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Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer
I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.
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The first thing to consider is what type of exercise you want to be doing at home — is it for strength training, cardio or stress relief? Your answer (or answers) will dictate which pieces you should invest in.
How much space you have to put things will matter when you’re considering what home exercise equipment to buy. There’s a difference between keeping a yoga mat and an elliptical in your living room, for example.
What are you actually going to use?
You don’t want to invest time and living space in something you’ll only pick up once or twice a year. Choose equipment you can see yourself using regularly.
$30 at Amazon
Best basic piece of home exercise equipment
Yoga mat
Exercising at home can be fun and efficient, and can save you money in the long run — as long as you know what to do with your space and what equipment to use. But with all the different types of home fitness equipment, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s worth buying.
A well-rounded exercise regimen should include both strength training and cardio, so the equipment you have at home should help to achieve both. Home exercise equipment doesn’t have to take up a ton of space either. We’ve provided a guide for must-have exercise equipment along with some space-saving options as well.
What is the best home exercise equipment?
It’s probably not the right move to single out a “best” piece of home exercise equipment, since what works for you will depend on what type of space you have for a home gym. (Some pieces of exercise equipment are big like furniture, while others are small enough to stash in a drawer.) Also, the kind of equipment that’s right for you will depend on what type of exercise you’ll be doing.
Best home exercise equipment
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A yoga mat is a key piece of equipment to have around. You can use it for low-impact floor exercises, such as Pilates and yoga, or for bootcamps and other higher-impact exercises. Shop with high-quality brand Manduka or an inexpensive one such as Gaiam, which offers non-slip options for all types of workouts. To prolong the life of your yoga mat, make sure to clean it regularly by following CNET’s yoga mat cleaning guide.
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Dumbbells, or free weights, are good to have on hand if you want to start strength training or already have a weight training program in place. Dumbbells come in a variety of weights, so it’s important to have several sets that consist of light, medium and heavy weights. To keep dumbbells stored away neatly, I also recommend getting an A-frame dumbbell rack, which can easily fit most spaces. I like rubber hex style dumbbells, like those from Rogue or CAP: The hexagon shape prevents the dumbbell from rolling away, and the rubber coating creates minimal noise if you drop it.
Since strength varies by person, your own strength will determine which free weights you need. Keep in mind that as you get stronger, you’ll want to increase the weights you use. In some cases, an adjustable dumbbell is a better option because it saves space and offers a variety of weights — usually up to 50 pounds each. A CNET favorite is the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, but there are plenty to choose from based on your preference.
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Resistance bands come in a variety of weights, colors and lengths. They’re a good stepping stone toward strength training if you’re a beginner because they can help make certain exercises harder. Mini bands are mostly used for exercises that work the glutes, like squats, hip bridges, hip thrusts, hip abductions, clam shells and more. I’ve also used mini resistance bands to make pushups and core exercises harder. Longer resistance bands can be helpful during squats, deadlifts or assisted pull-ups. They can even mimic cable machine exercises like lat pull-downs, cable rows, tricep extensions or chest presses.
Some tried and true resistance band brands include Rogue and Perform Better. If you’re looking to go high tech, the LIT Axis is a set of smart resistance bands you can use for strength training and Pilates at home or while traveling. You can also keep track of your workout and stats via the LIT app. No matter which option you go with, you can get a solid workout with resistance bands.
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Suspension trainers are a good way to make bodyweight exercises like squats, split squats or pushups easier or harder depending on your goal. They’re usually designed to be anchored behind a door, installed to a ceiling anchor, wrapped around a pull-up bar or even installed outdoors. Suspension trainers resemble some resistance bands because they have handles on the ends, but the difference is they’re made up of nylon straps and can be adjusted. They’re perfect for full-body workouts and take up minimal room, which makes them ideal for a home gym.
The TRX is my favorite suspension trainer. It’s pricey, but it’s made to last. There are more affordable options, including the Lifeline Jungle Gym, and there are others found on Amazon that have similar qualities as the more expensive models.
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An adjustable weight bench is helpful when you’re doing upper body strength exercises that require your body to be flat or on an incline. There are plenty of benches to choose from that incline, decline and can be stored away when not in use. A favorite of mine is the Flybird workout bench, which has an 800-pound weight capacity, adjusts to eight positions, and can then be folded up and stored off to the side.
Some people may prefer a multifunctional bench like the Yes4All Multifunctional Aerobic Deck, that doubles as a weight bench and an aerobic step, and serves as two pieces of equipment. Ultimately the style you choose will depend on the types of exercises you plan on using it for and the room you have to spare.
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Kettlebells are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own because you can use them both for strength training and conditioning. If you’re new to kettlebells, we recommend receiving guidance from a trainer or coach familiar with the tool to teach you the basics. Kettlebells are made up of cast iron and have a handle and round base. They can range anywhere from 5 to 100 pounds and are usually weighed in kilograms. So if you’re looking for a kettlebell that’s approximately 25 pounds, you’d buy a 12-kilogram bell.
There are plenty of brands that manufacture kettlebells, but you want to make sure you’re buying a top quality style so it lasts a long time. Single cast iron with a powder finish, created by well-known manufacturers like Rogue or Kettlebell Kings, is recommended since it’s less likely to feel slippery when in use. An 8- to 10-kilogram (approximately 17 to 22 pounds) and a 10- to 14-kilogram set of kettlebells (about 22 to 30 pounds) is ideal if you’re a beginner who wants both light and heavy weight options.
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Jumping rope might sound like child’s play, but it’s one of the easiest ways to get your heart rate up. Jump ropes are inexpensive and can provide a full body workout in a short period of time. There are different types of jump ropes to choose from: basic, weighted, smart, cordless, beaded and speed. They all serve a different purpose depending on how you plan on using the jump rope. For example if you want to keep track of the number of skips, you’re going to benefit from a smart jump rope. However, if you’re trying to master double-unders, you’re most likely going to prefer a speed rope.
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Medicine balls are another great tool you can use for both strength training and conditioning at home. Usually solid and round, medicine balls are designed with a leather or faux leather exterior. They come in a variety of weights and sizes ranging from 4 to 30 pounds. You can expect to pay more the bigger and heavier the ball is. You’ve probably seen the smaller ones being used for ab exercises, pushups and partner exercises, while the larger ones are typically used for wall balls, ball slams, squats and overhead throws.
Many different manufacturers make medicine balls, but it’s most important to make sure you choose a ball that’s durable and won’t get ruined after repeated use. Some trusty brands for larger medicine balls include Rogue, Dynamax and Titan Fitness, while SPRI and CAP are popular for smaller medicine balls.
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In an ideal world you would be able to fit different types of cardio equipment in your home, but that’s not feasible for everyone. If you have the space for just one large piece of cardio equipment, it’s best to choose the one you know you’re most apt to use. If you’re a runner or enjoy walking you may prefer a treadmill, whereas if you want a steady rate of cardio, you might opt for an elliptical. And if you’re looking for quick bursts of cardio, then you might like a rowing machine. An exercise bike is another option, and you can even splurge and buy the latest Peloton.
There are plenty to choose from. But before you buy, set yourself a budget and make sure you know how much space you have available and the features you want your equipment to have. If you need ideas on where to start, check out our top picks on rowing machines, exercise bikes, ellipticals and treadmills.
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When building your home gym, the question of which pieces suit you best will likely be based on two factors: how much space you have and which equipment you’ll actually use.
Will you actually use it?
If you’re just beginning a new exercise routine, you may want to start with a lower-cost option that’s versatile for a variety of exercises. Something like a yoga mat, which can assist in stretching or core exercises, may be a good first building block.
Next, you’ll want to consider the exercises you like to do and pick equipment that fits the type of activity you do regularly. If you like cardio or are invested in making it a new part of your routine, for example, a cardio machine may be a good choice.
How much space do you have?
Another question to ask yourself is how much space you want to devote to your home gym. Pieces like a jump rope or dumbbells may be easily stashed away, but something the size of a weight bench will take up more room. Here are more tips for building a home gym on a budget.
CNET fitness expert Giselle Castro-Sloboda selected the pieces for this list based on their versatility, exercise type or activity, and how useful they’d be for a home gym.
Do I need all of these pieces for my home gym?
Not at all. What’s best for you will depend on your personal activity type, how long you’ve been exercising or your experience level, how much space you have for a home gym and other factors.
Is it safe to exercise at home?
In terms of storing and using your home gym equipment, there are a few basic safety tips to follow:
- Make sure you’re well versed on how to use your exercise equipment before you pick it up
- Always use a spotter or make sure another person is around if attempting heavy weights, especially if they’re extended above your body on a bench
- Take into account any small children or pets that may have access to your equipment. (Children may be injured if they have access to a treadmill, for example.)
After taking into account other people or animals in your space, and following the safety instructions of whatever equipment you’re using, you should take into account any health condition you have and make adjustments to your activity accordingly. People with a heart condition, for example, should talk with their doctor about any new exercise routine they plan to start.
But generally speaking, exercising at home is safe for most people. It can be a more convenient way to stay fit and improve your mental and physical health.
What else do I need to consider when building a home gym?
Here are some general tips for building your home gym:
- Avoid buying things you’re not sure you’ll use (for example, if you hate lifting weights, maybe start your new routine at a public gym before investing in your own set for home)
- Shop around for good deals on equipment (Black Friday, for example, is a great day to buy exercise equipment)
- Don’t be afraid to rearrange your room to fit your new home gym
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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