home gym

Almost every major sport includes a ball. Why not bodybuilding? Though not obvious at first, a heavy wall ball is as versatile as it is simple. Whether using it for shoulder conditioning or a platform for box squats, entire weight training or cardio workouts can be programmed around a wall ball.

Dumbbells are fantastic for upper body training but they take up space and cost a lot more than most want to spend in a home gym. Enter the Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells. One of the most innovative pieces of workout equipment developed in decades, the dumbbells replace an entire rack and for a fraction of the price.

It goes without saying that an adjustable weight bench is an absolute necessity for performing a bench press and a host of other exercises as well. An entry level multi-position bench will be good for most people and will take your workouts to the next level.

If any piece of equipment is considered the standard it’s the 7ft Olympic bar. Combined with the appropriate weight it’s the ultimate bodybuilder’s apparatus and indispensable for doing any of the major lifts – squats, deadlifts, bench press, shoulder press, etc.

Bumper plates give you the freedom to drop the bar without breaking anything and they make workouts quieter in general. You can accomplish some amazing workouts with nothing more than a pair of 25lbs bumpers – they may be all you need to achieve your goals.

When you’re ready to step up your workouts to heavier weights, a power rack is needed as much for safety as it is for positioning the bar. I highly recommend getting a power rack that includes upper and lower pulleys so that you can take advantage of the additional exercise options.

Once you have a power rack and an Olympic bar, you need to fill them up weights. A weight set is the least expensive way to add weight to the bar. A 255lbs set will give you 300lbs of weight (bar included) and for 90% of trainees will be all the weight you’ll ever need. Choosing weights with built in handles will make changing them much more efficient and safe.

If you’re planning on building your lower body you’ll want to incorporate squats and deadlifts. As your strength increases and the weight increases you’ll also want to stabilize your core in order to protect your back. Especially with squats, you’ll be able to brace your abs while increasing your core strength so that you can lift more weight quicker. A weight belt is an indispensable piece of equipment for heavy lifting.  

With the surprising ability to change the angle of two of the most important lifts – deadlift and squat – a trap bar can relieve tremendous pressure from your lower back and all but eliminate spinal compression while still allowing you get an incredible leg workout. If squats and deadlifts are tearing up your back, a trap bar may be the solution you need.

Rubberized puzzle-piece style mats are more than just aesthetic additions to a home gym. By providing a non-slip surface they provide a degree of safety and stability that’s impossible to replicate with any other surface. They also keep equipment in place which will become more important as your home grows.

The king of cardio equipment, the Concept 2 Rower used in conjunction with bodyweight workouts could be the only piece of equipment you need. Blast through the calories with a low impact total body movement that can be used as a warmup, a workout finisher, or an entire workout in itself.