Best Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners, Put to the Test by Our Experts

If you’re just starting a fitness journey, you might be hesitant to spend your hard-earned cash on workout gear. But investing in some of the best home gym equipment can help you double down on your commitment to yourself, serve as a visual reminder to fit it in, and put you into the right headspace when breaking a sweat at home — no gym membership required.

Still, as a beginner, it can be tough to know where to start. “It’s easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of sparkly, massive home gyms,” says Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our BarBend expert reviewer. But the reality is that you really don’t need anything extensive to get a quality workout in at home. Take these pieces of best home exercise equipment for beginners — our expert testers have tried them out for you and give you just the insights you need to make your purchases easy. Our expert team has tested and approved them all and thinks they’re just the thing to kick-start your home workout routine.

The Best Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners of 2024

• Best Dumbbells for Beginners: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells
• Best Barbell for Beginners: Iron Bull Competition Barbell 
• Best Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack S22i
• Best Kettlebell for Beginners: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
• Best Resistance Bands for Beginners: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands
• Best Online Personal Trainer for Beginners: Caliber
• Best Weight Bench for Beginners: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench

Best Dumbbells for Beginners: REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells

Pros

Large weight variety in a single package

Easy-to-use safe-locking technology to switch weights

Super durable cast-iron with a lifetime warranty

2.5lb microplates and 10lb add-ons for precise loading

Flat bottom to prevent rolling

Cons

End locking triangle can get in the way

60lbs may not be enough for stronger lifters

When you start strength training, it can take a while to understand how much weight you can reasonably lift with each move. That’s where the best adjustable dumbbells, like these ones from REP Fitness, come in. With one pair, you have a wide variety of weights, offering you plenty of room to experiment without lots of bulky dumbbells crowding your home gym. 

“Adjustable dumbbells are the solution for people who want to work out at home with dumbbells, but don’t have the space to dedicate a portion of their floor to a dumbbell rack,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. “With adjustable dumbbells, an entire set of weight takes up maybe 2 square feet of space.”

We think these are the best dumbbells for beginners thanks to their easy-to-change Lock-N-Load mechanism and wide range of available weights: 5 to 60 pounds, plus 2.5-pound microplates to help you slowly progress. Our tester was very impressed with the cast iron and steel construction, ease of use, and comfortable knurling (the crosshatch pattern on the handle that makes it easier to grip), scoring them a 5 out of 5 for overall experience. “These dumbbells are simple to change, and there’s a nice clicking sound that confirms the weights are locked in and you’re ready to go,” our tester says.

They may cost more than the best dumbbells on their own, but you’re getting 12 pairs in one (not counting the micro-adjustments), which is why our tester gives them a 4.5 out of 5 for value. Plus, you get a lifetime warranty from REP — not that you need to worry. “These dumbbells are tanks,” our tester says. “We tried dropping them from different angles and heights to see how they would hold up, and they’re relentless. We have yet to see any damage on them.”

If you start with a lighter pair and surprise yourself with your gains, you can always buy 10-pound add-on weights to ensure you can keep building strength — a nice feature for beginners who may continue to use these dumbbells as they get stronger.

Best Barbell for Beginners: Iron Bull Competition Barbell 

Pros

Multipurpose for many types of lifting

Good spin and comfortable knurling

Affordable price point

Cons

Not suitable for super heavy loads

Black zinc coating is durable but not indestructible

Barbells might not strike you as a beginner-exerciser necessity, but they’re a versatile piece of equipment you can count on to stick with you for the long haul. “Having a barbell in your home gym means you can do almost any type of strength training exercise possible,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. “They are so versatile, lending themselves to continual progression. Plus, barbells are generally considered durable pieces of equipment. A good one will last a lifetime with proper care, making them a stellar investment for your health and fitness.” 

This 20-kilogram (44-pound) Iron Bull Competition Bar is suited for all the above, making it a great budget-friendly starter option, as it’s versatile and cheaper than most of the best barbells out there. “This is a solid bar at an affordable price that will work well if you’re not lifting too heavy,” our tester says. They score it a 4 out of 5 for knurling and 5 out of 5 for spin, based on its comfortable grip and solid performance during cleans and snatches. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_MJMwcsbGs

One area where this bar is limited is in the amount of weight it can handle. The steel core has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI, which should be plenty, but our tester seemed to find the tipping point. “I put 535 pounds on this barbell, and it started to bend. Now, there’s a slight curve in the middle of the bar,” our tester says. So, not the most heavy-duty. For beginners, though, you should have sufficient room to play before going near the bar’s weight maximum (which, for the record, the brand doesn’t disclose).

Otherwise, you can count on this bar being durable for typical home gym use. “The shaft has held up really well despite being thrown around our warehouse for several months, and it’s survived drops from overhead with bumper plates,” our tester says. “The sleeves are showing a little scuffing where you slide the plates on, but otherwise, the black zinc coating is doing its job.” If you’d like an even stronger protective coating, you can opt for another finish, including Cerakote and Stainless Steel.

Best Exercise Bike for Beginners: NordicTrack S22i

Pros

Integrated with iFIT, offering 17,000+ streaming workouts

Incline, decline, and resistance automatically adjusts

22” HD touchscreen pivots for non-cycling classes

24 levels of smooth, silent magnetic resistance

Cons

iFIT membership ($39/month) required for best experience

Expensive even for a smart exercise bike

This is, admittedly, not a budget exercise bike. But what the NordicTrack S22i lacks in affordability, it makes up for in features, offering such a great workout experience, it’s sure to keep you coming back. And if you’re a beginner exerciser, finding a workout you truly enjoy is key; research shows that enjoying your workout boosts adherence, meaning you’ll actually keep using the piece of equipment you buy (and boosting your wellness as you go). (1)

The NordicTrack S22i consistently makes it onto our lists of best exercise bikes because it’s just that good; it has 24 levels of silent magnetic resistance and a 22” HD touchscreen that allows you to stream workouts from iFIT, a streaming platform with more than 17,000 on-demand classes and scenic rides. “I really enjoy having both virtual rides and studio classes at my disposal, as it makes the entire training experience more engaging,” said our tester says, scording the dynamic programming a 5 out of 5. “You can essentially escape to some of the world’s most beautiful locations and pedal through the scenery without leaving your abode.” 

When you’re taking a guided workout, you can also take advantage of the S22i’s cool Auto-Adjust feature, which automatically changes your resistance, incline, and decline to match the instructor’s cues. Yes, this bike also has +20% incline and -10% decline — a rare feature for a stationary bike.

In terms of hardware, the S22i is solid, with two-sided pedals (SPD clips and toe cages), an inertia-enhanced flywheel, dual water bottle holders, a fan, and a 350-pound weight limit. Our tester finds the bike to be quite durable overall, rating it a 4 out of 5 on that metric. “There’s no wobbliness across the profile when taking on high-intensity workouts,” they say.

You don’t need an iFIT membership ($39/month) to use the bike, but it’s essentially required to make the most of its features. The good news is that you can pivot the touchscreen or cue up the iFIT app on your device to take classes off the bike, which can ultimately help you build and follow a more well-rounded workout routine.

Read our full NordicTrack S22i Exercise Bike Review.

Best Kettlebell for Beginners: REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

Pros

6 kettlebell weights in one

Solid cast-iron shell in classic kettlebell shape

Affordable compared to buying individual bells

Cons

Weight adjustment mechanism is plastic

Some noise from plates when moving

Adjustable dumbbells may be more popular, but the best adjustable kettlebells can also be a terrific addition to a home gym, especially for a beginner wanting to build functional strength. “Adjustable kettlebells provide greater access to kettlebell training with less money and less space compared to a full set of fixed kettlebells,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. “In terms of physiological benefits, kettlebells are fantastic tools for building grip strength, coordination and stability, and explosive strength.”

This one from REP Fitness is available in three different weight ranges — 8 to 16 kilograms (17 to 35 pounds), 16 to 24 kilograms (35 to 53 pounds), and 9 to 18 kilograms (20 to 40 pounds) — each one with five different weight increments. “It’s pretty much the same size as your traditional kettlebell, but it’s going to replace six individual kettlebells, which is really nice,” our tester says, scoring it 5 out of 5 for weight range. Using the dial on top, you can quickly change between weights and get back to squatting or swinging without sacrificing much time. Another big plus is that it’s the same shape and handle as a classic kettlebell (unlike some competitor models) which makes for more ergonomic training; our tester scores it a 5 out of 5 on ergonomics, as well. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lapZNTf6VHw

The shell and plates are made from solid cast iron, but our tester wonders about the durability of the plastic adjustment mechanism over time, scoring it a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. They also noted: “As you’re swinging it, you’ll hear a little bit of the rattle of the plates, but it has not affected me negatively whatsoever during my workouts…It’s not knocking me off my flow or movement pattern or anything.” 

Spending $150+ on a kettlebell may sound like a lot when you’re first setting up your home gym, but remember that you’re getting six weights in one — compared to the 20 to 40-pound adjustable bell, it’d cost over $120 more to buy the equivalent kettlebells individually from REP. That’s why our tester scores this adjustable kettlebell a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 for price.

Read our full REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell Review. 

Best Resistance Bands for Beginners: Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands

Pros

Affordable and easy to store

Four bands offer 2-80lbs of resistance

Versatile and handy for beginner strength work

Cons

Likely will need replacing within a few years

Resistance maxes out at 80lbs

If you’re looking to smart small with home exercise equipment, the best resistance bands should be your first buy. This four-pack of Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands offer up to 80 pounds of resistance, cost significantly less in terms of price and space compared to the equivalent in free weights, and should be plenty to help you gain strength across all your muscle groups as a beginner.

“For people who don’t have the space for regular home gym equipment but still want to exercise at home, compact items provide a solution. Even for people who do have ample space, compact home gym equipment can keep your gym feeling clutter-free and organized,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. Resistance bands are the perfect mainstay. “I live in a camper van, and resistance bands provide me with a form of resistance training (and the regularly whip my butt, I might add),” she says.

Each of these loop bands is made of latex, 41” long, and offers a different range of resistance: 2 to 15 pounds, 5 to 35 pounds, 10 to 50 pounds, and 25 to 80 pounds. Though that may not be enough for more advanced athletes, they’re a great starting place for beginners, whether you’re looking to improve your upper body strength, lower body range of motion, or your resistance push-up prowess — all without leaving the space of your yoga mat.

Our tester scores them a 5 out of 5 for functionality and portability. “They’re small and lightweight, so keeping the bands permanently in my climbing bag isn’t a pain at all,” they say. The bands don’t have handles but are a continuous loop. That means you can use them for assisted pull-ups and rehab work, among many other things. “I just held onto the end of the loop for a few sets of rows, presses, lunges, biceps curls, and interior/exterior rotator cuff work,” our tester adds. These aren’t your best friends for HIIT workouts, but they enable the type of suspension training and Pilates work that will strengthen your whole body.

One downside is that resistance bands generally don’t last forever. You’re covered by a warranty from Titan Fitness for the first year, but you may need to replace these after a few more. Even if you’re ready for big dumbbells by then, we’ll bet you won’t retire this classic tool from your routine.

Best Online Personal Trainer for Beginners: Caliber

Pros

Personalized coaching on strength, cardio, and nutrition

Data-driven programs with emphasis on strength work

Direct, 24/7 contact with a human coach

Free app access and cheaper group coaching available

Cons

Caliber Premium is quite expensive at $200/month

Workouts are self-guided, not follow-along

Main focus is strength training

When you start exercising, it can feel like entering an alternative universe. There’s so much lingo and technique to learn and almost too many possibilities for structuring your routine. That’s where one of the best personal training apps like Caliber can help. 

Caliber is like having a trainer on speed dial. After an initial questionnaire about your ability and goals, you’re connected with a coach who creates an individualized workout program for you. The app delivers this with all the instruction you should need, using an extensive exercise library of over 500 moves. You can also send videos of your form directly to your trainer for feedback. “My coach would record videos and send them to me through the chat function,” our tester says, giving the app 5 out of 5 for instruction and accountability. “The content would outline my week’s progress, offer up advice and tips where necessary, and lay out new training goals based on my progress.” That’s loads better than hopping aimlessly with your jump rope or tossing around a medicine ball with no direction.

Caliber technically includes cardio and nutrition guidance, but there’s a real focus on resistance training. Based on your workout data, it even gives you a strength score and strength balance report. “I really like this metric for beginners, as it paints a good picture of your potential weaknesses and where you should be focusing your training,” our tester says.

Sounds amazing, right? It is. And that leads us to the downside — Caliber Premium starts at $200 per month. However, they offer lower tiers for those who don’t want or can’t afford personal training. Caliber Pro is their group coaching offering ($19/month), and they have a totally free version of the app with access to the exercise library, workout tracking, and the ability to build your own programs. 

Other than the price, which our tester scores a 3.5 out of 5, the only other downside for beginners is that your workouts are self-guided; if you love classes and appreciate form tips and cueing in real-time (IRL or through a screen), this may not be the app for you. If that’s what you want, there are plenty in our list of the best workout apps that could do the trick.

Read our full Caliber Fitness App Review.  

Best Weight Bench for Beginners: Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench

Pros

Sturdy steel frame with powder coating

Lightweight and easy to move

661lb weight capacity should support most exercisers

Cons

2-inch pad offers OK cushioning

Doesn’t adjust to different heights or angles

Shorter length and width than a standard bench

If you have enough space in your home gym and plan to do plenty of resistance training, it may be totally worth it to invest in a weight bench. The Flat Utility Bench from Bells of Steel is basic but can come in handy for more strength moves than you may realize. 

“A weight bench is more than just a bench for pressing weight… [it] can also be used for core exercises, seated shoulder press, incline/decline presses (if an adjustable bench), Bulgarian split squats, step-ups, hip thrusts, and more,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT. “They’re more versatile than they seem on the surface, and for that, they’re a great buy in my book.” 

Our tester gives this Bells of Steel flat bench a 3.5 out of 5 overall and a 4 out of 5 for construction and durability. “Overall, I found this to be very stable, and I think it’s a solid bench for your basic lifting needs,” they say. “There was no noticeable shaking or wobbling when performing a couple of different lifts, and even when I manually shook the bench there was little movement — so A+ on sturdiness.” 

However, the bench also falls a little short (literally) on size. “The bench seemed a tad bit shorter in length than most (it is indeed 3-4 inches shorter than competitors), and the width is 10 inches, which is narrower than the industry standard of 11+ inches,” our tester says. “I’m 5’4”, and it felt slightly short for me, so taller athletes might have a hard time getting in a good position on this bench.”

A plus? Its small size comes in handy when you’re trying to move it; at less than 40 pounds, you can easily scoot this around your home gym, which can be handy if you hope to store your equipment out of sight. It also helps to keep the price down, which is low compared to the other best weight benches out there, so you can use that extra cash to buy more free weights.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners

The BarBend team is full of fitness experts, certified personal trainers, and athletes — but believe it or not, we were all beginners once, too. We’ve tested hundreds of pieces of home exercise equipment across multiple categories, from treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes to squat racks, rowing machines, and cable machines. 

To give you a full picture of each product, we follow a rigorous equipment testing methodology that includes analyzing and scoring each item from 1 (not great) to 5 (great) on key factors like workout experience and tech capabilities. We combed through our data to find the best home exercise equipment for beginners based on the following markers, which we think are especially important for this category:

• Accessibility: For beginners especially, fitness equipment should feel welcoming: there should be low barriers to entry, like a small enough minimum resistance on strength equipment, a high weight limit for cardio workout equipment, and beginner-friendly workouts on streaming platforms and apps. You might be keeping in mind pieces that can get your heart rate up in small spaces, too, so we did, too. We kept all that top of mind when looking for the best home exercise equipment for beginners (and really, users of all fitness levels).
• Ease of Use: No one wants a headache from an overly complicated manual — and typically, you want a full-body workout from using your favorite all-in-one equipment, not assembling it. When selecting the following products, we looked for equipment that’s easy to use with minimal instruction and offers a simple user experience so beginners can jump right in.
• Durability: If you’re just starting your fitness journey, the equipment you buy now could become instrumental in helping you build a base and progress over the next many years. You’ll want high-quality equipment that grows with you, not breaks down. We kept an eye on the versatility, warranties, materials, and stability of all the pieces we tested.
• Value: There’s a good chance you don’t yet know which type of training you like in your home fitness journey — and so you probably don’t want to spend tons of money on home workout equipment you won’t use. We judged each piece of equipment based on its price relative to the features and quality offered.

[Related: Best Dumbbell Sets]

Benefits of Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners

There are so many benefits of having a home gym. It’s private, open 24/7, completely customizable to your liking, and will probably save you money in the long run. When it comes to buying equipment, “there are so many options to suit so many different needs and budgets, and I think that exemplifies what’s so great about having a home gym: It’s yours, and you get to choose what you want in it so that it is affordable for you and leads you to your goals,” says certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, BarBend’s expert reviewer. Building a workout space you enjoy using can go a long way in helping you stick with your routine and keep showing up. Here are some other benefits to investing in some solid home exercise equipment for beginners.

• They Progress With You & Provide Ongoing Challenge: Even if home exercise equipment is beginner-friendly, it’s not limited to newbies. For example, most products here will continue to challenge you, thanks to increasing levels of weight, resistance, or dynamic programming, meaning you won’t outgrow them even as you progress.
• Adaptability: Your home gym can be whatever you make it — and that can change from day to day or month to month. Turn your garage into a weightlifting paradise, your guest room into a yoga sanctuary, or your basement into a functional training cave, or do it all in the same space.
• Convenience: When you have the ability to work out at home, you can squeeze in a session at any time and even when you only have a few minutes. Nixing the commuting time and need to leave the house means you can reap the benefits of exercise even when you have to be at home while dinner’s baking or laundry is in the dryer.

[Related: Best Treadmills]

How Much Does Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners Cost?

The price of beginner exercise equipment depends largely on what, exactly, you’re buying. In general, the heavier or more high-tech you go, the more you’ll pay.

Best Dumbbells for Beginners	REP Fitness Adjustable Dumbbells	Starting at $279.99
Best Barbell for Beginners	Iron Bull Competition Barbell	$225
Best Exercise Bike for Beginners	NordicTrack S22i	$1,999
Best Kettlebell for Beginners	REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell	Starting at $149.99
Best Resistance Bands for Beginners	Titan Fitness Light Resistance Bands	$74.99
Best Online Personal Trainer for Beginners	Caliber	$19/month for group fitness; $200/month for personal training
Best Weight Bench for Beginners	Bells of Steel Flat Utility Bench	$149.99

What to Consider Before Buying Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners

The cool part about assembling your own home gym is that you can make it whatever you want. The downside? You need to know what you want to make smart purchasing decisions — and that’s easier said than done when there’s so much exercise equipment out there. The following factors can help you home in on what you actually need.

Fitness Goals

When you’re thinking about building a home gym, “the best place to start is with your needs and fitness goals. What are you trying to accomplish?” says BarBend expert reviewer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto. “My advice is to get clear on your goals and the required training protocols to achieve them. Then, you can begin selecting the items that best suit your needs.” 

As a beginner, you might not have a great idea of your goals yet or simply want to get healthier and achieve better fitness overall. The good news is that it opens up the possibilities. What gets you excited to work out? Try starting there.

Training Preferences 

If you know a little bit about what type of training you want to do, that’ll be a big help. Do you want to commit to strength training or mainly cardio? Yoga or boxing? (It’s OK if the answer is “a little bit of everything.” That’s the beauty of a home gym — you can try it all.) 

Pick the training style that’s most important to you, and buy basic equipment for that modality, first. Getting gear to support the workouts you actually want to do (rather than what other people or the internet tell you to do) will help ensure you actually use it and follow through with your routine.

Available Space

Besides budget, this will likely be the most limiting factor as you’re shopping for beginner home exercise equipment. If you’re tight on space, you’re likely better off buying a foldable or easily stored exercise mat and some resistance bands or adjustable free weights. 

If you have a little more room, you may want to invest in a piece of smaller cardio equipment, like a stationary bike, as well as some more free weights. If you have plenty of space to dedicate to working out, you can buy a weight bench, treadmill or rower, and, perhaps, a barbell setup and squat rack after you’ve built up some base strength.

Home Exercise Equipment for Beginners FAQs

References

1. Teixeira, Diogo S., et al. 2022. “Enjoyment As a Predictor of Exercise Habit, Intention to Continue Exercising, and Exercise Frequency: The Intensity Traits Discrepancy Moderation Role.” Frontiers in Psychology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8894246/ 
2. Bellicha, Alice, et al. 2021. “Effect of Exercise Training on Weight Loss, Body Composition Changes, and Weight Maintenance in Adults with Overweight or Obesity: An Overview of 12 Systematic Reviews and 149 Studies.” Obesity Reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8365736/