Most people get too excited about building a home gym. As a result, they check out treadmills, racks, dumbbell sets, and other equipment. But when they get home, they end up just hanging around in a corner.
It's not that they're completely lazy, but because the equipment they purchased doesn't match their needs, space, and lifestyle. Ultimately, every time they want to start exercising, they always have an excuse. Whether it's complicated, uncomfortable, they don't know how to use it, or it just doesn't suit their preferred type of exercise.
80% of these situations arise from buying expensive equipment first, then thinking about your needs later. If you don't want to experience similar problems and end up wasting money, read this article to the end. You'll learn how to choose the right, functional, and truly usable home gym equipment.
Ready?
Why Do So Many People Buy the Wrong Home Gym Equipment?
Many people buy the wrong home gym equipment because they simply follow trends without truly understanding their functions. They see a viral device on TikTok and immediately check it out, even though it doesn't meet their body's needs or training goals.
Ultimately, the equipment just piles up in a corner of the house, used for a week and then forgotten. Another common mistake is not aligning your equipment choice with your goals. Do you want fat loss, strength training, or just recovery? Each goal requires different equipment, and without understanding that, your purchase will be ineffective.
Another mistake is not realistically assessing space and needs. Many people buy large equipment when they have limited space, or conversely, buy small equipment but expect the results to be comparable to a commercial gym.
Lastly, don't focus too much on low prices without considering quality. Low-quality equipment not only breaks down quickly but can also be dangerous. Choosing home gym equipment should be based on function, quality, space, and purpose.
Also Read: 7 Ways to Build Arm Muscles Quickly and Effectively
Determine Your Home Gym Goals Before Purchasing Equipment
Before purchasing home gym equipment, you should first define your training goals. If your focus is weight loss, you'll need equipment that supports cardio and calorie burning, such as a treadmill, air bike, or skipping rope.
But if your goal is to build muscle , the priorities change. You'll need resistance training with dumbbells, barbells, benches, and even Smith machines. Because muscle can't grow with cardio alone.
For those of you who want to improve your fitness and health, choose a combination of light cardio equipment and basic strength training equipment to make your routine balanced and easy to do every day.
For example, if you need light rehabilitation, the equipment you choose should be low-impact and safe for your joints, such as resistance bands, Pilates rings, or thick mats.
The mistake many people make is buying equipment because it's "cool" or trendy, rather than because it meets their needs. By defining your goals from the start, you can build a home gym that's efficient, budget-friendly, and truly helps you achieve the results you desire.
Also Read: What Are Plyo Boxes and Their Function in Physical Training
Recommended Home Gym Equipment You Must Have
1. Dumbbell
Dumbbells are the most valuable piece of home gym equipment because they're flexible, easy to use, and can work almost every part of the body with just a few variations. From squats and rows to shoulder presses and chest flies, they can all be done with this simple piece of equipment.
Dumbbells are also ideal for unilateral exercises, helping to improve right-left strength balance while enhancing mind-muscle connection. You can choose between adjustable dumbbells.
Practical, space-saving, and suitable if you want gradual weight progression or fixed dumbbells which are more stable, quick to use, and usually more comfortable for intense or high-rep training.
Dumbbells are suitable for beginners who want to start strength training at home, as well as intermediate and advanced who need a versatile tool to strengthen the entire body without a complicated gym setup.
2. Barbell & Weight Plate
A barbell and weight plates are the foundation for real strength gains in your home gym. With a barbell, you can perform core movements like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows.
Four training pillars that build functional strength and muscle mass. The weight can be gradually increased, allowing you to make consistent progress without equipment limitations. This is why barbells are always the number one recommendation for anyone serious about training at home.
Beginners can start using barbells as long as they have mastered the basic technique. Ideally, start with light weights or even an empty bar to learn body position, movement path, and breath control.
Once the movement is stable and secure, gradually increase the weight. With this approach, barbells are not only safe for beginners but also the most effective tool for building long-term strength.
3. Bench
A bench is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a home gym because it allows for a wide variety of exercises without taking up much space. There are two main types: flat benches and adjustable benches.
A flat bench is suitable for basic exercises like dumbbell presses, hip thrusts, or step-ups. Meanwhile, an adjustable bench offers greater flexibility because the backrest can be adjusted for incline or decline. It's ideal for working muscles from various angles for optimal results.
In practice, the bench plays a significant role in building the chest, shoulders, and core. The incline bench press helps shape the upper chest, while the shoulder press on the bench increases shoulder strength.
Not only that, you can also do exercises like bench leg raises or seated core work to strengthen your abdominal muscles. With just one piece of equipment, you can meet almost all your push and core training needs at home.
4. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are one of the most essential pieces of home gym equipment for anyone looking to start exercising without the hassle. They're affordable, multifunctional, and space-saving. They're perfect for small homes, dorm rooms, or those just starting to build a workout routine.
With just one band, you can work almost every muscle group: legs, glutes, back, shoulders, and arms. Its flexibility makes it easy to adjust the workout to your strength level.
Additionally, resistance bands are ideal for beginners or those recovering from injury, as the pressure can be gradually adjusted without stressing the joints. Bands also help improve technique, increase stability, and provide additional exercise variety.
5. Cardio Equipment
To build an effective home gym, cardio equipment is the key foundation. A treadmill gives you the option of running and brisk walking without leaving the house. It's stable, safe, and suitable for all levels.
Additionally, a stationary bike is a low-impact option that still burns calories without stressing your joints, making it ideal for a daily workout routine. These two pieces of equipment are enough to ensure your heart, lungs, and stamina are optimally trained.
If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, a skipping rope is a cheap cardio tool with amazing results. Skipping can improve coordination, leg strength, and cardio capacity in just 10-15 minutes.
Tips for Choosing Home Gym Equipment for Durability and Safety
If you want to build a truly durable home gym, start by considering the materials and weight capacity. Many pieces of equipment look similar, but the quality of the steel, frame thickness, and welding quality determine whether the equipment will be safe for years of use or only last a few months.
Always check the maximum load capacity. Be it for benches, racks, pulleys, or dumbbell stands. Even slightly overloaded equipment can be seriously dangerous. Also, ensure the brand you choose has a good reputation and a clear warranty, so if there's a problem, you won't be left without a solution.
What often leads to losses is being tempted by low prices without considering safety standards. Remember: fitness equipment is a long-term investment and concerns your safety. Choose products with adequate safety systems, such as strong stoppers, non-slip foot grips, and a stable structure.
Also Read: 17 Gym Equipment for Feet that are Important for Your Training
What is the Estimated Budget Cost for a Home Gym?
If you're just starting out and want a minimal budget, focus on essential equipment that's functional and versatile. With an investment of around Rp 1,000,000-3,000, you can have a combination of dumbbells/adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, a workout mat, and a pull-up bar.
This package is sufficient for basic strength, mobility, and core training without taking up much space. It's efficient, affordable, yet still effective for beginners. If you're ready to upgrade to a more mid-range budget, set aside around IDR 5,000,000-10,000,000 to complete the setup.
Add kettlebells, sandbags, a plyo box, and an adjustable bench. This will add variety to your home gym and support more intense full-body workouts. For a higher budget, over Rp 15 million.
You can install a rack/squat cage, a complete barbell and plates, a cable machine, and even a high-quality treadmill/bike. This is ideal for those serious about training like a commercial gym at home.
Do You Know What Kind of Home Gym You Want?
A home gym can be very effective if you choose the right equipment and actually use it. Many people buy a lot of equipment out of FOMO, but it ends up just being a display item. The most important thing is to choose equipment that aligns with your training goals.
Whether you're building muscle, losing weight, increasing mobility, or improving posture, with the right equipment, even a small space can become a productive and comfortable workout space.
Remember, it's better to have a few pieces of equipment that you use than to buy a lot and never use them. Start by defining your training goals, then choose equipment that truly supports that program.
And if you need safe, functional, and durable equipment, be sure to buy home gym equipment at SVRG . Ensure that every piece of equipment you choose actually helps you achieve results, not just takes up space.
