As a personal trainer, I’m a big fan of having a small home gym.
And while a yoga mat and a few resistance bands can be enough for some people, some careful planning can make a small budget go a long way.
To give you advice on how to plan a home gym setup, our team reached out to friends in the fitness industry.
And after five weeks of visiting over 30 home gyms and gathering feedback, we believe we found the best equipment to invest in.
Let’s get to the list of best home gym equipment.
Our Recommended Workout Equipment (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Echo Bike (Editor's Choice)
At the top of our list of best home gym equipment is this Rogue Echo bike.
What we all liked about it was the highly adjustable seat position, which ultimately means you reduce strain on your leg joints for a great low-impact workout [1].
I have this set up in my own gym at home, and it’s the one machine I rely on the most for linking up with my heart rate monitor to do some high-intensity cardio.
“Although some forms of exercise may be too rough for patients experiencing low back pain (such as running or even biking on the road), riding a stationary exercise bike allows patients to engage in exercise without jarring the spine.”
- J. Talbot Sellers, DO at spine-health.com
Quick Facts:
- Type : Stationary Exercise Bike
- Size : 58.875"L x 29.875"W x 52.75"
- Weight Limit : 350 lbs
- Highly durable and affordable commercial exercise bike
- Allows you to adjust it to your height for optimum workouts
- Comes with preset modes that give you a range of different-intensity workouts
- Connects with heart monitors and many apps to load your training data
- You’ll need quite a bit of space for this large and heavy machine
2 - Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
The next piece of home gym equipment I would recommend is one that I have in my own home gym.
Made by Inspire Fitness, this cable machine provides a huge range of workout flexibility.
You can do upper and lower body workouts, as well as some great core training with a relatively compact setup.
And with the flexibility to do a full-body muscle building workout at home, you’ll be in a much better position to deal with body fat [2].
Quick Facts:
- Type : Multi Gym Cable Machine
- Size : 40”L x 54”W x 85”H
- Weight Limit : 500 lbs
- Great selection of handle attachments to give you a wide range of workouts
- Multiple weight stacks allow for greater flexibility in the pulley system setup
- There’s a pull-up bar on the frame that allows for multiple hand positions
- Add some gym floor mats to your purchase to keep the machine stable
3 - Rogue Black Concept 2 Rowerg Rower - PM5
Another great option for a full-body cardio workout is this rowing machine from Rogue Fitness.
It’s a slightly smaller and simpler version of the company’s commercial rowing machine, but it will give you more than enough durability for use at home.
What we liked about it is that you can easily move and stand it in a corner, which is great for people who don’t have a large dedicated gym space.
While you need to be careful if you have back problems, it’s a great way to reduce strain on your leg joints [3].
Quick Facts:
- Type : Rowing Machine
- Size : 97”L x 24”W x 20”H
- Weight Limit : 500 lbs
- Easy to read and adjust the display to reduce disruptions during training
- The adjustable seat height is great for taller people
- Easy to move and store with an optional wall hanger (highly recommended)
- It might not be suitable for people with lower back issues
4 - Rogue Concept 2 Skierg
Here is another great piece of home exercise equipment that gives you a very fun way to burn off calories.
And the best thing is that you don’t have to be into skiing to get some immediate benefits.
The display is easy to read and adjust, and once you get to the higher-intensity settings, you’ll be doing some solid lower-body and core strength workouts.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Skier
- Size : 52”L x 24”W x 85”H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Provides a fun cardio workout that can burn a load of calories
- Clear and simple display allows you to make adjustments without disruptions
- At high-intensity levels, this can become a good core strength training tool
- It’s a heavy machine that isn’t easy to store out of the way
5 - Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
If you like doing strength training at home but don’t have the budget for a full Smith machine, then Bowflex has created an innovative and affordable solution.
This cable pulley machine uses rods to create resistance.
It’s not too different from resistance bands, and it makes home exercise equipment a lot cheaper.
What I liked about it is that you can quickly adjust it to do over 50 different workouts.
Learn More: Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym 2023 Review
Quick Facts:
- Type : Multi Gym Cable Machine
- Size : 64”L x 41”W x 83”H
- Weight Limit : 210 lbs
- Easily set up the pulley system for over 50 different workouts
- Uses a rod system rather than plates to make it more affordable
- The seat height adjustment is easy to use and suitable for all heights
- The maximum weight limit of 210 lbs might not be enough for some bodybuilders
6 - PowerBlock Pro 50 Adjustable Dumbbells
One way to take a step up from the most basic home gym equipment like resistance bands is to invest in a set of adjustable dumbbells.
Out of all the products we tested, these PowerBlock dumbbells ones seem to have the best adjustment mechanism and durability.
The free weights feel completely natural during lifting exercises, and they will cost you a lot less than a full set of dumbbells.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Adjustable Dumbbell
- Size : 13"L x 7"W
- Max Weight : 50 lbs
- Simple to use mechanism for adjusting the weight setting
- Works out cheaper than buying a full set of quality dumbbells
- Anti-slip grip makes it easier to hold onto even in tough workouts
- Can’t be further expanded beyond the 50 pounds weight limit
7 - Schwinn Fitness 470 Elliptical
Schwinn is a known brand in the fitness industry, and I have used a few of their exercise bikes in different gyms.
This Schwinn 470 elliptical is a great option to transform a garage gym with some top-quality cardio equipment.
It’s easy to get set up for your stride length, and the 50 different presets give you a great range of intensity to work with.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Elliptical Machine
- Size : 28.2"D x 63.2"W x 70.1"H
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Comes with over 50 presets to provide more workout variety
- Connects with many different exercise apps to store your training data
- Simple to adjust to your stride for a more effective workout
- It’s not the cheapest cardio machine, but you do get a great-quality product
8 - ProForm Pro 9000 Smart Treadmill
For many people, the first type of home gym equipment they want to invest in is a treadmill to avoid having to run in the rain.
And ProForm has created an excellent machine with a load of presets and incline adjustments.
We also liked that you can fold it up, which is ideal if you’re using a spare room as your home gym.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Treadmill
- Size : 59.6”H x 35.3”W x 77.3”L
- Weight Limit : 300 lbs
- Comes with a bounce effect to reduce the impact on joints
- Fully foldable construction that takes less than 30 seconds to set up
- Can be set up for incline running to increase the intensity at lower speeds
- You’ll need to place some mats under the machine due to its weight
9 - Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
If you’re into bodybuilding, then this is one piece of home fitness equipment you want to invest in.
The half squat rack can be used for squats and bench presses. And there’s also a bar to do pull-ups.
That means you’ll be able to hit all the major muscle groups with quite a simple setup.
We also liked the safety features that you don’t find on all squat racks, meaning you can do your training without a spotter. Check out our review of the Rogue SML 2 Monster Lite Squat as well.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Half Power Rack
- Size : 48"D x 49"W x 92”H
- Weight Limit : 255 lbs
- Solid steel construction provides less shaking under heavy-weight loads
- You can also use the frame as a pull-up bar
- Comes with safety bars for squats and bench presses
- You have to pay extra for the barbell and weight plates
10 - Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Walking Pad Treadmill
Here is another affordable piece of home gym equipment for those that like to go running but not in the rain.
It’s a basic treadmill that will still allow you to run to 8 mph, and it has easy-to-use intensity settings.
It’s great for on-demand workouts where you might have 20 minutes to spare.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Treadmill
- Size : 64.5"D x 28"W x 50.5"H
- Weight Limit : 240 lbs
- Entry-level treadmill with easy-to-use workout programs
- Easily check your heart rate during workouts with a built-in sensor
- Achieve running speeds up to 8 mph for great cardio training
- The maximum weight limit might not be suitable for some athletes
11 - Rogue Color LB Training 2.0 Plates
I mentioned a Rogue half-rack above as a great option, and I would highly recommend these weight plates to go with it.
Each weight has a different color coding, which makes it easier to get set up for different workouts.
And they have been specifically designed to reduce bounce, which is particularly important for deadlifts.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Weight PLATES
- Size : 450 mm diameter
- Max Weight : 55 lbs
- Designed to minimize bounce for deadlifts
- Come in great bright colors for different weights
- Each plate has a ridge, so you can use them for plate rows and other exercises
- The paint can chip if you bang the plates on each other
12 - FLYBIRD Adjustable Bench
The other thing you’ll need if you’ve invested in a rack is a good quality adjustable weight bench.
This one from Flybird has great padding to support your body.
The maximum weight range of 600 pounds is quite impressive for a bench at this affordable price.
The only downside I found is that the backrest could be a bit wider for a bit more support.
Quick Facts:
- Type : Adjustable Bench
- Size : 9.65"D x 32.28"W x 13.58"H
- Weight Limit : 600 lbs
- Comfortable padding for your back and buttocks
- Easy to adjust the seat and backrest for your workouts
- Allows you to get into a good decline position for more training flexibility
- The backrest could be a bit wider for some bodybuilders
Buyer’s Guide
Here are a couple of things you need to keep in mind before making a final decision.
Available Workout Space
I’ve met a few people who packed their home gym space full of equipment.
Not only can that be a limiting problem for your workouts, but it could also become a safety issue.
The first thing you should do is check your available space and then measure what size the machines can be and if you can fit more than one.
With that information in hand, you should then check the dimensions for all the above machines to see which ones will best fit your available space.
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Plan For Fitness Goals
The next important thing to consider is to figure out what kind of training you will be doing at home.
If you want to focus mainly on strength training, then a cardio machine should be your first pick.
And if you want to do cardio training most of the time, then don’t waste money on weight training equipment.
In that case, a set of resistance bands might be enough. And I would also recommend that you look into machines that limit the impact on your joints [4].
“Low impact cardio is a category of exercise that gets your heart rate up specifically in a joint-friendly way.”
- Jake Harcoff, C.S.C.S.
Now, if you want to have the flexibility for strength and cardio workouts at home, then you may need to find the space and budget for more than one piece of equipment.
Related: 10 Body Solid Home Gym Reviews for Your Home Workout
Stay Within Budget
I’ve seen people spend thousands of dollars on a single piece of equipment [5].
And while that might make sense for professional and performance athletes, most people can achieve enough with a lot less.
What I would suggest is looking at your budget first and then figuring out whether it stretches far enough for one or two key pieces of workout equipment.
A great way to stay on budget is to be able to maintain your equipment for long term, remember to always wipe down and lubricate your gym equipment.
Check out also our guide where and how to sell used equipment to stay in your budget [6].
FAQs
What Equipment Is Best For A Small Home Gym?
A cardio machine like an exercise bike and a half power rack are best for a small home gym. Stationary bikes don’t tend to take up much space, and even a half rack will provide plenty of strength workout flexibility.
What Is The First Thing To Buy For A Home Gym?
The first thing to buy for a home gym is a good strength or cardio workout machine. It will depend on your fitness goals and which one you choose, but people often choose a cardio machine to give them more flexibility for running or cycling when the weather is bad.
Start Your Garage Gym With The Right Equipment
As a personal trainer, I highly recommend that people invest in a high-quality cardio machine. While rowing machines can be more compact and easier to store away, I generally recommend a stationary bike due to its low impact on joints and the back.
The best option we found in our research is the Rogue Echo Bike. It’s a commercial-grade machine at a much lower price and will give you a ton of options to set the right intensity levels.
I’ve had one at home for a few months now, and I’ve never regretted the investment.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Echo Bike
- Highly durable and affordable commercial exercise bike
- Allows you to adjust it to your height for optimum workouts
- Comes with preset modes that give you a range of different-intensity workouts
- Connects with heart monitors and many apps to load your training data
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- You’ll need quite a bit of space for this large and heavy machine
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