7 Levels of Home Gyms: Tailoring Your Fitness Space to Your Goals


7 minute read

Building a home gym can be a game-changer for your fitness journey. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned athlete, creating a workout space tailored to your needs can make all the difference.

From minimal setups for beginners to fully-equipped gyms for advanced enthusiasts, there's a home gym level for everyone. Understanding these different levels can help you make the right choices for your fitness goals, budget, and space.

Level 1: Kickstart Your Fitness Journey (For Beginners and Space-Savers

Starting with the basics, this setup is perfect for those new to fitness or with limited space and budget. With essential equipment like resistance bands, light dumbbells, and a skipping rope, you can achieve a balanced workout routine without overwhelming your living space. This minimalist approach allows for efficient workouts and helps build a foundation for future fitness goals.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Minimal (small corner of a room)

Approximate Cost:

  • $50 - $200

Who It's For:

  • Beginners: Perfect for those new to fitness who want to start with a simple, manageable setup.
  • People with Limited Space: Ideal for those living in small apartments or shared spaces.
  • Budget-Conscious Exercisers: Great for those looking to start working out at home without a significant investment.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Squats
  • Tricep Extensions (Resistance Bands)
  • Bicep Curls (Light Dumbbells)
  • Lateral Raises (Light Dumbbells)
  • Jump Rope (Skipping Rope)
  • and more.


Level 2: Elevate Your Home Workout Game (For Intermediates Seeking Versatility)

As your fitness journey progresses, a compact home gym offers increased versatility without requiring much more space. This setup includes dumbbells, kettlebells, and a stability ball, providing a range of exercises that cater to both strength and cardio needs. It's an excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded workout experience in a relatively small area.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • A small room or designated workout space

Approximate Cost:

  • $150 - $500

Who It's For:

  • Intermediate Fitness Enthusiasts: Those who have a basic fitness foundation and want to expand their workout options.
  • Individuals Seeking Versatility: Perfect for those who need a range of equipment that doesn’t require a lot of space.
  • Small-Space Dwellers: Those who want a comprehensive setup without taking up too much room.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Chest Press (Dumbbells)
  • Plank Rows (Dumbbells)
  • Goblet Squats (Kettlebells)
  • Russian Twists (Stability Ball)
  • Resistance Band Deadlifts (Resistance Bands)
  • and more.


Level 3: Power Up Your Strength Training (For Strength Builders and Muscle Seekers)

This expanded setup is ideal for individuals looking to take their training to the next level. With an adjustable bench, barbell, and power rack, you can perform a wide range of strength training exercises. The addition of a medicine ball adds variety and functionality to your workouts, making this setup suitable for those serious about building muscle and strength.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Medium room or garage space

Approximate Cost:

  • $1,500 - $3,000

Who It's For:

  • Intermediate to Advanced Users: Those ready to incorporate more diverse and challenging exercises into their routine.
  • Strength Trainers: Ideal for individuals focused on muscle building and strength development.
  • Home Gym Upgraders: Perfect for those who have outgrown a basic setup and are looking to invest in more specialised equipment.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Bench Press (Adjustable Bench)
  • Barbell Deadlifts (Barbell and Weight Plates)
  • Squats (Power Rack)
  • Medicine Ball Slams (Medicine Ball)
  • and more.


Level 4: Transform Your Space for Serious Gains (For Dedicated Lifters)

For a more advanced home gym experience, this setup offers a comprehensive range of equipment, including a full power rack, adjustable bench, and cable machine. These additions allow for a wide variety of strength training exercises, catering to both compound and isolation movements. This setup is perfect for those looking to achieve serious fitness goals and need a diverse range of equipment.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Large room or dedicated space in the garage

Approximate Cost:

  • $2000 - $5,500

Who It's For:

  • Serious Strength Trainers: Individuals who need diverse equipment for both compound and isolation exercises.
  • Advanced Fitness Enthusiasts: Those who require a wider range of equipment to support varied workouts.
  • Dedicated Home Gym Users: Ideal for those who are committed to serious training and need a more advanced setup.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Barbell Squats (Full Power Rack)
  • Dumbbell Shoulder Press (Adjustable Bench)
  • Barbell Rows (Barbell and Weight Plates)
  • Heavy Dumbbell Lunges (Heavier Dumbbells)
  • Cable Crossovers (Cable Machine)
  • and more.


Level 5: Master Your Fitness with Advanced Gear (For Advanced Enthusiasts and Athletes)

The advanced home gym setup offers a premium experience with high-quality equipment like a full power rack with attachments and a leg press machine. This configuration supports a broad range of intense workouts, from heavy lifting to functional training. Including recovery equipment ensures you can maintain peak performance and prevent injuries, making this setup ideal for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Large dedicated room or spacious garage

Approximate Cost:

  • $6,000 - $15,000

Who It's For:

  • Advanced Fitness Enthusiasts: Those who require high-quality equipment for intense workouts.
  • Athletes and Powerlifters: Ideal for individuals who need specialised equipment for heavy lifting and advanced training.
  • Fitness-Driven Individuals: Perfect for those focused on comprehensive workouts and recovery.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Heavy Barbell Squats (Full Power Rack with Attachments)
  • Leg Press (Leg Press Machine)
  • Cable Woodchops (Functional Trainer)
  • Dumbbell Snatches (Heavy Dumbbells)
  • Kettlebell Swings (Kettlebells)
  • and more.


Level 6: Build a Semi-Pro Gym at Home (For Serious Lifters and Semi-Pros)

For those seeking a home gym that rivals commercial facilities, this semi-commercial setup provides a professional-grade experience. With a commercial-grade power rack, multigym system, and heavy-duty cardio equipment, you can perform a wide variety of workouts. This setup is designed for individuals who demand high performance and durability from their equipment, offering a comprehensive gym experience at home.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Large room or basement, around 19 - 28 square meters

Approximate Cost:

  • $10,000 - $20,000

Who It's For:

  • Serious Lifters: Individuals who want a home gym that closely resembles a commercial gym environment.
  • Performance-Focused Users: Those who need high-performance equipment for varied workouts.
  • Gym Enthusiasts: Ideal for those who seek a professional-grade experience at home.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Pull-Ups (Commercial-Grade Power Rack)
  • Chest Press (Multigym System)
  • Treadmill Sprints (Treadmill)
  • Incline Bench Press (Adjustable Bench)
  • Barbell Deadlifts (Extensive Free Weights)
  • and more.


Level 7: Create Your Ultimate Elite Fitness Hub (For Elite Athletes and Fitness Perfectionists)

The ultimate home gym setup offers a fully equipped, commercial-quality space that caters to every aspect of fitness training. Featuring high-end equipment like the Tori Functional Trainer, VERVE Multigym, and a range of commercial machines, this setup provides unparalleled versatility and performance. It's perfect for those who want a top-tier gym experience at home, whether you're a professional athlete or a dedicated fitness enthusiast.

Equipment:

Space Required:

  • Large space, ideally a dedicated gym room, around 28 square meters or more

Approximate Cost:

  • $15,000 - $20,000+

Who It's For:

  • Professional Athletes: Those requiring top-tier equipment for elite training.
  • Gym Owners: Perfect for those setting up a commercial-grade gym at home.
  • Dedicated Fitness Enthusiasts: Ideal for individuals who want the ultimate home gym experience.

Exercises You Can Do:

  • Functional Trainer Circuits (Tori Functional Trainer)
  • Leg Extensions (Multigym)
  • Deadlifts (Deadlift Platform)
  • Chest Press (Commercial Chest Press Machine)
  • Foam Rolling (Comprehensive Recovery Area)
  • and more.


Your home gym should grow with you, reflecting your progress and aspirations in fitness. By understanding the different levels of home gyms, you can make informed decisions on equipment, space, and investment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced athlete, creating a space that motivates and supports your goals is key to sustaining a successful fitness journey. Embrace the process, invest wisely, and watch as your home gym transforms into a personal sanctuary for health and wellness.

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Looking to add some gear to your home gym setup? Shop our Home Gym collection.


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