(Photography: Timothy Roberts; styling: Kate Walsh)
Whether you’re a fitness junkie or dream of being one, having a home gym set-up can be a huge help when it comes to achieving your fitness goals.
Entering your home gym space should feel like an exhale. It should inspire you to keep up your routine, whether you’re lucky enough to dedicate a separate area of your home, or just an unused corner of a room. But how do you create an inviting exercise zone you’ll feel energised by?
For the ultimate WOFH (work out from home) gym set-up, you’ll want to purchase affordable and versatile equipment that helps you meet your personal best and complements your surroundings.
Who says a home gym set-up has to look utilitarian? From a jump box to push-up blocks and more, there are affordable, workout products that also look tip-top.
We’ll show you how to set up a well-designed home gym set-up that you’ll actually enjoy spending time in. No sweat!
How to put together a home gym set-up
Building a gym set-up at home doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a list of equipment you’ll need, but don’t worry – they aren’t all essential.
Start out with just a few and add to your collection as you become more confident.
Here’s what we included in our home gym:
- Plato 32cm basket, $49.95, from Freedom
- Circuit yoga mats, $5 each
- 3-pack bands, $12, from Big W
- Pilates ring, $10, from Kmart
- Everlast gloves, $39.99, from Rebel Sport
- Jump rope, $5.50, from Kmart
- Celsius dumbbell, from $10.99 (2kg) to $49.49 (9kg)
- Everlast Core Reflex punchbag, $199.99, from Rebel Sport
- Lana table, $299.99, from Adairs
- Battle rope, $39, from Kmart
- Bench, $55, from Kmart
- Circuit neo kettlebells, $39 (12kg) and $22 (6kg), from Big W
- Circuit neo dumbbell weights, $3.50 each (1kg) and $17 (5kg), from Big W
Set up your exercise zones
1. Cardio station
Whether you like to start or end your workout with a cardio workout, or you’re training for a marathon, a cardio station is an absolute must in your home gym.
Depending on how much space you have to work with, you can get a variety of cardio machines or choose just one to commit to.
Think a rowing machine, treadmill or cross-trainer to get your heart-rate pumping.
2. Strength station
Strength training is key for building muscle and cutting weight. If you have a larger budget to work with and prefer using machines to work your upper and lower body, organise them in this space. Or, if you like easy, low-equipment workouts, just grab some dumbbells, kettle weights and a mat, then call it a day.
3. Yoga station
The best way to end a workout is with some stretching and there’s no better way to stretch than doing a quick yoga sesh.
Grab your best yoga mat, towel and gear and get ready to feel zen!
Tips!
- A bench and kettlebells are musts for strength day.
- Keep your zen gear in a basket that’s easy to move around.
- Stack towels and gym pieces in easy-to-access storage.
- Make the most of vertical space and use hooks to hang your bands and ropes.
DIY your home gym equipment
If you’re building a home gym on a budget, let Adam Dovile teach you how to build your very own gym equipment.
With help from personal trainer Sam Woods, he builds a box to work your lower body and dumbbells to your train upper body.
As Adam puts it, “It’s very easy to construct, it’s literally glue and screw!”
Shop home gym equipment essentials
01
Joroto water rowing machine
from $589.99 (was $749.99), Amazon
Best for: getting your heart rate up
A water rowing machine is the way to go if you want to break a sweat and get your blood pumping. With an expanded water tank, this rowing machine will give you an even more immersive and challenging workout. It’s designed to bring the sensation of outdoor rowing right into the comfort of your own home. The best part is that when you’re finished using it, you can fold it up so it won’t take up space.
Key features:
- 28L water tank
- Premium hardwood
- Space-efficient design
- Bluetooth monitor support app
- Leak-proof construction
02
Proiron dumbbells
from $89.99 (was $119.99), Amazon
Best for: strength training
A must-have for strength training is dumbbells. Not only are they versatile and able to be used for a wide range of workouts, they’re easy to store away when you’re finished. These are cast iron with a soft-touch coating which means they are easy to grip, comfortable and won’t slip when you’re sweaty.
Key features:
- Textured surface
- Anti-rolling design
- Easy to clean
03
Everfit weight bench
from $141.91 (was $209.95), Amazon
Best for: full body workout
Designed for a full body workout, this bench is suitable for leg extensions, incline presses, preacher curls, chest flys and so much more. Designed with an adjustable height and incline levels, as well as a removable preacher curl bench and flexible foam rollers, you can work out in customised comfort.
Key features:
- 330kg weight limit
- Tough, sturdy steel with a powder-coated frame
- Adjustable workout
- Thick foam padding
04
Everfit weight bench pull-up bar
from $135.96 (was $199.95), Amazon
Best for: versatile and effective
This pull-up bar offers a full body workout station, offering a range of exercises for your upper body and core such as chin-ups, dips, pull-ups, leg raises and leg pressing. It’s durable and strong with a max capacity of 200kg.
Key features:
- 4-in-1 multi gym station
- Sturdy and stable
- Safe and comfortable
- Rubber-capped feet to protect your floor
- Sweat-proof cushioning and padded handles
Shop gym self-care
05
Renpho muscle massage gun
from $109.98 (was $199.99), Amazon
Best for: recovery
While exercising is important, so is the recovery. This massage gun offers an intense massage with 5 different speeds to use post-workout, whether you want to aid sore muscles, relax them, or dig into knots. There are also 5 shaped heads to choose from. Designed with a powerful brushless motor, it’s compact and easy to grip with a quiet motor.
Key features:
- USB-Type C charging massage gum
- Ultra-portable
- Silent
- Long battery life and 10min auto-off protection
- 5 speeds
- 5 massager heads
06
Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker
from $200 (was $264), Amazon
Best for: tracking progress
The best part of getting into a workout routine is being able to track your progress and see how far you have come. This Fitbit makes that easy by tracking key metrics, from calories and active zone minutes to daily readiness and sleep. Plus it has 40+ exercise modes, a built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, 24/7 heart rate and more!
Key features:
- Activity tracker
- GPS
- Sleep monitor
- Bluetooth
- Various colours to choose from
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
