I’ve trained in commercial gyms. I’ve trained in my garage. After years of both, I’m convinced a well-designed home gym beats a commercial gym for most people.

Here’s exactly what you need — and what you don’t.

The Non-Negotiables

These are the pieces that give you 90% of the results:

1. Barbell + Plates (Budget: $500-1500)

The barbell is the most versatile piece of equipment ever created. With one barbell you can:

  • Squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press
  • Row, clean, snatch
  • Hundreds of accessory movements

What to buy:

  • A decent Olympic barbell (45 lb, 7 feet) — don’t cheap out here
  • 300+ lbs of plates (you’ll need them eventually)
  • Bumper plates if you want to do Olympic lifts

My pick: Rogue Ohio Bar or Rep Fitness Sabre Bar. For plates, Rep Fitness iron plates are solid value.

2. Power Rack or Squat Stand (Budget: $300-800)

You need something to rack the bar for squats and bench. Options:

  • Power rack/cage: Safest option. Has safety bars to catch failed lifts.
  • Squat stand: Cheaper, smaller footprint, but less safe for solo training.
  • Half rack: Middle ground.

My pick: A basic power rack with safety bars. Titan Fitness T-3 is excellent value.

3. Adjustable Bench (Budget: $150-400)

Flat bench at minimum. Adjustable (incline/decline) is better for exercise variety.

What matters:

  • Stability (no wobble)
  • Pad quality
  • Incline range

My pick: Rep Fitness AB-3000 or AB-5000.

4. Pull-Up Bar (Budget: $30-200)

If your rack doesn’t have one built in, add one. Pull-ups are one of the best upper body exercises period.

Tier 2: High-Value Additions

Once you have the basics:

Dumbbells or Adjustable Dumbbells ($200-600)

Dumbbells fill gaps barbells can’t:

  • Unilateral work (single arm/leg)
  • More shoulder-friendly pressing angles
  • Accessory work

Options:

  • Adjustable dumbbells (Powerblock, Bowflex) — space efficient
  • Traditional dumbbells — more durable, better feel, need more space

Cable Machine or Resistance Bands ($50-500)

Cables/bands give you:

  • Constant tension through range of motion
  • Face pulls, tricep work, rotator cuff
  • Exercises that are awkward with free weights

A simple wall-mounted pulley system works great.

Cardio: Rower, Bike, or Nothing ($0-1500)

You don’t need cardio equipment. Walking, running, and jump rope work fine.

But if you want something:

  • Rower: Best bang for buck. Full body, low impact. Concept2 is the gold standard.
  • Bike: Air bike (Assault, Rogue Echo) for conditioning. Spin bike for steady state.
  • Treadmill: If you’ll actually use it.

What’s Overrated

Smith Machine

Fixed bar path doesn’t match natural movement. A barbell in a rack is better.

Most Machines

Unless you have unlimited space and budget, free weights + cables cover everything machines do.

Excessive Specialty Bars

You don’t need a Swiss bar, football bar, and cambered bar. A standard barbell handles 95% of needs. Maybe add a trap bar later.

Mirror Walls

Nice to have, not necessary. Your phone can record form checks.

Sample Setup by Budget

Minimalist ($800-1200)

  • Barbell + 300 lb plates
  • Squat stand
  • Flat bench
  • Pull-up bar (doorway)
  • Resistance bands

Standard ($1500-2500)

  • Barbell + 400+ lb plates
  • Power rack with pull-up bar
  • Adjustable bench
  • Adjustable dumbbells
  • Basic pulley system

Complete ($3000-5000)

All of the above plus:

  • Full dumbbell set or heavy adjustables
  • Cable machine
  • Rower or air bike
  • Specialty bar (trap bar)
  • Flooring

The Actual Secret

The best home gym is one you’ll use consistently.

I’d rather have a barbell, rack, and bench in a garage you train in 5x/week than a $20k setup that collects dust.

Start minimal. Add over time. Train consistently.

Questions about specific equipment? Hit me up on Twitter @drmob.