Your home, health, and happiness are among the best things you can invest in. One way to check all these boxes at once is by building a home gym. Since the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve seen a massive surge in interest for home gyms, and it’s not hard to see why.

Although commercial fitness centers reopened their doors long ago, you simply cannot beat the comfort and convenience of getting your workouts done at home. It saves a ton of time and stress. So what are the essentials for a home gym?

Truthfully, only you can answer that based on your training style and budget. In our opinion, though, the home gym essentials can be narrowed down to the following:

• Good flooring
• An adjustable bench
• Free weights
• A barbell and weighted plates
• Stretching and recovery gear

You could even get away with just barbells and a mat if you really wanted to. But if you’re going to build a home gym you might as well do it the right way and set yourself up for success!

Whether you’re sick of waiting around for equipment at your local gym or don’t want people watching you work out, Elite Vitality has curated an unparalleled selection of the essentials from PENT Fitness Equipment. Browse our catalog and make your dream home gym a reality today!

Why Build a Home Gym?

There’s no question that fitness equipment can be expensive, and the idea of turning a spare bedroom or garage into a place to work out can feel overwhelming. It’s so worth it, though. Here’s why:

• Workout on Your Own Schedule: No more rushing to the gym before it closes or waiting for equipment. Your gym is open 24/7.
• Save Money Over Time: While there’s an upfront cost, you’ll save on gym memberships, transportation, and class fees in the long run. 
• Eliminate Commute Time: Cut out travel time and use those extra minutes for longer workouts or more recovery.
• Personalize Your Space: Design your gym exactly how you like it, from equipment selection to music, lighting, and layout.
• No Crowds, No Waiting: Say goodbye to crowded gyms and waiting for machines. Your time is yours. No gym chatter or awkward small talk either!
• Stay Consistent: It’s easier to stick to your fitness routine, even on busy days, when your gym is just steps away. No more excuses!
• Control the Environment: Set the temperature, choose your playlist, and create a space that motivates you. You can even work out in your underwear if you want!

Whether you’re into strength training, yoga, cardio, or HIIT, your home gym can evolve with your fitness journey. A home gym is a lifelong commitment to better health, improved mental well-being, and physical longevity.

Start By Assessing How Much Space You Have

The toughest part of building a home gym is figuring out what you have space for and prioritizing equipment accordingly. Sure, it’d be great to have a rowing machine, a power rack, a cable machine, and other machines - but be realistic about what you can actually fit!

Even if you technically have the room for multiple machines and pieces of equipment it needs to be safe and practical. You’ll need room to move around, after all.

Start by deciding where your gym will go. This could be a spare room, garage, basement, backyard, or even a small corner in your living room that can accommodate a home gym. The less space you have, the shorter your list of home gym essentials will be.

Then, get a sense of the footprint you’re working with. Measure the length, width, and ceiling height of the area. The ceiling height is one thing many overlook, but it needs to be accounted for given the height of power racks - one of the key essentials for a home gym.

Be sure to account for movement, not just equipment. Leave at least 2-3 feet around everything in our home gym for safety and ease of use. Think about storage solutions as well for your dumbbells, bands, bench, barbell, plates, etc. 

All that being said, what are the essentials for a home gym? We’ll break down our specific at home gym essentials list below while also discussing some things that are nice to have if space and budget aren’t concerns. 

What are the Essentials for a Home Gym? Our At Home Gym Essentials List (With Some “Nice to Haves”)

Before we get into this list of essentials for a home gym keep in mind that your specific training goals will dictate what matters most in your workout regimen. 

Someone who’s strictly interested in powerlifting or yoga won’t need a rowing machine. Similarly, you don’t need a squat rack and a barbell if you want to focus on plyometrics. That being said, here are some of the most common essentials for a home gym. 

Good Flooring

This one is a non-negotiable regardless of your training goals. It’s often overlooked, but the flooring is the one thing you’ll be using for every single exercise. 

Proper gym flooring protects both your home’s surfaces and your body. It reduces impact, prevents equipment damage, and provides a stable base for safe movement. 

There are two directions you can take this. The first is rubber mats which are durable, non-slip, and perfect for weightlifting. They’re also more expensive and hard to move around. 

That’s why some prefer foam tiles which are softer and great for bodyweight exercises, stretching, and yoga. Whichever you choose make sure the flooring is at least ½” thick for general workouts, or thicker if you plan on lifting heavy weights. 

An Adjustable Bench

An adjustable bench adds versatility to your workouts so you can perform exercises at flat, incline, or decline angles. It’s especially necessary for strength training, but even someone interested in doing bodyweight step-ups or just having a place to sit between sets needs one.

You can do a full-body workout using an adjustable bench. You can do Bulgarian split squats, glute raises, bench presses, shoulder presses, ab exercises, and much, much more. 

Just make sure your adjustable bench is built with a sturdy frame and supports heavy weights without wobbling, which could otherwise increase your risk of injury. The more adjustment angles, the better. Better yet, see if you can find a bench that folds for easy storage.

Free Weights

From dumbbells to kettlebells, you need free weights in your home gym. These essentials are the backbone of strength training. They’re versatile, space efficient, and force you to build up the stabilizing muscles that a barbell might neglect.

The reason we listed free weights so high on our home gym essentials list is they’re versatile, space-efficient, and can be used across any training regimen. 

You might even be able to find some dumbbells that are adjustable so you can make the most of limited space and save money on having to buy a set ranging from 5 pounds up to 50 pounds or higher.

If you had to pick one or the other between kettlebells or dumbbells, think about your training goals. Dumbbells are better for the vast majority of workouts, but kettlebells are great for dynamic movements like swings, snatches, and Turkish get-ups.

A Barbell and Weighted Plates

Anyone serious about strength training will agree that barbells and weight plates should be included on our home gym essentials list. This dynamic duo lets you load heavier weights for compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses to build strength and muscle.

The standard size most training programs call for is an Olympic barbell, which is 7 feet long and 45 pounds. Choose between bumper plates (rubber-coated for floor protection) and traditional metal plates based on the specific movements you do and the space you have available. Bumper plates are bigger and bulkier.

Don’t forget collars and clips to secure your weights during lifts. Make sure you have a solid grouping of all the main weights:

• 45lbs (at least one set, more if you’re stronger)
• 25lbs (one set is enough)
• 10lbs (we recommend two sets, four plates total)
• 5lbs (one set is enough)
• 2.5lbs (one set is enough)

Pull-Up Bar

A pull-up bar is a compact powerhouse for upper body and core strength. Pull-ups or chin-ups are some of the best workouts you can do for your back and arms. But this bar also enables exercises like hanging leg raises and can support TRX or resistance band attachments.

You can find a doorway-mounted pull-up for small spaces and easy installation. There are also wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted bars for better stability. See if you can get your hands on a pull-up bar with multiple grip positions to target different muscle groups. 

A Rowing Machine

Technically this isn’t essential since you can get your cardio by running outside, but we certainly consider this to be one of the must-have pieces of equipment in any home fitness setup.

It’s a full-body cardio workout that also engages over 80% of your muscles. But what really sets it apart is its low-impact and joint-friendly nature.

Invest in a quality rowing machine with a smooth resistance mechanism (air, magnetic, or water-based). The overall build should be durable so that you never have to buy another rowing machine. Many of these systems fold up vertically to save space, perfect for home gyms.

Jump Rope

If you can’t justify bringing a rowing machine into your home gym setup, a jump rope is a good alternative. It’s as compact a piece of fitness equipment as you’ll find!

Jump ropes are great for quick, high-intensity cardio sessions. They improve coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance, making them a must-have for any home gym. You can even just use them to warm up before your workout.

Look for adjustable-length jump ropes to suit your height, durable materials for smooth rotation and longevity, and the ability to add resistance for more challenging exercises. 

Stretching and Recovery Gear

Most people think about strength training equipment when the essentials for a home gym are discussed, but the stuff you use before or after your workout is just as important.

Stretching and recovery tools help improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injuries. The basics include:

• Foam Roller: For myofascial release and muscle tension relief.
• Yoga Mat: Provides a cushioned surface for stretching, mobility work, and floor exercises.
• Resistance Bands: Assist with stretching, mobility drills, and light resistance exercises.

You might even want a lacrosse ball for working in tougher spots like the glutes or hips. Consider adding to your arsenal over time with massage guns, compression leg/arm sleeves, and more. These keep you healthy so you can continue pushing forward toward your goals.

Other Pieces of Equipment That Are Nice to Have

Before we wrap up our at home gym essentials list we want to cover a few things that are worth adding if you have extra room or money after securing the essentials. Technically, some of these can be categorized as “essentials” depending on your training goals. 

• Squat Rack or Power Cage: Provides added safety and versatility for barbell exercises like squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. Look for models with adjustable safety bars and pull-up attachments for multi-purpose use.
• Stationary Bike or Spin Bike: A great low-impact cardio option for endurance training or active recovery days. Spin bikes are higher-intensity while stationary bikes are more comfortable for longer sessions.
• Medicine Balls: Versatile tools for explosive exercises, core work, and functional training. Use them for slams, throws, or weighted movements to add variety to your routines.
• Mirrors: It’s not just a vanity thing. Being able to see yourself training helps you monitor your form and reduces the risk of injury during strength training or bodyweight exercises.
• Sound System: Part of the appeal of building a home gym is being able to bump your own tunes as loud as you want. Or, maybe you want to listen to a podcast. Even just a Bluetooth speaker is a good investment.
• Water Station/Mini Fridge: Staying hydrated is key. Although you can probably just run inside to refill your water bottle it’s more convenient to have a water station or mini fridge stocked in your garage if that’s where you’re training.

These “nice-to-haves” can make your home gym more functional and enjoyable, but they’re easy to add over time as your space, budget, and training needs evolve. Start with the essentials and work your way up. Before you know it, you’ll have everything you need to train!

Tailoring Your Home Gym to Your Fitness Goals

Remember, nobody can tell you what the essentials for a home gym are unless they know how you train and what your goals are. Your chosen fitness equipment should reflect these two factors. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to prioritize:

• For Strength and Muscle Building: Free weights, a barbell with plates, an adjustable bench, and a squat rack for compound lifts are what matter most. Add resistance bands and a pull-up bar for bodyweight strength variations.
• For Cardio and Endurance: A rowing machine, stationary bike, or jump rope is all you need for high-intensity, heart-pumping workouts. Space for dynamic movements like burpees or sprints is nice, but you could technically do these exercises outside.
• For Flexibility and Mobility: You just need an open area with a yoga mat, foam roller, and stretching straps. Lightweight resistance bands can support mobility drills and rehabilitation exercises.
• For Functional Training: Kettlebells, medicine balls, and TRX suspension trainers for dynamic, multi-plane movements that improve balance, coordination, and core strength.

At this simplest level, there are no at-home gym essentials. You could technically get by just through bodyweight exercises alone! But for all the most common essentials for a home gym, look no further than our collection of Pent Luxury Fitness Equipment at Elite Vitality. 

The Home Gym Essentials are a Few Clicks Away at Elite Vitality!

From PENT dumbbells to a luxury sauna to supercharge recovery, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to live the healthiest, happiest life possible from the comfort of your home.

Our customizable luxury fitness equipment blends high-performance functionality with sophisticated design. These items are handmade in Poland and it shows in the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. 

PENT uses the world’s most exquisite wood species so these benches, kettlebells, and other pieces of equipment are true works of art that will stand the test of time. 

So, take the next step towards making your home gym a reality at Elite Vitality today. Get in touch with our team and we’ll discuss the true essentials for a home gym so you can get this journey underway!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Home Gym Essentials

So what are the essentials for a home gym? As we bring our at home gym essentials list to a close remember that only you can determine what is truly an essential and what is merely nice to have. 

In general, though, you should focus on free weights, an adjustable bench, and if needed, cardio equipment - but you can always do your cardio by running or biking outside in the neighborhood.

Add recovery tools and other non-essentials are your needs evolve. It’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to source everything at once, so take your time. 

If you’re ready to create your dream home gym, we’re eager to assist. Connect with our fitness experts at Elite Vitality now and see for yourself how PENT equipment can offer the best of both worlds: premium design and unparalleled performance!