Customer-loved at-home gym equipment and workout gear

Building a (legit) home gym was one of my biggest adult goals and once I did, it completely changed how I work out. Having the right equipment and accessories at home removes so many barriers to working out: no commute, no monthly gym payment and no sweaty line for the machine you need.

Whether you're starting from scratch, upgrading what you have, or carving out a small space in your home for a workout corner, the right gear makes a difference. As the go-to home gym curator on the USA TODAY Shopping team, I've compiled this shopping guide with everything from compact gym equipment to investment-worthy machines that our readers swear by to help you create the ultimate at-home gym.

How to create the ultimate at-home gym

• Top at-home gym essentials
• Best compact equipment for small spaces
• Budget-friendly fitness gear
• Expensive home gym equipment that customers love
• Tips for creating the ultimate home gym
• Home gym accessories

Top at-home gym essentials

Teclor Adjustable Weight Bench

CAP Barbell Rubber Coated Dumbbell Weight Set with Vertical Rack

SupeRun Walking Pad, Under Desk Treadmill

Best compact home gym equipment for small spaces

Foldable Treadmill with Incline, Handle Bar for Small Home Gyms

Adjustable Dumbbells Set of 2

Cable machine wall mount for home gyms

Budget-friendly fitness gear

Resistance Bands Set for Working Out, Body Stretching, Physical Therapy, Muscle Training

Pro-tip: If you grab a Pilates bar kit, it comes with resistance bands and adjustable foot & ankle straps that's great for full-body workouts without requiring a ton of space.

AXV Vibration Plate Fitness Platform Exercise Machine for Weight Loss

Expensive home gym equipment that customers love

Peloton Bikes, Indoor Exercise bikes for Cardio and Strength Training

Hydrow Origin Rower

NordicTrack T Series

Tips for creating the ultimate home gym for you

I built my own home gym in April 2025 and it's one of the best investments I've made! Here are my top tips that keep me motivated, reasons why I'll never spend money on a gym membership again and a few of my favorite gym accessories I recommend when creating your own home gym.

1. Think about what you go to the gym for

Before buying anything, think about the one piece of equipment that keeps you paying for a gym membership. For me, that was a squat rack! It's a versatile gym piece that is a staple in pretty much every gym and without one at home, I knew I'd be going back.

2. Build around versatility, not just machines

Once you've covered your non-negotiable, focus on equipment that unlocks the most exercises in the smallest footprint. I've owned dumbbells and kettlebells as part of smaller home workout setups before, but getting a barbell set really elevated my at-home gym and pushes me for better workouts. It's not an Olympic-sized barbell but with up to 95lbs, it's enough for me, and you can always opt for larger sets.

3. Give yourself reasons to keep showing up

A home gym only works if you actually use it. Adding visual motivation, like these workout posters, can help motivate you to keep coming back. Whether you're just getting started and need some guidance, or you're looking to mix up your workout routine, this set of posters is a great touch.

More home gym accessories

• Gym mats: Create a comfortable home gym with these water-resistant, easy-to-clean, noise-reducing mats that have over 43,000 five-star reviews.
• Home gym storage: From dumbbells to yoga mats, keep your home gym clutter-free and organized with this top-selling gym storage rack.
• Log your workouts: Keep track of how often you're working out, how much you're lifting, weight loss and more with this Gymreapers workout journal

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