I have spent the last several years building out an expansive home gym (now garage gym) almost entirely from Amazon! You can't beat the fast and free shipping (especially when ordering heavy weights & equipment) or their affordable prices. If I had to rebuild my gym with just 5 things I'd hands down pick these again!
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission on if you make a purchase, thanks!
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
These Bowflex adjustable dumbbells are pricey, but you can't beat the size and variety of weight. They adjust from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds EACH. When you compare the price of purchasing each set of dumbbells in that range and factoring how much space they'd take up this is a no brainer. The only downside to these is their size, they're massive, but the grip is comfortable and you get used to them. They also adjust smoothly and easily and are very sturdy.
TRX aka Suspension Trainer
If I had to pick only one piece of equipment it would be this! There are so many exercise possibilities for beginners and advanced athletes that will continue to challenge you for years to come. The suspension trainer uses your body weight and gravity for resistance meaning it's low impact and good for everyone! You can use it on a door or outdoors, meaning you can take it literally anywhere, or mount it to your ceiling (my favorite way!) or a wall. You'll never run out of ways to use this!
My client M using the suspension trainer (a knockoff pink one shown above, but the quality doesn't compare in the slightest to the TRX branded one). I recommend going for the name brand here!
PS. don't forget the wall/ceiling anchor!
Adjustable Bench
A sturdy adjustable weight bench that also folds up and can be stored in a closet or under the couch is a must have for any garage or home gym. Adding an incline or decline to exercises can increase difficulty and provide more options. This is especially helpful if you have trouble getting up or down off the floor. I like this one because of the minimal gap and wide range of angles.
Resistance Bands
No room in the house or budget for a cable machine? Grab a set of adjustable resistance bands that comes with a door anchor, handles and straps to mimic cable machine exercises. Resistance bands take up very little space (this one comes with a bag for storage!) and provide quality, low impact resistance for strength training. Plus you can't beat the price!
Olympic Barbell
If you want to incorporate movements like power cleans or really want to load up your squats a barbell is a must have! You'll also need to invest in a rack for safety and some plates for additional weight, but this is a good sturdy barbell that will last for decades!
My client L putting the bar to work! My rack is a folding rack from PowerForce USA. The pink bumper plates are also from amazon and linked here
I also have a small "ladies" barbell from Synergee if you are looking for something a bit shorter and lighter with a smaller grip. Did I mention it also comes in PINK?!
What are your must haves for a home or garage gym? I started with a lot of these very same products in 2018 and still love and use them in the my gym to this day. If you have questions about equipment or are looking for something not mentioned here ask in the comments! I've put hours in researching the best products and can recommend what's worked or not worked for me!
xoxo,
Briana
