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I’ll be honest, I never thought I would be a home gym girl. I was always a gym-gym girl. I loved making friends, engaging with others, and staying motivated by seeing people ahead of me in their fitness journeys. The gym was my place. It’s even where my husband and I bonded when we were dating.

But then COVID hit, and we were all forced to work out at home, whether we liked it or not. And guess what? I eventually came to love it.

Now, I can’t imagine spending the extra time to get to the gym, park, set up, or wait for equipment. I love working out at home, blaring my music as loud as I want, wearing whatever I want, and staying focused on being active, healthy, and fit. I realized that you don’t need all the big equipment to stay in shape or work on that enviable body. You really can achieve your fitness goals by investing in key pieces of equipment.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of essentials every home gym needs. You’ll find options that can be easily stored away or fit conveniently in a small dedicated space.

1. A Non-Slip Mat

Whether you’re doing abs, stretching, yoga, or booty blasters, no one wants to be on a hard surface. A good mat is essential. It should be non-slip to keep you stable during your workouts, and large enough to suit your purposes.

Pro Tip – decide what you are going to use it for, stick cardboard or table on the ground to get a sense, and make sure its sufficient before you order.

Best Personal Workout Mat: CAMBIVO Yoga Mat

Best Premium Room Mat (available in different size options): Premium Exercise Mat

2. Booty Bands

Everyone wants a juicy, round peach, and booty bands are key. They’re versatile and perfect for many lower body exercises, especially shaping those glutes!

Our Pick for Booty Bands: Vergali Resistance Bands

3. Adjustable Weights

Lifting weights helps build bone density, collagen, lean muscle, and overall health. Adjustable weights are great for those who want a variety without investing in a full setup, or who need to safe space.  Below are two options we love.

The All-In-One Set: Adjustable Dumbbells

BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells: BowFlex Dumbbells

4. Adjustable Weight Bench

An adjustable weight bench is versatile and can be used for hip thrusters, frog lifts, step-ups, shoulders, chest, and biceps. It’s a must-have for a home gym. 

Want a chart of workouts you can do with the adjustable weight bench? Its so versatile! Ge it here:  Incline Bench Exercise Chart

Want to check out OUR comprehensive list of bench workouts?  Check out our article HERE. 

Top Multi-Functional Bench: Multi-Functional Bench

Best Foldable Option: Foldable Bench

5. Gliding Discs

Gliding discs are easy to use and store. They’re great for creative functional and core routines and can be used anywhere.

Gliding Discs: Gaiam Core Sliding Discs

6. Foam Roller

Stretching and working out your muscles is crucial for feeling your best. A foam roller and massage stick are great tools for this.

Foam Roller Set: 321 Strong 5 in 1 Roller Set

7. Training Log Book

Tracking your progress is important. While you can do it online, a physical log book is a great way to keep track of your workouts and goals, I love putting pen to paper. It just keeps me feeling so on track.

Training Log Book: Ultimate Workout Book

8. Resistance Bar

A resistance bar is a great, low-space option for additional workout variety. It’s especially useful for upper body exercises. There is so much you can do with this to pack on muscle, add resistance, and hit your fitness and physique goals without ever leaving home or having a big space.

Resistance Bar: Resistance Bar Set

Bonus: Walking Pad/Treadmill

A walking pad/treadmill is great for getting extra steps in or light running. This can be setup under your desk, in front of the tv, and easily stores under a bed. BONUS, it can be used for filming cool Instagram content. It’s a versatile and compact option for a home gym, for daily use, whatever your need or space.

Walking Pad/Treadmill: Walking Pad/Treadmill

That’s it! The top eight things you need to crush your home workouts in 2024, whether you have a small dedicated space or need to work out in your bedroom or living room. All of the equipment can fit in one closet. Don’t let anything get in the way of your fitness. Staying in shape, feeling good, and working on your longevity is the foundation to living your best, most defined, and happy life. Here’s to 2024 and hitting all of those fitness goals!

If you want a full home gym review, don’t worry, that one will be coming. For those with a dedicated space or who need more, there are so many good options these days. We outfitted our garage right before store closures of the pandemic and never looked back. In fact, we had friends who started coming over while the gyms were still closed. We could add more, but honestly, more isn’t always better unless you really need it, so I’ll share how we created a pretty awesome space for under $10,000.