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Best Home Gym Equipment in 2025

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Whether your gym’s closed, you’re stuck at home, or your legs are too sore to move—I’ve got you covered. Here are my top picks for home gym equipment to keep your hard-earned gains intact.

You don’t need to waste money on gimmicky tools (like the infamous shake weight) or bulky 10-in-1 machines. With a few simple, affordable pieces of equipment, you can maintain and even improve your physique without leaving your home.

Looped Resistance bands

Resistance bands are one of the most versatile and cost-effective pieces of home gym equipment.
You can use them for a variety of exercises to target your upper and lower body while also assisting or intensifying bodyweight movements like push-ups and pull-ups.

Exercise Examples:

  • Upper Body: Rows, face pulls, tricep extensions, bicep curls
  • Lower Body: Squats, glute bridges, lateral leg lifts (see Hip Bands for more targeted options)
  • Calisthenics Support: Make push-ups harder or assist pull-ups if you’re still building strength

Why Are Resistance Bands Essential?

  • Versatility: Suitable for strength training, mobility work, and injury prevention.
  • Portability: Lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for small spaces or travel.
  • Scalability: Different resistance levels cater to all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.
  • Maintenance & Physiotherapy: Perfect for injury rehab and maintenance exercises. If you have shoulder issues, your physical therapist may have prescribed rotator cuff exercises—resistance bands let you do these comfortably at home.
man doing a resistance band workout

Quick Guide to Resistance Levels:

  • Thick (heavy) Bands: These give more assistance and are ideal for beginners or those who struggle with bodyweight exercises.
  • Thin (light) Bands: They offer less assistance and are better suited for individuals who are closer to performing the exercises unassisted.

Safety Tips for Using Resistance Bands:

Resistance bands are awesome—but they can snap if you’re not careful. Here’s how to stay safe:

  • Inspect bands before each use for tears, cracks, or weak spots.
  • Perform exercises slowly and under control.
  • Never release a stretched band under tension.
  • Avoid pulling bands directly toward your face—choose safer alternatives for upper back exercises.

 

Top Resistance Band Recommendations:

  1. AUVIM Resistance band Set – Ideal for strength training, stretching, and calisthenics.
  2. Premium Quality Pull Up Aid Band Set – Perfect for pull-up assistance, mobility work, and home workouts.

Adjustable Dumbbells (up to a decent weight)

Bowflex Adjustable dumbbells

They are a must-have for a versatile and effective home workout. They allow you to perform a wide range of exercises targeting different muscle groups while saving you space at home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, the ability to quickly change the weight makes them perfect for progressive overload, which is key for muscle growth.

Why are adjustable dumbbells a home training essential?

  • Space Efficiency: Instead of needing a rack full of different weights, one adjustable set covers a broad range of exercises and strength levels.
  • Versatility: You can train every major muscle group with dumbbells. Presses, rows, curls, lunges – the list is quite long.
  • Scalability: Easily increase the weight as you get stronger, allowing for long-term progression.

Exercise Examples:

  • Chest: Bench press, incline press, flyes
  • Arms: Bicep curls, tricep extensions, hammer curls
  • Back: Single-arm rows, renegade rows
  • Legs: Goblet squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts

Best adjustable dumbbells:

When choosing adjustable dumbbells, consider the maximum weight you plan to work with and eventually reach and the ease of switching between loads. Opt for a set that balances durability and practicality to ensure long-term use.

A bench (or alternatively a sturdy table that you own)

A bench significantly expands your exercise options by allowing you to perform movements at different angles and with better support. While a dedicated weight bench is optimal, a sturdy table or other solid furniture works as well. So in the recommendations I am including only adjustable benches as otherwise it is not worth investing in an expensive one – just get the simplest one you can find around and check that it has decent build quality.

Why is a bench important?

  • Exercise Variety: Perform flat, incline, and decline presses to hit different parts of the muscle.
  • Stability: Supports your back and allows for safer and more effective lifting.
  • Comfort: Provides a comfortable surface for exercises like chest presses and seated curls.

Exercise Examples:

  • Chest: Bench press, incline press, decline press
  • Shoulders: Seated shoulder press, lateral raises
  • Back: Chest-supported rows
  • Core: Bench leg raises, incline sit-ups

Top Bench Recommendations:

Again, if you’re working with a tight space or budget, a sturdy table can substitute temporarily. However, a dedicated bench is worth it in the long term for anyone serious about home training.

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There’s more where that came from on workout tools and exercise! Visit our Articles page for more.

XO
Alex 

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