Sticking to a fitness plan can be difficult, especially if your gym's hours don't match your schedule. Enter a home gym, which provides flexibility, privacy, and customizable training that most traditional gyms can’t offer.The best home gyms allow you to get a full-body workout at home that's personalized to help you meet your fitness goals. It can be anything, from a simple adjustable weight bench to a more complex machine with accessories and attachments that allow for multiple exercises. To find the best home gyms, we first spoke with fitness experts to learn which key features to look for. Then, we evaluated each piece of equipment's size, ease of use, and ability to provide a well-rounded workout with different resistance levels. We also tested our best barbell alternative and best high-tech picks at home and in The Verywell Testing Lab. When testing home gyms, we assess their quality, versatility, ease of use, grip, portability, and value. Another reason to trust our picks: We had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this list for accuracy, how to shop for a home gym that meets your needs, and how to use one safely. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Design: Best Compact: Best Barbell Alternative: Best for Full-Body Workouts: Best for Beginners: Best Suspension Trainer: TRX All-In-One Suspension Training Fitness System at Amazon ($220) Best High-Tech: Best Weight Stack Style Machine: In This Article Our Picks We Also Tested Where We Stand What to Look For How We Selected and Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Pros Easy transitions Can perform over 50 exercises Compact Cons Lighter maximum resistance Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 174 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 210 pounds | Size: 76 x 86 x 82 inches | Style: Cable pulley-based Best for someone who has a small space but wants a durable, versatile piece of equipment with a wide range of weights. The overall value of Bowflex's PR3000 Home Gym makes it our top pick. It offers more than 50 different strength training exercises and has a resistance range of 5 to 210 pounds, with the option to upgrade up to 310 pounds using additional parts. We also like that it uses a power rod resistance system in addition to traditional cables and pulleys that allows for quick transitions from move to move. Padded rollers make leg extensions a breeze, while multipurpose hand grips and ankle cuffs add both function and safety. Shop confidently with the help of Bowflex's warranties—up to one year for the frame, two months for most parts, and seven years for the power rods. Although it's relatively compact compared to similar home gyms, the PR3000's size doesn’t impact its durability, since it's equipped with a heavy-duty steel frame construction that's built to last. Sleek and easy to use, we like it for beginner and intermediate exercisers alike. Pros Reinforced steel construction Ideal for heavy lifters Comes with accessories Cons Large footprint Doesn't come with weight plates Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 586 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 335 pounds | Size: 60 x 80 x 87 inches | Style: All-in-one weightlifting machine Best if you want an all-in-one weightlifting setup that comes with a full set of accessories. MiM USA's Commercial Hercules 1001 Jumbo Trainer is an all-in-one weightlifting rig that combines both cable and pulley systems with weight plates. It includes a Smith machine, functional trainer, power cage, vertical leg press, dip and chin-up station, and adjustable weight bench. You'll also get a full set of accessories that will allow you to expand your workout without needing to buy more equipment—making this machine well worth the high price tag. This tough, durable machine is perfect for full-body workouts of all intensities and is also ideal for seasoned bodybuilders, thanks to the range of exercises it offers. Heavy lifters will appreciate its thoughtful design and sturdy steel frame. Pros Sleek design Free membership included Comes with accessories Cons Lighter maximum resistance Heavy and pricey Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 640 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 180 pounds | Size: 72 x 47 x 81 inches | Style: Multifunctional bench Best for people with small spaces who enjoy following trainer-led workouts. Made in Italy, Technogym's Unica is sleek and multi-functional, making it our top pick for the home gym with the best design. It helps you work your full body with over 25 different exercises that you can find in the Technogym app. Another bonus? You'll also receive a Technogym Plus membership that never expires, giving you access to trainer-led workouts, guided meditations, and more. The sleek weight stack core offers 180 pounds of resistance in 10-pound intervals, and the seat cushions are both plush and supportive. We like that this top-of-the-line pick also comes with multiple accessories, including a stretching mat, a workout ankle band, a workout handgrip, a workout pulley bar, and more. But our favorite part is that all of these features fit in just 16 square feet of space. Pros Folds for easy storage Weight capacity of 400 pounds Over 80 exercises Cons Setup may be complicated Only uses bodyweight Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 90 pounds | Maximum Resistance: Your bodyweight | Size: 19 x 90 x 43 inches | Style: Universal cable pulley- and bodyweight-based home gym Best for home gym spaces that serve double duty, since this gym can be folded up when you're not using it. With a sleek silhouette that's easily stowed away, Total Gym's XLS Workout Machine is our favorite compact home gym. While the equipment has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, it can also be folded to just 9 inches high to fit under your bed or in a closet when it’s not in use. We love that the XLS's glide board can be set at six different incline options, allowing you to increase resistance with your own body weight instead of a bulky weight stack. The cable pulley mechanism also makes it easy to incorporate challenging exercises for your upper body. An ideal piece of exercise equipment for seniors and active athletes alike, we love that this Total Gym model supports more than 80 different exercises to give you an all-around good workout. Our Ratings Quality 5/5 Versatility 5/5 Ease of Use 4.8/5 Portability 4/5 Value 5/5 Pros Budget-friendly Durable, high-quality resistance bands Weight can be adjusted in small increments Cons Lighter maximum resistance Versatility Rating: B+ | Product Weight: 6 pounds (bow only) | Maximum Resistance: 110-520 pounds | Size: 56 inches long (bow only) | Style: Resistance bands Best for lifters who love to use barbells in the gym, but don't have the space for a traditional barbell and weight plate set at home. The Gorilla Bow looks like a barbell but gets its resistance from durable resistance bands, rather than weight plates. To use it, you simply attach one (or more) of the included bands to each side of the bow and use it to perform various traditional weightlifting exercises you'd typically do with a barbell. You can stand on the attached band and lift the bow to perform deadlifts, upright rows, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and more. When testing this budget-friendly device both at home and in the Lab, we particularly liked that you can attach up to four bands onto the bow for added resistance. It's also incredibly versatile and easy to use. We love that you can target many different muscle groups—plus, the resistance is adjustable, making the Gorilla Bow ideal for anyone who wants to increase their strength over time. You can also purchase a Gorilla Bow class membership, but we personally didn't think it was necessary to get a good workout with the equipment. Pros 10-inch tablet screen Resistance automatically adjusts Includes 1-year iFit membership Cons Pulleys aren't adjustable Lighter maximum resistance Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 378 pounds (weight in box) | Maximum Resistance: 100 pounds | Size: 41.5 x 59.4 x 73.7 inches | Style: Smart cardio and strength training with cable pulley resistance system Best for those who enjoy high-tech, digital machines and trainer-led workouts. The sleek tower base of NordicTrack's Fusion CST features a 10-inch tablet screen that allows you to follow along with trainer-guided workouts. With 20 resistance levels and a digital control display, you don't have to waste valuable time adjusting the machine between each exercise. Every movement uses a pulley system powered by a silent flywheel. During each workout, the machine automatically adjusts resistance levels so you can follow along with the trainer. We also like that it comes with a chest strap heart rate monitor so you can track your heart rate as you exercise. Another bonus? You get a one-year NordicTrack iFit membership with your purchase, which gives you access to dozens of trainer-led classes. Pros Wall-mounted Lightweight Versatile Cons Lighter maximum resistance Versatility Rating: B+ | Product Weight: 11.6pounds | Maximum Resistance: 150 pounds as is, virtually unlimited if you purchase more TUT plates | Size: 6 inches wide | Style: Resistance bands and cable pulley system Best for beginners who don't have much floor space. If you're new to strength training, we highly recommend TUT Fitness' TUT Trainer. It easily attaches to most walls or doorways—wherever you have a wall stud available. While it may look like an ordinary cable machine, it works a little differently: The resistance comes from TUT plates, which are resistance bands with plastic clips on the end. Although the TUT Trainer weighs less than 12 pounds, it offers up to 150 pounds of resistance (or more if you want to buy additional TUT plates). Thanks to included accessories, like an aluminum curl bar, carabiner, ankle straps, and more, this lightweight home gym system is incredibly versatile for a relatively small piece of equipment. You can use the included handles for upper body exercises like cable chest presses, shoulder presses, and chest flies. For lower body training, cable abductions and adductions come easy using the included ankle straps. It's also a great way to round out cardio workouts, like sessions on an elliptical machine or stationary bike. Pros Portable and compact Budget-friendly Free TRX app access for 1 year Cons Adjusting between exercises can be time-consuming Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 1.7 pounds | Maximum Resistance: Your bodyweight | Size: 53 x 1.5 x 6 inches | Style: Suspension trainer Best for people who want to bring their home gym with them while traveling. When looking at this set of black and yellow straps, you may not think of TRX's All-in-One Suspension Training Fitness System as a home gym. But once anchored on a wall or door, these portable, budget-friendly straps enable you to strength-train every part of your body. You can easily customize the intensity by positioning yourself closer to or further away from the anchor point. This suspension trainer also promotes a strong sense of body awareness as you learn how to perform exercises with proper form using the right muscle groups. We recommend using it alongside other core-building equipment, like flexibility- and stability-improving balance boards, for enhanced full-body training. We also like that the TRX system comes with free access to the TRX app for one year, giving you even more guidance, tips, and exercises to try. Pros Completely customizable Easy to use Tracks your workouts for you Cons No live class options Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 135 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 200 pounds | Size: 21.5 x 5.3 x 50.9 inches | Style: Smart mirror with resistance arm extensions Best for those who want a home gym that can track progress and keep you accountable with the help of a virtual personal trainer. Sleek and high-tech, this modern version of a home gym can help take your training to the next level. When testing, we loved the large screen, where you can follow along with a wide range of expert-led workout programs. And although Tonal boasts tons of detailed features, like specific metrics, personal recommendations, and form advice, it's also incredibly intuitive and easy to use. We'd suggest investing in the matching Smart Accessories to customize your workouts even further and get the most out of your purchase. The digitally controlled weighted arms give you up to 200 pounds to lift, and the programs learn from your workout and adjust to your body as you exercise. Tonal even tells you exactly which days to work out and offers suggestions on recovery day activities. Pros Weight stack includes a safety lock Comes with a built-in exercise guide Weights are easy to adjust Cons Lighter maximum resistance Versatility Rating: B | Product Weight: 260 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 150 pounds | Size: 36 x 79 x 68 inches | Style: Cable/weight stack Best for beginner and intermediate exercisers who want a classic gym machine to use at home. Marcy's Multifunctional Home Gym Station comes with high and low pulleys, a leg developer, a removable preacher curl pad, and a dual-function chest press to provide a complete home workout. With a 150-pound weight stack that includes a locking mechanism for safety, this machine is one of our top picks for beginner and intermediate exercisers. This steel machine offers 30 different exercise options that you can check at a glance, thanks to the built-in chart on the front of the weight stack. Plus, we like that you can change the weight easily just by moving a pin and that the included ankle strap attachment makes lower body days simple. Marcy's Home Gym also has a 300-pound weight capacity and is compact enough to fit comfortably in many homes or garages. Pros Cables are easy to adjust Targets large and small muscles High maximum resistance Cons Large footprint Heavy Versatility Rating: A | Product Weight: 875 pounds | Maximum Resistance: 448 pounds | Size: 85.5 x 58 x 36 inches | Style: Cable training system Best for anyone who is serious about their training and needs a piece of equipment that is versatile enough to grow with them as their resistance needs change. REP Fitness' Functional Trainer FT 5000 2.0 is a commercial-grade cable strength training home gym with all the functionality you need to stay on top of your intense bodybuilding training regimen. Its 21 cable positions allow you to customize your workout, moving with your natural range of motion while working smaller muscles. The weight stacks max out at 224 pounds on each side for a total of 448 pounds—plenty of range for just one machine. While you will need some dedicated space for this home gym, we like that it can accommodate taller users without getting too wide at the same time. We also appreciate that the cables are easy to adjust, with laser-etched markings and numbers to show you exactly where to line the handles up each time. Even better, the pulleys are made from sturdy aluminum instead of plastic for better durability. We tested and reviewed over a dozen home gyms, but only 11 made the final cut. We also tested this option, which has some features we like but fell short in a few key areas: After both testing and researching multiple home gym options, Bowflex's PR3000 Home Gym is our clear winner for its overall value and versatility. With more than 50 different strength training exercises, a resistance range of 5 to 210 pounds, and a smaller footprint, it's our favorite home gym for most spaces and skill levels. We continue to test some of these home gyms at home, and we'll update our picks if we notice anything significant that we haven't already covered here. To find the best home gyms on the market, we first consulted two fitness professionals for their guidance on what to look for when shopping for a home gym. Then, we researched and tested dozens of models from top fitness brands. For the home gyms we select through research, we consider benches, cable machines, and suspension trainers. We review key specs, safety features, and more from machines at all price points to find the best options available. When testing home gyms, we use them to work out at home and in The Verywell Testing Lab. As we continue to test and evaluate new models, we keep these important criteria in mind: Before selecting products for our list of top recommendations, we consulted these experts to help us determine what key features we should be looking for in quality home gyms. Our experts also noted any red flags to avoid when selecting this type of equipment. Anyone interested in improving their muscular strength and endurance from the comfort of their own home can benefit from a home gym. Before buying one, ask yourself if you would use a heavyweight bench and squat rack rig, a high-tech screen that projects strength training classes, or a solution somewhere in between. The best home gym flooring prevents heavy equipment from damaging the permanent floors in your home and gives your joints a more forgiving surface to exercise on. Choose flooring that is thick, easy to assemble, durable against more aggressive use, and comfortable. You can usually expect to pay between $200 and $4,000 for a high-quality home gym, although some options on our list fall outside this range. While the initial cost of setting up a home gym may be a hard hit to the wallet, it may pay off in the long term compared to the monthly cost of a gym membership. A home gym is anything that allows you to exercise at home. It can be one piece of equipment or a collection of items. The type of home gym that's right for you depends on what type of exercise you do most often and the space you have available. As a former personal trainer, seasoned health writer, and avid exerciser, Alena Hall understands how important it is to pick the right home gym equipment. She is always exploring the latest and greatest wellness tools, machines, and gadgets. But more importantly, Alena carefully considers the quality and various features that make these fitness products worthwhile investments. The 20 Best Budget Home Gym Equipment Buys:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-resistance-bands-test-original-gorilla-bow-jjuliao-9537-70c60cbacec54400a2b7be42a8b1c973.jpeg "Save Big on Your Fitness Routine With These Home Gyms Starting at $170 (1)")
Key Specs
Who It's For
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Best Barbell Alternative
Gorilla Bow The Original Total Bundle
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Key Specs
Who It's For
Why We Love It
Potential Flaws
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Best for Full-Body Workouts
NordicTrack Fusion CST
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Best Weight Stack Style Machine
Marcy 150-lb. Home Gym
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Best for Bodybuilding
REP Fitness FT-5000 Functional trainer
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Home Gyms We Also Tested
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What to Look for When Shopping for a Home Gym
How We Selected and Tested the Best Home Gyms
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FAQs
Do home gyms save money? ›
The ongoing expenses primarily revolve around maintaining the space, such as electricity for your garage or spare room. Considering these financial aspects alone, opting for a home gym appears to be a more favorable decision compared to a gym membership in the long run.
What is one of the biggest mistakes people make at the gym fitness studio? ›“Swinging weights, hyperextending the back, and going too deep on squats are all common mistakes people make when they are new to working out at a gym,” says Petty. “It's not uncommon to see people swinging weights thinking the momentum will help. This is not how weights are designed to be used.”
How do ultra rich do home gyms? ›For the high-end market, the experience has been redefined, with everything from renewable cork yoga mats to Italian leather medicine balls, timber kettlebell stands and transparent state-of-the-art glass bikes so beautiful that they're worthy of being on display.
Can a home gym replace a gym? ›Exercising at home can be just as effective. While gyms provide dedicated space, home workouts offer more flexibility. Using your time and equipment to maximize efficiency is the key to a great workout. Choose what works best for your lifestyle and fitness goals, says Dr.
Is home gym cheaper than gym? ›The truth is, it depends. Upfront, a home gym setup will obviously cost you more, but if you regularly use your equipment over years then the cost could average out over time. A gym membership will usually win out over the short term, but you'll have to keep paying that membership fee as long as you continue to go.
What gym mistakes to avoid? ›Skipping warm-ups and lifting too much can lead to injury.
One of the biggest exercise errors is using improper technique. You risk back injury if you arch your back while doing planks or push-ups, and knee injury if you bend too deeply in a lunge or squat (see "Move of the month").
Biggest Gym Owner Challenges
Gym owner challenges that seem to pop up over and over include: Competition from other gyms or fitness centers in the area. Maintaining a steady membership base and retaining current members. Keeping up with trends and offering a diverse range of fitness classes or equipment.
There are scores of examples of lousy gym etiquette. Not returning weights. Not wiping down sweaty equipment. Using machines as your personal place to leave your items. Stealing others' equipment when they are clearly still using them.
Which exercise machine burns the most belly fat? ›One of the best exercise machines to lose belly fat is an ARC trainer because it combines the elliptical trainer, treadmill, and stair climber in one. This is a must-have gym machine.
What is the best indoor exercise? ›Yoga and Pilates: Yoga and Pilates offer a blend of strength training, flexibility, and mindfulness. These practices can be done at home with the help of online tutorials or DVDs. They're perfect for low-impact days when you still want to move your body and improve your core strength.
Can you get big from a home gym? ›
With the right equipment and a little know-how, you, too, can build your dream physique without having to travel to a commercial gym. Here's what home gym equipment we recommend you have if you're looking to step on stage in the near future.
Is a all-in-one home gym worth it? ›All-in-one home gyms offer a variety of benefits, including saving space, time, and money, while also providing a safe and convenient environment for exercising in the comfort of your own home.
Is it cheaper to go to the gym or buy your own equipment? ›At first, it may seem like a costly investment to purchase your own gym equipment. However, you will save money over time by not having to pay for a gym membership. Membership costs can quickly add up, and you can avoid this expense by having your own equipment.
Does a home gym add value to your home? ›Your gym equipment is personal property, an appraiser would not give extra value for it. The more you can make your home show more spacious the better. I would probably recommend storing some of the equipment while selling your home. A good listing agent will advise you the best way to stage your home for selling.
Is a home gym a good investment? ›While investing in a home gym requires an initial financial investment, it can be a worthwhile investment for those who are committed to maintaining a regular fitness routine both at home and in the gym.