How to Choose the Right Fitness Equipment for Your Home Gym According to a Celebrity Trainer

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The world of home gym equipment is incredibly diverse, and it can get expensive, fast. But there are a myriad of reasons to build a custom home gym. For starters, when the gym is in your house, it’s harder to find an excuse for not working out. A home gym also allows you to fine-tune the routine that works for you; you can add and upgrade equipment as needed. And crucially, with a home gym, you never have to fight off a horde of gym goers for the last power rack.

Thanks to Johnson Fitness & Wellness, finding the best equipment for your home gym becomes simple. With over 100 retail locations across the US, each with certified fitness consultants ready to help pick out the right pieces for your space before you buy them, the process becomes easy and painless. They also offer financing, delivery, and professional installation services to get you moving right away.

But for those shopping online, it’s not always easy to get started. To help determine the best home gym equipment, whether you’re shopping online or before you head to a Johnson Fitness store, we consulted Gunnar Peterson, a renowned personal trainer whose clients have included the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Despite a clientele that includes cinematic superheroes and all-star athletes, Peterson is an advocate for the kind of training that the average guy can apply to his life. It’s called functional training. According to Peterson, functional training is a regimen that helps you in your day-to-day activities, whether that’s “taking groceries in, putting something up in the overhead, or lifting your kid in and out of a crib.” Likewise, Peterson argues that when building your home gym, the first step is to take stock of your goals. “What's your end goal and what's your starting point? Are you someone who's trying to gain size? Or someone who's trying to drop body fat? Or XYZ. You have to know that stuff first.”

How To Choose Home Gym Equipment

Another consideration when building a home gym is how much space you have. Whether you’re looking to convert a spare bedroom or garage into a home gym, or you only have the space between the bed and the front door of your studio apartment, there’s equipment that can help you meet your fitness goals. Peterson’s number one recommendation is adjustable dumbbells because of how versatile they are, and he cited Powerblock as a favorite, due to the many available configurations. Peterson also mentioned investing in a cable or rack system—space and budget permitting.

In terms of cardio, Peterson emphasized finding something that you enjoy. “If you like a treadmill, then I would get a treadmill. If you're a bike person, then I would get a bike. I wouldn't force the cardio issue. That's the first thing people are going to skip anyway, right? So at least give them less of a reason to skip it. You can go as basic as a jump rope.”

How To Build A Routine You Can Stick To

With a home gym, optimizing the space you have is crucial, and Peterson has a few tips in that regard. “Tall against the wall, and I try not to block any light sources.” And while leaving space for movement is essential, “you'd be surprised at how many things can [nest with] other things tucked against them, so they're easy to pull out.” He also cites equipment that can be mounted to the wall as a space-saving option.

In terms of how often to use your home gym, Peterson emphasizes the importance of building a routine that you can stick to, noting that beginners often “try to do too much too soon,” which can be detrimental. “I was always in favor of starting, and still am starting, people who have not exercised or are not currently exercising at 2 times a week. Because it's more about fitting it into their schedule than getting their body to perform.”

He also suggests thinking beyond the home gym, arguing “One other day of the week do me and yourself a favor and find an activity [that's not inside]. I don't care if it's going for a walk. I don't care if it's playing tag with the kids. If it's playing pickleball. Whatever it is, just do something else active.”

The Best Fitness Equipment for Your Home Gym in 2023

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Gym Equipment

What is the most important equipment for a home gym?

According to celebrity personal trainer Gunnar Peterson, the best piece for anybody to start with is a pair of adjustable dumbbells. Powerblock is a great option because each block holds many different weights and they’re easy to adjust.

What is the best way to save space in a home gym?

According to Peterson, “tall against the wall.” This means it’s best to place larger machines along the perimeter of the space or even affixed to the wall. Also, look for equipment that can nest or store neatly under or alongside other pieces.

What is the best way to balance cardio and strength training?

Peterson notes that your mix of cardio and strength training will depend on the goals you’re trying to achieve. “What's your end goal and what's your starting point? Those are the two things you have to know.” In terms of order, Peterson likes cardio first, then stretching and strength.