The 11 Best Home Gym Machines of 2024

There are many perks to working out at home: You can eliminate gym commute time, save on gas money, and blast your favorite workout music aloud. That said, if you want to recreate your gym experience, the best home gyms can offer everything you need, including a cable machine, squat rack, or workout mirror, depending on your home gym of choice. 

Our team of BarBend experts, including personal trainers and athletes, put more than 20 home gym machines to the test. Now, we’ve found our favorites for all kinds of athletes, whether you’re looking to prep for a bodybuilding competition or accommodate space constraints. Read on to find the best home gym for you.

Our Picks for the Best Home Gyms of 2024

• Best Home Gym Overall: Force USA G12 All-in-One Trainer
• Best All-in-One Home Gym: REP Ares Builder
• Best Cable Machine for Home Gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer
• Best Home Gym for Beginners: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio
• Best Home Gym for Streaming Workouts: Vitruvian Trainer+
• Best Budget Home Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower
• Best Portable Home Gym: MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine
• Best Home Gym for CrossFit: PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package
• Best Smart Home Gym: Tonal
• Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: Beyond Voltra
• Best Home Gym for Powerlifting: REP Fitness PR-5000
• Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding: Torque Anker 7

How We Tested and Chose the Best Home Gyms

Home gyms come in many different designs, sizes, and prices. While testing and considering different home gyms (we actually tried more than 20 models), we paid close attention to performance and took these factors into consideration:

Versatility

Generally, you’re not going to have unlimited space in your home, which means each piece of home gym equipment has to do double duty (or more). The more types of exercises or purposes that a piece of equipment can serve, the better it will rank on this list because of that. That’s why we tried each home gym with a number of different exercises that different athletes may prefer. We also made sure testers with different bodies tried each machine, too, to give a well-rounded review.

Value 

We get it: Outfitting a full home gym can be quite expensive, which is why we place a premium on products that offer the most bang for your buck. The value a piece of equipment offers is also weighted heavily here and stems quite often from the quality and durability of a product.

That said, we don’t simply select exercise equipment based on price, as you’ll find some expensive items on this list. The price reflects what they bring to the table, or more accurately, what they bring to the garage, basement, or spare room. Oftentimes, the more expensive items are selected due to their exceptional quality, and we expect them to last a lifetime with proper care.

Durability

If you’re going to spend hundreds of dollars on a piece of gym equipment, you want durable, high-quality materials. As we tried different machines, we made sure to look at the components, prioritizing sturdy, steel materials, as opposed to plastic. Over time, plastic can bend and break, especially if you’re planning on pushing some weight.

Functionality

Some items sound great in theory until you get them in your home gym, and they don’t quite function the way you expected. The functionality of your equipment is essential to setting up a space that works for your training needs. In order for us to recommend something, it has to do what it is intended to and do it exceptionally well. Otherwise, that product may not make our list.

So, we kept different sports and fitness goals in mind while trying out different home gyms. Would this machine work for a CrossFit athlete as well as a bodybuilder or fitness newbie? Does it train all the main muscle groups or just your lower body? That way, we made sure to offer something for everyone.

[Related: Best Home Gym Equipment]

Best Home Gym Overall: Force USA G12 All-In-One Trainer

The ideal home gym offers plenty of versatility and customization options, making it possible for any athlete to reach their fitness goals. Given the seemingly endless exercise options you get with the Force USA G12, we thought this unit made a great fit. When it comes to overall performance and workout experience, our testers gave this one a 5 out of 5.

The G12 comes with a dual pulley cable machine with two 220-pound weight stacks. These stacks have a 1:1 pulley ratio, though our tester does wish it had the ability to convert to a 2:1 ratio as well. It has a built-in Smith machine, six weight plate holders and 21 included attachments, like J-hooks, spotter arms, a lat pull-down bar, landmine, pulldown rope, and much more. Needless to say, for versatility, the G12 earned a 5 out of 5.

We also found that this system offers plenty of adjustability. “The weight stacks are definitely enough for most home gym athletes,” according to our tester. In total, the machine has 440 pounds but you can also load plates onto the smith machine. We did give a 4 out of 5 in this category, though, because we thought the pull pin wasn’t quite as smooth as some other home gyms, like the REP Ares.

Durability shouldn’t be a big concern with this machine, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in that category. It has a heavy-duty steel structure and steel tubing throughout. Any rubber parts are made with thick, durable pieces and it has a commercial-grade powder coat to prevent rust and corrosion.

Given the diverse optionality here, it’s a pretty heavy machine. We do wish the company specified the unit weight, though. It’s safe to assume that it won’t be portable once in its place, as the weight stacks alone are 440 pounds. So, for portability, our testers gave this pick a 3 out of 5.

Unfortunately, the G12 isn’t the cheapest home gym out there at $4,499.99. That being said, there’s so much optionality here, we think it’s worth the cost if it falls within your budget. We do wish the company threw in a barbell and bench at this price, though. Without those two pieces of equipment, you can’t really use the power rack feature but you need to buy them separately.

Best All-in-One Home Gym: REP Ares Builder

When it comes to versatility, the REP Ares Builder is hard to beat. Among the best cable machine attachments, this comes with two 260-pound weight stacks (you can upgrade to 310 pounds per stack) and a footplate, micro-adjustment two-and-a-half pound plates, D handles, a lat pull-down bar, a low row bar, and a connector banana. Plus, this is compatible with tons of attachments, earning a 5 out of 5 for versatility and customization.

The Ares Builder isn’t your standard cable machine — it actually connects to REP’s PR-4000 or PR-5000 power racks. Essentially, it turns your power rack into an all-encompassing home gym. This is a little inconvenient if you don’t own/plan to buy one of these racks but we love the functionality here, as it’s compatible with so many REP attachments and you can customize the dimensions.

REP is among our favorite brands for durability and the steel frame and components here deserve a 4.5 out of 5. We do wish that REP specified the exact materials used for different portions of the machine, though. For something like a cable machine, we like to see 11-gauge steel, as it’s generally among the highest-quality.

The Ares Builder isn’t exactly portable at all, earning a 3 out of 5 in that category. However, it doesn’t take up a huge footprint. It adds just over an inch to your rack height and only a few inches to the rack width and depth, earning a 4 out of 5 for footprint.

When it comes to overall value, we gave this home gym a 3.5 out of 5. We love the versatility here, as it combines a cable machine and power rack. However, you do need to buy your power rack separately, which drives up the total price.

Best Cable Machine for Home Gym: Titan Fitness Functional Trainer

For those who want a classic cable machine for their home gym, we recommend the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer. This functional trainer machine offers 1,000 different adjustable positions and dual 200-pound weight stacks. Plus, it has a multi-grip pull-up bar, which you won’t get with every cable machine.

“I really enjoyed the cable pulley system on this machine,” our tester said, giving the overall performance a 4.5 out of 5. “I had a great training experience and enjoyed that all the pulleys swiveled, adding even more versatility.”

For versatility, our testers gave this functional trainer a 4.5 out of 5. This unit comes with a short bar, long bar, ankle strap, dual stirrup handles, rope handles, and single and double D-handles. As mentioned, we love that the pulleys swivel, too. “It would have earned a perfect five out of five, were it a little taller,” our tester said. At just over six and a half feet tall, some athletes may not be able to use the pull-up feature as comfortably as they’d like.

When it comes to footprint, we gave this cable machine a 5 out of 5, as it’s actually pretty space-friendly. The 64-inch width is more narrow than the 72-inch standard for dual cable machines. Plus, it’s relatively short, so it shouldn’t have any issue fitting in your home or garage.

For overall value, we gave this machine a 4 out of 5. You can find cheaper cable machines on the market for sure, however this one does have versatility that you may not find with less expensive models. 

One small note: Our testers did have to lubricate the aluminum guide rods. Once we took care of that, the machine was perfectly smooth.

Best Home Gym for Beginners: NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio

Knowing where to start is one of the most challenging aspects of beginning a new workout routine. What exercises should you do each workout? What equipment is needed? And given you’re trying something new, all these unknown factors can feel overwhelming.

We want to pair beginners with equipment that truly guides through the experience, making workouts as seamless as possible. As a beginner, you should be concerned with exercise form and injury prevention, not workout programming. That’s why the NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio is our top pick for beginners.

This at-home resistance machine is equipped with a built-in 10-inch display that allows you to stream workout videos for all levels. The Fusion CST is equipped with iFIT, earning a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. You can track all your fitness progress and your trainer is even able to remotely adjust your resistance during your training session.

This machine also includes all the equipment you’ll need built right in, so you don’t have to worry about separate purchases. It has 20 levels of magnetic resistance, providing 10 to 100 pounds of resistance per arm.  And thanks to the six different cable ends, this machine offers plenty of versatility. However, we did give this machine a 3.75 out of 5 in this category, as it only has cable resistance. 

Unfortunately, the NordicTrack Fusion CST is a bit of an investment at $1,799. Plus, you do have to pay for iFIT after the free trial is up, which is an additional cost you may not want. However, if you’re a beginner, we think this is a safe, easy-to-use home gym option.

[Related: The Best Smart Home Gyms For Free Weights, Small Spaces, And More]

Best Home Gym for Streaming Workouts: Vitruvian Trainer+

For those who love to stream workout classes, the Vitruvian Trainer+ may be a good fit. This home gym comes with more than 300 streamable classes and fitness goal-focused programs. You can track all your data in the app and set personal challenges, earning the Vitruvian a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming. 

Unlike free weights, this machine uses magnetic resistance. “What makes the Vitruvian unique is that it offers up to 440 pounds of resistance,” our tester said, giving a 4 out of 5 for versatility. “On a magnetic-resistance device this is challenging and you can increase the load however you’d like.” It also comes with a number of accessories, which are easy to lock into the machine. However, the Vitruvian is only compatible with its own accessories.

For footprint and portability, this one gets a 4.5 out of 5. It’s smaller than most other home gyms and it has wheels for easy portability. It’s also only five inches tall, which means you can easily store it under your bed when not in use.

Unlike the NordicTrack Fusion CST or Tonal, this smart home gym has resistance cables that come from the floor, rather than adjustable arms. “You don’t need to adjust this machine during your workout as you would with the arms of another smart home gym,” according to our tester. “There’s less likelihood it will break.” 

Given the nature  of the design, there are some exercises you can’t do, like lat pulldowns. There’s no pulling that you can do from above, which some athletes may not love. However, this machine is more durable than some of the other tech-forward home gyms we’ve tested, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in that category. There are few plastic parts and less potential for damage.

While we think the technology and design is hard to match, it does come with a high price tag of $2,990. This isn’t the cheapest smart home gym, so if you’re shopping on a budget, you may prefer the NordicTrack Fusion CST.

Best Budget Home Gym: Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a solid home gym. This plate-loaded cable tower is only $349.99 and allows for plenty of exercises and attachments, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for overall value. 

Just because this home gym is budget-friendly, doesn’t mean it’s cheap. This tower has a max cable capacity of 250 pounds and it’s made of high-quality steel, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. 

And while this unit may look a little more minimal than some of our other picks, it’s actually really versatile. You get 33 height settings for the pulleys and it’s compatible with a number of rack attachments, including the belt squat rack and Y-dip bar. You can also buy additional plate pegs or a barbell holder. It’s not as versatile as some other picks, earning a 3.5 out of 5 in that department. But given the price, you still get decent options.

We also enjoy the space-saving design. When assembled, it only takes up a few feet of space and it’s only 85 pounds without added plates. For footprint and portability, we gave this one a 5 out of 5, as it’s pretty easy to maneuver if needed.

The one downside with the Bells of Steel Cable Tower is that it doesn’t come with a weight stack. You need to manually load plates onto the machine in order to add resistance. This does mean you have to pay a little more but you won’t waste any money on weights you don’t need. 

Best Portable Home Gym: MaxPRO SC Portable Cable Machine

For frequent flyers or road trip lovers, a portable home gym is a must-have. We love the MaxPRO Portable Cable Machine, as it has an ultra-small footprint at just over a foot long and only four inches tall. It only weighs nine pounds, too. It goes without saying, we gave this machine a 5 out of 5 for portability and footprint.

The MaxPRO is the definition of tiny but mighty. Among the best compact gym equipment, this machine offers up to 300 pounds of resistance and all you have to do is turn a dial to adjust the load. This isn’t quite as much resistance as the Vitruvian but more than other smart home gyms. 

“I actually enjoy using this machine more than I’d anticipated,” our tester said, giving the overall workout experience a 4.5 out of 5. “I’d like it even more if the machine offered concentric and eccentric options but it was easy to set up and use.”

Unlike the Vitruvian, you can mount this machine to a wall, adding more versatility to the exercises. However, we still had to give this machine a 3.5 out of 5 in that category, as you don’t get any free weight options here. 

The MaxPRO connects to the brand’s app where you can stream hundreds of workout videos. We gave this machine a 5 out of 5 for dynamic programming, as you have the capability to build your own workout, follow community-wide challenges and programs, and track your progress.

Best Home Gym for CrossFit: PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package

Most CrossFit athletes don’t need a ton of high-tech equipment. A barbell, bumper plates, rack, bench, and some resistance bands should do the trick. This package from PRx comes with all that equipment and more, making it an excellent fit for a CrossFit lover, weightlifting fan, or functional fitness enthusiast. 

When it comes to versatility, there’s pretty much endless exercise capabilities with this home gym package. It comes with a squat rack, folding bench, a 20 kilogram olympic bar, a 15 kilogram olympic bar, medicine balls, a plyo box, a jump rope, bumper plates, and more. This pick certainly earns a 5 out of 5 for versatility.

Considering it includes so many pieces of equipment, you actually do need quite a bit of space for this home gym. It’s also not the most mobile, as you need to drill the squat rack and bench to your garage gym wall. For these reasons, our team gave the footprint and portability a 2 out of 5. If you’re an athlete who doesn’t have a ton of free space, this probably isn’t the best choice.

Durability shouldn’t be a big concern with any of the equipment here. Our team gave PRx a 4 out of 5 in that category, as the squat rack is made with 11-gauge steel. The steel equipment also has a powder coat to help prevent corrosion and rust. However, we do wish PRx gave a little more information on the other items in this package.

At $3,851.94, this gym certainly isn’t the cheapest option. That being said, CrossFit gym memberships tend to run around $150 to $200 per month, which can add up quickly. So, if you’re an athlete who wants to do some of their WODs right at home, we think this package is a solid pick.

Read our full PRx Home Gym Review.

Best Smart Home Gym: Tonal

There’s no shortage of high-tech gym machines these days. Whether you’re a beginner or avid stat tracker, a smart home gym can certainly make your training experience more interactive. If you fall into one of those categories (or just want a high-tech workout), Tonal is the right choice. When it comes to overall experience, this one earned a 5 out of 5. 

“Tonal was very fun to use,” according to our tester and BarBend editorial member Rosie Borchert. “I think it’s ideal for heavier compound exercises, like deadlifts, because it really minimizes the time spent setting up the weights in a standard gym. Tonal’s design makes it easy to go from one exercise to the next.” 

Unlike a more traditional home gym machine, though, Tonal is a little more fragile. For durability, our testers gave this machine a 3 out of 5. “I haven’t had problems with my own Tonal breaking but I’ve seen plenty of online reviews that discuss broken parts,” Borchert said. “I also have a friend whose Tonal also got damaged after a few uses.” For those who don’t want the risk of breaking equipment, a more traditional home gym may be better.

We did give this machine a 5 out of 5 for assembly, though. Tonal actually sends out installers and it only takes about 20 minutes to set up, according to our tester. All you have to do is make sure you have studs in your walls that align with Tonal’s specifications.

For overall value, we gave this machine a 3.5 out of 5. It’s among the most expensive smart gym machines at $3,995 but it isn’t quite as durable as more traditional options. Plus, you only get 200 pounds of resistance, which is considerably less than other picks on this list. But if you’re someone who loves high-tech equipment and wants a smart home gym, the Tonal is a good fit.

Read our full Tonal Review.

Best Home Gym for Small Spaces: Beyond Voltra

Not everyone has an enormous home gym setup. Power racks and cable machines are awesome but they do take up a lot of space. The Beyond Power Voltra I makes it possible to strength train with just a few feet of space with their ultra-portable cable machine.

For portability and footprint, the Voltra gets a 5 out of 5. This device is extremely compact and can fit right in your gym bag or backpack. It works by attaching to a bannister or power rack (any sturdy structure). Then, all you have to do is turn the machine on and select your desired resistance to the built-in cable.

Like other smart home gyms, the Voltra connects to the Beyond + app, enabling you to choose from different workouts or track your progress. For customization and versatility, we gave the Voltra a 4 out of 5. You can also choose from different bundles on the website, which include more accessories, like a straight bar, travel platform, and sliding rack mount. 

The Voltra allows you to choose different resistance types, including eccentric and concentric resistance, which a standard cable machine can’t do. But there’s only a max resistance of 200 pounds, which may not be enough for some athletes. Standard cable machines tend to have two stacks of 200 pounds each.

Our team gave this device a 3.5 out of 5 for overall value. It starts at $2,099, which is pretty pricey, especially since accessories are sold separately. Also, for this price, there are plenty of standard cable machines that offer way more weight. For athletes who want to focus purely on strength gain, a traditional cable machine is probably ideal. But if space-friendly workout equipment is a must, this is among the smallest home gyms you’ll find.

[Related: The 7 Best Portable Home Gyms of 2024]

Best Home Gym for Powerlifting: REP Fitness PR-5000

With a 1,000 pound weight capacity and 11-gauge steel frame, the REP PR-5000 is the ideal power rack for powerlifters training with some serious weight. Not only does this home gym accommodate the three main powerlifting exercises, it’s completely customizable for necessary additional movements that can help build muscle.

Durability is a key component for powerlifters, as they tend to be lifting some pretty heavy barbells. We gave this rack a 4.5 out of 5 in that category. “It’s made from 11-gauge steel and it can hold up 1,000 pounds on the rack,” our tester explained. “Unless you’re in the 99th percentile of athletes, this rack is going to work well for you and you’ll have room to grow.”

This rack is completely customizable, which we loved. You can choose the rack size, color, and weight. Plus, you can select from plenty of attachments to give your rack a totally personalized feel. Considering you can build your rack however you’d like, we gave the versatility a 5 out of 5.

When it comes to footprint, we did have to dock the PR-5000 a little bit. Earning a 3.5 out of 5 in this category, this rack certainly isn’t as compact as some other options on this list. And don’t forget that the width of the rack itself is more narrow than a standard barbell. So if you plan to use a barbell on your rack (which you should), you need to allow for more space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey_6dJxK_UI

 REP’s rack isn’t the cheapest piece of fitness equipment, which is something to consider on a budget. “You can determine the final price on your rack, depending on what you select as you customize,” our tester said. “But you are at least going to have to spend $1,100 at minimum and that’s without any attachments.” While we still gave the overall value a 4 out of 5, we recognize that the higher price tag may not be appealing to all athletes.

Read our full REP Fitness PR-5000 Power Rack Review.

Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding: Torque Anker 7

For bodybuilding, you want a machine that offers plenty of weight options and accessories, considering so much of the training involves isolation exercises. Whether you’re a bodybuilder or just love high-volume isolation-focused training, the Torque Anker 7 is worth considering.

First and foremost, we like the customizable weight options with this cable machine. You can choose from two 150-pound weight stacks, 200-pound weight stacks, or 225-pound weight stacks. This ensures you’re not paying for weights that you may not need. However, we did have to give a 3.5 out of 5 for customization, as this is really the only feature you can personalize.

We do like the accessories included here, which allows for more versatility. The two swivel pulleys allow for more than eight feet of cable travel. Plus, the unit comes with two short strap handles, two long strap handles, one leg boot, a battle rope anchor point, and a top frame resistance band anchor. Our team gave the versatility a 4 out of 5, considering you get plenty of exercise options.

Our team also thinks this cable machine works for those looking to save space, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for footprint. This one mounts to your wall and actually takes up very little floor space at all. 

The Torque Anker 7 isn’t the priciest option on this list, starting at $1,499. It does come with numerous accessories and should be sufficient for most bodybuilding style training. However, if you’re an athlete who prefers to have free weight options, a rack may be preferable. 

How to Pick the Best Home Gym Machine for You

The questions below will help you decide if investing in home workout machines or building your own gym is a wise, financially savvy choice. Take time to think about your strength goals, the space you have, and your budget before taking the plunge.

Goals

“The best place to start is with your needs and fitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish? How will you use your home gym machine? Are you looking for a monstrous all-in-one trainer with every imaginable attachment, or something simple and portable you can take with you when you travel,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “Your answers to these questions will drive you to the right purchase.”

Before you buy just any home gym machine, consider your personal fitness and/or cardio goals. Look for a unit that accommodates all the exercises you might need, leaving some room for growth.

Space

This question should help guide you to what equipment will be best for not only your goals but your lifestyle, too. If you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment, then maybe an option like a smart home gym or suspension trainer is better for now. On the other hand, a two-car garage or large basement affords you a lot more space to build a complete set-up. The vertical height is also a big consideration. It depends on your height and goals, but generally, you’ll want at least 92 inches from floor to ceiling to allow for pull-ups with any rack though that may vary. 

Budget

This question is simple and will vary from person to person. Before investing in home gyms, we recommend realistically calculating your current gym expenses, considering the price of equipment and how much you’re willing to put into a home gym. Of course, you don’t need to buy everything at once. You can start with a squat stand, barbell, some weights, and a weight bench, and then go from there. Heck, you can start out with just a pair of dumbbells and grow as you go. Rewarding yourself with new pieces of equipment for important milestones is a great way to stay on track.

Versatility

With a home gym, you want as much versatility as you might find in a typical commercial gym (or at least enough versatility for your fitness goals). After all, four or five exercises can get tedious with constant repetition. So, consider a home gym machine that allows for various total-body movements. Or, consider adding some equipment, like resistance bands and exercise mats.

How Much Do the Best Home Gyms Cost?

Home workout machines can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend. You can be extremely thrifty and scour the internet for free or extremely cheap offerings and spend very little. On the other hand, you can also order custom, engraved, or color-coordinated equipment from a high-end equipment manufacturer and spend tens of thousands of dollars. Most people will fall somewhere in between these options, making a few budget buys and some splurge purchases for items that will receive heavy use.

Best Home Gym Overall	Force USA G12 All-in-One Trainer	$4,499.99
Best All-in-One Home Gym	REP Ares Builder	$2,799.99
Best Cable Machine for Home Gym	Titan Fitness Functional Trainer	$2,499.99
Best Home Gym for Beginners	NordicTrack Fusion CST Studio	$1,799
Best Home Gym for Streaming Workouts	Vitruvian Trainer+	$2,990
Best Budget Home Gym	Bells of Steel Plate Loaded Cable Tower	$349.99
Best Portable Home Gym	MAXPRO SC Portable Cable Machine	$799
Best Home Gym for CrossFit	PRx Performance Couple’s Prime Package	$3,893.82
Best Smart Home Gym	Tonal	$3,995
Best Home Gym for Small Spaces	Beyond Voltra	$2,099
Best Home Gym for Powerlifting	REP Fitness PR-5000	Starting at $939.93
Best Home Gym for Bodybuilding	Torque Anker 7	Starting at $1,499

For the home gyms on this list, you’ll see a fairly wide range from around $300 to $500 on the lower end to between $2,000 and $5,000 on the high end. More comprehensive equipment that serves multiple purposes or can act as a home gym on its own — like one of the best functional trainers — tends to be more expensive, while simpler pieces that require additional equipment to make use of them — such as squat racks — may be cheaper.

Benefits of the Best Home Gyms

Not sold on shelling out for your own iron paradise? Aside from the fact that building strength can help improve your body composition and help increase bone density (and fight age-related bone loss), there are quite a few benefits of owning your own home gym. (1)

Home Gyms Are Convenient

Above all else, convenience is probably one of the major benefits of owning a home gym. You wake up in the morning, have your pre-workout, and then walk 15 steps to your garage to start clanging and banging. You’ll never have to wait for the curl bro to get out of the squat rack, nor will you have to wipe another person’s sweat off the rower.

Because of this convenience factor, it’s safe to assume that you’ll be more dedicated to your workout program. Even if not, it’s a lot easier to get under the barbell for 45 minutes when you don’t have a 20-minute drive ahead of you.

You Can Customize It

The beauty of owning your own home gym is that it’s yours. All yours. Into CrossFit? Buy a simple squat stand, a plyo box, some rings, and a few kettlebells. More into powerlifting? Then opt for a more robust power rack, a quality barbell, and lots of plates. See where we’re going with this? Or, maybe you want a piece of equipment that can do everything you want (with the option to add more to it).

“I’d say the greatest benefit in this category of equipment is the incredible breadth,” according to Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC. “There are so many options to suit so many different needs and budgets, and I think that exemplifies what’s so great about having a home gym: It’s yours, and you get to choose what you want in it so that it is affordable for you and leads you to your goals.”

It’s Cheaper in the Long Run

The final major home gym benefit is long-term savings. Home gym equipment’s price can be high, but it’s an investment. Over a long period of time, owning your own equipment can save you money in two ways. First, you can probably drop your gym membership fee, which can add up over time. Second, it saves you the time you’d take driving to and from the gym, along with the time you have to wait for equipment. For most, this extra time can turn into energy and time invested in other areas of their life.

How Much Do Home Gyms Cost?

Home workout machines can cost as much or as little as you are willing to spend. You can be extremely thrifty and scour the internet for free or extremely cheap offerings and spend very little. On the other hand, you can also order custom, engraved, or color-coordinated equipment from a high-end equipment manufacturer and spend tens of thousands of dollars. Most people will fall somewhere in between these options, making a few budget buys and some splurge purchases for items that will receive heavy use.

For the home gyms on this list, you’ll see a fairly wide range from around $300 to $500 on the lower end to between $2,000 and $5,000 on the high end. More comprehensive equipment that serves multiple purposes or can act as a home gym on its own — like a functional trainer — tends to be more expensive, while simpler pieces that require additional equipment to make use of them — such as squat racks — may be cheaper.

Final Word

The number of different ways you can set up your home gym is practically endless, but there are a few constants that apply to nearly all situations. A home gym is intended to give you additional freedom and flexibility to put the work in on your terms — stressing too much about the perfect piece of equipment can take away from that. If you keep the factors we discussed, like versatility, value, and functionality, in mind, you can’t go wrong.

Whether you’re a hardcore lifter, CrossFit enthusiast, yoga fan, or endurance athlete, there are home gyms that will accommodate your needs. The market has become saturated with tons of options for everyone, and the home gym community is more mainstream than niche now. There are home gym solutions to satisfy people who want to do a quick workout in their spare room to those who want to outfit their two-car garage as a home gym. You can opt for a smart gym or a good ol’ fashioned power rack and everything in between. But overall, hopefully, this article helps make your search a little easier, so you can keep the gains coming, even at home.

FAQs

References

1. Thomas MH, Burns SP. Increasing Lean Mass and Strength: A Comparison of High Frequency Strength Training to Lower Frequency Strength Training. Int J Exerc Sci. 2016 Apr 1;9(2):159-167. PMID: 27182422; PMCID: PMC4836564.

More Home Gym Training Content

Pumped to get your own home gym going? Great. Now you should check out these other home gym-related articles from BarBend to make the most out of your training.

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