Best Weight Lifting Equipment for Home Gym (9 Essential Strength Training Pieces)
Are you looking to get started on your own home or garage gym?
If you plan on strength training, there are a few simple but essential items every weight lifting focused home gym should have.
Here I outline the best weight lifting equipment for home and garage gym to get you started off right. These 9 essential pieces are all you need to assemble an effective strength training gym at home.
I will also go over what you should look out for before you decide on what is the best strength training equipment for you. Plus, I will include how-to videos so you get the most from your investment.
9 Essential Pieces for Weight Lifting Home Gym
Olympic Barbell
Benefits
If you are serious about weightlifting, consider getting an Olympic barbell vs a standard barbell.
Olympic barbells are sturdier and can hold a lot more weight than standard bars, plus Olympic bars are the bars that fit most power racks and cages.
Cons
Olympic barbells weigh about 44lbs by themselves. Keep that in mind when you are getting started.
Space
Olympic barbells are normally 7 feet long, compared to standard barbells which are only 5 feet long.
There are, however a few shorter Olympic bars, like this Body-Solid Tools Olympic Straight Bar which is only 6 feet long, if you are designing a gym in a smaller space.
At Home Full Body Barbell Workout
The Rogue Ohio Bar
The Rogue Ohio bar is a high-quality bar at a reasonable price compared to others in the same class. It is made in the USA, has brass bushings, a 190k psi tensile strength and nice knurling.
It’s a classic and a favorite for a reason – it’s a great bar.
This is the bar I recommend if you plan on lifting heavy.
XMark Deadlift Voodoo Commercial Olympic Bar
- A 5-STAR STAPLE OF ANY HOME GYM. The XMark VOODOO Olympic bar is over built for performance, under-priced for everyone.
- The VOODOO weight bar offers a superior tensile strength of 185,000 PSI with moderate flex and a 1500 lb. weight capacity.
- Crafted using a heat treated alloy steel and a snap ring lock system, the VOODOO barbell offers ultimate performance for Olympic and power lifting routines.
- The 28mm grip shaft of the VOODOO Olympic barbell has a black manganese phosphate coating which is one of the hardest coatings available and provides unbeatable abrasion protection. Protect your investment by wiping down your bar regularly with a light coat of a 3-in-1 oil.
- The VOODOO's collars have micro grooves assuring your plates stay in place. Not only does this increase the safety of your exercises but it also ensures a comfortable, consistent feel during sets. This is particularly important for dynamic lifts like the cross training workouts, olympic lifts, and functional training.
The XMark Voodoo bar is a very affordable Olympic bar, great for beginners. It has a little spin, aggressive knurling and decent whip.
This bar is great for squats and deadlifts, but I would not recommend dropping it. It has an accessible price point, and is about half the price of the top competitor and it has an impressive weight capacity of 1500 lbs.
Titan 86” Olympic Bar
Titan designed this bar for home use, and it is perfect for beginner lifters, with an excellent price point to match.
The Titan bar has mid-level knurling, smooth sleeves, unlike the Rogue and XMark bars above, and brass bushings for decent spin. I still would not drop this bar, but it can be used for rack pulls and deadlifts.
If you want to see more Olympic bars and sets, I have several of the best Olympic bars reviewed here.
Weight Plates
Weight plates are a necessity for a weightlifting gym, for obvious reasons. You need them for your barbell.
There are two different styles of Olympic weight plates.
Standard Olympic Plates
Standard Olympic plates have a 2-inch diameter hole to fit the collars of your Olympic barbell. Standard plates have a diameter size that is based on how much they weigh.
Lower weights have smaller diameters, and higher weights have a larger diameter.
Standard plates are often made of iron and are behind the phrase “Pumping Iron”, but newer models can be made of dense rubber.
Bumper Plates
The second type of plate is a bumper plate. Bumper plates are made of dense, hard, heavy rubber with a steel sleeve. Bumper plates all have the same diameter, regardless of weight.
The equal diameter and the fact that they are rubber, make them safer to drop in the event you fail a lift.
Bumper plates are used for lifts where there is a chance you may need to drop the barbell, like when you are doing a one-rep max lift, for example.
Space
Weight plates take up very little space, however, you should think about their storage. Having weight plates laying around on the floor is a hazard to you.
Imagine tripping over a plate while you are carrying a loaded barbell. No Bueno!
A Weight plate rack like this, or plate storage on your power rack or rig are a few good ways to store your weight plates.
Body-Solid Rubber Grip Olympic Sets
- INDUSTRY LEADER: For 30+ years, Body Solid has held the widest array of products designed to meet the demands of the ever-changing fitness industry (home gym, free weight machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, olympic weights, kettlebells, dumbbells, flooring, accessories and more). Our products are cutting edge and reliable and are built for Life……Your Life.
- SECURE FIT FOR CONFIDENT TRAINING: The metal sleeve on every plate guarantees a secure fit on Olympic bars, reducing the risk of slipping or wobbling during intense lifts. Experience peace of mind and heightened focus during every lift, knowing your bumper plates set provides a steady, stable, and safe setup. Ideal for versatile workout applications, from squats, deadlifts, to bench presses.
- CONVENIENT QUAD-GRIP DESIGN: The innovative quad-grip design allows easy and safe handling, allowing you to interchange weights quickly. This feature simplifies transitioning through various exercises in your strength training routine, saving both time and energy while focusing on your form and endurance. Say goodbye to cumbersome, tedious plate changes and elevate your workout efficiency with our rubber plates for various weight lifting exercises.
- COMPREHENSIVE WEIGHT RANGE: The Olympic weight plates set includes a range of weights, from 2.5lbs to 25lbs, catering to both beginners and seasoned weightlifters. This diversity allows you to gradually increase resistance as your strength grows, fostering advancement in your fitness journey. With the capability to customize your workout intensity, you achieve personalized goals more effectively and seamlessly. Set includes: 2 Olympic spring collars, 300lbs. of plates: (2) 45lb. (2) 35lb. (2) 25lb. (2) 10lb. (4) 5lb. (2) 2.5 lb. Weight plates
- DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING: Featuring a robust, heavy-impact resistant rubber casing, these Olympic rubber weight plates ensure longevity and withstand rigorous workouts without damage. Perfect for home gyms or commercial environments, this durability means you invest once and enjoy your equipment for years, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and enhancing your consistent strength training routine.
These are rubber coated standard size Olympic weight plates. Body-Solid designed these with a handle, which makes them really easy to carry and use. They have a strong rubber odor that dissipates with time.
This set comes with a Body-Solid Olympic bar, making it a great value.
Titan Elite Olympic Bumper Plates
- ELITE COMPETITION BUMPER PLATES: These bumper plates are designed to meet strict regulations for weight, durability, and performance to IWF standards for accuracy in competition settings - and feature easy-to-read indicators for quick weight adjustments.
- COLOR-CODED INDICATORS: These plates feature color-coded indicators to IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) standards for quick and easy identification while you work out.
- RAISED EASY-GRIP EDGES: Raised edges ensure a reliable grip for easy handling and allow for a wide variety of additional exercises, including weighted sit-ups, bent-over rows, squats, lunges, and presses, weighted sit-ups, bent-over rows, squats, and more.
- FIT OLYMPIC BARBELLS: Each plate features a 2-inch stainless-steel collar insert for added strength and longevity.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Crafted with durable steel cores enclosed in a rugged rubber coating, these weight plates withstand even the most intense weightlifting sessions and have a low bounce rate for more control over your barbell during overhead drops.
These Titan bumper plates are solid rubber with a steel collar. They will withstand some abuse and have a durometer rating of 90.
These bumper plates are perfect for CrossFit or Functional Fitness style training, or in any situation where you think you may drop the barbell from time to time. These rubber plates will help protect your floor and your barbell.
Rep Cast Iron Olympic Plates
- 275 lb set of Rep Iron Plates. Includes (2) pair each of 45 and 5 lb plates, (1) pair each of 25, 10 and 2.5 lb plates. Fits Olympic Bar with 2” sleeves.
- Solid cast iron plates, with raised silver numbers and letters.
- LB and KG conversions on all plates so no need to do the math!
- Perfect for athletes looking to add weight to their bar for squats, bench press, deadlifts, presses, etc.
- 3% tolerance on all plates.
These old school style cast iron standard Olympic weight plates are a great value for the set. Plus, since they are cast iron, they have no rubber odor like bumper plates or rubber-coated plates.
These plates also have the distinction of being lipped on both sides, so it’s impossible to put them on backwards. I love their classic style.
If you would like to see more bumper plate reviews we have the best bumper plates reviewed here.
Power Rack with Pull Up Bar
Benefits
A power rack is a must-have if you want to lift at home safely. A barbell stand or a bench by itself won’t cut it if you want to lift heavy without a spotter.
A power rack has safety arms or safety bars that can catch and hold a loaded barbell in the event you load it too heavy or fail a lift.
Power racks have other benefits too.
Most power racks have a pull-up bar and can be upgraded with accessories like a landmine or dip station to get even more out of the power rack.
Many power racks also have weight plate storage, just one more added benefit.
Out of all these benefits, safety reigns as king.
I think you will agree, safety is the biggest benefit of the power rack.
Cons
Power racks take up more space than barbell stands, but barbell stands are not as stable and have no safety features.
Space
You can minimize the space a power rack takes up by investing in a half-rack, without losing the best feature of the power rack-safety.
For a standard power rack, you will need a space of about 12′ wide by 7′ deep and 7′ high. This is to accommodate the rack, your barbell, and have some room around the rack.
Power Rack Workout Routine
Titan Fitness T-2 Short Power Rack
- T-2 SERIES POWER RACK: Available in 71" or 83" options, comes standard with (4) heavy-duty 2" x 2" 14-gauge square laser-cut steel uprights and (2) 2" x 2" 14-gauge steel side bracings for optimal stability.
- SKINNY SINGLE PULL-UP BAR: Our standard front crossmember is the Single Pull-Up Bar with a 1.25" diameter. The bar includes 8.5" endplates and mount 6" on the center and are powder-coated black.
- STANDARD J-HOOKS: Our standard J-Hooks feature a nylon plastic core on the backside and the clasp to protect the bars knurling and the uprights from scratching. They are rated at a combined 1,000 LB weight capacity.
- PIN AND PIPE SAFETIES: Our standard Pin and Pipe Safeties are easy to set-up and extremely durable. The 25.25" long, 1.8" diameter powder-coated black pipe surrounds a 35" pin with a 0.9" diameter.
- DESIGNED SAFE. DESIGNED STRONG.: Our T-2 Series Power Rack has a rackable capacity of 850 LB and a total rack capacity up to 2,200 LB ensuring that you have all the support you could ever need throughout your workout.
The Titan T-2 Short Rack is a great choice for the home gym because it is shorter than many standard power racks and will accommodate lower ceilings.
It includes a pull up bar, plate storage, safety bars and is rated for 700 lbs.
Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
The beauty of this Rogue Fold Back Rack is it folds flat against the wall it is mounted to. This means you can use it in a garage and fold it so there is space to park your car inside.
You can even choose between two depths if you need a really shallow rack. This rack has a pull up bar, 2 J hooks and is completely retractable. The only thing I would say is this rack has no safety arms, so be aware.
Rogue also makes a half rack, the Rogue HR-2 Half Rack which does include safety bars and does not need to be bolted to the floor. It does not fold like the above rack, but the safety bars make it worth it, IMO.
Rep Fitness Power Rack – PR-1000
- Rack Size: 84" x 48" x 48" inches - 58 inches wide at rear bottom brace
- Working Room: 26 inch inside-to-inside depth and 44 inch width is plenty of working room
- Capacity: 1000 lb capacity on bar hooks, 400 lb on pullup bar, 400 lb on dip attachment
- Includes Power rack with dual pullup bars, 1.25 inch standard and 2 inch fat-grip. Does NOT include dip attachment or bench
- Matte black powder coating, plastic-lined j-cups to protect bar knurling, numbered uprights every 5th hole, extra bar holders on front of safeties
This Rep power rack is a great deal and offers all the basics you need. This full-size power rack has two pull up bars, a standard 1.25-inch diameter and a fatty style 2-inch diameter pull up bar.
It also includes 2 J cups and safety bars. This rack has a 1000 lb weight capacity, which is all most folks need.
Looking for more power rack options? We have all the best power racks reviewed right here.
Adjustable Incline Decline Bench
Benefits
You need a bench for bench presses, dumbbell flys and much more.
I would go with an adjustable bench that is able to lay flat vs a strict flat bench because they are so much more versatile. If you want to build your chest, you will need a bench. That’s not to say that the bench is only for chest exercises. It is also used for arms and lower body exercises too.
Bottom line: An incline bench is indispensable for any weightlifting home gym.
Cons
The only cons I can think of are getting a shoddy bench which does not hold enough weight, or does not decline to a true flat position.
As far as weight capacity goes, remember the bench needs to hold your weight, plus the weight of a loaded barbell.
Space
Expect to use about 3 feet by 5 feet for the bench and clearance. Of course, most benches fit within the footprint of a standard-size rack.
But…
You will need to move the bench out of the way when doing exercises like rack pulls and pull ups, so keep that in mind when you plan your weight lifting gym.
How to Bench Press Heavy Alone Safely
Powerline by Body-Solid Flat Incline Bench
- INDUSTRY LEADER: For 30+ years, Body Solid has held the widest array of products designed to meet the demands of the ever-changing fitness industry (home gym, free weight machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weight plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, flooring, accessories and more). Our products are cutting edge and reliable and are built for Life……Your Life.
- 7 POSITIONS LADER ADJUSTMENTS: This Folding Weight Bench offers unmatched adaptability with 7 ladder-style adjustment positions for a full range of exercises. Effortlessly switch between flat, incline, and decline positions to target different muscle groups.
- SPACE-SAVING CONVENIENCE: This bench is perfect for those with limited space. Its easy folding design, combined with the pull-pin for quick storage, allows it to be stowed away in tight spaces, making it an ideal addition to any home gym setup.
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Experience the convenience of a workout bench that's ready to use right out of the box. This will eliminates the hassle of complicated assembly, so you can focus on your fitness goals with a bench that's ready for immediate use.
- DIMENSIONS: This Bench is constructed with heavy-duty steel, ensuring it can withstand intense workouts. Paired with full-length reinforced back and seat pads, it offers a sturdy, comfortable foundation for both dumbbell and barbell exercises. Measures 18"x57"x16" and weighs 54lbs. 10 years manufacutrer warranty on frame and welds.
This Powerline bench is easy to adjust, just lift and hook. It goes into a true flat position, as well and inclines and declines.
It has a 500 lbs capacity which should be more than sufficient for those starting out.
Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0
This Rogue incline bench is a tank.
It holds more than most folks can conceive of lifting, can be flat or incline, and my favorite thing about this bench is there is virtually no gap between the seat and back when it is in a flat position, making it much more comfortable than others.
If you plan to lift really heavy, go with this bench.
Merax Deluxe Foldable Utility Weight Bench
This budget price bench holds its own against more expensive models. It has an impressive 800 lb capacity.
Folds to a true flat position as well and incline and decline, plus the seat inclines and declines too. In addition to that, this bench comes with a leg extension attachment making it a great value.
I have reviewed all the best weight benches, both incline style and flat benches. Take a look!
Set of Dumbbells
Benefits
Dumbbells are a no brainer for a weight lifting gym. You need a set, so get some. Adjustable dumbbells are a good space-saving option, and I have the best adjustable dumbbells reviewed right here.
But…
I like the look and convenience of grabbing regular hex dumbbells, because you do not spend any time adjusting them.
Cons
A set of Dumbbells can be expensive and they take up at least 3 feet of wall space.
If budget and space are limited, consider adjustable dumbbells.
Space
Adjustable dumbbells might be a good choice if you are really limited with space. Save about 4 feet by 2 feet of gym space to accommodate your dumbbell set.
8 Best Dumbbell Exercises Ever
Rogue Dumbbells
Rogue dumbbells are encased in rubber to minimize noise and reduce damage to floors. The handles are chrome plated to resist corrosion and keep them looking good, and they have light knurling for good grip.
Plus you can buy them in pairs, without getting an entire set. IMO Rogue makes the best weights for home gyms, hands down.
Rep Fitness Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
- Premium Dumbbell + Rack Bundle: Get a complete strength training solution with REP Fitness rubber hex dumbbells and a sleek, durable 3-tier storage rack – built for both commercial and home gym setups.
- Rubber Hex Dumbbells – Safe & Quiet: Durable rubber coating reduces noise and floor damage while the hexagonal heads prevent rolling. Ergonomic, knurled handles ensure a secure, comfortable grip.
- Sturdy 3-Tier Rack – Space-Saving Design: The DBS-3000 rack is crafted from heavy-duty steel with a compact footprint, perfect for organizing your dumbbells and maximizing home gym efficiency.
- Multiple Weight Options for All Levels: Choose from 5–50 lb, 5–75 lb, or 5–100 lb sets to match your training goals – ideal for beginners, athletes, and serious lifters alike.
- Sleek Color Options to Match Your Style: Available in Matte Black, Metallic Black, Red, and Blue finishes, this set complements any gym aesthetic while delivering top-tier performance.
Rep Fitness hex dumbbells are sold as a set. The hex shape keeps them from rolling around your gym.
These are rubber encased to cut down on noise and floor damage and have a straight, moderately knurled handle for great grip.
CAP Barbell Rubber Coated Dumbbell Set
- Item may ship in more than 1 box and may arrive separately
- Set contains 5 to 25 pound dumbbells with 20 Inch rack for easy storage
- Durable cast iron
- Great for both upper and lower body strength
- Ergo handles to minimize fatigue
CAP dumbbells are also sold in sets, have rubber encased heads with a hex shape to prevent them from rolling.
They have a barrel shape handle with light knurling for grip.
Kettlebells
Benefits
Kettlebells can be used for classic exercises like presses and curls, but are also preferred for more unconventional exercises like the Turkish get up, windmill, arm bar, kettlebell swings and the bent press.
Kettlebell conditioning will improve your grip, mobility, flexibility conditioning and functional strength in a way dumbbells can not.
Cons
They are an additional investment, and some people may not see the need for kettlebells when they already have dumbbells.
Space
Honestly, kettlebells take up very little space and are perfect for compact home weightlifting gyms and make some of the best home weight training equipment.
The Ultimate Kettlebell Workout
Kettlebell Kings
- Stable and Secure Workouts: Designed with a flat bottom, these kettlebell weights provide excellent stability. Perfect for squats, swings, and presses, ensuring balance during intense routines
- Adjustable for All Levels: Our kettlebell set comes in various weight options, ideal for beginners and advanced users. Customize your training by combining weights to match your fitness goals
- Full-Body Strength Training: These strength training kettlebells are versatile for multiple exercises, from core and leg workouts to upper body strength. Improve muscle tone, endurance, and control
- Comfortable Ergonomic Grip: Featuring a smooth, easy-to-hold handle, these kettle bells reduce hand strain. Ideal for long workout sessions, allowing controlled, comfortable movement
- Compact and Durable: Made from heavy-duty cast iron, this heavy kettlebell fits perfectly in small spaces. Ideal for home or gym environments, offering effective workouts without bulky gear
Kettlebell King kettlebells are made from a single cast and are powder coated for superior grip. They are gravity cast for accurate, precise weights and they are color-coded on the handle to easily identify the weight.
Fringe Sport Matte Black One-Piece Kettlebell
Fringe Sports kettlebells are also single cast iron, with a flat machined bottom so they will not wobble when used for floor exercises.
They are color-coded on the handle for quick ID and the handles are powder-coated matte black for good grip.
Rep Fitness Kettlebells
- What's Included: A single 10kg Rep Fitness kettlebell. We also offer a full lineup of sizes: 2.2lb/1kg, 9lb/4kg, 13lb/6kg, 17lb/8kg, 22lb.10kg, 26lb/12kg, 35lb/16kg, 39lb/18kg, 44lb/20kg, 48lb/22kg, 53lb/24kg, 62lb/28kg, 70lb/32kg, 80lb/36kg, 88lb/40kg, 97lb/44kg, 106lb/48kg and single or double kettlebell sets to choose from.
- High-Grade Premium Kettlebells: REP Fitness kettlebells are gravity cast for maximum durability. Our kettlebells are treated with a premium textured matte finish for hundreds of swings without slipping or tearing your hands while protecting the bell from rust and corrosion.
- Build Strength and Power: REP Kettlebells are great for squats, presses, deadlifts to build strength. Then shift gears to swings, cleans, and snatches to develop explosive power. Finish your workout with some core work like Russian twists or Turkish get-ups for a balanced full-body training routine.
- Perfect For Home Gyms: Kettlebells pack a ton of versatility into a small package. They’re compact, easy to store, and each bell has a color-coded ring at the base for easy identification. We also offer a full lineup of sizes: 2.2lb/1kg, 9lb/4kg, 13lb/6kg, 17lb/8kg, 22lb.10kg, 26lb/12kg, 35lb/16kg, 39lb/18kg, 44lb/20kg, 48lb/22kg, 53lb/24kg, 62lb/28kg, 70lb/32kg, 80lb/36kg, 88lb/40kg, 97lb/44kg, 106lb/48kg and single or double kettlebell sets to choose from.
- Designed in Denver: REP Fitness designs and manufactures high-quality strength and conditioning equipment for home and commercial gyms. We carry a full line of strength and conditioning equipment including benches, barbells, dumbbells, racks, cardio equipment and more!
Rep Fitness kettlebells have a matte black finish with a non-slip surface making them easy to pick up and swing without feeling like you will lose your grip.
These are made single cast which means they have no seams, and are color-coded for easy weight identification.
Looking for more kettlebells? I reviewed the best kettlebells right here.
EZ Curl Bar
Benefits
An EZ curl bar is a specialty bar you can use for upright rows, triceps extensions, lying triceps extensions, skull crushers, French press, bicep curls all kinds of triceps exercises.
Cons
You could use dumbbells, or the barbell as alternatives to many of the exercises you do with an EZ curl bar.
However…
The unique grip positions on an EZ curl bar activate muscles differently and cannot be duplicated with a dumbbell.
10 Best EZ Curl Bar Exercises for Bigger Arms
Body-Solid Tools Olympic Curl Bar
- INDUSTRY LEADER: For 30+ years, Body Solid has held the widest array of products designed to meet the demands of the ever-changing fitness industry (home gym, free weight machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weight plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, flooring, accessories and more). Our products are cutting edge and reliable and are built for Life……Your Life.
- OPTIMAL FOR UPPER BODY WORKOUTS: This Body-Solid Curl Bar is perfect for targeted upper body workouts, focusing on increasing mass, strength, and definition in the biceps and forearms. A favorite amongst bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, this curl bar is a must-have tool for weightlifting exercises and arm strengthening routines.
- SUPERIOR DESIGN: The Body-Solid Curl Bar boasts a black finish and a knurled grip for improved handling. It is designed for Olympic size 2-inch diameter hole plates and is compatible with Olympic size 2-inch barbell collars.
- VERSATILE USE: The Body-Solid Curl Bar is not just for bar curls. This multipurpose tool can also be used for other arm exercises such as bar drops, overhead tricep extensions, reverse grip curls, 21's, upright rows, and varied grip curls.
- DURABLE & HEAVY-DUTY: The Body-Solid Curl Bar is made with industry-leading standards, ensuring a weight of 17 lbs and a length of 47 inches. This durable and heavy-duty curl bar is perfect for both home and gym use. Measures 47"x2.75"x2.75" and weighs 17lbs.
This Body-Solid Olympic EZ curl bar has biomechanically engineered grips that help you focus on the biceps and forearms without wrecking your wrists.
XMark XM-3675 Olympic EZ Curl Bar
- Designed to give a more comfortable feel when performing curls; change the intensity of your lift by alternating grips
- Durable chrome finish on sleeves with snap ring lock system and brass bushings
- 28mm grip with medium knurling ; 22 lb net weight; 400 lb. Weight capacity
- Black manganese phosphate on the shaft. Manganese phosphate coatings are the hardest, while providing unbeatable corrosion and abrasion protection.
- Your XMark Olympic EZ Curl Bar is an investment. Take a couple of minutes to protect your investment by wiping down your bar regularly with a light coat of a 3-in-1 oil.
This XMark Olympic EZ curl bar is coated with black manganese, making it corrosion resistant. The bar can hold 400 lbs and has brass bushings.
We have even more of the best EZ curl and specialty bars reviewed here.
Lifting Belt
Benefits
When you lift heavy, a good weightlifting belt is one of the best weight lifting gear you can have. A weight lifting belt supports your abs and gives them something to push against thereby increasing your intra-abdominal pressure.
Weight belts help you keep your back flat too. Belts provide stability and may help prevent injury on heavy lifts.
Cons
Belts can be restrictive and uncomfortable, especially when you squat.
Belts can also cover up problems and weaknesses that need to be worked on. They can hide problems with form and weak abs, for example.
Rogue Ohio Lifting Belt
Rogue lifting belts are built to last. This 4-inch wide handcrafted leather belt features 10 mm thick leather and single buckle design that is easy to adjust.
Fire Team Fit Weightlifting Belt
- DESIGNED FOR OPTIMAL COMFORT AND FUNCTION: With its lightweight contoured design, our weightlifting belt helps prevent injury from hyperextension or hyperflexion (forced arch) of your spine during weightlifting. By offering support to your abdominal wall and your lumbar vertebrae, this lifting belt promotes safe lifting technique for Back Squats, Power Cleans, Deadlifts, Clean and Jerks, Overhead Squats and even heavy lifting at work or at home.
- OUR BELTS SUPPORT MORE THAN YOUR BACK: We lift others up. Many of our belts are designed to show support for servicemen and women across the USA. We appreciate those who put their lives on the line for others.
- VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS WITH A TRIED AND TRUE REPUTATION: We've been in business for 5 years and have vowed never to let our customers down. We think the continued health of our business is a testament to our unwavering customer service and a product we can stand behind.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We've got your back! If your weightlifting belt ever breaks or becomes unsafe to use, we will replace it for free. No questions asked.
The Fire Team lifting belt has a contoured design which supports the back while still maintaining mobility so you can bend and squat while wearing it.
The Velcro close means you can get the perfect fit.
Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt
- The Dark Iron Fitness Weight Lifting Belt is designed to provide maximum support with comfort during even the most intense workouts. No matter what your weightlifting method, be confident that Dark Iron belts have your back.
- This 4" wide weight belt is fully adjustable along 12 points spaced 1" apart. The double-pronged buckle lets you loosen and tighten the belt as needed to maintain optimum support. The belt keeper loop keeps the tongue out of the way as you lift.
- Tailor-made for heavy lifting. Dark Iron fitness belts are excellent for powerlifting, weightlifting, body building, strongman training, cross training, and more. Ideal for both men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes.
- All Dark Iron fitness accessories are made with an eye to quality and utility. Non-staining and comfortable, these products are carefully designed to provide you with everything you need to focus on your lifting goals and not on your form.
- These weightlifting belts are made from 100% real leather. Two rows of heavy duty stitching run through the center of the belt, and the edges are sealed with double rows of the same stitching. These belts are crafted to be strong but flexible.
The Dark Iron lifting belt is made from soft, supple, buffalo hide leather that forms to fit your body without digging into your hips.
It has stitching reinforcement and a two-pronged buckle for a secure fit. It is significantly less expensive than the top competitor and the belt will last just as long as theirs.
I have more of the best weightlifting belts reviewed here.
Gym Flooring
Benefits
Rubber mats and gym flooring protects your floor and protects your equipment. Mats also help protect your joints by absorbing some of the impact.
If you want to save money, you can just put the flooring under the power rack and where you do your lifting, instead of the entire gym.
Cons
Rubber mats tend to give off a new tire smell for a while. That’s the only real downside I can think of.
XMark Fitness XMat Ultra Thick Equipment Mat
- Heavy duty rugged equipment mat
- Measures 4' x 6' ; one half inch thick; approx 75 lbs
- Textured non-slip surface
- Proudly made in the U.S.A.
- Made from recycled rubber and may have minor imperfections
These 4-foot by 6-foot dense rubber mats have a nice grippy texture and are thick enough to protect your plates if you drop the barbell.
Add a pro touch to your weightlifting gym with these commercial grade gym mats.
Check out more gym flooring options and gym equipment floor mats here.
Consider Cardio
I know I did not include a cardio machine in my list of best weight lifting equipment for home because cardio is not weightlifting and you do not necessarily need a cardio machine to get a cardio workout.
I mean, there is always jogging, right?
But if the weather is crap, or you hate to run, you should include a cardio machine for your weight lifting home gym.
I have a list of the best cardio machines for your home gym, and I have the best exercise machines for weight loss.
Whichever you choose, be sure you fit in a cardio-based workout at least 3 times a week.
Option for Really Small Spaces
If your workout space is so small that a power rack and barbell are just out of the question for now, why not consider an all in one home gym.
All in one home gyms are really compact and offer a full-body strength training workout all done on one machine.
Here are the best all in one home gyms I know of.
This wraps up the 9 best strength training equipment for the home gym for weight lifting.
I hope you find something here to build the weightlifting gym you deserve.
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