I tell people I built my home gym because after maxing out every machine at LA FITNESS, it felt like I beat the game. In reality, I just wanted to work out with my shirt off, curl in the squat rack, try weird exercises without going viral on @gymfails, and, above all, to avoid that creepy dude who hangs out in the men’s locker room. Whatever your reason might be for building a home gym, you need a plan. In this blog, we’ll go over the biggest things to take into consideration before you permanently park your Honda on the street, sacrificing the garage for gains.

1. Space and Layout

• Clear Space: Start by clearing out clutter and organizing your garage to create a dedicated workout area.
• Flooring: Consider durable flooring options like rubber mats or interlocking tiles to protect both your equipment and the floor.
• Ventilation and Lighting: Ensure adequate ventilation and lighting to create a comfortable and safe workout environment.

2. Essential Equipment

• Barbell and Weight Plates: A quality barbell and a set of weight plates are fundamental for strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
• Dumbbells: Adjustable dumbbells or a set of various weights allow for maximum versatility.
• Rack or Stand: Invest in a sturdy rack or stand to store your weights and barbells.
• Bench: An adjustable bench is essential for bench presses, step-ups, and seated rows. If you’re lucky, you can find a solid one on Craigslist on the cheap.
• Cables: A cable machine is the equivalent to a Swiss Army Knife. In my opinion, it’s the best way to add variety to your sessions.

3. Cardiovascular Fitness

• Treadmill or Rowing Machine: Depending on your preference, choose a treadmill for running or a rowing machine for full-body cardiovascular workouts. If you don’t have the space, this one isn’t necessary. You can definitely do your cardio outside of your home gym as well.

4. Functional Fitness

• Kettlebells: Versatile for dynamic movements like swings, presses, and Turkish get-ups.
• Resistance Bands: Ideal for adding resistance to bodyweight exercises, mobility work, and stretching.
• Pull-Up Bar: Install a sturdy pull-up bar for upper body strength and core exercises.

5. Additional Equipment

• Yoga Mat: For stretching, yoga, and core exercises.
• Foam Roller: Essential for self-myofascial release and muscle recovery.
• Box or Step: Useful for box jumps, step-ups, and other plyometric exercises.

6. Tech and Accessories

• Music System: The best part about a home gym is getting to play your own music.
• Mirror: Install a full-length mirror to check your form during workouts. Okay, and to take selfies.
• Storage Solutions: Organize smaller equipment and accessories with shelves, hooks, or bins.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning Supplies: Regularly clean equipment and flooring to maintain hygiene and prolong equipment lifespan.
• Manuals: Don’t make the same mistake I did and throw away all the manuals and warranties for your equipment. Unlike a gym, when something is broken, it’s your job to get it fixed.

8. Personalization

• Inspiring Decor: Personalize your space with Arnold posters, quotes, or colors to keep you motivated in an inspired environment.
• If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of building a home gym, you know this blog could go on forever. There are endless ways to design your training space. But if you focus on these staples, you’ll have a great place to lift.