Why a Home Gym?
When I moved to Munich from California in 2020, I faced several changes—adjusting to a new country, dealing with the unpredictable weather, navigating a new language, and balancing family life with work. With so much on my plate, I knew staying fit would be crucial—not just for my health, but to keep up with my kids’ boundless energy. Setting up a home gym became the perfect solution—it gave me the flexibility to stay in shape without sacrificing precious family time.
My home gym setup: designed for strength training while saving space.
My Home Gym Essentials
Below is the essential equipment that transformed my home workouts and allowed me to hit my fitness goals.
1. Power Cage (Safety and Versatility)
Why I Chose It:
A power cage is the backbone of my gym setup. It provides a safe and stable way to perform squats and bench presses with safety bars for added protection.
How I Use It:
- Squats with the barbell for building lower body strength.
- Multi-grip bench presses with my adjustable bench for shoulder-friendly pressing variations.
- Pull-ups (if you have space) for upper body strength.
👉 Check out this Power Cage on Amazon for a versatile home gym setup.
2. Multi-Grip Olympic Bar (Joint-Friendly Lifting)
Why I Chose It:
This bar is a game-changer for upper body workouts. The multiple grips allow me to bench press and overhead press without putting unnecessary strain on my shoulders.
How I Use It:
- Neutral-grip bench presses to protect my shoulders.
- Overhead presses and bent-over rows using different grips for muscle variation.
*Make sure it is the correct width for your power cage.
👉 If you’re looking for a bar that’s easy on the joints, check out this Multi-Grip Olympic Bar on Amazon.
3. Adjustable Dumbbells (Space-Saving Strength)
Why I Chose It:
Adjustable dumbbells save space while still allowing for a wide range of exercises, from bicep curls to dumbbell chest presses.
How I Use It:
- One-arm preacher curls for focused bicep work.
- Dumbbell Romanian deadlifts and presses for unilateral strength training.
👉 Get the Adjustable Dumbbells I Use to maximize your home gym with minimal space.
4. Adjustable Bench (For Full-Body Workouts)
Why I Chose It:
An adjustable bench is essential for performing various presses, flys, and rows. The incline and flat options make it versatile for upper-body exercises.
How I Use It:
- Incline presses for targeting the upper chest.
- Dumbbell rows to strengthen the back.
👉 Check out this Adjustable Bench for your strength training setup.
5. Hex Bar (Joint-Friendly Deadlifts)
Why I Chose It:
The hex bar makes deadlifts safer for my lower back and knees, providing a natural lifting position that keeps the weight centered.
How I Use It:
- Deadlifts for strength and hypertrophy without putting too much strain on my joints.
👉 Want safer deadlifts? Grab a Hex Bar like mine on Amazon.
6. Landmine Attachment (Core and Upper Body Strength)
Why I Chose It:
This landmine attachment is a separate piece that doesn’t require a power cage—it fits directly into the hole of a weight plate. It’s a versatile addition for explosive pressing movements, rows, and core exercises.
How I Use It:
- I insert the attachment into a stacked weight plate for stability.
- Two-handed landmine chest presses for upper-body strength.
- Landmine rows to build back thickness and improve pulling power.
👉 Elevate your workouts with this Landmine Attachment.
7. Cable Pulley System (Isolation and Stability Work)
Why I Chose It:
The cable pulley system is a compact addition that adds variety to isolation movements like face pulls, tricep pushdowns, and bicep curls.
How I Use It:
- Face pulls to strengthen my upper back and improve posture.
- Tricep pushdowns for arm definition.
👉 Upgrade your strength routine with this Cable Pulley System.
8. Wave Bar (Versatile Curl and Press Bar)
Why I Chose It:
The wave bar, also known as an EZ curl bar, is perfect for isolation exercises like curls and tricep extensions. Its ergonomic shape helps reduce strain on the wrists and elbows, making it a joint-friendly option for arm-focused workouts.
How I Use It:
- Bicep Curls: Different hand placements to target all areas of the biceps.
- Tricep Extensions: For building arm strength and size.
- Upright Rows: Occasionally used for upper back and shoulder work.
👉 Check out a Wave Bar like mine on Amazon for effective and joint-friendly arm workouts.
Final Thoughts
Creating a home gym has been a game-changer for me. It’s saved time, increased my consistency, and allowed me to stay strong while balancing family life. With versatile, space-saving equipment like the power cage, wave bar, and landmine attachment, I’ve built a setup that covers all my workout needs—without ever leaving home.
If you’re considering building or upgrading your home gym, I hope this guide helps you choose the best gear for your setup. You don’t need a massive space or an overwhelming number of machines—just the right essentials to get started.
Of course, training is only half the equation—proper nutrition and recovery are just as important. To get the most out of your workouts, check out My Go-To Supplements for Strength and Recovery for the key supplements that fuel my fitness routine.
What’s your must-have piece of home gym equipment? Let me know in the comments below or reach out if you have any questions about the gear I use!
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