Knowing you want to create a home gym is the first step. After that, there are a few key things to keep in mind, according to KatieDunlop, creator of fitness and lifestyle community Love Sweat Fitness. “The most important things to think about when building an affordable home gym are the space you have and what you realistically will do with it,” she says. With space, she recommends thinking about how to make the most impact with what you have at home. “If you only have a tiny corner in a room, a big treadmill that takes up the entire area might not be the best choice,” she points out. “Leaving it open for a mat, dumbbells and a few other key pieces of equipment will allow you to work your body in tons of different ways instead of only having the option to walk or run on a treadmill.” Function is also crucial. “You need to be realistic about what you enjoy doing for workouts and what you will actually do long-term,” Dunlop says. So, if you’ve never picked up a set of weights, investing in a bunch of weight lifting gear doesn’t really make sense. “You need to have a plan and start small,” she says. “Set yourself up with the basics for what you know you will use three to five times a week, and then slowly build on from there as you consistently use the space and want to expand what you do.” Got all that? Clearly home gyms aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, but these items should be able to help get you on the right track. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Equipment for Your Home Gym
Love Sweat Fitness Booty Bands, $11.99 at Love Sweat Fitness
These $12 resistance bands are specially made to work your butt by using your own body. “I always recommend having a set of booty bands,” Dunlop says. There are three bands in the set — light, medium, and heavy — so you can ramp things up as you get stronger. Love Sweat Fitness Booty Bands, $11.99 at Love Sweat Fitness Don’t Want To Pay For A Peloton? Try One of These 10 Stationary Bikes Instead
NordicTrack Utility Bench, $299 at NordicTrack
A bench allows you to have solid back support while you work out, and NordicTrack’s $299 adjustable version is basically like having several benches in one. You can easily shift between four different settings, ranging from upright to flat, for whatever exercises you have planned. A high density foam backrest keeps you nice and comfortable while you work out. NordicTrack Utility Bench, $299 at NordicTrack
Next up, here are the best rowing machines for your home gym.
