The 22 Best Home Gym Equipment Items of 2024, Tested By Us

This gear will make you never want to leave your personal fitness sanctuary.

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WHETHER YOU'RE a weightlifter, CrossFit acolyte, cardio junkie, or yoga lover, a dependable home gym setup is a must. You might not have the square footage or budget to create a space that replicates your go-to health club or weight room space, but you can still achieve great workouts at home with the best home gym equipment.

Building your home fitness setup should prioritize space, functionality, and usability over trends. Choose gear that suits your needs and storage space. Whether it's a full-on garage gym or portable equipment, the best home gym equipment can help you make the most of your home workouts.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

From traditional heavy lifting (we love these barbell sets and weight benches) to HIIT workouts (this 15-minute interval workout is sure to make you sweat) to full-on indoor cardio rigs (here are our picks for the best indoor rowing machines, as well as the best ellipticals), we've tested and vetted something out there for every type of training imaginable. In fact, we've used hundreds of pieces of equipment throughout the years, from the most high-end, commercial-grade options all the way down to budget gear from Amazon. Our extensive testing process has involved a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including durability, performance, suitability for different fitness levels, and value, to ensure that we recommend only the best.

Here are 22 can't-miss items that we would include in our dream home gym, with picks that will work for just about every type of space and style of training. And for an even deeper dive, check out our 2023 Men's Health Home Gym Awards for more of the most highly-rated, editor-selected gear.

SMRTFT’s Nüobell is the perfect ultra-durable adjustable dumbbell I need for home workouts. It can easily be five pounds, perfect for warmup work, or 80 pounds, enough to challenge me on heavy leg moves, Eric Sung, C.S.C.S., a member of the Men's Health Strength in Diversity initiative and trainer at Performance Lab in New York City, told us.

These adjustable dumbbells give you the convenience of 16 sets of dumbbells all in one compact footprint. They're easy to use and offer superior durability thanks to its machined steel weight plates. If you're starting a home gym from scratch or live tight confines with little room to spare, consider these a must have. Few items pack as much versatility and return on investment in such a small package.

Read more: Best Adjustable Dumbbells

This one’s sturdy, and it gets especially high marks for comfort. Laying back on it for incline presses or chest-supported rows it’s nearly couch-comfy while still offering the support I need to dominate both exercises with heavy load. Few weight benches combine sturdiness, comfort, and versatility like this one from REP Fitness, which offers six different incline angles and a three-post design, anchoring it to the floor no matter the exercise.

The Ab-3100's adjustment mechanism is smooth, transitioning from fully flat to a 90-degree incline with minimal effort. The 77-pound frame isn't light, but it's stable enough for exercises with a lot of weight transfer, like step-ups. The alloy-steel bench is rated to up to 700 pounds—more than enough for novice to intermediate lifters. It's a great accompaniment to any home gym, whether you have a power rack or a set of dumbbells.

Read more: Best Weight Benches

Plyo box workouts can be incredibly effective, but the boxes themselves can take up space. This one from Rep Fitness has 3 vinyl-covered plyo boxes (16 inches, 20 inches, 24 inches) that are soft but sturdy.

The vinyl covering is saves your shins if you accidentally catch your toe on a jump, and dampens the sound of impact, too. You shouldn’t use it on a smooth floor, though (think wood, tile, or smooth concrete), as it needs some grip to avoid slipping out from under you. (We've made that mistake before. Ouch.)

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This seven-foot Olympic barbell has been one of our favorite barbells for home use (and an Amazon's Choice best seller) for years. The 15" sleeves are designed with snap clips to accommodate any 2-inch Olympic plates. It's built of 110,000 PSI tensile strength cold rolled Japanese steel with a black oxide finish, so it's plenty durable. Durable enough, in fact, that it's rated to 1,000 pounds. While that won't quite accommodate powerlifters, it's more than enough for beginner to intermediate home lifters.

Most reviewers report that it feels great in the hands (even without the knurled grip), although some reviewers complain of more bending than expected when lifting 350 pounds or more. But, at roughly half the price of most premium alternatives, it's an incredible value, especially for any moderate weightlifters looking to upgrading their home gym without spending a small fortune.

CAP's rubber bumper plates have a steel inner hub that was designed to withstand drops without damage. They're also made of virgin and recycled rubber.

They come in a variety of weights that are also color-coded: 10 pounds (green), 25 pounds (yellow), 35 pounds (blue) and 45 pounds (red), ranging from $40-54 per plate. Keep in mind, these plates are sold as singles, so building a full set isn't cheap. Start small with four to six plates to get your home weight rack up and running and expand from there as needed.

Adjustable dumbbells are great, but the hex dumbbell is a staple of any modern home gym. Living Fit’s Hex Dumbbells have the classic shape that’s more stable and won’t roll around on you mid-workout. The cast iron construction feels extremely rigid and durable (though perhaps not as much as rubber dumbbells) and is coated in rubber for extra protection. Moderate knurling on the handles also adds texture, which allows for a better grip.

This rack is expensive and takes up a ton of space, but if you want the ultimate home gym experience, this is option is a step above a set of adjustable dumbbells. You can always add a second rack for sets above 25 lbs. later down the road if you need it, too.

If there’s a downside, it’s that cast iron dumbbells typically don’t last as long as their rubber counterparts. Although, in this case, the rubber coating is guaranteed to help protect these for years to come. A complete set will take up significantly more floor space than getting a few hex dumbbell sets a la carte, but we find it well worth the price for the possibilities it opens up (if you have the floorspace to spare). But, if you’re just looking for just 2-3 pairs of classic hex weights, Living.Fit has some of our favorites, too.

Read more: Best Dumbbells

The Concept2 RowErg is the standard by which all rowing machines are measured, a device that can redline your heart rate in minutes and is perfect for strengthening hips, glutes, back, and abs.

The RowErg with Standard Legs is the new name for Concept 2's Model D rower, and it's the first device that comes to mind when we think of training on a rower at home. Our editors have never tested a better rower than this one, point blank. In a nutshell, it offers many of the same features as the best rowing machines that cost twice as much.

"It's an industry standard used by CrossFit and in many high-profile competitions for a reason," according to Samuel. "It relies on a variable resistance flywheel that provides a constant challenge, making it great for high volume or experienced rowers."

It's extremely easy to assemble, too. In our experience (and many Amazon reviewers agree) setup takes around 20 minutes with minimal tools or hardware (just eight screws are required).

City dwellers and users tight on space will appreciate the clever design that allows this machine to separate into two pieces for easy storage. Built-in caster wheels make setting up and putting away a breeze. Plus, it's surprisingly affordable at $1,240 delivered.This is the definitive home rowing experience, and why it's our pick for the best value rowing machine of 2024.

Read more: Best Indoor Rowing Machines

When you're looking for an exercise bike that's as high-tech as it gets, the Peloton Bike+ is our go-to choice. The 24-inch HD touchscreen display is crisp and easy to use, and its library of best-in-class instructor-led studio-style classes is a true game-changer for home workouts. Our editos have used this bike for more than four years now, and has never run out of fresh classes to try.

For nearly $2500, it's a bummer that users need to shell out an additional $44/month for access to the platform, but we found it well worth the cost if you take advantage of the off-bike classes, too. From 5-minute core sessions to hybrid strength and cycling classes—it can be used for a much more comprehensive exercise program than cycling alone—just as long as users have extra floor space in front of or next to the bike to move around.

These slides might be the most simple piece of equipment on this list, but they sure can rip your core into shape. Use them under your feet or hands on a smooth floor to challenge stability and light up your muscles.

Our favorite simple way to use these is to pop them underneath the feet to amp up classic mountain climbers. Keeping the feet in contact with the sliders the whole time, try 3-4 rounds of sprinting through 30 seconds to a minute of continuous mountain climbers, then resting for 15-30 seconds. They're generous in size, making them a great option for those who are new to sliders in general.

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These tough, reliable closed-loop resistance bands are available in six different resistance levels and work well for a variety of exercises. Whether using them to assist for pull-ups or to warm up, the eight choices of resistance and size allow for a lot of versatility. We really like the lighter bands for mobility work, too.

They range from light to heavy resistance (9-225 lb.), and can be purchased individually or in package sets. These come at a higher price point compared to other resistance bands out there, but the durability is unmatched.

Read more: Best Resistance Bands

The EXP line of treadmills are specifically designed for at-home use and are NordicTrack's most customizable and smartest machines yet. Key features include a heart rate monitor and AutoAdjust™ technology that automates speed and incline adjustments throughout your workout. The EXP 14i is driven by a powerful 3.5 continuous Hp motor with speeds up to 12 MPH as well as a wide decline/incline range from -3% to 12%. Aside from the commercial-grade motor and nearly bulletproof tread belt, this model has a 14-inch HD touchscreen display with live iFit classes to guide you through a run whenever you want.

Beyond its functional specs is its solid build and easy-to-use controls. While testing, we found that its base and belt (which isn't too narrow or wide) could hold steady when used by bigger guys (up to 300 pounds). The FlexSelect Cushioning absorbed some of the impact from strides (easier on the knees), and made for a quieter running experience compared to some other treads (your downstairs neighbors will thank you).

Plus, the touchscreen display is flanked by quick key buttons to adjust speed and incline to your likeness in one touch, instead of repeatedly pressing a button while trying to speed up or slow down.

Read more: Best Folding Treadmills

This adjustable weighted jump rope is made of thick silicone that is soft, sweat-resistant and comfortable to use even during long workouts. We can confirm through our own testing that this jump rope is built to last. Out of the box, it's nearly 10 feet long, but is designed to be cut to find the perfect fit based on user height. This is ideal for a single user, but doesn't lend itself well to multiple users within the same household unless they're the same height.

Together, the rope and handles weigh 1 pound, so this kit is enough to challenge you during a good cardio sesh. At around $20, this is another great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to get in some cardio at home without a huge piece of equipment.

This bands and bow set provides variable resistance for a twist on a surprising number of exercises, forcing your muscles to spend more time under tension—a central tenet of muscle building.

The unique bow design accommodates up to 300 pounds of resistance (just to start, you can get heavier models) that you can use to target just about every muscle group. The bow itself is made out of aircraft aluminum while the resistance bands are double-wall latex, resulting in a durable, lightweight, and portable build.

You can think of the Gorilla Bow as a hybrid tool that combines the benefits of resistance bands with a weightlifting bar, which allows for a lot more versatility than a resistance band alone. And yeah, they've got a price tag to show for it. Resistance is adjustable, with the bow supporting up to 4 bands at a time so you can customize your resistance to meet your needs. The set comes with one original 56" bow, four Gorilla Bands (10, 20, 30 and 50-lb.), a band wrap, and a 30-day all-access membership to Gorilla Bow's virtual training platform.

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Add up to ten pounds of resistance without the bulk and bounce that come with a typical weight vest. This luxe vest isn't cheap, but it's designed to be a comfortable, minimalist means to add some extra load to your training.

Unlike some other vests, which hold removable plates that make the weight concentrated to only one part of your torso, the Omorpho vest is designed for equal weight distribution. It fits tightly to your body while still letting you move, whether you’re running sprints or doing pushups and burpees.

Read more: Best Weighted Vests

Pricier than your basic foam roller, this Lululemon choice radiates durability and versatile functionality. We also think the modern design looks great, and is perfect for urban dwellers or anyone who wants their roller to blend into their decor seamlessly when it's not being used.

The inner roller is solid as a rock with ridges that get deep in the muscles to deliver a deep massage. The inner roller is my go-to for taming the back and thighs. The outer roller is a gentler and slightly softer, making it a good choice to reach for when your muscles are a tad more sensitive. It does cost a pretty penny, but these added features and the sleek aesthetic make it worth the full price. The outer roller must be used with the inner roller still nestled inside (meaning you can't use them separately at the same time). But we've never found that to be an issue when using it.

This Lululemon mat has an innovative 3D-texture that sets it apart from other mats. It's also made of a sustainably sourced natural rubber material that offers plenty of grip. You don't have to be into a yin slow flow or a vinyasa expert to make a yoga mat useful at home, use this top-notch option for abs and basic stretching, too.

And if you are into yoga, you probably know by now, this mat is a cut above the rest. It's lightweight, sleek in aesthetic, and won't have you slipping and sliding throughout your practice.

Read more: Best Yoga Mats

I've set these up at home for my regular workouts, but their portability allows me to take them to the office for a quick workout, requiring no additional equipment. What I particularly appreciate is the ability to adjust the workout's intensity simply by positioning my feet, which is why I've been using this for so many years as my strength has ebbed and flowed."TRX's Tactical Gym elevates basic bodyweight exercises like pushups and mountain climbers by introducing instability. It has transformed my workouts and significantly improved my core strength," remarks Ben Court, MH Executive Editor.

Read more: Best Weightlifting and Strength Training Shoes

There is a reason that heavy-duty rubber flooring is used in most commercial and next-level home gyms. The material is strong, sturdy, and resilient, making it ideal for any type of exercise or equipment. This ⅜-inch version is plenty thick for most home gyms, but other thicknesses are available if you want to dial in your preferred level of flooring. Either way, it’s designed to go right over your carpet, hardwoods, or most other surfaces, with each piece interlocking like a jigsaw puzzle. That means, unlike traditional flooring, “installation” is quick and painless (unlike trying to pull up your pant legs on leg day).

We especially like that the jigsaw-style installation means you can make this work in an odd-shaped room, and it’s also simple to move or remove entirely if you need to. In addition to solid black, this model is also available in a handful of other colors, so you can dress up your home gym space beyond the sterile, industrial “boxing gym” look. These are a little heavier and pricier than most, but for a commercial-grade product in your home, they’re hard to beat.

Read more: Best Home Gym Floor Mats

Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, first demoed this package, which includes a stand-up heavy bag, floor mat, wraps, gloves, and trackers, back in 2021. According to him, the heavy bag is hands down the best freestanding punching bag he's used.

"FightCamp continues to hold up as the best free-standing punching bag I've ever used, almost three years after my first punch," he explains. "I keep it in my yard under a tarp, and it's just as effective as if it were in my living room. I don't always use the app to take classes, but any time I need to let off steam, I know it's there for me to kick."

The bag ring it sits on (a small circular mat with plastic rails connected by heavy-duty velcro) helps to ensure that it doesn't slide all over the place once the strikes begin to fly, a common issue with other bags.

The brains of the platform are actually in the smallest piece of gear included in the set, according to him. Users slot the tiny tracking devices into the provided hand wraps worn under the gloves, and the gadgets log every punch you throw during a workout via the connected app. (You can spring for a set that adds extra wraps and a pair of gloves, or this option that includes only wraps, trackers, and membership to the platform.)

Read more: Best Punching Bags

Get your superhero on while forging muscle with this kettlebell. We love the quality and feel of these kettlebells, and the customer service of Kettlebell Kings is top-notch. We've purchased dozens of kettlebells from the brand throughout the years and have never regretted a single one.

Solid, no-frills bells are a go-to choice for our home workouts. "Whether I’m repping through a set of swings or snatches, I know I can depend on the durable, powder-coated weights," says MH Senior Fitness Editor, Brett Williams, NASM.

Read more: Best Kettlebells

Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., is the fitness director of Men's Health and a certified trainer with more than 10 years of training experience. He's logged training time with NFL athletes and track athletes and his current training regimen includes weight training, HIIT conditioning, and yoga. Before joining Men's Health, he served as a sports columnist and tech columnist for the New York Daily News.

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