There’s a lot to not like about going to the gym. I personally don’t like waiting for my turn for weights or machines, and I’m not a fan of socializing with people when I’m there to workout. I wanted to get in, work hard and get out.
This article is for those of us who don’t like going to the gym, but want to work out and get in shape and would rather train at home.
When I started looking to buy a home with my wife, one of my only MUSTS was a decent sized basement with high ceilings because I wanted to build my own home gym. Here’s what I equipped it with, complete with hyperlinks(I don’t get anything out of you clicking these links, they’re here for your convenience):
We begin with an X-Mark Olympic style bar and weight plates. These are a must and you can purchase a good set for a few hundred bucks. You can purchase them at a sporting goods store or online at places like Amazon. This is a must for some of your bigger movements like squats, deadlifts, military presses, rows, and bench pressing.
Next up…Standard size adjustable dumbbells and plates. These are good if you’re planning on doing a lot of heavier dumbbell exercises like flat bench dumbbell presses, dumbbell shrugs, lunges, overhead presses, etc. The standard size plates and bars are smaller and easier to maneuver around.
In addition, I also have Hex-dumbbell pairs from 5-25lbs. in 5lb. increments. I use these for some lighter dumbbell movements, stability exercises, and mobility work. The hex shape of the dumbbells is useful, especially when doing mobility and stability exercises.
I bought some Kettlebells ranging in weight from 10 to 40lbs. You can do a number of great exercises with kettlebells and some of my favorites are swings. I sometimes switch it up and substitute kettlebells for dumbbells when doing curls or lateral raises just to change it up and hit the muscles a little differently.
Another important item in my home gym is Resistance bands and cables from Lifeline with adjustable handles ranging from least to most resistant. These are really great and I try and incorporate band movements daily. They’re really ideal for feeling movements through the entire range of motion. I try and do at least one bands only workout a week.
I really love the X-Mark squat rack and adjustable bench that inclines and declines. This is really great and useful for squats, military presses and all types of bench pressing.
I’ve got a great X-Mark trap bar that makes deadlifts and shoulder shrugs a lot easier to do. Using the trap bar makes it easier to hold and grip larger poundage for some of those heavier power lifts.
Another great piece of equipment is my X-Mark lat pulldown and seated row machine. I also have various lat pulldown bars, row bars, a v-bar, and a rope. This machine can be used for more than just pulldowns and seated rows. I do triceps press downs, cable curls, and face pulls using this machine just to name a few.
Rounding out the big pieces of equipment is the Weider Pull-up and Dip power tower that I use for…wait for it…pull-ups and dips (imagine that)!
For cardio, I have an Exerpeutic recumbent bike and a hybrid stepper/elliptical machine from Bowflex called a MaxTrainer. I have the M7 model. I’ll alternate between these two machines and also take daily walks outside.
It’s a good idea to put down some gym flooring to protect the floors, your equipment, and also provide a comfortable surface for you to train on. I bought my flooring tiles at a BJ’s membership club but have seen similar flooring for sale at numerous other stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Costco.
Now I didn’t buy everything all at once and it took a few years before I got everything I have. It obviously takes time to save to make such large purchases. I’m always on the lookout for new equipment that may help to change up and enhance any workouts I’m doing.
It’s important to remember that you’re in your gym to work…so if you can, make it an environment you don’t mind being in. Paint the walls, put up posters, or whatever else will make it space you don’t mind being in. As you can see from the pics of my gym, I’m personally not too big on decor and just keep the atmosphere dark and dingy because I feel that works best for me.
The first things I got were the flooring tiles, Olympic bar and weights, the adjustable bench and the squat rack. I liked the X-Mark brand because it was commercial grade and very sturdy so I stuck with it. You don’t have to. Just keep in mind, as with all other things in life, you get what you pay for. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on a piece of equipment that is higher quality because it will be sturdier and last longer.
If you’re interested in any of the above equipment, just click on the hyperlinks where available. Again, I don’t get any compensation or anything out of you checking out anything I’ve linked to here today, I only endorse it because it’s what I’ve personally used for years.
Hope this was informative and helpful.
Always Activate. Get Going.
Alex Arion