17 Garage Gym Essentials Every Fitness Enthusiast Should Own
Looking for garage gym essentials? Or looking to set up a gym at home? Building a home gym does not have to be expensive. Here are top recommendations for garage gym essentials!
If you have been wanting to build a garage gym or a home gym, you may be wondering what to buy and where to start. Luckily, it doesn’t take a ton of equipment to get a great workout in at home!
In this article, we will cover the following:
- Equipment needed for a garage gym
- How to create a garage gym on a budget
- Home gym must haves
- Essential garage gym equipment
Keep reading to learn about the best garage gym essential equipment!
What Is A Garage Gym?
A garage gym is a space in your home (often your garage) where you add workout equipment and create an environment similar to a gym. Unlike a standard gym, you get to pick the gym equipment that you love and will use most often.
Many people find that working out at home and creating a garage gym helps them be more efficient with their workouts.
17 Garage Gym Essentials Every Fitness Enthusiast Should Own
Here are some great items to build your home gym! You certainly don’t need all of these items to get a great workout. Choose the items that fit your workouts!
1. Dumbbells
Dumbbells can be used in so many ways! Typically dumbbells cost $1 per pound. Dumbbells are a great garage gym basic!
There are many dumbbell exercises that can be adjusted for every level and style of working out. Dumbbells are also small and easy to store if you do not have a dedicated workout space at home.
2. Adjustable Dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells are cost-effective and an easy way to add or decrease the amount you are lifting.
These adjustable dumbbells are available in sizes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced athlete. The combination of various sized weights allow you to customize your workouts.
3. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are ideal for strength and resistance training. This set of resistance bands comes with handles, door anchors and ankle straps.
These resistance bands come in 5 resistance levels in 5 colors.
- Yellow: for beginners or physical therapy.
- Blue: for intermediate workouts
- Green: for active users.
- Black: for experienced users.
- Red: for large muscle groups like legs.
You can choose to use the bands independently or in different combinations, with a maximum resistance level of 150 pounds.
4. Sliders
Sliders make any workout more of a challenge and allow you to add balance, stability and coordination to your workout. These sliders are double-sided and work on both hard surfaces and carpet. Consider adding sliders to your lunges, planks and bridges for an extra challenge!
These sliders have over 4,000 highly recommended reviews on Amazon!
5. Adjustable Bench
An adjustable bench can be used for so many workouts at home! From traditional weighted workouts, to step-ups, to bench jumps… The options are endless.
6. Jump Rope
Jumping rope is incredible cardio! You can also jump rope in small spaces and still work up a great sweat.
This jumprope comes with a lifetime warranty, so you never have to worry about getting it replaced!
7. Trampoline
Trampolines are great for cardio and rebounding! Rebounding is just another name for jumping on a small trampoline! Rebounding is a fun an effective way to improve cardiovascular health, tone your lower body, burn cals and improve your coordination.
8. Mini Bands
Mini bands are great for many types of workouts such as glue and hip activation and strength techniques! Resistance bands increase the effectiveness of your workouts and can also be used to increase mobility.
9. Bench and Rack
This bench comes with a rack. This rack allows you to add an olympic barbell and features 7 adjustable positions on the bench.
10. Olympic Barbell
An olympic barbell is great for various forms of powerlifting, weight lifting, bench press and cross-training exercises. This barbell weighs 44 pounds and has a 600 weight capacity. If you want to lift heavy at home, an Olympic barbell is a must!
11. Medicine Ball
You can use a medicine ball for a variety of workouts! I always like having one on hand to switch things up.
12. Ankle Weights
Ankle weights can be added to any workout! Over time, ankle weights can increase the strength of your legs, increase your fat burn and increase the effectiveness of your workouts.
13. Treadmill
Treadmills are a great way to get your steps or LISS in at home! If the weather is yucky or you feel like staying in, having a treadmill can allow you many workout variations! You can walk, walk on an incline, run, jog, skip or even add ankle weights for added intensity.
For other options, check our tour guide to the best smart treadmills.
14. Foam Roller
Foam rollers are key to recovery! Before and after a workout, it is important to take care of your hard-working muscles.
If you’d rather, check out our guide to muscle massage guns for another alternative for recovery.
15. Rubber Mats
Rubber mats can be used to create comfortable flooring while you workout! While rubber mats are definitely not something that you need, but if you are looking to make your home gym have more of a “gym” feel, rubber mats are the way to go.
16. Squat Rack/Power Rack
If you lift weights, a squat rack or a power rack is a great investment. A squat rack allows you to perform a wide variety of exercises. This is not a piece of equipment that you should cheap out on. Safety and durability are very important when it comes to squat racks/power racks.
17. Rowing Machine
A rowing machine is a great piece of cardio equipment to have in your garage gym!
Benefits Of Working Out In Your Garage Gym
Here are some of the top benefits of creating a garage gym or a home gym:
- No monthly or yearly gym membership fees
- No waiting around for equipment
- No other people in your way or talking to you while you’re trying to workout
- Saves you time (no packing for the gym, driving to the gym, driving home, etc.)
- Gives you privacy
- Offers flexibility (no need to workout at specific hours the gym is open)
- Eliminates distractions (no blaring tvs, loud music from others, etc.)
- No rules (no gym rules to follow!)
How To Build A Garage Gym On A Budget
If you want to build your own garage gym, but you are on a budget, here are some tips to help you out.
1. Determine What You Need
If you are on a budget, you should determine what gym equipment you need. What necessities can you get started with? What are your garage gym must haves?
- If you are a bodybuilder, you might want to start with weights, a bench and a squat rack.
- If you are focused on cardio, you may want to start with on a treadmill, bike or rowing machine.
- If you are into yoga, you may want to start with a yoga mat, a block and a yoga strap.
- If you are into Crossfit, you may want bumper plates and other CrossFit equipment.
Once you determine your necessities, make a list of everything that would go in your dream garage gym. Eventually you can purchase all of these things! Seeing your dream list will keep you motivated while you get started with the basics.
2. Shop On Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Local Thrift Stores
Don’t be afraid to purchased used equipment! This will save you money while still allowing you to build a garage gym.
You may have to shop around a bit and wait until used equipment pops up. Don’t be discouraged! Regularly take time to look for the equipment you need. You can also tell friends or family members what you are looking for, so that they can help keep an eye out for you!
3. Understand That It Takes Time
Understand that putting together a garage gym on a budget takes time. We live in a society where we expect things to happen instantly, so it can be hard to wait.
Be patient and stick to your budget. Your perfect garage gym will come together in time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for a basic home gym?
For a basic home gym, you need equipment that you will use! If you do yoga, get a yoga mat and other yoga necessities. If you lift weights, you should choose weights, a bench, etc. Pick your basic home gym equipment based on the workouts you like to do!
What do you need for a home weightlifting gym?
For a home weightlifting gym, start by investing in some dumbbells and an adjustable bench. Everyone’s garage gym essentials will be unique to them!
This article was all about garage gym essentials.