Myself and thousands of clients train mainly from home. People are more conscious of their time than ever. Traveling across town to the stank gym isn't always feasible or desirable.
That doesn't mean we don't throw down with resistance and mix things up throughout our week! I've put together a total of 4 home gyms in my lifetime and with this last one, I've perfected the cost-efficient, and most effective build.
Let's dive in to the items on my list and why. Some of the items are on the lower end cost and make great space savers, others I'll recommend if you have an empty garage or spare room.
The Perfect Ab Carver
This is a great addition to help you burn out the core in small spaces. Also an awesome additive to your in-gym routines. It hits every angle and delvers a great routine.
Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
This is a good one for HIITs or even just wearing around the house for some added resistance. Pick this thing up - do not hesitate. Great investment.
Manduka Floor Mat
This is the floor mat for your house or gym. It's on the heavy side, that's a good thing. It's like stepping into a gym when you roll it out. Nothing ruins a floor workout quicker than a cheap mat that moves around. This one will stay in place.
Fit Simply Bands
If you're working with tight quarters - there is nothing like having some resistance bands. Here is my go to brand.
Pull Up Bar
There are a ton of brands on the market. Cap is cheap and will get the job done. Can't go wrong by strengthening your pull ups.
HIIT Jump Rope
Nothing like a powerful jump rope HIIT. Once you pick this up, shoot me a message and I'll send you my Jump Rope HIIT (if you dare).
Everlast or Century Free Standing Bag
Either one of these brands offers awesome free standers. The Century is on the cheaper side and a major win for grabbing some aggrieve fast-paced cardio. Also, you will learn to knock a mofo out. What could go wrong?
Bowflex Dumbbells
I cannot recommend these enough. Absolute 10/10 purchase. I've had 2 sets now - lost one in a break up. Her new man got lucky. These go from 5 to 90, you pretty much have a full gym.
Squat Rack/Cage
This will house all your main lifts from bench to squat. This is definitely your gym's centerpiece.
Kettle Bells
Kettles are a great addition to any small or large gym. Awesome for shoulder work and HIIT add-ons. Grab a couple of these for sure.
Flat Bench
This is one staple that is much needed in every gym. A good, sturdy flat bench.
Olympic Barbell
The grand daddy of them all. You can't have a real gym without a big boy Olympic Bar. Here is a trusted brand. This is brand that fits all your weights.
Bowflex Incline Adjustable
There is a million and one reasons to have an incline bench. A must for upper body hardening and an endless range of other workouts.
Ader Safety Bar
This is on the pricey side but a MUST. If you've never tried one, you'll find it a bit harder than an olympic squat. It is superior in every way when it comes to squatting and you can even load up more with no spot. Grab this if it's in the budget.
Rogue 6-Shooter Urethane Olympic Grip Plates
These are some of the best plates in the game but before heading over to Rogue I strongly recommend checking your FB marketplace or Craigslist. This will be a good way to save some money - plates will add up.
Lock-Jaw OLY 2 Olympic Barbell Collar
While training from home, it's essential not to drop the weight. Save your floors and pickup these end-grips.
TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller
For stretching, core work, and muscle soreness/flexing, this is the only foam roller I will ever recommend.
VYBE PERCUSSION Massage Gun
When it comes to muscle soreness, massaging, and daily training, every athlete can benefit from one of these. The VIBE is the real deal. I like the blue colorway if available.
TRX SYSTEM
This is an amazing all-on-one system. You can fit it in your living room or use it on the cage to complete the home gym. A stable for stability training and for the money, a great buy.
Sunny Spin Bike
For the cost, this is the BEST spin bike money can buy. I have this model and wheel out right out onto the back deck or front porch daily for spin sessions. It's lightweight and a great burn on the lower abs and legs.
EZ Bar
To pair with your weight sets, an EZ grip is a staple. This is great for biceps, triceps and numerous other arm workouts.
FitBeast Forearm Gripper
These are just plain bad ass. I keep one by my desk just to get a little burn. Pick this up.
Greater Goods Digital Food Scale
For getting results this is pound for pound the best money you can spend. Only $9 and if paired with the RE Custom 12-Week, it's game over for shredding fat!
Leg Press System
For the hardcore only this is THE grab. I have had this in my cart for 6 months and finally pulled the trigger. It's an investment for sure but worth every penny.
Big Circuit System
This a great all-in-one pickup. A buddy of mine who I worked as a police officer with had it and we use to get great sessions in. Personally I like the separate cage but this one is great for more condensing.
Connectible Gym Flooring
Even on carpet these this brand gets it done. No one wants sweat dripping into their carpet or onto the floor. These are a definite must.
Valeo Medicine Ball
From core workouts to speed HIIT drills, it's always good to have a few medicine balls around.