Types of Home Gyms: Sorting out the Possibilities

Tom Rooney

When people talk about the different types of home gyms, they are often referring to the various types of equipment used for resistance and weight training. There are many different types (and numerous brands within each type) so it’s difficult to know where to start. Here is a brief overview of the different types of home gyms to get you started on your search for the one that’s right for you

Weight Stack Home Gyms. These types of home gyms are the ones that you often see in fitness centers. They are the pieces of equipment that have the stacks of weights and you can choose your weight by putting in a pin and continuing with your exercise on each individual machine. Some of these come in an entire circuit with one or two machine possible on each machine or as a whole unit with 3-5 different “work” areas around one central weight station and multiple exercises possible at each work area. A variation to this type of home gym is the kind that use free weights in place of the stacks so users would then stack the free weight discs on the machine instead of choosing a weight with a pin.

Band Resistance. These types of home gyms use resistance bands instead of weights. The stated benefit for these types of home gyms is that the resistance is progressive and offers a more challenging workout. Oftentimes, these home gyms start with a basic band system and bench with pulleys and bars for upper arm exercises and an area set up for lower body workouts as well. Some even include (or offer as add on equipment) rowing machines and additional exercise equipment.

Free Weights. These types of home gyms are the ones with free weights of varying weights, barbells and weight discs. To properly uses these types of home gyms, you’ll need a weight bench that offers in incline back as well as space to use the free weights in other exercises.

Regardless of what type of home gym you choose, you’ll want to make sure the home gym you purchase includes an adjustable and reclining bench, a wide range of weigh selections, enough varieties of exercise to be able to work upper body muscle groups (including pull down and push up bars or equipment) and leg extension/curl systems to work lower body. Overall, the more exercises you can do on your home gym the more benefits you’ll get from it. Before purchasing any type of home gym, you can ask about this number and have a sales associate show you the types of exercises available on each particular machine.

Just like purchasing any exercise equipment, when you’re choosing the type of home gym that’s right for you, it’s important to go to a store and try out each type to see which one works the best for you (and so you can physically see the size to know if you actually have room for it.)