Best Home Exercise Equipment - Starter Pack
/Whether you’re a coach, fitness enthusiast, or just beginning your workout journey, building a solid home gym can be a game-changer. Gyms aren’t always accessible, and a well-thought-out home training setup allows you to stay consistent, efficient, and goal-oriented. But what’s the best home exercise equipment to get started? Keep reading for my top five picks and practical tips for modifying gym exercises to fit your home setup.
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Top 3 dryland equipment for swimmers
Must-Have Equipment for Your Home Gym
Here are the essentials to kickstart your home workouts, covering versatility, space efficiency, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, this gear will meet your needs.
1. TRX Suspension Trainer
Why It’s Great: Compact and travel-friendly, the TRX Suspension Trainer is one of the best home exercise equipment options for total-body workouts. Two adjustable nylon straps with padded handles attach easily to a door, pull-up bar, tree branch, or mounted bracket, making it perfect for small spaces. You can target multiple muscle groups with bodyweight exercises that challenge strength, stability, and mobility.
Workout Tip: Adjust your angle to the floor to scale difficulty—closer for more challenge, farther away for less. It’s a fantastic option for both beginners and advanced athletes.
Favorite Circuit:
Rear Foot Elevated Split Squats: 3-5 sets of 8-15 reps
Push-Ups: 3-5 sets of 8-15 reps
Inverted Rows: 3-5 sets of 8-15 reps
2. Kettlebells: The “Gym in Your Hand”
Why It’s Great: Kettlebells are the ultimate tool for home gym exercise equipment. Compact yet powerful, a single kettlebell allows you to perform slow, controlled movements or dynamic ballistic exercises. It’s great for improving strength, power, and endurance.
Home Exercise Equipment - Kettlebells
Recommended Weights:
Women: 16kg (35.2 lbs)
Men: 24kg (52.8 lbs)
Favorite Circuit:
Turkish Get-Up: 5x1
Goblet Squat: 5x8
Kettlebell Swing: 5x6
3. Medicine Balls for Power Training
Why It’s Great: Medicine balls are perfect for explosive movements that build power and speed. Their versatility makes them ideal for targeting the core, hips, and upper body through dynamic, athletic exercises.
Medicine Balls - best home exercises equipment
Load Recommendations: 6-20 lbs
Favorite Circuit:
Chest Throws: 5x6
Slams: 5x6
Rotational Throws: 5x6
4. Power Bands: Add Resistance Anywhere
Why It’s Great: Power bands provide variable resistance, making them a versatile addition to your home gym. They’re lightweight, portable, and useful for everything from warm-ups and stretching to dynamic strength exercises. They can also be combined with weights for advanced progression.
Power Bands - best for home Starter pack equipment
Favorite Circuit:
Band-Resisted Side Lunges: 3x15
Band-Resisted TRX Rows: 3x15
Band Pull-Aparts: 3x15
5. Ab Wheel for Core Stability
Why It’s Great: The ab wheel rollout is the pinnacle of core exercises, combining stability, mobility, and strength. While it’s not beginner-friendly, it’s a must-have for those looking to level up their core training.
Ab Wheel - must have for core training
Workout Tip: Start with static holds or kneeling rollouts to build strength and control before progressing to advanced variations.
Favorite Circuit:
Beginner: Static Starting Position Holds: 3x30 seconds
Intermediate: Kneeling Rollouts: 3x10
Advanced: Standing Rollouts: 3x5
Adapting Gym Workouts for Home
If you’re used to working out in a gym, transitioning to home workouts can feel limiting. Here’s how to modify common exercises to maximize the equipment listed above:
Squats and Lunges
No squat rack? No problem. Use a kettlebell for goblet squats or incorporate the TRX for rear foot elevated split squats to add intensity and balance challenges.
Pulling Movements
Without a pull-up bar, try inverted rows with the TRX or band-assisted rows to target your back effectively.
Core Work
Replace gym machines with an ab wheel or perform band-resisted anti-rotation holds for core stability.
Explosive Power
Medicine ball slams and throws are fantastic alternatives to heavy lifts like cleans or snatches, focusing on speed and power without requiring advanced equipment.
Key Benefits of Home Training
Investing in the best home exercise equipment doesn’t just save time—it provides long-term flexibility and convenience. Here’s why it works:
Accessibility: Train whenever you want without worrying about gym hours.
Cost-Effectiveness: Save on membership fees while using durable, multi-functional equipment.
Customization: Tailor workouts to your space, goals, and fitness level.
Consistency: Eliminate excuses and stay on track, even with a busy schedule.
Building a home gym with the best exercise equipment for home workouts is an investment in your fitness journey. With a TRX Suspension Trainer, kettlebells, medicine balls, power bands, and an ab wheel, you can create a versatile, effective training setup tailored to your goals.
Need help designing a program or choosing the right gear? Schedule a consultation today and let me help you transform your home workouts!