Setting up a home gym: The best equipment, tips and inspiration

Having your own home gym is the dream of many fitness enthusiasts. In our blog post, we'll show you how to set up your own personal gym and what to look for. Whether you're a beginner or already a regular exerciser, here you'll find practical tips for choosing the right equipment, space optimization, and motivational tips to make your workouts effective and varied. Make your home your place for personal progress and save time and money by working out in your own four walls!

• Advantages of a home gym - a good alternative to the gym
• How effective is a home gym?
• Setting up a home gym for calisthenics
• Setting up a home gym (for classic strength training)
• Home Gym on a Budget (Tips for Your Equipment)
• Home gym with limited space (tips for your equipment)
• Inspiration for your home gym
• How to stay motivated in the home gym
• Conclusion

 

Advantages of a home gym - A good alternative to the gym

A home gym offers a variety of advantages over a gym.

• Convenience : No travel time, no opening hours, and no waiting lines. You can train whenever it's convenient for you.
• Cost savings : No monthly membership fees or travel costs. The initial investment can pay for itself quickly.
• Time savings : You save time by not having to drive to the gym. Plus, you can shower or carry on with your day immediately after your workout.
• Flexibility : You can design your training program and equipment according to your own needs and preferences.
• Privacy : No crowds or awkward stares. You can train in an environment where you feel comfortable.
• Hygiene : You don't have to use shared equipment and you can control the hygiene in your home gym yourself.
• Family-friendly : You can exercise while looking after your children or attending to other family obligations.
• Motivation : With the gym right on your doorstep, there are fewer excuses not to work out.

A home gym offers many advantages, especially for people with busy schedules who want to organize their training routine flexibly and on their own terms.

Despite the many benefits of a home gym, there are a few challenges. The initial purchase price for equipment can be high, which is a hurdle for many. Additionally, a home gym requires sufficient space, which can be problematic in smaller apartments. We'll show you how to manage even with limited space and budget here (below).

 

How effective is a home gym?

Strength training in the home gym can be very effective as long as it is planned properly and performed consistently.

Here are some factors that influence effectiveness:

1. Equipment

• Minimal equipment: With basic devices such as Pull-up bars, dip bars, dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands allow for many exercises and training progress.
• Advanced equipment: If you have access to a barbell/weight bench, a rack, a bench, and weights, you can get an even more comprehensive workout.

2. Training planning

• Structured programs: A well-structured training program tailored to your goals is crucial. Programs such as hypertrophy, strength building, or functional training can also be implemented effectively at home.
• Progressive overload: The key to muscle growth and increasing strength is progressive overload, i.e. the steady increase in training intensity.

3. Consistency and discipline

• Regular training: Self-discipline is the key to continuous development and a strong and healthy body.
• Routine and time management: A fixed training plan helps to integrate training into everyday life and to carry it out consistently.

4. Variety of exercises and creativity

• Vary the exercises: To avoid plateaus and target all muscle groups, the training should be varied.
• Bodyweight training: Even without extensive equipment, effective training can be achieved through targeted exercises such as push-ups, squats, and planks.

5. Nutrition and regeneration

• Balanced diet: A protein-rich and balanced diet supports muscle building and regeneration.
• Recovery phases: Even in the home gym, the right balance between training and recovery is important to avoid overtraining.

6. Motivation and mentality

• Self-motivation: Clear goals and progress measurements help to stay motivated.

Strength training in a home gym can be just as effective as in a gym, as long as you follow the points mentioned above. Success depends on your equipment, training plan, and discipline. With the right approach, you can achieve your fitness goals at home.

 

Setting up a home gym (for calisthenics)

If you want to set up your home gym specifically for calisthenics, the focus is on equipment that allows you to train with your own body weight and promotes your strength and flexibility.

Here is a detailed guide:

1. Space requirements and room selection

• Available space: For calisthenics, you need enough space to move freely. An area of approximately 1x1 meters is a minimum.
• Flooring: A stable, non-slip surface is essential. Exercise mats or rubber mats protect the floor and provide cushioning for exercises like handstands, jumps, and squats.

2. Equipment for Calisthenics

• Pull-up bar: A sturdy pull-up bar is essential.
• Dip bars: Dip bars are perfect for exercises like dips, L-sits, and leg raises. They can be fixed or freestanding.
• Parallettes: These low bars are ideal for exercises like push-ups, L-sits, tuck planches, and handstands. They're easy to store and versatile.
• Wall bars: Wall bars allow for many calisthenics exercises, including leg raises, pull-ups, human flags, and dragon flags. They save space and can be mounted on the wall.
• Gymnastic rings: Rings are a versatile tool for advanced calisthenics exercises. They can be attached to the ceiling or a stable beam and allow for exercises such as muscle-ups, ring dips, and ring push-ups.
• Resistance bands: Resistance bands are helpful for assisted pull-ups, dips, or for making exercises like push-ups more difficult. They're also ideal for mobility exercises and warm-ups.

You can find high-quality equipment for your Calisthenics Home Gym in our shop >

3. Additional equipment

• Handstand wall: If you want to practice handstands, you can use a free wall to practice against.
• Ab Roller: An ab roller is a simple but effective device for core training, especially for the abdominal muscles.
• Weighted vest: For advanced calisthenics exercises, you can use a weighted vest to increase resistance and intensify your workout.

4. Organization and storage

• Wall mounts: Use wall mounts for gymnastic rings, parallettes, and bands to maximize space and keep things organized.
• Shelves and storage boxes: Small equipment such as straps, handles, and accessories can be stored on shelves or boxes to keep the area clean and tidy.

5. Security aspects

• Stable mounting: Make sure that pull-up bars, dip bars, and gymnastic rings are securely and firmly mounted to avoid injuries.
• Space: Make sure you have enough space around you, especially for dynamic exercises such as kicks, jumps, or handstand exercises.

6. Other accessories

• Mirror: A mirror can be helpful for monitoring technique during exercises such as handstands or planks.
• Music system: Good music can boost motivation. A small Bluetooth speaker is often sufficient.
• Timer or app: A timer or training app helps you to precisely adhere to intervals and breaks and to structure your training.

 

Setting up a home gym (for classic strength training)

Setting up a home gym depends on your available space, your budget, and your training goals.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to optimally set up your home gym:

1. Space requirements and room selection

• Available space: Choose a room or area that offers enough space for movement and the equipment. A basement, garage, or spare room is ideal.
• Flooring: A stable, non-slip flooring is important to prevent injuries and protect the floor. Rubber mats or special exercise mats are recommended.
• Ventilation and lighting: Make sure the room is well-ventilated and has sufficient lighting. Natural light is ideal, but bright lamps can also create a pleasant training atmosphere.

2. Fitness equipment and equipment

• Pull-up bar: A sturdy pull-up bar is perfect for upper body training.
• Barbell and weights: A barbell with weight plates is a key element for many strength exercises. Make sure you have a sturdy, durable barbell and a set of weights.
• Dumbbells: Adjustable dumbbells are space-saving and versatile, allowing for a wide range of exercises.
• Weight bench: An adjustable weight bench provides support for various exercises such as bench presses, incline bench presses, and many more.
• Resistance bands: These are space-saving and versatile. They are suitable for mobility training, warm-ups, and supplementary exercises.

3. Additional equipment and training devices (optional)

• Kettlebells: These are great for dynamic exercises and full-body training.
• Rack or Power Cage: A power rack or squat rack is ideal if you want to safely lift heavier weights. It allows you to perform exercises like squats and bench presses in a safe environment.
• Power station or cable pull station: This allows for a variety of isolation exercises, especially for the upper body.
• Plyoboxes: For jumping exercises, box jumps or as an elevation for exercises such as step-ups.
• Medicine ball: For core training and functional exercises.
• Mirror: A large mirror helps monitor form and technique during exercises.

4. Cardio options (optional)

• Rowing machine: Ideal for a full-body cardio workout that simultaneously improves strength and endurance.
• Ergometer or treadmill: For classic cardio training such as running or cycling.
• Jump rope: Space-saving and effective for intensive cardio training.

5. Organization and storage

• Weight racks and shelves: Keep your weights and dumbbells neatly and safely stored on racks and shelves.
• Wall mounts: Use wall mounts for bands, jump ropes, and other lightweight equipment.
• Storage boxes: For small equipment such as handles, resistance bands and accessories.

6. Other accessories

• Timer or stopwatch: For time intervals and HIIT training.
• Music system: Good music can boost motivation. A small system or a Bluetooth speaker is often sufficient.
• Fan: To ventilate the room during intense training sessions.

 

Home Gym on a Budget (Tips for Your Equipment)

A home gym on a budget can be just as effective as an expensive studio if you plan cleverly and make the right investments.

Here are some tips and recommendations for affordable equipment. And yes, you can find high-quality equipment for your calisthenics home gym in our shop >

1. Bodyweight training as a basis

• Pull-up bar: An inexpensive and effective option that is easy to assemble and can be used for pull-ups, leg raises, and other exercises.
• Parallettes: If you don't want to spend money on dip bars, you can also use PVC pipes to build your own parallettes. Instructions are available online.
• Resistance bands: Very versatile and affordable, they can be used for a variety of exercises, either to increase resistance or to provide support during bodyweight exercises.

2. Affordable equipment

• Adjustable dumbbells: Adjustable dumbbells save space and are often cheaper than buying multiple sets of dumbbells. You can also buy used dumbbells to save money.
• Kettlebells: A single kettlebell offers a wide range of exercise options. You can even buy just one and perform many full-body exercises with it.
• Exercise mat: A simple mat protects your joints during floor exercises and provides comfort. It's inexpensive and a must-have for any home gym.

3. DIY options (= Do-It-Yourself)

• Sandbag: A sandbag is easy to make yourself and can serve as a cheap alternative to dumbbells or kettlebells. Fill a sturdy bag with sand, gravel, or dirt and you have a versatile training tool.
• Water canisters: Water canisters can be used as improvised weights. They're inexpensive, adjustable (depending on the capacity), and offer a great option for strength training.

4. Buy used

• Online marketplaces: Look for used weights and dumbbells on platforms like eBay Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, or flea markets.
• Second-hand shops: Some second-hand shops or specialty sports stores also offer used fitness equipment.

5. Minimalist equipment

• Jump rope: A jump rope is very inexpensive and offers an excellent cardio workout in a small space.
• Door anchor for resistance bands: With a door anchor, you can transform resistance bands into a variety of training tools, such as rowing, chest presses, or tricep exercises.
• Core sliders: These small sliding cushions are inexpensive and effective for core training. They allow for dynamic plank variations and many other exercises.

6. Organization and use of the space

• Multifunctional equipment: Choose equipment that can be used for multiple exercises to save space and money.
• Creative use of household items: Furniture such as chairs, tables or couches can be integrated into your workout (e.g. for tricep dips, elevated push-ups).

7. Additional tips

• Create a training plan: Use free online resources to create an effective training plan based on what you have available.
• Invest in the essentials: Focus on the equipment you truly need to achieve your specific fitness goals. Think carefully before you buy anything.
• 🎬 Videos on how to do it correctly can be found here >

An effective home gym doesn't have to be expensive. With smart planning, DIY projects, and the purchase of used or multifunctional equipment, you can set up a home gym on a tight budget that will help you achieve your fitness goals. The key is to be creative and make the most of the resources you have.

 

Home gym with limited space (tips for your equipment)

If you have limited space for your home gym, it is important to choose space-saving and multifunctional equipment.

Here are some tips on how to optimally set up your home gym:

1. Space-saving basic equipment

• Pull-up bars: These bars are compact and easy to install. They are ideal for pull-ups, leg raises, and also as an anchor point for resistance bands.
• Resistance bands: Highly versatile and take up almost no space. They're suitable for strength training, mobility, and stretching exercises, and they're easy to store.
• Adjustable dumbbells: Instead of a set of multiple dumbbells, you can save space with adjustable dumbbells. They offer different weight levels in a single set.
• Kettlebells: One or two kettlebells offer a wide range of exercise options and require little space. They are suitable for full-body exercises such as swings, goblet squats, and Turkish get-ups.

2. Multifunctional devices

• Parallettes: These are small and easy to store. They are suitable for exercises such as L-sits, push-ups, and handstand training.
• Folding weight bench: A folding weight bench can be stored under the bed or behind a door when not in use, expanding your options for training with dumbbells and bodyweight exercises.
• Gymnastic rings: Gymnastic rings can be attached to the ceiling, a pull-up bar, or a beam. They can be easily removed and stored after training.

3. Minimal and efficient equipment

• Jump rope: Offers an effective cardio workout and takes up minimal space. Ideal for HIIT workouts.
• Core sliders: These small sliding cushions are lightweight, compact, and versatile for core training and full-body exercises.
• Ab Roller: A small device that is very effective for core training and requires almost no space.

4. Wall mountings

• Wall-mounted equipment: If possible, you can mount some equipment such as pull-up bars or wall bars on the wall to save floor space.

5. Mobile and easily stowable equipment

• Exercise mat: A simple mat protects the floor and provides comfort for floor exercises. It can be rolled up and stored after training.
• Plyometric box: Choose a foldable or stackable box that you can easily store after training.

6. Creative use of living space

• Incorporate furniture into your workout: Chairs, tables, or even your bed can be used for exercises like tricep dips, raised push-ups, or step-ups.
• Vertical storage: Use walls to hang equipment such as jump ropes, resistance bands, or dumbbells and keep the floor clear.

7. Compact cardio options

• Compact rowing machine: There are foldable rowing machines that are easy to store and still offer an effective cardio workout.
• Mini stepper or compact treadmill: For space-saving cardio training, mini steppers or compact treadmills are ideal, as they can be easily stored after training.

8. Additional tips

• Multifunctional furniture: Some fitness equipment can also serve as furniture, such as stools that can also be used as plyo boxes.
• Clear structure in the room: Make sure that your training area is clearly defined and can be easily integrated back into the living space after training

Even with limited space, you can set up an effective home gym by choosing space-saving, multifunctional, and easily stored equipment. By creatively utilizing your available space and carefully selecting equipment, you can cover all the essential aspects of your workout without cluttering your living space.

 

Inspiration for your home gym (from the FitnessKIT community)

A home gym isn't just a place to work out, it's also a personal oasis tailored precisely to your needs. Whether you want to maximize a small space, prefer a minimalist setup, or are looking for creative DIY ideas, you'll find plenty of inspiration here (especially for calisthenics).

You can find high-quality equipment for your Calisthenics Home Gym in our shop >

How do I stay motivated in the home gym?

To stay motivated in your home gym, you can use the following strategies:

1. Set clear goals : Define specific, achievable goals to track your progress.
2. Create a training plan : A fixed plan helps to create routine and avoid excuses.
3. Variety in training : Vary exercises and training methods to avoid boredom.
4. Music and podcasts : Create motivating playlists or listen to inspiring podcasts while you workout.
5. Document your progress : Record your successes in writing or with photos to stay motivated.
6. Set rewards : Reward yourself after reaching small milestones to keep motivation high.

 

Conclusion - Is a home gym worth it?

A home gym offers flexibility, convenience, and long-term cost savings. With the right equipment and a well-thought-out plan, you can workout effectively, even with limited space or budget. It requires self-discipline, but the freedom to workout whenever you want makes it a worthwhile investment in your health and fitness.

You can find high-quality equipment for your home gym in our shop >