25 Best Home Gym Equipment Items of 2022

The home gym landscape has changed drastically over the past few years.

While a home gym was once considered a luxury, many people are now dedicating space to work out in their homes and garages.

From simple weights and yoga mats to high end cardio machines, there are many ways to stay in shape without setting foot in a gym.

To help you get started, we selected our favorite pieces of home gym equipment to fit a variety of fitness needs and budgets.

All the products on this list were selected using the following criteria:

• Versatility: To help save money and space, we looked for equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises.
• Materials: From kettlebells to cardio machines, we included products that are stable, reliable, and well made overall.
• Size: We looked for items that work for home gyms of all sizes.
• Customer reviews: All the products below have mostly positive customer reviews.
• Vetting: The products on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Best workout mat

Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat

• Price: $
• Pros: textured surface to prevent slipping, padding comfortable for joints
• Cons: possibility that paint may come off or smudge, too thin for some

A workout mat is a simple yet essential piece of exercise gear for everything from yoga and stretching to weightlifting and high intensity interval training.

While there’s an abundance of options to choose from, the Gaiam Premium Extra-Thick Yoga Mat is one of the best because it’s affordable, available in a variety of colors and styles, and easy to clean.

It also features a textured nonslip surface to keep you safe and secure while you sweat.

What’s more, the mat weighs just 3 pounds (lb) (1.4 kilograms [kg]) and is extra thick, with 6 millimeters of padding to keep you comfortable on almost any surface.

Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, says this mat is her go-to, and she likes that the surface is easy to grip even during hot yoga classes.

Best resistance bands

Whatafit Resistance Bands

• Price: $
• Pros: affordable, versatile, compact
• Cons: poor durability, may snap

A good choice for those tight on space, resistance bands offer a compact and budget-friendly way to add intensity to your workout.

When shopping for resistance bands, keep in mind that most are color-coded according to their tension level. Therefore, it’s best to buy a set for maximum versatility.

Many band sets include accessories, such as handles and door anchors, to improve your range of motion and allow for a greater number of exercises.

These highly rated bands from Whatafit are a great option, as they range from 10 to 50 lb (4.5 to 22.7 kg) of resistance when used individually and can be combined for up to 150 lb (68 kg) of resistance to help grow and strengthen your muscles.

In addition to five resistance bands, the kit includes two handles, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and a travel bag to keep all your equipment in one place.

Best workout bench

FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench

• Price: $
• Pros: foldable design, made of steel and vegan leather, sturdy, lightweight
• Cons: lightweight, so it might move around easily; lacks lumbar support; might be too short or narrow for some users

With more than 18,000 online reviews, most of which are 5 stars, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Weight Bench is a popular choice for any home gym.

With six back positions and four seat positions, this bench is easily adjustable for a full-body workout.

It’s made from high quality steel and durable leather, so you don’t have to worry about it tearing or breaking anytime soon. Plus, it’s foldable and weighs only 21.3 lb (9.7 kg), so it’s easy to move and store.

It comes fully assembled and supports up to 600 lb (272.7 kg) for a safe and stable workout experience.

Best heavy bag

FITVEN Freestanding Punching Bag

• Price: $$
• Pros: absorbs shock, reduces noise, sturdy
• Cons: difficult to fill, may leak water

If you enjoy boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts, a freestanding heavy bag and some boxing gloves are a great investment.

Standing 70 inches (in) (177.8 centimeters [cm]) tall, this punching bag from FITVEN is flexible and durable.

Plus, thanks to a series of springs, it’s designed to absorb shock and reduce noise better than its competitors.

Another benefit is that it’s freestanding, so you don’t have to worry about anchoring it to your ceiling.

While you can fill the base with water, the company recommends using sand for better stability.

Best equipment mat

BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Equipment Mat

• Price: $
• Pros: textured nonslip surface, protects floor from sweat, may absorb noise and vibrations
• Cons: rips, too thin for some, may stain floor

Available in two sizes and a foldable option, the BalanceFrom GoFit High Density Equipment Mat is made of a high density textured material that prevents slippage, adds stability to your exercise equipment, and protects your floor.

The mat may also help reduce noise and vibrations.

While the 3 x 6.5-foot (ft) (91.4 x 198-cm) mat is large enough for most cardio machines, the 2.5 x 5-ft (76.2 x 152.4-cm) size works well for smaller equipment or as a supportive surface for bodyweight cardio exercises.

As a bonus, the mat is simple to clean and rolls up easily for storage.

Best suspension trainer

TRX Home2 System

• Price: $$
• Pros: lightweight, adjustable, durable, portable
• Cons: expensive, requires strong anchor point

You can get a full-body workout anywhere and anytime with this suspension training kit from TRX.

Featuring a series of straps and handles, suspension trainers allow you to perform a full-body resistance workout without weights.

Instead, the trainer uses gravity and your body weight to provide resistance during exercises, including lunges, squats, pullups, pushups, and planks.

The suspension straps also increase the difficulty of workouts by adding an element of instability to bodyweight moves, which helps you use more of your core muscles.

Plus, because it’s lightweight and adjustable, the system is great for small spaces and people of all sizes and fitness levels.

While the company offers a more advanced kit, the Home2 system is a good option for beginners. It includes a TRX suspension training strap, suspension anchor, door anchor, and a mesh travel pouch.

Best dumbbells

Rogue Dumbbells

• Price: $–$$
• Pros: hex shape to prevent rolling, rubber coating to protect floors, wide range of weights available
• Cons: can be expensive to buy multiple pairs, high shipping cost

If you prefer the feel of traditional dumbbells or like to have multiple weight increments available at the same time, these Rogue Dumbbells are a solid addition to any home gym.

The hex shape helps prevent rolling, and the rubber coating can help protect your floors and other surfaces. The chrome-plated handles feature an ergonomic design that’s comfortable to grip.

They’re available in weight increments of 2.5–125 lb (1.1–56.7 kg), so it’s easy to purchase additional pairs if needed.

Plus, these dumbbells are compatible with the Kettle Gryp, a specialized handle that allows you to use traditional dumbbells for kettlebell exercises.

Best adjustable dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells

• Price: $$
• Pros: space-saving design, convenient storage tray, easy to switch weights
• Cons: bulky, might be too light for some

No home gym is complete without dumbbells.

Useful for a variety of exercises, such as biceps curls, triceps kickbacks, weighted lunges, and Russian twists, dumbbells are versatile pieces of exercise equipment designed to strengthen and tone your body.

However, buying a set of weights can get expensive and requires space for a dumbbell rack. Instead, we recommend the SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells from Bowflex.

Offering 15 weights in one, these adjustable dumbbells are both compact and effective.

With a simple turn of a dial, the dumbbells are adjustable from 5 to 52.5 lb (2.3 to 24 kg) in 2.5-lb (1.1-kg) increments.

However, because they only go up to 52.5 lb (24 kg), these dumbbells may be too light for people looking to lift heavier weights.

Healthline writer Jessica Timmons tested the Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells and appreciates that they’re a quiet, space-saving alternative to a traditional dumbbell set. To learn more, check out this full review.

Best kettlebells

Rogue Rubber Coated Kettlebells

• Price: $–$$
• Pros: durable, color-coded, rubber-coated cast iron
• Cons: high shipping cost, not heavy enough for some

Another essential piece of home gym equipment is a kettlebell.

While kettlebells can be used for many of the same exercises as dumbbells, they also allow for more dynamic moves, including snatches, cleans, and kettlebell swings.

These rubber-coated kettlebells from Rogue Fitness are among the best, as they’re made of single-piece cast iron for ultimate durability.

In addition to being well made, these kettlebells are easy to grip thanks to their textured handles. Plus, they’re color-coded to help you quickly identify your desired weight.

The kettlebells are available in 5 weight increments: 26, 35, 44, 53, and 70 lb (12, 16, 20, 24, and 32 kg).

Best adjustable kettlebell

Stamina Adjustable Kettle Versa-Bell

• Price: $
• Pros: easy weight adjustments, easy-grip cast-iron handle, excellent customer service
• Cons: bulky, may clang or rattle, may be too bulky or too light for some

Taking the place of 6 individual kettlebells, this 36-lb (16.3-kg) adjustable kettlebell features a patented pin adjustment system for quick, simple weight changes.

The durable design features a cast-iron handle and five steel weight plates inside the shell. The kettlebell is sturdy enough to support pushups and takes up minimal space in your workout area.

It also comes with a square pad to protect your floors.

Several reviewers mention that this kettlebell feels well balanced, even at lighter weights.

Best barbell

Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar

• Price: $$
• Pros: fantastic value, exclusive Rogue knurl pattern, lifetime warranty
• Cons: rust issues, slippery for sweaty hands, coating that may scratch or come off

Backed by a lifetime guarantee against bending, the Ohio Bar from Rogue Fitness is available in four finishes.

The 44.1-lb (20-kg) steel bar is made in the United States and features high quality knurling and bronze brushings that work as bearing surfaces between the bar sleeve and shaft.

The Ohio Bar is strong enough to support heavy weight loads and offers great value for the cost.

Customers rave about the exceptional quality and appreciate Rogue Fitness’s excellent customer service.

Best weight plates

Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2

• Price: $–$$
• Pros: durable design, thin plates, rubber coating to protect floors and reduce bounce
• Cons: paint wears off, might bend or scratch easily

Bumper plates are a great addition to any home gym, as they help minimize noise, reduce bounce, and protect your floors during strength training moves such as deadlifts.

To accompany the Ohio Bar above, we recommend the Echo Bumper Plates V2, which are also from Rogue Fitness. Offering excellent value, the plates feature a durable design that uses stainless steel inserts and high quality rubber.

Customers particularly appreciate the thin width of the plates, which makes it easy to maximize weight loads. Several people also mention that the plates are easy to grip and move on and off the bar.

The Echo Bumper Plates V2 are available in pairs from 10 to 45 lb (4.5 to 20.4 kg) or sets ranging from 160 to 260 lb (72.5 to 118 kg) total.

Best all-in-one home gym

Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

• Price: $$$
• Pros: sturdy construction, easy assembly, no cable changes between sets
• Cons: expensive, not enough resistance for advanced weightlifters

One pricey but popular piece of home workout equipment is the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym.

Featuring a cable pulley system, padded seat, and leg press, it allows you to perform more than 50 exercises — such as shoulder presses, leg extensions, and biceps curls — with a single machine.

It also accommodates users weighing up to 300 lb (136.4 kg) and is highly rated for being an overall solid, durable, and reliable piece of equipment.

The machine offers up to 210 lb (95.5 kg) of resistance, which is more than enough for many lifters, and the resistance can be upgraded to 310 lb (140.6 kg).

If you want to lift heavier weights, you may want to consider the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym, which can be upgraded to provide 410 lb (186 kg) of resistance.

Best power rack

PRx Performance Profile Squat Rack with Kipping, Multi-Grip, or Pull-Up Bar

• Price: $$$
• Pros: foldable design, requires minimal space
• Cons: unsuitable for low ceilings

If you like to lift heavy, you’ll want to consider this power rack from PRx Performance.

Unlike many other options on the market, the rack gets bolted to your wall and folds up when not in use, so it’s ideal if you’re tight on space.

In addition to a squat rack, this piece of equipment includes the choice of a traditional, kipping, or multigrip pullup bar.

It has a weight capacity of 1,000 lb (453.5 kg) and comes with 2 heavy-duty J-cups to hold your barbell.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to buy the barbell and weight plates separately.

Best workout mirror

Tempo Studio

• Price: $$$$
• Pros: form feedback, in-depth performance tracking, large touch-screen display
• Cons: expensive, requires monthly subscription, needs more modification options

The Tempo Studio is a high quality workout mirror equipped with Bluetooth-enabled speakers, a 42-in (107-cm) touch screen, and sensors that track your movements, offer weight-load guidance, and provide form feedback.

Healthline Editor Mellanie Perez highly recommends the Studio, as she finds the personalized live form feedback feature to be an invaluable addition to her strength training regimen. She also finds the live and on-demand classes effective and motivating.

The mirror is available in three packages that include accessories such as dumbbells, a barbell, and a workout bench.

Just keep in mind that you’ll need to subscribe to the Tempo app, which costs $39 per month and includes unlimited profiles and access to live and on-demand classes.

Best rowing machine

Hydrow Rower

• Price: $$$$
• Pros: excellent quality, large touch-screen display, Live Outdoor Reality workouts
• Cons: pricey, requires monthly subscription, possible delivery issues

Rowing machines offer a low impact way to get your heart pumping while toning your whole body.

Sturdily built using an aluminum and steel frame, the Hydrow Rower provides a fluid, quiet ride that simulates outdoor rowing. It has an adjustable footbed, a 22-in (56-cm) rotating touch screen, and 2 speakers.

What’s more, unlike those of many other smart rowers, all of Hydrow’s rowing classes are filmed on the water and led by rowing experts.

The $38 monthly subscription fee allows you to create multiple profiles and access thousands of engaging on-demand workouts. The platform also offers two live classes per day and connects you to a leaderboard in case you’re feeling competitive.

Healthline Fitness Senior Editor Saralyn Ward is a fan of the Hydrow, saying that the machine got her into indoor rowing. You can read more about her experience in this in-depth review.

Best home exercise bike

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

• Price: $$$
• Pros: dual-sided pedals, heart rate monitor, silent ride
• Cons: short labor warranty, possible clicking sound from crank axle, complaints of pedals installed backward

If you enjoy indoor cycling classes, you may want to consider the Schwinn IC4 indoor cycling bike.

While it doesn’t have an integrated tablet, the bike is equipped with a device holder and offers Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to stream hundreds of workouts from popular apps such as Peloton, Apple Fitness+, and Zwift. It also comes with a free 1-year membership to the JRNY app.

The bike offers 100 levels of magnetic resistance and an LCD console for monitoring performance metrics, including your time, distance, and calories burned.

Plus, its dual-sided pedals allow you to use either SPD clips or your regular athletic shoes.

Finally, at less than $1,000, it’s a more affordable option than many other home exercise bikes on the market.

Read more about the IC4 in this in-depth review.

Best smart bike

NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike

• Price: $$$
• Pros: dual-sided pedals, large touch-screen display, -10% decline to 20% incline
• Cons: may wobble, monthly subscription cost, some issues with iFit crashing

The NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike offers 24 resistance levels and is equipped with a 22-in (56-cm) rotating touch screen that connects you to live and on-demand classes.

The bike comes with built-in speakers, a set of 3-lb (1.4-kg) dumbbells, and front-mounted transport wheels.

To ensure proper form, the ergonomic padded saddle and multigrip handlebars can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.

The bike comes with hybrid SPD and toe-clip pedals.

Purchase of the S22i Studio Bike includes a 30-day iFit family membership for 5 users. After the trial period, the subscription costs $39 per month.

To learn more about the S22i, check out our full review.

Best recumbent bike

Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike

• Price: $$
• Pros: sturdy construction, smooth pedaling, 25 resistance levels
• Cons: dim display, inaccurate heart rate monitor

Recline in comfort on the Schwinn 270, a recumbent bike that has a ventilated, padded seat with a supportive backrest.

In addition to 25 levels of resistance and 29 programmed workouts, the sturdy bike has a weighted flywheel that offers an ultra-smooth, quiet ride.

Thanks to this bike’s Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect to Schwinn’s Explore the World app and third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift. You can also use the built-in speakers to listen to a podcast or playlist.

Plus, the Schwinn 270 is virtual reality (VR)-compatible, but you’ll need a VR headset.

You can read more about the Schwinn 270 in this review.

Best high end treadmill

NordicTrack New Commercial 2450 Treadmill

• Price: $$$$
• Pros: large touch-screen display, automatic trainer control, -3% decline to 15% incline
• Cons: monthly subscription cost, heavy to move

If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable treadmill that can accommodate casual and competitive runners alike, look no further than the NordicTrack 2450.

With a 15% incline, a -3% decline, and speeds up to 12 miles (19.3 kilometers) per hour, the treadmill provides plenty of training options to keep you challenged.

It also features NordicTrack’s Runners Flex cushioning, which is designed to reduce the impact on your joints.

Plus, the Commercial 2450 is equipped with an oversized 22-in (56-cm) touch screen for streaming live and on-demand workouts from around the globe using the iFit app.

With virtual runs through scenic landscapes, including locations in England, Ireland, and Iceland, your indoor run won’t feel so constraining.

The treadmill includes a free 30-day family iFit membership, which you can renew for $39 per month.

Best value treadmill

Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill

• Price: $$$
• Pros: durable and sturdy, compatible with many fitness apps, good value
• Cons: no touch screen, no decline options

The Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly treadmill that still offers plenty of features and is sturdy enough to handle fast-paced runs.

While it retails for $1,999, it’s frequently on sale for less than $1,000. It offers Bluetooth connectivity, speeds up to 12 miles per hour (19.3 kilometers per hour), and up to 15% incline.

It also features heart rate grip sensors, seven preset workout programs, and an LED screen that displays your workout data. Plus, it has built-in speakers and a device holder with a USB port in case you want to stream shows or classes.

The 7.0 AT is specifically designed to be compatible with a wide variety of fitness apps, such as Peloton, Zwift, and STUDIO. Its QuickDial adjustment system allows you to rapidly change your speed and incline to match any workout class you’re following.

This treadmill also features a hydraulic-assisted folding system and Horizon’s signature three-zone cushioning, which provides different levels of cushioning depending on whether your feet are striking the belt or pushing off.

Best elliptical machine

NordicTrack Commercial 14.9

• Price: $$$
• Pros: large touch-screen display, 26 resistance levels, automatic trainer control
• Cons: monthly subscription cost, large size

The NordicTrack Commercial 14.9 elliptical is one of the best options on the market, offering up to 20% incline and 26 levels of resistance.

Plus, the auto-adjustment feature changes your incline and resistance levels during live classes so you can focus on your workout.

The machine is equipped with a 14-in (35.6-cm) HD touch screen and has oversized cushioned pedals, a fan, and comfortable handgrips.

The Commercial 14.9 comes with a free 30-day iFit family membership, which you can renew for $39 per month.

Best jump rope

XYLsports Jump Rope

• Price: $
• Pros: inexpensive, adjustable, sturdy
• Cons: tangles, too light for some

This jump rope features easy-to-grip foam padded handles and an adjustable extra-long length suitable for most people, including children.

The lightweight PVC rope spins well and is sturdy enough to withstand heavy use, though some users report that it’s too light.

XYLsports backs this jump rope with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee.

Best medicine ball

Champion Sports Medicine Ball

• Price: $
• Pros: durable, versatile, well-made
• Cons: slippery, may have uneven weight distribution

Made of synthetic leather, the Champion Sports medicine ball is available in a variety of weights, ranging from 4 to 22 lb (1.8 to 10 kg). The sturdy ball is well stitched and designed to withstand the force of dynamic exercises.

Some reviewers mention that the ball is too slippery to grip, so you may need to wear gloves. A few people also complain that the ball is not balanced and loses its shape.

Best core sliders

Synergee Core Sliders

• Price: $
• Pros: portable, double-sided, range of uses
• Cons: too small for some, may not work on all surfaces

Synergee Core Sliders are useful for countless core, balance, and stability movements. You can use them to modify your existing workout routine for a fresh take on your favorite exercises.

The lightweight, compact sliders are easy to store or toss in your suitcase or gym bag.

The sliders are double-sided, and you can use them on several surfaces. The foam side works on hard, smooth floors, and the plastic side works on soft surfaces such as carpet and turf.

However, some users report that the sliders do not work well on rugs, gym flooring, or workout mats.

While there’s wide variability in home gym equipment, here are a few key factors to consider as you’re shopping around:

• Purpose: Are you looking to build strength, or is cardio more important? You’ll want to prioritize items that meet your current fitness needs, especially if you don’t have the space or budget for multiple pieces of equipment.
• Price: Gym equipment items range in price from around $10 to several thousand dollars. While you should not sacrifice safety or quality, you can often save money by choosing products with fewer high tech features such as touch screens and Bluetooth capabilities.
• Warranties: Even high quality gym equipment can break, which is why it’s important to pay attention to the type of warranty the manufacturer or retailer provides.
• Customer reviews: Make sure to read several customer reviews, as they often provide honest feedback about the design, durability, and functionality of a product.

Having a customized workout space at home offers several benefits that may entice you to give up your gym membership. You’ll also be able to skip the monthly fee unless you choose to pay for an online training subscription.

Convenience

Certified strength and conditioning specialist Brooke Mathe, MS, says, “One of the biggest benefits of a home gym setup is the convenience. There’s no commute to get to your workout, which allows you to maximize the time you do have.”

Plus, you can work out at any time of day, and you won’t have to wait for someone else to finish using the equipment you need. You’ll also get to choose your own workout equipment and set it up exactly how you want.

Equipment selection

“Because you create your home gym, it’s likely to be filled with equipment that you enjoy or prefer, which means you’re more likely to stick to your fitness routine,” adds Mathe.

Additionally, choosing only the equipment you like and need can help you save space and makes cleanup a breeze.

For example, you can get a great full-body workout with only a bench and some dumbbells, or you can combine a piece of cardio equipment, such as a treadmill or bike, with a home gym machine like the Bowflex PR3000 for a mix of cardio and resistance training.

Being in your own space

The privacy of a home gym is another selling point. Going to a gym can feel uncomfortable — maybe you’re newer to exercise, the gym is really crowded, or you’re unfamiliar with the machines.

With a home gym setup, you can take as much time as you need with each piece of equipment or exercise without feeling rushed or like other people are watching you. This may help you feel more at ease while you exercise, which can make it easier for you to focus on giving your all during your workout, Mathe explains.

Plus, you can play whatever music you want!

A home gym offers convenience since you may be more likely to do a quick workout when you’re short on time. However, your setup may be limited and you may have more distractions.

Gym memberships give you access to all types of equipment and various group classes. Plus, you may have the option of working with a personal trainer.

Some people enjoy the feeling of connection that a gym membership provides and may feel less motivated to exercise on their own. According to a 2020 study, feeling connected to others is linked to persistence, self-esteem, and physical and psychological health (1).

Here’s a look at some of the key features of each option:

What is the first thing you should buy for a home gym?

The home gym equipment you purchase first will depend on your individual needs and factors such as space, budget, and fitness goals.

The following home gym equipment items may be good starting points:

• free weights
• weight bench
• treadmill
• exercise bike
• rowing machine
• elliptical trainer
• workout mirror

What basic equipment is needed for a home gym?

Even with minimal equipment, you’ll be able to do a range of workouts.

Here are some of the best basic pieces of home gym equipment:

• adjustable dumbbell set
• resistance bands
• jump rope
• exercise mat
• core sliders
• medicine ball

What is the most effective piece of home gym equipment?

The most effective piece of home gym equipment for your home will depend on your goals, the space you have available, and the type of exercise you like.

For example, a cardio machine like a treadmill or exercise bike can allow you to do high intensity workouts and target several muscle groups without taking up much space.

Another option is an all-in-one home gym such as the Bowflex PR 3000, which will allow you to perform a wide variety of exercises that work your whole body. These machines help save space but tend to be more expensive.

Are home gyms worth it?

Yes, gym equipment may be a worthy investment if you plan to train consistently and your workouts are equipment-based. You may get more value if several people plan to use your home gym setup.

What’s more, without the need to commute to the gym or pay for a membership, you’ll save time and money.

Can you build muscle using a home gym?

Yes, you can do a variety of home gym workouts to gain muscle and build strength.

Whether you’re looking for weights or a cardio machine, thousands of products are available to turn your home gym dreams into a reality.

When deciding what to buy, be sure to consider your budget, space, and fitness needs. You’ll also want to factor in the quality and versatility of the products.

We’re confident that by using the list above as a starting point, you’ll find the home gym equipment that’s right for your space.