When it comes to the best home gym equipment setup, less is always more. You don't need racks and racks of dumbbells or 15x15m metre space in which to crush a home workout in 2024, nor do you need an 'Iron Paradise' like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Far from it, actually — you can build muscle, hit your fat stores and feel healthier with minimal kit and, crucially, minimal space.

But, as with anything, knowing where to start can be the biggest obstacle in assembling your ideal home gym setup. One kettlebell or two? An adjustable dumbbell, massage gun or a pull-up bar? An exercise bike or a weight bench?

It's a head-scratcher, that's for sure. Here, Men's Health UK is on hand to help you separate necessity from luxury, alongside our recommendations on where to spend your hard-earned cash.

Not only will you save swathes of money, you'll make a health and fitness nirvana that, on a cost-per-use basis, could be the best money you've ever spent. And we're not exaggerating. What's more, when you've got your own gear, you don't have to worry about unwelcome germs or sweaty kit. The only downside? You'll have zero excuses for shirking a workout. Let's go.

    kettlebell
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    Kettlebells

    The OG of muscle-building, there's very little the humble kettlebell can't do. From kettlebell swings to overhead presses and thrusters, they're the ultimate fat-burning, muscle-building tool.

    There's a few things to consider when buying a kettlebell. The most important is choosing a suitable weight. Unless you opt for an adjustable kettlebell, or you buy an entire set, you should choose a weight that allows you to perform the most exercises. As our fitness editor Andrew Tracey puts it in our guide to the best kettlebells: 'You want something light enough to perform smaller, single-joint movements but heavy enough to provide a stronger stimulus on exercises like swings, squats, and deadlifts.'

    Editor’s Choice
    Bulldog Gear - Box Kettlebells
    Bulldog Gear - Box Kettlebells
    From £20.20

    Go back to basics with Bulldog Gear's cost-effective Box Kettlebell Collection. Not only does they look absolutely mean, but they comes in weights starting at 4kg, going all the way up to 40kg. Each kettlebell's tacky grip also helps you stay in control during sweaty workouts.

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    JaxJox Adjustable Kettlebell Connect 2.0
    JaxJox Adjustable Kettlebell Connect 2.0
    Now 35% Off

    Using electronically automated weight increments housed in one unit, this adjustable kettlebell lets you swap weights – ranging from 5.5kg to 19kg – in seconds. It also links to an app on your phone, which you can use to track reps, sets and other metrics, as well as follow a variety of virtual workouts.

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    Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell
    Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell

    Bowflex has bought the kettlebell into the future with their SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. With a twist of the dial, you can switch between six different weights ranging from 3.5 to 18kg. The plates that aren’t used remain in the dock, so your workout area remains tidy – perfect for home gyms.

    When it comes to kitting out your home gym, it's also worth considering the material of the equipment. Think about the space you have to work with. If you're in a flat or your workout space isn't on the ground floor, or you're worried about scratching your flooring, a softer weight might be more appropriate.

    The material of the weight you choose will also depend on your training. As Tracey explains: 'Ballistic movements like cleans and snatches, when you're learning the movements, will beat up your wrists and your collarbone as you're moving the kettlebell down.' To avoid this, consider buying a kettlebell with a soft coating.

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    Dumbbells

    Tried, tested and devilishly effective, you could invest in a set of dumbbells (or an adjustable set) and consider your mission for exercise equipment a roaring success.

    Easily-scalable, they're great for accelerating fat loss, developing strength, building muscle mass and improving your cardio – plus, you don’t need to worry about setting up a machine or loading up a barbell before getting your pump on.

    Here's five of our favourites. For a full breakdown of each, plus more, see our guides to the best dumbbells and the best adjustable dumbbells.

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    PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells Set
    PowerBlock Sport 50 Adjustable Dumbbells Set

    The flat, stable base of these PowerBlock dumbbells makes them ideal for exercises like renegade rows, while also allowing them to moonlight as push-up stands if you fancy giving some bodyweight exercises a go. They have nine stacked weight options (between 4.5kg and 22.5kg) which you can switch between using a resistance machine-esque pin.

    Editor’s Choice
    DTX Fitness Rubber Dumbbell Hex Weights
    DTX Fitness Rubber Dumbbell Hex Weights

    Circular dumbbells are so last decade — it's all about 'hex' dumbbells now. Using a flat surface head — and alongside the usual dumbbell exercises – you can incorporate renegade rows and other functional movements into your next home workout.

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    York Fitness Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell Set
    York Fitness Cast Iron Spinlock Dumbbell Set

    Bring an old-school feel to your next workout with York Fitness' 20kg adjustable dumbbells. They feature a spin lock system for swapping out weights and keep them secure while you workout.

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    Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell
    Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell

    Much like the Bowflex's Adjustable Kettlebell, their adjustable dumbbell has 15 different weight settings ranging from 2 to 24kg, which you can quickly swap between using the built-in dial. The weight disks are made from plastic, which is great for keep noise to a minimum, but if you're a heavy lifter, you may find these a little light.

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    JAXJOX Adjustable Dumbbell Set
    JAXJOX Adjustable Dumbbell Set
    Now 23% Off

    For a high-tech home gym experience, look no further than these futuristic free weights from Jaxjox. Once docked, simply select the weight you want and it'll sync up to an app on your phone, tracking your reps, volume, sets, average power and workout duration in real time.

    There's three main things worth considering when shopping for dumbbells: space, material and shape. If you've got the space and budget for a full rack of dumbbells, then go for it. For most people, though, an adjustable dumbbell will be the more appropriate option. The only downside of adjustable models is that it takes a little extra time to switch between weights.

    Like kettlebells, if you're working out in a space where you want to keep noise to a minimum or you're worried about damaging your flooring, opt for a dumbbell with a soft coating, like rubber. The same can be said if you plan to perform ballistic movements, where your body would benefit from a softer material.

    While circular dumbbells are the classic shape, triangular and hexagonal options are worth choosing if you plan to perform floor-based exercises, such as push-ups, as unlike circular options, they won't move about.

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    Cardio Machines

    Spin classes are old hat. For many, exercises bikes are one of the best ways to stay fit, especially if poor weather or injuries are stopping you from getting your daily dose of outdoor exercise.

    Below are some of the top-rated picks from our guides to the best rowing machines, the best treadmills and the best exercise bikes – all tried and tested by the Men's Health Lab.

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    Original Peloton Bike
    Original Peloton Bike
    Now 11% Off

    Peloton topped our list when we tested the best exercise bikes on the market, but are you really surprised? From gruelling endurance rides to restorative yoga sessions, Peloton’s 22in HD touchscreen covers all bases.

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    Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill
    Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill
    Now 14% Off

    Treadmills are ideal for hitting your weekly mileage goals when the weather outside is poor. The downsides are that they can be bulky and pretty loud. This one from Echelon Stride keeps shaking to a minimum even at top speeds and folds flat for easy storage.

    JTX Ignite Air: Gym Rower
    JTX Fitness JTX Ignite Air: Gym Rower

    A rowing machine — when combined with the right rowing workout — can be all you need to shed belly fat and look good doing it. Built for smooth performance and stability, you can replicate the feel and intensity of any gym workout while exercising at home.

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    Resistance Bands

    One of the most effective pieces of home workout gear, the humble resistance band is still vastly under-rated by the average person, despite being a low-cost and high-impact piece of kit. Let's change that, shall we?

    Not only is resistance band training cost-effective and great for adding variety to your workouts, but it keeps your muscles under constant tension throughout the full range of motion, without momentum, helping to improve the quality of your reps, train smaller muscle groups, and improve your form. Here's a few of our favourites.

    GYMPROLUXE Band and Bar set 2.0
    GYMPROLUXE Band and Bar set 2.0
    Now 25% Off

    If you're looking to exercise at home without splashing out on masses of equipment, or you're travelling and need something lightweight and portable to keep you fit while you're away from home, the Gymproluxe Band and Bar Set 2.0 is a great alternative to free weights.

    Gritin Resistance Bands [Set of 5]
    Gritin Resistance Bands [Set of 5]
    Now 35% Off

    Providing five different levels of resistance, these resistance bands from Gritin offer incremental resistance weights to help you build muscle and increase mobility. They're seriously light, too.

    FitBeast Pull Up Resistance Bands
    FitBeast Pull Up Resistance Bands
    Now 35% Off

    This affordable set of natural latex resistance bands includes five individual bands, each one coloured to indicate a different resistance level — ranging from 5lbs up to 125lbs. Use different thicknesses to activate your muscles, stretch out sore areas and assist or challenge a range of bodyweight moves like pull-ups, dips and press-ups.

    Core Balance Resistance Bands Set
    Core Balance Resistance Bands Set

    This set of five natural latex tube bands from Core Balance includes everything you need to get you through a wide range of workouts at home. Choose either the 100lb, 150lb or 200lb set depending on your strength — each of which contains five colour-coded tubes of varying resistances, as well as four foam-padded handles, two ankle traps, and a door anchor for performing a variety of exercises.

    Atemi Sports Flat Exercise Bands
    Atemi Sports Flat Exercise Bands

    Flat resistance bands such as these from Atemi Sports are best suited to stretching and mobility work — offering a low-impact alternative to lifting weights. Available in two lengths and three resistances, they are made from a durable latex designed to provide long-lasting and durable elasticity.

    There's a few different types of resistance bands to choose between. Tube resistance bands often come with handles and door attachments, making them a great option for hypertrophy training. Flat resistance bands, on the other hand, are ideal for strength and mobility work, while mini resistance bands are best suited to lower-body warm-ups and strengthening work.

    For a full breakdown of each of the above products, see our complete guide to the best resistance bands. Once you've picked one (or a couple) up, get some inspiration for how to incorporate them into your workouts with our guide to best resistance bands exercises for every muscle group, which includes 20 exercises you can do anywhere.

    Boxing Bags

    If you're ready to finish your home workout like a true knockout artist, or just want a conditioning workout or to simply sharpen your self defence skills, a boxing bag does it all.

    Blows to the head and body aside, boxing training is hugely beneficial to your health. Not only does it help to improve your cardiovascular fitness, but due to their weight, boxing bags take a powerful punch to budge, drawing on all the main muscle groups.

    Boxing also helps to build mental strength, requiring precision, coordination, stability and focus to throw effective punches and move efficiently. It also lets you blow off steam, which can boost your mood, support with stress and help deal with anger management.

    Hatton Boxing stuffs its boxing bags with a unique type of filling to ensure they’re up to the task, and this one is no exception; hand-stitched and capable of withstanding your most powerful punch – over and over again.

     Free Standing Heavy Duty Boxing Punch Bag
    Free Standing Heavy Duty Boxing Punch Bag
    Now 17% Off

    Nowhere to hang a boxing bag? No bother. This heavy duty free standing Dripex bag is the perfect solution, featuring 12 strong suction cups that hold the base in place.

    Gallant Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag
    Gallant Gallant Free Standing Boxing Punch Bag

    Free-standing bags such as this from Gallant take heat for being unstable but, thanks to its sand- or water-filled base, this 5.5ft heavyweight stays put under attack. It soaks up big hits without toppling over and has just enough wobble in the bag to make for a realistic moving target. Its narrow base also means you can slide it into a corner.

    Conditioning Kit

    Consider the following conditioning kit as optional extras that aren't essential but nice to have anyway. Each has its own benefits, which are listed below.

    Bulldog Gear Adjustable Weight Vest
    Bulldog Gear Adjustable Weight Vest

    Workout too easy? Gradually upgrade the resistance of your bodyweight work with a fully adjustable weight vest. Perfect for upping the intensity and efficiency of your training sessions, weighted vests add mass to your centre of gravity, forcing your muscles to work harder. It's no wonder bodybuilders and elite-level CrossFit athletes swear by them.

    Mirafit Gym Sandbag
    Mirafit Gym Sandbag
    Now 17% Off

    Mirafit's multi-grip workout sandbags are ideal for building core strength, stability, balance and focus if you're on a budget. Made from heavy-duty 1000D material, each sandbag comes with multiple handles for a wide range of exercises.

    Adidas Hot Yoga Mat
    Adidas Hot Yoga Mat

    Give your floors a break by unfurling adidas' yoga mat for any HIIT workout, yoga session or mobility flow. It's made with comfortable materials and an anti-slip design.

    TRX Training Suspension Kit
    TRX Training Suspension Kit

    This adjustable suspension trainer is the ultimate solution to packing muscle onto your back, arms and shoulders at home. Utilise your bodyweight and watch the gains roll in.


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    Weight Benches

    No home gym is complete without a weight bench. Perfect for upping your chest workout, your leg sessions and so much more, investing in a good quality bench will undoubtedly level up your set-up.

    There's a few different styles of weight benches available to buy. If your budget allows, we'd recommend investing in an adjustable bench, like the ones you find in commercial gyms, as they can be adjusted to an incline or decline, allowing you to target different muscle groups.

    Flat benches are usually a little cheaper as they are naturally more basic in design. If you want to keep things simple, a flat bench is still a good option and will be great for bench presses, tricep dips, shoulder presses and more.

    If you're seeking a true all-in-one weight bench, a multipurpose bench is the way to go. Look out for models with a barbell rack, attachments for leg extensions and hamstring curls, a dip station, butterfly attachments and more.

    Mirafit M1 Flat Weight Bench
    Mirafit M1 Flat Weight Bench

    Weight training and its simplest — use this with dumbbells or for bodyweight training to blast flat and build muscle. A thick steel frame and padding ensures a well-supported and comfortable workout

    Bulldog Gear - Zero Fold Flat Adjustable Weight Bench
    Bulldog Bulldog Gear - Zero Fold Flat Adjustable Weight Bench

    Whether you need it laid flat or with an inclined back rest, you can hit multiple muscle groups at once using this easy-to-assemble weight bench. A non-slip foot cover device keeps things safe and the foldable design makes it easy to store after your home workout.

    Opti Butterfly Workout Bench
    Opti Butterfly Workout Bench

    This multipurpose weight bench from Opti has it all: an adjustable bench for incline and decline exercises, butterfly attachments, a barbell rack, and foot rests for leg extensions and hamstring curls.

    Pull-up Bars

    No home gym is complete without a pull-up bar – or pull-up rack, if you have the space. Dubbed 'the upper-body squat', pull-ups are a bodyweight movement that predominantly use the muscles in your back, shoulders, core and your biceps. Pull-ups are also scalable: simply attach a weight to a weight belt or put on a weighted vest to up the difficulty.

    Though simple, there's few things to watch out for when buying a pull-up bar. Firstly, consider the space you have to work with. If you're after something wall-mounted, can your walls take screws, or would a hanging pull-bar bar be more appropriate? If space is not an issue, consider investing in a pull-up rack. Not only do they require less DIY know-how than wall-mounted options, but they're also more stable and usually come with attachments for dips and barbell brackets for squats. Here's a few that made our guide to the best pull-ups bars and pull-up racks.

    Bulldog Gear - P90 Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar
    Bulldog Gear - P90 Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar

    This wall-mounted pull-up bar from Bulldog Gear provides 90cm of clearance from the wall, giving you ample space to practice pull-up variations, such as butterfly pull-ups and bar muscle-ups.

    JMC Squat Rack & Pull-Up Bar
    JMC Squat Rack & Pull-Up Bar

    If you're looking for a unit that allows you to perform both pull-ups and squats, look no further that this floor-standing pull-up rack from JMC. With a max load of 350kg, it's more than capable of handling all your home-gym bodyweight and barbell-orientated needs.


    Lettermark
    Edward Cooper

    Ed Cooper is the former Deputy Digital Editor at Men’s Health UK, writing and editing about anything you want to know about — from tech to fitness, mental health to style, food and so much more. Ed has run the MH gauntlet, including transformations, marathons and er website re-designs. He’s awful at pub sports, though. Follow him: @EA_Cooper


    Lettermark

    Luke Chamberlain is a senior ecommerce writer for Men’s Health UK, where he compiles expert-led buying guides and in-depth product reviews across fitness gear, technology, nutrition, and grooming. He has been a health and fitness journalist for five years, having previously worked at titles including Outdoor Swimmer and The Recommended, and holds a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism.