Listen, the busier I get and the more activities my kids enroll in, the more important my home gym becomes. What dad doesn't want to be strong for his family, keep up with his kids, and still look good for his wife? Am I right?
For dads, having a home gym means more flexibility, fewer excuses, and a prime opportunity to model a healthy lifestyle for our kids. My kids are in my garage gym all the time. It's become a competition to see who can do the best pull-up, lift the heaviest dumbbell, or jump the highest.
Here are 6 essential pieces of equipment to get you started: What I’d call the ‘dad essentials’ for crushing workouts and staying strong.
*Click the equipment title for links. I do get commissions and appreciate the support*
If you only invest in one piece of equipment, make it adjustable dumbbells. The PowerBlock Pro Exp Dumbbells are a must-have. Adjustable from 10 to 50 pounds (expandable to 90 pounds), these bad boys allow you to hit every muscle group without cluttering your garage with multiple sets of weights.
From squats to curls, presses to rows, PowerBlocks are versatile enough to help you tackle any workout.
Bonus dad tip: They take up almost no space, so your garage can still function as, well, a garage.
A solid barbell and some plates are non-negotiable. From front squats and deadlifts to curls and overhead work, this is your go-to for building serious muscle and strength.
And there’s something inherently awesome about loading up the barbell and slinging heavy weight. Compound lifts are king, and with a barbell, you’re doing the heavy lifting (literally) of your workout plan.
Pro tip: Have a plan to follow. Progressive overload is what will keep the gainz flowing. Try a free 7-day trial to my workout blog subscription or grab my Garage Gym Gainz Ebook.
3. Squat Rack
Every garage gym needs a squat rack—period. A folding power rack, like the Major Fitness F35, is a game-changer for those of us with smaller spaces. This is where you hit the heavy lifts that will make you strong for your family and look good for your wife.
You need a rack for heavy back squats, bench press, inverted rows, etc. I like the F35 because it has a pulley system so I can do vanity workout like triceps push-downs, leg extensions, and more.
4. Pull-Up Bar
Dads should have a jacked back. Whether it’s strict pull-ups or chin-ups, this bar will help you build upper body strength and grip power. Install one on your squat rack, or even mount it to the wall (use a tree branch if you have to)—just make sure it's there.
My kids use the pull-up bar at least once per week. I help them do assisted pull-ups and it is becoming a big competition to see who can do the most reps..
Pro-Tip: If you get a squat rack with a pull-up bar, you kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
An adjustable bench is a must for a variety of exercises. From incline presses to incline curls, it opens up endless workout options. Plus, using a bench for split squats or chest-supported rows is a surefire way to build muscle and stability.
Pro tip: An adjustable bench also makes for a great spot for post-workout stretching—if the kids haven’t turned it into their personal jungle gym yet.
6. Adjustable Kettlebell (Also from PowerBlock)
Kettlebells are phenomenal for functional, full-body workouts. And the adjustable PowerBlock Kettlebell lets you switch between weights without needing multiple bells.
Whether you’re swinging, snatching, or pressing, kettlebells are your ticket to explosive strength and conditioning. The PowerBlock version has a flat top, making it more comfortable on the wrists, especially during kettlebell cleans and presses.
Honorable Mentions
Because sometimes you just want to add a little extra oomph to your garage gym:
Leg Press/Hack Squat Combo This machine is next-level for leg day when you want to torch those quads and glutes. It takes up more space, but if you’re a leg day fanatic like me, it’s worth it.
Sled Get your conditioning and strength training done simultaneously. Plus, pushing or pulling a sled will make you feel like an absolute beast. Not to mention, it’s great for family challenges—kids vs. dad sled races, anyone?
Cold Plunge A cold plunge is like hitting the reset button. Plus, it’s an awesome way to recover, build mental toughness, and reduce inflammation. You’ll thank me later.
Building a home gym isn’t just about convenience—it’s about taking charge of your fitness and setting an example for your family. With these essential pieces of equipment, you can create a killer workout space that meets all your needs. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to make those gains and crush your fitness goals right in your own garage!
Don't miss my latest YouTube video with each of these pieces of equipment:
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