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If you’re looking into the best strength training equipment for your home, you probably already know why having a weight training routine is a non-negotiable.

According to a survey from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), traditional strength training is a fitness trend for 2025, and with all its benefits, is anyone surprised? Weight-bearing exercises promote muscle growth and maintenance, can aid in weight loss and increase bone density — something you’ll care about as you become older.

While you certainly can pump it up (yes, we’re still talking about “The Substance“) at the gym, there are also benefits to strength training at home — mainly, convenience. Also, not to drudge up the past but we all remember 2020 when gyms shut down, leaving us scrambling to get treadmills and exercise bikes sent to our house. As the saying goes, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” so we understand the desire to have dumbbells and resistance bands at the ready.

To give you the 411 on feeling the burn, we spoke to Everlast boxer Heather Hardy and Pvolve Los Angeles Lead Trainer Dani Coleman. Jump down to our FAQ below to learn more about functional strengthening and keep scrolling to see our top pieces of equipment.

Whether you’re a strength training novice or a pro, you truly can’t go wrong with the Base Home Gym Kit. From the folks at RPM Training, it comes with a variety of workout gear to keep your routine challenging and fresh.

The space-saving kit includes two dumbbells, resistance bands that go up to 70 pounds, a kettlebell, a sandbag, jump rope — and that’s only naming a few things. While the price isn’t cheap, high-quality weights generally aren’t, and you’re also getting so much more that we find this worth the initial investment. Everything is made out of latex, Urethane or high-density PVC, so you’re getting durability as well, while the addition of the foam roller is awesome for those who want to work on flexibility and stretching.

What’s included: Two 40 lb dumbbells, 44 lb steel-molded kettlebell, Multi-handle sandbag, Black latex resistance bands (20, 40, 50, and 70 lbs ), Speed rope, One 13-inch textured foam roller, one 4 inch myoball, one 4’x6’ high-density foam training mat, one asymmetrical, multi-directional core mat.

Coleman said these are the perfect home gym companions.

“These weights are easily stored, compact and give you a myriad of options,” she said. “Furthermore, I love that they are sleek in design, comfortable to hold and do not generate a lot of noise when you are navigating them.” 

These weights also allow you to simply turn the dial and change up your resistance from 5 pounds to 52.5 pounds.

“It is the most versatile total-body toning system,” said Coleman — and we agree, especially after reviewing the celeb-loved workout ourselves.

The system includes a resistance band that spans the entire body, an attachable handle and a weighted ball. Pvolve is a science-led method that offers low-impact functional fitness. For those who are just getting back into their gym routine, this tool will be sure to come in handy.

What’s included: 7-day trial to P.volve’s on-demand platform, resistance band and weighted ball, personalized 15-minute consultation with a trainer, Live Virtual Studio classes via Zoom

“Kettlebells allow for more dynamic movement, incorporating cardio and strength training into one exercise, which is crucial for a boxer,” said Hardy. “They’re flexible and can be used for HIIT workouts targeting your arms, legs and even core, depending on how you use it.”

This Amazon Basics kettlebell has more than 16,000 ratings on Amazon and features a flat base for easy, topple-free storage. The handle is curved for comfort and textured for a better grip.

Weight options: Available in 10, 12, 15, 25, 30, and 40 pounds | Color options: Available in one color

Meet the weighted jump rope — described as one of the most underused pieces of exercise equipment. While Hardy acknowledged that jump ropes are typically cardio tools, “adding weight is great to tone arms and take your cardio to the next level by working that heart rate and your muscles.”

Weight: Available in .25 pounds and .5 pounds | Size options: XS-XL

Coleman said that the BOSU Pro Balance Trainer is “one of the most versatile pieces of strength training equipment.”

After all, it can be used to challenge your balance, help with rehabilitation, recreate an unstable surface for your body to work with and more, according to Coleman.

If you didn’t get around to trying the weighted running vest trend from last year, make it happen in 2025. We like the one from APEXUP for its adjustability and design features, making it one of our favorite strength training equipment for runners.

The vest is made from soft neoprene and filled with six different sandbags of varying weights. A large zippered pocket with multiple slots can be used to store keys or phone, while the velcro belt makes it easy to customize the fit. Consider this an alternative workout tool for days you’re not in the mood for traditional weights or want to spice up your cardio.

Weight options: 4-10 pounds, 12-18 pounds

If you have the room, a squat rack and bench can up your fitness game tenfold. This one from Fitvids has an adjustable set that can be used to perform a variety of seated exercises and stomach work. It comes with a padded preacher curl for isolated arm exercises, as well as leg curls. Although the rack doesn’t come with weights, it’s adjustable like the bench and made of high-quality steel to support a user of 250 pounds. A popular pick on Walmart, it’s a solid piece of workout equipment at a low price, especially compared to similar models on the market.

Weight capacity: Bench can support a user of 250 pounds; total weight capacity – 850 pounds

According to our experts, strength training (which is the practice of physical exercises that improve strength and endurance) offers many benefits.

“Strength training helps build bone density, which we start to lose over the age of 40,” said Dani Coleman, Pvolve Los Angeles Lead Trainer. “Not only does it make you stronger, it boosts your metabolism, helps prevent injury, reduces the risk of falls, can help manage your blood sugar levels and can boost your mood and self-esteem.”

Heather Hardy, Everlast boxer, said that “strength training helps reach so many different goals. Especially if you’re looking to be able to accomplish more in your daily life concerning strength and endurance.”

“Where I’ve seen it make the most difference with my clients is that it makes you feel good,” Hardy continued. “It gives you confidence when you reach a new goal and motivates you to make new ones.”

Many people associate strength training with the desire to bulk up or get shredded. Although there’s nothing wrong with that, there are more benefits to lifting and weight-bearing exercises other than aesthetics.

According to Mayo Clinic, strength training can:

Strength training has also been connected to sharper cognitive skills, making it especially important to seniors and those seeking to remain mentally agile.

Obtaining strength training equipment isn’t as difficult as it sounds, as “strength training equipment is anything that you can use to help you build muscle and get stronger,” explained Hardy.

Hardy also said that people tend to gravitate toward barbells and dumbbells, although smaller pieces of equipment can also be used to target specific muscle groups.

Finding the best strength training equipment boils down to individual needs.

“People should look for something that will suit their body’s needs,” said Coleman. “Furthermore, taking into account things like the quality, longevity, investment and maintenance of the equipment.”

Hardy also placed emphasis on ensuring your equipment allows you to practice safely and correctly.

“There’s no use in squatting 200 pounds on the rack if it’s not being done properly. That’s how people get hurt,” said Hardy. “Especially for beginner lifters, weight racks can be really intimidating. Using products like kettlebells or a weighted vest can really help to prepare someone to take that step by building proper form and a bit of muscle.”

The most effective home exercise equipment will vary, depending on your goals and needs. If you’re interested in increasing strength, “toning up” or building muscles, dumbbells and kettlebells are a good starting point.

For those looking to strengthen their endurance, cardio equipment, such as a rowing machine or elliptical may be more effective, as they both help improve stamina, while also improving strength and giving an energy boost.

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