Listen... the busier I get and the more activities my kids get enrolled in, the more important my home gym becomes.
I love going to the gym but having options where I can get in a full workout at home has been a game changer since having kids and working from home.
I think everyone should have some of the bare workout essentials at home. A pull-up bar and some dumbbells are a great place to start. You can create some epic workouts and get incredibly fit with those 2 staples alone.
My kids are in the garage gym all the time now and it is a big deal for them to see who can do the best pull-up, pick up one of my dumbbells, or do the highest box jump. I think it is the parent's responsibility to model a healthy lifestyle and teach kids the basics.
If you need some direction with your workouts, start a free 7-day trial of my daily workout plan.
By having fitness equipment at home, you take excuses out of the equation and create an opportunity for quality time with your kids.
Disclosure, I do get a commission if you use my link for some of these products.
Here are the top 7 pieces of equipment you should consider for your home gym:
1: Adjustable dumbbells: I think this should be your first home gym purchase. These versatile weights allow you to switch up the amount of weight you're lifting without having to invest in multiple sets of dumbbells. Plus, they take up less space than a full rack of weights.
The PowerBlock Pro Exp are adjustable from 10-50 lbs and you can get expansion packs that take them up to 90 lbs each.
You can work every muscle with just a pair of dumbbells and no other equipment: presses, rows, lunges, squats, deadlifts, curls, etc! Check out my PowerBlock Dumbbells here.
Check out my "11 Best Exercises to Add to Your Workout Program" and put these dumbbells to use!
2: Exercise bands: These lightweight and portable resistance bands are a great option for adding variety to your strength training routine. They come in different levels of resistance and can be used to target specific muscle groups.
I love bands for 2 main exercises: Pull Aparts for shoulder health/ posture and X-Walks to Strengthen the glutes/ stabilize the knees.
You can get a pack of inexpensive bands on amazon!
3: Pull-up bar: A pull-up bar is a simple yet effective way to strengthen your upper body, including your arms, shoulders, and back. You can install one in a doorway, get a wall mount, or get a freestanding option.
You just can replicate a pull-up, plus you can use the bar for ab exercises and rubber band exercises like face pulls and triceps extensions.
Mine is from RPM training and I love that it leaves room for me to park my car in the garage. For a long time, I was using a cheap doorway pull-up bar. Just be mindful that those can fall.
4: Kettlebell: Kettlebells are a great tool for full-body workouts, including exercises like swings, squats, and lunges. They come in a range of weights, so you can choose the one that's right for you.
Mine is from RPM Training Co. My favorite feature is the flat edges at the top, making it more comfortable for snatching, cleaning, and pressing.
Amazon has great deals on kettlebells as well!
5: Adjustable bench: An adjustable bench is a must-have for any home gym. It allows you to perform a variety of exercises, including chest press, shoulder press, and tricep dips. Plus, it can be adjusted to different inclines to target different muscle groups.
Having the adjustable bench has been a game-changer for my home workouts. I can now do incline bench, chest-supported rows, Bulgarian split squats, etc!
My bench is from PowerBlock: SportBench (link)
6: Animal house monkey feet: One of the most difficult exercises to replicate at home is hamstring curls, which I believe are important for developing the hamstrings and avoiding injuries. This piece of equipment solves that problem!
I wouldn't call this a necessity but really nice to have to level up leg day and your core exercises.
7: Barbell: A barbell is a classic piece of gym equipment that allows you to perform a variety of exercises, including squats, deadlifts, and shoulder press. It's a must-have for any serious home gym.
Slinging some heavy weight is a great way to build muscle and get strong. Compound exercises are king and imagine all of the heavy squats, deadlifts, rows, olympic lifts, and presses that will take place.
The only downside to the barbell is space. If you have room, don't go without this!
My barbell and weights are from RPM training co but you can also find great deals on craigslist and FB marketplace.
Overall, these 7 pieces of home exercise equipment offer a wide range of workouts and help you get in shape and stay healthy without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Let's crush the remainder of 2023!!!
-Ben
Ps Check out my "About Me" page for more on my fitness and career journey!