The Only Home Gym Equipment Checklist You Need (2026)
The 'Buy Nice or Buy Twice' List
The home gym market is flooded with cheap, plastic rubbish. But you also don't need Commercial Grade kit for a spare room setup. This checklist filters out the noise.
We have categorized equipment into Essential (start here), Nice to Have (future upgrades), and Waste of Money (avoid). Whether you are building a garage powerlifting station or a yoga corner, this list keeps you focused on utility.
Tier 1: The Essentials (Start Here)
Budget: £100-150. Space: 2m x 2m.
These items form the foundation of 90% of home workouts. Do not skip these.
- Yoga Mat (6mm+): Do not buy thin 3mm mats; they hurt your knees on hard floors. Look for non-slip PVC or TPE. Why: Protective base layer.
- Resistance Bands (Tube Set): Must include door anchor, handles, and ankle straps. 5-50lb range. Why: Replaces a £2000 cable machine.
- Adjustable Dumbbells (Spinlock): Cast iron is better than vinyl (which splits). Standard 1-inch hole size ensures you can buy more plates later. Why: The primary tool for strength.
- Speed Rope: Adjustable length. Wire cable is faster than PVC cord. Why: Highest calorie burn per minute cardio.
- Door Pull-Up Bar: Measure your door first! Screw-in telescopic bars are safer than leverage bars if your doorframes are weak. Why: Essential for back health.
Tier 2: The Upgrades (Next Level)
Budget: +£200-300. Space: Requires storage corner.
Once you are consistent for 3 months, add these items to unlock new movements.
- Kettlebell (16kg for men, 8/12kg for women): Cast iron classic style. Avoid adjustable kettlebells if doing snatches (balance issues). Why: Dynamic power & conditioning.
- Foldable Bench: 300kg+ weight rating. Must fold flat for storage. Decline option is a bonus. Why: Chest press, rows, seated shoulder work.
- Foam Roller: High density (black) lasts longer than soft (blue/white). Why: Self-massage and recovery.
- Gymnastic Rings: Alternative to TRX. Cheaper and more versatile, but harder to use. Why: Advanced bodyweight strength.
Tier 3: The Dream Setup (Garage/Spare Room)
Budget: +£500-1000. Space: Dedicated area.
- Power Rack/Squat Stand: Catch bars are essential for safety when lifting alone.
- Olympic Barbell (20kg): Get one with bearings (spin) to protect wrists.
- Bumper Plates: Rubber plates that can be dropped safely.
- Cardio Machine: Concept2 Rower or Assault Bike. The gold standards.
The 'Do Not Buy' List (Money Wasters)
Save your money for better dumbbells.
- ❌ Ab Toning Belts: They do nothing. Planks are free.
- ❌ Light Vinyl Dumbbells (1-2kg): Too light for anything other than rehab. Resistance bands are better here.
- ❌ Cheap Multi-Gyms (<£300): Wobbly, jerky cables, low weight limit. Nightmare to assemble. Landfill fodder.
- ❌ Thigh Masters/Tummy Trimmers: Gimmicks from the 90s that unfortunately still exist.
- ❌ Weighted Hula Hoops: Fun, but ineffective for serious fitness compared to a jump rope.
Checklist by Fitness Goal
Goal: Weight Loss
- Speed Rope (Cardio)
- Kettlebell (Metabolic Conditioning)
- Yoga Mat (Burpees/Core)
Goal: Muscle Building (Hypertrophy)
- Adjustable Dumbbells (Heavy)
- Weight Bench
- Pull-Up Bar
Goal: Mobility & Health
- Yoga Mat
- Foam Roller
- Resistance Bands (Light)
- Stability Ball
Trusted UK Brands Checklist
When looking on Amazon/eBay, these are the brands we trust for home gear:
- Mirafit: Excellent value power racks and benches (Orange/Black branding).
- Bulldog Gear: Staffordshire based. High end, great for garage gyms.
- Bodymax: Good entry-level cardio and strength kit.
- PTP / Viavito: Reliable accessories found in major UK retailers.
- JLL Fitness: Good for budget cardio machines (spin bikes).
Flooring & Accessories
- Interlocking Foam Tiles: 60cm x 60cm is standard. 1.2cm thick minimum. Essential for rentals.
- Liquid Chalk: Powder chalk ruins carpets. Liquid is clean and improves grip instantly.
- Bluetooth Speaker: Essential for motivation.
- Full Length Mirror: Check form. Makes room look bigger.
- Timer App: Smartphone interval timer for circuit training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy new or used?
Iron (plates/dumbbells) lasts forever. Buy used on Facebook Marketplace to save 50%. Buy bands/mats new for hygiene. Check for rust on used bars.
Is decathlon gear good?
Yes, their 'Domyos' brand is excellent for budget racks and benches. Very reliable for the price. Their cast iron plates are best value in UK.
Do I need gloves?
Only if you have soft hands or cold bars (garage gym). Most lifters prefer chalk for better grip feel and tactile feedback.
What is the one item I should spend MORE on?
The Bench. A cheap bench that collapses under you is dangerous. Spend £100+. Look for a wide back pad for stability.
Can I use 'Standard' or 'Olympic' weights?
Standard (1-inch hole) is cheaper but maxes out around 100kg load. Olympic (2-inch hole) is the professional standard. Go Olympic if you plan to lift heavy eventually.