Best Garage Gym Equipment To Buy in 2020: Garage Gym Essentials

A garage gym has many advantages because, unlike commercial gyms, you never have to deal with crowds of people, expensive gym memberships, or even travel. All these are some of the reasons why people often get tired of going to their local gyms. If you are one such individual, a garage gym will be the perfect solution for you.

One of the most important things you need to do before creating the perfect garage gym for your needs is figuring out the necessary equipment. Since there’s a lot of gym equipment in the market, it can be challenging to choose the best ones to suit your needs. Fortunately, you are reading this guide to essential garage gym equipment that will help you choose the best tools for your needs.

We carefully made this post to cater to your needs. So we have classified the equipment under four sections:

  • Cardio Gym Equipment
  • Compound Exercise Gym Equipment
  • Free Weight
  • Body Weight Resistant Equipment

Essential Garage Gym Equipment – Cardio Gym Equipment

Cardio is a vital component of a thorough exercise program. It is equally important in improving lung, heart, and circulatory system health. Jogging, running, jumping rope, high-intensity interval training, and rowing are some of the examples of cardiovascular health. Cardio workouts are those that elevate the heart rate and give the entire body a workout.

Cardio equipment for your garage gym may include an exercise bike, treadmill, rowing machine, jump rope, among others. Some of the cardio equipment might be expensive, but it is still possible to find cheaper options such as the foldable machines that help you save space. Here are the top picks for cardio gym equipment. 

1. Phoenix Easy-Up Manual Treadmill

Treadmills are a must-have for individuals who are involved in cardiovascular exercises, and Phoenix Easy-Up Manual Treadmill is a great option. 

It is a manual treadmill that will easily fit into your garage. One of its astonishing features is you can fold it and keep it in a safe place when not in use. This feature makes it an excellent fit for people with smaller spaces in their garage. 

It also features a single-button electronics display that shows you the distance, time, speed, and calories. You don’t have to waste time figuring out how to make it because it’s simple to operate. It will allow you to achieve maximum jogging or walking speed through a self-powered workout.

2. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer

 Elliptical training is preferred by many for a couple of reasons: It is beneficial when it comes to burning calories. It is as effective as jogging. Stamina In-Motion Elliptical Trainer is what you need for your garage gym.

If you only have limited space in your garage, this trainer is perfect for you. Some of its features are

  • A simple knob that allows you to increase or decrease the workout intensity
  • The compact design is more comfortable to pack and store. Or take it on the road with you.
  • It has an electronic fitness monitor that will allow you to see the number of strides per minute, the number of calories burned, and the exercise duration.
  • You can exercise while sitting or standing, and will still be as effective.

If you are looking for an excellent elliptical trainer, without compromising on your small garage space, we highly recommend the Stamina In-Motion Trainer for you.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike

This Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling bike is an excelling home exercise bike, which doesn’t break the bank. It has become an industry-standard home cycling solution because of how adjustable it is.

Adjusting the handlebars is achievable, which makes it possible to ride the bike in multiple styles. The seat is also adjustable, making it an awesome choice for a family with varying heights and leg lengths. This is all possible with a simple knob twist. You can even adjust whilst you’re in the middle of a workout.

It also features a friction resistance knob, which allows you to quickly adjust the resistance of the bike. This comes in handy when you have to intensify your workout session. All these features for its price make it a perfect fit for your garage gym.

4. Concept 2 Indoor Model D Rowing Machine

If you want to have a complete body cardio workout, then the Concept 2 Indoor Model D Rowing Machine is what you need for your garage gym.

This equipment will enable you to work out the major muscle groups such as your core, legs, and arms through a smooth, high-calorie burning motion.

The Model D rower is one of the best-selling garage gym equipment for the following reason:

  • It’s easy to setup. 
  • The build quality is phenomenal. So you are assured of quality equipment which will outlast you.
  • It features a performance monitor, popularly known as PM5 that allows you to track your progress.
  •  One of my favorite features is the ability to connect your phone to PM5 via Bluetooth. It works very well with most Fitness apps on your phone so that you can track your heart rate in real-time, as you workout.

5. Sonic Boom M-2 Speed Rope

sonic boom m2 rope

Jump ropes are an excellent way to get in some good cardio workouts in your garage gym. It has never gotten out of style because of how powerful it is. The Sonic Boom M-2 is a superb option for your garage gym.

 It features heavy-duty handles that include a non-slip surface, and the rope itself is actually self-locking. Meaning that you never have to worry about losing screws, as is the case with other cheaper models.

Essential Garage Gym Equipment: Compound Exercise Gym Equipment

compound exercise garage gym equipment
Man performing a deadlift: Compound exercise

Compound workouts are yet another type of exercise that is great to do at home. If you want to gain massive strength in different areas of your body, then compound workouts are what you need precisely. A squat rack is one of the best equipment for these exercises. Here are the top recommendations for compound exercise equipment.

1. Fitness Reality Max Weight Bench

A bench press is a flat bench or an adjustable bench used for supporting the body when lifting dumbbells and other types of free weights. Fitness Reality Bench is a fantastic bench that you should have in your garage gym. It is neither too heavy nor too light, which means that you won’t have a problem moving it around to your preferred spots in your home gym. Besides using it for your workouts, it can also serve as a utility bench in the garage.

2. Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Power Rack

A squat rack or power rack serves as a mechanical spotter for your free weight barbell workouts. The Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Power Rack is an excellent option for your garage gym. 

Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Power Rack is designed for use in smaller spaces, and just as the name depicts, this rack attaches to your wall.

It features durable steel tubing, which makes it a long-lasting option and is easy to install. It is foldable, too, which helps you save space and prevent unforeseen accidents when not in use.

3. US Weight Duracast Barbell Weight Set

The US Weight Duracast Barbell Weight Set is useful in garage gyms. The set includes two 5-pound weights, four 10-pound weights, two locking spring clips, and one barbell bar. 

The manufactures did an excellent job by making it with heavy-duty, rust-resistant materials, which makes it the perfect option for your garage gym. 

Essential Garage Gym Equipment: Free Weights

free weight exercise garage gym equipment
Free Weight Exercises

Cardio and compound exercise gym equipment can be expensive. So, if you don’t have the money to buy such items, you can consider starting with some free weights instead. If you would like to burn calories or gain strength, you can do cross workouts using a barbell and some bumper plates for a start. Here are the top picks for free weights for your garage gym.

1. Tone Fitness Kettlebell

The kettlebell is a versatile gym equipment. You can use it for squats, clean and jerks, rotational swings, throws, and a lot more. 

The kettlebell is beneficial for strengthening the body and burning fat. It can help you develop a lot of power in the glutes, hamstrings, and core. 

Tone Fitness includes one 15-pound, one 10-pound, and one 5-pound kettlebell. A bonus from the manufacturer is an instructional DVD to help you make the most use out of the product.

2. AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbells

The AmazonBasics Neoprene Dumbbells come in handy when you want to build strength, increase your energy, or perhaps if you’re going to burn some calories. It comes as a set that includes three pairs in 5-pound, 3-pound, and 2-pound sizes. 

The dumbbells have a neoprene coating to provide you with a more secure grip. The dumbbells also come with an easy-to-assemble weight stand for safe storage in your garage.

3. Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to choose different weights while using just one handle. You can use them to do just about any dumbbell workout and are more space-efficient compared to regular dumbbells. 

The Bowflex SelectTech 1090 allows you to quickly and easily choose anywhere between 5 and 90 pounds of weight for each dumbbell and even have comfortable handles that feel a lot like regular dumbbells. 

4. Kettle Gryp

The Kettle Gryp is an interesting product that’s ideal for your garage gym because it is designed to turn any dumbbell into a kettlebell. It can be an excellent option if you already have some dumbbells and want to save money on getting kettlebells. 

The Kettle Gryp also comes in handy when you’re on the road. It works by latching around a dumbbell’s shaft. It can hold up to a 55-pound dumbbell and is made of durable plastic.

5. AmazonBasics Medicine Ball

Medicine balls are great for developing balance, core strength, and coordination. The AmazonBasics Medicine Ball is an 18-pound ball that’s great for both lower and upper body workouts. It is made of sturdy rubber and quickly bounces off hard surfaces. 

Essential Garage Gym Equipment: Bodyweight Resistance Equipment

bodyweight exercise garage gym equipment
Bodyweight exercises

Resistance training involves using some opposing force to make the muscles contract and strengthen. In simple terms, it means using your body weight as resistance, thus increasing your strength and building muscle without being too strenuous on the joints. Resistance training equipment is usually pocket-friendly and takes up just a little space. Here are the top picks:

1. TOCO FREIDO 5-Spring Chest Pull

The TOCO FREIDO 5-Spring Chest pull is excellent for sculpting the arms, upper back, and shoulders while strengthening them. As its name might suggest, it comes with five springs that you can adjust to meet your upper body fitness needs. It will help you tone, shape, and firm your butt, hips, arms, abs, and back. Best of all, it weighs just 500g, which makes it simple to travel with.

2. Fit Simplify Resistance Bands

Fit Simplify Resistance Bands might look like average bands, but they take resistance training to a completely different level. These are very durable bands and portable, as well. 

They are made of 100% latex and are designed to hold up through repetitive full-body workouts and come in 5 resistance levels.

 It comes with an instructional ebook that shows you 41 ways to use this band in your workout. As an added bonus, you get access to a video course online, which guides on how to make the best out of these bands.

The manufactures also believe so much in their product that they’re willing to give you a lifetime guarantee. Anytime you feel like the bands are not working for you as you expected, you can return it for your cashback. But regardless, these are excellent bands that can last you a lifetime.

3. Body Sculpture Resistance Body Trimmer

Trimming your body doesn’t always have to involve long durations of workouts. The Body Sculpture Resistance Body Trimmer is available in 2 different sizes and can be adjusted to meet your needs better. Use it to tone and strengthen the arms, chest, and abs. If you use it consistently, you will end up with a fit, toned, and well-trimmed body.

Garage Gym FAQS

Q. How much does it cost to set up a gym in your garage?

Well, primarily, it depends on your needs and your budget. To make it simple for you, ask yourself these simple questions. 

1. What am I trying to achieve with my gym?

Is your goal to lose weight, build muscle, gain strength and agility or live healthily? Answering this simple question will guide you to the next one. Which is:

2. What equipment do I need to achieve my goal?

Once you have answered the first question, go through the equipment in this post once again. And carefully select the ones required. Then you can go ahead and purchase the equipment that suits your gym needs.

A bonus: To save yourself extra cash, ask this last question

3. How do I achieve some of my fitness goals for free?

So let’s say you’re a massive fan of Cardio and you want to burn some calories. You can save some cash by omitting some cardio gym equipment. 

But generally, most people hate cardio exercises due to how intense they can be. If you are that type of person, then I recommend you purchase the equipment.

Q. How much space do I need in my garage?

Space is crucial when it comes to setting up your gym. If you have enough space in your garage, you can arrange your tools on the floor. It must be adequately arranged to prevent unforeseen accidents

However, if you are big on organizing, then I highly recommend getting top of the line garage shelves. Because shelves will not only save you floor space, but it will also prevent clutter and keep your garage tidy.

Q. How many garage gym equipment do I need?

It depends on your gym and fitness goals. It doesn’t matter the number of equipment you acquire, but rather how beneficial it is to achieving your fitness goal. Go through this post once again and select the ones that you require.

Final Thoughts

Building a garage gym is a great way to increase your motivation to work out, eliminate your gym commute, and stop paying for gym memberships. It allows you to create the ideal environment for working out with all the equipment you need for your specific goals. There are other factors to consider when setting up your garage gym. These include finding the best flooring options for your garage. We wrote a detailed guide on it and we highly recommend you read it.

You don’t require too much space to create the perfect garage gym, and honestly, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the equipment. Start with the essentials such as those featured here. Then add pieces of equipment as and when required. But make sure that you only pick those that are useful for you and your workout routines. If you are on a tight budget, then I think you should consider pre-owned used fitness equipment. We compiled of places you can buy used gym equipment in this article.