Choosing the Right Weights for your Home Gym

July 31, 2024

7 min read

While balancing work and family schedules, heading to the gym and getting in a full workout can be nearly impossible to keep up with. However, with the right equipment, working out at home offers convenience and comfort under the same roof.

When it comes to training in your home gym, a weight routine can improve strength, stamina, and overall wellness. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, we have the best weight training gear and equipment to help you start a program or enhance your current one.

Check out our recommendations below for essentials that can help you build strength, burn calories, and lose weight while working toward a better you:

DUMBBELLS

The first step to a successful weight program is starting slowly. By building up your strength and weight sizes, you’ll decrease your chance of injury and soreness that prevents you from continuing your routine. That’s why barbells are the perfect option for starting small and having direct control over your workout’s weight.

With a range of sizes, weights like the CAP Barbell Strength Neoprene Dumbbell are perfect for beginners and experienced athletes looking to tone and build muscle. The dumbbell’s neoprene coating and contoured grip help you power through your workout with comfortable handling.

KETTLEBELLS

If you’re looking for a workout that’s accessible and fun, try training with kettlebells to build core and full-body strength. One of the many benefits of kettlebells is their ability to combine cardio and strength into a workout – all with one compact, portable device. And with their off-centered weight, kettlebells target more stabilizer muscles for a unique workout when compared to traditional weights.

One of our favorite exercise equipment essentials is the CAP Barbell Rubber-Coated 30 lb. Kettlebell w/Chrome Handle. The kettlebell’s cast-iron construction helps you build power, endurance, and balance while the wide-handle grip gives you a secure hold with every move.

MEDICINE BALLS

Medicine balls can be as fun as they are practical in your home gym arsenal. With their compact size, you can hold a medicine ball in your hands while also challenging your muscles with their concentrated weight. Medicine balls are also ideal for building explosive strength, like jumping, leaping, and throwing.

The BCG Medicine Ball is a great piece of equipment to have for any workout. Ranging from 6 to 15 pounds, you can add full-body conditioning and toning to your fitness routine. And with its textured surface, there’s no worries about losing your grip during intense sessions.

TRAINING ROPE

Using training ropes can look intimidating, but they’re one of our favorite tools for taking on a high-intensity workout. Besides getting your muscles moving in different ways, ropes can provide a full-body workout when you incorporate jumps, lunges, and other moves.

With the BCG 30 ft. Training Rope, you’ll get a great cardio workout at a great price. It’s braided nylon, latex, and polyester combination provide lasting durability for every session. And whether you’re waving or whipping, it’s a great piece of equipment to build workout routines around.

WEIGHTLIFTING BAR

When thinking about a home gym, weights and a weightlifting bar are usually the first thing that comes to people’s minds. That’s because weightlifting sets are a classic fitness staple that allow people of any ability level to customize for their fitness needs.

Our CAP Barbell 300 lb. Olympic Grip Weight Set is a great kit for enhancing any weightlifting routine. With weights ranging from 2.5 to 45 pounds, you can start modestly and build strength over a consistent routine. Additionally, the cast iron set is chip- and rust-resistant.

WEIGHT TRAINING ACCESSORIES

If you like a tidy home gym, the CAP Barbell 2 in. Olympic Plate Tree Storage Rack is perfect for organizing your weights and maximizing space. And for floor protection, the ProForm Large Exercise Equipment Floor Mat will provide strength and durability for years to come.

For other home gym equipment essentials, consider picking up yoga mats, exercise balls, lifting gloves, and resistance bands.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Q: What’s the best weight equipment for my home gym?
A: Building your home gym for your unique needs is something that everyone can enjoy when making fitness an important part of their life. Based on the categories above, figure out what fits your requirements for enjoyment, intensity, or both. Whether you’re buying one piece or a whole set, always consult with your physician before adding a new routine to your lifestyle.