RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Looking to build a home gym? Don't do it on your own! I've gone through the whole process myself so I know what it's like to trudge through all the amazon reviews and questionable products already. As with anything, you can equip a home gym with a minimalistic approach OR you can go deeeeep down the rabbit hole, it's all about personal preference. Here is a current list of all the items I currently use and highly recommend! I'll add a 'Home Gym" tab in due time!
Goal Setting
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Being able to identify your vision and long term goals are KEY FACTORS in starting a program and seeing it through! The Best Self Co. Journals help guide you through the process to identify WHAT a (real) goal is and to DOCUMENT along the way! Write down what you've done and progress from there!
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With these journals, gratitude is key, be grateful you started the process, stick with it :)
Programs
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Beachbody on Demand (BOD) is my go-to video exercise platform! With over 1,100 workouts to stream, BOD has a workout library filled with quality content. Some of my personal favorites include P90X, Body Beast, 21 Day Fix Extreme, and Beachbody Yoga Studio. BOD exercises are streamable via laptop, T.V., or mobile device and are designed to be performed with little to no equipment needed; making them ideal for travel and ease of access. At only $99 per year, this platform comes with my highest recommendation to anybody looking for consistency in their workout routine.
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Looking to get into fitness? Have limited access to equipment? "Get Strong" by the Kavadlo brothers offers a 16-week calisthenics program that you can do almost anywhere. With just a pull-up bar, your body, and good form, guide yourself through this minimalist program for real strength gains. The Kavadlo brothers delve deep into key calisthenics components including core exercises, push-ups, pull-ups, handstand modifiers, and squat progressions. Make sure to check this out if you're looking to avoid the memberships and get fit while you're at it.
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Kettlebells
Kettlebell Kings Competition Style Kettlebells
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Kettlebell Kings offers a ridiculous amount of premier kettlebells and it's my preferred vendor for competition style bells. If you are looking for top quality kettlebells, look no further! You'll pay a pretty penny but, in this case, you really do get what you pay for. To the kettlebell novice, there might not seem to be a big difference between competition style and a traditional Russian kettlebell. The competition style kettlebells have the same dimensions, regardless of weight, and are ideal for the competition style lifts (snatch, clean, jerk, and long cycle). I prefer the competition style bell over the traditional for every single-armed kettlebell movement; the bells sit comfortably in the rack position and they are designed specifically for these movements. With bells starting at $74.99 they're an investment, but every purchase comes with a lifetime guarantee. Great value!
Make sure to check out Kettlebell Kings' library of kettlebell programming over at Living.Fit.
Weights
PowerBlock Personal Trainer Set, 5 to 50 Pounds per Dumbbell
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I'll admit, at almost $300 per pair, PowerBlock dumbbells aren't for everyone. With these sturdy dumbbells, a person can easily change from 5 to 50 lbs per hand in as 2.5 lb increments (5 lbs if you don't want to mess with the insertable metal pegs). If you're just getting into a lifting program, I would hold off on purchasing these. However, PowerBlocks are ideal for the lifter looking for a space-saving alternative to multiple dumbbell sets, they are great for progressive loading, and work well for the lifter in need of a quick change of pace. Pair these with a BOD program and you're good to go.
XMark Voodoo Commercial 7' Olympic Powerlifting Bar
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There are plenty of olympic bars to choose from but I decided to go with the XMark Voodoo Olympic Powerlifting Bar. I'm not a fully seasoned in powerlifting or olympic lifting, by any means, but I've done my fair share of lifting at commercial gyms...the Voodoo is stacks up pretty darn well. The black knurling is aesthetically pleasing and there are multiple guidelines for varied hand placement. I've never had issues with this bar and I've always had a confident feel at address. It handles chalk well and the middle is smooth so front squats won't scratch your neck up! I primarily use this bar for traditional powerlifting exercises and I'm very happy with my purchase so far. To complete the set, take a look into rubberized plates with uniform diameter XMark has to offer; which are preferable for deadlifts, hip thrusts, and olympic lifts.
Titan T-2 Series Short Power Rack
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The Titan T-2 Series Short Power Rack is the ideal rack for my space. I live in an old house with low basement ceilings so a short power rack is perfect for my home-gym setup. This thing is pretty short, I'm 5'8" and I have to duck so I don't bonk my head on the pull-up bar. At $299 for the rack, there is really good value in this rack. It is very easy to assemble and you'll get a solid rig when finished. If you're looking to add to this stock power rack set-up you'll be good to go as well; Titan offers a variety of bells and whistles for the T-2 series. However, at the time of this writing (March 2020), many of the Titan Fitness racks are currently Out of Stock, including this option. If you get a chance to purchase from Titan, I would do so without hesitation, they consistently produce quality home-gym gear.