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The Perfect Home Gym

  • Writer: Billy Gawron
    Billy Gawron
  • May 30, 2022
  • 3 min read

Remember the early days of the pandemic, when commercial gyms were all closed, and desperate fitness enthusiasts were driving three states over to pay $250 for a pair of 25lb dumbbells?


That was seemingly a fad, but two years later home gyms are still going strong. As of today, 60% of all of my clients are training out of their homes! These gyms are not just for beginners- some of the fittest people that I train are doing so out of their living rooms and garages. With an easier commute and less logistics allowing for more exercise frequency and longer training sessions, home gyms are here for the long haul.


So what makes a good home gym?


BALANCE!


No, not balance boards.


Balance between movements.


Too many “home workouts” are a bunch of squats, push ups, lunges, more push ups, step ups, and bench presses (mixed with more push ups).


Not a single pull movement in sight.


That’s why my favorite pieces of home gym equipment allow you to perform pull movements- rows, pull aparts, pull downs- the exercises that our bodies really need to counteract our sitting and hunching over all day!

Top 5 Pieces of Equipment for Your Home Gym


1. TRX


TRXs, or suspension trainers, take the slot at the top of my home gym list. They’re versatile, with whole training routines that can be done around just one set of straps, and easy to progress and regress, meaning that both absolute beginners and seasoned gym veterans can use them effectively. They also take up almost no space!


You will need a sturdy door to hook them over (no damage done to the door), or, for a permanent solution, buy a wall anchor for your set up. If you’re training outdoors, a tree, stadium stairs, tall fence, etc. will also do the trick. $70-$200 Travel TRX

Knock-Off Suspension Trainer (not as durable or easy to adjust, but cheaper)



2. Monster Bands


The big bands, sometimes called pull up bands, you might have seen around your gym are great for doing banded rows, pallof holds, pull aparts, bicep curls, and more. They come in a variety of sizes, so I recommend getting a set, or buying 1 “light”, 1 “medium”, and 1 “medium heavy” or “heavy” band. $30-$50 Rogue

WODFitters (cheaper, durable, not as high quality)



3. Foam Roller


This one is for your pre-exercise routine, with a focus on relieving tightness and staying injury-free. Foam rolling on a regular basis can make a huge difference in your recovery and preparedness for your next workout. There are essentially two types- the solid foam ones, which are cheaper, usually softer on the muscles (great for beginners but not great long term), and break down quickly, and the hard foam with PVC rollers, which are more expensive, harder, and much more durable. I usually suggest the latter, but if you already have a solid foam roller or easy access to one, don’t stress about upgrading too quickly.

$20-$60


4. Dumbbells and/or Kettlebells


What is first on most peoples list is fourth on mine- it’s not that I don’t value dumbbells or kettlebells, it’s more so you can get more bang for your buck in other categories!


Splurge on a full set if you’d like, but if you’re just looking to pick up a few of either pieces, I’d suggest two light dumbbells (that you can bicep curl comfortably), two medium dumbbells (that you can shoulder or bench press comfortably), and one or two heavy dumbbells (that you can goblet squat or heavy farmers carry). If you’re looking for kettlebells, I’d suggest one medium one (that you can kettlebell swing) and one heavy one (that you can goblet squat).

$50-$$$

Rogue (the best) *I'd also check Craigslist or FB Marketplace, and expect to pay $1.50-$1.80 per pound

5. Swiss Ball


A swiss ball adds some variety to your training routine, especially with core exercises, and doubles as a chair (or your kid's toy to knock over small furniture.) While it does take up space, I’d definitely recommend it if you swing it in your house, and it’s pretty inexpensive.

$30 DYNAPRO Exercise Ball (55-65cm is standard)


Bonus: Sliders


Most of my moderate to advanced clients have sliders built into their programs, however, most also just use a towel or socks on a hardwood or tile floor. If you have carpet, though, and want to spend the extra $30, these sliders are the perfect last addition to a home gym and will last forever (as long as your dog doesn’t get to them.) $30 ValSlide Dics "I usually go to the gym, but want to do a home or travel workout with minimal equipment. How do I adjust?"


Here are some example modifications from a gym routine to a home/travel routine!


 
 
 

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