Are you tired of using the excuse, “not enough time to get to the gym?” Have you ever wanted to put together a home gym, but just not sure where to start? If you have ever answered yes to either or both those questions, you are in the right place. Today we are going to break down some easy steps to take to build a great garage gym, including the 5 essential pieces of equipment you need to start with.
- Dumbbells
- Mats
- Assorted Bands
- Pullup bar
- Foam roller
Dumbbells
Every home gym needs some dumbbells. They are the most versatile, portable piece of resistance training gear you can get and there are even budget friendly options that work for everybody. With a few sets of dumbbells you can do a ton of different exercises to build muscle and achieve your fitness goals!
3 Sets of Light, Medium, Heavy Dumbbells
It’s hard to recommend a set weight to everybody but a good rule of thumb would be to get a few different weights: a light, medium, and heavy set. You can use the light ones for single joint exercises like shoulder lateral raises, rear delt flies, or triceps kickbacks. You can use the medium set for moves like bent over row, pec fly, or single leg deadlifts. Save the heavies for moves like squats, deadlifts, chest press, etc. It’s hard to say what weights are exactly right for you because I don’t know what your starting strength is, but if you’re a female who’s sort of a beginner, I would say get a set of 5s, 10s, and 15s or 20s. If you are a guy who’s a beginner, I would say get 10s, 20s, and 30s. Again, this one is going to be a little tricky to give a blanket recommendation for all, but feel free to contact me and send me your questions! I’ll do my best to answer.
How to Pick Dumbbells – Which Brand? Which Type?
Again, like many other questions in the fitness world, the answer to which brand and which type is, IT DEPENDS. Your home gym situation will drive how you pick your brand and type but here are a few things to think about. How much space do you have? How big you going? What’s your budget? What type of floor will you be training on?
If you have limited space, I would recommend getting a good set of adjustable dumbbells. I have a pair in my garage that a friend gave us and here’s a newer model that reminds me a lot of them. A set like this can be used as 5,10,15,20, or 25 pounds. The pro is that it takes up very little space. The con is that is a little expensive.
If you have a lot of space AND you’re going big in your home gym, I would recommend getting the full rack with lots of options. This rack is expensive but it’s the total package. Again, big tradeoffs here. The pro is this set gives you all the weights you need and the con of course is that it is expensive!
Used Weights Are Cheaper and Last Forever
As you’re outfitting your gym, please don’t let cost be a prohibitive factor. It is absolutely not necessary to buy brand new dumbbells! When I first started pulling together equipment for my home gym, I could not afford a big shiny new matching set. So I pieced my options together, one misfit set at a time, from thrift stores, garage sales, craigslist, all kinds of random places. Dumbbells, especially those made from some type of metal composite will last and be useful for years and years.
Where Will You Use Them?
The final question to ask yourself is, where will you use them? Are you using them in a garage with a concrete floor? Or are you using them inside your home, in a room with nicer floors like hardwood, tile, or carpet? If you’re in the garage – get whatever! Who cares. You can’t hurt a garage floor. If you’re going more towards using them in your home, you may want to consider the rubber coated dumbbells, which will be a little kinder on your floors. I worked with a client in her home once that had set up a small home gym in an unused extra bedroom, which had lovely carpeting. In order to not destroy the carpeting, she laid out a few of these rubber gym tiles that formed a rectangle shape that was the perfect size for her and her equipment. The gym tiles protected the carpet and were relatively affordable too!
Mats
Mats are pretty simple to pick and highly recommended you get at least one really good one. If you are working out in the garage on a hard floor, a mat will be crucial for cushioning your back, hands, or stomach when you are doing exercises on the ground. I like a slightly squishy mat for my ab work, and other resistance training moves on the ground. I prefer a thin, sticky mat for stretching. I have several of both types in my garage gym and this is definitely one I would recommend buying new!
Example of a squishy mat for abs and other floor work:
Example of a great thin, sticky mat for yoga or stretching by my favorite brand, Manduka:
Assorted Bands
Bands are a must for garage gym equipment to have for any fitness program because they make more movement patterns possible at home. There are 3 types specifically I have in my garage gym that give me a ton more options to program into my workouts. These different are types are the short loop band, the bands with handles, and the long loop band.
Short loop bands, handle bands, and long loop bands
I like the short loop bands especially for hip abduction (sideways motions moving outwards) drills. I like the bands with handles for things like seated rows, band pull aparts, and lat pulldowns. Finally I like the long loop bands for assisted pullups and stretching assists. Being able to use a band to help me with pullups has really helped me improve my upper body strength, number of real pullups I can do, and helped me simply build confidence that I could get better at this move that has always been difficult for me.
Pullup/Chin-Up Bar: Essential Equipment for a Balanced Upper Body
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, a pullup or chin-up bar is a must-have addition to your garage gym equipment. This simple but versatile piece of equipment offers a wide array of exercises that can contribute to a well-rounded and balanced upper body workout.
Types of Pullup Bars
Pullup bars come in various forms, from the basic door-frame models to more advanced setups integrated into squat racks. At my home, we’ve thrived with just a simple pullup bar that fits on virtually any door frame, and it’s been serving us faithfully for over a decade.
Why You Need a Pullup Bar
Having something higher than you to grab onto isn’t just convenient; it’s essential for certain types of exercises:
- Vertical Pulling: This unique movement pattern complements other upper body exercises you can perform at home, such as pushing, pressing, and rowing.
- Versatility: Whether it’s traditional pullups/chin-ups, band-assisted pullups, or lat pull-downs using a handle tube over the bar, these exercises all play a crucial role in building a stable, balanced, and sculpted back.
The Benefits of Owning a Pullup Bar
Here’s why you should consider adding a pullup bar to your fitness routine:
- Accessibility: You can train anytime you want, without needing to leave the comfort of your home.
- Affordability: With various models available, from basic to advanced, you can find something that fits your budget.
- Effectiveness: The pullup bar targets muscles that might otherwise be neglected, ensuring a comprehensive upper body workout.
A pullup/chin-up bar is more than just a convenient tool; it’s a fundamental part of a well-rounded home fitness routine. Simple, yet effective, it offers a range of exercises that help you achieve a harmonious upper body. If you’re aiming for a stable, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing back, don’t overlook this essential piece of equipment. Invest in a pullup bar, and you’ll be pulling yourself towards a stronger, more confident physique.
Foam Roller: The Secret to Longevity
Foam rolling is not just a tool, but a powerful ally in maintaining physical well-being. This simple and affordable device has become my go-to solution for keeping muscles and connective tissues in peak condition, acting as my personal masseur, available 24/7.
What is Foam Rolling?
Foam rolling is part of the broader practice known as self-myofascial release. Using a lacrosse ball for certain tight muscle groups helps too. It involves applying pressure to muscles and fascia (connective tissue), triggering a relaxation response. It’s a self-administered, free massage that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere.
Versatile and Effective
The applications of foam rolling are incredibly versatile:
- Warm-up: Prepare your muscles for exercise, enhancing flexibility and mobility.
- Recovery: Soothe tired muscles after a demanding workout to promote faster healing.
- Daily Use: Whether it’s a part of your morning routine or a relaxing ritual before bed, foam rolling can be integrated into your everyday life.
I’ve found bedtime rolling particularly effective. It doesn’t just help me unwind and calm my nerves, but it also massages my tissues, increasing blood flow, and providing the nutrients and building blocks necessary to repair muscle tissue as I sleep.
An Underrated Strategy
Despite its many benefits, foam rolling remains one of the most underrated strategies for staying flexible, mobile, and injury-free. Easy to use and beneficial for all, it truly deserves a place in everyone’s fitness regimen.
In short, a foam roller is more than just a tool; it’s a companion on the path to a healthier life. Whether you’re an athlete or just someone looking to enhance your physical well-being, consider adding foam rolling to your routine. It might just become your secret weapon for longevity, too.
Takeaways
Acquiring great garage gym equipment does not have to be complicated or cost thousands of dollars! You can pull it together a piece or two at a time and adapt your selections to any variety of space, budget, or interests. The most important thing is that it has to work for you!
Affiliate Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I know and use personally!
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