HFH Ultimate Gear Guide

Creating a home gym doesn’t mean you need a massive garage or an unlimited budget. Whether you’re working with a small corner of a room or a full garage space, the key is to maximize versatility and efficiency in your gear choices. This guide will help you determine the best home fitness equipment based on your available space, so you can train effectively without unnecessary clutter.

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The Minimalist Setup (6’x6’ Space – Just a Corner)

Perfect for: Small apartment dwellers, bedroom workouts, and anyone starting with minimal equipment.

Recommended Gear:

Exercise Mat: Essential for comfort and stability during bodyweight exercises, yoga, and core work.
Single Kettlebell or Dumbbell: A single weight can go a long way for full-body workouts—swings, presses, rows, and squats.
Doorway Pull-Up Bar: Minimal space required, yet one of the most effective tools for upper body and core strength.
Resistance Bands: Lightweight, compact, and great for adding resistance to bodyweight movements.

Why This Works:

This setup prioritizes efficiency—every piece of gear allows for multiple movement patterns. If space is tight, focus on bodyweight training, calisthenics, and resistance band exercises.

Example Workout:

10 Pull-Ups (using the doorway bar)
15 Kettlebell Swings
12 Goblet Squats
30-Second Plank
Repeat 3-4 Rounds

Best Overall Exercise Mat: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Best Budget Exercise Mat: Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

Best Overall Kettlebell: PRx Powder Coated Cast Iron Kettlebells

Best Budget Kettlebell: Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell

Best Overall Dumbbell: PRx Rubber Hex Dumbbells

Best Budget Dumbbell: Amazon Basics Rubber Hex Dumbbell

Best Overall Pull Up Bar: Titan Fitness Adjustable Depth 52" Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar

Best Door Mounted Pull Up Bar: Ally Peaks Pull Up Bar for Doorway

Best Overall Resistance Bands: TRX Training Strength Band

Best Budget Resistance Bands: ROSAPOAR Resistance Bands

The Compact Setup (9’x9’ Space – Half a Room)

Perfect for: Those with slightly more space who want to expand their strength and conditioning options.

Recommended Gear:

Adjustable Dumbbells: Space-saving and allow for progressive overload in strength training.
Foldable Bench: Provides more exercise variety—bench presses, step-ups, seated exercises.
Jump Rope (If Ceiling Height Allows): A great way to get cardio in a small space without a treadmill or bike.
Suspension Trainer (Like TRX): Mounts to a door, offering full-body resistance training without taking up floor space.
Plyo Box: Ideal for step-ups, box jumps, and even as a makeshift bench.

Why This Works:

This setup adds variety and resistance while still being space-conscious. Adjustable dumbbells replace an entire rack of weights, and a suspension trainer utilizes vertical space instead of floor space.

Example Workout:

12 Dumbbell Bench Presses
15 Box Jumps (or Step-Ups)
40 Seconds of Jump Rope
10 Rows Using TRX Suspension Trainer
Repeat 3-4 Rounds

Best Overall Adjustable Dumbbells: Nuobell Adjustable Dumbbells

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbells: PowerBlock Elite EXP Adjustable Dumbbells

Best Overall Adjustable Bench: PRx Incline Bench

Best Budget Bench: Grind Fitness Flat Weight Bench

Best Overall Jump Rope: PRx Session Jump Rope

Best Budget Jump Rope: Loocio Jump Rope

Best Overall Suspension Trainer: TRX PRO3 Suspension Trainer System

Best Budget Suspension Trainer: TRX GO Suspension Trainer System

Best Overall Plyo Box: PRx 3-in-1 Plyo Box

Best Budget Plyo Box: Yes4All 3-in-1 Wooden Plyo Box

The Dedicated Home Gym (One-Car Garage or 10’x12’ Space)

Perfect for: Those ready to invest in a full home gym experience while keeping things efficient and functional.

Recommended Gear:

Power Rack (If Ceiling Height Allows): Essential for barbell training, pull-ups, and safety when lifting alone.
Barbell + Weight Plates: The best option for strength training—deadlifts, squats, presses.
Kettlebells (Various Weights): Great for explosive training, strength, and endurance work.
Cardio Option (Rower, Air Bike, or Treadmill): Choose based on preference and space.
Storage System (Wall Mounts, Racks): Keep equipment organized to maintain a clean, functional training space.

Why This Works:

This setup gives you the ultimate versatility—you can train like you’re in a commercial gym, but in the convenience of your own home. Smart storage solutions (like wall-mounted racks) keep the space organized and clutter-free.

Example Workout:

5x5 Barbell Squats
10 Kettlebell Swings
12 Incline Dumbbell Presses
500m Row or 30 Seconds on Air Bike
Repeat 3-4 Rounds

Best Overall (Foldable) Power Rack: Profile® ONE Squat Rack with Kipping Bar

Best Budget Power Rack: CAP Barbell FM-905Q Color Series Power Rack Exercise Stand

Best Overall Barbell: PRx Dakota Power Barbell

Best Budget Barbell: GRIND Standard Barbell

Best Overall Weight Plates: PRx Prime Bumper Plates

Best Budget Weight Plates: CAP Barbell Rubber Olympic Bumper Plate

Best Overall Rowing Machine: Concept2 RowErg Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

Best Budget Rowing Machine: YOSUDA Magnetic/Water Rowing Machine

Best Overall Air Bike: ASSAULTFITNESS Assault Air Bike Classic

Best Budget Air Bike: Marcy Air-Resistance Exercise Fan Bike

Best Overall Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial Series: Premium Foldable Treadmill

Best Under Desk Treadmill: Walking Pad Under Desk Treadmill

Best Overall Storage Options: PRx Performance (PRx is the best overall brand for storable exercise equipment solutions. I highly recommend checking out their equipment if you're looking to maximize space in your home gym setup)

Key Takeaways: Build a Home Gym That Works for You

Start small and expand. Even a single kettlebell and a mat can provide an incredible workout.
Maximize your space by choosing versatile equipment (adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands, suspension trainers).
Prioritize quality over quantity. A few well-selected pieces will take you further than a cluttered room full of unused equipment.
No space? No problem. Bodyweight exercises alone can keep you in top shape—push-ups, squats, planks, and burpees require zero gear.