people with latex allergies |
| Bowflex Treadmill | treadmill | $2,799 | running | 1-year JRNY membership | expensive |
| Gxmmat | exercise mat | around $180 | • aerobics • plyometrics • stretching | suitable for any exercise | may not be suitable for every size |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Bike | cross trainer | $599.99 | low impact full body workout | suitable for individuals with mobility issues | expensive |
| Titan Squat Rack | squat rack | $441.97–$586.97 | muscle-strengthening exercises | available in different heights, depths, and colors | may require bolting down for safety |
As so many types of equipment are available, deciding what to choose may be daunting at first. Below are some tips to help people get started.
- Set a budget: It is important to start by determining how much to spend on home exercise equipment. This can help a person identify what equipment will offer the best value. It may help to start with lower-cost items. Later on, with an established routine, a person may have a better idea of what home gym equipment they need.
- Consider the workout style: Everyone will have different exercise interests and fitness goals. People should consider what types of equipment they may need for the exercises they want and need to do. This will inform how they set up their home gym and which equipment they will prioritize. Learn about the best exercises for overall fitness.
- Identify a space: The space available for exercise is a major factor in choosing home gym equipment. For example, a rowing machine requires a lot of floor space, while some dumbbells can be easy to tuck away. People should consider how they can get the workout they want in the most space-efficient way.
- Start with the basics: Most people benefit from having a stable, supportive exercise surface, such as an exercise mat. Having some resistance training equipment, such as a resistance band or a set of dumbbells, is generally also helpful.
- Health and safety: Health considerations should be the top priority, and some health conditions can increase the risk of injury when exercising. People should work with a healthcare professional to help determine a safe exercise regimen, especially if they do not already participate in regular physical activity.
- Do some research: Customer reviews, product demonstration videos, and the presence of a warranty can help provide peace of mind when making a purchase.
In addition to the larger pieces of equipment, a person may also wish to invest in home gym accessories.
These accessories may allow individuals to build up certain skills and muscles. They can also help with warming up or cooling down the body before or after a workout. We look at some common home gym accessories people can consider.
Jump ropes
Jump ropes may help to strengthen muscles in the whole body, including calves, hamstrings, quads, biceps, and chest muscles. It may also
XYLSports provides a jump rope priced between $7.99–$8.99, available to purchase on Amazon.
Grip strengtheners
Grip strengtheners may be an ideal piece of home gym equipment for those wishing to lift weights or who want to build up muscles in the hands and forearms.
Rogue Fitness manufactures a grip strengthener in varying weights for $25.95 each. These strengtheners come with knurled aluminum handles. A person can purchase these grip strengtheners individually or as part of a set.
Plyo Boxes
Plyometric boxes, or plyo boxes, allow individuals to build up speed and power. Research suggests that plyometric activity can improve muscle strength. These boxes are useful for a range of plyometric activities, such as step-ups, pushups, box dips, and jumps.
The company, Yes4All, stocks plyo boxes in four different sizes available to purchase on Amazon. The price ranges from $44.99–$139 based on size. These boxes are made from plywood and can hold a maximum weight of 450 lb.
Rollers
Foam rollers may help to relieve muscle soreness, tightness, and inflammation, although recent scientific research about their benefits is lacking.
Amazon Basics manufactures a cylindrical foam roller in four different sizes. The price ranges from around $9–$19. Amazon says this product is easy to clean, lightweight, and transportable.
The cost of a home gym varies based on what equipment a person chooses to purchase. However, it can be a significant investment, whether a person opts for one larger piece of equipment or a range of accessories and machines.
A person building a home gym should also consider any subscriptions they may like to pay for on gym equipment such as treadmills and bikes.
The following are common questions and answers about home gym equipment.
What is the best equipment to have in a home gym?
The best equipment for a person’s home gym will depend on the type of exercise they want to do, their space, and their budget. Basics such as resistance bands, stability balls, and dumbbells can help start people off. If a person would like more intensive workouts, they can consider stationary bikes, treadmills, or rowing machines.
What should a beginner home gym have?
People who are new to workouts may buy different home gym equipment suitable for resistance training, body weight, and cardio exercises. These include:
- a yoga mat
- foam rollers
- jump rope
- push-up handles
- resistance bands
What is the most versatile exercise equipment?
Dumbbells and kettlebells are popular and versatile pieces of exercise kit. They can help people build and maintain a wide range of muscle groups. Larger pieces of equipment like stationary bikes and treadmills can also help a person improve their muscle strength, stamina, and cardiovascular health.
Home gym equipment helps a person expand their exercise options and makes it easier for people to exercise regularly. Some equipment provides access to tailored programs and classes. Online programs and apps can add variety to a home workout routine and provide new challenges.
It is best for those with health conditions or injuries to consult a healthcare professional to help identify the most appropriate exercise types and intensities.