If you have been following this blog, you probably know that one of the most important parts of my fitness routine is having a simple home gym setup. With the right equipment, you can get an effective workout without needing a commercial gym … And all without leaving the house. Here are my top five must-haves that keep me on track and make working out at home both convenient and effective.
1. Elliptical Machine — The Ultimate Low-Impact Cardio
My go-to cardio machine, the elliptical machine is a key component of my simple home gym setup. It provides a full-body, low-impact cardio workout that’s easy on the joints but still highly effective for burning calories and improving endurance.
The elliptical is convenient, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and has been a great investment. I’ve had the same machine for 5 years now, and use it daily throughout the week. It has held up well.
Why I Love It:
- Low impact on joints
- Full body workout
- Compact and easy to fit in a small home gym
- Durable—I’ve had mine for over 5 years!
This is the machine that I use
2. Weight Bench — Versatile Strength Training
A weight bench is not just for lifting weights. It’s one of the most versatile pieces of equipment in my home gym. I use it for multiple exercises, and without a lot of extra equipment.
Top Exercises I Use It For:
- Bench Press & Dumbbell Workouts – Perfect for upper body strength training.
- Chair Abs & Core Workouts – Great for strengthening the core, and easier on the back.
- Tricep Dips – This is one way I significantly improved my upper body strength — working out by using my own body weight as resistance!
This is the weight bench that I use
3. Dumbells — Compact and Versatile
Dumbbells are a must-have for any simple home gym setup because they offer a full range of motion and allow for progressive resistance training without taking up much space.
Why I Love Them:
- Very versatile — Great for triceps, biceps, and chest workouts
- Easy to store — perfect for just about any room
- No need for bulkier barbell equipment — you can bench press with these
- Ideal for both beginners and advanced lifters — there’s a reason you find these in every gym; they really work!
4. Projector — A Game-Changer for Cardio Motivation
Spending a lot of time running in place can get boring fast, and let’s be honest, cardio is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. That’s where having a projector comes in handy. This really leveled up my cardio workouts (check back tomorrow for a post all about that).
How It Helps My Workouts:
- Watch virtual running videos to feel like I’m outdoors
- Makes time fly by
If you’re curious, this is the projector that I use
5. Projector Screen — The Perfect Addition to a Simple Home Gym Setup
Pairing a projector with a dedicated screen levels up the experience and keeps my workouts interesting and engaging.
Why It’s Worth It:
- Looks Good — Better visibility than a TV or laptop screen
- Portable — Easy to setup or store when not in use
- Hands-free — To keep me focused on my exercise
This is the projector screen I use
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple and Effective
A simple home gym setup doesn’t require fancy machines in order to be effective. With just these five pieces of equipment, I’ve been able to stay consistent with my workouts and build a routine that fits my busy lifestyle.
Are you setting up your own home gym? Do you have some go-to items that didn’t happen to make my list? Let me know what your must-have equipment is in the comments!